FASTENING SYSTEM FOR SHOES AND CLOTHING

Abstract

A fastening system for use in shoes and articles of clothing that includes a fastening strap with openings on each side of the strap and a rivet. The rivet has a button and a retainer. The button includes a base with a recess on a first side and a stem on a second side of the base. The stem extends from the base. The button also includes a top portion. The top portion diameter is larger than the stem diameter. The retainer has a shank extending from a clamping head. The shank is being configured to fasten within the recess of the button, while the retainers extend through two opposite holes of a shoe or an article of clothing for fastening with the buttons. The openings of the fastening strap are adapted to fit over the top portion of each of the button.

Claims

1. A fastening system for use in shoes and articles of clothing, comprising: at least one fastening strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end each have an opening; and a rivet having a button and a retainer, wherein the button has a base with a recess on a first side and a stem on a second side, the stem extending from the base and having a first diameter, and the button further includes a top portion at one end of the stem that is opposite to the base, and the top portion has a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, wherein the retainer has a shank extending from a clamping head, wherein the shank being configured to fasten within the recess of the button, and the retainers extend outward through two holes of a shoe or an article of clothing for fastening with the buttons, wherein the openings of the fastening strap are adapted to fit over the top portion of each of the button thereby securing the fastening strap to the shoe.

2. The fastening system according to claim 1, wherein the button is screwably fastened with the retainer.

3. The fastening system according to claim 1, wherein the shank of the retainer has a sharp tip configured to making holes in the shoe or article of clothing.

4. The fastening system according to claim 1, wherein the clamping head of the retainer has a groove configured to be used with a tip of a screw driver.

5. The fastening system according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the stem is at least 3 mm and the second diameter of the top portion is at least 5 mm.

6. The fastening system according to claim 4, wherein a diameter of the shank is at least 2.88 mm and a length of the shank is 8 mm, and a diameter of the clamping head is 9 mm with a width of the groove is 1.6 mm

7. The fastening system according to claim 1, wherein the fastening strap is made from durable plastic, leather, rubber material or elastomeric material.

8. The fastening system according to claim 7, wherein the elastomeric material is silicone rubber.

9. The fastening system according to claim 1, wherein the rivet is made from durable light metal alloy or durable plastic.

10. The fastening system according to claim 1, wherein at least three fastening straps of different length are used with a chukka boot, the shortest strap of the at least three straps being closest to an upper portion of the chukka boot.

11. A fastening system for use in shoes and articles of clothing, comprising: at least one fastening strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end each have an opening; and a rivet having a button and a retainer, wherein the button has a base with a plurality of protrusions on a first side, each of the protrusions having a sharp tip configured to making a hole in a shoe or an article of clothing, and a stem on a second side, the stem extending from the base and having a first diameter, and the button further includes a top portion at one end of the stem that is opposite to the base, and the top portion has a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, wherein the retainer has a retainer diameter that is smaller than a base diameter of the base of the button, and the protrusions are adapted to bend inward in order to secure the retainer, wherein the openings of the fastening strap are adapted to fit over the top portion of each of the button thereby securing the fastening strap to the shoe.

12. The fastening system according to claim 11, wherein a diameter of the base is 9.5 mm, and a diameter of the retainer is smaller than the diameter of the base.

13. The fastening system according to claim 12, wherein the diameter of the retainer is 8.7 mm.

14. The fastening system according to claim 11, wherein the diameter of the stem is 3 mm and the second diameter of the top portion is 5 mm.

15. The fastening system according to claim 11, wherein the fastening strap is made from durable plastic, leather, rubber material or elastomeric material.

16. The fastening system according to claim 11, wherein the rivet is made from durable light metal alloy or durable plastic.

18-22. (canceled)

23. A fastening system for use in shoes and articles of clothing, comprising: at least one fastening strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end each have an opening; and a rivet having a base with a button on a first side and a retainer on a second side, wherein the button further has a stem extending from the base, the stem having a first diameter and a top portion at one end of the stem that is opposite to the base, and the top portion has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, wherein the retainer has a shank and a clamping head, wherein the retainers extend out through two holes of a shoe or an article of clothing and the openings of the fastening strap are adapted to fit over the top portion of each of the button.

24. The fastening system according to claim 23, wherein a length of the stem is 6.15 mm, a length of the shank is 6.15 mm, and wherein a diameter of the top portion is 5 mm, a diameter of the clamp head is 5 mm, the first diameter of the stem is 3 mm, and the second diameter of the top portion is 5 mm.

25. The fastening system according to claim 24, wherein the fastening strap is made from durable plastic, leather, rubber material or elastomeric material.

26. A fastening system for use in shoes and articles of clothing, comprising: at least one fastening strap having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end each have an opening, wherein a cap is connected through the opening to a stud; a socket for releasable engagement with the stud; and a post for attaching the socket to a shoe or an article of clothing, wherein the post includes a base and a pole extending from the base, and the pole is configured to extend through the shoe or the article of clothing and fixedly attach to the socket.

27. The fastening system according to claim 26, wherein the fastening strap is made from durable plastic, leather, rubber material or elastomeric material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a prospective view of a shoe equipped with the lace fastening systems according to the prior art;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a prospective view of a shoe equipped with fastening system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 3A is a bottom view of the button of the fastening system according to an embodiment of this invention;

[0033] FIG. 3B is a side view of the button of the fastening system according to this invention;

[0034] FIG. 4A is a side view of the retainer of the fastening system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the retainer of the fastening system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 4C is a side view of the shank extending from the clamping head of the retainer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 5A a prospective view of the fastening strap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 5B is a top view of the fastening strap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 5C is a side view of the fastening strap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 6A is a bottom view of the button of the fastening system according to another embodiment of this invention;

[0041] FIG. 6B is a side view of the button of the fastening system according to another embodiment of this invention;

[0042] FIG. 6C is a top view of the retainer of the fastening system according to another embodiment of this invention;

[0043] FIG. 7 is a side view of the rivet of the fastening system according to another embodiment of this invention;

[0044] FIG. 8 is a side view of the strap of the fastening system according to another embodiment of this invention;

[0045] FIG. 9A is a top view of the cap of the fastening system according to another embodiment of this invention;

[0046] FIG. 9B is a prospective view of the socket of the fastening system according to another embodiment of this invention;

[0047] FIG. 9C is a prospective view of the stud of the fastening system according to another embodiment of this invention; and

[0048] FIG. 9D is a prospective view of the post of the fastening system according to another embodiment of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The FIG. 1 shows a chukka boot (100) that employs a conventional lace fastening system in order to secure the boot onto the foot (not shown). The conventional lace fastening system uses laces (101) to securely fasten separable portions of the boot.

[0050] The FIG. 2 shows the fastening system according to this invention that is used with a chukka boot (10). The fastening system comprises at least one fastening strap (12) that has an opening (18) on each of its two ends and a rivet (20). The rivet (20) has a button (22) and a retainer (24).

[0051] In an embodiment shown on FIG. 2, the fastening system is used with preexisting holes (not shown) that were originally designated by a manufacture for laces in the upper portion of the shoe (10).

[0052] The rivets (20) are installed through the preexisting shoelaces holes (as further detailed below). The openings (18) of the fastening straps (12) fit over each of the rivets (20) to securely engage the fastening straps (12). In addition, the shoelaces holes in the footwear or clothing may be formed by using a punch, leather awl, or the like instrument, permitting the rivets to be installed on the upper portion of a shoe.

[0053] The FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary embodiment of the button (22) of the rivet (20). The button (22) has a base (26) with a recess (28) on a first side and a stem (30) on a second side. The stem (30) extends from the base (26) as shown in FIG. 3B. The stem (30) has a diameter. The button (22) also has a top portion (32) located at one end of the stem (30) that is opposite to the base (26) as shown in FIG. 3B. The top portion (32) has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter of the stem (30).

[0054] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the stem (30) is at least 3 mm. The second diameter of the top portion (32) is at least 5 mm. The stem (30) length, including the top portion (32) is about 6.2 mm. The diameter of the base (26) is about 9.5 mm.

[0055] The FIGS. 4A-3C illustrate exemplary embodiment of the retainer (24) of the rivet (20). The retainer (24) has a shank (34) that extends from a clamping head (36). The shank (34) can be variously configured to securely fasten within the recess (28) shown in FIG. 3A of the button (22).

[0056] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the shank (34) has a thread (42) shown in the FIGS. 4A and 4C. The thread is configured to engage with the interior thread (not shown) of recess (28) of the base (26).

[0057] Accordingly, the shank (34) of the retainer (24) can be threadably screwed into the recess (28) of the base (26). Thus, the interior thread of the recess (28) is configured to allow the base (26) of the button (22) to be securely engaged with the shank (34) of the retainer (24).

[0058] Further, the retainer (24) is adapted to extend through holes of the shoe or clothing for fastening with the button (22). The openings (18) of the fastening strap (12) are adapted to fit over the top portion (32) of the button (22).

[0059] In yet another embodiment, the shank (34) that extends from the clamping head (36) of the retainer (24) has a sharp tip configured to making holes in the shoe or article of clothing for the use of the fastening system.

[0060] The clamping head (36) may contain a groove (48) configured to be used with a tip of the screw driver. It is understood that the groove (48) may be shaped to be used with a variety of screw drivers, such as Slot, Phillips and Robertson, as well as various screw driver sizes.

[0061] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the shank (34) is at least 2.88 mm, and the length is 8 mm. The diameter of the clamping head (36) is 9 mm with the width of the groove (48) being 1.6 mm.

[0062] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, as shown on the FIGS. 5A-5C, the fastening strap (12), has two opening (18) that fit tightly over the top portion (32) of the button (22).

[0063] In yet another embodiment, at least three fastening straps (12) are used as shown on the FIG. 2. Each strap (12) is different length, depending on its position on the shoe, the shortest strap being closest to the user's ankle. Such positioning and corresponding length of the straps allow for the most support with the fastening system to secure the shoe to the foot. It is understood that depending on the style of the footwear or clothing various number of straps (12) are used. Further, the size of the straps (12) will depend on the style, configuration and manufacturing specifications of the footwear or clothing article.

[0064] The fastening strap (12) according to the invention may be fabricated from durable plastic or rubber, such as molded plastic, impact-resistant plastic, flexible plastic, plastic, leather, rubber, and/or elastomeric material, such silicone rubber. The fastening strap material can also include non-metallic, fabric, cloth, or elastomeric material, or combinations of any of the forgoing.

[0065] The rivet (20) according to the invention may be fabricated from durable light metal alloy or durable plastic, such as injection-molded polypropylene or polyethylene, or other suitable plastics or metals. Further, the rivet (20) may be made from a precious or semi-precious metal alloy or colored metals to provide a unique appearance. For example, the rivet (20) may be manufactured from copper alloy to provide for corrosion resistance and durability.

[0066] In yet another embodiment shown in the FIGS. 6A-6C, the fastening system has at least one fastening strap (12) that has an opening (18) on each of its two ends and a rivet (120) with a button (122) and a retainer (124).

[0067] The button (122) has a plurality of protrusions (140) on a first side. The protrusions (140) have a sharp tip (142) configured to be able to make holes in the shoe or article of clothing.

[0068] Further, the button (122) has a base (126) and a stem (130) that extends from the base (126) outward. The button (122) also has a top portion (132) on one end of the stem (130) that is opposite to the base (126).

[0069] The protrusions (140) of the base (126) are adapted to bend inward in order to secure the retainer (124). Thus, according to this embodiment the need for the preexisting holes is eliminated.

[0070] Further, according to this embodiment, the openings (18) of the fastening strap (12) are adapted to fit over the top portion (132) of the button (122).

[0071] The diameter of the base (126) is about 9.5 mm. The diameter of the retainer (124) is smaller than the diameter of the base (126) and is about 8.7 mm.

[0072] The stem (130) has the diameter about 3 mm, where the diameter of the top portion (132) is about 5 mm. The protrusions (140) have the length of about 17 mm. The length of the stem (130) is about 6.15 mm.

[0073] In yet another embodiment shown on FIG. 7, the rivet (220) has the base (226) with the button (222) one side. The stem (230) of the button (222) extends from the base (226). The top portion (232) is configured on stem (230), opposite from the base (226).

[0074] Further, the rivet (220) has the retainer (224) with the shank (234) and the clamping head (236). The clamping head (236) may be configured to move laterally or rotate in order to permit the clamping head (236) to extend through a shoe or garment's preexisting holes. The shank (234) may be curved to provide for a more secure fastening.

[0075] The length of the stem (230) is about 6.15 mm. The length of the shank (234) is about 6.15 mm. The diameter of the top portion (232) is about 5 mm, and the diameter of the clamp head (236) is about 5 mm. The stem (230) has the diameter about 3 mm. The thickness of the base (226) is, preferably, 1.15 mm.

[0076] In yet another embodiment shown on the FIGS. 8 and 9A-9D, the fastening system uses a snap-on assembly in order to fasten the fastening strap (12) to the shoe or article of clothing. According to this embodiment, a cap (322) is connected through the opening (18) to a stud (324).

[0077] The fastening system according to this embodiment further includes a socket (326) for releasably engaging with the stud (324) and a post (328) for attaching the socket (326) to a shoe or an article of clothing. The post (328) includes a base (329) and a pole (331) extending from the base (329). The pole (331) is configured to extend through the shoe or article of clothing and fixedly attach to the socket (326).

[0078] The fastening system according to the invention can be used with different footwear. One of the embodiments shown in the FIG. 2, illustrates the use of the fastening system with chukka boot with three lace holes on each side of the separable portions. However, the fastening system according to this invention can be used with the variety of footwear. For example, the fastening system can be effectively used with dress shoes as well as the athletic shoes. The versatility of the fastening system allows for variety of applications and uses without substantial alteration of the fastening mechanism.

[0079] Further, the fastening strap (12) may be configured to incorporate different sensors, such as body motion sensors, that would communicate a body motion signal to a wearable electronic device like a watch or another mobile device. Such information can be used in order to determine, for example, a calorie expenditure by the user.

[0080] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.