WO2005102093A1

WO2005102093A1 - Footwear lace gripping device

Info

Publication number: WO2005102093A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/001240
Authority: WO
Inventors: Terence Ronald Abrahams
Original assignee: Terence Ronald Abrahams
Priority date: 2004-04-20
Filing date: 2005-03-30
Publication date: 2005-11-03
Also published as: GB2413356A; GB0408741D0; GB2413356B

Abstract

A device for gripping a lace of an article of footwear, the device comprising: a body (12, 52, 92) comprising an inlet in communication with a channel and an outlet, the inlet, channel and outlet being arranged such that, in use, the lace may be introduced through the inlet, through the channel and through the outlet; gripping means (18, 62, 79, 81, 103) arranged to grip the lace; and attachment means for attaching the device to the article of footwear. The invention also provides a method of fastening a lace on an article of footwear, the method comprising: introducing the lace into a channel provided in a gripping device, the channel incorporating an inlet though which the lace may be introduced and an outlet through which the lace may be pulled; and gripping the lace within the channel.

Description

FOOTWEAR LACE GRIPPING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a device, for use with a shoe or another item of footwear, for gripping a lace.

Background to the Invention

Shoes and other items of footwear having laces are worn by people of all ages. The traditional manner in which a shoe is secured onto a foot is by tightening the lace and then tying the lace into a knot or bow which remains visible on top of the shoe. However, for various reasons, some people do not wish to tie their laces in such a manner, or do not wish to have a bow or knot visible on the outside of the shoe.

For example, among teenagers and young people, there is currently a fashion trend (predominantly exhibited with training shoes) whereby the lace is not tied into a bow, but instead is simply tucked away, around the tongue or into the opening of the shoe. However, in many cases this arrangement does not fasten the shoe securely onto the foot, and the shoe may become inadvertently detached from the foot as a consequence. Furthermore, since the shoe is not held tightly around the foot, it does not provide the wearer with as much support for the foot (particularly around the heel and ankle) as would be achieved were the laces tied in the traditional manner. Lack of adequate support of the foot can, in some cases, lead to medical problems.

In other fields, there are some circumstances in which a lace fastened in the traditional manner can be hazardous, due to the bow being on the outside of the shoe. If the bow is unduly long, then the wearer could risk tripping on it. Alternatively, the bow could become caught on uneven terrain. This can be a particular risk in sports and activities such as hill walking and rock climbing.

The term "lace" as used herein should be interpreted broadly, to include shoe laces, boot laces and any other laces used to fasten articles of footwear.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for gripping a lace of an article of footwear, the device comprising: a body comprising an inlet in communication with a channel and an outlet, the inlet, channel and outlet being arranged such that, in use, the lace may be introduced through the inlet, through the channel and through the outlet; gripping means arranged to grip the lace; and attachment means for attaching the device to the article of footwear. In use, the device is attached to, or incorporated in, an article of footwear. The device provides the advantage that the lace is gripped, and the article of footwear is secured effectively to the wearer's foot, without the wearer having to tie the lace.

In a first embodiment the gripping means are incorporated within the channel. The gripping means (e.g. teeth) may be integrally moulded as part of the device, or may be provided as a separate component.

In other embodiments the gripping means are incorporated on an insert, the insert being adapted to be inserted into the channel. To provide enhanced gripping of the lace, the insert may be substantially wedge-shaped, the wedge tapering in its direction of insertion in the channel.

The inlet may be adapted to receive the insert. Alternatively the body may incorporate a second inlet in communication with the channel, the second inlet being adapted to receive the insert.

In certain embodiments, the attachment means comprise a collar that, in use, is initially separate from the body, the collar comprising: a first portion larger than an eye of the article of footwear and arranged to locate behind said eye in use; and a second portion adapted to pass through said eye and engage with the body in use, thereby attaching the device to the article of footwear.

The second portion of the collar may be configured to engage with the inlet of the body. The collar may include a channel extending through said first and second portions, through which channel the lace passes in use.

In some embodiments, the gripping means may be incorporated within said channel extending through said first and second portions of the collar.

A device for gripping a lace of an article of footwear may comprise two devices in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably the device further comprises closure means, for example a cap, for at least partially closing the outlet. Preferably the gripping means comprise teeth. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other forms of gripping means, such as gripping ridges or other protrusions, are also possible, and the present disclosure is intended to encompass all suitable gripping means.

Optionally, the device may further comprise an outer cover or casing adapted to fastenably locate over at least part of the body of the device. This cover or casing may take the form of a cartoon character, a sports star or other celebrity, or a fictional character, for example. Alternatively, the cover or casing may display (or be shaped as) a logo or the name of a pop group, for example, or another image or design.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an article of footwear incorporating a device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of fastening a lace on an article of footwear, the method comprising: introducing the lace into a channel provided in a gripping device, the channel incorporating an inlet though which the lace may be introduced and an outlet through which the lace may be pulled; and gripping the lace within the channel.

Preferably the method further comprises arranging the lace such that it does not protrude through the outlet. This step preferably comprises cutting the lace.

Preferably the method further comprises at least partially closing the outlet. The step of gripping the lace may be performed by gripping means incorporated in the channel. Alternatively the step of gripping the lace may comprise inserting an insert into the channel, the insert incorporating gripping means arranged to grip the lace.

The method may further comprise the steps of: threading the lace through an aperture in a collar, the collar comprising a first portion larger than an eye of the article of footwear and arranged to locate behind said eye, and a second portion adapted to pass through said eye and engage with the gripping device in use; locating said first portion behind said eye; passing said second portion through said eye; and engaging said second portion with the gripping device and thereby attaching the gripping device to the article of footwear.

In some embodiments, the step of gripping the lace may be performed by gripping means incorporated in the aperture in the collar.

The method may further comprise the step of fastening an outer cover or casing over at least part of the gripping device.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates the components of a first embodiment, showing a longitudinal cross- section through a body member having integral gripping teeth, a cross-section through a collar, and a cap; Figure 2 illustrates a lace threaded through the collar of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 illustrates the lace of Figure 2 threaded through the body member of Figure 1 , with the collar located in place on the outside of the body member;

Figure 4 illustrates the body member of Figure 3 with the lace having been cut so that it does not protrude from the body member, and with the cap of Figure 1 having been fitted; Figure 5 illustrates the components of a second embodiment, showing a longitudinal cross section through a body member, a separate gripping member, a collar and a cap;

Figure 6 illustrates a lace threaded through the collar of Figure 5;

Figure 7 illustrates the lace of Figure 6 threaded through the body member of Figure 5, with the collar located in place on the outside of the body member; Figure 8 illustrates the body member of Figure 7 with the gripping member of Figure 5 having been inserted;

Figure 9 illustrates the body member of Figure 8 with the lace having been cut so that it does not protrude from the body member, and with the cap of Figure 5 having been fitted;

Figure 10 illustrates the components of a third embodiment having two channel members, with gripping members and caps;

Figure 11 illustrates two ends of a lace threaded through the channel members of Figure 10;

Figure 12 illustrates the channel members of Figure 11 with the gripping members of Figure

10 having been inserted;

Figure 13 illustrates the channel members of Figure 12 with the ends of the lace having been cut so that they do not protrude from the channel members, and with the caps of Figure 10 having been fitted;

Figure 14 illustrates the components of a fourth embodiment, showing a longitudinal cross section through a body member, a collar (in partial cross-section) incorporating gripping teeth, and two caps; Figure 15 illustrates a lace threaded through the collar of Figure 14 and gripped by the teeth within;

Figure 16 illustrates the lace of Figure 15 threaded through the body member of Figure 14, with the collar located in place on the outside of the body member; and Figure 17 illustrates the body member of Figure 16 with the lace having been cut so that it does not protrude from the body member, and with the caps of Figure 14 having been fitted.

Common reference numerals are used to designate equivalent components.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present embodiments represent the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. However they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved.

Embodiment 1 As shown in Figure 1, a first embodiment of a device 10 for gripping a lace comprises a generally tubular body 12, a collar 19 and a cap 28. The body 12 incorporates an inlet aperture 14 in communication with a channel 15 and an outlet aperture 16. Disposed within the channel 15 are a plurality of teeth 18 shaped and configured to grip a lace that is threaded into the inlet 14, through the channel 15 and out of the outlet 16 in use.

Although in this embodiment, and in the embodiments described below, the body 12 is substantially cylindrically tubular in shape, it should be emphasised that, for all embodiments, the body, and the lace gripping device overall, may take alternative shapes or configurations. For example, the body need not be cylindrical, and may instead be cube- shaped, cuboid-shaped, ellipsoid-shaped, spheroid-shaped, spherical, or any other shape or configuration (which may be irregular in shape), as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The body 12, collar 19 and cap 28 may be moulded or formed from any suitable material, e.g. a plastics or rubber material, or a metal.

The teeth 18 are formed of an appropriate material, such as a suitable rubber or plastics material, or a suitable metal, as would be chosen by a person skilled in materials selection. The teeth 18 are angled in the direction in which the lace is pulled (i.e. away from the inlet 14 towards the outlet 16). Each tooth may be discrete and prong-like, or may extend around at least part of the circumference of the channel 15. The arrangement of the teeth preferably extends around the circumference of the channel 15 and along the majority of the wall of the channel 15 between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16. The length, thickness, stiffness and positioning of the teeth 18 are engineered to allow the lace to be pulled through the outlet 16, but are such that the lace is gripped and its movement is prevented in the direction towards the inlet 14.

Different internal (and external) diameters of the body 12, and different arrangements and configurations of teeth 18, may be used for different diameters of lace.

Instead of teeth, other means for gripping the lace may be employed, such as ridged gripping members, for example.

In use, it is necessary to attach the body 12 to the article of footwear (not shown). This may be achieved using a collar 19 having a first portion 20 and a second portion 21. The first portion 20 may be circular (in plan view), substantially plate-like and larger than an eye in the article of footwear, whereas the second portion 21 is substantially cylindrical, extends from substantially the centre of the first portion 20, and is able to pass through said eye. A channel 22 passes axially through the first and second portions. At the end of the second portion 21 are one or more clips 24 which are adapted to engage with corresponding mouldings 26 around the inlet 14 of the body 12.

Using this collar 19, and as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the body 12 may be attached to the article of footwear at an eye. This is achieved by first removing the lace 32 from the eye, threading the lace 32 though the channel 22 in the collar 19 (first threading the tip 34 of the lace 32 through the first portion 20 and then through the second portion 21) and then inserting the second portion 21 of the collar 19 through the eye. Thus, the lace 32 passes through its original eye, but inside the channel 22 through the collar 19. The first portion 20 of the collar is anchored behind the fabric of the article of footwear, behind the eye.

The lace 32 is then threaded through the body 12 - first into the inlet 14, then through the channel 15 and out of the outlet 16. The lace 32 is gripped by the teeth 18. The collar 19 is clipped to the inlet 14 by engaging the clip(s) 24 with the mouldings 26. The lace 32 is then pulled further to tighten it as required.

As shown in Figure 3, the teeth 18 may partially cut or impress into the lace 32, or alternatively may just grip the outside of the lace without cutting or impressing into it.

Finally, the lace 32 is arranged so that it does not protrude through the outlet 16 of the body 12. This is to enable a cap 28 to be fitted over the outlet 16, such that the lace is contained within the body 12. The lace 32 may be cut so that the cap may be fitted. Alternatively, depending on the size of the body 12 and the length of the lace 32, the lace 32 may be folded and tucked away inside the body 12 without needing to be cut.

The cap 28 is provided with a rim 30 or other clipping means by which it is secured over the outlet 16 of the body 30.

Two devices 10 would typically be employed, one on each side of the item of footwear, to grip both ends of the lace.

Thus, through using the device 10, the item of footwear may be securely attached to the wearer's foot without the lace visibly extending away from the eyes.

Items of footwear may be produced which incorporate devices 10.

Embodiment 2

Figures 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 show a second embodiment of a device 50 and the manner in which it grips a lace 32 in use. This device 50 comprises a generally tubular body 52 and, as before, a collar 19 and a cap 28. However, in this embodiment, the body 52 incorporates a first inlet aperture 54 and a second inlet aperture 57, both in communication with a channel 55 and an outlet aperture 56.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body 52 as received does not incorporate teeth. Instead, teeth 62 (or other gripping means) are provided on a separate insert 60. The insert 60 has a base 65 and a tapered body 66 from which the teeth 62 extend. The body 52 and insert 60 may be moulded or formed from any suitable material, e.g. a plastics or rubber material, or a metal.

In use, a lace is threaded through the body 52, first through the first inlet 54, through the channel 55 and then out of the outlet 56. The insert 60 is then inserted through the second inlet 57, such that the teeth 62 grip the lace between the body 66 of the insert 60 and the walls of the channel 55. The walls of the channel 55 may also be provided with teeth or formed or moulded so as to enhance their gripping action on the lace 32 when the insert 60 is inserted.

To attach the body 52 to an article of footwear, the lace 32 is first threaded through a collar 19 (as shown in Figure 6) and the collar 19 is located through an eye of the article of footwear, in the same manner as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

The lace 32 is then threaded through the body 52 - first into the first inlet 54, then through the channel 55 and out of the outlet 56. The collar 19 is clipped to the first inlet 54 by engaging the clip(s) 24 with corresponding mouldings 58 provided around the first inlet 54 (as shown in Figure 7). Thus the body 52 is now attached to the article of footwear (not shown).

The lace 32 is then pulled further to tighten it as required, and then the insert 60 is inserted through the second inlet 57 such that the teeth 62 grip the lace between the body 66 of the insert 60 and the walls of the channel 55. As shown in Figure 8, the teeth 62 may partially cut or impress into the lace 32, or alternatively may just grip the outside of the lace without cutting or impressing into it. The teeth 62 prevent the lace 32 from loosening. The base 65 of the insert 60 is clipped onto the body 52 by engaging a rim 64 (or other clipping means provided around the base 65) around the second inlet 57 of the body 52. -

As shown in Figure 9, the lace 32 is arranged so that it does not protrude through the outlet 56 of the body 52. As before, the lace 32 may be cut to accomplish this. Finally, a cap 28 may be fitted over the outlet 56, such that the lace is contained within the body 52 and is not visible.

As with the first embodiment described above, two devices 50 may be employed, one on each side of the item of footwear, to grip both ends of the lace. Items of footwear may be produced which incorporate devices 50.

Embodiment 3

Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 show a third embodiment of a device 70 and the manner in which it grips a lace 32. This device 70 comprises a plate-like member 72 on which two gripping devices 74, 76 are provided. The device 70 is secured to the middle of the article of footwear using the plate-like member 72 (e.g. using adhesive or stitching), typically in front of the tongue and oriented such that the gripping devices 74, 76 extend horizontally. Each gripping device 74, 76 is used to grip an end of the lace. The gripping devices 74, 76 may incorporate teeth as described in relation to the first embodiment above, or may be configured in substantially the manner of the second embodiment.

In a preferred configuration, however, each gripping device 74, 76 comprises an inlet 75, 77 in communication with an outlet 71, 73. In use, each end 34a, 34b of the one lace 32a-32b is threaded through an inlet 75, 77 and out though the corresponding outlet 71, 73 (see Figure 11). Then, as shown in Figures 10, 12 and 13, each gripping device 74, 76 uses a tapered insert 78, 80 having teeth 79, 81 to grip the lace. After the lace has been threaded though each gripping device 74, 76 and has been pulled as tight as desired, the inserts 78, 80 are inserted into the inlets 75, 77, to grip the lace within the gripping devices (see Figure 12). The inserts 78, 80 are designed to be inserted fully into each gripping device 74, 76 such that the base of each insert 78, 80 closes each inlet 75, 77, trapping the lace. Finally, as before, the ends of the lace may be cut and caps 28a, 28b attached to the outlets 71 , 73 (see Figure 13).

Embodiment 4

Figures 14, 15, 16 and 17 show a fourth embodiment of a device 90 and the manner in which it grips a lace 120 in use. This device 90 comprises a generally tubular body 92, a collar 99 and two caps 110, 112. The body 92 incorporates an first inlet aperture 94 and an outlet aperture 96, both in communication with a channel 95. A second inlet aperture 97 may also be provided, also in communication with the channel 95.

The collar 99 has a first portion 100 and a second portion 101. As with the collar 19 described earlier, the first portion 100 may be circular (in plan view), substantially plate-like and larger than an eye in the article of footwear, whereas the second portion 101 is substantially cylindrical, extends from substantially the centre of the first portion 100, and is able to pass through said eye. A channel 102 passes axially through the first and second portions. At the end of the second portion 101 are one or more ridges or detents 104 (or alternative engagement means) which are adapted to engage with the inlet 94 of the body 92. In one variant of this embodiment, as illustrated, the body 92 as received does not incorporate teeth. Instead, teeth 103 (or alternative gripping means such as gripping ridges) for gripping a lace are provided within the channel 102 within the collar 99.

As with the previous embodiments, the body 92 and collar 99 may be moulded or formed from any suitable material, e.g. a plastics material or a metal.

In use, a lace 120 is first threaded through the channel 102 in the collar 99 (as shown in Figure 15) and the collar 99 is located through an eye of the article of footwear, with the first portion 100 of the collar 99 being anchored behind the fabric of the article of footwear, behind the eye. The lace 120 is gripped by the teeth 103 within the channel 102.

As shown in Figure 16, the lace 120 is then threaded through the body 92, the tip 122 of the lace 120 first passing through the first inlet 94, then through the channel 95 and out of the outlet 96. The collar 99 is clipped to the first inlet 94 by engaging the ridges or detents 104 with the first inlet 94. Thus the body 92 is now attached to the article of footwear (not shown), the fabric of the article of footwear being between the first portion 100 of the collar 99 and the body 92.

In alternative variants of this embodiment (not illustrated), further teeth may be provided to provide additional gripping of the lace. These further teeth may be provided within the body 92, or on a wedge-shaped insert that may be inserted into the second inlet 97, after the lace has been threaded through the body 92. To ensure that such a wedge-shaped insert is correctly oriented with respect to the lace 120 and the collar 99 when inserted (to maximise the gripping effect), and to ensure that that the wedge does not foul the end of the collar portion 101 when it protrudes into the channel 95 as shown in Figure 16, the second inlet 97 may be non-circular in shape and the wedge-shaped insert may have a corresponding cross-section. In a preferred variant, the second inlet 97 may have the shape of a circle with a chord across it, with the wedge-shaped insert having a corresponding cross-section.

The lace 120 may be pulled further to tighten it as required, with the teeth 103 preventing the lace 120 from loosening. Then, as shown in Figure 17, the lace 120 is arranged so that it does not protrude through the outlet 96 of the body 92. As before, the lace 120 may be cut to accomplish this. Finally, a cap 110 may be fitted over the outlet 96, such that the lace is contained within the body 92 and is not visible. A second cap 112 may be also be fitted over the second inlet aperture 97, if provided, and if a wedge-shaped insert is not being employed through this aperture 97.

As with the previous embodiments described above, two devices 90 may be employed, one on each side of the item of footwear, to grip both ends of the lace. Items of footwear may be produced which incorporate devices 90.

Optional detachable cover

With all the embodiments described above, and particularly with Embodiments 1 , 2 and 4 (and variants thereof), an optional detachable cover or casing may be attached over the lace gripping device 10, 50, 70, 90. The cover or casing incorporates means by which it may be attached or clipped over at least part of the gripping device 10, 50, 70, 90. The cover or casing may be made of a moulded rubber or plastics material (or any other suitable material) and may take the form of a cartoon character, a sports star or other celebrity, or a fictional character, for example. Alternatively, the cover or casing may display (or be shaped as) a logo or the name of a pop group, for example, or another image or design. The means by which the cover or casing may be attached to the lace gripping device may take the form of a recess or hollow, moulded within the cover or casing, into which the gripping device clips or locates.

Claims

1. A device for gripping a lace of an article of footwear, the device comprising: a body comprising an inlet in communication with a channel and an outlet, the inlet, channel and outlet being arranged such that, in use, the lace may be introduced through the inlet, through the channel and through the outlet; gripping means arranged to grip the lace; and attachment means for attaching the device to the article of footwear.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the gripping means are incorporated within the channel.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the gripping means are incorporated on an insert, the insert being adapted to be inserted into the channel.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the insert is substantially wedge-shaped, the wedge tapering in its direction of insertion in the channel.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the body incorporates a second inlet in communication with the channel, the second inlet being adapted to receive the insert.

6. A device as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the inlet is adapted to receive the insert.

7. A device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the attachment means comprise a collar that, in use, is initially separate from the body, the collar comprising: a first portion larger than an eye of the article of footwear and arranged to locate behind said eye in use; and a second portion adapted to pass through said eye and engage with the body in use, thereby attaching the device to the article of footwear.

8. A device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the second portion of the collar is configured to engage with the inlet of the body.

9. A device as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the collar includes a channel extending through said first and second portions, through which channel the lace passes in use.

10. A device as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the gripping means are incorporated within said channel extending through said first and second portions.

11. A device for gripping a lace of an article of footwear, the device comprising two devices as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6.

12. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising closure means for at least partially closing the outlet.

13. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the gripping means comprise teeth.

14. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an outer cover or casing adapted to fastenably locate over at least part of the body of the device.

15. An article of footwear incorporating a device as claimed in any preceding claim.

16. A method of fastening a lace on an article of footwear, the method comprising: introducing the lace into a channel provided in a gripping device, the channel incorporating an inlet though which the lace may be introduced and an outlet through which the lace may be pulled; and gripping the lace within the channel.

17. A method as claimed in Claim 16, further comprising arranging the lace such that it does not protrude through the outlet.

18. A method as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the step of arranging the lace such that it does not protrude through the outlet comprises cutting the lace.

19. A method as claimed in any of Claims 16, 17 or 18, further comprising at least partially closing the outlet.

20. A method as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 19, wherein the step of gripping the lace is performed by gripping means incorporated in the channel.

21. A method as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 19, wherein the step of gripping the lace comprises inserting an insert into the channel, the insert incorporating gripping means arranged to grip the lace.

22. A method as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 21 , further comprising the steps of: threading the lace through an aperture in a collar, the collar comprising a first portion larger than an eye of the article of footwear and arranged to locate behind said eye, and a second portion adapted to pass through said eye and engage with the gripping device in use; locating said first portion behind said eye; passing said second portion through said eye; and engaging said second portion with the gripping device and thereby attaching the gripping device to the article of footwear.

23. A method as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the step of gripping the lace is performed by gripping means incorporated in the aperture in the collar.

24. A method as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 23, further comprising the step of fastening an outer cover or casing over at least part of the gripping device.

25. A device for gripping a lace substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any combination of the accompanying drawings.

26. An article of footwear incorporating a device for gripping a lace substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any combination of the accompanying drawings.

27. A method of fastening a lace substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any combination of the accompanying drawings.