WO2009103148A1

WO2009103148A1 - A tightening device for simplifying the tightening and loosening of shoe laces

Info

Publication number: WO2009103148A1
Application number: PCT/CA2009/000151
Authority: WO
Inventors: Howard Mitchell
Original assignee: Howard Mitchell
Priority date: 2008-02-19
Filing date: 2009-02-12
Publication date: 2009-08-27
Also published as: US20090205221A1

Abstract

There is provided a tightening device for tightening a plurality of lace sections on a shoe. The tightening device includes an elongate member having means for engaging with the plurality of lace sections. The tightening device includes a retaining means for rotatably retaining the elongate member and for interposing between the plurality of lace sections and the shoe. The tightening device includes a lever extending from the elongate member for rotating the elongate member from a first position where the plurality of lace sections are slidably engageable with the elongate member to a second position where the lever causes the plurality of lace sections to fixedly engage around the elongate member and thereby tighten the plurality of lace sections on the shoe. The lever is connectable to the retaining means when the elongate member is in the second position.

Description

A TIGHTENING DEVICE FOR SIMPLIFYING THE TIGHTENING AND LOOSENING OF SHOE LACES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional application 61/029,791 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on February 19, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference and priority to which is claimed pursuant to 35 U.S. C. section 120.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a tightening, locking & loosening device. More particularly, it relates to a tightening, locking & loosening device for simplifying the tightening and loosening of shoe laces.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] It is known to employ a device for tightening one's shoes. For example United States Patent No. 2,611,940 to Cairns illustrates a circular knob with a slot that is placed between two lace sections. The knob is then rotated like a spool to wrap the lace sections therearound and thereby tighten the shoe. However the device of Cairns may require a high degree of dexterity to be able to grip and rotate the relatively small circular knob. Also the device of Cairns may require a high degree of force to actuate the knob in order to tighten the shoe.

[0004] European Publication No. FI107874B to Matias illustrates a tightening and locking arrangement for shoe laces. The device of Matias teaches the use of a device that has many parts through which the lace must be carefully woven. A lever that actuates from the top face of the shoe towards the bottom face is employed to pull laces together. Because the device of Matias has many parts, it is likely more expensive to manufacture. Also, the degree of weaving of the lace means that the device requires a relatively high degree of dexterity to employ.

[0005] United States Patent No. 6,029,323 to Dickie et al. illustrates a positive lace zone isolation lock system and method. The device of Dickie is placed between two lace sections and a lever is used to clamp down on these sections. However the device of Dickie merely holds any tension between the laces - it does not act to positively tighten the shoe as a whole. The lever is relatively small, and thus the device of Dickie may require a high degree of dexterity. Also, the device and lever of Dickie are in close proximity to the lace. As a result, the operation of the device in Dickie may lead to the user inadvertently touching various parts of the lace, which may be unhygienic.

[0006] Accordingly there is a need for an improved shoe tightening device for tightening, locking & loosening that overcomes the above disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved tightening device for simplifying the tightening and loosening of shoes that overcomes the above disadvantages.

[0008] More particularly, according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a tightening device for tightening a plurality of lace sections on a shoe. The tightening device includes an elongate member having means for engaging the plurality of lace sections. There is a retaining means for rotatably retaining the elongate member and for interposing between the plurality of lace sections and the shoe. A lever extends from the elongate member for rotating the elongate member from a first position where the plurality of lace sections are slidably engageable with the elongate member to a second position where the lever causes the plurality of lace sections to fixedly engage around the elongate member and thereby tighten the plurality of lace sections on the shoe. The lever is connectable to the retaining means when the elongate member is in the second position.

[0009] According to another aspect, there is provided a shoe and a tightening device therefor. The shoe has a front and a plurality of lace sections extending along and adjacent to the front of the shoe. The tightening device includes a mounting member extending along the plurality of lace sections for placing between the front of the shoe and the plurality of lace sections. The mounting member has a first projection extending outwards from the shoe. The first projection has a hook. The tightening device includes an elongate member having a slot for receiving the plurality of lace sections. The elongate member pivotally mounts to the first projection of the mounting member. The tightening device includes a lever connected to and radially extending outwards from the elongate member for rotating the elongate member. The lever is adjacent to the first projection and is engageable with the hook. Rotation of the lever in one direction causes the elongate member to engage the plurality of lace sections via the slot, the plurality of lace sections wrapping around the slot thereby for tightening the shoe and disposing the lever to engage with the hook.

[0010] According to a further aspect, there is provided a shoe tightening device for tightening and loosening a shoe. The shoe has a front and a plurality of lace sections extending along and adjacent to the front of the shoe. The shoe tightening device includes a mounting member extending along the plurality of lace sections for placing between the front of the shoe and the plurality of lace sections. The mounting member has a first projection extending outwards from the front of the shoe. The first projection has a hook and an aperture. The mounting member has a second projection spaced-apart from the first projection. The second projection extends outwards from the front of the shoe and has an aperture. The shoe tightening device further includes an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end spaced-apart from the proximal end, and a slot extending parallel with the front of the shoe for receiving the plurality of lace sections. The slot extends inwardly from the distal end and towards the proximal end. The proximal end of the elongate member extends through the aperture of the first projection of the mounting member. The distal end of the elongate member extends through the aperture of the second projection of the mounting member. The elongate member is pivotally mounted to the mounting member thereby. The shoe tightening device includes a lever connected to and radially extending outwards from the elongate member near the proximal end for rotating the elongate member. The lever is engageable with the hook. Rotation of the lever in one direction causes the elongate member to engage the plurality of lace sections via the slot, the plurality of lace sections wrapping around the slot thereby for tightening the shoe and disposing the lever to engage with the hook.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The invention will be more readily understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a front perspective view of the tightening device that tightens from right to left, from the perspective of the drawing, in a first position according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the tightening device in a second position according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is top plan view of the retaining means according to the embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side plan view of the elongate member according to the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a sectional view of the elongate member along the lines 5-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the lever according to the embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a tightening device similar to Figure 1 except that it tightens from left to right, from the perspective of the drawing, the device being in a first position for receiving a plurality of lace sections of a shoe;

Figure 8 is a sectional end view of the elongate member along line 8-8 of Figure 7 engaging one of the plurality of lace sections;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the tightening device of Figure 7 partially engaging the plurality of lace sections of the shoe;

Figure 10 is a sectional end view of the elongate member of Figure 9 with one of the plurality of lace sections partially engaging around the elongate member;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the tightening device of Figure 7 further engaging the plurality of lace sections of the shoe;

Figure 12 is a sectional end view of the elongate member of Figure 11 with one of the plurality of lace sections further engaging around the elongate member;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the tightening device of Figure 7 fully engaging with the plurality of lace sections from the shoe;

Figure 14 is a sectional end view of the elongate member of Figure 13 with one of the plurality of lace sections fully engaging around the elongate member; Figure 15 is a perspective view similar to Figure 14 with the tightening device in the second position with the lever engaging with the retaining means;

Figure 16 is a front, top perspective view of a tightening device that tightens from left to right, from the perspective of the drawing, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 17 is a top plan view of a mounting member according to the embodiment of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a side elevation view of the mounting member of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a bottom end view of the mounting member of Figure 17;

Figure 20 is a top end view of the mounting member of Figure 17;

Figure 21 is a top perspective view of an elongate member according to the embodiment of Figure 16;

Figure 22 is a plan view of the elongate member according to the embodiment of Figure

21;

Figure 23 a plan view of the elongate member according to the embodiment of Figure 21 rotated 90 degrees compared to the elongate member illustrated in Figure 22;

Figure 24 is a top perspective view of a lever according to the embodiment of Figure 16; and

Figure 25 is a top plan view of the lever illustrated in Figure 24. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Referring to the Figures and first to Figures 1 and 2, there is provided a tightening device 20 having a first position as illustrated in Figure 1 and a second position as illustrated in Figure 2. The tightening device 20 includes a retaining means or mounting member 22, which in this case is u-shaped. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the mounting member 22 has a first end 24 and a second end 26 spaced apart from the first end 24 by plate 23. A first projection 27 extends outwardly from the plate 23 at the first end 24 of the mounting member 22. The first projection 27 includes a connection member 28 located at one end 31 of the first projection 27. The connection member 28 is in the form of a hook member in this example which inwardly curves back towards the mounting member 22. The connection member 28 defines a recess 32. Another end 33 of the first projection 27 projects outwards perpendicularly from the mounting member 22. An s-shaped curve 30 extends between the inward curvature of the connection member 28 and the end 33. The first projection 27 has an aperture 34 located adjacent to the end

33.

[0013] A second projection 36 extends outwards perpendicularly from the plate 23 at the second end 26 of the mounting member 22. The second projection 36 has an aperture 38 which aligns with the aperture 34 of the first projection 27.

[0014] The tightening device 20 further includes an elongate member 40. The elongate member 40 is shaft-like in this example and is rotatably mounted to the mounting member 22 by extending through the aperture 34 and the aperture 38. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the elongate member 40 has a proximal end 44 and a distal end 42 spaced-apart from the proximal end 44. The elongate member 40 has a means 47 for engaging with a plurality of lace sections, shown in Figures 7 to 15, extending inwards from the distal end 42. In this example a pair of inwardly tapered faces as indicated generally by numeral 45 is interposed between the distal end 42 and the means 47. In this example, the means 47 is a slot 48 that extends inwardly from the distal end 42 of the elongate member 40 to an inward end 50 of the slot. The slot 48 splits the elongate member 40 into a first longitudinal portion 52 and a second longitudinal portion 54. In this example, the elongate member 40 is a round bar split two thirds of the way along its length. The elongate member 40 has a lever aperture 56 extending therethrough which is spaced-apart from and adjacent to the proximal end 44. Referring to Figure 5, the lever aperture 56 includes a bore 57 provided with a shoulder 58.

[0015] The tightening device 20 has a lever 60 extending from the elongate member 40. In this example, the lever 60 fits into and extends from the lever aperture 56. Referring to Figures 2 and 6, the lever 60 has a connection end 62. The connection end 62 includes an outwardly extending flange 64 shaped to fit within and abut the shoulder 58 illustrated in Figure 5. The lever 60 has an actuation end 65 opposite the connection end 62. The lever 60 includes a shaft 68 of diameter 66 between ends 65 and 62. The diameter 66 of the shaft 68 is shaped to fit within the bore 57 of the lever aperture 56. The lever 60 has a knob 70 at its actuation end 65.

[0016] In operation and referring to Figures 1 and 2, the tightening device 20 may be actuated between two positions: the first position of Figure 1 and the second position of

Figure 2. In the first position, the lever 60 is swivelled free and away from the connection member 28 as illustrated in Figure 1. In the second position, the lever 60 is retained in position by the connection member 28 as illustrated in Figure 2. In this example the lever

60 rotates 180 degrees counter-clockwise, from the second position to the first position as seen from the perspectives of Figures 1 and 2.

[0017] Referring now to Figure 7, the tightening device 20a is illustrated connected to a shoe 72. The tightening device 20a is an identical, mirror embodiment of that shown Figure 1 and 2, with like parts having like numeral with the addition of "a". Lever 60a rotates from left to right, from the perspective of the figures, to tighten the shoe 72. The shoe 72 has a front in this example tongue 74 and a lace 76 in this example a single lace adjacent thereto having a plurality of lace sections including lace section 78. The mounting member 22a has been interposed between the lace 76 and the tongue 74. The elongate member 40a has next been slidably positioned through the aperture 34a and the aperture 38a of the mounting member 22a, such that the elongate member 40a receives at least some of the lace 76 within its slot 47a. In one example, two to seven lace sections are received in the slot. The lever 60a is connected to the elongate member 40a through the lever aperture 56a, with the flange 64a of the lever 60a abutting the shoulder 58a of the elongate member 40a.

[0018] The lace 76 of the shoe 72 in this example is tied in a bow 80 and has slack portion 82 such that a person can easily slide a foot within the shoe 72. Put another way, the shoe 72 is initially set up by lacing up and bow knotting the shoe loosely enough to allow the person to step in or out of the shoe with unobstructed ease. An average looseness guide is for the shoe 72 to be loose enough to allow four fingers to slide in between the tongue 74 and the top of the foot.

[0019] The lever 60a is shown rotated to the left from the perspective of Figure 7 and the tightening device 20a is in a non-tightened position that is a position which is a mirror image of the position illustrated in Figure 1. This is further illustrated in the end view of elongate member 40a in Figure 8 illustrating the slot 48a and lace section 78 loosely received therein.

[0020] Referring next to Figure 9, the tightening device 20a is shown engaging the lace 76 in a partially engaged position. The knob 70a of the lever 60a is shown being actuated by a person's hand 84. This causes the elongate member 40a to rotate clockwise, from the perspective of the Figures 8 and 10, as indicated by arrows 87 in Figure 10. The lace section 78 is shown beginning to bend around the elongate member 40a and beginning to be tensioned thereby. Because the lace sections are being tensioned in unison, this prevents any one lace section from gaining slack or loosening unevenly with respect to an adjacent lace section.

[0021] Referring to Figure 11, the tightening device 20a is shown engaging the lace

76 in a further engaged position. The knob 70a of the lever 60a has been further rotated to the right, from the perspective of Figure 11. The elongate member 40a is further rotated clockwise thereby as indicated by arrows 89 in Figure 12. As a result, the lace 76 shown by lace section 78 is engaged, or hooked in place, by the slot 48a and is forced to wrap around the elongate member 40a. This causes further tensioning of the lace 76.

[0022] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the lever 60a is fully actuated to the right, from the perspective of Figure 13. The lever 60a is now adjacent to the connection member 28a. The lever 60a has swivelled the elongate member 40a as indicated by arrows 91 in Figure 14. The lace 76 is now thereby engaged by and wrapped around the elongate member 40a.

[0023] Figure 15 is similar to Figure 13 except the lever 60a is engaged with the connection member 28a. The tightening device 20a is now in a tightened position, in a mirror image of the position shown in Figure 2. The lace 76 is wrapped around the elongate member 40a. This reduces slack in the lace and reduces the effective lengths of the lace sections, and results in a tightened shoe 72. The lever 60a is held in place with the connection member 28a as a result of the tension from the lace 76.

[0024] To remove the shoe 72, the process described above is reversed. The lever 60a is released by a deliberate nudge by either a foot or a hand against the lever 60a which allows the lever 60a to slip free, allowing it to spin back to its original starting position of Figure 7, releasing the lace 76 and allowing the shoe 72 to be removed.

[0025] As a result of the above structure, the present invention provides many advantages. Because the lever extends radially outwards from the elongate member, the lever lowers the force which needs to be applied by the user at the knob to achieve the torque necessary for actuating the elongate member. This feature is particularly advantageous for those who are less dexterous and/or who are more frail or weak.

Because the lever extends radially outwards, this also means the user is less likely to come into manual contact with the laces, which are oftentimes dirty. [0026] The tightening device enables a shoe to be fastened very quickly with one hand. The device also enables the shoe to be unfastened very quickly without the need of hands. The device completely unfastens the shoe, or put another way allows the shoe to be removed, without the wearer having to bend over. The device requires little finger strength or dexterity to tighten the shoe. The device easily attaches to shoes without tools.

The device is easily transferred to new shoes without damaging the old ones. The device can fasten up shoes to the same preset tension every time. The device can unfasten shoes to the same preset looseness every time. The preset lace tension is easily adjustable for changing conditions. The device is waterproof and operates reliably in mud, dirt, sand, snow. The device is light weight. In one example, where the device is made of aluminum, it weighs only 24 grams per shoe. The device is even lighter when made of plastic. The device is very durable with few, simple to manufacture parts and fewer moving parts. The device is hygienic in operation because the wearer needs only to handle the lever or knob, and need not actually handle the laces to tighten the shoe. The device does not snag or catch laces or carpeted stairs, as the lever inwardly pulls up into the connection member and thereby is tucked away. The device can be set up to fasten and unfasten on either side of the shoe.

[0027] The device provides a solution for people having a great variety of different needs, likes or conditions regarding the tightening of shoes. These people include those who: do not like kneeling in entrance ways to tie up their shoes; like to hold things in one hand while putting on shoes; like their shoes to be tightened and knotted in a few seconds; have hygiene issues with handling shoe laces; would like to have their hands free when unfastening shoes; do not want to bend over to untie their shoes; would like to untie and unfasten their shoes in a few seconds; have medical limitations that restrict the usage of one arm, elbow, wrist or hand; want to minimize bending over for reasons of balance, pain or damage; find shoe tying difficult due to blindness, age, mental limitations, carpel tunnel syndrome, arthritis, stroke, or disease; or work stations and those who want a loosely laced shoe that can be tightened up quickly when they need to move about. [0028] Figures 16 to 25 illustrate a tightening device 20.1 according to a further embodiment. The various labelled parts perform in a substantially similar manner with substantially similar function as the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 to 15. Like parts have like numbers with the additional designation ".1" instead of "a". Only differences compared to the embodiment of Figures 7 to 15 will be discussed in detail.

[0029] Referring to Figure 16, the tightening device 20.1 includes a notch 100. The notch 100 extends at least partially through the plate 23.1, along part of a curved portion 103 of the mounting member 22.1, and at least partially through the first projection 27.1. The curved portion 103 may be defined as that portion of the mounting member 22.1 that extends along the mounting member 22.1 where the plate 23.1 meets with the first projection 27.1. The notch 100 is aligned below the connection member 28.1 from the perspective of Figure 16. The notch 100 allows the two sides of the shoe, which are generally split by the tongue, to come closer together. The side of the shoe closest to the connection member 28.1 can now ride up on top 102 of the plate 23.1. The notch 100 therefore enables a greater number of shoes to accommodate the plate 23.1 between their laces. The notch 100 also enables the laces on normal shoes to be able to be tightened more than before.

[0030] Referring to Figures 17 to 20, the tightening device 20.1 includes spaced-apart ridges 104 and 105 disposed at the curved portion 103 of the mounting member 22.1 where the first projection 27.1 joins with the plate 23.1. The tightening device 20.1 also includes spaced apart ridges 107 and 108 disposed at where the second projection 36.1 joins with the plate 23.1 along a curved portion 106 of the mounting member 22.1. The curved portion 106 may be defined as that portion of the mounting member 22.1 that extends along the mounting member 22.1 where the plate 23.1 meets with the second projection 36.1. The ridges 104, 105, 107 and 108 provide added stiffening at the curved portions 103 and 106 of the mounting member 22.1. The ridges 104, 105, 107 and 108 help inhibit stress fractures at the curved portions 103 and 106 of the mounting member 22.1. [0031] Referring to Figures 21 to 23, the elongate member 40.1 is slightly longer in this embodiment. This enables the elongate member 40.1 to further protrude through the aperture 38.1 of the mounting member 22.1, as for example illustrated in Figure 16. This acts to inhibit the elongate member 40.1 from unintentionally slipping out of the aperture 38.1 when, for example, the mounting member 22.1 flexes during use.

[0032] The elongate member 40.1 has a tapered shaft 112 whose thicker dimension allows the laces to be tightened more as compared to the skinnier straight shaft of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 15.

[0033] The lever aperture 56.1 of the elongate member 40.1 is larger to accommodate a lever 60.1 of a diameter 66.1 that is larger, as illustrated in Figures 24 and 25. The lever

60.1 with its larger diameter 66.1 is thicker and stronger than that of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 15. Referring back to Figures 21 to 23, the portion 110 of the elongate member 40.1 around the lever aperture 56.1 is thicker to accommodate and compensate for the larger lever aperture 56.1. As best shown in Figure 23, portion 110 includes two, opposite sides 114 and 116 that are flat so as to provide a better seating area for the flange 64.1 and flange 67 of the lever 60.1, as shown in Figures 24 to 25, to ride against.

[0034] Referring to Figure 22, the slot 48.1 of the elongate member 40.1 includes a lower portion 93 adjacent to the distal end 42.1. The lower portion 93 of the elongate member 40.1 has a stud 94 extending outwards from the elongate member 40.1. The stud

94 is abutable with the second projection 36.1 of Figure 16 and thereby acts to inhibit the elongate member 40.1 from exiting out of the first projection 27.1 of the mounting member 22.1.

[0035] Referring back to Figure 22, a first protrusion 95 extends both outwards from the first longitudinal portion 52.1 and within the slot 48.1 at the lower portion 93. A second protrusion 97 extends both outwards from the second longitudinal portion 54.1 and within the slot 48.1 at the lower portion 93. The first protrusion 95 and the second protrusion 97 face each other and in this example are semi-spherical in shape. The protrusions 95 and 97 allow lace sections to pass past the lower portion 93 of the slot 48.1. The protrusions 95 and 97 combine to hold the lace in place within the elongate member 40.1 when the tightening device is being installed on a shoe. They inhibit lace sections from slipping past the protrusions towards the distal end 42.1 of the elongate member 40.1. The protrusions 95 and 97 also help prevent the elongate member 40.1 from being compressed to the point that the stud 94 can no longer abut the second projection 36.1 and therefore no longer inhibit the elongate member 40.1 from slipping out of the mounting member 22.1 when the laces are in the loose position.

[0036] Referring to Figures 24 and 25, the overall length of the lever 60.1 is shorter to help prevent it from catching on the other shoe's laces, knot loops or the other tightening device on the other shoe. The shorter length of the lever 60.1 also helps prevent it from being unintentionally unlocked by keeping the actuation end 65.1 closer into the protective area of the shoe. In this example the knob 70.1 is integral with the lever 60.1.

[0037] Section 118 of the lever 60.1, which is disposed through the elongate member 40.1, is no longer reduced in size compared to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 15. The lever 60.1 now has a substantially same width 66.1 throughout so as to ensure that section 118, which goes through the lever aperture 56.1 of the elongate member 40.1, is stronger than in previous embodiments.

[0038] The connection end 62.1 of the lever 60.1 includes the outwardly extending flange 64.1 and a further outwardly extending flange 67 spaced-apart from flange 64.1. The flanges 64.1 and 67 in this example are made of hard polycarbonate plastic. The lever 60.1 may be force fitted through the lever aperture 56.1 of the elongate member 40.1. Referring to Figure 16, the flange 67 functions like an external stop to inhibit the lever 60.1 from sliding back and forth within the elongate member 40.1. [0039] In one preferred method of manufacturing, the lever 60.1 is formed by injection molding without flange 64.1. The lever 60.1 is then slid through the elongate member 40.1, and the end 62.1 is then mushroomed over to create the flange 64.1. This may be done by applying ultrasound treatment to the end 62.1. With the flange 64.1 thus made, it acts to inhibit the lever 60.1 from ever coming out of the elongate member 40.1 or tightening device 20.1. It would otherwise be inconvenient were the lever 60.1 to accidently spring off.

[0040] When the lever 60.1 and elongate member 40.1 are connected together, as shown in Figure 16, flange 64.1 and flange 67 are both adjacent to the elongate member at aperture 56.1.

[0041] One skilled in the art will appreciate that a mirror image of the tightening device 20.1 shown in Figures 16 to 25 would be appropriate for the other shoe, performing in a substantially similar manner.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the connection member 28 could include many different variations. The connection member could be a snap connection, a magnetic connection with the elongate member, a clamp connection or other such variation.

[0043] Also, the means 47 for engaging with the lace may have different embodiments. For example, instead of having a slot 48, the elongate member 40 may have a plurality of outwardly extending hooks for connecting with the lace. The elongate member 40 could simply have a rough exterior surface or teeth members for promoting frictional or mechanical engagement with the lace. The elongate member could have a plurality of laterally extending tapered recessed portions on the exterior or within an interior of the elongate member for engaging the lace. The elongate member 40 also may have a plurality of outwardly extending knobs through which the lace may wrap around. [0044] For actuating the device, instead of using a hand 84, a person's foot could also be used, as mentioned above. This is particularly advantageous if the person has difficulty bending down or has some other kind of physical or medical disability that inhibits the easy and accurate use of the hand.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will appreciate instead of the first projection and the second projection, only one projection could be used to pivotally support the elongate member, with the connection member being apart thereof. This one projection could for example be centrally disposed along the plate.

[0046] It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is to be determined with reference to the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A tightening device for tightening a shoe having a plurality of lace sections, the tightening device comprising:

an elongate member having means for engaging with the plurality of lace sections;

retaining means for rotatably retaining the elongate member and for interposing between the lace sections and the shoe;

a lever extending from the elongate member for rotating the elongate member from a first position where the lace sections are slidably engageable with the elongate member to a second position where the rotation of the lever causes the lace sections to fixedly engage around the elongate member and thereby tighten the plurality of lace sections on the shoe, the lever being fixedly connectable to the retaining means when the elongate member is in the second position.

2. In combination, a shoe and a tightening device therefor, the shoe having a front and a plurality of lace sections extending along and adjacent to the front of the shoe, and the tightening device comprising:

a mounting member extending along the plurality of lace sections for placing between the front of the shoe and the plurality of lace sections, the mounting member having a first projection extending outwards from the shoe, the first projection having a hook;

an elongate member having a slot for receiving the plurality of lace sections, the elongate member pivotally mounting to the first projection of the mounting member;

a lever connected to and radially extending outwards from the elongate member for rotating the elongate member, the lever being adjacent to the first projection and being engageable with the hook, whereby rotation of the lever in one direction causes the elongate member to engage the plurality of lace sections via the slot, the plurality of lace sections wrapping around the slot thereby for tightening the shoe and disposing the lever to engage with the hook.

3. The combination as claimed in claim 2, the mounting member further including a second projection, the elongate member pivotally mounting to the second projection of the mounting member.

4. The combination as claimed in claim 3 wherein the first projection has an aperture, the second projection has an aperture, and the elongate member extends rotatably within the aperture of the first projection and the aperture of the second projection for pivotally mounting to the mounting member thereby.

5. The combination as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tightening device includes a first position where the plurality of lace sections are received loosely within the slot of the elongate member for easily slipping a foot into the shoe and a second position where the plurality of lace sections are tightly wrapped around the elongate member and the shoe is tightened.

6. The combination as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lever is disposed away from the hook of the first projection of the mounting member when the tightening device is in the first position, the lever rotates the elongate member from the first position to the second position, and the lever is engaged with the hook when the tightening device is in the second position.

7. The combination as claimed in claim 6 wherein the lever causes the elongate member to rotate 180 degrees when the tightening device is actuated from the first position to the second position.

8. The combination as claimed in claim 3 wherein the shoe includes an opening for a user's foot, the lever being adjacent to said opening.

9. The combination as claimed in claim 3, the elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end spaced-apart from the proximal end, the slot extending inwardly from the distal end of the elongate member and towards the proximal end.

10. The combination as claimed in claim 2 wherein the slot of the elongate member extends parallel with the front of the shoe.

11. The combination as claimed in claim 3 wherein the first projection extends outwards from the front of the shoe and the second projection extends outwards from the front of the shoe.

12. A shoe tightening device for tightening and loosening a shoe, the shoe having a front and a plurality of lace sections extending along and adjacent to the front of the shoe, and the shoe tightening device comprising:

a mounting member extending along the plurality of lace sections for placing between the front of the shoe and the plurality of lace sections, the mounting member having a first projection extending outwards from the front of the shoe, the first projection having a hook and an aperture, and the mounting member having a second projection spaced-apart from the first projection, the second projection extending outwards from the front of the shoe and having an aperture;

an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end spaced-apart from the proximal end, and a slot extending parallel with the front of the shoe for receiving the plurality of lace sections, the slot extending inwardly from the distal end and towards the proximal end, the proximal end of the elongate member extending through the aperture of the first projection of the mounting member and the distal end of the elongate member extending through the aperture of the second projection of the mounting member, the elongate member being pivotally mounted to the mounting member thereby; and

a lever connected to and radially extending outwards from the elongate member near the proximal end for rotating the elongate member, the lever being engageable with the hook,

whereby rotation of the lever in one direction causes the elongate member to engage the plurality of lace sections via the slot, the plurality of lace sections wrapping around the slot thereby for tightening the shoe and disposing the lever to engage with the hook.