Abstract:
The present invention relates to a device for opening, closing, and fastening articles that are normally fastened with laces. Such articles may be, but are not limited to, garments and footwear. The device has a pair of strips articulated at one end and releasably connected by a clasp mechanism at the other end, each one of the strips having a structure for connecting to the garment using lace eyelets of the garment.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to closure devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Garments typically fastened with laces have inherent drawbacks. To achieve the proper fit, one must properly tighten laces every time the garment is worn. A typical running shoe takes between 30 seconds and a minute to properly lace up, and 15 seconds to remove. If the shoe is not properly laced, it loses its benefits to the user. The user has to achieve optimal fit every time the garment is put on, and the fit can never be uniform. For children, overweight adults, people with arthritis and the elderly, tying one&#39;s shoes is a difficult task. 
         [0003]    In the case of shoes, hook-and-loop type fastener straps are used to replace laces in some models and provide a faster mechanism than laces. These, however, are not widespread. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,567 to Berger (assigned to Puma, AG), a cable can be tightened from a knob with the cable passing through arc-shaped channels (taking the place of eyelets). Such mechanisms are used in some specialty athletic shoes and sports boots. 
         [0004]    Devices that cooperate with regular lace-up shoes to make opening and closing are known in the art. None of such prior art devices have seen widespread use. 
         [0005]    In U.S. Pat. No. 2,867,878 to Sundback, a zipper mechanism connects to a shoe&#39;s laces to allow for loosening and tightening of the shoe by use of the zipper. In a similar manner, U.S. Pat. No. 2,994,935 to Buchholz provides a slide mechanism actuating multiple laces guided through opening in a central body with hooks at the end of the laces to engage the shoe&#39;s lace eyelets without leaving conventional laces in place, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,840 to Nardulli provides a zipper shoe closure with loops to engage the shoe&#39;s lace eyelets. 
         [0006]    In U.S. Pat. No. 2,637,087 to Forrester, a pair of resilient wire arms are connected to wing members having shoe eyelet engaging hooks. A toggle lever operated slide closure pulls the wires together to close the shoe. 
         [0007]    In the case of shoes, the need to improve the ease of loosening and tightening a normally laced closure has been recognized for many decades. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    It has been discovered that a pair of strips, each one of the strips engaging laced garment eyelets on one side of a garment opening, can be arranged to be in an open position with the garment loose and closed by pinching with a hand the strips together to be in one or more closed positions with the garment tight. 
         [0009]    In footwear, the normally-laced closure in the shoe upper needs to conform to the shape of foot upper if a snug and comfortable fit is to be provided. It has also been discovered that essentially rigid strips that are jointed or articulated to pivot between open and closed positions can make use of the conformability of laces connected between the strips and the shoe to provide the needed conformability for a snug and comfortable fit. 
         [0010]    It has also been discovered that a variable position clasp operating between strips can efficiently allow for changes between foot sizes, as occurs for example due to changes in socks. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the strips are articulated at one end and have a clasp at the other end. In some embodiments, the strips each have at least one eyelet for receiving a lace tied between the strip and the garment. In some embodiments, a one-handed pinch action can be used to close the strips together and cause the clasp to engage in a locked position. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the device operates on a garment where laces are typically located, and the device engages laces to releasably open and close the garment using the laces. The closed position can be a single closed position with the laces being adjusted with respect to the device for a proper, snug fit, or a variable closed position to provide for adjustability during use. The engagement between the device and the laces can be with a single eyelet or attachment point on the device or with a plurality of attachment points. 
         [0013]    The present invention overcomes the weaknesses of prior art such as cost, fragility and complexity. It can be installed at the manufacturing level or after-market level by the consumer. The present invention can also be customized with an array of accessories such as a step counter, watch, or a light, and decorated with jewelry or bijouterie. 
         [0014]    The present invention facilitates fastening of laced articles such as footwear. The present invention accelerates the fastening process, ensuring that every time the user puts on the garment, the fit and form of the garment is uniform to the user&#39;s preference. It also permits one-handed operation for attachment and removal of the garment, allowing the garment to open to its full capacity to accommodate the user, yet instantaneously closing as firmly and snugly as it would be closed had it been laced with conventional laces. 
         [0015]    In addition, the present invention can add customizable elements: night joggers or children who have running shoes without blinking lights can add this valuable safety feature to any shoe. People can express their own individualism by adding a wide array of decorative items into the pre-formed attachment means on the present invention. 
         [0016]    The present invention caters to everyone who does not have the time, desire or ability to tie shoe laces. In particular, it is adapted for the physically- or mentally-challenged user due to its simplicity and efficacy. It can be readjusted after installation to accommodate a bandaged limb, different sock thickness, and other conditions that may affect the size of the user&#39;s feet or hands. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention attached to a laced running shoe. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  is a partial oblique view from above of an upper part of the device of a first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2B  is a plan view from above of the device of the first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective with a side detail of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  with customizations. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the first embodiment with laces and a rubber band that holds a shoe tongue in its upper position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    The invention comprises two substantially semi-rigid plates that are affixed firmly onto the shoe&#39;s upper portion either by permanent method at the shoe&#39;s manufacture or by the end-user using the shoe&#39;s own laces, or any other affixation means. The point of fixation is approximately in the region where shoelaces are usually laced into said shoe. In the insertion mode, the plates are apart thus permitting the shoe to extend to its maximum width. In the closed mode, user engages a retaining mechanism  42 , 44 , 45  on the plates  10 , 20  so that they are retained in close proximity to each other thus immobilizing the shoe on the user&#39;s foot. 
         [0025]    To release, the user disengages the retaining mechanism and the plates are released into insertion mode. The user can then remove the shoe from her foot. 
         [0026]    In the first embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 , fastening element  5 , comprises left plate  10 , right plate  20 , a plate joining mechanism  30  and a retaining element  40 . The left and right plates  10  and  20  are provided with holes  50  that are substantially oval or obround to accommodate different shoes which can have different distances between known shoe&#39;s lace holes  60 , but can also be inter-aligned with a known shoe&#39;s lace holes  60 . The oval holes  50  have a small tab to hold the laces in position. Customization or embellishments can be attached to top plate  10  via attachment means  51  or cavity  52  (see  FIG. 4 ). The combination of the device and the shoe in the first embodiment also comprises known elements, namely laces  70 , uppers  80  and shoe  90 . The plates  10  and  20  can be made of plastic and either be rigid or allow for some flexion. They can also be made of a rigid material, such as aluminum. 
         [0027]    As seen in  FIG. 2A , left plate  10  has a tongue  15  that fits into a slot or groove  16 . During the scissor-like motion of the members  15  and  16 , alignment between plates  10  and  20  is ensured as the fastening device is opened and closed. As seen in  FIG. 2B , a clasp or retaining element has a pawl  44  and a rack  45 . While the clasp shown has a pawl and rack mechanism that is arranged on the top of the device, the clasp can also be arranged on the front of the device. In place of a rack, a single position clasp mechanism can be used. While it is preferred that the clasp be operable to lock with a single handed action, a hook-and-loop closure or snap closure requiring two hands may also be provided. It will also be appreciated that a suitable clasp can be provided by a ratchet knob mechanism, similar to what is implemented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,567 to Berger (assigned to Puma, AG). 
         [0028]    The articulation or hinge of  FIG. 2B  is designed to allow the plates  10  and  20  to be easily assembled by inserting one in the other when the plates are opened to 90 degrees. Once closed to be within the operating angular range of 0 to 45 degrees, the joint  30  cannot be separated. 
         [0029]    As a further alternative for the closure, as is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 1,933,467 to Yartyan teaches using a rack or hook receptacles on the shoe tongue. Such an arrangement can be modified to operate with the strips of the present invention to provide the clasp. 
         [0030]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , fastening element  5  is attached to shoe  90  by laces  70 ; laces  70  are interlaced through shoe  90 ′ s  lace holes (i.e. eyelets)  60  and plate holes (i.e. eyelets)  50  in such a manner that plates  10  and  20  are securely attached to upper portions of uppers  80 . User customizes each shoe  90  by putting shoe  90  on her foot, setting fastening element  5  into closed position, unlacing all laces  70  from shoe  90 , overlaying fastening element  5  over uppers  80  and lacing laces  70  through lace holes  60  and plate holes  50  in such a manner that fastening element  5  is snugly secured to uppers  80 , and shoe  90  is properly set on user&#39;s foot. User then fastens lace  70  ends through the uppermost lace holes  50  (the two closely spaced circular holes) so that laces  70  are immobilized and cannot loosen. The pair of closely spaced apertures for tying loose ends of laces can alternatively be replaced by an external clamp device, as is known for use with laces. User can then undo retaining element  40  converting fastening element  5  into insertion mode and remove her foot. Laces  70  will remain in their positions, and the next time the user converts fastening element  5  to closed mode, laces  70  will be in their predetermined tension for proper shoe  90  fit. 
         [0031]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the user may choose to close the device completely, namely with the pawl in the last position, while tightening the shoe well and wearing only a very thin sock. Thicker socks, swollen feet, or simply a desire to have a looser fit can all be accommodated by using a closed position of clasp  40  that is less tight. 
         [0032]    Fastening element  5  is attached in such a manner that plate joint  30  is oriented towards the toe of shoe  90  with fastening element  5  firmly fastened to uppers  80 . 
         [0033]    The lacing method does not need to be as shown in  FIG. 1 . It will be appreciated that the lace passing through the first and/or second lace eyelets can cross the tongue without being opened and closed by the device  5 . The device  5  can then be used to act on the upper eyelets. Passing the laces through the eyelets as shown in  FIG. 1  has the ability to allow for some shifting of the uppers  80  relative to the plates  10 ,  20  to conform to the shape of the user&#39;s foot. This ability to allow the laces to slide within the holes  50  provides for a comfortable fit as the plates are adjusted in position for different levels of tightness. In this way, the tension on the eyelets  60  is essentially evenly distributed, even if the device changes its configuration while assuming different closed positions. However, a one-to-one connection between the shoe eyelets  60  and the plates  10 ,  20  is also possible. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  shows fastening element  5  in insertion mode, permitting uppers  80  to stretch to their maximum capacity thus allowing user&#39;s foot (not shown) to enter shoe  90 . Referring to  FIG. 2A , the fastening element  5  is in its first closed position. The tongue  15  and the slot  16  are arranged to keep the closed device with the plates correctly aligned. The closure  40  has a pawl with teeth  44  engaging a curved rack  45 . 
         [0035]    To convert from closed mode to insertion mode, a user pulls up hook  42  ( FIG. 2   a ) and releases the plates. Outwardly acting tension of the user&#39;s foot would push open fastening element to the maximum allowable width of uppers  80  (see  FIG. 1 ) and the user would be able to remove her foot from shoe  90 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is yet another embodiment with plate articulation  30  comprising a flexible member, and retaining element comprising teeth  44  and grooves  45 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 4 and 5  demonstrate additional variants of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fastening element comprises a unitary piece with plate articulation  30  comprising a bridge between left plate  10  and right plate  20 . Customizations such as a light, pedometer, watch or any other small device  53  can be attached to attachment  51 . Embellishment  54  such as jewelry or bijouterie can be inserted into cavity  52 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 6A  shows how the lace passes through upper hole  65  from below, the lace leaves a loop before passing from the top through lower hole  66 , after passing through lower hole  66 , the lace passes through said loop, holding firmly the lace so said lace cannot slide from its desired adjusted position. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6B  shows how a rubber band is engaged onto plate  20  inner tab or hook  62  and plate  10  inner  62 , passing through tongue loop  63 , holding this way the tongue. This replaces the shoe&#39;s lace from passing through the tongue loop  63  in the conventional manner. 
         [0040]    Many other variations of the present invention are possible. This invention is not limited to shoes and boots, but can be adapted to skates, gloves (e.g. ski gloves and boxing gloves), period garments such as corsets, space suits and protective gear such as firefighter garments, sports equipment, V-neck shirts and sweaters, and other items that are typically laced up. 
         [0041]    The device, can be made of a malleable material, such as metal, a mix of rubber and metal, or any other malleable material so the device can be set up for use in a boot where it needs to be adjusted to two different surfaces like the laced part of the boot that covers the foot and the laced part that covers the ankle and leg. For this purpose, one can use also two non malleable devices having one attached of each of the surfaces. 
         [0042]    The clasp mechanism can be made as illustrated in the different embodiments and also can be made using a rubber band, leather or fabric strip affixed to one of the devices strip, passing by one loop in the other devices strip and coming back to the strip it is attached to, letting the user close it or open it as in a regular belt or a wrist watch, or it can have a clamp or a jam cleat in order to adjust the two strips of the device together in different adjustment positions. Such a clamp or jam cleat clasp mechanism can make use of one or both of the free ends of laces, if desired. 
         [0043]    The clasp mechanism can also be replaced or used in combination with Velcro® hook and loop type fastener, where the Velcro can be placed where the alignment structure of  FIG. 2A  is now, and then the Velcro can be used to hold the strips together in different adjustment positions. For example, if a Velcro attachment is used in the embodiment of  FIG. 3  where the articulation permits flexion of the upper ends in the axial direction, then the Velcro can be applied on the front and back surfaces of the strips. Such a Velcro attachment maintains the strips in their closed position and also prevents any axial movement, and thus does not have an alignment structure in the strips or articulation. 
         [0044]    The device can also be attached to the garment at the factory, having it sewn or glued to the garment in question by replacing the apertures on the strips with a structure that allows the device to be sewn or glued to the garment. 
         [0045]    In the case of a shoe retailer, it is possible to use the present invention to have customers quickly try on new pairs of shoes by installing the device on the shoes and using a wide range of closed positions to accommodate most wearers of the shoe. This makes it faster and easier to try on a shoe. If the device is not installed at the factory, a shoe retailer may install the device in shoes in the store when the store is not busy and thus promote faster service to customers when the store is busy. The device can then be included in the sale price of the new shoes, sold separately, or removed from the laces by the salesperson or at the cash. 
         [0046]    While a pivot articulation between semi-rigid strip members at one end with a clasp at the opposed end is illustrated in the above embodiments, it will be appreciated that different mechanisms for articulating or interconnecting the members between open and closed positions can be used, in fact, the semi-rigid strip members can be completely separated when a mechanism to join them exists at both ends, for example by a clasp mechanism. Furthermore, the strip members can be fully rigid, and the engagement with the laces of the garment can be with a single anchor point or eyelet or multiple on each strip member.