Adjustable fastener for foot apparel

A latching mechanism for securing foot apparel to a user's foot. The latching mechanism comprises a first connecting member, a second connecting member, wherein the first connecting member is capable of mating, or interlocking, with the second connecting member. The first connecting member includes a receiving head having an aperture, and an arm, wherein the arm is adjacent the receiving head and the second connecting member includes a locking tongue and an arm, wherein the arm is adjacent the locking tongue. In some embodiments, the first connecting member and second connecting member include a fastener element. The arm of the first connecting member and the arm of the second connecting member further include an aperture that is capable of receiving a securing mechanism. Additional embodiments of the latching mechanism also include a buckle system including a base having complementary sections capable of mating and being laterally adjustable, a button which actuates a floating locking mechanism, and a dome.

BACKGROUND

This application generally relates to an apparatus for comfortably securing foot apparel to a user's foot without the necessity of securing the foot apparel to the user's foot with conventional laces.

Recreational shoes, such as tennis shoes, are becoming increasingly more popular as society becomes more relaxed and less formal in its interactions. Indeed, it is not surprising to find many company personnel dressed in tennis shoes while at work as opposed to the more traditional formal shoes, such as men's dress shoes or women's high heels.

In general, young children, overweight or elderly people find it inconvenient, or difficult, to bend over and tie their shoes. Thus, efforts have been made to transform the recreational shoe into a “loafer” wherein the user need not tie the shoe with a conventional shoe lace, but rather, can simply slip the shoe onto their foot or quickly secure the shoes with a single snap.

U.S. Pat. No. D323,576 to Laks shows an adjustable latch having a sawtooth mating structure for closing a shoe, wherein the latch attaches to the shoe via hooking elements. In this design, the hooking elements attach to the eyelets of the shoe. This design can present various problems. For instance, the hooking elements are not relatively flush with the underside of the eyelets and thus, press down against the user's foot and cause discomfort to the user. This problem occurs because the hooking elements, which are somewhat bulky in nature, protrude below the eyelet and are drawn close to the foot when the latch is buckled to secure the foot apparel onto the foot. Further, the sawtooth design creates a more difficult closure and release of the latch, especially for persons with limited dexterity, such as, aged persons and young children.

As seen from above, current attempts at creating a tie-less shoe have resulted in a diminishment of the comfort of the shoe. Thus, a need exists in the market to create an apparatus to allow the tie on the shoe to be circumvented, but not detract from the comfort of the recreational shoe.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a buckle device that is configured to adjustably fasten two components to one another. The buckle device is described herein in the context of being used for securing together components of a shoe for securing the shoe to a user's foot. However, it should be appreciated that the buckle device is suitable for use with other components that adjustably fasten to one another. For example, the buckle device can be used on a hat for adjustably tightening and securing a hat around a user's head. The buckle device can be used on gloves for adjustably tightening and securing a glove to a user's wrist. The buckle device can be used on a belt for trousers for adjustably tightening the waistband and securing trousers around a user's waist. Other uses for the buckle device are within the scope of this disclosure.

Among the embodiments disclosed herein is a buckle for securing footwear to a user's foot, wherein the footwear includes an instep having a plurality of eyelets, the buckle including a base, a button and a plurality of rivets. The base includes a female portion and a male portion. The female portion includes an attachment member and a slot. The male portion includes a flexible belt sized to fit within the slot of the female portion such that the portions are laterally adjustable across an axis perpendicular to the instep. The button is configured to slideably actuate across the attachment member and compress the attachment member against the belt. The plurality of rivets is configured to insert through eyelets and into apertures of the female and male portions of the base. At least one rivet is configured to insert through an eyelet and into the apertures of the female portion and at least one rivet is configured to insert through an opposing eyelet into the aperture of the male portion to attach the base and, in turn the buckle, to the footwear.

The attachment member can comprise a plank that is upwardly biased. The female portion further includes a belt guide which provides upward resistance against the belt upon downward compression of the belt by the plank. The plank can comprise a tab and a lip on its upper surface. The button can comprise a catch on its underneath surface which can engage the lip upon actuation of the button. The button can further comprise a notch located on an underneath surface of the button such that upon actuation of the button the tab on the plank snaps down into the notch of the button. The rivets each comprise a post and a foot. The post can comprise a flange. The post can also be split into at least two flared segments. The buckle can further comprise a dome. The button can also comprise a stage on its upper surface and the dome can cover the stage of the button. The buckle can further comprise a light-emitting diode which can be activated upon actuation of the button.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1aand1bdepict an exemplary embodiment of a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism10shown inFIG. 1aincludes a first connecting member12and a second connecting member14, wherein the first connecting member12and the second connecting member14are capable of mating, or interlocking, such that the latching mechanism10resides in a closed position.FIGS. 1aand1bdepict top and bottom perspective views of an embodiment of a latching mechanism in the locked, or closed, position.FIG. 2depicts the first connecting member12and the second connecting member14in an unlocked position. The latching mechanism10is generally made from hard plastics, but other sturdy materials, such as, but not limited to, Plexiglas®, or soft alloys, such as for example, aluminum are also suitable.

As shown inFIG. 2, the first connecting member12includes a hollow receiving head16and a first mounting arm18, wherein the first mounting arm18is adjacent to and extends from the head16. The first mounting arm18resides at an angle relative to the horizontal plane of the receiving head16. The head16and the first mounting arm18are formed as a single, unitary piece. In other embodiments, the head16and the first mounting arm18are formed as separate pieces, wherein the first mounting arm18is coupled to the head16by, for example, glue or soldering.

The head16of the first connecting member12has an open end17, side openings19, a top side20and a bottom side22, wherein the top side20includes an aperture24. In other embodiments, the top side20of the head16does not include the aperture24, but rather, is a solid surface.

The second connecting member14includes a tongue member26and a second mounting arm28, wherein the second mounting arm28is adjacent to and extends from the tongue26. The second mounting arm28resides at an angle relative to the horizontal plane of the tongue26. The tongue26and the second mounting arm28are formed as a single, unitary piece. In other embodiments, the tongue26and the second mounting arm28are formed as separate elements, wherein the second mounting arm28is coupled to the tongue26by, for example, glue or soldering.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1a-4b, the tongue26of the second connecting member14is configured to fit through the open end17of the head16. The tongue26includes a pair of prong members30, wherein each prong member30has a tapered end31and a widened end33. The pair of prong members30is received in the open end17of the hollow receiving head16. As the tongue enters the open end17of the receiving head16, the prong members30flex toward each other. The tapered ends31of the prong members30abut side walls21of the receiving head16and cause the prong members30to resiliently flex toward each other. Once the tongue26is sufficiently within the receiving head16, the widened ends33of the prong members30align with the side openings19of the receiving head16, thus allowing the prong members30to spring back away from each other by their own resiliency. The widened ends33of the arms include angled surfaces35defining a catch or hook for abutting the edge of the side wall21to inhibit movement of the tongue out of the head16. The widened ends33of the prong members30define side surfaces which can be pressed toward each other, e.g., by the user's thumb and forefinger, to flex the prong members30toward each other and release the catch or hook35.

The receipt of the tongue26into the receiving head16releasably couples the first connecting member12and the second connecting member14. When the tongue26is releasably coupled to the head16, the latching mechanism10is in the closed or locked position, as shown inFIGS. 1aand3. In other embodiments, the tongue member26has a single prong element30which is received by the hollow receiving head16.

FIGS. 4aand4bdepict cross sections of the first mounting arm18and the second mounting arm28, respectively. As shown inFIGS. 4aand4b, the first mounting arm18and the second mounting arm28include a circular recess38of a first diameter and an aperture32of a second, smaller diameter centered in the circular recess38capable of receiving a securing mechanism, for example, a securing element and a corresponding locking element as described below. The aperture32includes a first end34and a second end36. The recess38is disposed adjacent the first end34of the aperture32. As shown inFIGS. 4aand4b, the cross-sectional diameter of the aperture38is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the first end34or the diameter of the second end36of the aperture32. The diameter of the recess38can be large enough to seat for example, the head of a screw, binder post, or other securing element. In other embodiments, the aperture32does not include a recess38.

In some embodiments, the securing element39is a threaded member, such as, but not limited, to a screw or binder post, and the locking element is a hollow threaded receptacle45having a nearly flat head or flange47at one end (seeFIG. 7). In other embodiments, the securing element39can be any element suitable for securing the mounting arm to the foot apparel, such as, but not limited to, rivets. The receptacle45is capable of receiving the securing element39such that the securing element39and the receptacle45are coupled. However, further embodiments employ any suitable type of securing mechanisms capable of coupling the arm to the foot apparel. The securing mechanism can be easily uncoupled by the user such that the latching mechanism10can be interchanged with other foot apparel. The securing element39and locking element can be made of any rigid material such as brass, aluminum, steel, nylon or plastic.

The aperture32is capable of communicating with the eyelet of the user's foot apparel. The aperture is generally circular in shape, but other shapes that can accommodate a securing mechanism are also suitable.

The aperture32is large enough to accommodate the diameter of the hollow threaded receptacle45as shown inFIG. 7. The hollow threaded receptacle is pushed through the underside of the eyelet and the aperture32such that the flange47is nearly flush with the eyelet. (SeeFIG. 9) When locked in place, the head of the securing element39, such as a screw, resides in the recess38and the flange47of the locking element45is nearer the leading edge of the body of the screw, i.e., the portion furthest from the head of the screw. Due to the flange47being relatively flush with the underside of the eyelet, the securing element39does not press against the user's foot and cause discomfort.

As shown inFIG. 3, the first mounting arm18and the second mounting arm28extend at an angle to the horizontal plane of the head16and the tongue26, respectively. The first mounting arm18and second28arm are rigid in structure such that locking the latching mechanism10does not substantially affect the angle of the arms18,28relative to the head16and tongue26. Due to the rigidity of the arms18,28, when the latching mechanism10is secured to the foot apparel through the eyelets, the latching mechanism10does not rest against the user's foot in either the open or closed position. Instead, the arms18,28substantially contour the latching mechanism to the shape of the user's foot slightly above the foot apparel.

FIGS. 5a-5odepict another embodiment of the latching mechanism10, including a button element40. The embodiment shown inFIG. 5aincludes a first connecting member12having a first receiving platform42, a second connecting member14having a second receiving platform44and a fastener element46. In this embodiment, the tongue26of the second connecting member14is disk shaped, although other shapes that will fit within the head16of the first connecting member12are also suitable.

An embodiment of a fastener element46is shown inFIG. 8. In this embodiment, the fastener element46further includes a first portion48and a second portion50, wherein the first portion48and the second portion50each include a plurality of mushroom-shaped stems51. The mushroom-shaped stems51provide improved tensile strength and holding power in comparison to the well known hook and loop fasteners, although a hook and look fastener is used in other embodiments. The first portion48and the second portion50are capable of being coupled to each other and separated from each other, repeatedly. To couple the first portion48and the second portion50, the mushroom shaped stems on each portion interlock with each other. The fastener element46is made from flexible material, such as, but not limited to, rubber or plastic. In one embodiment, the fastener element46is a Dual Lock Reclosable Fastener made by Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing (3M).

The first portion48of the fastener element46is disposed on the first receiving platform42of the first connecting member12and the second portion50is disposed on the second receiving platform44of the second connecting member14. When the first portion48couples with the second portion50, the first connecting member12and the second connecting member14are thereby coupled, and the latching mechanism10resides in a closed position. (SeeFIG. 5a) The first portion48and second portion50can be disposed on the first receiving platform42and the second receiving platform44respectively, by any means, including, but not limited to, an adhesive backing, sewing, stapling or ultrasonic bonding. Alternatively, the first portion48and the second portion50can be formed integrally with the first receiving platform42and the second receiving platform44, respectively.

FIG. 5cdepicts this embodiment in an open position. As seen from the FIG., the first portion48and the second portion50are pulled away from each other such that the first connecting member12and the second connecting member14separate, and thereby open the latching mechanism10.

FIG. 6adepicts a cross section of a button member40having a face52, a bottom53and a plurality of stems or guides54. In other embodiments, there is a single stem or guide54.FIG. 6bdepicts a top view of the face52of the button40. The face52of the button40is capable of displaying designs, logos or other advertising indicia, such as, but not limited to, sports or product references. A plastic or paper member having a printed logo or design is applied to the face52of the button40by any securing means, such as, for example, glue or tape. In other embodiments, the plastic or paper member having a logo is not attached to the face52of the button40, but rather, the logo is for example, etched, blazed or glued onto the face52of the button40or the head16itself. The button face52is circular in shape, but other shapes, such as, but not limited to, shapes corresponding to footballs, baseballs, and golf balls, are also suitable.

The stem or guide54of the button40is received by the aperture24in the head16of the first connecting member12such that the face52of the button40is visible from the top20of the head16. In other embodiments, a coupling means, such as but not limited to, adhesive, is disposed on the bottom53of the button40. In these embodiments, when the guide54is received by the aperture24, the adhesive couples the button40to the head16. Logos or advertisements that are placed on the face52of the button40can then be displayed.

In other embodiments, the guide54is a threaded member such that the button40screws or threads into the aperture24in the head16of the first connecting member12. In further embodiments, the button40does not include a guide54. Rather, adhesive or any other suitable coupling means is disposed on the bottom53of the button40such that the button40is capable of coupling to the head16of the button40. In still other embodiments, the button40is capable of coupling to the head16of the first connecting member12and the tongue26of the second connecting member14such that the button40couples the first connecting member12and the second connecting member14to close the latching mechanism10. As shown inFIG. 6g, in these embodiments, the second connecting member further includes a threaded tubular receptacle13and the first connecting member12further includes a plurality of apertures15. The threaded tubular receptacle13is received by at least one of the apertures15in the first connecting member12. The guide54of the button40is capable of coupling with the threaded tubular receptacle13such that the first connecting member12and the second connecting member14are coupled.

In operation, the mounting arm18of the first connecting member12and the mounting arm28of the second connecting member14are attached to an eyelet of the user's foot apparel such that the arms18,28reside on top of the outer flaps56of the foot apparel. (SeeFIG. 9) A securing element, such as, but not limited to, a screw, rivet or binding post is driven through the first end34of the aperture32and then through the eyelet of the foot apparel. The locking mechanism45is then driven through the underside of the upper flap of the foot apparel such that the flange resides relatively flush with the upper flap. The locking mechanism45is then threaded onto the screw. Once both arms18,28are coupled to the eyelets of the foot apparel, the first connecting element12and the second connecting element14are connected such that the shoe closes.

FIG. 10depicts another embodiment of a latching mechanism which is adjustable to fit a variety of footwear sizes. The buckle system100includes a base115, button125, dome110and at least two rivets120. The buckle system100is attached to the user's footwear by way of the eyelets, for example, eyelets near the top of the user's instep nearest the ankle. The buckle system100is laterally adjustable across an axis perpendicular to the instep.

As shown inFIG. 11, the base includes a male portion119and a female portion117. The male portion119of the base includes a flexible belt105, wherein the belt105is attached at one end to the base and is free at the opposite end. The female portion117of the base includes an attachment member and a slot131. The attachment member can be a plank118. The slot131is located behind the fulcrum of the plank118. The width between the male portion119and the female portion117are laterally adjustable by virtue of the belt105. As best shown inFIG. 12, the belt105can be fed under the plank118and through the slot131of the female portion117thereby connecting the male portion119to the female portion117. As the male portion119approaches the female portion117, the width between the opposing eyelets of the instep of the user's footwear narrows. Upon obtaining an optimum width between the two portions of the base depending upon the user's comfort and desired fit, the excess portion of the belt105can be removed such as by cutting. The shapes of the male and female portions119,117of the base are complementary such that when in close proximity to one another, the two portions give the appearance of a unitary base115. The base115can be, but is not limited to, an oval shape. Further, the female portion117and the male portion119can be covered at least in part by an overmold (not shown) applied thereon, which can include a spongy or shock-absorbing material. The overmold can be colored or provided with graphical elements for aesthetic purposes.

As mentioned, the buckle system100also includes a button125. As shown inFIG. 12, the button125includes on its upper surface a stage130and on its underneath surface ramp flanges126. The button125is actuated to lock the position of the female portion117to the male portion119. In an exemplary embodiment, the button125locks the plank118of the female portion117to the belt105of the male portion119. The plank118is flexible and the floating portion biased upward such that it rises above the plane of the base115. When pressure is applied to the upper surface of the plank118, the floating portion bends downward toward the belt105. The floating portion of the plank118opposite the fulcrum also includes a lip113on its upper surface and teeth114on its bottom surface.

Sliding the button125sideways away from the fulcrum of the plank118and toward the male portion119of the base115compresses the plank118downward. The teeth114of the plank118are configured to fit between the ridges103and within the clefts104of the belt105thereby engaging the belt105and preventing lateral movement of the male portion119away from the female portion117of the base115. The female portion117of the base115can also comprise a belt guide127(seeFIGS. 11 and 13). The belt guide127pushes back against the plank118upon compression from above thereby squeezing the belt105in between. This upward pressure further prevents the belt105from accidental dislodgement or unlocking.FIG. 14depicts a cross-sectional view of the buckle system100and shows the relationship between the button125, the plank118and the belt105. Note, that the belt105shown inFIG. 14is drawn such that it extends straight out away from the belt guide127providing more a simplistic view of the device. However, it should be appreciated that the belt105can lie flush with the belt guide127.

With reference toFIG. 12, the ramp flanges126are located on the underneath surface of the button125. The flanges126can be inserted through slots found on either side of the plank118. The button125is attached to but remains laterally moveable within the female portion117of the base115.

With reference toFIGS. 12 and 14, the button125can be moved laterally to lock the buckle system100. In the ramp locking mechanism, the button125slides sideways away from the fulcrum toward the lip113of the plank118. The button125and its flanges126follow the path of the ramp116. The plank118is compressed downward and the teeth114engage with the clefts104of the belt105. The underneath surface of the button125also can comprise a catch135. Sliding the button125toward the lip113of the plank118forces the catch135to snap over the lip113. This interaction between the catch135and the lip113prevents slippage of the button125back across the plank118thereby releasing the belt105and locks the button125into place. The female117and male119portions of the base115are thereby held at a fixed distance away from one another and width of the instep is determined.

Another embodiment for locking the button125includes the tab-notch locking mechanism. With reference toFIGS. 15 and 16, the underneath surface of the button125can comprise a notch137which is sized to receive a tab141found on the upper surface of the plank118. The user slides the button125sideways across the surface of the floating plank118thereby compressing the plank118downward towards the belt105. The tab141snaps down into the notch137and locks the button125into place. The button125can also have a catch135located on its underneath surface, as described above, such that the catch135snaps over the lip113of the plank118further fixing the button in place and locking the teeth114onto the belt105. Each locking mechanism can be used alone or in any combination with any other locking mechanism.

The buckle system100also includes at least two rivets120. Each base portion can have at least one rivet120. With reference toFIGS. 17A and 17B, the rivets120comprise a foot121and a post123. As shown inFIGS. 10 and 12, the post123of the rivet120is inserted from the underneath side of the base115through an eyelet of the user's footwear and into an aperture122of the base115. For example, rivet120A is inserted through an eyelet and into the aperture122A of the female portion117of the base115. Rivet120B is inserted through an opposing eyelet and into the aperture122B of the male portion117of the base115.

The rivets120lock into the apertures122fixing the buckle system100to the user's footwear. A foot121at the base of the rivet120prevents the rivet120from being pulled completely through the eyelet of the user's footwear. The foot121of the rivet120remains on the opposite side of the eyelet from the base115of the buckle system100. Rivets120can vary in size. The aperture122is generally, but not necessarily, round in shape and matches the size of the eyelet in the footwear and the size of the rivets120being used with the buckle system100.

The rivets120lock into the apertures122due to the configuration of the rivet post123.FIGS. 17A and 17Bshow two exemplary embodiments of the post123. The post123can be, for example, in a split-post configuration (FIG. 17A) or a flanged-post configuration (FIG. 17B). The split-post configuration relies, in part, upon wedging flared segments of the post into the aperture122of the base115. To attach the base115to the user's footwear, the at least two post segments of the rivet120are squeezed together, passed through the eyelet and inserted into the underneath side of the base115through the aperture122. The split post123is long enough such that the flange124of the post123reaches through the aperture122to the upper surface of the base115. As described above, the foot121of the rivet120prevents the rivet120from being pulled completely through the eyelet. Similarly, the flange124of the rivet120prevents the rivet120from being pulled back through the aperture122.FIG. 17Bdepicts a flanged-post rivet. The flanged-post rivet works in a similar manner as the split-post rivet in that it relies upon flanges of the post123to lock the rivet120inside the aperture122of the base115. It does not, however, have the added protection of the flared post segments wedging the rivet120into the aperture122. It should be appreciated that the mechanism for securing the buckle to footwear can interchangeably include any of those mechanisms disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, a rivet, screw, binder post, or other securing element.

The buckle system100also includes a dome110. As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the dome110sits atop the button125and covers the stage130. The dome110can include one or more tabs that are sized to latch against a corresponding slots in the button125. Alternatively, the button125can include a groove or channel, into which the dome can be slid and secured into position.

The stage130is a recessed area located on the upper surface of the button125and is configured for displaying designs, logos or other advertising indicia, such as, but not limited to, sports or product references. The stage130and its dome110cover can also host small items such as candy, key(s), coin(s), photographs, or the like. The dome110can be opaque, translucent or transparent. The dome110can be removable. A plastic or paper member having a printed logo or design can be applied to the stage130of the button125by any securing means, such as, for example, glue or tape. The plastic or paper member having a logo also can be etched, blazed or glued onto the stage130of the button125. The stage130and the dome110are generally oval in shape, but other shapes are considered.

The buckle system100can optionally include a light-emitting diode (LED). The LED can provide lighting in a downward direction along the instep such as towards the walking surface. The LED can also provide lighting in an upwards direction such as to backlight the dome110. The LED can be activated upon locking the button125onto the belt105.

Although embodiments of various methods and devices are described herein in detail with reference to certain versions, it should be appreciated that other versions, embodiments, methods of use, and combinations thereof are also possible. Therefore the spirit and scope of the latching mechanism should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.