ANTI-SLIP SHOE STRING

A shoe string coated with rubber substance in order to grip and stay tied. The coating can be in strip form or patterns. Rubber protrusions on the shoe laces grip together where the knot is formed to form more resistance causing the laces to stay tied for longer periods of time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates shoestrings, and more particularly to shoe strings designed to retain a knot in a tied condition.

A common problem with shoe strings is that they may become untied too easily. This may happen when the knot securing the tied string comes undone. The untied strings are an inconvenience as well as a safety hazard. In athletic events, an untied string may result in play stoppage and in some circumstances may result in the athlete being eliminated from competition due to performance degradation due to loose foot ware.

While the conventional bow knot may be tied in a double knot, it is more difficult to undo, particularly for youngsters. However, with current shoestring construction, even the double knot may come undone.

There are other gadgets that are produced to keep laces tied, like clips and straps, however these may not be permitted for athletic competitions and may not provide an attractive appearance.

As can be seen, there is a need for an improved shoe string that reduces the incidence of untied shoes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an anti-slip string is disclosed. The anti-slip string includes a woven fabric material formed as a string. The string having an outer surface. An elastomeric material is adhered to the outer surface of the string as one or more elastomeric bodies protruding from the outer surface of the string.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the string includes a top surface and a bottom surface.

In other embodiments, the elastomeric material is a silicone material. The one or more protruding bodies are formed in a repeating pattern on one or more of the top surface and the bottom surface.

In other embodiments, the one or elastomeric bodies are disposed along a majority of a longitudinal length of the string.

In yet other embodiments, the elastomeric bodies are disposed in a knot region of the string.

In other aspects of the invention, a method of retaining a string in a knotted condition is disclosed. The method includes providing a length of woven fabric material formed as a string having an outer surface. An elastomeric material is applied to the outer surface of the string as one or more elastomeric bodies protruding from the outer surface.

The method may also include tying the string in a knot so that the elastomeric bodies of a first segment of the string are juxtaposed in frictional opposition with the elastomeric bodies of a second segment of the string within the knot.

In certain embodiments of the method, the step of applying the elastomeric material includes printing a liquid silicone on the outer surface of the string. The elastomeric bodies are defined in a pattern on the outer surface of the string.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide an improved anti-slip shoe string to enhance the retention of the string in a knot24on the wearer's shoe. As stated above, shoe strings become untied too easily. The invention claimed here solves this problem.

As seen in reference to the drawings ofFIGS. 1-4, an improved shoe string according to embodiments of the present invention include a shoe string base10to which an elastomeric gripping material12, such as rubber, is applied to an outer surface of the shoe string10to prevent a knot24from untying. The shoe string10may be formed of a plurality of polyester strands that are woven by machine very tightly for improved strength of the shoe string10. In some embodiments, the shoe string10is formed in a woven tubular length having a hollow core. The woven tub length may be flattened to define a top and a bottom surface.

The elastomeric gripping material12may be applied as one or more elastomeric bodies12protruding from a surface of the shoe string10. The elastomeric bodies12may be applied as one or more longitudinal bands disposed along a longitudinal length of the shoe string10. Alternatively, the elastomeric bodies12may be applied in a spiral about the shoe string10. In yet other embodiments, the elastomeric bodies12may be applied as a patterned shape, or with lettering for branding or identification purposes.

As will be appreciated the shoe string10of the present invention may be cut to a desired length depending on the application, such as a shorter length for a child's shoe or a much longer length for an adult high top sneaker or boot.

As seen in reference toFIG. 3, the elastomeric gripping material12may be applied in a desired pattern on the shoe string10will provide a gripping interface between the interfacing surfaces of the shoe string10when tied, causing the shoe string10to remain tied.

The elastomeric material12on the shoe string10grip together where the knot24is formed to form more resistance causing the shoe string10to remain tied for longer periods of time. The engagement of the elastomeric material10with the tongue22of the shoe20also prevents slippage of the tongue22to facilitate maintaining the tongue22with its proper alignment within the shoe20when worn by the user.

The elastomeric material12may be applied along an entire length of the shoe string10or may be applied to a region or a portion of the shoe string10proximal to the ends of the shoe string10, where the knot24is intended to be tied, or where the elastomeric material12may engage with a desired portion of the tongue22.

The shoe string10may also include heavy duty end reinforcements14formed of a poly vinyl chloride (PVC) material.

While described in the context of shoe strings, the strings of the present invention can be used anywhere where things need to be tied and the knot24secured until the user would like to loosen.

The elastomeric material12may be applied on the shoe string10in a liquid silicone form or may be thermally bonded. The elastomeric material12cures to form a rubberized or elastomeric protrusions12that remain on the shoe string10. In some embodiments, a liquid silicone may be printed on an exterior surface of the shoe lace10. When the liquid silicone is dried it forms a tacky surface to the shoe lace10.

When the shoe string10is tied the tacky rubber of the elastomeric material12grips to the other opposing surfaces of the shoe string10when formed in the knot and the laces stay tied. The reinforced PVC endcaps last longer than traditional endcaps. The elastomeric material12may be applied in lines, dots, or any number of designs. When the shoe string10is tied and the elastomeric material12touches, forming a high frictional resistance, allowing the knot22to remain tied longer.

In use, people would use these shoe strings10, especially children, elderly and athletes, to tie their shoes or cleats with confidence that the laces will remain tied. They can also use the anti-slip strings to keep other items tied, for example drawstrings for clothing items. Likewise, the anti-slip shoe strings10may also be utilized for other situations where retention of a knot in a length of string or rope would be advantageous, such as a boating tether and the like.