Abstract:
A one-piece locking device for a shoelace. The locking device includes a top portion hingeably connected to a bottom portion proximate a first end of the top and bottom portions. A shoelace coupling opening is located on a bottom surface of the bottom portion. A hook and latch mechanism is formed by a hook and latch, one each of which is disposed proximate a second end of the top and bottom portions. One or more shoelace clamping bars are located on a bottom surface of the top portion and a top surface of the bottom portion which together serve to clamp and retain a shoelace. The top portion also includes one or more openings configured for interconnecting with one or more corresponding protrusions on the bottom surface of a decorative element or RFID type chip. The decorative element is selectable by a user to provide visual decoration of the locking device.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention is in the field of footwear laces and more particularly, it relates to a device for locking a shoelace and keeping the shoelace from coming apart with such a locking device having a decorative top portion. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0002]    Maintaining a shoe on the foot typically involves typing show laces. This can be realized multiple ways, including setting a lace threaded into eyelets of the shoe, along the neck or top portion of the shoe. To finalize the securing of the show to the foot, the two ends of the show laces are made into loops which are then tied together. The loop in the shoelace offers many advantages, including good retention of the shoe on the foot. 
         [0003]    A major drawback in standard shoelaces resides in the fact that the ends of the shoelace frequently come loose, until completely unraveled. The user then runs a risk of falling if it walks on the undone lace, or the shoelace binds in a non-desirable location, for example in the pedals of a bicycle. It is thus necessary to re-lace the shoelace. Constant re-lacing can be problematic, especially for children who cannot yet make a loop, and for disabled persons, or for sports as such an operation requires a stop in the sporting activity. 
         [0004]    To overcome this drawback, it was suggested by the prior art, a locking device for shoelaces. Such a device has especially been proposed by the present inventor in the document FR-A-25 2958125. This locking device is present in the form of a clamp anchoring means provided on the lace, this clamp being adapted to close around the ends and a bit of a loop extending from the shoelace and locked in this closed position. This device allows advantageously to block or retain the lace so as to keep it from unraveling. The present invention aims to improve the locking devices of shoelace proposed by the prior art, more particularly in terms of performance, to ensure that the particular blocking means remains operable including when exerting a pull on one strand of the shoelace and/or loop extending from the lace. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    To this end, the present invention proposes a device for blocking or holding a shoelace, including the type of so-called shoelace with a loop, that is to say having two loops and two free strands/ends of lace extending from the top of the shoe. This device presents itself as a clamp or locking device. 
         [0006]    The invention features a shoelace locking device, comprising a single piece locking device including a bottom portion having a first end, a second end, a top surface and a bottom surface, as well as a top portion having a first end, a second end, a top surface and a bottom surface. The first end of the top portion is hingeably coupled to the first end of the bottom portion. The second end of the top portion and the second end of the bottom portion are configured for together forming a hook and latch mechanism. The hook and latch mechanism is configured for retaining the top portion in a closed position relative to the bottom portion, and wherein the bottom surface of the top portion is maintained at a predetermined distance from the top surface of the bottom portion. 
         [0007]    The bottom surface of the bottom portion includes a shoelace coupling opening, sized and configured for allowing the shoelace locking device to be inserted on a shoelace. The bottom surface of the top portion includes at least one shoelace clamping bar and the top surface of the bottom portion also includes at least one shoelace clamping bar. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the top portion includes one shoelace clamping bar while the top surface of the bottom portion includes two shoelace clamping bars. In this embodiment, the one shoelace clamping bar disposed on the bottom surface of the top portion is located along a longitudinal centerline of the bottom surface of the top portion while in this embodiment, the two shoelace clamping bars disposed on the top surface of the bottom portion includes a first one of the two shoelace clamping bars disposed proximate a first longitudinal edge of the top surface of the bottom portion and a second one of the two shoelace clamping bars is disposed proximate a second longitudinal edge of the top surface of the bottom portion. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the bottom surface of the top portion includes two shoelace clamping bars while the top surface of the bottom portion includes one shoelace clamping bar. In this embodiment, the two shoelace clamping bars disposed on the bottom surface of the top portion includes a first one of the two shoelace clamping bars disposed proximate a first longitudinal edge of the bottom surface of the top portion, and a second one of the two shoelace clamping bars is disposed proximate a second longitudinal edge of the bottom surface of the top portion. In this embodiment, the one shoelace clamping bar disposed on the top surface of the bottom portion is located along a longitudinal centerline of the top surface of the bottom portion. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the hook and latch mechanism includes a hook element located on the second end of the bottom portion and a latch element hingeably coupled to the second end of the top portion. In another embodiment, the hook and latch mechanism includes a hook element located on the second end of the top portion and a latch element located proximate the second end of the bottom portion. In yet another element, the top portion includes at least one opening configured for interconnecting with a protrusion located on a bottom surface of a decorative element. The invention contemplates two or more openings in the top surface, both configured for interconnecting with first and second protrusions located on a bottom surface of a decorative element. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a device according to one embodiment of the invention in the open position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  shows the device of  FIG. 1  in a semi-closed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  represents the device of  FIG. 1  in a closed position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates schematically a device according to one embodiment of the invention on a shoe lace on a shoe; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates the device of  FIG. 4  anchored on the lace of a shoe in position and locking the shoe lace; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention in the open position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  shows the device of  FIG. 6  in a closed position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of a device according to a yet another embodiment of the invention in the closed position; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a plan bottom view of the decorative element according to one feature of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    A locking device  100 ,  FIG. 1  for a shoelace according to a first embodiment of the invention is represented is shown in the open position. This device is presented in general form of a clamp having a lower portion (also referred to herein as branch, leg or segment)  10  and an upper portion (also referred to herein as a branch or leg or segment)  20 , each substantially parallel to one another and generally rectangular in shape and relatively thin. Each of these branches  10 ,  20  has a first longitudinal end  101 ,  201  hingeably coupled to one another and a second, opposite longitudinal free end  102 ,  202  respectively. Each branch  10 ,  20  further comprises an inner face or surface  103 ,  203  and an opposite outer face or surface  104 ,  204 . 
         [0022]    The two branches  10 ,  20  are articulated or hinged with respect to each other around a first hinge  30  connecting the first longitudinal end  101  of the lower branch  10  and the first end  201  of the longitudinal upper branch  20 . The axis of this hinge is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each of the upper and lower branches; the longitudinal axis being defined as the axis extending between the longitudinal, opposite ends  101 / 102  and  201 / 202  of each branch. 
         [0023]    The device  100  comprises anchoring means configured to removably anchor the device  100  on the shoe lace  61 . In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the anchoring means comprises a feature  40  in the outer face  104  of the lower branch  10 . The anchoring feature is preferably in the form of a fixed cylinder or opening  40  located under the lower arm or branch  10 , wherein the cylinder or opening  40  extends substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the lower arm  10 . The opening  40  has an internal diameter  25  sufficient for being inserted over a classic shoe lace; although the diameter can be adjusted to fit any type of shoe lace desired. In the preferred embodiment, the internal diameter  25  is in the range of 3 to 6 mm. The opening  40  preferably has a smooth internal surface, so as not damage the shoe lace threaded/located on its inside. 
         [0024]    In the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the lower branch  10  preferably has an L-shape, wherein upwardly turned end member  105  is disposed adjacent the first longitudinal end  101 . 
         [0025]    The length of the sole or upwardly turned end member  105  measured between the shoulder  106  of the “L” and the first longitudinal end  101  of the lower arm  10  is selected according to the dimensions of the shoe lace  61  for which the device is intended to be in worn. The thicker the diameter of the shoe lace  61  the longer the length of the upwardly turned member  105 . The length is preferably for example between 4 and 9 mm. 
         [0026]    The device  100  also comprises a locking mechanism for holding or clamping the upper branch  20  in a closed position in which the lower branch  20  and the upper branch  20  are arranged with respect to each other such that their internal surfaces  103   203  are in close proximity to and substantially parallel with each other. 
         [0027]    The locking mechanism comprises a two-part member comprising, in the first embodiment, a tab or latch  50  extending from the free longitudinal extremity or second end  202  of the upper leg or branch  20  and a hook or protrusion or knob  53  extending from the outer face or surface  104  of the end  102  of the lower branch  10 . 
         [0028]    The tab  50  is articulated relative to the upper branch  20  about a second hinge axis  31  parallel to the axis of the first hinge  30 . The tab  50  is provided with a window or opening  51  there through. The tab  50  and the window  51  are configured such that the distance between the second hinge  31  and a distal end  52  of the knob or hook  53  securely closes the device  100 , that is to say, the latching mechanism applies sufficient pressure on the shoe lace  61  placed between the upper and lower branches  20 ,  10  respectively of the device  100  to keep the shoe lace in place and from being pulled out and coming apart. 
         [0029]    The tab  50  is configured so that, in the closed position, a clamp is formed by the upper branch  20  folded against the longitudinal extremity  102  of the lower branch  10 , in a position in which the hook  53  is engaged in the window  51 . 
         [0030]    Each of the upper and lower branches  20 ,  10  respectively has on its internal respective face  103 ,  203  one or more notched longitudinal bars  107 ,  107 ′ and  207  extending substantially over the entire length of the face  103 , 203 . These bars are arranged such that their notched surface is facing the opposite branch. 
         [0031]    In the particular embodiment represented in  FIG. 1 , the lower branch  10  has two such notched bars or strips  107 ,  107 ′ arranged on the inwardly facing surface  103  of the lower branch  10  proximate the two sides or edges of the inner surface  103 . The upper branch  20  has one notched bar  207 , which is disposed substantially along its longitudinal center line. Such an arrangement is not a limiting feature of the invention however. 
         [0032]    The bars  107 ,  107 ′ and  207  are sized in conjunction with the length of the interconnection member  105  between the upper and lower branches such that in the closed position of the clamp, there remains between the toothed upper surface of each bar  107 ,  107 ′ and  207  and the inner face of the opposite branch facing each bar, a spacing of adequate size such that a shoe lace can be clamped and immobilized between this notched surface and the inner face  103 / 203  of the opposite branch. This spacing is for example about 1 to 3 mm. 
         [0033]    The present invention can be implemented as a range of devices of different dimensions, adapted to different types and sizes laces. In particular, the spacing between the bars  107 ,  107 ′ and  207  and the internal face  103 ,  203  of the opposite branch may varies from one device to another device, to accommodate shoes laces of various thicknesses. 
         [0034]    The device  100  is represented in  FIG. 1  in its open position, which is the position in which it is placed for positioning a free strand of shoe lace, preferably a free end and/or a loop extending from the lace, and placed between the lower branch  10  and the upper branch  20 . 
         [0035]    To bring the clamp into a closed position, the upper branch  20  is bent at the first hinge  30 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , so as to bring the lower branch  10  and the upper branch  20  in a relative position in which their respective inner surfaces  103 ,  203  are opposite and proximate one another. 
         [0036]    Once the lower and upper branches  10 / 20  respectively are in a relative position such that their respective inner surfaces  103 ,  203  are substantially parallel to each other that is to say when the upper branch  10  reaches the closed position of the clamp, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the tab  50  is folded, by folding the second hinge  31 , in a longitudinal direction of the free extremity  102  of the lower leg  10 , until the hook  53  engages in the window  51 , around the distal end  52  of the bard or hook  53 . The tab  50  is then immobilized by the hook  53 . 
         [0037]    The tab bears on the external face  104  of the lower branch  10 , exerting pressure against to lower branch  10 . Hook  53  is here regarded as an integral part of the lower branch  10 . 
         [0038]    The clamp is then securely locked in the closed position by the tab  50  engaging with the hook  53 . In this position, the gap between the toothed surface of each strip  107 ,  107 ′,  207  and the branch respectively opposed  20 / 10  is such that one strand and/or loop of shoe lace positioned between the lower branch  10  and upper branch  20  is firmly clamped between the strips  107 ,  107 ′,  207  and the opposing inner surface  103 / 203  and any movement of the shoe lace is then prohibited. 
         [0039]    A locking device  100  according to the first embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in  FIGS. 4 and 5  in one position on a shoe for blocking a shoelace. In these figures, shoe  60  is equipped with a shoe lace  61  in place between eyelets  62 . The device locking the lace  100  is anchored by means of the loop  40  (not visible in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) which is disposed in the lower branch  10  as previously disclosed. Specifically, this anchoring is realized on a portion of the shoe lace  61  situated near the last or upper eyelet  63  of the shoe. As represented in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the anchor device  100  can be located near the second to last eyelet  63 ′ closer to the last eyelet  63 . To do this, the lace is removed from the last and second to last eyelet  63 / 63 ′ and is inserted through the loop  40  of the shoe lace locking device  100 . Then the shoe lace is re-inserted into the second to last  63 ′ and last eyelets  63 , as shown generally in  FIG. 4 , wherein the device  100  is in the open position. In this  FIG. 4 , the bars  107 ,  107 ′ and  207  are not shown for reasons of clarity. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the device may be positioned such that in the open position, the tab  53  on the lower branch  10  is located closer to the ankle of the user although this is not a limitation of the present invention. 
         [0040]    In other contemplated embodiments, the locking device  100  need not be placed at or near the last or upper shoe eyelet  63  but rather, can be located on any portion of the shoelace proximate any eyelet. 
         [0041]    A method of blocking or locking a shoelace includes forming a classic shoe lace knot  66  forming first and second loops  64 / 64 ′ in the classic way. This knot  66  is formed next to or above the anchor device  100  on the lace  61 , depending on the positioning of the device on the shoe. The knot  66  forms two loops  64 ,  64 ′. A free end  65 ,  65 ′ extends from each loop  64 ,  64 ′ near the knot  66 . 
         [0042]    Once the knot  66  is formed, the free end  65  and the loop  64  that it is not associated with the free end are clamped between the branches of the hook and latch mechanism, and the latter is locked in the closed position. In the embodiment represented in  FIG. 5 , one of the two loops  64 ,  64 ′ and one of the two ends  65 ,  65 ′ are thus blocked in the clip  100  with only the upper branch  20  shown in the FIG in the closed position. This blockage is even stronger than it is required in the interior of the clamp, wherein the free end and loop of the shoe lace are enclosed, the force of the clamping action formed by the zigzag path between successive notched bars and the inside of their legs which are opposed. 
         [0043]    Manipulation for setting and unsetting the locking device  100  is simple and quick to make. The lace is then firmly locked in the locking device  100  according to the invention and traction exerted on loops and/or the free ends, in particular by the spacing between the upper and lower branches  20 / 10 , do not allow the shoe lace to become undone. The device  100 , positioned on the side of the area of the shoe  60 , does not cause any problem for the user wearing the shoe. When the user wants to undo his shoelace, it is sufficient to exercise a slight upward pressure on the tab  50 , unhooking the tab  50  from the hook  53  unlocking the clamp so as to free the shoe lace. 
         [0044]    In a second embodiment, the locking device  100   a  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is provided with a clamping arrangement (hook and latch mechanism) that differs slightly from that shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 1-5 . In this embodiment, the upper branch  20  includes tab or hook  53  which is designed to mate with the latch portion  50  coupled to the lower branch  10 . In order to lock the device  100   a,  the user simply closes the upper branch  20  causing the curved surface  55  on tab  53  to easily slide against the curved surface  57  on the latch portion  50 , causing the top planer surface of the tab  53  to rest against the flat plane or surface  59  of the latch portion  50 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . This is a much easier locking motion than previously described in connection with  FIGS. 1-5 . In order to release the clamping force, the user simply provides a sufficient amount of lateral force in the direction shown generally by arrow  61  on the latch portion  50  to release the tab  53  and allow the upper portion  20  to return to the position shown generally in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0045]    In yet a further embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the locking device  100   a  according to the present invention may include a decorative element  110  mounted on the upper branch  20  of the locking device  100 . Such a decorative element may be utilized with either the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  or alternatively, with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . In order to facilitate the use of a decorative element inserted into the upper branch  20  as will be described below, the notched bars  107 ,  107 ′ and  207  may be reversed from that shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         [0046]    As will be appreciated and clearly seen, the upper branch includes notched bars  207  and  207 ′ while the lower branch  10  includes one notched bars  107 . Providing two notched bars  207  in the upper branch  20  provides an open central area  112  which allows the provision of one or more holes or openings  114  which are designed to meet with the one or more protrusions  116  correspondingly provided in the lower portion of the decorative element  110 . 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, the entire protrusions  116  in the lower portion of the decorative element  110  (or simply the end region of the protrusion  116 ) may be sized (actually slightly oversized) such that they frictionally engage with the openings  114  in the upper branch  20  and must be inserted with enough force to cause the protrusion to be forced into the openings  114 . In this embodiment, the user can change the decorative element  110  as often as he or she would like. In another embodiment, in order to prevent the inadvertent dislodging of the decorative element  110  from the upper branch  20 , once the decorative element has been inserted into the upper branch  20  of the locking device  100 , a slight heating force may be applied to the ends of the protrusions  116  causing them to melt and become widened enough to prevent the protrusions  116  from becoming returning through and being disconnected from the openings  114  in the upper branch  20  and thus making sure that the decorative element  110  will not be able to fall out of the locking device  100 . 
         [0048]    In yet another embodiment, the decorative element  110  may include or in fact be a micro-chip such as an RFID chip intending to be worn by a runner or hiker and which can be used to automatically determine the time a wearer crosses a “start” or “finish” line in an event such as a race or marathon. 
         [0049]    All embodiments of the present invention are preferably a one piece device preferentially formed by injection molding or the like from any suitable material having sufficient rigidity to ensure a solid enclosure. For example a plastic material such as polypropylene material or a biodegradable or compostable plastic material are contemplated without limiting the invention. 
         [0050]    The above description clearly shows that the different features and advantages that the present invention achieves the objectives it achieves. In particular, it provides a locking device for a shoe lace that is easy to use and will block or lock the shoe lace in a particularly effective way. The above description also clearly shows that one or more features of one or more embodiments may be mixed and matched with one more features as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, as shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 3 , the openings  114  may be disposed on either side of the centrally located notched bar  207  disposed in the upper branch  20  of this figure. Other combinations are contemplated and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention and the abilities of someone skilled in the art. 
         [0051]    Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the allowed claims and their legal equivalents.