Patent Publication Number: US-11026479-B2

Title: Systems, devices, and/or methods for managing shoes

Description:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A wide variety of potential practical and useful embodiments will be more readily understood through the following detailed description of certain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shoe  1000 ; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shoe  2000 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shoe  3000 ; and 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shoe  4000 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain exemplary embodiments provide a tightening system for a shoe. The shoe comprises a body. The body defines a plurality of eyelets. The shoe is engageable with a pair of shoelaces. Each of the pair of shoelaces constructed to engage with a set of the plurality of eyelets. The shoe comprises a tightener. The tightener is constructed to, responsive to an action of a user, cause each of the pair of shoelaces to be loosened and tightened. 
     Certain exemplary embodiments provide for improved shoes wherein a user can more easily adjust lace tightness quickly and efficiently. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shoe  1000 , which can comprise a body  1100 . Body  1100  defines a plurality of eyelets  1200 . Each of plurality of eyelets  1200  is engageable with a pair of shoelaces  1300 . Each of pair of shoelaces  1300  is constructed to engage with a set of plurality of eyelets  1200 . 
     Shoe  1000  comprises a tightener  1400 . Tightener  1400  is coupled to a rear portion of body  1100 . In certain exemplary embodiments, a centerline  1500  of tightener  1400  is at an elevation on the rear portion of shoe  1000  that is approximately a same elevation as a centerline  1600  of an uppermost eyelet  1220  of the plurality of eyelets. In other embodiments, a centerline  1500  of tightener  1400  can be at an elevation on the rear portion of the shoe that is above an uppermost elevation  1700  of a sole  1800  of shoe  1000 . In certain exemplary embodiments, tightener  1400  can be coupled to an upper portion of body  1100 , a centerline  1500  of tightener  1400  at an elevation on the shoe that is above uppermost elevation  1700  of sole  1800  of shoe  1000 . 
     Tightener  1400  may be moved higher or lower on the rear portion of shoe  1000 . Tightener  1400  can be constructed to:
         engage with each of pair of shoelaces  1300 ; and/or   responsive to an action of a user, cause each of pair of shoelaces  1300  to be loosened and tightened.       

     In the illustrated embodiment, tightener  1400  comprises a wheel  1420  that is able to be turned by the user to loosen and tighten each of pair of shoelaces  1300 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, tightener  1400  comprises wheel  1420  to which pair of shoelaces  1300  is coupled such that pair of shoelaces  1300  wraps around tightener  1400  when the user tightens pair of shoelaces  1300  to and unwraps around tightener  1400  when the user loosens pair of shoelaces  1300 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, tightener  1400  can be positioned in other locations on shoe  1000 , such as on a side of shoe  1000 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, no laces would run around an outside of the rear of shoe  1000 . When one isn&#39;t loosening or tightening shoe  1000  with an appendage coming off of tightener  1400 , such shoes can look like a shoe lacking tightener  1400  because an entirety of tightener  1400  is inset in the shoe. When the appendage is secured into place (and a wheel inset), only one side of the appendage would be viewable from the back, and an observer wouldn&#39;t see tightener  1400  when viewing the shoe from the sides or the front because nothing would protrude from body  1100  of shoe  1000 . 
     The appendage can be on a hinge that couples it to a wheel, which would allow the appendage to be inset in the rear portion of body  1100  and would also allow the appendage to protrude when one wants to tighten or loosen the shoe. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shoe  2000 , which can comprise a pair of shoelaces  2300  and a tightener  2400 . In the illustrated embodiment, tightener  2400  comprises an electrical actuator  2420  operable by the user to loosen and tighten each of pair of shoelaces  2300 . In certain exemplary embodiments, electrical actuator  2420  can be operable by pushing or pulling on an exposed portion of electrical actuator  2420 . In certain exemplary embodiments, electrical actuator  2420  can be operable by rotating on an exposed portion of electrical actuator  2420 , with loosening or tightening selected by a rotational position of the exposed portion of electrical actuator  2420 . Electrical actuator  2420  can be moved up or down the rear of shoe  2000  as desired. 
     Tightener  1400  as shown in  FIG. 1  or tightener  2400  as shown in  FIG. 2  may be exposed and or may be partially or completely inset in the rear body of shoe  1000  and shoe  2000 , respectively. 
     For example, when tightener  1400  is inset, an appendage could be added that would be the only protruding element from body  1100 . This appendage would be turned, causing tightener  1400  to turn, causing the shoelaces to move. The appendage could also be on a hinge that couples it to wheel  1420 , which would allow the appendage to be inset in the rear portion of body  1100  and would also allow the appendage to protrude when one wanted to tighten or loosen the shoe. When the appendage is inset in the rear portion of body  1100 , a securing mechanism could be used to secure the appendage in place so that nothing or very little is protruding from the rear of body  1100 . In such embodiments, different shapes of objects can be used as the appendage. For example, an anchor-shaped appendage could be used in which the crown of the anchor would be the part that protrudes from the shoe and the head couples to the hinge. In this example, the crown of the anchor would be that part that a user turns to tighten the shoe. When secured into position, the crown would no longer be protruding from the rear of body  1100 , but one could see the shape of the inset anchor when viewing the shoe from the rear. A variety of objects could be used as the appendage, so long as the part protruding from the shoe had enough surface area so that one was able to grip the part that could protrude in order to turn it and tighten the shoe. A similar appendage  2440  could be used for tightener  2400  and shoe  2000 . Although tightener  2400  is not illustrated as inset in  FIG. 2 , those skilled in the art will recognize that shoe  2000  can be constructed in a manner in which tightener  2400  is inset in shoe  2000 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments of Shoe  1000 , tightener  1400  could be spring-loaded so that someone putting on the shoe would get close to the appropriate level of tightness when they put on the shoe, because the spring will tighten it to the foot. One could then they could make a small adjustment to get the level of tightness where they want it by turning the appendage or by turning wheel  1420  in embodiments lacking an appendage. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments of Shoe  1000 , tightener  1400  could be located in the rear of the sole of the shoe (e.g., substantially at a heel of the shoe), so as to allow a typically harder material used in soles to serve as a strong location to hold tightener  1400 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shoe  3000 , which can comprise a body  3100 . Body  3100  defines a plurality of eyelets  3200 . Each of plurality of eyelets  3200  is engageable with a pair of shoelaces  3300 . Each of pair of shoelaces  3300  is constructed to engage with a set of plurality of eyelets  3200 . 
     Shoe  3000  comprises a tightener  3400 , which as illustrated is inset in shoe  3000 . Tightener  3400  comprises a hinge  3500 , an appendage  3600 , and a spring  3700 . In the illustrated embodiment, tightener  3400  is turned via appendage  3600 . In certain exemplary embodiments, appendage  3600  can be constructed such that it can be gripped and turned directly by a hand of a user. In other embodiments, a tool can be provided to the user that is coupleable to appendage  3600  to turn tightener  3400  such that pair of shoelaces  3300  are loosened or tightened. Tightener  3400  can be spring loaded via spring  3700 . Spring  3700  can be biased to either loosen or tighten shoe  3000  responsive to an action of the user (e.g., putting the shoe on, putting pressure on appendage  3600 , etc.). 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, tightener  3400  is spring loaded so that it tightens to a foot when one puts shoe  3000  on. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, shoelaces  3300  enter the body of shoe  3000  at topmost eyelet  3220  so that shoelaces  3300  go around the rear of shoe  3000  inside the body of shoe  3000  instead of around the outside of shoe  3000 , thus reaching the inset tightener  3400 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, appendage  3600  is coupled to wheel  3420  via hinge  3500 , wherein appendage  3600  can be turned, which will turn a wheel  3420  that engages tightener  3400 , which will tighten or loosen pair of shoelaces  3300 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, appendage  3600  is coupled directly to tightener  3400  via hinge  3500 , and there is no wheel  3420 . In this instance, turning appendage  3600  engages tightener  3400  to tighten the laces. In certain exemplary embodiments, tightener  3400  is a wheel itself such that the laces wrap around tightener  3400  when appendage  3600  is turned. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shoe  4000 , which can comprise a body  4100 . Body  4100  defines a plurality of eyelets  4200 . Each of plurality of eyelets  4200  is engageable with a pair of shoelaces  4300 . Each of pair of shoelaces  4300  is constructed to engage with a set of plurality of eyelets  4200 . 
     Shoe  4000  comprises a tightener  4400 , which as illustrated is inset in shoe  4000 . Tightener  4400  comprises a hinge  4500 , an appendage  4600 , and a spring. In the illustrated embodiment, appendage  4600  is in a secured position at which tightener  4400  is not adjustable. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, appendage  4600  is coupled directly to tightener  4400  via hinge  4500 , and there is no wheel  4420 . In this instance, turning appendage  4600  engages tightener  4400  to tighten the laces. In some instances, tightener  4400  may be a wheel itself such that the laces wrap around tightener  4400  when appendage  4600  is turned. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, shoelaces  4300  enter the body of shoe  4000  at topmost eyelet  4220  so that shoelaces  4300  go around the rear of shoe  4000  inside the body of shoe  4000  instead of around the outside of shoe  4000 , thus reaching the inset tightener  4400 . 
     Certain exemplary embodiments comprise:
         tightener  4400 , which is inset in body  4100  of shoe  4000 ;   hinge  4500 , which is coupled to tightener  4400 ; and   appendage  4600 , which is coupled to tightener  4400  via hinge  4500 , wherein appendage  4600  constructed to move in and out of body  4100  of shoe  4000  such that appendage  4600  can be inset in body  4100  of shoe  4000 , secured into place, and thus not protrude when a user is not loosening or tightening pair of shoelaces  4300 , wherein appendage  4600  can protrude from shoe  4000  when appendage  4600  is not secured into place so that the user can use appendage  4600  to:
           engage tightener  4400  which engages with each of pair of shoelaces  4300 ; and   responsive to an action of the user, cause each of pair of shoelaces  4300  to be loosened and tightened.   
               

     A securing mechanism  4700  can keep appendage  4600  from protruding from shoe  4000  such that appendage  4600  is biased to stay inside body  4100  of shoe  4000 , but the user can pull on appendage  4600  to cause appendage  4600  to protrude from shoe  4000  so the user can use appendage  4600  to operate tightener  4400 . Securing mechanism  4700  can comprise a spring and/or a magnet. In embodiments where securing mechanism  4700  is a magnet, the magnet can be inset in shoe  4000  and attract a metal part of appendage  4600 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the magnet has a strong enough magnetic field to keep appendage  4600  in shoe  4000  when the user is not loosening or tightening shoe  4000 , but a weak enough magnetic field so that a user can easily pull appendage  4600  out of a secured position to adjust tightness of shoe  4000 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, pair of shoelaces  4300  enters into body  4100  of shoe  4000  at a topmost eyelet  4220  and goes through a rear portion  4120  of body  4100  of shoe  4000  to reach tightener  4400 . In certain exemplary embodiments, pair of shoelaces  4300  enters into body  4100  of shoe  4000  at a bottommost eyelet  4240  and goes through a side portion  4140  and rear portion  4120  of body  4100  of shoe  4000  to reach tightener  4400 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, tightener  4400  is inset in rear portion  4120  of body  4100 , a centerline of tightener  4400  (see, e.g, centerline  1500  of  FIG. 1 ) at an elevation on rear portion  4120  of shoe  4000  that is above an uppermost portion  4820  of a sole  4800  of shoe  4000 . In certain exemplary embodiments, tightener  4400  is inset in a lower portion  4160  of rear portion  4120  of body  4100  of shoe  1000 , a centerline (see, e.g, centerline  1500  of  FIG. 1 ) of tightener  4400  at an elevation on rear portion  4120  of shoe  4000  that is in line with sole  4800  of shoe  4000 . In certain exemplary embodiments, tightener  4400  is inset in side portion  4140  of body  4100  of shoe  4000 . In other exemplary embodiments, tightener  4400  is inset in of front portion  4180  of body  4100  of shoe  4000 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, appendage  4600  comprises a wheel constructed to be turned by the user to loosen and tighten each of pair of shoelaces  4300 . Appendage  4600  is coupled to an object, such as a wheel, which is coupled to tightener  4400  and engages tightener  4400  when appendage  4600  is engaged. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, tightener  4400  that is not entirely inset in body  4100  of shoe  4000 . In certain exemplary embodiments, appendage  4600  is also always protruding from body  4100  of shoe  4000 . 
     Definitions 
     When the following terms are used substantively herein, the accompanying definitions apply. These terms and definitions are presented without prejudice, and, consistent with the application, the right to redefine these terms during the prosecution of this application or any application claiming priority hereto is reserved. For the purpose of interpreting a claim of any patent that claims priority hereto, each definition (or redefined term if an original definition was amended during the prosecution of that patent), functions as a clear and unambiguous disavowal of the subject matter outside of that definition.
         a—at least one.   able—capable of being.   activity—an action, act, step, and/or process or portion thereof   action—a process of doing something.   actuator—a device that uses electrical energy to produce a force that causes a reciprocating motion.   adapter—a device used to effect operative compatibility between different parts of one or more pieces of an apparatus or system.   and/or—either in conjunction with or in alternative to.   apparatus—an appliance or device for a particular purpose.   appendage—a projecting part.   associate—to join, connect together, and/or relate.   body—a largest or principal part of an object.   can—is capable of, in at least some embodiments.   cause—to produce an effect.   centerline—a line through a center of something following an axis of symmetry.   circuit—an electrically conductive pathway and/or a communications connection established across two or more switching devices comprised by a network and between corresponding end systems connected to, but not comprised by the network.   comprising—including but not limited to.   configure—to make suitable or fit for a specific use or situation.   connect—to join or fasten together.   constructed to—made to and/or designed to.   convert—to transform, adapt, and/or change.   couple—to link in some fashion.   create—to bring into being.   define—to establish the outline, form, or structure of   determine—to obtain, calculate, decide, deduce, and/or ascertain.   device—a machine, manufacture, and/or collection thereof.   electrical—powered by electricity.   elevation—a height above a given level.   engage—to be in contact and interact with.   eyelet—an aperture constructed to receive a shoelace.   generate—to create, produce, give rise to, and/or bring into existence.   hinge—a mechanical bearing that connects two components, which allows rotation between the two components.   initialize—to prepare something for use and/or some future event.   inset—to be inserted within something else in such a way as to be recessed substantially below a surface.   install—to connect or set in position and prepare for use.   loosen—make shoelaces less tight.   may—is allowed and/or permitted to, in at least some embodiments.   method—a process, procedure, and/or collection of related activities for accomplishing something.   move—to go or pass to another place or in a certain direction.   operable—capable of functioning.   pair—two similar things used together.   plurality—the state of being plural and/or more than one.   portion—a part of a whole.   predetermined—established in advance.   provide—to furnish, supply, give, and/or make available.   rear—a back of something.   receive—to get, take, acquire, and/or obtain.   repeatedly—again and again; repetitively.   request—to express a desire for and/or ask for.   responsive—reacting to an influence and/or impetus.   secure—to firmly couple something.   select—to make a choice or selection from alternatives.   set—a related plurality.   shoe—an outer covering for the human foot.   shoelaces—a cord constructed to be passed through eyelets on opposite sides of a shoe and pulled tight and/or fastened.   sole—a bottom portion of a shoe of which a lowest portion contacts walking surfaces when the shoe is worn.   spring loaded—comprising a compressed or stretched spring pressing one part against another.   store—to place, hold, and/or retain.   substantially—to a great extent or degree.   support—to bear the weight of, especially from below.   system—a collection of mechanisms, devices, machines, articles of manufacture, processes, data, and/or instructions, the collection designed to perform one or more specific functions.   tighten—make shoelaces more tight.   tightener—a device constructed to tighten and loosen shoelaces.   transmit—to send, provide, furnish, and/or supply.   turn—to change a position of by traversing an arc.   uppermost—highest in elevation.   user—any person that uses a device.   via—by way of and/or utilizing.   weight—a value indicative of mass.   wheel—a solid disk or a rigid circular ring connected by spokes to a hub, designed to turn around an axle passed through the center.
 
Note
       

     Still other substantially and specifically practical and useful embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-recited and/or herein-included detailed description and/or drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the scope of this application. 
     Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:
         there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements;   no characteristic, function, activity, or element is “essential”;   any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;   any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and   any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.       

     Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and all subranges therein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc. 
     When any claim element is followed by a drawing element number, that drawing element number is exemplary and non-limiting on claim scope. No claim of this application is intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC 112 unless the precise phrase “means for” is followed by a gerund. 
     Any information in any material (e.g., a United States patent, United States patent application, book, article, etc.) that has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein. 
     Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.