Patent Publication Number: US-8533978-B2

Title: Method and system for fastening footwear having releasably locking device(s)

Description:
REFERENCE TO PREVIOUSLY FILED PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION 
     Provisional Patent Application No. 61/274,163 was filed on Aug. 12, 2009. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The application applies for unique system and method for fastening lacing-type footwear. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Lacing-type footwear is an important part of our life, but adjusting, tying, and untying laces are time-consuming and frustrating. Plus, bow knots and lace ends are cumbersome, snagging, and hazardous. Accordingly, there are ever-increasing demands for a convenient, safe, and aesthetic system, which could fasten a footwear quickly and easily, could be locked on and released from a footwear quickly and easily, and is affordable, compact, and simple without any cumbersome, hazardous bow knots, lace ends, and components. 
     PRIOR ART 
     Prior arts heretofore have dragging, tripping, snagging, poking, and abrading problems of either messy hazardous bow knots and lace ends, or cumbersome hazardous devices, or both. A number of cumbersome, hazardous devices have been introduced in: U.S. Pat. No. 502,694, filed Aug. 8, 1893, to Frederick H. Smith; U.S. Pat. No. 879,272, filed Jul. 26, 1907, to Calvin Jones Key; U.S. Pat. No. 2,088,851, filed Sep. 16, 1936, to J. E. Gantenbein; U.S. Pat. No. 2,109,751, filed Apr. 3, 1936, to E. Matthias Et Al; U.S. Pat. No. 2,871,537, filed Jan. 9, 1957, to Frederick R. Hickerson; U.S. Pat. No. 3,279,015, filed Aug. 24, 1964, to Lawrence M. Henning; U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,995, filed Jul. 23, 1976, to Melvin Shein; U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,297, filed Apr. 27, 1977, to Joseph P. Famolare, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,854, filed Apr. 22, 1983, to Robert B. Edens; U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,269, filed Jul. 1, 1988, to Joseph A. Anscher; U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,787, filed Oct. 3, 1988, to Thomas J. Walls; U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,130, filed May 20, 1991, to Jacques Lecouturier; U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,398, filed Nov. 6, 1992, to Young S. Seo; U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,511, filed Apr. 19, 1994, to Yoshihiro Kubo; U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,785, filed Dec. 1, 1994, to Sinisa Egelja; U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,323, filed Jun. 15, 1998, to Robert G. Dickie; U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,797, filed Jun. 15, 1999, to David Merry; U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,867, filed Aug. 29, 2000, to Guy Azam; U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,688, filed Jun. 26, 2001, to Jean-Michel Bouvier; U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,104, filed Aug. 28, 2001, to Kun-Chung Liu; U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590, filed Aug. 10, 2001, to Dee Voughlohn; U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,602, filed Aug. 20, 2002, to Chang Chao-Nan; U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,281, filed Feb. 12, 2003, to Kun-Chung Liu; U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,610, filed Dec. 6, 2002, to John P. Ashley; U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,696, filed Jun. 31, 2003, to Aric Sanders; U.S. Pat. No. 7,036,193, filed. Mar. 14, 2005, to Kun-Chung Liu; U.S. Pat. No. 7,313,849, filed Aug. 24, 2005, to Kun-Chung Liu; U.S. Pat. No. 7,343,652, filed Sep. 18, 2006, to Kun-Chung Liu; U.S. Pat. No. 7,596,838, filed Dec. 21, 2007, to Donald L. Bulmer; U.S. Pat. No. 7,657,980, filed Jan. 31, 2007, to Kun-Chung Liu; U.S. Pat. No. 7,735,242, filed Nov. 21, 2006, to Sven Seliger. These aforementioned prior-art patents teach that to fasten a footwear on a foot, a user ties lace ends of a lace together into lengthy, hazardous bows and lace ends, fastens them to a cumbersome, hazardous, expensive device, and exposes them, causing dragging, tripping, snagging, poking, and abrading problems and, thus, inevitable personal injury. They also teach that to release a device from a lace, the lace needs to be untied and/or taken apart. They do not describe nor show a unique system for fastening a footwear on a foot at at least one predetermined tension of a loop. They do not describe nor show a releasably locking device for quickly and easily locking and releasing a loop-section fastener on and from a loop without the needs for taking the loop apart. Therefore, all prior arts heretofore teach away from the present invention. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior arts. In doing so, the invention provides a unique system having many unique and significant advantages, as follows:
     1) An object of the invention is that the loop-section fastener of the unique system can be locked, quickly and easily, on a loop without the need for taking the loop apart;   2) Another object of the invention is that the loop-section fastener of the unique system can be released, quickly and easily, from a loop without the need for taking the loop apart;   3) A further object of the invention is that the loop-section fastener of the unique system can be replaced, quickly and easily, on a loop without the need for taking the loop apart;   4) Another object of the invention is that the loop-section fastener of the unique system can be interchanged, quickly and easily, on a loop without the need for taking the loop apart;   5) Still another object of the invention is that the loop-section fastener of the unique system can have slip-preventing device(s) integrated into its surface (for example, to create wavy, hilly, or grainy surface) to prevent it from being slippery such that the loop-section fastener can be held and operated securely;   6) Another object of the invention is that the tension of the loop of the unique system can be adjustable;   7) A further object of the invention is that the unique system automatically fastens a footwear on a foot at at least one predetermined tension of the loop of the unique system, every time the footwear is fastened on a foot;   8) Another object of the invention is that the unique system automatically lifts the tongue of a footwear between the two opposite sides of the footwear at the level of the two top opposite loop-receivers of the footwear, every time the footwear is fastened on a foot;   9) Still another object of the invention is that the unique system automatically centers the tongue of a footwear between the two opposite sides of the footwear at the level of the two top opposite loop-receivers of the footwear, every time the footwear is fastened on a foot;   10) Another object of the invention is that the unique system automatically locks the tongue of a footwear between the two opposite sides of the footwear at the level of the two top opposite loop-receivers of the footwear, every time the footwear is fastened on a foot;   11) A further object of the invention is that the unique system automatically interlocks the tongue and the two opposite sides of a footwear at the level of the two top opposite loop-receivers of the footwear, every time the footwear is fastened on a foot;   12) Another object of the invention is that the unique system automatically interlocks the tongue of a footwear and the loop sections of the loop of the unique system at the level of the two top opposite loop-receivers of the footwear, every time the footwear is fastened on a foot;   13) Still another object of the invention is that the unique system can hide a loop section, lace ends, and/or lace-end fastener inside the tongue of a footwear and prevent them from moving;   14) Another object of the invention is that the unique system only needs to be assembled once to set at least one predetermined loop tension or lace tension, which can be reset any time;   15) A further object of the invention is that the unique system eliminates the needs for adjusting and/or tying a lace every time a footwear is fastened on a foot;   16) Another object of the invention is that the unique system eliminates the needs for adjusting and/or untying a lace every time a footwear is unfastened from a foot;   17) Still another object of the invention is that the unique system is inexpensive, compact, safe, and simple. Thus, it can be used by people of almost any age;   18) Another object of the invention is that the unique system applies an interlocking method. Thus, the harder it is pulled, the more securely it fastens a footwear on a foot;   19) A further object of the invention is that the unique system only needs one finger to be operated;   20) Another object of the invention is that the unique system creates a smooth and sophisticated profile for a footwear;   21) Still another object of the invention is that the unique system can also serve as a decoration for a footwear, for example, when partially or entirely powder-coated with attractive color; and   22) Another object of the invention is that the unique system can also serve as a safety system, for example, when partially or entirely made of light-reflecting material.   

     Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing specification and its accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A unique system has a releasably locking device for quickly and easily locking and releasing a loop-section fastener on and from a loop without the needs for taking the loop apart, respectively. The unique system comprises a plurality of opposite loop receivers of a footwear, a tongue of the footwear, a loop, a loop-section fastener, and a releasably locking device. The footwear has two opposite sides, on which the opposite loop receivers are disposed, respectively. The tongue has at least one opening and outer and inner surfaces. Each of the at least one openings extends from the outer surface to the inner surface. The loop has a plurality of loop sections. The footwear is laced with the loop, such that each of the loop sections extends between two of the loop-receivers on the same side, and such that the loop is threaded through the at least one opening of the tongue. The loop-section fastener is for at least one of the loop sections to be fastened thereon and for at least one of the loop sections to be unfastened therefrom to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot, respectively. The releasably locking device is integrated into the loop-section fastener for quickly and easily locking the loop-section fastener on the loop and for quickly and easily releasing the loop-section fastener from the loop. The unique system can also fasten the footwear on a foot at at least one predetermined tension of the loop; the system can also interlock the tongue with the two opposite sides of the footwear; and the system can also lift, center, and lock the tongue between the two top opposite ones of the opposite loop receivers of the footwear. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  illustrate a loop-section fastener having a releasably locking device. 
         FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8  illustrate how to lock and release a loop section on and from a loop-section fastener, respectively. 
         FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  11  illustrate a unique system with a loop-section fastener having a releasably locking device. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a loop-section fastener, which can be, quickly and easily, released from a loop section, to be replaced with another loop-section fastener. 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate the unique system having its two opposite loop receivers replaced with two opposite hooks. 
         FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18  illustrate a loop being replaced with a lace, whose two lace ends can be fastened to a footwear or to each other to turn the lace into a loop. 
         FIGS. 19 and 20  illustrate at least one ring and/or loop-section fastener being able to be replaced with at least one hook. 
         FIGS. 21 and 22  illustrate the unique system having a plurality of loop-section fasteners. 
         FIGS. 23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 , and  28  illustrate the unique system having a plurality of tension-adjusting hooks. 
         FIGS. 29 and 30  illustrate examples of conventional loop receivers. 
         FIGS. 31 and 32  illustrate two examples of loop receivers, each of which lets a loop section slide therethrough freely or restrictedly. 
         FIGS. 33 ,  34 ,  35 , and  36  illustrate examples of rotatable and/or flippable loop receivers. 
         FIGS. 37 and 38  illustrate examples of a footwear tongue having means for preventing its bottom layer from fraying. 
         FIGS. 39 ,  40 ,  41 , and  42  illustrate examples of a footwear tongue having compartmentalizing device(s) for creating a compartment therein. 
         FIGS. 43 and 44  illustrate variations of the loop-section fastener. 
         FIGS. 45 and 46  illustrate examples of loop-section fastener having loop-tension-adjusting capability. 
         FIG. 47  illustrates a loop-section fastener having at least one relief for making its surface(s) non-slippery. 
         FIG. 48  illustrates an equivalent snap-locking loop-section fastener. 
         FIGS. 49A ,  49 B,  49 C, and  49 D illustrate the unique system having a lace-end fastener for fastening two lace ends of a lace to each other to turn the lace into a loop. 
         FIG. 50A  illustrates an equivalent spring loop-section fastener. 
         FIG. 50B  illustrates an equivalent lace-end fastener. 
     
    
    
     LOOP-SECTION FASTENER WITH RELEASABLY LOCKING DEVICE 
     Structure 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the perspective and side views of a loop-section fastener  51 . Loop-section fastener  51  comprises two opposite hooks  52   a  and  52   b , a base  53 , and a releasably locking device  54 . Two opposite hooks  52   a  and  52   b  are integrated into each other, and have two opposite hook tips  55   a  and  55   b , respectively. Base  53  is half-pie-shaped, and is integrated into the under-sides of two opposite hooks  52   a  and  52   b . Base  53  has two opposite sides and upper and lower recesses  56   a  and  56   b  disposed at predetermined locations thereon, respectively. Releasably locking device  54  comprises a predetermined C-shaped or V-shaped spring, which has two spring ends bent inwards. The C-shaped or V-shaped spring comprises two uneven spring halves  57   a  and  57   b , which are on two intersecting planes, respectively. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the assemblage of loop-section fastener  51 . The spring ends of spring halves  57   a  and  57   b  are inserted into recesses  56   a  and  56   b , respectively, to pivotably integrate spring halves  57   a  and  57   b  into base  53  and to make spring halves  57   a  and  57   b  generally parallel with each other to create a springing force. The springing force pushes releasably locking device  54  back to its original form and, therefore, pushes releasably locking device  54  against hook tip  55   a  at a contacting area  58 , to close the mouth of hook  52   a . Releasably locking device  54  can pivot in either one of the opposite directions of an arrow  59  to open or close the mouth of hook  52   a.    
     Function 
     Hook tip  55   a  is predeterminedly bent inward to narrow the mouth of hook  52   a , such that hook tip  55   a  is capable of preventing hook  52   a  from snagging, poking, etc., and such that hook  52   a  is capable of securely fastening a loop section thereon when the loop section is hooked thereon, regardless of the tension of the loop section (for example, the loop section can be on a worn or unworn footwear, and the tension of the loop section can be loose or tight or anywhere in between). 
     Hook tip  55   b  is predeterminedly bent inward to narrow the mouth of hook  52   b , such that hook tip  55   b  is capable of preventing hook  52   b  from snagging, poking, etc., and such that hook  52   b  is capable of securely fastening a loop section thereon when the loop section is hooked thereon, regardless of the tension of the loop section (for example, the loop section can be on a worn or unworn footwear, and the tension of the loop section can be loose or tight or anywhere in between). 
     Releasably locking device  54  is:
     1) For quickly and easily locking hook  52   a  of loop-section fastener  51  on a loop section, to quickly and easily fasten loop-section fastener  51  on the loop section, and   2) For quickly and easily releasing hook  52   a  of loop-section fastener  51  from a loop section, to quickly and easily unfasten loop-section fastener  51  from the loop section.   

     Releasably locking device  54  is for releasably locking hook  52   a  of loop-section fastener  51  on at least one loop section, quickly and easily. 
     Loop-section fastener  51  is for at least one loop section to be fastened thereon and for at least one loop section to be unfastened therefrom to fasten a footwear on and to unfasten a footwear from a foot, respectively. 
     Operation 
       FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7  illustrate a method for quickly and easily locking hook  52   a  of loop-section fastener  51  on a loop section, and another method for quickly and easily releasing hook  52   a  of loop-section fastener  51  from a loop section. A loop  60  has a loop section  61 :
     1) To quickly and easily lock hook  52   a  of loop-section fastener  51  on loop section  61  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ):
       push loop section  61  against releasably locking device  54  (in the direction of arrow  62   a ) such that releasably locking device  54  opens, and   push loop section  61  past releasably locking device  54  (in the direction of arrow  62   a ) such that releasably locking device  54  closes.   
       2) To quickly and easily release hook  52   a  of loop-section fastener  51  from loop section  61  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ):
       push loop section  61  against releasably locking device  54  (in the direction of arrow  62   b ) such that releasably locking device  54  opens, and   push loop section  61  past releasably locking device  54  (in the direction of arrow  62   b ) such that releasably locking device  54  closes.   
       

       FIG. 8  illustrates two methods equivalent to the two above-described methods, respectively:
     1) To quickly and easily lock hook  52   a  of loop-section fastener  51  on loop section  61 :
       push releasably locking device  54  against loop section  61  (in the direction of arrow  63   a ) such that releasably locking device  54  opens, and   push releasably locking device  54  past loop section  61  (in the direction of arrow  63   a ) such that releasably locking device  54  closes.   
       2) To quickly and easily release hook  52   a  of loop-section fastener  51  from loop section  61 :
       push releasably locking device  54  against loop section  61  (in the direction of arrow  63   b ) such that releasably locking device  54  opens, and   push releasably locking device  54  past loop section  61  (in the direction of arrow  63   b ) such that releasably locking device  54  closes.   
       

     FIRST EXAMPLE 
     Structure 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate a unique system for fastening a footwear on a foot. The unique system comprises loop-section fastener  51  (illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 ), loop  60  (illustrated in  FIGS. 5-8 ), a plurality of opposite loop receivers  64   a  and  64   b  of a footwear, and a tongue  65  of the footwear. Loop  60  has a predetermined length to set predetermined loop tension(s). Loop  60  has two opposite loop sections  66   a  and  66   b  and two central loop sections  66   c  and  66   d . The footwear has two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b , on which opposite loop receivers  64   a  and  64   b  are disposed, respectively. Tongue  65  has two opposite openings  68   a  and  68   b , a tongue top  69 , and outer and inner surfaces. Each of two opposite openings  68   a  and  68   b  extends from the outer surface to the inner surface of tongue  65 . 
     The footwear is laced with loop  60 , such that each of loop sections  66   a  and  66   b  extends between two of loop-receivers  64   a  and  64   b  on the same side, and such that central loop section  66   c  extends between two opposite openings  68   a  and  68   b  of tongue  65  and hides inside tongue  65 . Releasably locking device  54  of loop-section fastener  51  is pushed against and past loop section  66   a  to releasably lock hook  52   a  of loop-section fastener  51  on loop section  66   a , quickly and easily, to fasten loop-section fastener  51  on loop section  66   a  (see the example in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8  above). 
     Material 
     The material(s), used to make each component of the unique system, can partially or entirely be rigid, non-rigid, flexible, non-flexible, pliable, non-pliable, elastic, non-elastic, resilient, non-resilient, etc. . . . , or a combination of at least two of the above. For example, the material, used to make each component of the unique system, can partially or entirely be leather, vinyl, nylon, cotton, wool, fabric, foam, plastic, plastic composite, plasticized material, Zytel nylon, neon material, glow-in-the-dark material, fluorescent material, glittering material, light-reflecting material, rubber, steel, aluminum, alloy, titanium, bronze, iron, zinc, tin, copper, metal, carbon fiber, the like, the equivalent, etc. . . . , or a combination of at least two of the above. 
     Operation 
       FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  11  illustrate two unique methods for fastening and unfastening the footwear on and from a foot, respectively. After inserting a foot into the footwear:
     1) To fasten the footwear on the foot, hook loop section  66   b  on hook  52   b  of loop-section fastener  51 , to fasten loop section  66   b  on loop-section fastener  51 .   2) To unfasten the footwear from the foot, unhook loop section  66   b  from hook  52   b  of loop-section fastener  51 , to unfasten loop section  66   b  from loop-section fastener  51 .
       (For example, to unhook loop section  66   b  from hook  52   b , a person can lift hook  52   b  with one finger until loop section  66   b  slides off hook  52   b ).
 
Advantages
   
       

     Referring to  FIG. 11 , when the unique system fastens the footwear on the foot, it fastens the two top opposite ones of opposite loop receivers  64   a  and  64   b  right on top of two opposite openings  68   a  and  68   b  of tongue  65 , respectively (with central loop section  66   c  extending inside tongue  65  between two opposite openings  68   a  and  68   b  of tongue  65 ). As a result, at the same time, the unique system:
     1) Automatically lifts tongue  65  at tongue top  69  to straighten the whole tongue  65 , resulting from loop  60  threaded through the two top opposite ones of opposite loop receivers  64   a  and  64   b  and through two opposite openings  68   a  and  68   b  at tongue top  69 , which eliminates the problem of tongue top  69  sagging, at every step;   2) Automatically centers tongue  65  between two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b , resulting from loop  60  threaded through the two top opposite ones of opposite loop receivers  64   a  and  64   b  and through two opposite openings  68   a  and  68   b  at tongue top  69 , which eliminates the problem of the foot becoming unprotected and exposed, at every step;   3) Automatically locks tongue  65  between two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b , resulting from loop  60  threaded through the two top opposite ones of opposite loop receivers  64   a  and  64   b  and through two opposite openings  68   a  and  68   b  at tongue top  69 , which eliminates the problem of tongue  65  sliding sideways, at every step;   4) Automatically interlocks tongue  65  and two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b . As a result, the more two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b  are pulled apart, the more securely they are locked together, which eliminates the problem of the footwear warping, at every step;   5) Automatically interlocks tongue  65  and two opposite loop sections  66   a  and  66   b . As a result, the more two opposite loop sections  66   a  and  66   b  are pulled apart, the more securely they are locked together, which eliminates the problem of using hazardous messy bows and lace ends, the problem of tying and untying every time the footwear is worn, and the problem of re-tying and re-untying every time the bows become loose; and   6) Automatically fastens the footwear at predetermined loop tension(s) of loop  60 , which eliminates the problems of adjusting and re-adjusting the tension of a conventional lace every time the footwear is fastened on the foot, and eliminates the problems of guessing and searching for ‘the’ favorite tension of a conventional lace every time the footwear is fastened on the foot.   

       FIG. 12  illustrates the unique capabilities of releasably locking device  54  (see the example in  FIG. 4  above) of loop-section fastener  51 , which allows loop-section fastener  51 :
     1) To be locked on the loop section of a loop, quickly and easily, without the needs for taking the loop apart;   2) To be released from the loop section of a loop, quickly and easily, without the needs for taking the loop apart;   3) To be worn upside down or right side up, quickly and easily, without the needs for taking the loop apart;   4) To be removed to add decoration or device to it, quickly and easily, without the needs for taking the loop apart;   5) To be interchanged with another loop-section fastener, quickly and easily, without the needs for taking the loop apart;   6) To be replaced with another loop-section fastener, quickly and easily, without the needs for taking the loop apart, for example, of:
       a) Different design for different mood, fashion, etc.,   b) Different length for different loop tension, etc.,   c) Different shape for additional capability, etc.,   d) Different material for different capability, etc.   
       

     For example, loop-section fastener  51  can quickly and easily be replaced with a loop-section fastener  70 , which is similar to and equivalent to loop-section fastener  51 . Loop-section fastener  70  has a relief of a heart integrated thereinto for decoration and for making the surface of loop-section fastener  70  non-slippery. To quickly and easily replace loop-section fastener  51  with loop-section fastener  70 :
     1) Push loop section  66   a  against and past releasably locking device  54  of loop-section fastener  51  (see the example in  FIGS. 6 and 7  above) to quickly and easily release loop section  66   a  from loop-section fastener  51 , and   2) Push loop section  66   a  against and past a releasably locking device of loop-section fastener  70  (see the example in  FIGS. 5 and 6  above) to quickly and easily lock loop section  66   a  on loop-section fastener  70 .   

     EQUIVALENTS 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a unique system, which is equivalent to and comprises the unique system in the first example. Wherein, loop  60  has two central loop sections  66   c  and  66   d:  
     1) Either one or both of central loop sections  66   c  and  66   d  can be inside or outside tongue  65 , and/or   2) Either one or both of central loop sections  66   c  and  66   d  can be fastened to the footwear (for example, sewn, clamped, riveted, glued, etc. . . . to at least one of two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b  and/or to tongue  65 ).   

       FIG. 14  illustrates a unique system, which is equivalent to and comprises the unique system in the first example. Wherein, loop  60  has two central loop sections  66   c  and  66   d:  
     1) Either one or both of central loop sections  66   c  and  66   d  can be inside or outside tongue  65 ,   2) Either one or both of central loop sections  66   c  and  66   d  can be fastened to the footwear (for example, sewn, clamped, riveted, glued, etc. . . . to at least one of two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b  and/or to tongue  65 ), and/or   3) Two of opposite loop receivers  64   a  and  64   b  can be replaced with two opposite hooks  71   a  and  71   b , each of which is equivalent to either one of two opposite hooks  52   a  and  52   b  of loop-section fastener  51 , such that at least one loop section of loop  60  can be fastened thereon and at least one loop section of loop  60  can be unfastened therefrom to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot, respectively.   

       FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18  illustrate a unique system, which is equivalent to and comprises the unique system in the first example. Wherein, loop  60  can be replaced with a lace having two lace ends  72   a  and  72   b , which can be:
     1) Fastened to the footwear, to turn the lace into a loop equivalent to loop  60 . For example:
       a) Weaved, sewn, clamped, riveted, glued, etc. . . . to at least one of two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b  and/or to tongue  65  ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ),   b) Tied to at least one of two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b  and/or to tongue  65  such that two lace ends  72   a  and  72   b  are fastened to at least one of two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b  and/or to tongue  65  ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ),   c) Threaded through two of opposite loop receivers  64   a  and  64   b , respectively, and tied separately into at least one knot such that each of two lace ends  72   a  and  72   b  is fastened to one of two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b . The lace can be partially or entirely inside or outside tongue  65 , or   d) Weaved, sewn, clamped, riveted, glued, etc. . . . to the top layer of tongue  65 , to the bottom layer of tongue  65 , to both the top and bottom layers of tongue  65 , or to both the top and bottom layers of tongue  65  at the seam(s) where the top and bottom layers of tongue  65  are fastened together ( FIGS. 15 and 16 );   
       2) Fastened to each other, to turn the lace into a loop equivalent to loop  60 . For example:
       a) Weaved, sewn, clamped, riveted, glued, etc. . . . together,   b) Tied together such that they are fastened to each other,   c) Tied together into a square knot  73  such that they are fastened to each other ( FIG. 17 ), or   d) Tied together into square knot  73  and, then, tied separately into opposite knots  74   a  and  74   b , respectively, such that they are fastened to each other ( FIG. 18 );   
       3) Inside or outside tongue  65 ; and/or
       4) A combination of at least two of the above.   
       

     Lace ends  72   a  and  72   b  can be refastened any time to reset the predetermined tensions of the lace. To untie square knot  73 , hold lace portions on the opposite sides of square knot  73 , and pull the lace portions and one of two lace ends  72   a  and  72   b  in opposite directions. 
     If desired, this unique systems can have a tongue, equivalent to and replacing tongue  65 . This tongue can have at least one opening. One or each of lace ends  72   a  and  72   b  of the lace can be threaded through at least one of the at least one opening of this tongue. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a unique system, which is equivalent to and comprises the unique system in the first example. Wherein, at least one of opposite loop receivers  64   a  and  64   b  can be replaced with at least one of opposite hooks  75   a  and  75   b , each of which is equivalent to either one of two opposite hooks  52   a  or  52   b  of loop-section fastener  51 , such that at least one loop section of loop  60  can be fastened thereon and at least one loop section of loop  60  can be unfastened therefrom to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot, respectively. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a unique system, which is equivalent to and comprises the unique system in the first example. Wherein, at least one of opposite loop receivers  64   a  and  64   b  and loop-section fastener  51  can be replaced with at least one of opposite hooks, each of which is equivalent to either one of two opposite hooks  52   a  or  52   b  of loop-section fastener  51 , such that at least one loop section of loop  60  can be fastened thereon and at least one loop section of loop  60  can be unfastened therefrom to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot, respectively. 
       FIGS. 21 and 22  illustrate a unique system, which is equivalent to and comprises the unique system in the first example. Wherein, the footwear can be laced with loop  60 , such that loop  60  has a plurality of opposite loop sections. Further, loop-section fastener  51  can be replaced with a plurality of loop-section fasteners such as those illustrated, which have a relief  76 , an etched design  77 , and a gem  78  integrated thereinto, respectively. Each of the loop-section fasteners is equivalent to loop-section fastener  51 , such that it can be locked on and released from loop  60 , quickly and easily, and such that at least one loop section of loop  60  can be fastened thereon and at least one loop section of loop  60  can be unfastened therefrom to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot, respectively. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a unique system, which is equivalent to and comprises the unique system in the first example. Further, this unique system comprises two opposite tension-adjusting hooks  79   a  and  79   b . Each of two opposite tension-adjusting hooks  79   a  and  79   b  is equivalent to either one of two opposite hooks  71   a  and  71   b  in  FIG. 14 , is disposed at a predetermined location on one of two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b , and is for at least one loop section of loop  60  to be fastened thereon to adjust the tension of loop  60  (for example, to adjust to a higher or lower tension of loop  60 ). 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a unique system, which is equivalent to and comprises the unique system in  FIG. 14 . Further, this unique system comprises two opposite tension-adjusting hooks  80   a  and  80   b . Each of two opposite tension-adjusting hooks  80   a  and  80   b  is equivalent to either one of two opposite hooks  71   a  and  71   b  in  FIG. 14 , is disposed at a predetermined location on one of two opposite sides  67   a  and  67   b , and is for at least one loop section of loop  60  to be fastened thereon to adjust the tension of loop  60  (for example, to adjust to a higher or lower tension of loop  60 ). 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a unique system, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to either one of the unique systems in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . Any one of opposite loop receivers can be replaced with a hook. The loop of the unique system has two central loop sections  81  and  82 , either one or both of which can be inside or outside the tongue of the unique system. 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a unique system, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to either one of the unique systems in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . Any one of opposite loop receivers can be replaced with a hook. The loop of the unique system can be replaced with a lace having two lace ends. Similar to two lace ends  72   a  and  72   b  in  FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18 , the two lace ends can be fastened to a footwear, fastened to each other, and/or inside or outside a footwear tongue. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates a unique system, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to either one of the unique systems in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . The unique system has a plurality of opposite tension-adjusting hooks  83   a  and  83   b . Each of opposite tension-adjusting hooks  83   a  and  83   b  is equivalent to either one of two opposite tension-adjusting hooks  80   a  and  80   b  in  FIG. 24 , is disposed at a predetermined location on one of two opposite sides of a footwear, and is for at least one loop section to be fastened thereon to adjust the tension of a loop (for example, to adjust to a higher or lower tension of a loop). 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a unique system, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to either one of the unique systems in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . The unique system has a plurality of opposite tension-adjusting hooks. Each of opposite tension-adjusting hooks is equivalent to either one of two opposite tension-adjusting hooks  80   a  and  80   b  in  FIG. 24 , is disposed at a predetermined location on one of two opposite sides of a footwear, and is for at least one loop section to be fastened thereon to adjust the tension of a loop (for example, to adjust to a higher or lower tension of a loop). 
       FIG. 29  illustrates some examples of conventional loop receivers, any of which can be used in any unique system of the invention. A conventional loop receiver can be:
     1) A ring  84   a  (represented by the dotted circle), which is a portion of a side of a footwear;   2) An upside-down or right-side-up hook  84   b , fastened to the upper side of a footwear;   3) A rotatable and/or flippable hook  84   c , fastened to the upper side of a footwear;   4) A rotatable and/or flippable ring  84   d , fastened to the upper side of a footwear;   5) A flexible and/or pliable ring  84   e , fastened to the upper side of a footwear;   6) A flexible and/or pliable ring  84   f , fastened to the underside of a footwear;   7) A rotatable and/or flippable ring  84   g , fastened to the upper side of a footwear; and   8) A flexible and/or pliable ring  84   h , fastened to the edge of a side of a footwear.   

       FIG. 30  illustrates an example of conventional loop receivers, which is a hook and can be used in any unique system of the invention. The hook has a predetermined mound  85  and tip  86 , each of which is equivalent to and functions similarly to either one of two opposite hook tips  55   a  and  55   b  in  FIG. 1 , such that either one of mound  85  and tip  86  is capable of preventing the hook from snagging, poking, etc., and/or such that the hook is capable of securely fastening a loop section thereon when the loop section is hooked thereon, regardless of the tension of the loop section. 
       FIGS. 31 and 32  illustrate two cross-sections  87   a  and  87   b  of two loop sections, respectively:
     1) Two loop receivers (which are a ring and a hook and can be used in any unique system of the invention) have two predetermined (for example, large) openings  88   a  and  88   b , respectively, to let the two loop sections slide therethrough freely.   2) Two loop receivers (which are a ring and a hook and can be used in any unique system of the invention) have two predetermined (for example, small) openings  88   c  and  88   d , respectively, to let the two loop sections slide therethrough restrictedly.   

       FIGS. 33 and 34  illustrate two loop receivers, each of which is a rotatable and/or flippable hook and can be used in any unique system of the invention. Each of the hooks can have, for example, a fabric ring  89   a  or a metallic ring  89   b , and can rotate 360 degrees in either one of the opposite directions of an arrow  90   a  or  90   b.    
       FIGS. 35 and 36  illustrate a loop section and a loop receiver. The loop receiver is a rotatable and/or flippable hook and can be used in any unique system of the invention. The loop section and the hook each can rotate independently in either one of the opposite directions of an arrow  91  before or after hooked on each other to adjust to a higher or lower tension of a loop, such that:
     1) The loop section can be worn twisted or untwisted, and/or   2) The hook can be worn upside down or right side up.   

       FIGS. 37 and 38  illustrate a tongue, equivalent to tongue  65  in the first example ( FIG. 10 ). The tongue has a top layer, two opposite openings in the top layer, a bottom layer  92 , and a dumb-bell-shaped opening  93  in bottom layer  92 , for example, as illustrated or at the top of the tongue. A vinyl tag  94   a  ( FIG. 37 ) can be heat-glued on bottom layer  92  and around the edge of opening  93  or a regular or elastic thread  94   b  ( FIG. 38 ) can be sewn on bottom layer  92  and around the edge of opening  93 , to reinforce bottom layer  92  to prevent it from fraying around the edge of opening  93 . Opening  93  extends from the inner surface of bottom layer  92  to the outer surface of vinyl tag  94   a . Referring to the unique system in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , loop  60  can be replaced with a lace having two lace ends  72   a  and  72   b . Equivalently, to fasten two lace ends  72   a  and  72   b  to each other, each of two lace ends  72   a  and  72   b  can be threaded separately through one of two opposite openings in the top layer, and threaded together through opening  93 . Then, two lace ends  72   a  and  72   b  can be tied together such that they are fastened to each other, and hidden inside the tongue top and prevented from moving and/or sliding down. 
       FIG. 39  illustrates a tongue, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to the tongue in  FIG. 37  or  38 . The tongue has two pendulum-shaped openings in its top layer, a pendulum-shaped opening in its bottom layer, and threads  95   a . Threads  95   a  can sew the top and bottom layers of the tongue together to create a compartment  95   b  therebetween for hiding a loop section, lace ends, and/or a lace-end fastener, and for preventing them from moving and/or sliding down. Threads  95   a  can be replaced with any fastening device, for example, glue, rivet, velcro, snap lock, the like, the equivalent, etc. 
       FIG. 40  illustrates a tongue, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to tongue  65  in the first example ( FIG. 10 ). The tongue has two openings in its top layer and a thread  95   c . Thread  95   c  can sew the top and bottom layers of the tongue together to create a compartment  95   d  therebetween for hiding a loop section, lace ends, and/or a lace-end fastener, and for preventing them from moving and/or sliding down. Thread  95   c  can be replaced with any fastening device, for example, glue, rivet, velcro, snap lock, the like, the equivalent, etc. 
       FIG. 41  illustrates a tongue, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to the tongue in  FIG. 37  or  38 . The tongue has two openings in its top layer, a dumb-bell-shaped opening in its bottom layer, and a predetermined inside layer  96  inside the tongue. The two openings can have two grommets  97  attached to their edges to reinforce their edges to prevent them from fraying, respectively. The edges of the bottom and the sides of predetermined inside layer  96  can be sewn to the top and/or bottom layers of the tongue to create a compartment therein for hiding a loop section, lace ends, and/or a lace-end fastener, and for preventing them from moving and/or sliding down. 
       FIG. 42  illustrates a tongue, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to the tongue in  FIG. 37  or  38 . The tongue has a seam  98 , two opposite openings  99   a  and  99   b , and a horizontal opening  100  in its bottom layer. The top and bottom layers of the tongue are fastened to each other along seam  98 . Two opposite openings  99   a  and  99   b  are in seam  98 . Opening  100  is covered partially or entirely by a portion of the bottom layer of the tongue. 
       FIG. 43  illustrates a loop-section fastener, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to loop-section fastener  51  in the first example ( FIG. 4 ). The loop-section fastener has two opposite releasably locking devices  101  and  102 , each of which is identical to and functions similarly to releasably locking device  54  of loop-section fastener  51  in  FIGS. 9 and 11  in the first example. Equivalently, two opposite releasably locking devices  101  and  102  can pivot in either one of the opposite directions of arrows  103  and  104 , respectively, to open or close the mouths of the two opposite hooks of the loop-section fastener, respectively. 
       FIG. 44  illustrates a loop-section fastener, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to loop-section fastener  51  in the first example ( FIG. 4 ). The loop-section fastener has a spring-loaded releasably locking device  105 , which is equivalent to and functions similarly to releasably locking device  54  of loop-section fastener  51  in  FIGS. 9 and 11  in the first example. Equivalently, spring-loaded releasably locking device  105  can pivot in either one of the opposite directions of an arrow  106  to open or close the mouth of the respective hook of the loop-section fastener. 
       FIG. 45  illustrates a loop-section fastener, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to loop-section fastener  51  in the first example ( FIG. 4 ). The loop-section fastener can have a plurality of opposite tension-adjusting hooks and releasably locking devices. Each of the opposite tension-adjusting hooks is equivalent to either one of two opposite hooks  71   a  and  71   b  in  FIG. 14 , and is for at least one loop section of a loop to be fastened thereon to adjust the tension of the loop (for example, to adjust to a higher or lower tension of the loop). 
     For example, like any loop-section fastener of the invention, the loop-section fastener can be separate from or fastened to a footwear, the tongue of a footwear, etc. . . . upside down or right side up. 
       FIG. 46  illustrates the top view of a loop-section fastener, which is similar to loop-section fastener  51  in the first example ( FIG. 4 ), except that its two opposite hooks are separate from each other. Its two opposite hooks have a screw  107  and a mating threaded recess  108  integrated thereinto, respectively, and can rotate in either one of the opposite directions of an arrow  109  to lengthen or shorten the length of the loop-section fastener. The loop-section fastener is equivalent to and functions similarly to the loop-section fastener in  FIG. 45 , to adjust the tension of a loop. 
       FIG. 47  illustrates a loop-section fastener, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to loop-section fastener  51  in the first example ( FIG. 4 ). The loop-section fastener can have at least one relief, for example, of ridge(s)  110   a  and  110   b , mound(s), groove(s), recess(es), the like(s), the equivalent(s), or a combination of at least two of the above) integrated into its surface(s) at predetermined location(s) for making its surface(s) non-slippery such that, for example, the loop-section fastener can be held and operated securely by a person. 
       FIG. 48  illustrates a loop-section fastener, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to loop-section fastener  51  in the first example ( FIG. 4 ). The loop-section fastener has two opposite hooks separate from each other. Its two opposite hooks have a snap hook  111  and a mating hole  112  integrated thereinto, respectively, which can snap-lock together. 
       FIGS. 49A ,  49 B, and  49 C illustrate two unique systems, each of which is equivalent to and functions similarly to any of the unique systems and their equivalents of the invention. Each of these two unique systems comprises loop-section fastener  51  in the first example ( FIG. 4 ), a lace  113 , a plurality of opposite loop receivers of a footwear, and a lace-end fastener  114 . Lace  113  has two lace ends  115   a  and  115   b . Lace-end fastener  114  is for fastening two lace ends  115   a  and  115   b  to each other to turn lace  113  into a loop, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to loop  60  in the first example. Lace-end fastener  114  is equivalent to square knot  73  and/or knots  74   a  and  74   b  in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . The cross-section of any portion of lace-end fastener  114  can have any predetermined shape and size (for example, a C or O shape, the like, etc.). 
       FIG. 49C  illustrates the upper side of lace-end fastener  114  (from  FIGS. 49A and 49B ) having two opposite fastening openings  116   a  and  116   b , and a central fastening opening  116   c . Each of two opposite fastening openings  116   a  and  116   b  and central fastening opening  116   c  has a predetermined shape and size, such that when lace  113  is threaded therethrough, lace  113  will be clamped and locked therein (for example, the diameter of each of two opposite fastening openings  116   a  and  116   b  and central fastening opening  116   c  can be smaller than that of the cross-section of lace  113 ). To fasten two lace ends  115   a  and  115   b  to each other to turn lace  113  into a loop equivalent to loop  60  in the first example, each of two lace ends  115   a  and  115   b  is threaded separately into one of two opposite ends of lace-end fastener  114 , then, is threaded separately through one of two opposite fastening openings  116   a  and  116   b , and then, is threaded together with the other one through central fastening opening  116   c.    
       FIG. 49D  illustrates the underside of lace-end fastener  114  (from  FIGS. 49A and 49B ) having a mouth  117 , which runs the length of the underside of lace-end fastener  114 . The edges of the underside along mouth  117  are shaped into two securing lips  118   a  and  118   b  at predetermined locations thereat. 
     To set lace  113  at a desired tension and to turn lace  113  into a loop after the unique systems was assembled as shown in  FIG. 49A  or  49 B and a foot was inserted into the footwear:
     1) Pull two lace ends  115   a  and  115   b  to a desired tension, and   2) Fold two lace ends  115   a  and  115   b  under two securing lips  118   a  and  118   b , respectively, to secure them.   3) If desired, each or at least one of lace ends  115   a  and  115   b  can be tied separately or together into at least one knot.   

     Equivalent to each of the above-described methods for fastening two lace ends of a lace to each other to turn the lace into a loop, lace-end fastener  114  can fasten any two lace ends of a lace to each other to turn the lace into a loop, which is equivalent to and functions similarly to loop  60  in the first example and can replace any loop or lace of any of the unique systems and their equivalents of the invention. 
     Lace-end fastener  114  can also be used in any of the unique systems and their equivalents of the invention, whose loop-section fastener(s) can be replaced with at least one loop-section fastener, each of which can comprise or have at least one ring and/or at least one hook. For example, loop-section fastener  51  of the unique system in  FIG. 49A  or  49 B can be replaced with a loop-section fastener (equivalent to loop-section fastener  51 ), which comprises the ring and hook in  FIG. 31  integrated into each other. For another example, loop-section fastener  51  of the unique system in  FIG. 49A  or  49 B can be replaced with a loop-section fastener (equivalent to loop-section fastener  51 ), which comprises a predetermined wire (for example, a flat, round, oval, or rectangular wire) having one end bent into a ring and another end bent into a hook. For another example, loop-section fastener  51  of the unique system in  FIG. 49A  or  49 B can be replaced with a loop-section fastener (equivalent to loop-section fastener  51 ), which comprises a predetermined spring  119  in  FIG. 50A  having one end  120   a  bent into a ring and another end  120   b  bent into a hook. 
     CONCLUSION 
     Any of the unique systems and their equivalents of the invention can comprise at least one loop, at least one loop-section fastener, at least one lace, at least one lace-end fastener, at least one hook (which is a loop receiver of a footwear), at least one tension-adjusting hook (which is a loop receiver of a footwear), at least one ring (which is a loop receiver of a footwear), at least one tension-adjusting ring (which is a loop receiver of a footwear), and/or a combination of at least two of the above. 
     A loop, equivalent to the loop of any of the unique systems and their equivalents of the invention, can have at least one loop section. A lace, equivalent to the loop of any of the unique systems and their equivalents of the invention, can have at least one lace section. 
     Lace-end fastener  114  ( FIGS. 49C and 49D ), equivalent to square knot  73  and/or knots  74   a  and  74   b  ( FIGS. 17 and 18 ) can have any shape and size, can have at least one securing lip of any shape and size, can have at least one fastening opening of any shape and size, can be outside or inside a tongue, and can be replaced with any equivalent. For example,  FIG. 50B  illustrates a lace-end fastener, equivalent to lace-end fastener  114 . Equivalently, the lace-end fastener comprises two predetermined tubes having mating threads, respectively, such that one can screw on the other to fasten the tubes together. Each of two lace ends  115   a  and  115   b  can be threaded through one of the tubes, and tied separately or together such that they are fastened therein. 
     Each of the two unique systems in  FIG. 49A  or  49 B can further comprise the tongue of the illustrated footwear. The tongue can have at least one opening. One or each of lace ends  115   a  and  115   b  of lace  113  can be threaded through at least one of the at least one opening of the tongue. Lace-end fastener  114  and two lace ends  115   a  and  115   b  can be hidden inside the tongue and prevented from moving or sliding down. 
     A tongue, equivalent to tongue  65  in the first example, can have at least one opening, each of which can have any shape and size, and can be disposed at any location thereon in any direction. Loop  60  can be replaced with a lace having two lace ends. One or each of the two lace ends can be threaded through at least one of the at least one opening of the tongue. 
     The unique system can have at least one loop-section fastener. Each loop-section fastener can be separate from, attached to, or integrated to a footwear at any portion(s) thereof, can have any shape and size, and can fasten at least one loop section or at least one lace section thereon. 
     The unique system can have at least one loop, or can have at least one lace whose lace ends are fastened to a footwear or to each other such that the at least one lace turns into at least one loop. 
     The unique system can be used with any type of footwear, for example, sneaker, tennis shoe, skateboarding shoe, sports shoe, running shoe, walking shoe, cross-training shoe, basket-ball shoe, soccer shoe, dress shoe, boot, the like, the equivalent, etc. Any element(s) of the unique system can be made separate from, attached to, or integrated to any other element(s) of the unique system and/or a footwear, which the unique system is used with. 
     The unique system can, further, comprise at least one relief, at least one design, at least one printing, at least one painting, at least one stamping, at least one device, at least one inscription, at least one decal, at least one engraving, at least one embossing, at least one decor, at least one etching, at least one marking, at least one gem, at least one rock, or a combination of at least two of the above, which can be attached to or integrated into any element of the unique system. For example, a light-reflecting, glow-in-the-dark, neon, or glittering tape or a relief can be attached to or integrated into loop-section fastener  51  in the first example. For another example, loop-section fastener  51  in the first example can be made of or made from light-reflecting, glow-in-the-dark, neon, or glittering material(s). 
     A foot can be inserted into the footwear before or after lace ends  72   a  and  72   b  in  FIGS. 15-18  are fastened to set the predetermined lace tensions of the lace. Lace ends  72   a  and  72   b  can be refastened any time to reset the predetermined lace tensions of the lace. 
     A loop-section fastener, equivalent to loop-section fastener  51  in the first example, can have or can comprise at least one hook, the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the above, which are made separately or integrally. Each hook is for at least one loop section of a loop or at least one lace section of a lace to be hooked thereon. 
     A loop-section fastener, equivalent to loop-section fastener  51  in the first example, can be made of the same material as the footwear and integrated into the footwear as part of the footwear. 
     Each loop receiver of any of the unique systems and their equivalents of the invention can be disposed at any portion of a footwear, for example, the topside, the edge, or the underside of one of the two opposite sides of the footwear. The footwear can be laced with a loop or lace in any way to define any opposite loop or lace sections respectively, and to form any lacing style, using some or all of its loop receivers. 
     SUMMARY OF MAJOR ADVANTAGES 
     The present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior arts. In doing so, the invention provides a unique system having many unique and significant advantages, as follows:
     1) An object of the invention is that the loop-section fastener of the unique system can be locked, quickly and easily, on a loop without the need for taking the loop apart;   2) Another object of the invention is that the loop-section fastener of the unique system can be released, quickly and easily, from a loop without the need for taking the loop apart;   3) A further object of the invention is that the loop-section fastener of the unique system can be replaced, quickly and easily, on a loop without the need for taking the loop apart;   4) Another object of the invention is that the loop-section fastener of the unique system can be interchanged, quickly and easily, on a loop without the need for taking the loop apart;   5) Still another object of the invention is that the loop-section fastener of the unique system can have slip-preventing device(s) integrated into its surface (for example, to create wavy, hilly, or grainy surface) to prevent it from being slippery such that the loop-section fastener can be held and operated securely;   6) Another object of the invention is that the tension of the loop of the unique system can be adjustable;   7) A further object of the invention is that the unique system automatically fastens a footwear on a foot at at least one predetermined tension of the loop of the unique system, every time the footwear is fastened on a foot;   8) Another object of the invention is that the unique system automatically lifts the tongue of a footwear between the two opposite sides of the footwear at the level of the two top opposite loop-receivers of the footwear, every time the footwear is fastened on a foot;   9) Still another object of the invention is that the unique system automatically centers the tongue of a footwear between the two opposite sides of the footwear at the level of the two top opposite loop-receivers of the footwear, every time the footwear is fastened on a foot;   10) Another object of the invention is that the unique system automatically locks the tongue of a footwear between the two opposite sides of the footwear at the level of the two top opposite loop-receivers of the footwear, every time the footwear is fastened on a foot;   11) A further object of the invention is that the unique system automatically interlocks the tongue and the two opposite sides of a footwear at the level of the two top opposite loop-receivers of the footwear, every time the footwear is fastened on a foot;   12) Another object of the invention is that the unique system automatically interlocks the tongue of a footwear and the loop sections of the loop of the unique system at the level of the two top opposite loop-receivers of the footwear, every time the footwear is fastened on a foot;   13) Still another object of the invention is that the unique system can hide a loop section, lace ends, and/or lace-end fastener inside the tongue of a footwear and prevent them from moving;   14) Another object of the invention is that the unique system only needs to be assembled once to set at least one predetermined loop tension or lace tension, which can be reset any time;   15) A further object of the invention is that the unique system eliminates the needs for adjusting and/or tying a lace every time a footwear is fastened on a foot;   16) Another object of the invention is that the unique system eliminates the needs for adjusting and/or untying a lace every time a footwear is unfastened from a foot;   17) Still another object of the invention is that the unique system is inexpensive, compact, safe, and simple. Thus, it can be used by people of almost any age;   18) Another object of the invention is that the unique system applies an interlocking method. Thus, the harder it is pulled, the more securely it fastens a footwear on a foot;   19) A further object of the invention is that the unique system only needs one finger to be operated;   20) Another object of the invention is that the unique system creates a smooth and sophisticated profile for a footwear;   21) Still another object of the invention is that the unique system can also serve as a decoration for a footwear, for example, when partially or entirely powder-coated with attractive color; and   22) Another object of the invention is that the unique system can also serve as a safety system, for example, when partially or entirely made of light-reflecting material.   

     The unique systems and methods and their equivalents of the invention are capable of various: colors, classes, materials, variations, ramifications, equivalents, structures, materials, functions, operations, forms, dimensions, permutations, styles, alternatives, extensions, arrangements, applications, configurations, simplifications, additions, deletions, adaptations, modifications, substitutions, combinations, associations, etc. without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The scope of the invention will be determined by the ensuing claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the aforementioned exemplifications.