Improvements in Fasteners and Lacing Hooks.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 25th May, 1899-Accepted, 8th July, 1899
Improvements in Fasteners and Lacing Hooks.
A communication from abroad by THE KING FASTENER COMPANY, of Cleveland,
in the County of Cuyhago and State of Ohio, United States of America
•
I, JAMES GRIEVE LORRAIN, M.I.E.E., M.I.Mech. E., of Norfolk House, Norfolk
Street, London, W.C., in the County of Middlesex, Chartered Patent Agent, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention (as communicated to me from abroad)
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to devices for fastening separated parts or articles together
through the medium of a rope or cord, such devices, for instance, as are employed
in fastening together the opposite sides of shoes, gloves, and the like, and also
for fastening clothes lines to posts, awnings to buildings, etc.
The prominent objects of my invention are to provide a neat, simple, efficient,
and inexpensive fastener of the kind mentioned; to arrange for the rapid attach-
ment and detachment of the cord or rope thereto; and to arrange for the secure
holding of the cord to the fastener.
My invention also relates to a modified form of device for holding flexible
connectors, such as ropes, cords or the like, in a fast or taut condition. Examples
of such devices are the hooks or appliances used for engaging shoe strings, glove
laces and the like.
In the lacing of shoes, gloves and the like, hooks are employed by which the
lace is held from lateral movement, in one direction only, but permitting a free
longitudinal movement. The lace may and often does slip out of the open end
of the hook while lacing, causing much annoyance and inconvenience.
In the lacing of a shoe, for instance, with a cord or lacing and hooks instead
of eyelets, it is desirable, as stated, to prevent lateral displacement of the lacing.
In order to accomplish this result in the best manner, means should be pro-
vided which shall not wear or tear the lacing and which shall prevent it from
falling out of the hook when released and given slack. But very little resistance
or restraining influence is necessary to prevent the lacing from falling out of
the hook when given slack or released. It is the object of my invention in this
respect, more particularly stated, to provide means which shall not wear or tear
the lacing and which shall direct or guide the lacing gently into position in a
manner to prevent its falling out of the hook.
To accomplish this result I provide a depending or downwardly projecting
conoidal or tapering stud, which is centered substantially above the axis of an
opening, recess or cavity in the base portion of the hook. The space between the
plane of the top of the cavity and the apex of the stud is less than the size of the
lacing, thus forming at this point a contracted throat in what may be termed
the cord recess or channel.
To the attainment of the foregoing and other desired ends, my invention con-
sists in matters hereinafter more fully set forth.

page_text: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a boot showing the fastener applied thereto.
Figure 2 is a side view of the fastener.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the same.
Figure 4 is a plan view of the fastener with the head partly broken away
to show the cord or lacing in position.
Figure 5 is a perspective view in section of the same.
Figures 67 8 and 9 are views of modified forms of the fastener.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a boot showing a modified form for adapting
the fastener as a lacing hook.
Figure 11, is an enlarged side elevation of the lacing hook,
Figure 12 is a vertical central section.
Figure 13 is a side elevation showing the lace engaged and held.
Figure 14, is a fragment of the top of boot showing the lacing hook used as a
fastener.
The fastening device B, which I have shown in the drawings, Figures 1 to 9
inclusive, to illustrate this part of my invention involves a post or standard 1,
about which the fastening cord or rope A can be looped; a top or head 3, which
is arranged transversely to the post or standard 1; and a stud or abutment 2,
which extends downwardly from the top or head 3 on one side of the post or
standard 1 and so forms a recess 4 between the latter and itself.
The post or standard 1 is adapted for attachment to the articles to be fastened,
as for example, by constructing it with an end portion which can be passed
through said article and bent up against the underside thereof, as shown in
Figs. 6, 7 and 8 or by constructing it with a straight extended portion which is
provided with holes through which rivets can be passed, as shown in Fig. 9 or by
means of a tubular shank passed through the material and upset, as in Figs. 1,
3 and 4.
The top or head 3 desirably extends laterally from the post or standard 1 on
the side opposite the stud or abutment 2, as well as on the other side, in which
way the cord or rope is prevented from slipping off from the top of the post or
standard.
As so arranged, this top or head can be of any one of a great variety of con-
structions, as illustrated in the various figures of the drawing.
In every case, the stud or abutment 2 is adapted to allow the rope or cord
to be passed under it and lodged in the recess 4. In the construction shown in
Fig. 6, it is slightly yielding or elastic, so that its lower portion rises slightly
when the rope or cord is drawn between it and the article to which the device
is attached, and thereby allows the same to pass under it and into the recess.
In the construction shown, it does not extend quite to the article, but leaves
between itself and the latter a small space through which the rope or cord can be
passed. It will be seen that the stud or abutment can be made perfectly rigid.
In the method of using my invention, as a fastener, which I have shown in
the drawings, Figures 1 to 9 inclusive, the device B is secured to the article to be
fastened in such a way that after the rope or cord A has been drawn taut to the
device, and has been looped about the post or standard 1, and passed below the
stud or abutment 2 and up into the recess 4, the mouth of this recess 4 will be in
effect closed by the connecting portion 5 (see Figures 4 and 5), of said cord or
rope. In the arrangement shown in the drawings this connecting portion 5
lies close against the stud 2, and crosses the recess 4. As a result, the connecting
portion of the rope or cord forces the looped portion thereof into the recess 4,
and holds the same wedged in position therein. In this way, the cord or rope is
securely and firmly connected to the device B, and thereby held firmly fastened.
It will be seen that the device, when used in this way, has many advantages,
among which the following are prominent.
In the first place, it is simple and inexpensive. It involves but a few parts,
which can be cheaply made and assembled. In the second place, it is simple,

page_text: quick and easy of operation. The entire operation of making the fastening con-
sists merely in drawing the cord or rope around the upright post or standard, and
then passing it under the depending stud or abutment; all of which can be
done by a single movement of one hand. To unfasten the cord or rope, it is
only necessary to depress its connecting portion slightly, draw its free end out
from under the stud, and then unwind the loop from the post or standard. In the
third place, its operation is effective and unfailing. The engagement of the loop
portion of the rope or cord, and the wedging of the same into the recess of the
fastener, is automatic and instant. It is not dependent upon any skill or accuracy
on the part of the person operating the device. The cord or rope will be held
fast by the device, so long as the two remain intact. In the fourth place, security
of the fastening is automatically regulated to the tension applied to the rope or
cord. The greater the tension on the latter, the more tightly will the loop be
drawn about the post or standard, and the farther will a portion thereof
be wedged into the recess, and the more firmly therefore, will the rope or cord be
held against withdrawal. In the fifth place, the device is durable, satisfactory
and perpetually operative. It contains no springs, pins or like contrivances to
get out of order and become weakened or dulled.`
It will be further seen that the device is capable of an almost infinite variety
of uses, and to such end can be greatly varied in size, form, proportions, and
so on.
As illustrative of its different uses, I have in Figure 9 shown it adapted for
use in connection with awning ropes, two pulleys, about which the ropes are to
be wound being shown in the figure, one on each side of the fastening device.
It will be seen, still further, that in certain of the constructions of the devices,
shown, for instance those of Figures 6 and 9, the recess 4 is upwardly tapered, by
reason of the bending or curving of either the post or standard 1, or the stud or
abutment 2, or both. In such construction the rope or cord is held more
securely, by reason of the fact that the farther it is forced into said recess, the
more tightly does it become wedged and compressed therein.
The fastening device modified for use as a lacing hook designated at E, shown
in Figures 10 to 14 inclusive and forming the preferred embodiment of this part
of my invention, consists preferably of a single metallic piece or strip bent into
substantially the form of a loop so that it has a forwardly extending base
portion 7, an outwardly curved upright portion or standard 8, and a rearwardly
extending top portion or head 9.
The base is provided with means by which it can be secured to the article
to be fastened, a simple way being to construet it with a downwardly extending
hollow or tubular shank 10, which can be forced through the article, and then
bent back or riveted over. The shank 10 can be easily and inexpensively made,
simply by properly punching it out of the strip or piece composing the device.
The construction of this shank, as shown, forms an opening, cavity or receiving
recess for the cord or lacing as it is drawn through the cord recess.
The top or head 9. is provided near its rear end with a conoidal or tapering
stud 11 which extends downwardly to an extent and in a manner to form an abut-
ment across, or a closure to, the upper portion of the recess 12 formed by the
metallic loop composing the device. The lower end of this stud 11 is situated
slightly above the base 7, to afford a contracted mouth or opening to the recess.
The stud 11 can be formed in any suitable or desired manner.
form it by punching or pressing the metallic strip at the proper point.
prefer to
It will be seen that the preferred form of this embodiment of this part of my
invention, can be easily, inexpensively and advantageously made simply by
stamping a metal blank into the proper shape, then punching the fastening
shank 10 and abutment or stud 11, and then bending it over into the looped
condition shown in the drawings.
In using the device the lacing is inserted in the hook at the mouth 13 thereof
and laterally drawn inward so that the lacing bears against the inclined and

page_text: rounded side of the downwardly projecting stud. As the lacing is subjected to a
very slight lateral strain it slides downward along the side of the stud and sinks
gently into the opening, cavity or receiving recess below the apex of the stud.
The lacing can now readily and gently pass bye the stud without any wear or
tendency to tear, and slip into the cord recess formed in the rear of the stud.
It will be understood that when the lacing is in the rear of the stud it is held
therein by said stud and prevented from falling out of the hook until a slight
lateral outward strain is applied equal in amount to that necessary to engage
the lacing behind the stud.
It will be understood that the salient feature of my invention resides in the
use of the conoidal or tapering stud which is adjacent and opposite to the cavity
below it and that the lacing is permitted to pass by the stud without undue strain
and compression by reason of the joint action of the stud and opening or cavity
below it.
I have shown an opening formed in the shank of the hook but it is apparent
that the result may be obtained by the use of a cavity, cut out portion or any sort
of suitable depression.
When the lacing or cord is so arranged within the recess, and is held against
lateral movement by the upright 8, it can slide or move longitudinally while in
the act of lacing the shoe. It will, however, at all times be held practically within
the recess 12, by the stud or like abutment 11. In this way it is prevented from
slipping out of, and away from the device while lacing.
When it is desired to disengage and remove the lacing or cord, it is simply
moved laterally out of the recess 12 in the same manner as it is drawn into said
recess.
The above is the use of the device when the office expected of it is that of a
hook for engaging the lacing or cord and holding it against lateral movement,
where, as in some cases it is immaterial whether it has longitudinal movement or
not, or where it is specially desired that it shall have longitudinal movement,
but shall be held as far as possible against slipping out of the device.
But where it is desired that the device shall act to hold the lacing or cord
absolutely against all movement, the latter can be wound once or twice about the
upright or standard 8, as shown in Figure 14. In such case, the windings
become so firmly wedged in the recess 12, between the upright 8 and stud 11,
that they cannot be displaced by drawing on the end of the lacing or cord; and
the latter is as a result held fast.
It will be observed that devices embodying this invention of mine are par-
ticularly well adapted for use in holding the laces of shoes, gloves and the like.
When so employed, they are applied to the sides of the shoes or glove with
the uprights, 8, 8 nearest the open space which is to be spanned by the lacing, as
best shown in Figs. 1 and 14.
The laces are then wound back and forth in the usual way, and drawn into the
recesses 12, 12 of the devices. After the laces have been applied to the shoe or
glove in this way, they can be drawn taut throughout their entire length, by
simply drawing on their upper or free ends, it being seen that this is permitted
by the longitudinal movement allowed the lace by each device. As a result,
the shoe or glove can be laced loosely as desired, and can afterward be quickly
and easily tightened throughout its length simply by drawing on the ends of the
laces. The string or cord after being fully laced, is under control throughout its
entire length.
When the shoe or glove is once laced, it will remain in that condition.
The stud or abutment of each device will hold the lace against slipping
laterally out of the recess thereof. So when the article is only partially laced and
the lacing is left in an unfastened condition, as shown in Figure 10, the remain-
ing portion of the lacing will not become undone. This is particularly advan-
tageous in taking shoes off for when the lacing is undone to the desired point,
and the shoe removed, the remaining portion will remain laced and will be in that

page_text: condition when it is desired to again wear the shoes. In view of this result, it
will be seen that my improved fasteners can be applied to the sides of the shoes
from one end to the other, and the eyelets, commonly employed upon the lower
portion thereof, can thereby be dispensed with, with the result that the lacing
of the shoe will be much facilitated and quickened.
The laces can be fastened at their upper ends by simply tying them in a bow
knot, as is ordinarily done, after they have been engaged by the uppermost
devices. But if desired, they can be fastened by winding them once or twice
about the uppermost fasteners, or in fact about intermediate fasteners so that they
will be held fast thereby, as shown in Fig. 14.
When it is desired to unlace the strings or laces, this can be easily and quickly
accomplished by exerting a slight outward strain upon them, at each device.
In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that my improved device is simple,
efficient and inexpensive, practical and easy to manipulate; that it is capable of
a great variety of applications; that its office can be that either of a hook or a
fastener, at will; and that it is particularly well adapted for use upon shoes and
gloves, and exceedingly advantageous and effective when so used.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion (as communicated to me from abroad) and in what manner the same is to be
performed, I declare that what is claimed is:-
1. A fastening device comprising a post or standard, a head or top arranged
laterally to the post or standard; and a stud or abutment extending downwardly
from the top or head at one side of the post or standard, and forming a recess
between itself and the latter.
2. A fastening device comprising a post or standard, a head or top arranged
laterally to said post or standard, and extended on opposite sides thereof; and a
stud or abutment extended downwardly from the top or head, and forming a
recess between itself and the latter.
3. A fastening device comprising a post or standard, a head or top arranged
laterally to the post or standard; and a stud or abutment extending downwardly
from the top or head at one side of the post or standard, and forming between
itself and the latter an upwardly contracted recess.
4. A fastening device comprising a cup-shaped head; a shank or standard
consisting of a metallic strip secured thereto and extending downwardly and
thence outwardly so as to become servicable as a means of attachment; and a
jam or abutment consisting of a metallic strip secured to the head and bent down-
wardly and thence outwardly so as to form an upwardly tapering recèss.
5. A lacing hook having a tapering stud or abutment projecting into the
cord recess and a depression or cavity centered opposite to the apex of said stud
or abutment.
6. A lacing hook comprising a tubular fastening shank, a base, a standard, a
top and a depending conoidal stud located above the opening of the tubular
shank.
T
1 1
J. G. LORRAIN,
Communicatee.