GB2395886A

GB2395886A - Shoe lace retention apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2395886A
Application number: GB0311999A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan John Williams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-12-05
Filing date: 2003-05-27
Publication date: 2004-06-09
Also published as: GB0311999D0; GB0228379D0

Abstract

The lace retention apparatus 10 arranged to be coupled to the underside of a shoe tongue 20 and comprises first and second fastening portions 1,2 made of a hook and loop fastening material. A shoe lace 4 can be retained in a securement position by the lace retention apparatus 10 while presenting a fashionable unknotted appearance for the lace 4 without reducing comfort for the shoe wearer or presenting a trip hazard.

Description

Improvements in and Relating to Lace Retention Field of the Invention

5 The present invention relates to lace retention apparatus, to shoes comprising lace retention apparatus, and to methods of lace retention.

Background to the Invention

Shoes, boots and the like are commonly fastened with a lace. Typically, a lace is threaded through opposed apertures in a shoe upper, and can be tied in a knot to maintain the apertures a set distance apart once the 15 wearer's foot is in the shoe. In this way the shoe can be secured to the wearer's foot.

However, for aesthetic reasons the presence of a knotted lace is not fashionable, particularly with casual and 20 training shoes. The absence of a knot causes a number of problems. Firstly, the shoe is not fixed to a wearer's foot, and may occasionally fall off. Secondly, the free ends of the lace may form a trip hazard. Thirdly, if the free ends of the lace are inserted into the shoe they can 25 cause discomfort for the wearer.

It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether identified herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a lace retention apparatus arranged to be coupled to a shoe and 5 retain a lace associated with the shoe in a securement position. Suitably, the lace retention apparatus is arranged to be coupled to the interior of a shoe. Suitably, the lace lo retention apparatus is arranged to be coupled to a shoe tongue. Suitably, the lace retention apparatus is arranged to be coupled to the underside of a shoe tongue.

Suitably, the lace retention apparatus is arranged to be coupled to the shoe by sewing, or by adhesive.

Suitably, the lace retention apparatus comprises first and second fastening portions. Suitably, the first and second fastening portions are arranged to be coupleable to one another. Suitably, the first and second fastening 20 portions respectively comprise the hook part and the loop part of a hook and loop fastening material. Suitably, the first fastening portion is arranged to be coupled to the underside of a shoe tongue. Alternatively, the second fastening portion is arranged to be coupled to the 25 underside of a shoe tongue.

Suitably, the fastening portion arranged to be coupled to the underside of the tongue is smaller than the other, movable fastening portion. Suitably, the first and second 30 fastening portions are coupled to one another. Suitably, the first and second fastening portions are coupled to one another at a distal part of the fastening portion to be coupled to the underside of the tongue.

Suitably, the movable fastening portion comprises a grip portion. Suitably, the grip portion comprises a part of the movable fastening portion arranged to be grasped by a 5 user. Suitably, the grip portion comprises a smooth part of the movable fastening portion. Suitably, the grip portion comprises a proximal part of the movable fastening portion. lo Suitably, the first and second fastening portions are arranged to in use receive first and second free ends of a lace therebetween, to retain the lace in a securement position. 15 Suitably, the first and second fastening portions are arranged to in use retain first and second free ends of a lace therebetween and hold the free ends across the underside of the tongue. Suitably, the first and second fastening portions are arranged to couple to one another 20 and retain the first and second free ends of a lace by friction. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a shoe comprising a lace retention apparatus coupled to a shoe 25 and arranged to retain a lace associated with the shoe in a securement position.

Suitably, the lace retention apparatus is the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of lace retention comprising the step of: (a) providing a lace retention apparatus coupled to a shoe; and (b)

retaining a lace associated with the shoe in a securement position. Suitably, in step (b) the lace is retained in a securement 5 position at least partially within in the lace retention apparatus. Suitably, the lace retention apparatus provided in step (a) is the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention.

Suitably, the step (b) further comprises the sub-steps of: (bl) inserting first and second free ends of a lace between the first and second fastening portions; and (b2) coupling the first and second fastening means to one another. Brief Descrintion of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention, and to show 20 how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a lace retention apparatus 25 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention coupled to a shoe tongue; Figure 2 shows a side view of the lace retention apparatus of Figure 1 retaining a free end of a lace; Figure 3 shows a front view of the lace retention apparatus of Figure 1 in use to retain the free ends of a lace;

Figure 4 shows a front view of the lace retention apparatus of Figure 1 in use retaining the free ends of a lace; and Figure 5 shows a top view of a shoe incorporating the lace retention apparatus of Figure 1.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figure 1 shows a lace retention apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lace retention apparatus is shown in position coupled to the underside of a shoe tongue 20.

The free ends of a lace can be retained in a securement position within the lace retention apparatus 10. This helps keep the shoe on a wearer's foot without the need for a knot by inhibiting the loosening of the lace. The 20 free ends of the lace are keeps out of sight within the shoe allowing a fashionable, aesthetic appearance to be maintained. Also, the position in which the laces are held is comfortable for a wearer, and does not comprise a trip hazard.

Use of the lace retention apparatus will now be described with reference to Figures 1-5.

The lace retention apparatus 10 comprises first and second 30 fastening portions 1,2. The first and second fastening portions 1,2 respectively comprise the hook part and the loop part of a hook and loop fastening material.

A suitable hook and loop fastening material is sold under the trade mark Velcro.

In use, the first and second fastening portions 1,2 are 5 separated as show in Figure 1, and the free ends of a lace 4 inserted therebetween, as show in Figure 3.

The first and second fastening portions 1,2 are then pushed together and fastened to one another and the lace 4, securing the lace 4 in a securement position by 10 friction, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. The first and second free ends of the lace 4 are held across the underside of the tongue, where they do not cause discomfort. The lace 4 can be inserted into the lace retention apparatus 10 with the shoe on a foot and a 15 tongue pulled up, or alternatively the lace 4 can be secured and then the shoe put on. Once the lace 4 is secured in this way, the shoe can be put on and removed easily. 20 The first fastening portion 1 is preferably coupled to the underside of the tongue 20 by sewing, however the first fastening portion 1 could also be coupled to the tongue by adhesive, or a combination of methods. Preferably the hook part of the fastening material is fixed to the 25 tongue, as this part is generally less flexible than the loop part. In this way the user moves the generally more flexible loop part when using the lace retention apparatus 1. The size and shape of the fastening portions 1,2 can be varied according to the size of shoe to which the lace 30 retention apparatus 10 is fitted, however, a suitable size is approximately 2-6cm long, by approximately 1-2cm wide.

The first fastening portion 1 coupled to the underside of the tongue 20 is slightly smaller than the other, movable second fastening portion 2. This is to prevent the hooks of the first fastening portion from engaging the foot or 5 sock of the user. The first and second fastening portions 1, 2 are coupled to one another at a distal part of the lace retention apparatus 10 so that the second fastening portion 2 forms a flap. However, the second fastening portion 2 could be coupled to the tongue close to the lo first fastening portion 1. Preferably, the second fastening position 2 cannot be removed, so cannot be lost.

The second fastening portion 2 comprises a grip portion 3.

The grip portion 3 comprises a smooth part of the second 15 fastening portion 2 arranged at its free, proximal end.

In use a user grasps the grip portion 3 to move the second fastening portion 2. By making the grip portion smooth, and not part of the hook and loop fastening, the lace retention apparatus is comfortable to use. An additional 20 grip portion could also be added in the form of a flap of flexible material extending from the underside of the second fastening portion 2.

Although the lace retention apparatus 10 has been 25 described coupled to the tongue 20, it could be located at other suitable positions within a shoe upper. However, as the tongue is normally well padded and relatively easily accessible this location has particular advantages in terms of wearer comfort and ease of use. Furthermore, the 30 apparatus could be supplied as a separate item for a user to fix in a suitable position within their own shoes. The lace retention apparatus 10 could itself be releaseably

coupled to a shoe, allowing a user to move a single lace retention 10 apparatus between shoes as required.

As an alternative, other fastening portions could be used, 5 for example of fabric or other sheet materials. In this case, some additional fastening means such as a button and button hole would be require to releasably couple the fastening portions to one another, thereby allowing the insertion and removal of a lace. However, the use of lo Velcro has the advantage that the hooks may engage the lace material to provide enhanced securement.

The lace retention apparatus can be used with any shoe, boot or other footwear including a lace. In particular 15 the lace retention apparatus is suitable for us with casual and/or training shoes, where aesthetic appearance is important. The appearance of a shoe with laces retained by the lace retention apparatus is shown in Figure 5.

Thus a lace retention apparatus and method have been described that is cheap and easy to manufacture. The apparatus is also easy to use, and provides an effective means for securing a wearer's shoe in place without the 25 need for a knot. This can provide a fashionable look, and also eliminates the need for knot tying, which can be difficult and time consuming.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which 30 are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and

which are open to public inspection with this

specification, and the contents of all such papers and

documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification

5 (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including

any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the 20 foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any 25 method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims:

1. A lace retention apparatus arranged to be coupled to a shoe and retain a lace associated with the shoe in a 5 securement position.

2. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in claim 1, arranged to be coupled to the interior of a shoe.

lo

3. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, arranged to be coupled to a shoe tongue.

4. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2, or 3, arranged to be coupled to the underside 15 of a shoe tongue.

5. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, arranged to be coupled to the shoe by sewing, or by adhesive.

6. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising first and second fastening portions. 25

7. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first and second fastening portions are arranged to be coupleable to one another.

8. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 30 7, wherein the first and second fastening portions respectively comprise the hook part and the loop part of a hook and loop fastening material.

9. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6, 7, or 8, wherein the first fastening portion is arranged to be coupled to the underside of a shoe tongue.

5

10. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6, 7, or 8, wherein the second fastening portion is arranged to be coupled to the underside of a shoe tongue.

11. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or lo 10, wherein the fastening portion arranged to be coupled to the underside of the tongue is smaller than the other, movable fastening portion.

12. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in claim 11, 15 wherein the movable fastening portion comprises a grip portion arranged to be grasped by a user.

13. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the grip portion comprises a smooth part of the 20 movable fastening portion.

14. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the grip portion comprises a proximal part of the movable fastening portion.

15. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein the first and second fastening portions are coupled to one another.

30

16. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 15, wherein the first and second fastening portions are coupled to one another at a distal part of

the fastening portion to be coupled to the underside of the tongue.

17. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in any 5 preceding claim, wherein the first and second fastening portions are arranged to in use receive first and second free ends of a lace therebetween, to retain the lace in a securement position.

lo

18. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second fastening portions are arranged to in use retain first and second free ends of a lace therebetween and hold the free ends across the underside of the tongue.

19. The lace retention apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second fastening portions are arranged to couple to one another and retain the first and second free ends of a lace by friction.

20. A shoe comprising a lace retention apparatus coupled thereto, the lace retention apparatus arranged to retain a lace associated with the shoe in a securement position.

25

21. The shoe as claimed in claim 20, wherein the lace retention apparatus is the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19.

22. A method of lace retention comprising the step of: (a) 30 providing a lace retention apparatus coupled to a shoe; and (b) retaining a lace associated with the shoe in a securement position.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein in step (b) the lace is retained in a securement position at least partially within in the lace retention apparatus.

5

24. The method as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the lace retention apparatus provided in step (a) is the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19.

25. The method as claimed in any one of claims 22, 23 or lo 24, wherein the lace retention apparatus provided in step (a) comprises first and second fastening portions, and wherein the step (b) further comprises the sub-steps of: (bl) inserting first and second free ends of a lace between the first and second fastening portions; and (b2) 15 coupling the first and second fastening portions to one another.

26. A lace retention apparatus substantially as herein described, with particular reference to Figures 1 to 5.

27. A shoe comprising a lace retention apparatus substantially as herein described, with particular reference to Figures 1 to 5.

25

28. A method of lace retention substantially as herein described.