GB2447314A

GB2447314A - Apparatus and method of tying laces and the like

Info

Publication number: GB2447314A
Application number: GB0723163A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Lindow
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-03-09
Filing date: 2007-11-27
Publication date: 2008-09-10
Anticipated expiration: 2027-11-27
Also published as: GB0704574D0; GB0723163D0; GB201001014D0; GB2447314B

Abstract

Apparatus to maintain tension in a lace, string and the like while tying a bow or knot in footware, packages or bundles, comprises a pair of cooperating faces 5c (preferably convex) spaced apart and held together at their base to define space 5d (preferably V-shaped) for receiving the lace ends. At least one face provides a frictional locking force on the lace when in the space. In use the lace is intertwined to form the first part of the bow or knot and drawn under tension into space 5d. Frictional force maintains tension in the lace even if the ends are relaxed. The free ends of the lace may then be secured separately. Alternatively, the space is dimensioned such that the remainder of the bow can be tied and pulled tightly onto the intertwined portion to maintain tension. The space 5d may have flared ends to facilitate lace/string exit or entry. A lace/string hole 3 may be arranged to retain the apparatus on a lace, and may have a gap in the circumference to pass a lace. An elasticated member or a slot may secure free lace ends and/or bow loops.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE FOR TYING LACES AND

THE LIKE

This specification relates to the tying of knots in laces, cords, strings and the like. It is particularly appropriate to the tying of bows, but is also applicable to other types of knots.

Many types of apparatus for maintaining the tension in laces, strings, etc. are known. In this description, the term lace' will be used for simplicity to mean any lace, string, cord, twine, or like elongate member, which may be used for tying knots in shoe laces, securing packages, bundles, etc. or otherwise placed in tension and where this tension is to be maintained for a period of time. In almost all cases, the lace is held by a means so that either a knot can be tied or the lace is held securely so that a knot does not need to be tied. Such means of maintaining tension, or locking' the laces against relaxing the tension, may mean intertwining the laces together, or use principles such as passing the lace round a tortuous passage, or gripping it between high friction elements, or wedging it between acutely angled edges, etc. All these means apply before the knot is tied, and, in some cases, may be used instead of actually tying the knot. When a bow is tied, e.g. to secure a shoe onto a foot, three stages are involved, viz:- 1. The ends of the laces are pulled through the eyelets, to take up the slack in the laces resulting from putting the shoe onto the foot; 2. Then, the ends of the laces are intertwined and the ends beyond the intertwining pulled to the required tension for the shoe to be a comfortable fit on the foot; and finally 3. While maintaining the tension from stage 2, the loops are created and the second part of the knot formed and pulled tightly against the tensioned intertwined part of the knot to complete the bow. * * ****

In the prior art means, the laces may be locked after stage 2, however, this does not teach a person to tie a bow under tension. without the aid of such means. One of the key achievements for all young children is learning to tie a bow, e.g. to secure their shoes on their feet after playing games, etc. Generally, it does not take children long to master stages I and 2 and even forming the loops is not too much of a problem but pulling them tightly against the *. intertwined portion, while simultaneously maintaining the tension in the intertwined part is the problem. If the tension is lost, the result is that a bow is tied but the shoe is slack on the foot..

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Thus, in a real situation, even though the child can tie a bow, the mother, teacher, or an assistant, usually has to retie it tightly for them Often with locking devices, the ends of the laces are locked facing away from each other and so, attempting to tie a bow, may release the locking means so that the device is of no help in teaching how to tie bows tightly. Thus, there is an urgent need for a means to help young people learn to tie bows and then to enable them to tie the bows tightly.

According to the invention, there is provided apparatus to help people to tie tightly bows, or other knots, in laces, strings and the like, comprising:-I) a pair of co-operating faces, spaced apart and forming a space therebetween and held fast together at / near the base of the pair of faces; and ii) a facing(s) on at least one of the sides of the pair of faces facing each other adapted to provide a frictional locking force on a lace, string or the like placed in the space; charactensed in that the two ends of the lace, string or the like are intertwined (to form the first part of a bow or other knot) and pulled to the required tension and I or maintained at the required tension while the intertwined portion of the laces, strings or the like is drawn into the space formed between the pair of faces so that the intertwined portion of the lace, string or the like becomes wedged in said space and gripped firmly therein by the frictional force due to the facing(s) thereby securing the intertwined portion of the lace, string or the like in the space while maintaining the tension in other parts of the lace, string or the like so that loops may be formed without the person tying the bow or other knot having to maintain said tension and the bow or other knot may be completed and pulled tightly onto the intertwined portion of the lace, string or the like thus producing a tightly tied bow or other knot which maintains the required tension in the rest of the lace, string or the like. * S S...

According to a first variation of the apparatus of the invention, the pair of co-operating faces is parallel to each other so that the space therebetween is parallel sided. S..

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According to a second variation of the apparatus of the invention, the pair of co-operating :.:. faces is angled towards each other so that the space therebetween is in the form of an acute angle or V-shaped. -2

According to a third variation of the apparatus of the invention, the plane of intersection of the sides of the pair of angled faces lies along a straight line.

According to a fourth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the side(s) of one / both of the faces forming the space is I are in the form of a convex curve with the convex curve facing inwards into the space.

According to a fifth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the space formed by the acute angle between the pair of angled faces (V-shaped space) is such as to accommodate a range of different diameters of lace when intertwined.

According to a sixth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the depth of the space between the pair of angled faces is such as to accommodate a range of different diameters of lace.

According to a seventh variation of the apparatus of the invention, the V-shaped space is truncated so that the actual point / plane of intersection is not visible as a part of the slot.

According to an eighth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the space formed by the V-shaped space, including its depth, is such that when the two ends of the lace, string or the like are intertwined and the intertwined portion is drawn fully into said space, a surface of the intertwined portion is essentially flush with the distal ends of the faces forming the two sides of the V-shaped space so that, when the loops part of the bow or other part of the knot is tied and pulled tightly onto the intertwined part, the two parts of the bow I other knot are in direct, frictional contact.

*.**.* According to a ninth variation of the apparatus of the invention, a flared end is provided at each end of the angled faces to facilitate entry and exit of the lace into and out of the constriction formed by the pair of faces forming the acute angle (V-shaped space). S. * * . * S

*: .30 According to a tenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the base section at / near the line of intersection of the pair of angled faces and with which the pair of angled faces is fast is :.:. extended at one I both ends beyond the limits of the pair of angled faces.

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According to an eleventh variation of the apparatus of the invention, a lace hole is provided in the extension(s) of the base section.

According to a twelfth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the lace hole is provided with means to retain the apparatus of the invention on to the lace.

According to a thirteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the lace hole is adapted to be an interference fit around the end(s) of the laces so that the apparatus of the invention may be threaded onto the end(s) of the lace and slid along the lace to the point where the bow, or other knot, is to be tied when the item of footwear is put on and slid away from this point when the item of footwear is taken off yet is retained on the lace for subsequent use According to a fourteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the lace hole is adapted to grip the lace when it is intertwined, placed in tension and the intertwined portion is drawn into the V-shaped space.

According to a fifteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the portion of the base section between the lace hole and the V-shaped space between the angled faces is adapted to provide a frictional gripping force on a lace, string or the like.

According to a sixteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the lace hole is adapted for speed lacing.

According to a seventeenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the lace hole adapted for speed lacing is provided with a circumferential gap.

According to an eighteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the lace hole has a part elasticated circumference. * .* * * * * **

** According to a nineteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the face of the base **.* section opposite to that on which the pair of angled faces is located has the form of the concave curve appropriate to that of the curvature of the foot in the area where laces are tied * .30 to secure an item of footwear on to the foot.

: .* According to a twentieth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the apparatus is provided * with means to secure the free ends and I or loops of the lace adjacent to the knot and to said apparatus so that they do not get inadvertently caught and pulled undone or cause the wearer to trip and fall.

According to a twenty first variation of the apparatus of the invention, the means to secure the free ends and the loops of the lace to said apparatus is an elasticated means secured on / adjacent to the outside face of one of the angled faces and engageable with a member provided on I adjacent to the outside face of the other angled face.

According to a twenty second variation of the apparatus of the invention, the means of securing the free ends and loops of the lace is to fold the free ends and loops into a bundle, place the bundle adjacent to the bow or other knot and bring the elasticated member from the outside of the one angled face, over the bundle and engage it with the member on the outside face of the other angled member.

According to a twenty third vanation of the apparatus of the invention, the means of securing the free ends and / or loops of the lace is to place the free ends and / or loops into a slot adjacent to one of the angled faces.

According to a twenty fourth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the free ends and I or loops are an interference fit in the slot and give the appearance of a bow.

According to a twenty fifth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the apparatus is fast with the tongue of the item of footwear being worn.

According to a twenty sixth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the apparatus is fast with an eyelet of the item of footwear being worn. * ** * * * * ** **** * S S... *5 * S S * . 5*S * 5S * . . S.. S S..

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According to the invention, there is provided a first method of using the apparatus of the invention to help people to tie tightly bows, or other knots, in laces, strings and the like, comprising the steps of:-I) providing a lace, string or the like in which a bow, or other knot, is to be tightly tied; ii) providing a pair of faces, spaced apart and forming a space therebetween and held fast together at / near the base of the pair of faces; iii) providing a facing(s) on at least one of the sides of the pair of faces facing each other adapted to provide a frictional locking force on a lace, string or the like placed in the space formed therebetween; iv) intertwining the two ends of the lace (to form the first part of the bow or other knot) and pulling the ends to give the required tension in the intertwined portion; v) drawing the tensioned intertwined portion into the space formed therebetween as far as it will go until the intertwined portion is firmly gripped by the frictional facing(s) on the faces and the lace is correctly tensioned and locked against relaxation; vi) forming the loops of the bow I parts of the other knot, completing the bow / other knot and pulling tight so that the completed bow / other knot is drawn towards the space formed by the faces and is firmly united with the intertwined portion to give the completed and tightly tied bow / other knot; characterised in that the loops / parts of the other knot are formed without the requirement to maintain the tension in the intertwined portion of the lace.

According to a first variation of the first method of the invention, the ends of the lace and / or loops of the bow are retained adjacent to the apparatus of the invention by folding the ends and I or loops into a bundle, placing the bundle adjacent to the apparatus of the invention and securing it with an elasticated means attached to one part of the apparatus of the invention, passed around the bundle and removably attached to another part of the apparatus of the invention.

According to a second variation of the first method of the invention, the ends of the lace and I or loops of the bow are retained adjacent to the apparatus of the invention by folding the ends and / or loops and placing the folded ends and / or loops into a slot fast with the apparatus of the invention.

According to the invention, there is provided a Second method of using the apparatus of the invention tO help people to tie tightly bows, or other knots, in laces, strings and the like, or otherwise securing laces, strings or the like against relaxation, comprising the steps of:-i) providing a lace, string or the like in which a bow, or other knot, is to be tightly tied; Ii) providing a pair of faces, spaced apart and forming a space therebetween and held fast together at I near the plane of intersection Of the pair of faces; iii) providing a facing(s) on at least one of the sides of the pair of faces facing each other adapted to provide a frictional locking force on a lace, string or the like placed in the space formed by the acute angle; lv) intertwining the two ends of the lace (e.g. as would be done to form the first part of a bow) and pulling the ends to give the required tension in the intertwined portion; v) drawing the tensioned intertwined portion into the space formed between the pair of faces as far as it will go until the intertwined portion is firmly gripped by the frictional facing(s) on the face(s) and the lace is correctly tensioned and locked against relaxation; v) providing a means of securing the free ends of the lace; characterised in that only the first part of a bow is completed and the intertwined portion is firmly locked against relaxing the tension placed in the lace and, when the free ends of the laces are secured separately, the footwear may be used in the normal way.

According to a first variatIon of the second method of the invention, the lace is doubly intertwined before drawing into the space between the high friction, constricting facings.

* .. According to a second variation of the second method of the invention, the free ends of the lace are secured adjacent to the apparatus of the invention.

r* :* According to a third variation of the second method of the invention, the free ends of the lace are secured remotely from the apparatus of the invention.

L:" According to a fourth variation of the second method of the invention, the free ends of the lace are secured by a clasp or by a Velcro means.

In a preferred application of the apparatus of the invention, it is used to assist in the tying of the laces of a pair of shoes onto a person's feet. An item of the apparatus of the invention, made from a suitable material such as a high quality polymer or alloy, is threaded onto the ends of a lace in a first shoe, via holes at the ends, and moved to the point where the bow is to be tied.

The two ends of the lace are pulled through the eyelets to remove the slack, then intertwined and pulled to the required tension for that shoe. This intertwined section is drawn towards the top of the foot so that it is moved into and downwards towards the bottom of the angled V-shaped space until the intertwined parts of the lace are wedged firmly as far down into the angle as is convenient for that diameter of intertwined lace. The frictional force generated by the surfaces on the co-operating angled faces will then grip the two ends of the lace to stop them moving axially (with respect to the axis of the lace) and relaxing the tension in the lace.

The tension in the free ends of the lace may now be eased, the loops formed and the knot pulled tightly onto the intertwined portion in the angled space. Thus, a bow is tied tightly onto the intertwined portion of the lace and the resulting knot maintains the preset tension in the lace, so keeping the shoe tight tied onto the foot.

The same procedure is repeated for the second shoe on the other foot.

Afurther preferred feature of the apparatus of the invention is a means to confine the free ends and loops of the lace. This may be in the form of an elasticated means to locate the loops and lace ends adjacent to the apparatus of the invention. To use it, the loops and free ends are collected together and folded backwards and forwards to form a bundle and the bundle is placed, for example, on top of the bow, above the V-shaped space. An elasticated means is attached to the outside of one of the face members, forming the V-shaped space, and is drawn up and over the bundle and engaged with a member on the outside of the other face member.

This effectively keeps all loops and ends of the lace on the top of the foot, in front of the wearer and in an area where the risk of catching on anything is minimal. I. *. S* *

:.30 Ideally, the underside of the apparatus of the invention is curved to align with the curvature of the top of the foot in the area where shoes are normally tied. * I* * Se. S

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To remove the shoes, the elasticated means is disengaged and the lace unfolded. The bow is untied and the ends of the lace pulled upwards to lift the intertwined portion out of the V-shaped slot and release the tension in the lace. The apparatus is slid along the lace away from the shoe (but retained on the lace) and the shoe removed from the foot.

The principle of the invention is applicable to the tying of bows, reef or granny knots, etc, in any application, e.g. tying shoes, tying parcels, etc. In this latter case, the underside of the apparatus of the invention would be flat, as opposed to being curved, and need not have the string holes so that it could be removed from the knot after it had been tied.

Apparatus of the invention can be produced with different sizes of V-shaped space, i.e. with different spacings between the faces forming the acute angle and different depths, e.g. for use with shoe laces or with boot laces or with thick cords, etc. However, the appropriate apparatus for each different size of lace is that for which the intertwined portion fills the V-shaped space so that, when tight, the looped section of the bow, or other knot, is in direct, frictional contact with the intertwined portion of the knot.

Where athletes need to change footwear quickly, e.g. while actually competing, it is possible to use an apparatus of the invention to grip the intertwined laces and secure the ends separately, i.e. without necessarily completing the second part of the bow. The ends may be bundled up together and secured by the elasticated means, or equivalent. Such a procedure could save valuable seconds in a closely contested race, where changes of footwear are required..

For a clearer understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:-. * ** * * I * **

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first example of the apparatus on the invention; Figure 2 is an end elevation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1; :.. Figure 3 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1; * *:30 Figure 4 is a closeup view of the shoe in Fig. 4a, showing the threading of the apparatus of Fig. 1 onto the lace; Figure 4a is a perspective view of shoe 10, of which Fig. 4 is a part magnified view; Figure 5 is a close up view of the crossing of the lace and drawing the apparatus of Fig. I down onto tongue 11; Figure 5a is a perspective view of shoe 10, of which Fig. 5 is a part magnified view; Figure 6 is a close up view of the intertwined portion of the lace drawn down into the V-shaped slot of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Figure 6a is a perspective view of shoe 10, of which Fig. 6 is a part magnified view; Figure 7 is a close up view of the completed bow tied tightly onto the apparatus of Fig. 1, Figure 7a is a perspective view of shoe 10, of which Fig. 7 is a part magnified view; Figure 8 is a close up view of the intertwined lace of Fig. 6, where the free ends of the lace are looped and secured by placing in a slot adjacent to the apparatus of Fig. 1; Figure 8a is a perspective view of shoe 10, of which Fig. 8 is a part magnified view; Figure 9 is a close up view of the intertwined portion of the lace of Fig. 6, where the free ends of the lace are taken round the back of the ankle for securing; Figure 9a is a perspective view of shoe 10, of which Fig. 9 is a part magnified view; Figure 10 is a close up view of the intertwined portion of the lace of Figs 7 018, where the folded ends of the lace are secured under an elasticatecg loop; Figure lOa is a perspective view of shoe 10, of which Fig. lOis a part magnified view.

Figure 11 is a first perspective view of a second example of the apparatus of the invention; Figure 12 is a second perspective view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 11, including a speed-lacing feature; and Figure 12 is a perspective view of a third example of the apparatus of the invention.

In the following description, the same reference numeral is used for identical parts in different Figures, or for different parts fulfilling an identical function.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the apparatus of the invention I is shown in perspective view in * .. Fig. 1 and in end and plan views in Figs. 2 and 3 respectively. A base member 2 supports two ::: lace constricting members 5 spaced apart and facing each other, as shown. Constricting members 58 are formed as two facing convex curves with flared end members 5A forming an * :* entrance I exit into a V-shaped space 5D between them where the convex curve brings faces 5 :. together as portions 58. The adjacent, co-operating faces 5C are angled towards each other so that an acute angle 5D (or V-shaped space) is formed towards the base 2A. The faces 5C : C. of constriction 5B are of a nature to provide a frictional grip on laces and gripping elements 6 :. are provided on the adjacent faces of members 5 in the portion 5B, as shown (Fig. 3).

Apparatus 1 can be made of a high quality polymer or a metal and faces 5C treated, if necessary, to have an appropriate coefficient of friction with the material from which laces, strings or the like are made.

Lace holes 3 are provided at both ends of base 2 and are shaped to lead the lace into the gap 5D between constricting members 56. Flaps 4 in lace holes 3 are provided to grip the laces passing therethrough. Lines 4A show the joins between the plurality of flaps 4 in each hole 3.

A variation of the shape of lace hole 3 may be provided to give the end 3A, adjacent to the V-shaped space SD, a V-shaped (teardrop) form (not shown) so that, when the lace is tensioned intertwined (Fig. 6) and pulled into Constriction SD, the lace will wedge in the V-shaped end 3A (not shown) and so co-operate with the other means of locking the lace.

CentraJ section 2A of base 2 is thickened to provide a more stable base for the attachment of space members 5, especially in the area of maximum constriction 5B The change of section between the ends of base 2 and central section 2A is formed by curve 2C and this Convex curve (against which a part of the lace will lie) may also be provided with gripping elements (not shown) and I or a surface having a suitable coefficient of friction. Underside 2B of base 2 has a concave curve (Fig. 11) to rest more contiguously against tongue 11 and the curve of the upper part of the foot immediately underneath.

On one side of apparatus 1 is a loop 8 to which an elasticated strip 14 (Fig. 10) may be secured. On the opposite side is a member 7, terminating in a hook 7A. Where lace 9 is excessively long, the excess ends and bow loops may be bundled up 15 (Fig. 10) and secured under strip 14, which terminates in a loop (not shown) to engage with hook 7A. Elasticated strip 14 could be a simple rubber band and so is easily replaced when it breaks.

Fig. 4a shows a perspective view of shoe 10 with apparatus i of the invention threaded onto * *. the two ends 9A and 98 of lace 9 via holes 3. Fig. 4 is a magnified view of this area of the shoe with apparatus 1 being moved downwards towards tongue 11. Fig. 5a shows the preparation for tying the lace 9 by crossing over ends 9A and 96 prior to intertwining. In Fig. 5, this is shown magnified and apparatus I is brought closer down onto tongue 11.

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Figs. 6 and 6a show laces 9a, 9b intertwined 12 with apparatus 1 firmly in contact with tongue 11. In this position, the ends 9a and 9b are pulled to the required tension, the lace is tightly intertwined 12 and pulled down into V-shaped space 50 so that the intertwined portion 12 of lace 9 is firmly locked and the tension in shoelace 9C maintained. In this position, curved underside 2B is tight against tongue 11 and presses gently onto the upper curved surface of the foot (not shown). The tension in ends 9a and 9b may now be released. Figs. 7 and 7a show the completed bow 13 formed and pulled tight so that the tension in laces 9C is fully maintained. Space SD is sized so that, for a particular lace diameter, the loop part of bow 13 and intertwined portion 12 is in direct, frictional contact.

It will be noted that, when laces 9A and 9B are secured (Figs. 6, 6A), the formation of the loops and the rest of bow 13 can be undertaken at the pace appropriate to that of the person tying lace 9 and without having to maintain the tension in the intertwined portion 12. For example, young children often fumble with the first loop and winding the lace around it and through to make the second loop and then with pulling the loops tight. While tying a bow becomes second nature' once the principle has been mastered, it can be a deep frustration when a child knows the basic stages but either just cannot get the steps right or lacks the necessary manual dexterity. Learning to tie a bow is an essential part of growing up but an extra bit of help is always welcome and the sooner the child acquires the basic skill, the sooner he / she will be able to progress to tying laces tightly without the need for apparatus 1.

At the opposite end of the age spectrum, elderly people, who might have had strokes or lost some of the strength and dexterity in their fingers, will find apparatus 1 invaluable because, while they often have the capability to pull the laces tight and complete the knot, they may not 26 be able to do the two together. Elderly people tend to be very independent and will strive to maintain their faculties. Apparatus 1 will give them a little of this independence. S. S. * * * * *

*:. A basic feature of the design should be stressed here. A bow or other knot is tied tightly when the two parts, i.e. the intertwined part and the loops part, are firmly in contact with each other * *5 so that there is mutual contact and a frictional grip between the two parts. Thus, V-shaped space 50 must not be too deep, or too narrow, for the two parts to come into proper, direct contact. Ideally, space SD is sized so that intertwined portion 12 fully fills space 5D, i.e. the top of intertwined lace 12, when properly tensioned, should be flush with the top edge 5E of constriction 5B (Fig. 2).

Thus, a range of sizes of apparatus 1 will be produced for different diameters of laces 9. It will be noted that V-shaped space may be truncated for all but the thinnest laces, e.g. as shown 5D in Fig. 2 andindicated by surface 2A (Fig. 1).

Figs. 8 and 8a show an example of the apparatus 1 for use by children who have not yet mastered the tying of the second, loop part of the bow. Here, the intertwined part 12 is completed and the ends of the lace bent round into loops' 15A and the free ends secured by pressing into slot 7B (Fig. 2). This will give the appearance of a bow and save the child from teasing until he / she has learnt how to tie that part of the knot.

Sometimes, athletes have to change footwear very quickly during races, e.g. in triathalons, which involve consecutive stages of swimming, running and cycling. Under these circumstances, a means of securing the shoe onto the foot without having to tie a full bow is desirable. Figs. 8 and 8a show how the intertwining part of the bow 12 alone may be used to secure lace 9 and the free ends of the lace 9a, 9b bundled together and, either pulled down 15A into slot 7B (Fig. 2), or secured 15 under an elasticated flap 14 (Figs. 10 & lOa), which is then hooked over end 7A. Slot 7B is sized to grip bundle 15 firmly, so that the athlete can bound away without risk of bundle 15 coming free.

In this case, the effect of the gripping members 6, combined with the passage of laces 9A and 9B through holes 3, the gripping effect of holes 3A, and / or flaps 4 and of the elements on curve 2C, can efficiently combine together to lock lace 9 without the need to tie the second part of the bow. Another helpful factor is to intertwine lace 9 twice before pulling into Constricting * ** space5D. * * *

An alternative arrangement, suitable for athletes, is shown in Fig. 9, where the ends of the laces 9A and 9B are pulled tight, as before, and then passed around to the back of the ankle *:. for securing, e.g. via a Velcro means ora clasp (neither shown). * ** *

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In a variation of the design (Figs. 11 and 12), apparatus I of the invention is secured directly to tongue 11 (not shown in Figs. 11 and 12). Here, ends 2D of base 2, and holes 3B therein, are angled upwards so that lace 9 enters holes 3B more nearly horizontally than vertically (as shown in Figs. 4 and 5). This is more appropriate to the speed lacing requirements of athletes and a further feature is to provide a gap 3C in the circumference 2D of hole 3B so that lace 9 may be passed into hole 3B without having to be threaded right from the ferrule at the end.

When children are wearing trainers, they often have trouble with excessively long laces. In this case, after tying the bow 13 (Figs. 7, 7a), the loops and I or excess laces 9A, 9B are bundled up 15 and either secured with strip 14 (Figs. 10, lOa) or stuffed (Fig. 8) into slot 7B (Fig. 2) or secured around the ankle (Figs. 9, 9a).

Often, children will pull laces erratically, or at an angle to the axis through hole 3 and this can overstress the circumference 3D of hole 3. If part of this circumference, away from constriction 5, is made from an elasticated material, it can deform to these erratic pulls and be easier for the child to use the invention 1. Similarly, erratic pulls might not align lace 9 with V-shaped space 5D. One way to minimise the mis-alignment would be to have lace hole 3 very close to space 5D. Fig. 13 shows a variation of the apparatus of the invention I in which an extended base 2E is provided with a smaller lace hole 3D. Hole 3D is aligned with the eyelet of the lace hole in the shoe upper (not shown) and secured fast with the upper (not shown) in this position so that lace 9 will come through hole 3D and fall directly into space 5D [possibly via a flared inlet 5A (not shown)J. If one end of lace 9 is already in, or aligned with, space 5D, intertwining and pulling tight will automatically draw the other end of lace 9 into gap 5D too. Thus, the variation shown in Fig 13 may be supplied as an integral part of the shoe by the manufacturer and automatically ease the use of the apparatus of the invention for the typical child in a hurry! The apparatus of the invention may also be used for tying parcels, etc., where a variation of the Figs. 1 and 11 designs is preferred. Here, there would be no need for holes 3, hook member 7 or loop member 8 and underside 2B would be flat. The modified apparatus 1 (not shown) would be placed on the side of the parcel and the intertwined string 9 tensioned and drawn 12 into constricting space 5D. The rest of the bow / knot would then be tied 13 and pulled tight. Modified apparatus 1 may now be removed from the knot by rotating it about the axis of the string 9 and pulling off the intertwined portion 12 (not shown). Thus, modified apparatus 1 may be repeatedly used for a large number of parcels.

The principle of the invention has been described with respect to tying or securing footwear laces and tying parcels, etc. It may also be used as a means of retaining a tension in appropriate elongate members. These, and all such applications, fall within the scope of the invention. * S. * S S * .. ** * S S... ** * S * * . * S.. * .*

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Claims

Claims:- 1 Apparatus to help people to tie tightly bows, or other

knots, in laces, strings and the like, comprising:-i) a pair of co-operating faces, spaced apart and forming a space therebetween and held fast together at / near the base of the pair of faces; and ii) a facing(s) on at least one of the sides of the pair of faces facing each other adapted to provide a fnctional locking force on a lace, string or the like placed in the space; characterised in that the two ends of the lace, string or the ilke are intertwined (to form the first part of a bow or other knot) and pulled to the required tension and I or maintained at the required tension while the intertwined portion of the laces, strings or the like is drawn into the space formed between the pair of faces so that the intertwined portion of the lace, string or the like becomes wedged in said space and gripped firmly therein by the frictional force due to the facing(s) thereby securing the intertwined portion of the lace, string or the like in the space while maintaining the tension in other parts of the lace, string or the like so that loops may be formed without the person tying the bow or other knot having to maintain said tension and the bow or other knot may be completed and pulled tightly onto the intertwined portion of the lace, string or the like thus producing a tightly tied bow or other knot which maintains the required tension in the rest of the lace, string or the like.

2 Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of co-operating faces are parallel to each other so that the space therebetween is parallel sided. * *

* . . . . . 3 Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of co-operating faces is angled towards each other so that the space therebetween is in the form of an acute angle or :. V-shaped.

4 Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plane of intersection of the sides of the * 30 pair of angled faces lies along a straight line.

Apparatus, as claimed in claims 2 or 4, wherein the side(s) of one / both of the faces forming the space is / are in the form of a convex curve with the convex curve facing inwards into the space.

6 Apparatus, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the space formed by the acute angle between the pair of angled faces (V-shaped space) is such as to accommodate a range of different diameters of lace when intertwined.

7 Apparatus, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the depth of the space between the pair of angled faces is such as to accommodate a range of different diameters of lace.

8 Apparatus, as claimed in claim 7, wherein the V-shaped slot is truncated so that the actual point / plane of intersection is not visible as a part of the slot.

9 Apparatus, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the space formed by the V-shaped space, including its depth, is such that when the two ends of the lace, string or the like are intertwined and the intertwined portion is drawn fully into said space, a surface of the intertwined portion is essentially flush with the distal ends of the faces forming the two sides of the V-shaped slot so that, when the loops part of the bow or other part of the knot is tied and pulled tightly onto the intertwined part, the two parts of the bow / other knot are in direct, frictional contact.

Apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, a flared end is provided at each end of the angled faces to facilitate entry and exit of the lace into and out of the constriction formed by the pair of faces forming the acute angle (V-shaped space).

11 Apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base section at / near the line of intersection of the pair of angled faces and with which the pair of angled faces is fast is extended at one / both ends beyond the limits of the pair of angled faces. * S.

12 Apparatus, as claimed in claim, 12, wherein a lace hole is provided in the extension(s) * of the base section.

13 Apparatus, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the lace hole is provided with means to *$0 retain the apparatus of the invention on to the lace. -. 17

14 Apparatus, as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lace hole is adapted to be an interference fit around the end(s) of the laces so that the apparatus of the invention may be threaded onto the end(s) of the lace and slid along the lace to the point where the bow, or other knot, is to be tied when the item of footwear is put on and slid away from this point when the item of footwear is taken off yet is retained on the lace for subsequent use Apparatus, as claimed in claim 15, wherein the lace hole is adapted to grip the lace when it is intertwined, placed in tension and the intertwined portion is drawn into the V-shaped space.

16 Apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the portion of the base section between the lace hole and the V-shaped space between the angled faces is adapted to provide a frictional gripping force on a lace, string or the like.

19 Apparatus, as claimed in claims 15 or 16, wherein the lace hole is adapted for speed lacing.

Apparatus, as claimed in claim 19, wherein the lace hole adapted for speed lacing is provided with a circumferential gap.

21 Apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lace hole has a part elasticated circumference. * ** * * *

22 Apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the face of the base section opposite to that on which the pair of angled faces is located has the form of the concave curve appropriate to that of the curvature of the foot in the area where laces are tied to secure an item of footwear on to the foot.

23 Apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is provided with *.30 means to secure the free ends and / or loops of the lace adjacent to the knot and to said apparatus so that they do not get inadvertently caught and pulled undone or cause the wearer to trip and fall. -. 18

24 Apparatus, as claimed in claim 23, wherein the means to secure the free ends and the loops of the lace to said apparatus is an elasticated means secured on I adjacent to the outside face of one of the angled faces and engageable with a member provided on / adjacent to the outside face of the other angled face.

Apparatus, as claimed in claim 23, wherein the means of securing the free ends and loops of the lace is to fold the free ends and loops into a bundle, place the bundle adjacent to the bow or other knot and bring the elasticated member from the outside of the one angled face, over the bundle and engage ft with the member on the outside face of the other angled member.

26 Apparatus, as claimed in claim 25, wherein the means of securing the free ends andf or loops of the lace is to place the free ends and I or loops into a slot adjacent to one of the angled faces.

27 Apparatus, as claimed in claim 26, wherein the free ends and / or loops are an interference fit in the slot and give the appearance of a bow.

28 Apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is fast with the tongue of the item of footwear being worn.

29 Apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is fast with an eyelet of the item of footwear being worn. * 25 ** ** * * S * S * **S

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A first method of using the apparatus of the invention to help people to tie tightly bows, or other knots, in laces, strings and the like, comprising the steps of:-i) providing a lace, string or the like in which a bow, or other knot, is to be tightly tied; ii) providing a pair of faces, spaced apart and forming a space therebetween and held fast together at / near the base of the pair of faces; iii) providing a facing(s) on at least one of the sides of the pair of faces facing each other adaptedto provide a frictional locking force on a lace, string or the like placed in the space formed therebetween; iv) intertwining the two ends of the lace (to form the first part of the bow or other knot) and pulling the ends to give the required tension in the intertwined portion; v) drawing the tensioned intertwined portion into the space formed therebetween as far as it will go until the intertwined portion is firmly gripped by the frictional facing(s) on the faces and the lace is correctly tensioned and locked against relaxation; vi) forming the loops of the bow / parts of the other knot, completing the bow I other knot and pulling tight so that the completed bow I other knot is drawn towards the space formed by the faces and is firmly united with the intertwined portion to give the completed and tightly tied bow I other knot; characterised in that the loops I parts of the other knot are formed without the requirement to maintain the tension in the intertwined portion of the lace.

31 A first method of using the apparatus of the invention, as claimed in claim 30, wherein the ends of the lace and / or loops of the bow are retained adjacent to the apparatus of the invention by folding the ends and / or loops into a bundle, placing the bundle adjacent to the apparatus of the invention and securing it with an elasticated means attached to one part of the apparatus of the invention, passed around the bundle and removably attached to another part of the apparatus of the invention. * *. * * S *SS S

32 A first method of using the apparatus of the invention, as claimed in claim 30, wherein the ends of the lace and I or loops of the bow are retained adjacent to the apparatus of the invention by folding the ends and / or loops and placing the folded ends and / or loops into a slot fast with the apparatus of the invention.

33 A second method of using the apparatus of the invention to help people to tie tightly bows, or other knots, in laces, strings and the like, or otherwise secure laces, strings or the like against relaxation, comprising the steps of:-i) providing a lace, string or the like in which a bow, or other knot, is to be tightly tied; ii) providing a pair of faces, spaced apart and forming a space therebetween and held fast together at / near the plane of intersection of the pair of faces; iii) providing a facing(s) on at least one of the sides of the pair of faces facing each other adapted to provide a frictional locking force on a lace, string or the like placed in the space formed by the acute angle; iv) intertwining the two ends of the lace (e.g. as would be done to form the first part of a bow) and pulling the ends to give the required tension in the intertwined portion; v) drawing the tensioned intertwined portion into the space formed between the pair of faces as far as it will go until the intertwined portion is firmly gripped by the frictional facing(s) on the face(s) and the lace is correctly tensioned and locked against relaxation; vii) providing a means of securing the free ends of the lace; characterised in that only the first part of a bow is completed and the intertwined portion is firmly locked against relaxing the tension placed in the lace and, when the free ends of the laces are secured separately, the footwear may be used in the normal way.

34 A second method of using the apparatus of the invention, as claimed in claim 33, :.:: wherein the lace is doubly intertwined before drawing into the space between the high friction, constricting facings. I. * * S * S

A second method of using the apparatus of the invention, as claimed in claims 33 or 34, wherein the free ends of the lace are secured adjacent to the apparatus of the invention. * *5 * S S *S* S

*. 30 36 A second method of using the apparatus of the invention, as claimed in claims 33 or 34, wherein the free ends of the lace are secured remotely from the apparatus of the invention.

37 A second method of using the apparatus of the invention, as claimed in claims 33 or 34, wherein the free ends of the lace are secured by a clasp or by a Velcro means.

38 Apparatus and methods of helping people to tie tightly bows, or other knots, in laces, strings and the like as described in and by the above statement with reference to the accompanying drawings. * ** * * * * ** S... * * ** *. .. SI * * S * * * , S * * * S..

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