Lacing system

Abstract

A lacing system includes a lace loop attached to a strap. The lace loop is threaded through eyelets of a sneaker, in such a manner that, a single pull on the strap, causes the lace segments to move through the eyelets of the sneaker opening, so that the entire length of the opening contracts simultaneously. This pull lifts the entire arch area, thus providing better support. The lace segments converge at the strap, near the ankle, thus providing better support at the ankle. Additional lace segments could be disposed above the arch to provide better arch support. A strap or fastening member may attach to the sneaker by either a ratchet buckle, clasp, hook, snap, or a hook-and-loop fastener. The sneaker opens to it's maximum width, automatically when the user steps out.

Description

[0001] This is a Continuation-In-Part application of pending international application number PCT / US01 / 28664 filed Sep. 14, 2001, the disclosure of which is hereby fully incorporated by reference. This application is entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 355,287, filed Feb. 6, 2002.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention relates to the manner in which laces are threaded though the eyelets of sneakers for fastening. More generally, this invention relates to a lacing system which, in addition to fastening shoes, can be used to fasten items such as corsets, garments, orthopedic devices, or luggage etc.[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art[0005] To tightly fasten conventional sneakers the user crisscrosses and pulls on the two (2) lace ends at each eyelet pair, starting at the bottom eyelets, until he reaches the top eyelets, after which he makes a bow knot to secure the shoe. In this manner, the laces have been tightened to prov...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Of course, some users will not bother with tightening the laces at each eyelet pair, and, in this situation, the sneaker does not provide as snug of a fit.

This is time consuming, cumbersome, and requires that the user to have the know-how and dexterity to tie bow knots.

Additionally, current art lacing systems have other disadvantages such as they do not maintain their tension and are not safe because the bow knots often become undone.

Instead, the strand transverses front to back and from top to bottom, and thus, (since the strand does not criss-cross) the shoe does not provide adequate support for the users foot.

Additionally, the opening has a lace strand disposed across the top of the boot horizontally, limiting the width of the opening, and thus making it difficult for the user to insert or remove his foot.

These type of strands, which are not guided on the opposite side of the opening, are not safe and further weaken the lacing for the boot.

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