Shoelace replacement system and method

Abstract

A shoelace substitute approximates the look and function of a shoelace and includes a length of elastic material and two barbs. The barbs are each placed at and contain one of the ends of the elastic material, being crimped around the end of the elastic material to form a T. The barbs are sized to be inserted through eyelets of the shoe to connect opposite eyelets in the same manner as a shoelace. An associated method allows for replacement of the shoelace with a number of such shoelace substitutes, each connecting a pair of eyelets. The color and shape of the elastic material may be varied to coordinate with various kinds of shoes. The effect is to create a “slip-on” shoe from a “lace-up” shoe.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present relates generally to a replacement system for shoelaces, and more particularly to an elastic shoelace substitute and method that effectively converts lace-up shoes into slip-on shoes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The problems associated with lace-up shoes are numerous and well known to the shoe-wearing public. Shoelaces can be difficult to insert into shoes. They can suffer from breakage or knotting. They can become soiled easily, necessitating their removal, cleaning, and replacement. Their ends can become frayed. They can come untied easily, exposing the wearer to a tripping hazard. Identifying the appropriate size of shoelace for replacement purposes can be difficult.[0003]For such a common and everyday article that virtually everyone has had some experience with, shoelaces pose an enormous number of relatively trivial problems. Those problems become more significant when viewed through the eyes of a person who has a mobility disability,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]In accordance with the aforementioned and other needs, the present invention includes a shoelace substitute for approximating the look and function of a shoelace in a shoe. The shoelace substitute includes a length of elastic material that has first and second ends. At each of the ends, the elastic material is provided with a barb, which has been crimped around and contains the end of the elastic material to form a T. The barbs are sized so that they can be inserted linearly through an eyelet of the shoe, whereupon they may be rotated in order to prevent them from being easily or casually withdrawn from the eyelet. Each end may be similarly inserted into corresponding eyelets to connect them via the elastic material, thereby approximating the look of a shoelace.

[0010]In another aspect, the present invention includes a shoelace system for approximating the look and function of a shoelace in a shoe. The shoelace system includes a number of shoelace substitutes, substantially as described above, with the number being selected to connect all, or substantially all, of the eyelets of the shoe. The group of shoelace substitutes together more fully approximates both the look and function of a fully laced shoe, but because the material joining or connecting the eyelets is elastic, the shoe may be easily “opened” to allow the insertion of the foot. The elastic action of the “laces” draws the eyelets back toward each other to provide a fit that is similar to that of a conventional shoelace, preventing the shoe from being easily dislodged from the wearer's foot.

Problems solved by technology

Shoelaces can be difficult to insert into shoes.

They can suffer from breakage or knotting.

They can become soiled easily, necessitating their removal, cleaning, and replacement.

Their ends can become frayed.

They can come untied easily, exposing the wearer to a tripping hazard.

Identifying the appropriate size of shoelace for replacement purposes can be difficult.

For such a common and everyday article that virtually everyone has had some experience with, shoelaces pose an enormous number of relatively trivial problems.

Those problems become more significant when viewed through the eyes of a person who has a mobility disability, a temporary injury, or another disabling condition that makes lacing up shoes difficult.

However, slip-on shoes pose their own problems.

Depending upon the size and shape of the wearer's foot, slip-on shoes may be too tight to put on easily or too loose to keep on easily.

Moreover, slip-on shoes are not always readily available for purchase, especially in athletic varieties.

Each of these methods also pose their own problems, such as lack of availability, or merely replace one problem associated with laces with a similar problem.

Moreover, these alternative methods may be deemed unattractive or unfashionable.

Additionally, none of these alternative methods have heretofore been available to retrofit existing shoes.

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