Lace locking system

Abstract

A lace or draw string fastening system can include a clamping unit and a capture element. The clamping unit can clamp onto the laces, such as shoe laces, to tighten the shoes and the capture element can capture and contain the free ends of the laces that extend from the clamping unit to prevent tripping by securing them to other portions of the laces or the article that houses the laces. The fastening system can be used in a shoe lace fastening system without the need for knot tying. The clamping unit can clamp the laces together at the top of the shoe to hold the laces tight while the capture element can contain or secure the free ends of the shoe lace to the shoe or the laces adjacent the toe to prevent tripping.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and any and all benefits as provided by law of U.S. design application Ser. No. 29 / 362,997 filed 3 Jun. 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0004]1. Technical Field of the Invention[0005]The present invention generally relates to methods and mechanisms for securing garments and fabric using laces. More particularly, this invention relates to a locking mechanism and system for fastening or locking laces, such as shoe laces to prevent the laces from coming untied and to avoid the user tripping over the lace ends.[0006]2. Description of the Prior Art[0007]Laces have been in widespread use for hundreds of years. Laces are typically threaded through holes in flexible materials, such as fabrics and leather to fasten and secure the material to a person or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]The present invention is directed to a fastening system for holding one or more laces or lace ends in an intended position in order, for example, to maintain a garment or a cover in position. The fastening system generally includes a first clamping unit for controlling the tightness of the laces or the lace ends and a second clamping unit for securing the portion of the lace or laces or lace ends that extend from the first clamping unit so that they can be secured to the garment or cover to prevent them from dangling and becoming caught or otherwise causing a nuisance.

Problems solved by technology

This ancient process is cumbersome.

The tying process is time consuming and subject to error, particularly with children.

Shoelaces frequently become loose and then untied creating a hazard and potential for injury.

Unfortunately, these alternatives do not provide the same ability to tighten shoes the way shoelaces do.

Although these patents disclose a wide variety of fasteners, none of these addresses all of the disadvantages listed above.

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