Shoe fastener and extension tool

Abstract

Described is a shoe fastener for use with a shoe having an upper, eyelets in the upper, and laces. The shoe fastener includes a zipper having a zipper clasp and a tape. The tape has a width on each side of the zipper clasp that is sized and shaped to accommodate tape eyelets in the tape on each side of the zipper clasp. Upon inserting the shoe fastener adjacent to the upper of the shoe, and threading the laces through the shoe eyelets and the tape eyelets to secure the fastener to the shoe, the shoe may be fastened and unfastened by operating the zipper clasp.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present specification relates generally to fasteners, and more specifically relates to footwear fasteners and associated tools.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Footwear is widely recognized as an important personal possession used daily by many people. For many footwear users, their use of footwear also serves important fashion and social functions. The quantity and range of footwear available for purchase in the marketplace is huge. In addition to variation reflective of quality, dimensions, and intended use, much variety is provided to satisfy individual preferences with regard to such aspects as color, design, and material.[0003]Many items of footwear incorporate laces as a means of closing the items of footwear to assist in holding the footwear securely around a foot. Some people have difficulty using laces or related closing features. For example, many young children have not yet learned to tie laces, many people may have trouble tying laces due ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a shoe fastener that makes it easy to fasten and unfasten a shoe with laces. The fastener includes a zipper with a zipper clasp and a tape, which has eyelets on its sides. By inserting the fastener into the shoe and threading the laces through the eyelets and the tape eyelets, the shoe can be securely fastened and unfastened by operating the zipper clasp. The invention also includes a zipper with a tape that has eyelets on its sides, and a flexible extension element that is attached to each side of the tape to make it easier to use the fastener. The invention is useful for those who frequently put on and take off shoes, as it provides a convenient and efficient way to fasten and unfasten shoes.

Problems solved by technology

The quantity and range of footwear available for purchase in the marketplace is huge.

Some people have difficulty using laces or related closing features.

For example, many young children have not yet learned to tie laces, many people may have trouble tying laces due to age-related decline, illness, injury, the effects of medication, developmental disabilities, or physical disabilities.

People who have difficulty with laces and related closing features and tools may accordingly lose access to a great number of potential footwear selections, and may find themselves limited to a comparatively small selection from which to satisfy their needs and desires.

This may be particularly true for casual and athletic footwear, which are generally manufactured in a lace-up configuration and which may not function as well when in a non-lace-up configuration such as a slip-on, front-zipper, or Velcro™ configuration.

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