Shoestring with gripping regions

Abstract

A shoestring made from elastically deformable silicone defines a constant taper between opposite end portions and a center portion, is narrowest at the center portion, and increases in size in an axial direction between the center portion and each end portion. The center portion may be configured with a length which is approximately one half of the total length of the shoestring. The end portions may each be configured with a length which is approximately one quarter of the total length of the shoestring. Each end portion may also define a convex end with a tapering cross-section in an axial direction away from the center portion, and may be colored differently than the center portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 060,497, filed Aug. 3, 2020 and titled AESTHETIC SHOESTRING WITH GRIPPING REGIONS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to shoestrings, and more particularly, to shoestrings having variable cross-sections for aiding knot formation and preventing knot slippage.2. Description of the Related Art[0003]Shoestrings, shoelaces, and other forms of laces for footwear (herein, “shoestrings”) are used to tighten and secure sneakers, shoes, boots, etc., to a user's feet. Each shoestring typically includes separate strings woven together into a flat elongated weave structure. Each end of the weave structure includes a plastic sheath (e.g, an aglet) which encloses and compresses the end of the shoestring. The sheath provides rigidity an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a new shoestring design that improves its stability and appearance. The new design has adjustable length, greater durability, and a customizable aesthetic appearance. It also has a varying cross-section along its center and end portions for better knot stability and customization. In summary, the patent aims to enhance the overall experience of tying and wearing shoestrings on various types of footwear.

Problems solved by technology

Although both children and adults learn how to tie shoestrings at a very young age, and often do so daily, when they employ the process described above, various problems can arise that result in the shoelaces loosening or becoming completely untied.

Such unintentional loosening and untying often requires refitting, retightening, and retying of the shoestrings, particularly when knots users have tied (e.g., bow knots) slip during use.

Additionally or alternatively, other portions of the knot (e.g., the inner portions of the loops of the bow knot) may slip during use due to a lack of friction between tied portions of the knot.

However, as the shoestring is repeatedly exposed to water over time, the individual strings of the weave can expand, contract, and / or loosen, which can degrade the shoestring, and ultimately, cause additional knot slippage.

As shoestrings repeatedly become wet and dry, their quality wears.

This coupled with repeated tension, compression, and other forces applied to the shoestrings may cause them to break as the forces between individual strings of the weave changes.

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