Lace device and lace guide for a shoe

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a shoelace assembly and a shoelace guide for shoes. A shoelace assembly for shoes is provided. The shoelace assembly substantially comprises an upper, a shoelace tightener, and shoelaces. The upper includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The shoelace tightener is disposed on the upper. The shoelaces are coupled to the shoelace tightener. The shoelaces include a first shoelace portion extending entirely on the first surface and a second shoelace portion extending entirely on the second surface. The first shoelace portion and the second shoelace portion intersect each other via the first and second surfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a shoelace device and shoelace guide for shoes. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a shoe has an upper and a sole. The upper is attached to the sole and is configured to receive the wearer's foot. Typically, the upper has a first portion, a second portion, and an opening between the first and second portions. In some shoes, a tightener is coupled between the first and second portions to apply a tightening force to the upper to tighten it to the wearer's foot. Many types of closures exist for shoes. An example of a shoe with a roll-based tightener is disclosed in U.S. Patent 10,413,019B2 (assigned to Boa Technology, Inc.). In the roll-based tightener, a lacing cord is wound around a roll, which is rotated to selectively tighten the upper to the wearer's foot and loosen the upper from the wearer's foot. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In general, this disclosure relates to various features of shoelace devices and / or shoelace guides for footwear. One object of this disclosure is to improve the tightening of the upper to the wearer's foot.

[0004] In view of the state of the prior art and according to a first aspect of this disclosure, a shoelace device for a shoe is provided. The shoelace device substantially includes an upper, a shoelace tightener, and shoelaces. The upper includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The shoelace tightener is disposed on the upper. The shoelaces are coupled to the shoelace tightener. The shoelaces include a first shoelace portion extending entirely on the first surface and a second shoelace portion extending entirely on the second surface. The first shoelace portion and the second shoelace portion cross each other via the first surface and the second surface. Using the shoelace device according to the first aspect, the shoelaces can be easily pulled by the shoelace tightener to tighten the upper to the wearer's foot.

[0005] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the shoelace device according to the first aspect is configured such that the shoelace tightener includes a spool-based tightener.

[0006] Using the shoelace device according to the second aspect, the shoelace tightener can be easily operated to adjust the tightness using a roller-based tightener.

[0007] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, the shoelace device according to the first or second aspect is configured such that the upper includes a first component having a first end connected to the upper and a second end not connected to the upper.

[0008] By utilizing the shoelace device according to the third aspect, the shoe upper can be reliably tightened using a shoelace tightener.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, the shoelace device according to the third aspect is configured such that the first shoelace portion and the second shoelace portion cross each other at a second end adjacent to the first component.

[0010] Using the shoelace device according to the fourth aspect, the shoelaces can be reliably pulled by the shoelace tensioner.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, the shoelace device according to a third or fourth aspect is configured such that the first component includes an opening extending from the first surface to the second surface, and the shoelace passes through the opening.

[0012] Using the shoelace device according to the fifth aspect, the first shoelace portion can be easily and entirely located on the first surface, and the second shoelace portion can be easily and entirely located on the second surface.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, the shoelace device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that the first component includes a strip.

[0014] By utilizing the shoelace mechanism according to the sixth aspect, the shoe upper can be reliably tightened.

[0015] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a shoelace guide for a shoe is provided. The shoelace guide substantially includes a body comprising a first body surface, a second body surface, and a third body surface extending between the first body surface and the second body surface. The body also includes a first path and a second path. The first path is configured to receive a first lace portion of a shoelace. When viewed in a first direction perpendicular to the third body surface, the second path is spaced apart from the first path, and the second path is configured to receive a second lace portion of the shoelace. When viewed in a second direction perpendicular to one of the first body surface and the second body surface, the first path and the second path intersect each other.

[0016] Using the shoelace guide according to the seventh aspect, the shoelaces can be easily pulled by the shoelace tightener to tighten the upper to the wearer's foot.

[0017] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, the shoelace guide according to the seventh aspect is configured such that the body is made of resin material.

[0018] By using the shoelace guide as described in the eighth aspect, the shoelace guide can be made lightweight and have low manufacturing cost.

[0019] According to a ninth aspect of this disclosure, the shoelace guide according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the resin material includes at least one selected from polyamide, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.

[0020] Using the shoelace guide according to aspect nine, various resin materials suitable for specific applications can be used to manufacture the shoelace guide.

[0021] According to the tenth aspect of this disclosure, the shoelace guide according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects is configured such that the first path and the second path pass between the first body surface and the second body surface.

[0022] Using the shoelace guide according to aspect ten, the shoelaces are at least partially protected by the shoelace guide.

[0023] According to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, the shoelace guide according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects is configured such that the first route includes a pair of first openings in the body and a first channel extending between the first openings; and the second route includes a pair of second openings in the body and a second channel extending between the second openings.

[0024] Using the shoelace guide according to the eleventh aspect, the first shoelace portion of the shoelace can be easily guided along the first path in the shoelace guide, and the second shoelace portion of the shoelace can be easily guided along the second path in the shoelace guide.

[0025] According to the twelfth aspect of this disclosure, the shoelace guide according to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the third body surface includes the first opening and the second opening.

[0026] By using the shoelace guide according to aspect 12, the shoelace guide and the shoelace can be made relatively compact.

[0027] According to the thirteenth aspect of this disclosure, the shoelace guide according to any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects is configured such that the body is a single component.

[0028] Using the shoelace guide according to aspect thirteen, the shoelace guide can have a relatively simple structure.

[0029] Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed shoelace device and shoelace guide will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which discloses preferred embodiments of the shoelace device and shoelace guide in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this original disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 It is an outer perspective view of a shoe (e.g., a cycling shoe) having a shoelace device according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a top view of the cycling shoes.

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image shows an inside elevation view of the shoe.

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 Partial top-side perspective view of the free end portion of the shoe's strap shown.

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Partial bottom perspective view of the free end portion of the strip shown.

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figures 1 to 3 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe upper, illustrating a first lace portion extending on a first surface and a second lace portion extending on a second surface.

[0037] Figure 7 It is an outer perspective view of a shoe (e.g., a cycling shoe) having a shoelace assembly according to the second embodiment, wherein the shoelace assembly includes a shoelace guide.

[0038] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The image shows an inside elevation view of the shoe.

[0039] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 and Figure 8 An enlarged perspective view of the first side of the shoelace guide shown, in which the shoelaces have been guided through the shoelace guide.

[0040] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 and Figure 8 An enlarged perspective view of the second side of the shoelace guide shown, in which the shoelaces have been guided through the shoelace guide.

[0041] Figure 11 yes Figures 7 to 10 The image shows a side view of a shoelace guide, with the shoelaces already guided through the guide. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of footwear from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0043] First refer to Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of a shoe 10 having a shoelace assembly 12 according to the first embodiment. The shoe 10 is configured to be worn on a wearer's foot F. The shoe 10 is particularly suitable for cycling. Therefore, the shoe 10 constitutes a cycling shoe. However, the shoelace assembly 12 can be applied to footwear such as athletic shoes, sneakers, or slippers with straps. Therefore, the shoelace assembly 12 is provided for shoes.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, shoe 10 is the left shoe. It should be noted that this specification describes shoe 10 worn on the left foot, but omits the description of shoe worn on the right foot. Preferably, the right shoe is a mirror image of shoe 10. Therefore, the shoelace device 12 can be applied to the right shoe. Shoe 10 essentially comprises a sole 14 and an upper 16.

[0045] The sole 14 supports the upper 16. Specifically, the sole 14 is attached to the upper 16. The sole 14 can be fixedly attached to the upper 16 in a conventional manner, such as by stitching, gluing, and / or embedding portions of the upper 16 into the sole 14. Thus, the upper 16 and the sole 14 are combined together. The sole 14 supports the sole of the foot. The sole 14 includes an outsole 14a and an insole 14b. The insole 14b is disposed on the opposite side of the outsole 14a. The outsole 14a faces the outside of the shoe 10. For example, the outsole 14a contacts the ground. The insole 14b faces the inside of the shoe 10. The insole 14b is configured to contact the sole of the wearer's foot F. The sole 14 may also have a midsole between the outsole 14a and the insole 14b. Optionally, the outsole 14a of the sole 14 may be provided with a stud mounting structure for mounting bicycle studs to the bottom of the outsole 14a.

[0046] The upper 16 covers the top of the wearer's foot F. The upper 16 is attached to the sole 14 as described above. Here, the upper 16 is a low-cut style upper. However, the upper 16 is not limited to a low-cut style and can be of any style. The upper 16 is made of any suitable natural or polymeric material. The upper 16 can be formed from expandable or non-expandable materials. For example, the upper 16 can be made of leather, nylon mesh, and / or any other material used in conventional uppers.

[0047] In a first embodiment, the shoelace assembly 12 essentially includes an upper 16, a shoelace tightener 18, and shoelaces 20. The shoelace tightener 18 is disposed on the upper 16. The shoelaces 20 are coupled to the shoelace tightener 18. The shoelace tightener 18 is configured to apply a tightening force to the upper 16 to tighten the upper to the wearer's foot F. Here, the shoelace assembly 12 also includes additional shoelace tighteners 22 and additional shoelaces 24. The additional shoelace tightener 22 is also configured to apply a tightening force to the upper 16 to tighten the upper 16 to the wearer's foot F. The shoelace tightener 18 can be considered a first shoelace tightener 18, and the shoelaces 20 can be considered an upper shoelace 20. On the other hand, the additional shoelace tightener 22 can be considered a second shoelace tightener 22, and the additional shoelaces 24 can be considered a second shoelace 24.

[0048] Here, the shoelace tightener 18 includes a reel-based tightener. Similarly, the additional shoelace tightener 22 includes a reel-based tightener. Reel-based tighteners are well known in the footwear industry. For example, a reel-based tightener is disclosed in U.S. Patent 10,413,019B2 (assigned to Boa Technology, Inc.) and can be used for shoelace tightener 18 and additional shoelaces 24. Of course, it will be apparent that other types of reel-based tighteners, as well as non-reel-based tighteners, can be used as needed and / or desired.

[0049] Basically, the shoelace tightener 18 includes a base 18a, a spool portion 18b, and a knob portion 18c. The base 18a is fixed to the upper 16. The spool portion 18b is rotatably mounted to the base 18a. At least a first end of the shoelace 20 is attached to the spool portion 18b. A second end of the shoelace 20 is attached to either the base 18a or the spool portion 18b. The knob portion 18c is connected to the spool portion 18b to rotate the spool portion 18b relative to the base 18a. A positioning mechanism is provided between the base 18a and the spool portion 18b to progressively pull and progressively release the shoelace 20 from the shoelace tightener 18. The positioning mechanism of the shoelace tightener 18 can be any type of positioning mechanism, such as the positioning mechanism disclosed in U.S. Patent 10,413,019B2.

[0050] Similarly, the additional shoelace tightener 22 includes a base 22a, a spool portion 22b, and a knob portion 22c. The base 22a is secured to the upper 16. The spool portion 22b is rotatably mounted to the base 22a. At least a first end of the shoelace 20 is attached to the spool portion 22b. A second end of the shoelace 20 is attached to either the base 22a or the spool portion 22b. The knob portion 22c is connected to the spool portion 22b to rotate the spool portion 22b relative to the base 22a. A positioning mechanism is provided between the base 22a and the spool portion 22b to progressively pull and release the additional shoelace 24 from the additional shoelace tightener 22. The positioning mechanism of the additional shoelace tightener 22 can be any type of positioning mechanism, such as the positioning mechanism disclosed in U.S. Patent 10,413,019B2.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper 14 has a first portion 26, a second portion 28, and an opening 30 located between the first portion 26 and the second portion 28. A shoelace tightener 18 and an additional shoelace tightener 22 are disposed on the second portion 28 of the upper 14. The shoelace tightener 18 and the additional shoelace tightener 22 are configured to pull the first portion 26 toward the second portion 28 to tighten the upper 16 to the wearer's foot F. Here, the upper 16 includes a first component 31 having a first end 31a connected to the upper 16 and a second end 31b not connected to the upper 16. Preferably, the first component 31 includes a strap 31c. The first component 31 is attached to the first portion 26 and partially covers the second portion 28. The first component 31 is attached to the shoelace tightener 18 via shoelaces 20. When the roller portion 18b of the shoelace tightener 18 rotates, the shoelaces 20 are pulled to tighten the upper 16 around the wearer's foot F, or released to loosen the upper 16 around the wearer's foot F.

[0052] Furthermore, the upper 16 includes a second component 32 and a third component 33 connected to a first portion 26 of the upper 16. The second component 32 and the third component 33 are coupled to the first portion 26 and partially cover the second portion 28. The second component 32 has a lace guide 34, and the third component 33 has a lace guide 36. The second portion 28 also has a lace guide 38. The ends of additional laces 24 are connected to additional lace tighteners 22. The additional laces 24 are also hooked onto the lace guides 34, 36, and 38, such that the additional laces 24 are wound around the spool of the additional lace tighteners 22 to tighten the upper to the wearer's foot and to loosen from the upper to the wearer's foot. When the spool portion 22b of the additional lace tighteners 22 rotates, the additional laces 24 are pulled to tighten the upper 16 to the wearer's foot F, or released to loosen the upper 16 around the wearer's foot F.

[0053] The upper 16 includes a first surface 40 and a second surface 42 that is opposite to the first surface 40. Here, the first surface 40 is the outer surface of the shoe 10. The second surface 42 includes the inner surface of the shoe 10 and the surfaces of the first component 31, the second component 32, and the third component 33, which cover some portions of the second portion 28 of the upper 16.

[0054] The shoelace 20 includes a first shoelace portion 44 and a second shoelace portion 46. The first shoelace portion 44 extends entirely on a first surface 40. The second shoelace portion 46 extends entirely on a second surface 42. Preferably, the second shoelace portion 46 extends entirely on the second surface 42 without contacting the first shoelace portion 44. The first shoelace portion 44 and the second shoelace portion 46 intersect each other via the first surface 40 and the second surface 42. Here, a first shoelace guide 50 is disposed on the first surface 40, and a second shoelace guide 52 is disposed on the second surface 42. The first shoelace guide 50 is configured to guide the first shoelace portion 44 along a portion of the first surface 40. The second shoelace guide 52 is configured to guide the second shoelace portion 46 along a portion of the second surface 42. The first shoelace guide 50 and the second shoelace guide 52 intersect each other via the first surface 40 and the second surface 42. Preferably, the first shoelace guide 50 and the second shoelace guide 52 intersect each other at a second end adjacent to the first component. Here, the first shoelace guide 50 and the second shoelace guide 52 are tubes made of a material with a low coefficient of friction (e.g., a smooth resin material). Preferably, the resin material includes at least one of polyamide, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. Alternatively, the first shoelace guide 50 and the second shoelace guide 52 may be made of a ring disposed on the first component 31 of the upper 16.

[0055] In a first embodiment, the first component 31 includes an opening 54. The opening 54 extends from the first surface 40 to the second surface 42. The shoelace 20 passes through the opening 54. Thus, the strip 31c of the first component 31 separates the first shoelace portion 44 from the second shoelace portion 46. Optionally, a shoelace guide 56 is provided inside the upper 16 for receiving the second shoelace portion 46. Here, the shoelace guide 56 is a tube made of a material with a low coefficient of friction (e.g., a smooth resin material). Preferably, the resin material includes at least one of polyamide, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. Alternatively, the first shoelace guide 50 and the second shoelace guide 52 may be made of a loop disposed to the first component 31 of the upper 16.

[0056] Now for reference Figures 7 to 11The illustration shows a shoe 110 (e.g., a cycling shoe) with a shoelace assembly 112 according to a second embodiment. The shoe 110 essentially comprises a sole 114 and an upper 116. Similar to the first embodiment, the shoelace assembly 112 essentially comprises the upper 116, a shoelace tightener 118, and shoelaces 120. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the shoelace assembly 112 also includes an additional shoelace tightener 122 and additional shoelaces 124. In the second embodiment, the shoe 110 is identical to the shoe 10, except that the shoelace assembly 112 has been modified to include a shoelace guide 125 for the shoe 110. Given the similarity between the first and second embodiments, for brevity, descriptions of components of the second embodiment that are identical to those of the first embodiment can be omitted.

[0057] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the upper 114 has a first portion 126, a second portion 128, and an opening 130 located between the first portion 126 and the second portion 128. A shoelace tightener 118 and another shoelace tightener 122 are disposed on the first portion 126 of the upper 116. Specifically, the upper 116 includes a first component 131 having a first end 131a connected to the upper 116 and a second end 131b not connected to the upper 116. Preferably, the first component 131 includes a strip 131c. The first component 131 is connected to the first portion 126 and partially covers the second portion 128. The first component 131 is connected to the shoelace tightener 118 via shoelaces 120. Furthermore, the upper 116 includes a second component 132 and a third component 133 connected to the first portion 126 of the upper 116. The second component 132 and the third component 133 are connected to the first portion 126 and partially cover the second portion 128. The second component 132 has a shoelace guide 134, and the third component 133 has a shoelace guide 136. The second portion 128 also has a shoelace guide 138. The ends of additional shoelaces 124 are connected to additional shoelace tighteners 122. Additional shoelaces 124 are also hooked onto shoelace guides 134, 136, and 138. Thus, similar to the first embodiment, shoelace tighteners 118 and additional shoelace tighteners 122 are configured to pull the first portion 126 toward the second portion 128 in order to tighten the upper 116 to the wearer's foot F.

[0058] Here, the shoelace guide 125 is attached to the strap 131c at the second end 131b. The shoelace guide 125 can be considered as part of the upper 116. The shoelace 20 includes a first shoelace portion 144 and a second shoelace portion 146. The shoelace guide 125 is configured to avoid contact between the first shoelace portion 144 and the second shoelace portion 146. Specifically, the shoelace guide 125 substantially includes a body 160. The body 160 includes a first body surface 162, a second body surface 164, and a third body surface 166 extending between the first body surface 162 and the second body surface 164. The first shoelace portion 144 is mainly disposed on the first body surface 162. The shoelace portion 146 is mainly disposed on the second body surface 164.

[0059] More specifically, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the main body 160 also includes a first path R1 and a second path R2. The first path R1 is configured to receive a first shoelace portion 144 of the shoelace 120. When viewed in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the third main body surface 166, the second path R2 is spaced apart from the first path R1. The second path R2 is configured to receive a second shoelace portion 146 of the shoelace 120. When viewed in a second direction D2 perpendicular to one of the first main body surface 162 and the second main body surface 164, the first path R1 and the second path R2 intersect each other. Here, the first path R1 and the second path R2 pass between the first main body surface 162 and the second main body surface 164.

[0060] In the second embodiment, the body 160 is made of a resin material. Preferably, the resin material includes at least one of polyamide, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. Furthermore, preferably, the body 160 is a single piece. However, the body 160 may be made of two or more pieces joined together. Here, the body 160 has an attachment portion 168 for attaching the strap 131c. The strap 131c may be made of two layers of the attachment portion 168 of the body 160 sewn to the shoelace guide 125.

[0061] Furthermore, the first route R1 includes a pair of first openings 170, 172 in the body 160 and a first channel 174 extending between the first openings 170, 172. Here, the first channel 174 is partially open on the first body surface 162 and the second body surface 164. The second route R2 includes a pair of second openings 180, 182 in the body 160 and a second channel 184 extending between the second openings 180, 182. Here, the second channel 184 is partially open on the first body surface 162 and the second body surface 164. Preferably, the third body surface 166 includes the first openings 170, 172 and the second openings 180, 182.

[0062] According to a possible modification of the first embodiment, both the first shoelace guide 50 and the second shoelace guide 52 can be disposed on the first surface 40 such that the first shoelace portion 44 and the second shoelace portion 46 cross each other on the first surface 40. Furthermore, in this modification, the first shoelace guide 50 and the second shoelace guide 52 can be combined into a single shoelace guide. In either case, the first shoelace portion 44 and the second shoelace portion 46 can be guided such that the first shoelace portion 44 and the second shoelace portion 46 do not contact each other at the intersection point. On the other hand, the shoelace guide can be configured such that the first shoelace portion 44 and the second shoelace portion 46 contact each other at the intersection point. However, if the first shoelace portion 44 and the second shoelace portion 46 contact each other at the intersection point, the tightening force will increase during the tightening of the shoelace 20 due to the frictional contact between the first shoelace portion 44 and the second shoelace portion 46.

[0063] In understanding the scope of this invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of indicated features, elements, components, groups, integrals, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unindicated features, elements, components, groups, integrals, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the terms "part," "section," "section," "component," or "element," when used in the singular, may have a dual meaning of single or multiple items.

[0064] As should be understood from the accompanying drawings and the description herein, the directional terms "inner side" and "inward side" refer to the right side of the shoe for the left foot and the left side of the shoe for the right foot. In other words, the inner side or inward side is the side of the shoe facing the wearer's other foot. Similarly, the terms "outer side" and "outward side" refer to the left side of the shoe for the left foot and the right side of the shoe for the right foot. The outer side or outward side is the side of the shoe facing away from the other foot. Likewise, the terms "inner side" and "inward side" are used interchangeably with respect to this disclosure. Similarly, the terms "outer side" and "outward side" are used interchangeably with respect to the description of this disclosure.

[0065] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "at least one" refers to "one or more" of the desired options. For one example, as used in this disclosure, "at least one" refers to "only one single option" or "both of the two options" if the number of options is two. For another example, as used in this invention, "at least one" refers to "only one single option" or "any combination of two or more options" if the number of options is three or more. Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, the term "and / or" refers to "any one or both of...".

[0066] Furthermore, it will be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, without departing from the teachings of the invention, the first component discussed above may be referred to as the second component, and vice versa.

[0067] As used herein, the terms “attached” or “attached” encompass constructions in which an element is directly fixed to another element by directly attaching it to the other element; in which an element is indirectly fixed to another element by attaching it to one or more intermediate members, which in turn are attached to another element; and in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is substantially part of another element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as “connect,” “link,” “joint,” “install,” “combine,” “fix,” and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as “substantially,” “approximately,” and “approximately” as used herein refer to a deviation of such magnitude that the final result is not significantly altered.

[0068] Although only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, those skilled in the art will understand from this disclosure that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, position, or orientation of various components may be changed as needed and / or desired, provided that such changes do not materially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, directly connected or contacting components may have intermediate structures disposed between them, provided that such changes do not materially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the function of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa. The structure and function of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. Not all advantages need to be present simultaneously in a particular embodiment. Each feature unique compared to the prior art, individually or in combination with other features, should also be considered as a separate description by the applicant of further inventions, including structural and / or functional concepts realized by such features(s). Therefore, the above description of embodiments of the invention is for illustration only and not for limiting the invention, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A shoelace device for shoes, the shoelace device comprising: The shoe upper includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; A shoelace tensioner, the shoelace tensioner being disposed on the shoe upper; First shoelace guide; Second shoelace guide; as well as The shoelaces are coupled to the shoelace tightener and include a first shoelace portion extending through the first shoelace guide entirely on the first surface and a second shoelace portion extending through the second shoelace guide entirely on the second surface; Wherein, the first shoelace guide and the second shoelace guide intersect each other via the first surface and the second surface, and The first shoelace portion and the second shoelace portion are guided by the first shoelace guide and the second shoelace guide, so that the first shoelace portion and the second shoelace portion do not contact each other at the intersection point.

2. The shoelace device according to claim 1, wherein, The shoelace tightener includes a reel-based tightener.

3. The shoelace device according to claim 1, wherein, The upper includes a first component having a first end connected to the upper and a second end not connected to the upper.

4. The shoelace device according to claim 3, wherein, The first shoelace portion and the second shoelace portion cross each other at a second end adjacent to the first component.

5. The shoelace device according to claim 3, wherein, The first component includes an opening extending from the first surface to the second surface, and the shoelace passes through the opening.

6. The shoelace device according to claim 3, wherein, The first component includes a strip.

7. A shoelace guide for a shoe, the shoelace guide comprising: The main body includes a first main body surface, a second main body surface, and a third main body surface extending between the first main body surface and the second main body surface. The main body also includes a first route and a second route, the first route being configured to receive a first shoelace portion of the shoelace, and the second route being spaced apart from the first route when viewed in a first direction perpendicular to the surface of the third main body, and the second route being configured to receive a second shoelace portion of the shoelace. When viewed in a second direction perpendicular to one of the first body surface and the second body surface, the first route and the second route are configured to receive the first shoelace portion and the second shoelace portion respectively, such that the first shoelace portion and the second shoelace portion intersect each other.

8. The shoelace guide according to claim 7, wherein The main body is made of resin material.

9. The shoelace guide according to claim 8, wherein, The resin material includes at least one of polyamide, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.

10. The shoelace guide according to claim 7, wherein, The first route and the second route pass between the first body surface and the second body surface.

11. The shoelace guide according to claim 7, wherein, The first route includes a pair of first openings in the body and a first channel extending between the first openings; The second route includes a pair of second openings in the body and a second channel extending between the second openings.

12. The shoelace guide as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The third body surface includes the first opening and the second opening.

13. The shoelace guide according to claim 7, wherein, The main body is a single component.

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