Laces with tying mechanisms and related methods

Abstract

A tying system or mechanism including at least one lace and fastening element can be used with a boxing glove or shoe to allow a user to secure the at least one lace around the boxing glove or shoe without a second person and / or without tying a knot. The tying mechanism can include back-to-back hook and loop fastening elements and can include one or more locking mechanisms for securely securing the free ends of the one or more laces in eyelets on the boxing glove or shoe. The tying mechanism can create a radial or lateral force against a gap defined by a flap on the boxing glove or shoe.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is directed generally to laces, such as shoe laces or strings, boxing glove laces, applications thereof, and laces with tying mechanisms and related methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Tying shoelaces is a part of life that everyone should master. It is such a simple and trivial task that few even stop to contemplate that it is an essential part of daily life. However, for those with physical limitations, limited dexterity or limited mobility, tying the laces of even a single pair of shoes can be a challenge.

[0003] Another similar situation is the use of boxing gloves. When a boxer puts on a pair of gloves, her fingers are covered, impairing her dexterity and mobility to tie her own gloves. Thus, in a boxing environment, a boxer typically requires another person to help tie the boxer's gloves. Once tied, the ends of each string are typically taped to the cuff of each boxing glove to prevent the loose ends from unraveling unnecessarily. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention includes a boxing glove comprising: a body having a base portion with finger portions, a palm portion, a thumb portion, and an opening for inserting a hand inside the body; a plurality of eyelets or openings having a string passing through at least a subset of the eyelets or openings, the string including two protruding string portions and two free ends; and a fastening element having a body, where the two protruding string portions are attached to the body of the fastening element.

[0005] The fastening elements may be back-to-back hook and loop elements.

[0006] The fastening elements may be loop elements separate from the hook elements.

[0007] The terms hook element and loop element are understood to be two elements of a fastening system that can engage to function as a fastener or fastener.

[0008] The strip of hook elements may be referred to as simply hook elements as a shortened form.

[0009] The strip of loop elements may be referred to simply as loop elements as a shortened form.

[0010] A cover element having a protective surface may be attached to the fastener element.

[0011] At least one edge liner may be attached to an edge of the fastening element.

[0012] The gripper element can be attached to an end of the fastener element.

[0013] The fastening element may have a first portion attached to a second portion and the second portion attached to a third portion, where the second portion may be made of a stretchable material.

[0014] The first portion can include a hook element and the third portion can include a loop element.

[0015] The grip element or grip pad may be attached to the first portion and the eyelet may be located in the third portion.

[0016] The fastening elements may have an overall length of between 8 inches and 24 inches.

[0017] Aspects of the invention further include a method of lacing a boxing glove, the method including placing a hand inside the boxing glove, pulling a lace to create tension in the lace, said lace including at least one protruding lace portion attached to a fastening element, wrapping the lace and fastening element around a base portion of the boxing glove, and securing the lace without a knot around the at least one protruding lace portion.

[0018] A further aspect of the invention is a method of lacing a boxing glove, the method including placing a hand inside the boxing glove, pulling a string to create tension in the string, said string including two protruding string portions attached to back-to-back hook and loop elements including openings, wrapping the string and the back-to-back hook and loop elements around a base portion of the boxing glove, and securing the string without engaging the hooks and loops at the base portion.

[0019] A further aspect of the invention includes a fastening element for use with a lace having two protruding lace portions, comprising a body having a length and width made from hook elements, loop elements, or back-to-back hook and loop elements, a cover element attached to the body, the cover element having a softer surface than the hook elements of the hook and loop system, and a hole formed through the cover element for receiving at least a portion of the lace.

[0020] The body can have a first edge and a second edge, where the cover element can be attached to or near the first edge or the second edge.

[0021] The body may have side edges, where the edge liner may be attached to the side edges.

[0022] An elastic intermediate piece may be disposed between the hook and loop elements.

[0023] A further aspect of the invention may include a method of lacing a boxing glove, comprising: placing a hand inside the boxing glove; pulling a lace to create tension in the lace, said lace including at least one protruding lace portion attached to a fastening element; wrapping the lace and the fastening element around a base portion of the boxing glove; and securing the lace and maintaining tension by securing a first portion of the fastener to a second portion of the fastening element.

[0024] A first portion of the fastening element can be attached to the intermediate element and a second portion of the fastening element can be attached to the intermediate element.

[0025] At least one protruding lace portion can protrude through an eyelet disposed in the second portion, and the second protruding lace portion protrudes through the eyelet.

[0026] A first portion of the fastening element can include a hook element and a backing, and a second portion of the fastening element can include a loop element and a cover element.

[0027] The intermediate element may be made from a stretchable material.

[0028] The method may further include using the hand inside the first boxing glove to grasp a second binding element secured to a second boxing glove.

[0029] Methods of making and using the disclosed fastening elements and components thereof are within the scope of the present invention.

[0030] The binding element of the present invention can be used with laces found on shoes and boxing gloves, among others. The pair of boxing gloves includes a right hand boxing glove and a left hand boxing glove. The boxing gloves can include a variety of boxing gloves available on the market, including sparring gloves, bagging gloves, and competition gloves.

[0031] A typical boxing glove includes a base, such as a glove body with finger portions, a palm portion, a thumb portion, a wrist portion, and an aperture portion having an opening or entrance for inserting a boxer's hand into the interior of the glove body. The wrist portion and aperture portion together are sometimes referred to as a base portion.

[0032] In one example, the base portion can have an elongated slit or channel defined by two flaps, each flap having a plurality of small holes, and a tongue can be provided between the two flaps to form a barrier between the flaps and the skin.

[0033] The eyelets may simply be small holes or openings formed through the material of the two flaps that can be used to pass a lace or string through to hold the two flaps together. In other examples, the eyelets may be reinforced metal eyelets, each of which may contain a small piece of metal to reinforce the corresponding opening in the two flaps.

[0034] A grommet is similar to a reinforced metal eyelet, but is typically used in more sturdy materials. Unless the context requires otherwise, lace and string can be used interchangeably, slits and channels in the base can be used interchangeably, and eyelet and grommet can be used interchangeably. An eyelet, as used herein, can be a small opening, or an opening reinforced with one or more pieces of metal to create a reinforced opening.

[0035] Additionally, the terms "first" and "second" and "left" and "right" are not structurally limiting, but are used only as points of reference, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, an object may have a first end and a second end, and the "first" and "second" references are identified for reference purposes to describe aspects of the object. The only limitation is that once an end is designated or selected to be a "first" end, then that same end cannot be a "second" end. Similar to the terms left and right and top and bottom.

[0036] A single string can be passed through multiple eyelets in a typical crisscross pattern. In other examples, the stringing or knotting pattern can be different, such as a knotted knot pattern, ladder knot pattern, hash knot pattern, diagonal knot pattern, bow tie knot pattern, or straight knot pattern, etc. In still other examples, two or more strings can be used to thread and tie through the eyelets.

[0037] A typical lace may have a length sufficient to be tied through the eyelets of two flaps of a boxing glove or shoe, and extend beyond the last eyelet of each flap with two protruding lace portions. Each protruding lace portion has a terminal or free end with a reinforced tip, which is typically reinforced by tape, a plastic coating, or a similar element. The two free ends may be left free before being attached to the fastening element, or may be tied or interlocked together before being attached to the fastening element.

[0038] The string should be long enough to allow the two protruding string portions to wrap at least a portion of the base portion of the glove. In some cases, the two protruding string portions can wrap at least one turn around the base portion of the boxing glove, such as 1-1.2 turns, 1.5 turns, 2 turns, or more turns.

[0039] In one example, the two protruding lace portions pass through openings or through holes in the anchoring mechanism or fastening element. In an alternative embodiment, two or more openings are provided in the fastening element for wrapping the two protruding lace portions through the openings to secure the lace to the fastening element. Each protruding portion can be wrapped through a respective opening of a fastening element having multiple openings if more than one opening is incorporated, or can be wrapped in any pattern or manner desired by a user to fasten the lace to the fastening element.

[0040] In one example, back-to-back hook and loop elements can form the basis of the fastening element, such as VELCRO® brand hook and loop lengths. Hook and loop elements from about 8 inches to about 24 inches in length can be used with the laces, although other dimensions are also contemplated, such as shorter than 8 inches or longer than 24 inches.

[0041] The width of the hooks and loops can be from about 3 / 4 inch to about 1.5 inches, with other dimensions being contemplated, such as less than 3 / 4 inch or greater than 1.5 inches. The back-to-back hook and loop systems forming the fastening elements of the present disclosure have hooks on one side or face of the strip and loops on the other side or face of the strip of the fastening system. It is understood that the hooks are the coarser of the hook / loop fastening system and the loops are the smoother of the two materials.

[0042] The holes in the fastening element may be reinforced with metal eyelets, etc. In other examples, there may be two or more holes formed through the fastening element to distribute the pulling force over a larger area of ​​the fastening element.

[0043] In use, a boxer or person who will be wearing the boxing gloves can place his or her hand inside the body through the opening of the glove and then pull the two protruding lace portions of the lace to pull the two flaps together to tighten the base portion around the boxer's wrist and forearm.

[0044] The boxer can then wrap the protruding string portions around the base portion of the glove while continuing to grip the string tightly to hold the string in tension around the base portion. Once the two protruding string portions have been captured by wrapping partially, one turn, or more than one turn around the base portion, the boxer can then continue to wrap the hook and loop system of the fastening element around the base portion of the glove until the hooks and loops of the fastening element engage with each other.

[0045] The lace can be tightened around the glove when the fastening element is attached to itself to maintain the lace in a wrapped position. The engagement between the hooks and loops of the fastening element keeps the lace tightly wrapped around the base portion of the glove without the need for a second person. Different fastening elements described elsewhere herein can be used in the described manner.

[0046] After the boxer has successfully secured the strings of the first boxing glove as described herein, the boxer can place his or her left hand into the second boxing glove and repeat the securing step. Since no special dexterity is required to capture and maintain tension in the strings, and since there is no need to tie or knot the strings to maintain tension around the base portion, the boxer can repeat the securing step by grasping the strings and / or fastening elements of the second boxing glove with the thumb and finger / palm portions of the first boxing glove while keeping the left or right hand in the first boxing glove, and securing the strings of the second boxing glove with the other hand inside the second boxing glove.

[0047] A boxer can start with either hand, therefore the first boxing glove can be a right-handed boxing glove or a left-handed boxing glove, and the second boxing glove can be the other of the right-handed boxing glove or the left-handed boxing glove.

[0048] Once complete, the boxer can don both the left and right hand boxing gloves by himself or herself without the assistance of a second person to tie or fasten the lace ends together, which is not possible without the assistance of the laces and fastening elements of this embodiment.

[0049] Although the description refers to first putting the right hand into the right boxing glove and then the left hand into the left glove, the invention can be practiced in the reverse order, i.e., starting with the left hand and then the right hand.

[0050] The opening can be formed with a hole punch to create a hole near the first end of the fastening element opposite the second end of the fastening element. The fastening element can be formed of back-to-back hook and loop elements, or the body can be formed by attaching a strip of hook elements to a strip of loop elements in an end-to-end or continuous configuration, with or without intermediate elements between the hook and loop elements.

[0051] The openings or through holes may be reinforced with metal eyelets.

[0052] The first end of the fastening element can be attached to the body of the fastening element at an attachment point by wrapping the body of the fastening element and attaching it, for example, by stitching, sewing, bonding, and / or adhesive, etc. This wrapped portion can combine with the attachment point to form a body loop near the first end of the fastening element.

[0053] The two free ends of the lace can be threaded through the body loops and tied to mechanically secure the lace to the fastening element. The fastening elements of the present disclosure can be formed of back-to-back hook and loop elements, or the body can be formed by attaching a strip of hook elements to a strip of loop elements in an end-to-end or continuous configuration, with or without intermediate elements between the hook and loop elements.

[0054] In some instances, the laces can be tied through the eyelets of a shoe or boxing glove in a manner different than that shown and described herein and still be usable with the binding elements of the present invention. For example, the laces can be tied so that there is only one protruding portion of the lace, and that one protruding portion of the lace is connected to a binding element described elsewhere herein.

[0055] In yet other examples, the laces can have a different knotting pattern than the cross pattern shown. In yet other examples, after lacing the boxing gloves or shoes as described elsewhere herein, tape can be used to further protect the fastening elements from inadvertently loosening or unraveling.

[0056] The cover element can be attached to the body of the fastening element, for example, by stitching, sewing, adhesives, welding, or a combination thereof. The cover element can be attached closer to the first end of the body than to the second end of the body. Openings can be provided through both the cover element and the body of the fastening element to receive one or two free ends of the laces. The openings can include reinforcing metal eyelets.

[0057] The cover element can function as a smooth protective layer or surface and can embody a variety of materials, including VELCRO compatible neoprene, neoprene, closed cell foam, polyester tricot loop, nylon knitted loop, nylon tricot, low pile loop fabric, continuous loop fabric, spandex and nylon jersey, spandex and polyester Perfectex, Lycra fabric, heavy duty cotton, low density ethylene foam, and polyethylene foam. It is understood that the cover element has a relatively soft surface that is softer than the surface of the hook elements and softer than the edges of the hook or loop elements.

[0058] A cover element can be incorporated such that when the laces and fastening elements are wrapped around an object, such as an extended ankle support system in a shoe or the base portion of a boxing glove, the cover element does not scratch or damage the surface it comes into contact with.

[0059] The cover element can have a width that matches or nearly matches the width of the body of the fastening element. The length of the cover element can be selected such that the cover element contacts some or all of the perimeter around which the fastening element wraps, such as the base portion of a boxing glove. In one example, the cover element is attached to the hook sides of the back-to-back hook and loop elements, such as by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesive, or a combination thereof.

[0060] The fastening element can include two edge liners, one on each side edge of the fastening element. Each edge liner can be a woven or non-woven cloth or fabric and can be attached to each side of the body by sewing, stitching, adhesives, bonding, or combinations thereof. In another example, the two edge liners can be made from a thermoplastic foam material. The two edge liners can protect the user or wearer from the relatively hard surfaces of the edges of the body and prevent unwanted injury or pain.

[0061] The two edge liners can extend the remaining length of the body along the two edges not covered by the cover element, or can extend the entire length of the fastener element or any length in between. In one example, the two edge liners can be made from a polyester fabric or material.

[0062] Optionally, a gripper element can be included at or near the second end of the body. The gripper element can be attached to the loop side of the fastening element to leave the hook side of the fastening element exposed at the second end to protect against the loop element when the fastening element is wrapped around an object, such as the base of a boxing glove. When assembled, the gripper element provides a fulcrum for facilitating separation of the hook element from the loop element.

[0063] The grip element, if incorporated, may embody a loop with a hole or opening in its center. In other examples, the grip element is an enlarged gripping structure or textile with or without a loop for gripping and pulling. The grip element may be made from a variety of materials, including woven or non-woven strips or strings of textile or fabric. In one example, the grip element is made from a polyester material.

[0064] Alternatively, a grip pad can be provided on the second end of the grip element. In one example, the grip pad is stitched, sewn, bonded, or glued to the body, including the hook side, of the fastening element. The grip pad can have the same material as the cover element or edge liner or can be made of a different material and can be used by a user or wearer to unhook the loops of the fastening element and separate the fastening element from an object, such as a boxing glove or shoe.

[0065] The entire length of the fastening element can be made from at least two different materials or portions. The first portion can be made from a hook element having a first end and a second end. Optionally, the first portion can be a back-to-back hook / loop element. The second portion can be made from a loop element or loop elements with a built-in loop that is compatible with the hook element of the first portion. For example, the loop elements can include VELCRO hook / loop systems, neoprene, polyester tricot loops, nylon woven loops, low pile loop fabrics, continuous loop fabrics, and the like.

[0066] The second portion can have a first end attached to the first end of the first portion and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The first end of the first portion and the first end of the second portion can overlap and are stitched or sewn together at the overlapping portion. The opening can be reinforced with a metal eyelet and is located closer to the second end than the first end of the loop element. For simplicity, the first portion can be considered a hook element and the second portion can be considered a loop element.

[0067] A covering element, similar to those shown and described elsewhere, may be attached to the second portion to provide cushioning, padding, or coverage upon contact with a shoe or boxing glove.

[0068] The first portion of the fastening element can incorporate a gripping element or a gripping pad. Optionally, the gripping element and / or the gripping pad can be excluded. The first and second portions can be attached to one another by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0069] Thus, the fastening elements described herein can have an overall length defined by hook elements, loop elements, or a combination of hook / loop elements. Optionally, an intermediate element can be provided between the strip of hook elements and the strip of loop elements. The intermediate element can be a stretch material, an elastic belt, or a textile. In other examples, the overall length of the fastening element can be defined by two or more distinct portions. For example, a length of the fastening element can be loop elements and another length of the fastening element can be a combination of hook elements, loop elements, or hook / loop elements.

[0070] A further aspect of the invention includes a fastening element made from a first portion attached to a second portion and then attached to a third portion. The first portion can overlap the second portion at a first overlapping region. The first and second portions can be secured together at the first overlapping region by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0071] The second portion can overlap the third portion at a second overlap region, and the first and second portions can be secured together at the second overlap region by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesive, or a combination thereof.

[0072] The fastening element can have a body defined by three portions. The body can have a first end and a second end.

[0073] The opening can be provided in the body near the first end. The opening can be a simple hole drilled through the third portion or can be reinforced with a metal eyelet.

[0074] A grip element or grip pad can be provided and attached to the second end of the body. In one example, a grip pad can be provided on the body and overlap the first portion at the third overlap region. The first portion and the grip element or grip pad can be secured together at the third overlap region by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesive, or a combination thereof.

[0075] The first portion of the fastening element can be made from a strip of hook elements for attachment to the loop elements. The length of the first portion can be from about 3 inches to about 11 inches long. The hook elements can optionally be provided with a backing material. The backing material can be attached to the hook elements around the periphery thereof, such as by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0076] In one example, the backing material can be made from a synthetic fabric, such as a nylon material, a polyester material, or Nomex. Optionally, the backing material can be made from a durable cotton. In some examples, the outer surface of the backing material can be printed or labeled with various information, such as manufacturer information, team logos, personalized prints, etc. Use of the fastening element may expose the outer surface and any printed information and allow for visual detection.

[0077] In one example, the second portion can have a stretchable structure or body. For example, the second portion can be made from stretchable material, elastic belt, lycra, spandex, nylon lycra fabric, or similar two-dimensional or four-dimensional stretchable fabric. The second portion can also be referred to as the middle element and can have a length of about 1.5 inches to about 6 inches.

[0078] In some cases, there may be more than one strip of elastic material used for the second portion, for example, there may be two or more overlapping strips or a long strip that is folded over itself, providing more bulk and a greater biasing force than a single strip of the same construction.

[0079] The third portion can have two side edges, each of which has an edge liner attached. The third portion can include a strip of loop elements and a cover element. The cover elements are similar to the cover elements described elsewhere herein.

[0080] The through hole or eyelet may be a punched hole or a metal reinforced eyelet and may be provided near the end of the third portion. A protruding string portion of the string may be allowed to protrude through the eyelet and secured therein by tying a knot. In some instances, there may be two or more eyelets for joining with the protruding string portions.

[0081] The hook elements can be oriented in a first direction while the loop elements can be oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction. This arrangement allows the fastening element to be wrapped around an object, such as a boxing glove, such that the cover element contacts the object and exposes the loop elements for engagement by the hook elements. The length of the third portion can be from about 6 inches to about 14 inches.

[0082] In one example, the second portion or intermediate element protrudes between the cover element and the loop element of the third element and is then secured between the two by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesives, or combinations thereof, In other examples, the intermediate element may be located above or below the third portion, rather than between the cover element and the loop element of the third element.

[0083] The fastening elements described herein can be considered to have a first portion configured to be attached to a second portion of the fastening element. The first portion of the fastening element can be attached to an intermediate element and the second portion of the fastening element can be attached to the intermediate element. The first and second portions can be attached to each other via the intermediate element.

[0084] The intermediate element may comprise a single element or a single body or two or more elements attached together as multiple separate pieces. The first and second parts may be indirectly attached to one another. Optionally, the first and second parts are directly attached to one another and the intermediate element is omitted.

[0085] A further aspect of the invention includes a boxing glove comprising a body having finger portions, a palm portion, a thumb portion, and a base portion, the base portion having an opening and a slit located between a first flap and a second flap, the opening portion configured to receive a hand, the slit defining a longitudinal axis, the first flap having a row of eyelets and the second flap having a row of eyelets, the eyelets in the two rows aligned to define an array of eyelets; a fastening element; and at least one string having two free ends including a first free end and a second free end, and a tightening mechanism, wherein the fastener element has a through hole, wherein the at least one string is threaded through the through hole of the fastener element and the two free ends are fixed to a base portion at the first flap or the second flap, a tip portion connects the first string portion and the second string portion of the at least one string, and the first string portion and the second string portion pass through two different eye holes in the first flap, the second flap, or both the first flap and the second flap.

[0086] A further aspect of the invention includes a method of lacing and tightening a boxing glove, the method including: placing a hand inside the boxing glove; threading a string through an aperture in a fastening element; threading a first free end of the string through a first eyelet in a base portion of the boxing glove and threading a second free end of the string through a second eyelet in the base portion of the boxing glove; securing the first and second free ends of the string to the base portion to create a tip between the first and second lacing portions of the first string; and pulling the fastening element in a first direction radial to a longitudinal axis defined by a gap in the base portion to wrap the string and the fastening element around the base portion of the boxing glove.

[0087] A further aspect of the present invention includes a boxing glove comprising: a body having finger portions, a palm portion, a thumb portion, and a base portion, the base portion having a slit located between a first flap and a second flap, each of the first flap and the second flap having a row of eyelets, the eyelets from the two rows being aligned to define a row of a plurality of eyelets; and a tightening mechanism having a fastening element, a lace, and at least one locking mechanism, the fastening element having a through hole, wherein the lace is threaded through the through hole of the fastening element, and a first free end, a second free end, or both the first and second free ends of the lace are secured to the at least one locking mechanism. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0088] These and other features and advantages of the present devices, systems, and methods will become better understood and appreciated with reference to the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0089] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a boxing glove having laces attached to a tying mechanism. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the boxing glove of FIG. 1 with laces wrapped around the base of the boxing glove. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the boxing glove of FIG. 1 with laces wrapped around the base of the boxing glove and a tying mechanism wrapped around the base of the boxing glove. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram for performing tying or fastening of laces in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram for performing tying or fastening of laces in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a pair of shoes (only one shown) having laces attached to a lacing mechanism. [Figure 7] 7 to 9 are schematic diagrams of different embodiments of binding elements. [Figure 8] 7 to 9 are schematic diagrams of different embodiments of binding elements. [Figure 9] 7 to 9 are schematic diagrams of different embodiments of binding elements. [Figure 10] 10-12 are schematic diagrams of further alternative embodiments of binding elements. [Figure 11] 10-12 are schematic diagrams of further alternative embodiments of binding elements. [Figure 12] 10-12 are schematic diagrams of further alternative embodiments of binding elements. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of a binding element. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a boxing glove having a tying system or mechanism in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is yet another embodiment of a boxing glove with a tying system or mechanism. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is yet another embodiment of a boxing glove with a tying system or mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0090] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of currently preferred embodiments of laces with tying mechanisms and said laces in combination with shoes or boxing gloves provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system, and method, and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present device, system, and method may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth features and steps for constructing and using the embodiments of the present device, system, and method in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments. However, it should be understood that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As set forth elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

[0091] 1, a pair of boxing gloves 100 is shown, including a right-handed boxing glove 102 and a left-handed boxing glove 104, the latter of which is shown only diagrammatically. The boxing gloves 102, 104 may be any of a variety of commercially available boxing gloves, including sparring gloves, bagging gloves, and competition gloves. The further discussion below is directed only to the illustrated right-handed glove 102, but will be understood to apply equally to the left-handed glove 104.

[0092] The boxing glove 102 includes a body 106, such as a glove body, with finger portions 108, palm portion 110, thumb portion 112, wrist portion 114, and an aperture portion 116 having an opening or entrance for inserting a boxer's right hand into the interior of the glove body. The wrist portion 114 and aperture portion 116 together may be referred to as a base portion 120. In one example, the base portion 120 includes an elongated slit or channel 130 defined by two flaps 132, 134, each having a number of small holes 136. A tongue may be provided between the two flaps 132, 134 to provide a barrier between the flaps and the skin.

[0093] The eyelets shown may simply be small holes or openings formed through the material of the two flaps 132, 134 through which a lace or string can be passed to hold the two flaps 132, 134 together. In another example, the eyelets may be reinforced metal eyelets, each of which may contain a small metal piece to reinforce the corresponding opening in the two flaps 132, 134. Grommets are similar to reinforced metal eyelets, but are typically used in more sturdy materials. Unless otherwise stated in the context, lace and string may be used interchangeably, slits and channels in the base portion may be used interchangeably, and eyelet and grommet may be used interchangeably. Eyelets as used herein may be small openings, or openings reinforced by one or more metal pieces to create reinforced openings.

[0094] One string 140 is shown in FIG. 1 , tied through the eyelets 136 in a typical crisscross pattern. In other examples, the stringing or tying pattern may be different, such as a knotted, ladder, hash, diagonal, bowtie, or straight knot pattern. In still other examples, two or more strings 140 may be used to tie through the eyelets 136. The string 140 has a length sufficient to tie through the eyelets 136 of the two flaps 132, 134, and extends beyond the last eyelet of each flap with two protruding string portions 142, 144. Each protruding string portion has a terminal or free end 146 or 148 with a reinforced tip 150, which is typically reinforced by tape, a plastic coating, or a similar element. The two free ends 146 , 148 can be left free before being coupled to the fastening element 162 , or can be tied or linked together before being coupled to the fastening element 162 .

[0095] The string 140 should be long enough so that the two protruding string portions 142, 144 can wrap at least a portion of the base portion 120 of the glove 102. In some examples, the two protruding string portions 142, 144 can wrap at least one turn around the base portion 120 of the boxing glove, such as 1-1.2 turns, 1.5 turns, 2 turns, or more turns.

[0096] In one example, the two protruding lace portions 142, 144 pass through openings or through-holes 160 in an anchoring mechanism or fastening element 162. In an alternative embodiment, two or more openings 160 are provided in the fastening element 162 for wrapping the two protruding lace portions 142, 144 through the openings to secure the lace 140 to the fastening element 162. Each protruding portion 142, 144 may be wrapped through a respective opening of a fastening element having multiple openings 160 if more than one opening is incorporated, or may be wrapped in any pattern or manner desired by a user to fasten the lace 140 to the fastening element 162.

[0097] In one example, back-to-back hook and loop elements 163 can form the basis of the fastening element, such as VELCRO® brand hook and loop lengths. Hook and loop elements 163 from about 8 inches to about 24 inches long can be used with the lace 140, with other dimensions being contemplated, such as less than 8 inches or more than 24 inches. The width of the hook and loop can be from about 3 / 4 inches to about 1.5 inches, with other dimensions being contemplated, such as less than 3 / 4 inches or more than 1.5 inches. The back-to-back hook and loop systems 163 forming the fastening element 162 of the present disclosure have hooks on one side or face of the strip and loops on the other side or face of the strip of the fastening system. It is understood that the hooks are the coarser of the hook / loop fastening system and the loops are the smoother of the two materials. The holes 160 in the fastening element 162 can be reinforced with metal eyelets or the like. In other examples, there may be two or more holes 160 formed through the fastening element 162 to distribute the pulling force over a larger area of ​​the fastening element 162 .

[0098] In use, a boxer or person who will be wearing the boxing glove 100 places his or her right hand inside the body 106 through the opening 116 of the right glove 102 and then pulls the two protruding string portions 142, 144 of the string 140 to pull the two flaps 132, 134 together to tighten the base portion 120 around the boxer's wrist and forearm. With further reference to FIG. 2 in addition to FIG. 1, the boxer then wraps the protruding string portions 142, 144 around the base portion 120 of the glove 102 while continuing to grip the string 140 tightly to hold the string in tension around the base portion 120. Once the two protruding lace portions 142, 144 are captured by wrapping them partially, one or more times around the base portion, the boxer then continues to wrap the hook and loop system 163 of the fastening element 162 around the base portion 120 of the glove until the hooks and loops of the fastening element 162 engage with one another. As shown in FIG. 3, the lace 140 is tightened around the glove 102 and the fastening element 162 is actuated to maintain the lace in the wrapped position. The engagement between the hooks and loops of the fastening element 162 keeps the lace 140 tightly wrapped around the base portion 120 of the glove 120 without the need for a second person.

[0099] 1, after a boxer has successfully placed the right glove 102 over or into the right glove and secured the laces 140 as described herein, the boxer can place his or her left hand into the left boxing glove 104 (shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1) and repeat the securing step. With his or her right hand still in the right boxing glove 102, the boxer can repeat the securing step by grasping the laces 140 and / or fastening elements 162 of the left glove 104 between the thumb portion 112 and the fingers / palm portion of the right hand to secure the laces of the left boxing glove 104 to the left hand, since no special dexterity is required to take in and maintain tension in the laces and therefore no tying or knotting of the laces is required to maintain tension around the base portion 120. Once complete, the boxer can don both the left and right hand boxing gloves by himself or herself without the assistance of a second person to tie or fasten the lace ends together, which is not possible without the assistance of the laces and fastening elements of this embodiment.

[0100] Although the description refers to first putting the right hand into the right boxing glove and then the left hand into the left glove, the invention can be practiced in the reverse order, i.e., starting with the left hand and then the right hand.

[0101] Referring now to FIG. 4, a process flow diagram or diagram illustrating steps of a method for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated 180. The process 180 of FIG. 4 includes placing two protruding lace portions of a lace for a left hand boxing glove in mechanical connection or fixed engagement with a fastening element at 182. The fastening element 162 may include back-to-back hook and loop elements 163. Alternatively, the fastening element 162 may include a loop element and a hook element disposed in contact with each other, which may be in direct or indirect contact with each other. For example, one end of the strip having the loop element may be attached to the end of the strip having the hook element using conventional means, such as by sewing, stitching, gluing, or a combination thereof.

[0102] In another example, an intermediate element can be placed between a strip having loop elements and a strip having hook elements. In one example, the intermediate element placed between the two strips can be various textiles, belts, or fabric materials. In a particular example, the intermediate element placed between the two strips can be a stretch material, elastic belt, or textile. The intermediate element can have a first end and a second end. The strip with the loop elements can be attached to the first end of the intermediate element, and the strip with the hook elements can be attached to the second end of the intermediate element to join the pieces together. Sewing or stitching can be used to join or attach the two strips and intermediate element together, although other alternatives are contemplated, such as gluing, bonding, or a combination thereof.

[0103] Process 180 further includes placing the two protruding lace portions of the right boxing glove lace in mechanical connection or fixation with a second fastening element at 184. The fastening elements at step 184 may be back-to-back hook and loop elements, or a strip with a hook element attached to the end of a strip with a loop element, optionally with a connecting element disposed therebetween. This process may also be reversed, starting with the right boxing glove and then proceeding to the left boxing glove.

[0104] In some instances, one protruding lacing portion of the lace is mechanically connected or secured to a hook element and the other protruding lacing portion of the lace is mechanically connected or secured to a loop element. This alternative process creates a lacing system with separate hook and loop elements as opposed to using back-to-back hook and loop elements.

[0105] 5, there is shown a further process flow diagram or diagram illustrating steps of a method for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 190. In one example, the process 190 initially involves placing a left hand into a left hand boxing glove or a right hand into a right hand glove (i.e., a first boxing glove) at 192, said boxing glove including a lace with two protruding lace portions attached to a binding element similar to one of the binding elements 162 described elsewhere herein. The binding elements can be back-to-back hook and loop binding elements or separate hook and loop elements connected end-to-end to each other either directly or indirectly by an intermediate element between them.

[0106] At 194, the method includes wrapping the two protruding lace portions around a base portion of a boxing glove with a hand inside, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 and described above, and then continuing to wrap around the base portion of the boxing glove such that one or more hook and loop elements of the boxing glove engage or secure with one another. In some examples, the lace is pulled such that tension is maintained through at least a portion of the lace and the two flaps 132, 134 of the glove (Figure 1) prior to securing the fastening element by attaching the hook element to the loop element.

[0107] At 196, the process further includes placing the other hand, either left or right, into a left or right boxing glove, i.e., a second boxing glove, said boxing glove including a string with two protruding string portions attached to a fastening element, such as back-to-back hook and loop fastening elements, or a fastening element having separate hook elements connected end-to-end to a loop element either directly or indirectly by an intermediate element between the two. The process includes, at 198, using the hand secured inside the first boxing glove through steps 192 and 194 to grasp the string and / or fastening element between the thumb portion and the finger / wrist portion of the boxing glove of the secured hand.

[0108] At 200, the process further includes, while maintaining tension on the string or at least a portion of the string, wrapping the two protruding string portions of the second boxing glove around the base portion of the second boxing glove with the hand held inside the first boxing glove. The process includes continuing to wrap the protruding portions of the string around the base portion such that the fastening elements of the second boxing glove, such as hook and loop elements or separate hook and loop elements arranged end to end, engage or fasten with each other, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 and described above. The steps shown in the process diagram 190 of Figure 5 illustrate a unique and novel method for a boxer to put his or her hand into a left boxing glove and then into a right boxing glove, or in the reverse order, and then lace the two boxing gloves together without the assistance of another person.

[0109] 6 is a schematic diagram of a pair of shoes 220 (only one shown) having laces 140 and an anchoring mechanism or fastening element 162 of the present invention, which may be a fastening element including a hook and loop element 163. In one example, shoe 222 may be a left shoe or a right shoe, may be a high top shoe, a boot, a work boot, or a shoe other than a standard low cut shoe, and has a number of eyelets. The shoe may be generally referred to as a high top shoe, and has an extended ankle support portion 226.

[0110] The shoe 222 is shown with a number of eyelets 136 and has laces or strings 140 laced through the number of eyelets. To put on the high-top shoe 222, the wearer can pull on the two protruding lace portions 142, 144 of the lace 140, and then, rather than tying a typical shoelace to keep the laces taut, the wearer can wrap the two protruding lace portions around the extended ankle support portion 226 of the high-top shoe 222 until the hooks engage the loops of the fastening element 162. The user can then repeat the process with the second shoe of the pair of shoes 220.

[0111] 7, the fastener element 162 of FIGS. 1-3 is more clearly shown with an opening 160 in the body 250 of the fastener element 162. The opening 160 can be formed with a hole punch to create a hole near the first end 240 of the fastener element opposite the second end 242 of the fastener element. The fastener element 162 can be formed with back-to-back hook and loop elements 163, or the body 250 can be formed by attaching a strip of hook elements to a strip of loop elements in an end-to-end or continuous configuration, with or without intermediate elements between the hook and loop elements.

[0112] FIG. 8 shows a fastener element 162 similar to the fastener element 162 of FIG. 7, but with metal eyelets 246 to reinforce the openings 160 in the fastener element.

[0113] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another fastening element 162 according to a further aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, a first end 240 of the fastening element 162 can be attached to the fastening element body 250 at an attachment point 252, such as by wrapping around the fastening element body 250 and stitching, sewing, bonding, and / or gluing. This wrapped portion 254 can combine with the attachment point 252 to form a body loop 256 near the first end 240 of the fastening element 162. Two free ends of a lace can be threaded and tied through the body loop 256 to mechanically secure the lace to the fastening element of FIG. 9. The fastening element 162 of the present disclosure can be formed with back-to-back hook and loop elements 163, or the body 250 can be formed by attaching a strip of hook elements to a strip of loop elements in an end-to-end or continuous configuration, with or without intermediate elements between the hook and loop elements. The first end 240 is shown spaced from a extreme end 258 of the body 250 of the binding element 162 .

[0114] 1 and 6, the fastening element 162 used herein may embody any of the fastening elements shown and described with reference to FIGS.

[0115] In some instances, the laces can be tied through the eyelets of a shoe or boxing glove in a manner different than that shown in Figures 1-3 and 6 and still be usable with the fastening element 162 of the present invention. For example, the laces can be tied so that there is only one protruding portion of the lace, and that one protruding portion of the lace is connected to the fastening element 162 described elsewhere herein. In still other instances, the laces can have a different knotting pattern than the cross pattern shown. In still other instances, after lacing the boxing glove or shoe as described elsewhere herein, tape can be used to further protect the fastening element from inadvertently loosening or unraveling.

[0116] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another fastening element 162 provided in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, which can be used with a lace 140 having two free ends 146, 148 as disclosed elsewhere herein. The fastening element 162 is similar to other fastening elements described elsewhere herein, using a hook and loop element 163, but with some differences. In this embodiment, a cover element 270 can be attached to the body 250 of the fastening element 162, such as by stitching, sewing, adhesive, welding, or a combination thereof. The cover element 270 can be attached closer to the first end 240 of the body 250 than to the second end 242 of the body. An opening 160 can be provided through both the cover element 270 and the body 250 of the fastening element 162 to receive one or two free ends of the lace 140 (FIG. 1). The opening 160 can include a reinforced metal eyelet.

[0117] The cover element 270 can function as a smooth protective layer or surface and can embody a variety of materials, including VELCRO compatible neoprene, neoprene, closed cell foam, polyester tricot loop, nylon woven loop, nylon tricot, low pile loop fabric, continuous loop fabric, spandex and nylon jersey, spandex and polyester Perfectex, Lycra fabric, heavy duty cotton, low density ethylene foam, and polyethylene foam. It is understood that the cover element 270 has a relatively soft surface that is softer than the surface of the hook element and is softer than the edges of the hook or loop elements. The cover element 270 can be incorporated such that when the lace 140 and fastening element 162 are wrapped around an object, such as the extended ankle support system 226 of a shoe (FIG. 6) or the base portion 120 of a boxing glove (FIG. 3), the cover element 270 does not scratch or damage the surface with which it comes into contact.

[0118] The covering element 270 can have a width that matches or approximately matches the width of the body 250 of the fastening element 162. The length of the covering element 270 can be selected such that some or all of the perimeter around which the fastening element 162 wraps, such as the base portion 120 of a boxing glove, is in contact with the covering element 270. In one example, the covering element 270 is attached to the hook sides of the back-to-back hook and loop elements 163, such as by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesives, or a combination thereof.

[0119] The fastening element 162 may include two edge liners 274, one on each side edge 262 of the fastening element 162. Each edge liner 274 may be a woven or non-woven cloth or fabric and may be attached to each side 262 of the body 250 by sewing, stitching, adhesives, bonding, or a combination thereof. In another example, the two edge liners 274 may be made of a thermoplastic foam material. The two edge liners 274 may protect the user or wearer from the relatively hard surface of the edge of the body and prevent unwanted injury or pain. The two edge liners 274 may extend the remaining length of the body 250 along the two edges 262 that are not covered by the cover element 270, or may extend the entire length of the fastening element or any length therebetween. In one example, the two edge liners 274, 274 may be made from a polyester fabric or material.

[0120] Optionally, a gripper element 280 may be included at or near the second end 242 of the body 250. The gripper element 280 may be attached to the loop side of the fastening element so that the hook side of the fastening element is left exposed at the second end 242 to protect against the loop element when the fastening element 162 is wrapped around an object, such as the base of a boxing glove. When assembled, the gripper element 280 provides a fulcrum of leverage to facilitate separation of the hook element from the loop element.

[0121] When incorporated, grip element 280 may embody a loop with a hole or opening in the center. In other examples, grip element 280 is an enlarged gripping structure or textile with or without a loop for gripping and pulling. Grip element 280 may be made from a variety of materials, including woven or non-woven strips or strings of textile or fabric. In one example, grip element 280 is made from a polyester material.

[0122] FIG. 11 shows yet another fastening element 162 provided in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, usable with a lace 140 having two free ends 146, 148 as disclosed elsewhere herein. The fastening element 162 is similar to other fastening elements described elsewhere herein, such as the fastening element 162 of FIG. 10, but with some differences. In this embodiment, the grip element 280 is eliminated. Instead, a grip pad 290 is provided at the second end 242. In one example, the grip pad 290 is stitched, sewn, bonded, or glued to the body 250, including the hook side of the fastening element. The grip pad 290 can have the same material as the cover element 270 or edge liners 274, 274 or can be made of a different material and can be used by a user or wearer to unhook the loops of the fastening element and separate the fastening element from an object, such as a boxing glove or shoe.

[0123] FIG. 12 illustrates yet another fastening element 162 provided in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention and usable with a lace 140 having two free ends 146, 148 as disclosed elsewhere herein. The fastening element 162 is similar to other fastening elements described elsewhere herein, such as the fastening element 162 of FIGS. 10 and 11, but with some differences. In this embodiment, the entire length of the fastening element 162 is made from at least two different materials or portions. The first portion 302 can be made from a hook element 300 having a first end 240 and a second end 242. Optionally, the first portion 302 can be back-to-back hook / loop elements. The second portion 304 can be made from a loop element 310 or a loop element with a loop built in that is compatible with the hook element 300 of the first portion 302. For example, the loop element 310 may be a VELCRO hook / loop system or similar compatible neoprene, polyester tricot loop, nylon woven loop, low pile loop fabric, continuous loop fabric, etc. The second portion 304 may have a first end 318 attached to the first end 240 of the first portion 302 and a second end 320 spaced apart from the first end 318. The first end 240 of the first portion 302 and the first end 318 of the second portion 304 may overlap and be stitched or sewn together at the overlapping portion. The opening 160 may be reinforced with a metal eyelet and is located closer to the second end 320 than the first end 318 of the loop element 310. For simplicity, the first portion 302 may be considered to be the hook element 300 and the second portion 304 may be considered to be the loop element 310. A covering element 270, similar to that shown and described with reference to Figures 10 and 11, can be attached to the second portion 304 to provide cushioning, padding, or coverage upon contact with a shoe or boxing glove.

[0124] The first portion 302 of the fastening element 162 can incorporate a grip element 280 described with reference to Figure 10 or a grip pad 290 described with reference to Figure 11. Optionally, the grip element and grip pad can be omitted. The first portion 302 and the second portion 320 can be attached to one another by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0125] Thus, the fastening elements described herein can have an overall length defined by hook elements, loop elements, or a combination of hook / loop elements. Optionally, an intermediate element can be provided between the strip of hook elements and the strip of loop elements. The intermediate element can be a stretch material, an elastic belt, or a textile. In other examples, the overall length of the fastening element can be defined by two or more distinct portions. For example, a length of the fastening element can be loop elements and another length of the fastening element can be a combination of hook elements, loop elements, or hook / loop elements.

[0126] 13A, there is shown a fastening element 162 provided in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention and usable with a lace 140 having two free ends 146, 148, as disclosed elsewhere herein. The fastening element 162 is similar to other fastening elements described elsewhere herein, such as fastening element 162 of FIGS. 10-12, previously mentioned.

[0127] As shown, the fastening element 162 is made from a first portion 302 attached to a second portion 304, which is then attached to a third portion 306. The first portion 302 may overlap the second portion 304 at a first overlap region 320. The first portion 302 and the second portion 304 may be secured together at the first overlap region 320 by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesives, or a combination thereof, generally designated 400.

[0128] The second portion 304 can overlap the third portion 306 at a second overlap region 322. The first portion 302 and the second portion 304 can be secured together at the second overlap region 322 by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesives, or combinations thereof, generally designated 400.

[0129] The fastener element 162 has a body 250 defined by three portions 302, 304, 306. The body 250 has a first end 240 and a second end 242. An opening 160 can be provided in the body near the first end. The opening 160 can be a simple hole drilled through the third portion 306 or can be reinforced with a metal eyelet. A gripper element 280 or gripper pad 290 can be provided and attached to the second end 242 of the body 250. In one example, the gripper pad 290 can be provided on the body 250 and overlap the first portion 302 at a third overlap region 324. The first portion 302 and the grip element 280 or grip pad 290 can be secured together at the third overlapping region 324 by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesive or a combination thereof, generally indicated as 400.

[0130] With continued reference to FIG. 13A and further reference to FIG. 13B, which is a schematic cross-sectional side view of FIG. 13A, first portion 302 can be made from a strip of hook element 300 for attachment to a loop element. The length of first portion 302 can be from about 3 inches to about 11 inches long. Hook element 300 can optionally be provided with a backing material 360. Backing material 360 can be attached to hook element 300 around a perimeter 362 of the hook element, such as by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesive, or a combination thereof.

[0131] In one example, the backing material can be made from a synthetic fabric, such as a nylon material, a polyester material, or Nomex. Optionally, the backing material 350 can be made from a durable cotton. In some examples, the outer surface 364 of the backing material 360 can be printed or labeled with various information, such as manufacturer information, team logos, personalized prints, etc. Using the fastening element 162 of Figures 13A and 13B, the outer surface 352 and any printed information may be exposed and visually detectable.

[0132] In one example, the second portion 304 can have an elastic structure or body. For example, the second portion 304 can be made from a stretch material, elastic belt, lycra, spandex, nylon lycra fabric, or similar two-dimensional or four-dimensional stretch fabric. The second portion 304 can also be referred to as an intermediate element and can have a length of about 1.5 inches to about 6 inches. The second portion 304 can include a strip of elastic material. In some examples, the second portion 304 can include two or more overlapping elastic strips to increase the volume and biasing force of the second portion.

[0133] The third portion 306 can have two side edges 262, each of which has an edge liner 274 attached, similar to that of Figs. 10-12. The third portion 306 can include a strip of loop elements 310 and a cover element 270. The cover element 270 is similar to the cover elements described elsewhere herein, such as the cover element 270 of Figs. 10-12. A through hole or eyelet 160, which can be a punched hole or a metal reinforced eyelet, is provided near the end of the third portion 306. The protruding string portion of the string can be protruding through the eyelet 160 and secured therein by tying a knot, as discussed above. In some cases, there can be more than one eyelet for joining the protruding string portion.

[0134] As shown, the hook element 300 is oriented in a first direction while the loop element 310 is oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction. This arrangement allows the fastening element 162 shown in FIG. 13B to be wrapped around an object, such as a boxing glove, such that the cover element 270 contacts the object and exposes the loop element 310 for engagement by the hook element 300. The length of the third portion 306 can be from about 6 inches to about 14 inches.

[0135] In one example, the second portion or intermediate element 304 protrudes between the cover element 270 and the loop element 310 of the third element 306 and is then secured between the two by stitching, sewing, bonding, adhesive, or a combination thereof. In other examples, the intermediate element 304 may be located above or below the third portion 306, rather than between the cover element 270 and the loop element 310 of the third element 306.

[0136] The fastening element 162 of Figures 13A and 13B can be used with laces to maintain tension in the laces as described elsewhere herein.

[0137] The fastening element 162 of Figures 13A and 13B can be considered to have a first portion 390 configured to be attached to a second portion 392 of the fastening element. The first portion 390 of the fastening element can be attached to an intermediate element 396, and the second portion 392 of the fastening element 162 can be attached to the intermediate element 396. The first portion 390 and the second portion 392 can be attached to each other via the intermediate element 396. The intermediate element 396 can include a single element or a single body or two or more elements. The first portion 390 and the second portion 392 can be indirectly attached to each other. Optionally, the first portion 390 and the second portion 392 are directly attached to each other and the intermediate element 396 is omitted.

[0138] 14, a partial schematic diagram of another embodiment of a boxing glove with one or more strings attached to a tying mechanism or fastening element 162 is shown. The boxing glove and tying mechanism of this embodiment are similar to other embodiments described elsewhere herein, except for the one or more strings and fastening elements that are coupled to operate with an altered tension pattern, as discussed further below. As shown, a plurality of eyelets 136 are disposed in a base portion 120 of the boxing glove, which may be a right hand glove 102 or a left hand glove 104. The base portion 120 is defined by a wrist portion 114 and an opening portion 116 of the boxing glove. The base portion 120 includes two flaps 132, 134, each of which includes a row of eyelets 136, with a slit, channel or gap 130 between the two flaps. Each of the flaps 132, 134 may include a number of eyelets 136. In one example, each flap 132, 134 can include a row of four to eight eyelets 136. The eyelets 136 of one flap 132 can line up with corresponding eyelets 136 of the opposing flap 134, so that the two rows of eyelets from the two flaps can have four to eight aligned pairs of eyelets. Other arrangements, numbers, and row configurations of eyelets are contemplated.

[0139] In one example, a lacing system or mechanism 170 can be used to tighten the base portion 120 around the boxer's wrist, and possibly around the forearm depending on where the base portion 120 is on the arm. The tightening system or mechanism 170 can include a first lace 140, a second lace 167, and a fastening element 162. The fastening element 162 can include holes or openings 160 and other features described elsewhere herein, such as metal eyelets, etc. The first lace 140 and the second lace 167 can be laced through the eyelets 136 in the base portion 120 and the holes or openings 160 in the fastening element 162, and are used as a means to generate tension, as discussed further below.

[0140] For purposes of nomenclature, the eyelets 136 are given one of 404-416, along with a label A or B. Thus, the first eyelet in the first flap 132 closest to the palm portion of the boxing glove is designated 404A, and the last eyelet in the second flap 134 is designated 416B.

[0141] In one example, each of the first lace 140 and the second lace 167 passes through at least two eyelet arrays disposed in the two flaps 132, 134 and through the holes 160 of the fastening element 162. The array of at least two eyelets through which each lace passes can be considered as a set of eyelet arrays. To secure the ends of each lace to the boxing glove, at least one locking mechanism 165 can be incorporated to secure or lock some or all of the free ends of the laces 140, 167 at or near the eyelets 136 to create tension around the base portion 120.

[0142] The locking mechanism 165 can be a physical element or part, such as a ring, washer, nut, etc., and can be made from plastic, metal, thermoplastic elastomer, elastomer, or combinations thereof. In one example, the locking mechanism 165 can have an inner portion and an outer portion, where the inner portion is made from a hard material and the outer portion is made from a soft material. The locking mechanism 165 can be attached around or near the eyelet 136 on the outer or inner surface of the boxing glove. The locking mechanism 165 can have an outer physical profile or contour with a dimension larger than the opening of the eyelet 136 to prevent it from passing through the eyelet, thereby acting as an anchor or lock for the string. The locking mechanism 165 can have a through passage for receiving the free end of one string. As an example, after passing through the through passage of the locking mechanism 165, the first free end 146 of the first string 140 can be tied to the locking mechanism 165, preventing the first free end 146 from passing through the eyelet. As shown, first string 140 has a free end that passes through eyelets 408A, 408B and eyelets 404A, 404B and is coupled to a corresponding locking mechanism 165, and second string 167 has a free end that passes through eyelets 412A, 412B and eyelets 416A, 416B and is coupled to a corresponding locking mechanism 165. In one example, the securing feature of locking mechanism 165 can lock the free ends of first and second strings 140, 167 to prevent the ends from moving in any direction. In another example, locking mechanism 165 can only prevent strings 140, 167 from moving in a direction that would cause the strings to unravel from eyelets 136.

[0143] In an alternative example, the locking mechanism 165 can be omitted. For example, after threading the first free end 146 through the eyelets 408A, 408B and the second free end 148 through the eyelets 404A, 404B and threading the string 140 through the opening 160 of the fastening element 162, the two free ends 146, 148 can be tied together without a locking mechanism. Optionally, the second string 167 can be secured to the boxing glove in a similar manner without a locking mechanism. In another example, at least one locking mechanism 165 can be used with the tied free ends. Once the free ends are secured to the boxing glove, e.g., flaps 132, 134, etc., as described, the user can pull the fastening element 162 to first wrap the two strings 140, 167 around the base portion 120 of the glove and then continue to wrap the fastening element 162 around the base portion 120 such that the hooks engage the loops of the fastening element 162, as described elsewhere herein. In one example, the user creates tension by first pulling the fastening element 162 in a first direction along arrow 420, as described, and then wrapping the strings 140, 167 and fastening element 162 around the base portion 120. In another example, the user creates tension by pulling the fastening element 162 in a second direction 422 to close the gap at the elongated channel, slit, or gap 130, as described, and then wrapping the strings 140, 167 and fastening element 162 around the base portion 120.

[0144] Thus, the tightening system or mechanism 170 of this embodiment uses two strings to create four fastening points at the eyelets 404B, 408B, 412B, 416B to create tension around the base portion 120 of the glove. The four fastening points are spaced along the two flaps 132, 134 to allow a person to self-tighten the boxing glove with relatively uniform tension along the length of the elongated slit 130 by the two flaps 132, 134, even when the person's binding hand is inside another boxing glove. In particular, the tightening system or mechanism 170 allows a tightening force to be generated in a direction generally radial to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated channel 130, creating tension around the base portion 120. Although only certain eyelets are used to secure the laces as described, in other embodiments, different eyelets, additional eyelets, or fewer eyelets can be used, such as threading a third lace through an unused eyelet, threading an existing lace through an unused eyelet, or threading an existing lace through a different pair or set of eyelets, etc.

[0145] In an alternative example, the first string 140 can be threaded through the eyelets in the following pattern: the free end 148 is secured to the locking mechanism 165 at the eyelet 404B, then the string 140 is threaded through the eyelet 404A, through the opening 160, through the eyelet 406A, through the eyelet 406B, through the eyelet 408B, through the eyelet 408A, back through the opening 160, through the eyelet 410A, through the eyelet 410B, and then the free end 146 is tied to the second locking mechanism 165 at the eyelet 410B. Alternatively, the two free ends 146, 148 can be tied together without using any locking mechanism 165. In this alternative embodiment, the second string 167 can be threaded through the eyelets as shown in FIG. 14, and optionally, the two free ends are tied together without any locking mechanism. Thus, an alternative embodiment could use two strings of two different lengths.

[0146] In another alternative example, the second string 167 can be threaded through the eyelets in the following pattern: the free end 171 is secured to the locking mechanism 165 at the eyelet 410B, then the string 167 is threaded through the eyelet 410A, through the opening 160, through the eyelet 412A, through the eyelet 412B, through the eyelet 414B, through the eyelet 414A, back through the opening 160, through the eyelet 416A, through the eyelet 416B, and then the free end 169 is tied to the second locking mechanism 165 at the eyelet 416B. Alternatively, the two free ends 169, 171 can be tied together without using any locking mechanism. In this alternative embodiment, the first string 140 can be threaded through the eyelets as shown in FIG. 14, and optionally, the two free ends are tied together without any locking mechanism. Thus, an alternative embodiment could use two strings of two different lengths.

[0147] The orientation of the first string 140 and the second string 167 may vary relative to each other or to different portions of the base portion 120. In one example, the first string 140 may occupy an upper portion of the base portion 120 by tying it through an eyelet 136 near or within the wrist portion 114, e.g., eyelet array 404-408. The second string 167 may occupy a lower portion of the base portion 120 by tying it through an eyelet 136 near or within the opening 116, e.g., eyelet array 412-416. In another example, the first string 140 and the second string 167 may be tied together, where the free end 146 of the first string 140 passes through a pair of eyelet arrays between the free ends 169, 171 of the second string 167. In another example, the ends 146 , 148 of the first string 140 may both be located between the ends 169 , 171 of the second string 167 .

[0148] In yet another example, the tightening system or mechanism 170 can include only one string 140 that is used to tighten the base portion 120 around the wrist and possibly the forearm of the boxer using a tying mechanism similar to those described elsewhere herein. In one example, the only string 140 passes through an array of at least two eyelets in the two flaps 132, 134 and passes through a hole or opening 160 in the tightening element 162. To secure the end of the only string 140 to the boxing glove, at least one locking mechanism 165 can be incorporated to secure or lock one or both free ends of the only string 140 at or near the eyelets 136 to create tension around the base portion 120.

[0149] The single string 140 has a first free end 146 that can pass through the eyelets 416A, 416B and a second free end 148 that can pass through the eyelets 404A, 404B, and the two free ends can be connected to the corresponding locking mechanisms 165. After passing through the through passages of the respective locking mechanisms 165, the first and second free ends 146, 148 can be tied to the respective locking mechanisms 165 to prevent the first and second free ends 146, 148 from passing through the eyelets. In another example, the first and second free ends 146, 148 can pass through a series of eyelets closer to the center of the base portion 120. For example, the first free end 146 can pass through the eyelets 412A, 412B, and the second free end 148 can pass through the eyelets 406A, 406B, and is connected to the corresponding locking mechanism 165. In an alternative example, the locking mechanism can be eliminated, in which case the first and second free ends 146, 148 can be threaded through their corresponding rows of eyelets and only one string 140 can be threaded through the opening 160 of the fastening element 162, after which the two free ends 146, 148 can be tied together without any locking mechanism.

[0150] In one example, only one string 140 can be routed through the eyelets in the following pattern: the second free end 148 is secured to the locking mechanism 165 at eyelet 404B, then the string 140 is threaded through eyelet 404A, through opening 160, through eyelet 408A, through eyelet 408B, through eyelet 412B, through eyelet 412A, back through opening 160, through eyelet 416A, through eyelet 416B, and then the first free end 146 of the only string is tied to the second locking mechanism 165 at eyelet 416B. Alternatively, the two free ends 146, 148 of the only string can be tied together without using any locking mechanism 165. In another alternative example, only one string 140 can be routed through all of the eyelet rows 404-416 in the pattern described, in which case only one string passes through the openings 160 in an alternating pattern as it passes through the eyelet rows.

[0151] Once the free ends are secured to the boxing glove, e.g., flaps 132, 134, etc., as described, the user can pull on the fastening element 162 with a force generally radial to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated channel, slit, or gap 130 to first wrap only one string 140 around the base portion 120 of the glove, and then continue to wrap the fastening element 162 around the base portion 120 as described elsewhere herein to engage the hooks with the loops of the fastening element 162. In one example, the user creates tension by first pulling the fastening element 162 in a first direction along arrow 420, and then wrapping the only one string 140 and the fastening element 162 around the base portion 120 as described. In another example, the user pulls the fastening element 162 in the second direction 422 to close the gap in the elongated channel 130, and then creates tension by wrapping only one string 140 and the fastening element 162 around the base portion 120 as described.

[0152] In some examples, whether the string tightening system 170 uses only one string or two or more strings, the free ends can be tied at a location underneath the first flap 132 or the second flap 134 so that the knot or knots are not exposed from the top or exterior of the flap. Similarly, if the free ends of the strings are secured to the flaps using one or more locking mechanisms 165, the securing of the free ends with the one or more locking mechanisms 165 can be located underneath the first flap 132 or the second flap so that the locking mechanism or mechanisms 165 are not exposed from the top or exterior of the flap.

[0153] In some examples, regardless of whether the lace tightening system 170 uses only one lace or two or more laces, each of the laces passing through the fastener through-holes has at least one tip or point that connects two adjacent lace portions of the lace. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the first lace 140 is secured to the flap 134 at the eyelets 404B and 408B, where the tip 500 connects the first portion 500A and the second portion 500B of the first lace 140. The tip 500 is laterally disposed on the same side of both the first flap 132 and the second flap 134, so that the fastener element 162 can be pulled laterally of the longitudinal axis defined by the slit or gap 130 and can generate tension around the base portion 120 of the boxing glove. In some examples, two or more tips or points of only one lace or two or more laces may be disposed in one or more through-holes of the fastener element.

[0154] 15, a partial schematic diagram of another embodiment of a boxing glove with multiple strings attached to a tying mechanism or fastening element 162 is shown. The boxing glove and tying mechanism of this embodiment are similar to other embodiments discussed elsewhere herein, except for the multiple strings and fastening elements, which are coupled to operate with an altered tension pattern, as discussed further below. As shown, the multiple eyelets 136 are disposed on a base portion 120 of the boxing glove, which may be a right hand glove 102 or a left hand glove 104. The base portion 120 is similar to other embodiments of boxing gloves described elsewhere herein. Primarily, the multiple eyelets 136 are disposed in rows such that a row of eyelets on one flap 132 aligns with a corresponding row of eyelets on the opposing flap 134.

[0155] In this embodiment, the tightening system or mechanism 170 includes a first string 140, a second string 167, a third string 173, and a fastening element 162. The fastening element 162 may include holes or openings 160 and other features described elsewhere herein, such as metal eyelets, etc. The first string 140, second string 167, and third string 173 may be threaded through the eyelets 136 in the base portion 120 and the holes or openings 160 in the fastening element 162 and may be used as a means to generate tension, as discussed further below.

[0156] In one example, each of the first string 140, the second string 167, and the third string 173 passes through at least two eyelet arrays disposed on the two flaps 132, 134 and passes through the hole 160 of the fastening element 162. The array of at least two eyelets through which each string passes can be considered as a set of eyelet arrays. In one example, the first string 140 has a first free end 146 that can pass through the eyelets 406A, 406B and a second free end 148 that can pass through the eyelets 404A, 404B, and the two free ends can be coupled to the corresponding locking mechanism 165. Similarly, the second string 167 has a first free end 169 that can pass through the eyelets 410A, 410B and a second free end 171 that can pass through the eyelets 408A, 408B, and the two free ends can be coupled to the corresponding locking mechanism 165. Finally, the third string 173 has a first free end 175 that can pass through the eyelets 414A, 414B and a second free end 177 that can pass through the eyelets 412A, 412B, and the two free ends can be coupled to corresponding locking mechanisms 165. In another example, the first free end 175 of the third string 173 can pass through the eyelets 416A, 416B, as shown in FIG.

[0157] To secure the ends of the respective laces to the boxing glove, at least one locking mechanism 165 may be incorporated to secure or lock some or all of the free ends of the laces 140, 167, 173 at or near the eyelets 136 to create tension around the base portion 120. Similar locking mechanisms 165 described elsewhere herein may be used to secure some or all of the free ends of the laces 140, 167, 173. In one example, after passing through the through passages of the respective locking mechanisms 165, the free ends of the laces 140, 167, 170 may be tied to the respective locking mechanisms 165 to prevent the free ends 146 from passing through the eyelets. In an alternative example, the locking mechanisms 165 may be omitted. For example, after threading the first free end 146 through the eyelets 406A, 406B, threading the second free end 148 through the eyelets 404A, 404B, and threading the string 140 through the opening 160 of the fastening element 162, the two free ends 146, 148 can be tied together without any locking mechanism. Optionally, the second and third strings 167, 173 can be secured to the boxing glove in the same manner without any locking mechanism. In another example, at least one locking mechanism 165 can be used in conjunction with the tied free ends.

[0158] Once the free ends are secured to the boxing glove, e.g., flaps 132, 134, etc., as described, the user can pull on the fastening element 162 with a force generally radial to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated channel 130 to first wrap the three strings 140, 167, 173 around the base portion 120 of the glove, and then continue to wrap the fastening element 162 around the base portion 120 as described elsewhere herein to engage the hooks with the loops of the fastening element 162. In one example, the user creates tension by first pulling the fastening element 162 in a first direction along arrow 420, and then wrapping the three strings 140, 167, 173 and the fastening element 162 around the base portion 120 as described. In another example, the user creates tension by pulling the fastening element 162 in the second direction 422 to close the gap in the elongated channel 130 as described, and then wrapping the three strings 140, 167, 173 and the fastening element 162 around the base portion 120. Thus, the tightening mechanism 170 of this embodiment uses the three strings to create six fastening points at the eyelets 404B, 406B, 408B, 410B, 412B, and 414B to create tension around the base portion 120 of the glove. The six fastening points are spaced along the two flaps 132, 134, allowing a person to self-tighten the boxing glove with a relatively uniform tension along the length of the elongated slit 130 by the two flaps 132, 134, even when the person's tying hand is inside another boxing glove. Although only certain eyelets are used to secure the laces as described, in other embodiments, different eyelets, additional eyelets, or fewer eyelets can be used, such as threading a fourth lace through an unused eyelet, threading an existing lace through an unused eyelet, or threading an existing lace through a different pair or set of eyelets, etc.

[0159] 16 in conjunction with FIG. 15, a partial schematic diagram of another embodiment of a boxing glove with multiple strings attached to a tying mechanism or fastening element 162 is shown. The orientation of the multiple strings 140, 167, 173 may vary with respect to each other or with respect to different portions of the base portion 120. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the first string 140 may occupy an upper portion of the base portion 120 by tying it through the eyelet arrays 404-406. The second string 167 may occupy a central portion of the base portion 120 by tying it through the eyelet arrays 408-410. The third string 173 may occupy a lower portion of the base portion 120 by tying it through some or all of the eyelet arrays 412-416.

[0160] In another example shown in FIG. 16, at least two of the three strings 140, 167, 173 may be tied together. The free end 146 of the first string 140 may pass through a pair of eyelet arrays between the free ends 169, 171 of the second string 167. In another example, the free end 146 of the first string 140 may pass through a pair of eyelet arrays between the free ends 175, 177 of the third string 167, and the free end 177 of the third string 173 may pass through a pair of eyelet arrays between the free ends 169, 171 of the second string 167, thereby tying together all three strings. In another example, the free ends of the first and second strings 140, 167 may be located between the ends 175, 177 of the third string 173, where the free ends 175, 177 occupy the outer eyelet arrays 404 and 416.

[0161] Generally speaking, the tightening system or mechanism of the present invention uses at least one string, but could use two or more strings, in conjunction with the fastening element 162, which can be tightened around the base portion of the boxing glove by pulling the fastening element 162 laterally of the longitudinal gap defined by the two flaps to take up the gap and exert tension on the base portion of the boxing glove. A length of the one or more strings is then wrapped around the base portion and then continued to be wrapped so that the hooks can engage the loops of the fastening element.

[0162] In some instances, one or more locking mechanisms can be used to secure the free ends of one or more laces at the eyelets, while in other instances, the free ends can be tied together, eliminating or reducing the number of locking mechanisms.

[0163] Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are understood to include a boxing glove comprising a tightening system or mechanism for generating a lateral or radial force in a radial direction of a longitudinal axis defined by the gap between two flaps, the tightening mechanism comprising at least one lace, a fastening element, and optionally a locking mechanism.A further aspect of the present invention is a method of generating tension around a base portion of a boxing glove by generating a radial or lateral force relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the gap between two flaps of the boxing glove.

[0164] Aspects of the invention may be covered by the following exemplary claims:

[0165] Independent claim = A fastening element for use with a lace having two protruding lace portions, a body having a length with a first end and a second end and a width with a first side edge and a second side edge, the body including hook elements and loop elements; a cover element attached to the hook or loop element, the cover element having a length and a width, the cover element being sewn to the hook or loop element; a hole or opening at a first end of the body for receiving at least a portion of the string; Equipped with A fastening element wherein the cover element is attached to or near the first side edge, the second side edge, or both the first and second side edges.

[0166] A fastening element, the fastening element comprising a continuous array of hoop and loop elements.

[0167] The fastening element has an edge liner surrounding the first side edge.

[0168] The fastening element further comprises an elastic intermediate element disposed between the hook element and the loop element.

[0169] A fastener element, the hole in the first end of the body being reinforced with a metal eyelet.

[0170] The fastener element has a gripper element disposed at a second end having an opening with a loop having an opening for grasping with a finger.

[0171] The fastening element has a length between 8 inches and 24 inches.

[0172] Independent claim - A fastening element for use with a lace having two protruding lace portions, a body having a length with a first end and a second end and a width with a first side edge and a second side edge, the body including hook elements and loop elements; an elastic element including a first side edge and a second side edge disposed along a length of the body; a cover element attached to the body and having a length and a width; a hole or opening at a first end of the body for receiving at least a portion of the string; Equipped with A fastener element, wherein the elastic element is stretchable from a first length to a longer second length and is located between the hook and loop elements.

[0173] A fastener element, the body having a first side and an opposing second side, the hook element being disposed on the first side and the loop element being disposed on the second side.

[0174] The fastening element, wherein the cover element is attached to or near the first side edge, the second side edge, or both the first and second side edges.

[0175] The fastening element has an edge liner surrounding the first side edge.

[0176] A fastener element having a hole formed through the cover element.

[0177] A fastener element, the fastener element having a hole at a first end of the body reinforced with an eyelet.

[0178] A fastening element in which the two ends of a string protrude through eyelets.

[0179] A fastener element having a gripper element disposed at the second end, the gripper element being in a folded position and defining an opening.

[0180] The fastening element has a length between 8 inches and 24 inches.

[0181] Independent claim - A method for forming a fastening element for use with a lace having two protruding lace portions, comprising: forming a body from hook and loop elements, the body having a length having a first end and a second end and a width having a first side edge and a second side edge; incorporating an elastic element having a first side edge and a second side edge along a body; attaching a cover element having a length and a width to the body and to at least a portion of the loop element of the body; providing a hole or opening in the first end of the body for receiving at least a portion of the string; Including, A method wherein the elastic element is elasticable from a first length to a longer second length.

[0182] The method further includes threading the two ends of the string through the holes.

[0183] The method further includes reinforcing the hole with a metal eyelet.

[0184] The method further includes disposing a first edge liner about the first side edge and disposing a second edge liner about the second side edge.

[0185] The method, wherein the elastic element is disposed between the hook and loop elements.

[0186] The method, wherein the covering element is oriented to contact the boxing glove or shoe in a used configuration.

[0187] The method further includes a gripper element having a loop and defining a hole or opening.

[0188] Independent claim: A fastening element for use with a lace, comprising: a body having a length formed by sequentially attaching hook elements, loop elements, and elastic elements, the body having a first end, a second end, and a width having a first side edge and a second side edge; a cover element having a body, a length and a width attached to at least a portion of the loop element of the body, the cover element being positioned to contact the boxing glove or shoe when the hook element and the loop element are directly attached to one another; a hole or opening at a first end of the body for receiving at least a portion of the lace; Equipped with A fastening element, wherein the elastic element is stretchable from a first length to a longer second length.

[0189] A fastener element, the body having a first side and an opposing second side, the hook element being disposed on the first side and the loop element being disposed on the second side.

[0190] The fastening element, wherein the cover element is attached to or near the first side edge, the second side edge, or both the first and second side edges.

[0191] A fastener element, wherein the cover element has a relatively softer surface than the hook element.

[0192] A fastener element having a hole formed through the cover element.

[0193] The fastening element has a length between 8 inches and 24 inches.

[0194] A fastener element, wherein the cover element has a relatively softer surface than the hook element.

[0195] The above exemplary fastening element claims and method of forming a fastening element claims may be used with one or more laces having the knotting patterns disclosed in any of Figures 14-16, as described above in connection with Figures 14-16.

[0196] The above exemplary binding element claims and method of forming a binding element claims may be used with one or more laces having the boxing glove and tying pattern disclosed in any of FIGS. 14-16, as described above in connection with FIGS. 14-16.

[0197] Exemplary claims with the unique fastenings or fastening mechanisms disclosed for boxing gloves are set forth below.

[0198] Independent claim - A boxing glove, said boxing glove comprising: a body having a finger portion, a palm portion, a thumb portion, and a base portion, the base portion has a slit located between the first flap and the second flap; a body, each of the first and second flaps having a row of eyelets, the two rows of eyelets aligned to define an array of a plurality of eyelets; A tightening mechanism having a tightening element, a lace, and at least one locking mechanism, the tightening element having a through hole. Equipped with A boxing glove, wherein a string is threaded through a through hole of a fastening element, and a first free end, a second free end, or both the first and second free ends of the string are fixed to at least one locking mechanism.

[0199] A boxing glove, comprising a first string and a second string passing through a through hole of a fastening element, the first free end, the second free end, or both the first and second free ends of the second string being secured to a second locking mechanism.

[0200] Boxing gloves with multiple eyelets, including an array of four to eight eyelets.

[0201] A boxing glove, the first string and the second string being tied together.

[0202] Methods of making and using the disclosed fastening systems, fastening elements and components thereof are within the scope of the present invention.

[0203] While limited embodiments of laces, anchoring mechanisms or fastening elements, boxing gloves, and shoes, and components thereof, have been specifically described and shown herein, numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore understood that laces, tying mechanisms, boxing gloves, and shoes, and components thereof, constructed in accordance with the principles of the disclosed devices, systems, and methods, can be embodied in ways other than as specifically described herein. The present disclosure is also defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A boxing glove, comprising: a body having a finger portion, a palm portion, a thumb portion, and a base portion, the base portion having an opening and a slit located between a first flap and a second flap, the opening portion configured to receive a hand, the slit defining a longitudinal axis; a body, the first flap having a row of eyelets and the second flap having a row of eyelets, the two rows of eyelets aligned to define an array of eyelets; a fastening mechanism having a fastening element and at least one string having two free ends including a first free end and a second free end, the fastening element having a through hole; Equipped with the at least one string is threaded through the through hole of the fastening element, and the two free ends are fixed to the base portion by the first flap or the second flap; A boxing glove, comprising: a tip portion connecting a first string portion and a second string portion of the at least one string; and the first string portion and the second string portion passing through two different eyelets in the first flap, the second flap, or both the first flap and the second flap.

2. 2. The boxing glove of claim 1, wherein the at least one string is a first string, the boxing glove further comprising a second string passing through the through hole of the fastening element, the second string having a tip connecting a first string portion and a second string portion of the second string, the first string portion and the second string portion of the second string passing through two different eyelets in the first flap, the second flap, or both the first flap and the second flap.

3. The boxing glove of claim 2 , further comprising a third lace passing through the through hole of the binding element.

4. The boxing glove of claim 1 , wherein the array of small holes includes an array of between 4 and 8 small holes.

5. 2. The boxing glove of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism having a through passage, the first free end passing through the through passage.

6. The boxing glove of claim 2 , wherein the first lace and the second lace are tied together.

7. The boxing glove of claim 1 , wherein the fastening element further comprises a hook element and a loop element.

8. 2. The boxing glove of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of locking mechanisms, each having a passage therethrough, said plurality of locking mechanisms being attached to an exterior surface of said base portion.

9. The boxing glove of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of locking mechanisms has an outer physical contour having a dimension greater than an opening dimension of one of the eyelets.

10. 1. A method for lacing and tightening boxing gloves, comprising: Put your hand inside the boxing glove, Threading a string through a through hole of the fastening element; threading a first free end of the string through a first eyelet in a base portion of the boxing glove and a second free end of the string through a second eyelet in the base portion of the boxing glove; securing the first free end and the second free end of the string to the base portion to create a tip between the first string portion and the second string portion of the first string; pulling the binding element in a first direction radial to a longitudinal axis defined by a gap in the base portion to wrap the lace and the binding element around the base portion of the boxing glove; A method comprising:

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the lace is a first lace and further comprises a second lace passing through the through hole of the fastening element, the second lace having a first free end passing through a third eyelet and a second free end passing through a fourth eyelet.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising passing a third string through the through hole of the fastening element.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the string is a first string, the first string occupying an upper portion of a base portion near a palm portion of the boxing glove and the second string occupying a lower portion of the base portion further away from the palm portion than the upper portion.

14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the string is a first string, and the first string and the second string are tied together.

15. The method of claim 11 , further comprising engaging a plurality of hooks with a plurality of loops to secure the fastening element to the base portion.

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