Speed clip

Abstract

A speed clip comprising an anchor element configured to be disposed on or in a portion of footwear. The speed clip comprising a first retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the first retaining element having a first bottom portion and a first top portion coupled to the first bottom portion via a first curved portion. The speed clip comprising a second retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the second retaining element having a second bottom portion, the second retaining element having a second top portion coupled to the second bottom portion via a second curved portion wherein one or more of the first top portion, the first bottom portion, the first curved portion, the second top portion, the second bottom portion, and the second curved portion cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive a lacing element for the footwear.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a Nonprovisional of and claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 63 / 750,570, filed Jan. 28, 2025, and is a Nonprovisional of and claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 63 / 911,244, filed Nov. 4, 2025, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, shoelaces may be coupled to footwear via a hole or a hook. Holes do not allow for fast lacing. Hooks do not secure a shoelace to the footwear when the shoelace becomes loosened.

[0003] Improvements are needed.SUMMARY

[0004] The following summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit or constrain the detailed description.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a speed clip system that makes it easier and faster to lace up boots and shoes. The speed clip works like a combination of a traditional hook and a spring-loaded clip that can quickly grab and hold a shoelace in place. The main part of the speed clip has holes in it so it can be attached to a boot or shoe, and it includes two curved pieces that work together to create a space where the lace sits. One piece acts like a regular hook, while the other piece has a spring action that can bend away when you push on it but snaps back to hold the lace securely. The spring piece has a special lip at the end that helps guide the lace into position and makes it easy to release when needed. This design allows people to quickly snap their laces into place without having to thread them through eyelets or wrap them around hooks like traditional lacing systems, while still keeping the laces secure during use.

[0006] These and other features and advantages are described in greater detail below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent, and the present disclosure will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompany drawings in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 shows an example speed clip described herein.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows an example speed clip described herein.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows an example speed clip described herein.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows an example speed clip described herein.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows an example speed clip described herein.

[0013] FIG. 6 shows an example speed clip described herein.

[0014] FIG. 7 shows example footwear using an example speed clip described herein.

[0015] FIG. 8 shows an example speed clip with interlocking pieces described herein.

[0016] FIG. 9 shows an example speed clip with a thumb engager described herein.

[0017] FIG. 10 shows an example speed clip described herein.

[0018] FIG. 11 shows an example speed clip described herein.

[0019] FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of an example speed clip with rivet apertures described herein.

[0020] FIG. 13 shows an example speed clip with interlocking pieces and rivet apertures described herein.

[0021] FIG. 14 shows an example speed clip with a rivet described herein.

[0022] FIG. 15 shows example footwear with a lacing element and speed clip described herein.

[0023] FIG. 16 shows an example speed clip described herein.

[0024] FIG. 17 shows a side view of an example speed clip described herein.

[0025] FIG. 18 shows example footwear with an integrated speed clip described herein.

[0026] FIG. 19 shows an example lacing element configuration described herein.

[0027] FIG. 20 shows an example lacing system with lacing retainers described herein.

[0028] FIG. 21 shows example footwear with a lacing system described herein.

[0029] FIG. 22 shows an example lacing system described herein.

[0030] FIG. 23 shows example footwear with a tensioning system described herein.

[0031] The accompanying drawings show examples of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the examples shown in the drawings and / or discussed herein are non-exclusive and that there are other examples of how the disclosure may be practiced.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] FIGS. 1-6 show an example device 100 for securing a lacing element (e.g., shoelace). The device 100 may comprise a speed clip. The device 100 may comprise a first retaining element 110. The first retaining element 110 may be rigid. The first retaining element 110 may comprise a first end 112, a top portion 114, a curved portion 116, and a bottom portion 118. The first retaining element 110 may comprise steel. The first retaining element 110 may comprise cast steel. The first retaining element 110 may comprise stamped steel. The top portion 114 may be coupled to the bottom portion 118 via the curved portion 116. One or more of the top portion 114, the curved portion 116, and the bottom portion 118 may cooperate to define least a first portion of a cavity 115. The cavity 115 may be configured to receive the lacing element for the footwear. When in the cavity 115, the shoelace may be in communication with the top portion 114, the curved portion 116, and / or the bottom portion 118.

[0033] The device 100 may comprise a second retaining element 120. The second retaining element 120 may comprise a first end 122, a top portion 124, a curved portion 126, and a bottom portion 128. The second retaining element 120 may comprise spring steel. The second retaining element 120 may be configured to deflect. The top portion 124 may be coupled to the bottom portion 128 via the curved portion 126. One or more of the top portion 124, the curved portion 126, and the bottom portion 128 may cooperate to define least a second portion of the cavity 115. The top portion 124 may comprise one or more indentation 125. The top portion 124 may comprise two indentations 125. The first end 122 may comprise a lip 121.

[0034] The device 100 may comprise an anchor element 130. The anchor element 130 may comprise at least one aperture 135 formed therethrough. The anchor element 130 may comprise two apertures 135 formed therethrough. The anchor element 130 may be configured to be disposed on or in a portion of the footwear. The at least one aperture 135 may facilitate coupling the anchor element 130 to the footwear. The first retaining element 110 may be disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element 130. The second retaining element 120 may be disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element 130. The bottom portion 118 may extend from the anchor element 130. The bottom portion 128 may extend from the anchor element 130.

[0035] The anchor element 130 may be integrally formed with the footwear. The anchor element 130 may be separate from the footwear. The anchor element 130, the first retaining element 110, and the second retaining element 120 may be integrated into a single structure. The second retaining element 120 may be a separate structure from at least one of the anchor element 130 and the first retaining element 110.

[0036] The anchor element 120 may be configured to be coupled to the footwear via a single rivet. The anchor element 120 may be configured to be coupled to the footwear via a stitch through. The anchor element 120 may be configured to be coupled to the footwear via a post and cap. The anchor element 120 may be molded directly into the footwear.

[0037] The top portion 124 of the second retaining element 120 may comprise an engaging surface 123 disposed adjacent a bottom surface 113 of the top portion 114 of the first retaining element 110 when in a first position. The lip 121 may extend from the engaging surface 123. The lip 121 may be angled away from the bottom surface 113 of the top portion 114 relative to the engaging surface 123. The lip 121 may comprise a length. For example, the lip 121 may comprise length corresponding to a radius of a lace configured for the footwear. The lip 121 may comprise length corresponding to a radius of a smallest lace configured for the footwear. The lip 121 may comprise length of about 1.5 millimeters (mm). The lip 121 may comprise length of 1.5 mm, plus or minus 10%.

[0038] The engaging surface 123 may comprise a first angle relative to the bottom portion 118. The top portion 114 may comprise a second angle relative to the bottom portion 118. The first angle may be the same as the second angle. The first angle may be within an angle threshold of the second angle. The angle threshold may be, for example, about 5 degrees. The first angle and / or the second angle may be configured such that the first angle and / or the second angle allow for a lace (such as a lace with a radius of about 4 mm) to be disposed within the cavity 115, but without making the device 100 too bulky. The first angle and / or the second angle may be at or about 15 degrees relative to the bottom portion 118. The engaging surface 123 and the bottom surface 113 of the top portion 114 touch in the first position. The engaging surface 123 and the bottom surface 113 of the top portion 114 do not touch in the first position. The top portion 114 may taper from the second angle to a third angle. The third angle may be a lower angle relative to the bottom portion 118 than the second angle. The third angle may be configured to pinch a lace in place within the cavity 115. The third angle may cause the top portion 114 and the bottom portion 118 to act as a lace lock for a lace within the cavity 115.

[0039] At least the curved portion 126 may facilitate a mechanical bias in the second retaining element 120 to allow the engaging surface 123 to be moved away from the top portion 114 in a biased second position under a load, and to return to the first position when the load is removed. The load may be, for example, about 5 Newtons, (N). The load may be, for example, 5 N, plus or minus 10%.

[0040] FIG. 7 shows example footwear 200 comprising instances of the device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-6. As shown, a lacing element 250 may be disposed in the instances of the device 100 for securing the footwear 200 to a foot of a user.

[0041] FIGS. 8-14 show various configurations of the device with interlocking components. FIG. 8 shows an example device 800 comprising a first interlocking piece 801 and a second interlocking piece 802. The first interlocking piece 801 may comprise a first retainer portion 810 having a first end 812, a bottom surface 813, a top portion 814, a curved portion 816, and a bottom portion 818. The first retainer portion 810 may cooperate to define at least a first portion of a cavity 815. The second interlocking piece 802 may comprise a second retainer portion 820 having a lip 821 at a first end 822, an engaging surface 823, a top portion 824 with one or more indentation(s) 825, a curved portion 826, and a bottom portion 828. The device 800 may comprise one or more anchor portion(s) 830 for securing the device 800 with footwear. The first interlocking piece 801 and second interlocking piece 802 may be configured to engage with each other to form a complete speed clip assembly.

[0042] FIG. 9 shows an example device comprising a first interlocking piece 901 and a second interlocking piece 902, similar to FIG. 8. The first interlocking piece 901 and the second interlocking piece 902 may form a cavity 915 configured to hold a lacing element, such as a shoe lace. The device may comprise a thumb engager 927 configured to provide a user interface for operating the speed clip. The thumb engager 927 may facilitate user engagement with the device by providing a leverage point or contact surface. The device may comprise a second piece cavity 929 configured to accommodate movement of the interlocking pieces relative to each other.

[0043] FIGS. 10-12 show example devices with rivet connections. FIG. 10 shows a first interlocking piece 1001 and a second interlocking piece 1002 connected via a rivet 1003. The first interlocking piece 1001 and the second interlocking piece 1002 may form a cavity 1015 configured to hold a lacing element. The device may comprise a first end 1022, one or more tab(s) 1027, and a second piece cavity 1029. The one or more tab(s) 1027 may provide structural support and alignment between the interlocking pieces. The second piece cavity 1029 may allow the rivet 1003 to pass through the second interlocking piece 1002 and connect the first interlocking piece 1001 and the second interlocking piece 1002.

[0044] FIG. 11 shows a similar configuration with a first interlocking piece 1101, a second interlocking piece 1102, and a rivet 1103. The first interlocking piece 1101 and the second interlocking piece 1102 may form a cavity 1115 configured to hold a lacing element. The device 1100 may comprise a first end 1122, one or more tab(s) 1127, and a second piece cavity 1129. The first end 1122 may be disposed towards an inner portion of the second interlocking piece 1102 such that the first end 1122 substantially forms a loop. Disposing the first end 1122 in the cavity 1115 such that the first end 1122 is configured to not make contact with a lacing element disposed in the cavity 1115 may prevent the lacing element from receiving abrasions while disposed in the cavity 1115.

[0045] FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the device, illustrating how the first interlocking piece 1101 and second interlocking piece 1102 may be assembled using the rivet 1103. The first interlocking piece 1101 may comprise a first rivet aperture 1201 configured to receive the rivet 1103. The second interlocking piece may comprise a second rivet aperture 1202 configured to receive the rivet 1103 and one or more tab(s) The one or more tab(s) 1127 may facilitate proper alignment between the first interlocking piece 1101 and the second interlocking piece 1102 such that the rivet 1103 may be disposed in the first rivet aperture 1201 and the second rivet aperture 1202 during assembly.

[0046] FIGS. 13-15 show additional configurations of interlocking devices. FIG. 13 shows a device 1300 comprising a first interlocking piece 1301 and a second interlocking piece 1302. The device 1300 may comprise rivet apertures 1305 configured to facilitate assembly of the interlocking pieces. FIG. 14 shows the device 1300 in a side view, illustrating how the first interlocking piece 1301 and second interlocking piece 1302 may be connected via a rivet 1303. The rivet 1303 may be disposed in the rivet apertures 1305 shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 shows example footwear 1500 incorporating the device 1300, with a lacing element 1550 disposed through the device 1300 for securing the footwear 1500.

[0047] FIGS. 16-18 show an alternative device configuration. FIG. 16 shows a device 1600 comprising a retainer portion 1610 having a first end 1612, a bottom surface 1613, a top portion 1614, a curved surface 1616, and a bottom portion 1618. The device 1600 may comprise an engaging component 1622. The retainer portion 1610 and the engaging component may form a lace cavity 1615. The device 1600 may comprise a second cavity 1623. The device 1600 may comprise one or more anchor portion(s) 1630 configured to be in communication with footwear. The device 1600 may comprise an engaging aperture 1635 for securing the engaging component 1622 to the device 1600. The engaging component 1622 may comprise steel wire with offsetting engaging apertures 1635 to create spring tension in the device 1600. The engaging component 1622 may be twisted at a contact point at the first end 1612. FIG. 17 shows a side view of the device 1600, illustrating the relationship between the various components. FIG. 18 shows example footwear 1800 incorporating the device 1600, with a lacing element 1850 configured to engage with the device 1600.

[0048] FIG. 19 shows an example lacing element 1950 (e.g., infinity lace) configured in a figure-eight pattern. The lacing element 1950 may be configured to provide specific tension characteristics or lacing patterns when used with the speed clip devices described herein. The lacing element 1950 may comprise a series of interlinked annular shapes. Other configurations may be used.

[0049] FIGS. 20-23 show lacing systems incorporating the speed clip devices. FIG. 20 shows a lacing system comprising two instance of the device 100, lacing retainers 2120, and a lacing element 2050. The lacing retainers 2120 may be configured to guide and position the lacing element 2050 through the lacing system. FIG. 21 shows example footwear 2100 incorporating the lacing system, with two instances of the device 100, lacing retainers 2120, and lacing element 2050 integrated into the footwear design.

[0050] FIG. 22 shows an alternative lacing system configuration comprising two instance of the device 100, lacing retainers 2320, and a lacing element 2250. The instances of the device 100 may be positioned relative to the lacing retainers 2320 to create a specific lacing pattern or tension distribution across the footwear. Similarly, the lacing retainers 2320 may be positioned to create a specific lacing pattern or tension distribution across the footwear.

[0051] FIG. 23 shows example footwear 2300 incorporating a tensioning system. The footwear 2300 may comprise one or more instance(s) of the device 100, lacing retainers 2320, and a lacing element 2250. The footwear 2300 may comprise a tensioning interface 2330 and a tensioning element 2340. The tensioning interface 2330 may comprise a component configured for interface engagement 2335 by a user. For example, the tensioning interface 2330 may comprise a knob configured for interface engagement 2335 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to adjust tension. The tensioning element 2340 may initiate tensioning actuation 2345 of an instance of the device 100 away from and towards the lacing retainers 2320, causing tension in the lacing element 2250 to be adjusted. The tensioning element 2340 may initiate tensioning actuation 2345 in response to interface engagement 2335 of the tensioning interface 2330. The tensioning system may be configured to provide adjustable tension control for the lacing element 2250, allowing for customized fit and comfort. The tensioning interface 2330 and the tensioning element 2340 may work together to translate user input into lacing tension adjustments.

[0052] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. As used herein, satisfying a threshold may, depending on the context, refer to a value being greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, and / or the like, depending on the context. Although particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification.

[0053] Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set. No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, and / or the like), and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,”“have,”“having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and / or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of”).

[0054] Use of the term “about” is intended to describe values either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / −10%; in other embodiments the values may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / −5%; in other embodiments the values may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / −2%; in other embodiments the values may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / −1%. The preceding ranges are intended to be made clear by context, and no further limitation is implied. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0055] Example Clause 1: A speed clip may include: an anchor element having at least one aperture formed therethrough, the anchor element configured to be disposed on or in a portion of footwear, where the at least one aperture facilitates coupling the anchor element to the footwear; a first retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the first retaining element having a first bottom portion extending from the anchor element, the first retaining element having a first top portion coupled to the first bottom portion via a first curved portion, where one or more of the first top portion, the first bottom portion, and the first curved portion cooperate to define at least a first portion of a cavity configured to receive a lacing element for the footwear; and a second retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the second retaining element having a second bottom portion extending from the anchor element, the second retaining element having a second top portion coupled to the second bottom portion via a second curved portion, where one or more of the second top portion, the second bottom portion, and the second curved portion cooperate to define at least a second portion of the cavity, where the second top portion of the second retaining element may include an engaging surface disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the first top portion of the first retaining element when in a first position, where the second top portion of the second retaining element may include a lip disposed at an end of the second top portion, and where the lip extends from the engaging surface and is angled away from the bottom surface of the first top portion relative to the engaging surface, and where at least the second curved portion facilitates a mechanical bias in the second retaining element to allow the engaging surface to be moved away from the first top portion in a biased second position under a load, and to return to the first position when the load is removed.

[0056] Example Clause 2: The speed clip of Example Clause 1, where the engaging surface may include a first angle relative to the first bottom portion and where the first top portion may include a second angle relative to the first bottom portion.

[0057] Example Clause 3: The speed clip of Example Clause 1 or Example Clause 2, where the first angle is the same as the second angle.

[0058] Example Clause 4: The speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 1-3, where the first angle is within an angle threshold of the second angle.

[0059] Example Clause 5: The speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 1-4, where the angle threshold is 5 degrees.

[0060] Example Clause 6: The speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 1-5, where the engaging surface and the bottom surface of the first top portion touch in the first position.

[0061] Example Clause 7: The speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 1-6, where the engaging surface and the bottom surface of the first top portion do not touch in the first position.

[0062] Example Clause 8: The speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 1-7, where the anchor element, the first retaining element, and the second retaining element are integrated into a single structure.

[0063] Example Clause 9: The speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 1-8, where the second retaining element is a separate structure from at least one of the anchor element and the first retaining element.

[0064] Example Clause 10: The speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 1-9, where the anchor element has two apertures formed therethrough.

[0065] Example Clause 11: The speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 1-10, where the load is 5 Newtons.

[0066] Example Clause 12: The speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 1-11, where the anchor element is integrally formed with the footwear.

[0067] Example Clause 13: The speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 1-12, where the anchor element is separate from the footwear.

[0068] Example Clause 14: Footwear may include: a lacing element; and a speed clip may include: an anchor element having at least one aperture formed therethrough, the anchor element configured to be disposed on or in a portion of the footwear, where the at least one aperture facilitates coupling the anchor element to the footwear; a first retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the first retaining element having a first bottom portion extending from the anchor element, the first retaining element having a first top portion coupled to the first bottom portion via a first curved portion, where one or more of the first top portion, the first bottom portion, and the first curved portion cooperate to define at least a first portion of a cavity configured to receive the lacing element for the footwear; and a second retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the second retaining element having a second bottom portion extending from the anchor element, the second retaining element having a second top portion coupled to the second bottom portion via a second curved portion, where one or more of the second top portion, the second bottom portion, and the second curved portion cooperate to define at least a second portion of the cavity, where the second top portion of the second retaining element may include an engaging surface disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the first top portion of the first retaining element when in a first position, where the second top portion of the second retaining element may include a lip disposed at an end of the second top portion, and where the lip extends from the engaging surface and is angled away from the bottom surface of the first top portion relative to the engaging surface, and where at least the second curved portion facilitates a mechanical bias in the second retaining element to allow the engaging surface to be moved away from the first top portion in a biased second position under a load, and to return to the first position when the load is removed.

[0069] Example Clause 15: The footwear of Example Clause 14, where the engaging surface may include a first angle relative to the first bottom portion and where the first top portion may include a second angle relative to the first bottom portion.

[0070] Example Clause 16: The footwear of Example Clause 14 or Example Clause 15, where the first angle is the same as the second angle.

[0071] Example Clause 17: The footwear of any one of Example Clauses 14-16, where the first angle is within an angle threshold of the second angle.

[0072] Example Clause 18: The footwear of any one of Example Clauses 14-17, where the angle threshold is 5 degrees.

[0073] Example Clause 19: The footwear of any one of Example Clauses 14-18, where the engaging surface and the bottom surface of the first top portion touch in the first position.

[0074] Example Clause 20: The footwear of any one of Example Clauses 14-19, where the engaging surface and the bottom surface of the first top portion do not touch in the first position.

[0075] Example Clause 21: The footwear of any one of Example Clauses 14-20, where the anchor element, the first retaining element, and the second retaining element are integrated into a single structure.

[0076] Example Clause 22: The footwear of any one of Example Clauses 14-21, where the second retaining element is a separate structure from at least one of the anchor element and the first retaining element.

[0077] Example Clause 23: The footwear of any one of Example Clauses 14-22, where the anchor element has two apertures formed therethrough.

[0078] Example Clause 24: The footwear of any one of Example Clauses 14-23, where the load is 5 Newtons.

[0079] Example Clause 25: The footwear of any one of Example Clauses 14-24, where the anchor element is integrally formed with the footwear.

[0080] Example Clause 26: The footwear of any one of Example Clauses 14-25, where the anchor element is separate from the footwear.

[0081] Example Clause 27: A method of manufacturing a speed clip, the speed clip may include: an anchor element having at least one aperture formed therethrough, the anchor element configured to be disposed on or in a portion of footwear, where the at least one aperture facilitates coupling the anchor element to the footwear; a first retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the first retaining element having a first bottom portion extending from the anchor element, the first retaining element having a first top portion coupled to the first bottom portion via a first curved portion, where one or more of the first top portion, the first bottom portion, and the first curved portion cooperate to define at least a first portion of a cavity configured to receive a lacing element for the footwear; and a second retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the second retaining element having a second bottom portion extending from the anchor element, the second retaining element having a second top portion coupled to the second bottom portion via a second curved portion, where one or more of the second top portion, the second bottom portion, and the second curved portion cooperate to define at least a second portion of the cavity, where the second top portion of the second retaining element may include an engaging surface disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the first top portion of the first retaining element when in a first position, where the second top portion of the second retaining element may include a lip disposed at an end of the second top portion, and where the lip extends from the engaging surface and is angled away from the bottom surface of the first top portion relative to the engaging surface, and where at least the second curved portion facilitates a mechanical bias in the second retaining element to allow the engaging surface to be moved away from the first top portion in a biased second position under a load, and to return to the first position when the load is removed.

[0082] Example Clause 28: The method of manufacturing the speed clip of Example Clause 27, where the engaging surface may include a first angle relative to the first bottom portion and where the first top portion may include a second angle relative to the first bottom portion.

[0083] Example Clause 29: The method of manufacturing the speed clip of Example Clause 27 or Example Clause 28, where the first angle is the same as the second angle.

[0084] Example Clause 30: The method of manufacturing the speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 27-29, where the first angle is within an angle threshold of the second angle.

[0085] Example Clause 31: The method of manufacturing the speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 27-30, where the angle threshold is 5 degrees.

[0086] Example Clause 32: The method of manufacturing the speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 27-31, where the engaging surface and the bottom surface of the first top portion touch in the first position.

[0087] Example Clause 33: The method of manufacturing the speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 27-32, where the engaging surface and the bottom surface of the first top portion do not touch in the first position.

[0088] Example Clause 34: The method of manufacturing the speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 27-33, where the anchor element, the first retaining element, and the second retaining element are integrated into a single structure.

[0089] Example Clause 35: The method of manufacturing the speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 27-34, where the second retaining element is a separate structure from at least one of the anchor element and the first retaining element.

[0090] Example Clause 36: The method of manufacturing the speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 27-35, where the anchor element has two apertures formed therethrough.

[0091] Example Clause 37: The method of manufacturing the speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 27-36, where the load is 5 Newtons.

[0092] Example Clause 38: The method of manufacturing the speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 27-37, where the anchor element is integrally formed with the footwear.

[0093] Example Clause 39: The method of manufacturing the speed clip of any one of Example Clauses 27-38, where the anchor element is separate from the footwear.

Claims

1. A speed clip comprising:an anchor element having at least one aperture formed therethrough, the anchor element configured to be disposed on or in a portion of footwear, wherein the at least one aperture facilitates coupling the anchor element to the footwear;a first retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the first retaining element having a first bottom portion extending from the anchor element, the first retaining element having a first top portion coupled to the first bottom portion via a first curved portion, wherein one or more of the first top portion, the first bottom portion, and the first curved portion cooperate to define at least a first portion of a cavity configured to receive a lacing element for the footwear; anda second retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the second retaining element having a second bottom portion extending from the anchor element, the second retaining element having a second top portion coupled to the second bottom portion via a second curved portion, wherein one or more of the second top portion, the second bottom portion, and the second curved portion cooperate to define at least a second portion of the cavity,wherein the second top portion of the second retaining element comprises an engaging surface disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the first top portion of the first retaining element when in a first position,wherein the second top portion of the second retaining element comprises a lip disposed at an end of the second top portion, and wherein the lip extends from the engaging surface and is angled away from the bottom surface of the first top portion relative to the engaging surface, andwherein at least the second curved portion facilitates a mechanical bias in the second retaining element to allow the engaging surface to be moved away from the first top portion in a biased second position under a load, and to return to the first position when the load is removed.

2. The speed clip of claim 1, wherein the engaging surface comprises a first angle relative to the first bottom portion and wherein the first top portion comprises a second angle relative to the first bottom portion.

3. The speed clip of claim 2, wherein the first angle is the same as the second angle.

4. The speed clip of claim 2, wherein the first angle is within an angle threshold of the second angle.

5. The speed clip of claim 4, wherein the angle threshold is 5 degrees.

6. The speed clip of claim 1, wherein the engaging surface and the bottom surface of the first top portion touch in the first position.

7. The speed clip of claim 1, wherein the engaging surface and the bottom surface of the first top portion do not touch in the first position.

8. The speed clip of claim 1, wherein the load is at least 5 Newtons.

9. Footwear comprising:a lacing element; anda speed clip comprising:an anchor element having at least one aperture formed therethrough, the anchor element configured to be disposed on or in a portion of the footwear, wherein the at least one aperture facilitates coupling the anchor element to the footwear;a first retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the first retaining element having a first bottom portion extending from the anchor element, the first retaining element having a first top portion coupled to the first bottom portion via a first curved portion, wherein one or more of the first top portion, the first bottom portion, and the first curved portion cooperate to define at least a first portion of a cavity configured to receive the lacing element for the footwear; anda second retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the second retaining element having a second bottom portion extending from the anchor element, the second retaining element having a second top portion coupled to the second bottom portion via a second curved portion, wherein one or more of the second top portion, the second bottom portion, and the second curved portion cooperate to define at least a second portion of the cavity,wherein the second top portion of the second retaining element comprises an engaging surface disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the first top portion of the first retaining element when in a first position,wherein the second top portion of the second retaining element comprises a lip disposed at an end of the second top portion, and wherein the lip extends from the engaging surface and is angled away from the bottom surface of the first top portion relative to the engaging surface, andwherein at least the second curved portion facilitates a mechanical bias in the second retaining element to allow the engaging surface to be moved away from the first top portion in a biased second position under a load, and to return to the first position when the load is removed.

10. The footwear of claim 9, wherein the engaging surface comprises a first angle relative to the first bottom portion and wherein the first top portion comprises a second angle relative to the first bottom portion.

11. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the first angle is the same as the second angle.

12. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the first angle is within an angle threshold of the second angle.

13. The footwear of claim 12, wherein the angle threshold is 5 degrees.

14. The footwear of claim 9, wherein the engaging surface and the bottom surface of the first top portion touch in the first position.

15. The footwear of claim 9, wherein the engaging surface and the bottom surface of the first top portion do not touch in the first position.

16. The footwear of claim 14, wherein the load is at least 5 Newtons.

17. The footwear of claim 9, further comprising an infinity lace configured to be disposed in the cavity, the infinity lace having at least a portion in a figure-eight configuration.

18. A speed clip comprising:an anchor element configured to be disposed on or in a portion of footwear;a first retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the first retaining element having a first bottom portion extending from the anchor element and configured to define at least a first portion of a cavity to receive a lacing element for the footwear; anda second retaining element disposed on or integrally formed with the anchor element, the second retaining element having a second bottom portion extending from the anchor element to define at least a second portion of the cavity,wherein at least a portion of the second retaining element is mechanically biased toward the first retaining element in a first position to allow an engaging surface of the second retaining element to be moved away from first retaining element in a second position under a load, and to return to the first position when the load is removed.

19. The speed clip of claim 18, wherein two or more of the anchor element, the first retaining element, or the second retaining element are integrally formed.

20. The speed clip of claim 18, wherein two or more of the anchor element, the first retaining element, or the second retaining element are independently formed and coupled together.

Images