Shoelace fastener

Abstract

An article for retaining and tensioning a shoelace and concealment of free ends of the shoelace under a shoe tongue of a shoe.

Description

SHOELACE FASTENERFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a shoelace fastener for retaining, tensioning and concealment of free ends of a shoelace for use in conjunction with shoes, sneakers, sport shoes and boots.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Shoelaces are most commonly tied at the front of the shoe, left visible and hanging on the outside of the shoe. Many users prefer an aesthetic ‘no show’ look which is currently solved by knotting the laces behind the tongue of the shoe and tucking excess shoelaces down beside inside the foot. As a consequence, the excess laces slip beneath the foot making the shoes uncomfortable or constantly needing adjustment throughout the day, creating less enjoyment of that shoe and less time being worn.

[0003] It is the object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one disadvantage of the above problems of the prior art or at least provide a useful alternative.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention provides an article for retaining and tensioning a shoelace and concealment of free ends of the shoelace under a shoe tongue, including, a substantially rectangular and planar body having a first end and a second end along the longitudinal axis of the body, the first end having a first anchor point in the form of a first open-ended aperture, the second end having a second anchor point in the form of a second open-ended aperture, both the first open-ended aperture and second open-ended aperture being disposed coaxially with the longitudinal axis and each engageable with a portion of the shoelace, a first pair of spaced apart apertures medially disposed on the body with respect to both the first anchor point and the second anchor point and, on one side of the longitudinal axis, that receives from one side of the body and transversely to the longitudinal axis, the free ends of the shoelace therethrough, a second pair of spaced apart apertures, a first aperture of which is disposed toward the first open-ended aperture and the second aperture of which is disposed toward the second open-ended aperture and, on the other side of the longitudinal axis, that receives from the other side of the body and transversely to the longitudinal axis, the free ends of the shoelace therethrough, wherein in use, the free ends of the shoelace are folded toward each other under the first pair of spaced apart apertures, and the shoelace is pulled taut using the body to which the shoelace is retained, the arrangement being such that the body retaining the shoelace is outwardly rotated with respect to the shoe tongue about the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first open-ended aperture and second open-ended aperture, each secure a portion of the shoelace, and wherein, the body is positioned under the shoe tongue.

[0005] Preferably, the body includes a projection disposed adjacent to each corner of the body, each projection operatively transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0006] Preferably, the body has an upper edge and lower edge, the upper edge and lower edge each having a plurality of grooves or plurality of serrations for engaging portions of the shoelace.

[0007] Preferably, the body includes a wave edge on each corner of the body for gripping.

[0008] Preferably, the body is flexible to conform with the curvature under the shoe tongue.

[0009] Preferably, the body is constructed from any one of plastics, metal, silicone.

[0010] Preferably, the free ends of the shoelace are received by the first pair of spaced apart apertures from the side of the body facing a shoe wearer, and the free ends of the shoelace are received by the second pair of spaced apart apertures from the other side of the body facing away from the shoe wearer.

[0011] One advantage of the present invention is when installed, the shoelace fastener produces an aesthetic look with a ‘no show’ or visual exposure of any excess shoelaces on the shoe.

[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is that when fully installed, the shoelace fastener is comfortable on the foot of the user and not requiring continual adjustments.

[0013] It will be convenient to hereinafter to describe the invention with reference to the following drawings which shows ten (10) preferred embodiments of the shoelace fastener and the particularity of the attached drawings and following description should not supersede or limit the preceding broad definition of the invention.

[0014] Figure 1 is an above right front perspective view of the shoelace fastener in a first embodiment of the invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is a below left rear perspective view of the shoelace fastener of Figure 1 , according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0016] Figure 3 is a front view of the shoelace fastener of Figure 1 , according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0017] Figure 4 is a rear view of the shoelace fastener of Figure 1 , according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0018] Figure 5 is an above front perspective view of the shoelace fastener of Figure 1 in use, in a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0019] Figure 6 is an above front perspective view of the shoelace fastener of Figure 5 in use, in a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0020] Figure 7 is an above front perspective view of the shoelace fastener of Figure 6 in use, in a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0021] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the shoelace fastener of Figure 7 in use, in an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the shoelace fastener of Figure 8 in use, in a ninth preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0023] Figure 10 is a front perspective view of the shoelace fastener of Figure 9 in use, in a tenth preferred embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Now referring to Figure 1 is a shoelace fastener 10, having a planar body 12 constructed of plastic, metal or silicone material or any material that is sufficiently strong but flexible. The shoelace fastener 10 includes the planar body 12 which is integrally formed or unitary in form, featuring a first side of the planar body 30 which in Figure 1 appears from or faces the front perspective view. At one end of the shoelace fastener 10, is a first anchor point 14 the function of which is to secure a portion of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 1 ) in use. The first anchor point 14has a first open-ended aperture 16, the purpose of which is to receive and secure part of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 1 ). At the other end of the shoelace fastener 10 is a second anchor point 18, the function of which is to secure a portion of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 1 ). The second anchor point 18, has a second open-ended aperture 20, the purpose of which is to receive and secure part of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 1 ). The first anchor point 14 and second anchor point 18 are positioned or disposed coaxially along a longitudinal axis of the planar body 12. At one end of the planar body 12 includes a wave edge 15 and wave edge 17 on either side of the first anchor point 14 and at the other end of the planar body 12 includes a wave edge 19 and wave edge 21 on either side of the second anchor point 18, the function of the wave edge 15, wave edge 17, wave edge 19 and wave edge 21 is to provide gripping ability of the shoelace fastener 10 by the fingers of a user’s hand.

[0025] The planar body 12, is presented with a first aperture 22 and a second aperture 24, each of which are operationally paired and spaced apart on the planar body 12, as well as being positioned on an upper side of the planar body 12 relative to the longitudinal axis along the planar body 12. Both the first aperture 22 and the second aperture 24 are positioned or medially disposed on the planar body 12 relative to the first anchor point 14 and the second anchor point 18 respectively. The function of the first aperture 22 and the second aperture 24 is to each receive one free end of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 1 ) respectively from the first side of the planer body 30 transversely to the longitudinal axis and through the planar body 12 and which will be described further below. The first aperture 22 has a raised annulus 23 and the second aperture 24 has a raised annulus 25, the function of the raised annulus 23 and raised annulus 25 is to provide a guide for user orientation. This means that the raised annulus 23 and raised annulus 25 provides a physical touch or touch style feature which can be used and found by a hand of the user (not illustrated in Figure 1 ) when operating the shoelace fastener 10, without the need for the user to directly and visually look at the shoelace fastener 10 in order for the user to correctly operate by hand manual rotation, which will be described further below. Further, the raised annulus 23 and raised annulus 25 each provides an aestheticappearance whilst having minimal form not affecting the function and placement of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 1 ) when the shoelace fastener 10 is rotated by hand manual rotation which will be described further below. The planar body 12 also presents a third aperture 26 and a fourth aperture 28, each of which are operationally paired and spaced apart on the planar body 12. The third aperture 26 and the fourth aperture 28 are each positioned towards the first opened-ended aperture 16 and second open-ended aperture 20 respectively. Further, the third aperture 26 and the fourth aperture 28 are positioned on a lower side or below the longitudinal axis along the planar body 12. The function of the third aperture 26 and the fourth aperture 28 is to each receive one free end of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 1 ) respectively from the other side of the planar body 12 (as compared to the first side of the planer body 30) transversely to the longitudinal axis and passing through the planar body 12 exiting out through the first side of the planar body 30 and which will be described further below. The third aperture 26 has a raised annulus 27 and the fourth aperture 28 has a raised annulus 29, the function of the raised annulus 27 and raised annulus 29 is to provide a guide for user orientation. This means that the raised annulus 27 and raised annulus 29 provides a physical touch or touch style feature which can be used and found by a hand of the user (not illustrated in Figure 1 ) when operating the shoelace fastener 10, without the need for the user to directly and visually look at the shoelace fastener 10 in order for the user to correctly operate by hand manual rotation, which will be described further below. Further, the raised annulus 27 and raised annulus 29 each provides an aesthetic appearance whilst having minimal form not affecting the function and placement of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 1 ) when the shoelace fastener 10 is rotated by hand manual rotation which will be described further below.

[0026] The shoelace fastener 10, also has a hook 32, hook 34, hook 36 and hook 38. Each hook 32, hook 34, hook 36 and hook 38 are respectively positioned on the corners of the planar body 12, each forming a projection, which is operatively transverse to the longitudinal axis of the planer body 12. Each hook 32, hook 34, hook 36 and hook 38 functions to grip the shoelace from preventing the shoelace from slipping off the planar body 12 when used. The planar body 12 has an upper edge 40and lower edge 42, each upper edge 40 and lower edge 42 provides the general function of gripping and holding the shoelace when used, and which we will be described further below. The upper edge 40 includes a serration 46, a groove 48 and a serration 50 and a groove 52, the functions of which are to engage portions of the shoelace, when the shoelace wraps around the planar body 12 as a consequence of the shoelace fastener 10 being rotated and which will be described further below. The lower edge 42 includes a serration 54 and a groove 56 the functions of which are to engage portions of the shoelace, when the shoelace wraps around the planar body 12 as a consequence of the shoelace fastener 10 being rotated and which will be described further below. The person skilled in the art would appreciate by inspecting Figure 1 that there is a plurality of serrations and grooves along both the upper edge 40 and along the lower edge 42 respectively.

[0027] Now Figure 2 illustrates the shoelace fastener 10 having a second side of the planar body 44 which is the other side as compared to the first side of the planar body 30 Illustrated in Figure 1. The lower edge 42 provides the general function of gripping and holding the shoelace when used, and which we will be described further below. The lower edge 42 includes the serration 54 and the groove 56 the functions of which are to engage portions of the shoelace, when the shoelace wraps around the planar body 12 as a consequence of the shoelace fastener 10 being rotated and which will be described further below.

[0028] The shoelace fastener 10 includes the planar body 12 which is integrally formed or unitary in form, featuring the second side of the planar body 44 which in Figure 2 faces the left rear perspective view. At one end of the shoelace fastener 10, is a first anchor point 14 the function of which is to secure a portion of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 2) in use. The first anchor point 14 has a first open-ended aperture 16, the purpose of which is to receive and secure part of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 2). At the other end of the shoelace fastener 10 is a second anchor point 18, the function of which is to secure a portion of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 2). The second anchor point 18, has a second open-ended aperture 20, the purpose of which is to receive and secure part of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure2). The first anchor point 14 and second anchor point 18 are positioned or disposed coaxially along a longitudinal axis of the planar body 12. At one end of the planar body 12 includes a wave edge 15 and wave edge 17 on either side of the first anchor point 14 and at the other end of the planar body 12 includes a wave edge 19 and wave edge 21 on either side of the second anchor point 18, the function of the wave edge 15, wave edge 17, wave edge 19 and wave edge 21 is to provide gripping ability of the shoelace fastener 10 by the fingers of the user’s hand.

[0029] The planar body 12, is presented with a first aperture 22 and a second aperture 24, each of which are operationally paired and spaced apart on the planar body 12, as well as being positioned on an upper side of the planar body 12 relative to the longitudinal axis along the planar body 12. Both the first aperture 22 and the second aperture 24 are positioned or medially disposed on the planar body 12 relative to the first anchor point 14 and the second anchor point 18. The function of the first aperture 22 and the second aperture 24 is to each receive one free end of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 2) respectively from the first side of the planer body 30 (in Figure 1 ) transversely to the longitudinal axis and passing through the planar body 12. The planar body 12 also presents a third aperture 26 and a fourth aperture 28, each of which are operationally paired and spaced apart on the planar body 12. The third aperture 26 and the fourth aperture 28 are each positioned towards the first open-ended aperture 16 and second open-ended aperture 20 respectively. Further, the third aperture 26 and the fourth aperture 28 are positioned on a lower side or below the longitudinal axis along the planar body 12. The function of the third aperture 26 and the fourth aperture 28 is to each receive one free end of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 2) respectively from the second side of the planar body 44 (not the first side of the planer body 30 illustrated in Figure 1 ) transversely to the longitudinal axis and passing through the planar body 12 exiting out through the first side of the planar body 30 illustrated in Figure 1 .

[0030] The shoelace fastener 10, also has a hook 32, hook 34, hook 36 and hook 38. Each hook 32, hook 34, hook 36 and hook 38 are respectively positioned on the corners of the planar body 12, each forming a projection, which is operativelytransverse to the longitudinal axis of the planer body 12. Each hook 32, hook 34, hook 36 and hook 38 functions to grip the shoelace from preventing the shoelace from slipping off the planar body 12 when used. The planar body 12 has an upper edge 40 and lower edge 42, each upper edge 40 and lower edge 42 provides the general function of gripping and holding the shoelace when used, and which we will be described further below. The upper edge 40 includes a serration 46, a groove 48 and a serration 50 and a groove 52, the functions of which are to engage portions of the shoelace, when the shoelace wraps around the planar body 12 as a consequence of the shoelace fastener 10 being rotated and which will be described further below. The person skilled in the art would appreciate by inspecting Figure 2 that there is a plurality of serrations and grooves along both the upper edge 40 and along the lower edge 42 respectfully.

[0031] Now turning to Figure 3 illustrates the shoelace fastener 10 which includes the planar body 12 which is integrally formed or unitary in form, featuring the first side of the planar body 30 (referring to Figure 1 ), which in Figure 3 faces the front perspective view. At one end of the shoelace fastener 10, is a first anchor point 14 the function of which is to secure a portion of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 3) in use. The first anchor point 14 has a first open-ended aperture 16, the purpose of which is to receive and secure part of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 3). At the other end of the shoelace fastener 10 is a second anchor point 18, the function of which is to secure a portion of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 3). The second anchor point 18, has a second open-ended aperture 20, the purpose of which is to receive and secure part of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 3). The first anchor point 14 and second anchor point 18 are positioned or disposed coaxially along a longitudinal axis of the planar body 12. At one end of the planar body 12 includes a wave edge 15 and wave edge 17 on either side of the first anchor point 14 and at the other end of the planar body 12 includes a wave edge 19 and wave edge 21 on either side of the second anchor point 18, the function of the wave edge 15, wave edge 17, wave edge 19 and wave edge 21 is to provide gripping ability of the shoelace fastener 10 by the fingers of the user’s hand.

[0032] The planar body 12, is presented with a first aperture 22 and a second aperture 24, each of which are operationally paired and spaced apart on the planar body 12, as well as being positioned on an upper side of the planar body 12 relative to the longitudinal axis along the planar body 12. Both the first aperture 22 and the second aperture 24 are positioned or medially disposed on the planar body 12 relative to the first anchor point 14 and the second anchor point 18 respectively. The function of the first aperture 22 and the second aperture 24 is to each receive one free end of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 3) respectively from the first side of the planer body 30 transversely to the longitudinal axis and passing or threaded through the planar body 12. The first aperture 22 has a raised annulus 23 and the second aperture24 has a raised annulus 25, the function of the raised annulus 23 and raised annulus25 is to provide a guide for user orientation. This means that the raised annulus 23 and raised annulus 25 provides a physical touch or touch style feature which can be used and found by a hand of a user (not illustrated in Figure 3) when operating the shoelace fastener 10, without the need for the user to directly and visually look at the shoelace fastener 10 in order for the user to correctly operate by hand manual rotation, which will be described further below. Further, the raised annulus 23 and raised annulus 25 each provides an aesthetic appearance whilst having minimal form not affecting the function and placement of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 3) when the shoelace fastener 10 is rotated by hand manual rotation which will be described further below. The planar body 12 also presents a third aperture 26 and a fourth aperture 28, each of which are operationally paired and spaced apart on the planar body 12. The third aperture 26 and the fourth aperture 28 are each positioned towards the first open-ended aperture 16 and second open-ended aperture 20 respectively. Further, the third aperture 26 and the fourth aperture 28 are positioned on a lower side or below the longitudinal axis along the planar body 12 as compared to the first aperture 22 and second aperture 24. The function of the third aperture 26 and the fourth aperture 28 is to each receive one free end of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 3) respectively from the second side of the planar body 44 of Figure 2 (as compared to the first side of the planer body 30) transversely to the longitudinal axis and passing through the planar body 12 exiting out through the first side of the planar body 30. The third aperture 26 has a raised annulus 27 and thefourth aperture 28 has a raised annulus 29, the function of the raised annulus 27 and raised annulus 29 is to provide a guide for user orientation. This means that the raised annulus 27 and raised annulus 29 provides a physical touch or touch style feature which can be used and found by a hand of the user (not illustrated in Figure 3) when operating the shoelace fastener 10, without the need for the user to directly look at the shoelace fastener 10 in order for the user to correctly operate by hand manual rotation, which will be described further below. Further, the raised annulus 27 and raised annulus 29 each provides an aesthetic appearance whilst having minimal form not affecting the function and placement of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 3) when the shoelace fastener 10 is rotated by hand manual rotation which will be described further below.

[0033] Inspecting Figure 3, the shoelace fastener 10 has a planar body 12 which consists of a variable horizontal length ranging from about 85 millimetres to about 94 millimetres. Smaller shoe sizes will correspond for use when the planar body 12 is about 85 millimetres in length, whereas the largest shoe size corresponds for use with a horizontal length of about 94 millimetres. The height of the planar body 12 including the distance between the hook 32 and the hook 38 is about 30mm. The width of the planar body 12 is generally 2mm. The raised annulus 23, raised annulus 25, raised annulus 27 and raised annulus 29 adds a width of about 0.50 mm (by inspecting Figure 1 ). The planar body 12 is constructed from sufficiently flexible material enough to conform to the curvature of the upper shoe such as plastics, metal or silicone.

[0034] The shoelace fastener 10, also has a hook 32, hook 34, hook 36 and hook 38. Each hook 32, hook 34, hook 36 and hook 38 are respectively positioned on the corners of the planar body 12, each forming a projection, which is operatively transverse to the longitudinal axis of the planer body 12. Each hook 32, hook 34, hook 36 and hook 38 functions to grip the shoelace from preventing the shoelace from slipping off the planar body 12 when used. The planar body 12 has an upper edge 40 and lower edge 42, each upper edge 40 and lower edge 42 provides the general function of gripping and holding the shoelace when used, and which will be describedfurther below. The upper edge 40 includes a serration 46, a groove 48 and a serration 50 and a groove 52, the functions of which are to engage portions of the shoelace, when the shoelace wraps around the planar body 12 as a consequence of the shoelace fastener 10 being rotated and which will be described further below. The lower edge 42 includes the serration 54 and the groove 56, the functions of which are to engage portions of the shoelace, when the shoelace wraps around the planar body 12, by hand rotation of the shoelace fastener 10 and which will be described further below. The person skilled in the art would appreciate by inspecting Figure 3 that there is a plurality of serrations and grooves along both the upper edge 40 and along the lower edge 42 respectively.

[0035] Turning to Figure 4 illustrates the shoelace fastener 10, has a lower edge 42 which provides the general function of gripping and holding the shoelace when used, and which will be described further below. The lower edge 42 includes a serration 54 and groove 56 the functions of which are to engage portions of the shoelace, when the shoelace wraps around the planar body 12 as a consequence of the shoelace fastener 10 being rotated and which will be described further below.

[0036] The shoelace fastener 10 includes the planar body 12 which is integrally formed or unitary in form. At one end of the shoelace fastener 10, is a first anchor point 14 the function of which is to secure a portion of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 4) in use. The first anchor point 14 has a first open-ended aperture 16, the purpose of which is to receive and secure part of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 4). At the other end of the shoelace fastener 10 is a second anchor point 18, the function of which is to secure a portion of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 4). The second anchor point 18, has a second open-ended aperture 20, the purpose of which is to receive and secure part of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 4). The first anchor point 14 and second anchor point 18 are positioned or disposed coaxially along a longitudinal axis of the planar body 12. At one end of the planar body 12 includes a wave edge 15 and wave edge 17 on either side of the first anchor point 14 and at the other end of the planar body 12 includes a wave edge 19 and wave edge 21 on either side of the second anchor point 18, the function of the wave edge 15,wave edge 17, wave edge 19 and wave edge 21 is to provide gripping ability of the shoelace fastener 10 by the fingers of the user’s hand.

[0037] The planar body 12, is presented with a first aperture 22 and a second aperture 24, each of which are operationally paired and spaced apart on the planar body 12, as well as being positioned on an upper side of the planar body 12 relative to the longitudinal axis along the planar body 12. Both the first aperture 22 and the second aperture 24 are positioned or medially disposed on the planar body 12 relative to the first anchor point 14 and the second anchor point 18 respectively. The function of the first aperture 22 and the second aperture 24 is to each receive one free end of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 4) respectively from the first side of the planer body 30 (by referring to Figure 1 ) transversely to the longitudinal axis and passing through the planar body 12. The planar body 12 also presents a third aperture 26 and a fourth aperture 28, each of which are operationally paired and spaced apart on the planar body 12. The third aperture 26 and the fourth aperture 28 are each positioned towards the first opened-ended aperture 16 and second open-ended aperture 20 respectively. Further, the third aperture 26 and the fourth aperture 28 are positioned on a lower side or below the longitudinal axis along the planar body 12. The function of the third aperture 26 and the fourth aperture 28 is to each receive one free end of the shoelace (not illustrated in Figure 4) respectively from the second side of the planar body 44 (both in Figure 2 and this Figure 4), transversely to the longitudinal axis and passing through the planar body 12 exiting out through the first side of the planar body 30 illustrated in Figure 1.

[0038] The shoelace fastener 10, also has a hook 32, hook 34, hook 36 and hook 38. Each hook 32, hook 34, hook 36 and hook 38 are respectively positioned on the corners of the planar body 12, each forming a projection, which is operatively transverse to the longitudinal axis of the planer body 12. Each hook 32, hook 34, hook 36 and hook 38 functions to grip the shoelace from preventing the shoelace from slipping off the planar body 12 when used. The planar body 12 has an upper edge 40 and lower edge 42, each upper edge 40 and lower edge 42 provides the general function of gripping and holding the shoelace when used, and which will be describedfurther below. The upper edge 40 includes a serration 46, a groove 48 and a serration 50 and a groove 52, the functions of which are to engage and grip portions of the shoelace, when the shoelace wraps around the planar body 12 as a consequence when the shoelace fastener 10 is manually rotated and which will be described further below. The person skilled in the art would appreciate by inspecting Figure 4 that there is a plurality of serrations and grooves along both the upper edge 40 and along the lower edge 42 respectively.

[0039] Turning to Figure 5 is a first instruction step as to how to use the shoelace fastener 10 of Figure 1 illustrating the shoelace fastener 60, after the user firstly places their foot inside a shoe (not illustrated in Figure 5) and tightens the shoelace to a desired comfort level. The shoelace fastener 60, which is firstly held by the fingers of the hand of the user 66, whereby a second lace aglet 62 of the shoelace and a first lace aglet 64 of the shoelace passes through the first side of the shoelace fastener 60 as illustrated by the pair of arrows. The person skilled in the art would appreciate that the first lace aglet 64 and the second lace aglet 62 are free ends of the shoelace are received by the first aperture 22 ( of Figure 1 ) and second aperture 24 (of Figure 1 ) from the side of the shoelace fastener 10 which faces a shoe wearer. The second lace aglet 62 and first lace aglet 64 are constructed from materials such as plastic or metal.

[0040] Turning to Figure 6 illustrates a second instruction step after the first instruction step of Figure 5, as to how to use the shoelace fastener 60, which is held by the fingers of the hand of the user 66, whereby the second lace aglet 62 of the shoelace and the first lace aglet 64 of the shoelace passes back through the front of the shoelace fastener 60 as illustrated by the pair of arrows. The person skilled in the art would appreciate that the first lace aglet 64 and the second lace aglet 62 are free ends of the shoelace are received by the third aperture 26 ( of Figure 2) and fourth aperture 28 (of Figure 2) from the other side of the shoelace fastener 10 which faces away from the shoe wearer.

[0041] Now turning to Figure 7, illustrates a third instruction step after the second instruction step of Figure 6, as to how to use the shoelace fastener 60 which is held by the fingers of the hand of a user 66, whereby the second lace aglet 62, which is slightly obscured from view in Figure 7 by a shoelace 63 and the first lace aglet 64, which is slightly obscured from view in Figure 7 by the shoelace 65 are initially each pointing towards the user or shoe wearer after the second instruction step described in Figure 6, and are both folded towards each other and positioned parallel with each other under the first aperture (now occupied by shoelace 65) and the second aperture (now occupied by shoelace 63).

[0042] Turning to Figure 8, illustrates a fourth instruction step after the third instruction step of Figure 7, as to how to use the shoelace fastener 60, whereby the shoelace 63 and shoelace 65 are both pulled taut by the user until any slack in the shoelace on the other side of the shoelace faster 60 is tight, whereby the shoelace fastener 60 is outwardly rotated with respect to the shoe tongue (illustrated in Figure 9) or outwardly rotated with respect to the shoe wearer, ensuring that the shoelace 65 and shoelace 63 is wrapped from the middle region of the shoelace fastener 60, progressing and evenly towards each of the first anchor point (obscured by fingers of the hand of the user 66) and a second anchor point 70 respectively.

[0043] Turning to Figure 9 illustrates a fifth instruction step after the fourth instruction step of Figure 8, as to how to use the shoelace fastener 60 whereby the shoelace fastener 60 is outwardly rotated with respect to a shoe tongue 68 of a shoe 74 or outwardly rotated with respect to the shoe wearer (not illustrated), ensuring that the shoelace 65 and shoelace 63 is wrapped progressing and evenly towards each of the first anchor point (obscured by fingers of the hand of the user 66) and the second anchor point 70 respectively.

[0044] Finally turning to Figure 10 illustrates a sixth instruction step after the fifth instruction step of Figure 9, which illustrates when the last length of the shoelace 63 and shoelace 65, are both closest towards the second anchor point 70 and first anchor point 72 respectively, the shoelace 63 and shoelace 65 are each affixed tothe second anchor point 70 and first anchor point 72 respectively. In parallel, the shoe tongue 68, is lifted away from the shoe 74 and the shoe wearer to allow the flexible shoelace fastener 60 to suitably fit over the front ankle of a shoe wearer. The shoelace fastener 60 once fully wrapped and assembled is flexible to conform with the curvature under the shoe tongue 68 and is then hidden from view under or behind the shoe tongue 68, which is closed over the shoelace fastener 60, by the user.

[0045] The shoelace fastener 10 can be used in conjunction with shoes, sneakers, sports shoes and boots, each of which must utilise shoelaces, and have an associated shoe tongue.

[0046] The shoe wearer can be a live person or a non-live person such as a mannequin. Further, the user of the shoelace fastener 10, that is the person that hand manipulates the shoelace fastener 10 can be a shoe wearer or non-shoe wearer.ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0047] One advantage of the present invention is when installed, the shoelace fastener produces an aesthetic look with a ‘no show’ or visual exposure of any excess shoelaces on the shoe.

[0048] Another advantage of the present invention is that when fully installed, the shoelace fastener is comfortable on the foot of the user and not requiring continual adjustments.

[0049] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0050] A reference to any prior art in this Specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form or suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0051] Various alterations and / or additions may be made to the shoelace fastener hereinbefore described in this Specification, without departing from the spirit, ambit or scope of the invention.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on November 1 , 2024 (01 .11 .2024)CLAIMS1 . An article for retaining and tensioning a shoelace and concealment of free ends of the shoelace under a shoe tongue, including, a substantially rectangular and planar body having a first end and a second end along the longitudinal axis of the body, the planar body rotatable about the longitudinal axis; the first end having a first anchor point in the form of a first open-ended aperture, the second end having a second anchor point in the form of a second open- ended aperture, both the first open-ended aperture and second open-ended aperture being disposed coaxially with the longitudinal axis and each engageable with a portion of the shoelace, a first pair of spaced apart apertures medially disposed on the body with respect to both the first anchor point and the second anchor point and, on one side of the longitudinal axis, that receives from one side of the body and transversely to the longitudinal axis, the free ends of the shoelace therethrough, a second pair of spaced apart apertures, a first aperture of which is disposed toward the first open-ended aperture and the second aperture of which is disposed toward the second open-ended aperture and, on the other side of the longitudinal axis, that receives from the other side of the body and transversely to the longitudinal axis, the free ends of the shoelace therethrough, wherein in use, the free ends of the shoelace are folded toward each other under the first pair of spaced apart apertures, and the shoelace is pulled taut using the body to which the shoelace is retained, the arrangement being such that the body retaining the shoelace is outwardly rotated with respect to the shoe tongue about the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first open-ended aperture and second open-ended aperture, each secure a portion of the shoelace, and wherein, the body is positioned under the shoe tongue.AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)2. The article according to claim 1 , wherein the body includes a projection disposed adjacent to each corner of the body, each projection operatively transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body.

3. The article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the body has an upper edge and lower edge, the upper edge and lower edge each having a plurality of grooves or plurality of serrations for engaging portions of the shoelace.

4. The article according to any one of claim 1 to claim 3, wherein the body includes a wave edge on each corner of the body for gripping.

5. The article according to any one of claim 1 to claim 4, wherein the body is flexible to conform with the curvature under the shoe tongue.

6. The article according to any one of claim 1 to claim 5, wherein the body is constructed from any one of plastics, metal, silicone.

7. The article according to any one of claim 1 to claim 6, wherein the free ends of the shoelace are received by the first pair of spaced apart apertures from the side of the body facing a shoe wearer, and the free ends of the shoelace are received by the second pair of spaced apart apertures from the other side of the body facing away from the shoe wearer.

8. The article according to claim 7, wherein the first pair of spaced apart apertures each have a raised annulus on the one side of the body.

9. The article according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the second pair of spaced apart apertures each have a raised annulus on the one side of the body.AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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