Anchored Parallel Lacing for Shoe Alignment and Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe lacing systems face issues with smooth alignment due to interfering lace ends and movable fasteners shifting, leading to misalignment and difficulty in fastening, especially with the need for additional parts and manufacturing of specialized laces.
Innovation Solution
An anchored parallel lacing system with adjustable anchors and laces that allow for easy installation, customization, and quick adjustment, using a method that ensures correct threading and anchoring without additional parts, maintaining the sleek design and minimizing friction for efficient alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lace ends are attached within the adjustable opening, then the lacing system can be fastened, but the lace ends interfere with smooth alignment and shift during use
Solution Approach 1:
The lace ends are extracted from the adjustable opening and repositioned to the tongue of the shoe. This removes the interfering elements (lace ends) from the critical alignment zone (adjustable opening), allowing smooth lacing operation without shifting or catching issues
2Ease of manufacture
If additional parts such as S-hooks or C-hooks are used to attach lace ends, then the lacing system can be assembled, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue of the shoe is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the shoe and as the anchoring point for lace ends. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated anchoring parts, reducing device complexity while maintaining assembly capability
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe tongue itself provides the anchoring function that would otherwise require separate hooks or connectors. The existing structural element (tongue) serves the additional function of lace end attachment, eliminating redundant components
3Ease of operation
If movable fasteners are positioned closer to the side of the shoe, then the adjustable opening can be fastened, but the movable fasteners shift during use changing their distance from the side
Solution Approach 1:
The movable fastener position is merged with the shoe structure through anchoring points integrated into the shoe body. This combination stabilizes the fastener position relative to the shoe sides, preventing shifting while maintaining the ability to fasten the adjustable opening
Data Source
AI summary
A lacing system having multiple anchor types, i.e., interior anchors, end anchors, and dynamically adjustable anchors, that, in combination with parallel lacing technology, provide instant and reliable fastening for shoes, boots, and other articles of manufacture. The lace is threaded and anchored so that, a single arcuate pull on the movable fastener(s) causes the multiple lace segments to move through the eyelets of the shoe, and align in unison, so that the entire shoe opening contracts (or opens wide) simultaneously. The fastener(s) can be hook and loop, ratchet buckles, adjustable buckles, or cord locks. The laces are replaceable. The adjustable opening is customizable for different width feet providing “gross” adjustment. The fastener provides “fine” adjustment. Methods and diagrams are disclosed for threading, anchoring, and customizing the lacing, as well as for indicating that the lacing is correct.