Lace-Converter Strap System for Fast Closure and Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lacing systems for footwear and gloves are cumbersome, time-consuming, and require dexterity, limiting closure and requiring assistance for quick application or removal, while existing tape and gauze solutions for hand support in combat sports are wasteful and difficult to apply alone.

Innovation Solution

An improved closure system with a lace loop and locking mechanism that allows for simultaneous tightening and a reusable tape alternative using non-stretch webbing with a non-slip coating, allowing for quick and secure closure of articles like gloves and hand wraps with customizable support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional lacing systems are used, then support and closure are provided, but the process is time-consuming and requires dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport and closureVSAvoidtime to tighten and loosen

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lacing system is divided into multiple independent lace loops that can be tightened simultaneously through a single pull point, allowing parallel operation of multiple closure elements rather than sequential tightening of each lace

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A pull point mechanism serves as an intermediary that translates a single user action (pulling) into simultaneous tightening of multiple lace loops, reducing the complexity of operation while maintaining reliable closure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If standard criss-cross lacing is used, then closure is achieved, but the material cannot close completely due to lace occupying space

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveclosureVSAvoidclosure gap

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lace is extracted from the closure gap space by routing it through eyelets and looping it back, allowing the material to close completely without the lace itself occupying the closure space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lace routing transitions from a two-dimensional criss-cross pattern to a three-dimensional loop configuration that passes through eyelets, enabling complete closure by utilizing the depth dimension

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If bow-tie lacing is used, then the material can close a gap, but the material is distorted once past its closure threshold

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure gapVSAvoidmaterial distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The lace loops are designed to be dynamically adjustable through the pull point mechanism, allowing controlled tightening that distributes force evenly across multiple loops rather than concentrating it at a single bow-tie knot, preventing material distortion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If tape and gauze are used for hand support, then supportive properties are achieved, but the combination can only be used once and requires expert application

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesupportVSAvoidreusability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hand wrap system uses reusable fabric that can be washed and reused multiple times, eliminating the need to discard the wrap after single use, while the modular design allows easy reapplication without requiring expert expertise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

5Adaptability or versatility

If fabric wraps are used, then reusability is achieved, but the uniform width and material properties cannot provide softness and coverage like gauze

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidsoftness and coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hand wrap incorporates a thumb loop with differentiated material properties - the thumb loop portion provides structured support while the main wrap body maintains softness and coverage, allowing different regions of the same reusable wrap to have specialized local properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables faster, more efficient closure and support for body-worn equipment and hand wraps, reducing the need for assistance and minimizing material waste, while providing customizable support and impact dissipation.

Implementation Method 1

a non-slip coating arranged to inhibit slippage of the handwrap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12150507B1Lace-converter strap system and dual material handwrap

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 171 STUDIOS LLC

AI summary

A lace converter strap system, dual material handwrap, and non-stretch non-slip tape alternative are disclosed for use in various articles of clothing including combat sport gloves, footwear, and other body-worn equipment. The system and dual material handwrap addresses the requirement of dexterity, creates a wider range of closure, and is much faster for controlling distribution of load along material than traditional lacing. The system and dual material handwrap also releases significantly faster than a typical laced article. The system is easily adjustable and can be set to ideal open/close positions by the user. By combining a tacky non-slip silicone coating to a non-stretch woven ribbon, the various aspects of the invention provide a reusable tape-alternative in closing laces for articles and supporting parts of the body.