Laceless Footwear Fastening System with Segmented Elastic Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear fastening systems, such as laces, can be cumbersome and require complex adjustments, failing to provide a secure and adjustable fit that is easy to achieve with one hand, especially during dynamic movements like jumping or lateral motions.
Innovation Solution
A laceless fastening system featuring elastic straps with anchored and distal ends, secured by hook-and-loop fasteners that inhibit stretchability at specific points, allowing for a single-motion securement and release, providing an adjustable and secure fit without the need for laces, buckles, or other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laces are used for fastening, then the footwear can be securely fastened, but the fastening process becomes cumbersome and requires complex adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into multiple independent strap segments (forefoot strap, midfoot strap, ankle strap), each with its own fastener. This segmentation allows each strap to be adjusted and secured independently, simplifying the overall fastening process while maintaining secure fit through cumulative effect of multiple straps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional lace-and- knot mechanical system with a strap-and-fastener system. The fasteners provide secure attachment through adhesive or mechanical bonding without requiring tying or complex manual adjustments, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If laces are used for fastening, then the foot can be secured, but the fastening cannot be easily adjusted with one hand during dynamic movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual tying mechanism of laces with self-adhering fasteners that can be secured and adjusted with a simple pressing motion, easily performable with one hand even during dynamic movements. The fasteners maintain secure attachment through adhesive bonding or mechanical interlocking
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system incorporates elastic straps that can dynamically adapt to foot movements while maintaining secure fastening. The elasticity allows the straps to stretch and conform during dynamic activities, and the fasteners can be quickly repositioned or resecured with one hand as needed
3Ease of operation
If elastic straps are used without fasteners, then the footwear is easy to put on, but the fit cannot be securely locked in place
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is divided into elastic portions and non-elastic fastener portions. The elastic portions enable easy insertion and dynamic adaptation, while the non-elastic fastener portions provide secure locking when engaged with the corresponding fastener on the footwear body
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener acts as an intermediary element between the elastic strap and the footwear body. It provides the secure locking mechanism while allowing the elastic strap to maintain its flexibility and ease of insertion, bridging the gap between comfort and security requirements
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fastening components are used, then the fit can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners are designed as universal components that can be used across multiple strap types and footwear configurations. Each fastener performs multiple functions: securing the strap, providing adjustment capability, and maintaining structural integrity, thereby reducing the need for specialized components for each function
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
The system ensures the foot is anchored within the shoe, minimizing relative motion between the upper and sole during various activities, offering a secure, adjustable fit that is easy to tighten and loosen with one hand, enhancing comfort and performance in athletic and other footwear applications.
Implementation Method 1
A first fastener is fixed to an outer surface of the body on the first side. A segmented second fastener configured to secure to the first fastener is fixed to the inner side of the strap.
Implementation Method 2
The strap has an inner side and an outer side. The segmented second fastener is less elastic than the strap.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear includes an upper that has a body extending over at least a portion of a first side and a second side of the upper. A laceless fastening system includes a strap having an anchored end fixed at the second side and a distal end selectively remote from the upper. A first fastener is fixed to an outer surface of the body on the first side. The first fastener is less elastic than the body. A segmented second fastener is fixed to the inner side of the strap. The segmented second fastener includes a proximal segment and a distal segment closer to the distal end of the strap than the proximal segment and spaced apart from the proximal segment along the strap by an exposed portion of the strap. The segmented second fastener is less elastic than the strap.