US20080301918A1 - Shoelace knot retaining apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A shoelace knot retaining apparatus includes a first arm and a second arm connected by a living hinge positioned therebetween. The first arm includes a free first end and a second end, and the second arm includes a free first end and a second end. The second end of the first arm is connected to the second end of the second arm via the living hinge, and the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm are respectively provided with mating snap connection members. The living hinge connecting the first arm to the second arm is integrally formed with the first and second arms and forms a portion of the first and second arms to create a knot recess in which a shoelace knot is positioned for retaining.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/924,943, entitled “Shoelace Knot Retaining Apparatus”, filed Jun. 6, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The invention relates to a shoelace knot retaining apparatus. In particular, the device relates to a shoelace knot retaining apparatus secured to the tongue of a shoe wherein the shoelace knot retaining apparatus includes a snap connection adapted for ease of use.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• Most everyone has confronted the problem that shoelaces often become untied at undesirable times. This problem is especially pronounced for runners and children who are just learning to tie their shoes. With children and people that have no strength in their hands, the knotting of shoelaces is challenging. Often the knot is loose, which inevitably leads to untying of the knot. In addition, untying of a shoelace knot is a problem with snowboard boots where the boarder is gloved and has to remove his gloves in order to tie his shoelaces.
• Many attempts have been made to provide shoelace knot securing devices which prevent shoelaces from inadvertently untying, requiring the wearer to stop what he or she is doing and bend over to tie his or her shoes. However, these devices include limitations and are not as effective or easy to use as one might wish. Also, for the shoelace knot to be effective in preventing untying of the shoelace knot, significant pressure must be imposed on the shoelace knot.
• With the foregoing in mind, a need continues to exist for a shoelace knot retaining apparatus which is both convenient to use and reliable. The present invention provides such an apparatus. The present shoelace knot retaining apparatus is capable of applying pressure upon the shoelace knot, preventing the shoelace knot from migrating and preventing untying of the shoelace. The present shoelace tying apparatus also secures a loose knot and prevents it from untying, while also providing an audible indication the shoelace knot retaining apparatus is secured about a shoelace knot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus including a first arm and a second arm connected by a living hinge positioned therebetween. The first arm includes a free first end and a second end, and the second arm includes a free first end and a second end. The second end of the first arm is connected to the second end of the second arm via the living hinge, and the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm are respectively provided with mating snap connection members. The living hinge connecting the first arm to the second arm is integrally formed with the first and second arms and forms a portion of the first and second arms to create a knot recess in which a shoelace knot is positioned for retaining.
• It is also an object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the living hinge biases the first arm relative to the second arm such that a shoelace knot may be securely compressed between the first arm and the second arm to hold and retain it therebetween.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the angle between the first arm and the second arm is from approximately 180° to approximately 45° when the mating snap connection members of the first arm and second arm are not secured.
• It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the first end of the first arm includes a lateral recess shaped and dimensioned to engage a lateral projection extending from the first end of the second arm.
• It is also an object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein when the first end of the second arm is pushed toward the first end of the first arm, the mating lateral recess of the first arm and lateral projection of the second arm engage each other to hold the first end of the first arm relative to the first end of the second arm.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the first end of the first arm is provided with a release member extending beyond the lateral recess, the release member is shaped and dimensioned to allow one to press thereon, causing the lateral recess to move away from the lateral projection of the second arm in a manner permitting the first end of the second arm to disengage from the first end of the first arm.
• It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the knot recess includes a cut out portion that reduces the weight of the shoelace knot retaining apparatus and grips the shoelace knot preventing lateral sliding of the shoelace knot retaining apparatus.
• It is also an object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the first arm includes an outer surface shaped and dimensioned for attachment to the tongue of a conventional shoe.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the outer surface of the first arm is substantially flat and is adhesively attached to the tongue of the shoe to which it is to be secured.
• It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the second arm is substantially arcuate and creates the knot recess between the first arm and the second arm such that shoelace knots of various sizes may be held therebetween.
• It is also an object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the knot recess is defined by creating opposed concave surfaces along an inner portion of the first arm and an inner portion of the second arm, the concave surfaces along the inner portion of the first arm and the inner portion of second arm define a substantially cylindrical knot recess in which a shoelace knot may be retained.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the shoelace knot retaining apparatus is made of polypropylene, acetal, polyacetal, nylon, ABS, polyester, polybutylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate or steel.
• Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present shoelace knot retaining apparatus.
• FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively show the present shoelace knot retaining apparatus in an open configuration and a closed, secure configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.
• With reference toFIGS. 1,2 and3, a shoelaceknot retaining apparatus10 is disclosed. The shoelaceknot retaining apparatus10 includes afirst arm12 and asecond arm14 connected by aliving hinge16 positioned therebetween. The living hinge16 biases thefirst arm12 relative to thesecond arm14 such that ashoelace knot18 may be securely compressed between thefirst arm12 and thesecond arm14 to hold and retain it therebetween. The angle between thefirst arm12 and thesecond arm14 is approximately 120°, but can range anywhere from approximately 180° to approximately 45°. As will be discussed below in greater detail, the shape of thefirst arm12 and thesecond arm14 is very important in ensuring theshoelace knot18 is securely retained therebetween.
• Thefirst arm12 includes a freefirst end20 and asecond end22, and thesecond arm14 includes a freefirst end24 and asecond end26. Thesecond end22 of thefirst arm12 is connected to asecond end26 of thesecond arm14 via theliving hinge16. Thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12 and thefirst end24 of thesecond arm14 are provided with mating snap connection members. In particular, thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12 includes alateral recess28 shaped and dimensioned to engage alateral projection30 extending from thefirst end24 of thesecond arm14. In this way, when thefirst end24 of thesecond arm14 is pushed toward thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12, the matinglateral recess28 of thefirst arm12 andlateral projection30 of thesecond arm14 engage each other to hold thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12 relative to thefirst end24 of thesecond arm14. However, thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12 is resiliently biased allowing one to push thelateral recess28 of thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12 away from thefirst end24 of thesecond arm14 to permit release thereof. In this way, the shoelaceknot retaining apparatus10 may be opened and closed in a manner discussed below in greater detail. More particularly, thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12 is provided with arelease member32 extending beyond thelateral recess28. Therelease member32 is shaped and dimensioned to allow one to press thereon, causing thelateral recess28 to move away from thelateral projection30 of thesecond arm14 in a manner permitting thefirst end24 of thesecond arm14 to disengage from thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12.
• As those skilled in the art will appreciate, theliving hinge16 connecting thefirst arm12 to thesecond arm14 is integrally formed with the first andsecond arms12,14 and in reality forms a portion of the first andsecond arms12,14 to create aknot recess34 in which ashoelace knot18 is positioned for retaining in accordance with the present invention. The integral nature results in a unitary body shoelaceknot retaining apparatus10 in accordance with the present invention. Theknot recess34 includes a cut outportion35. The cut outportion35 reduces the weight of the shoelaceknot retaining apparatus10. This is particularly important with running shoes, where every gram counts, but also with all shoes. The other important aspect of the cut out portion is that the current design allows “gripping” of the knot without allowing it to slide laterally. That is, the cut outportion35 is shaped and dimensioned to grip the shoelace knot preventing lateral sliding of the shoelaceknot retaining apparatus10. In addition to the cut outportion35 of theknot recess34, thefirst arm12 also includes anopen section37 designed to reduce weight and enhance the spring bias of thefirst arm12.
• Thefirst arm12 includes anouter surface36 shaped and dimensioned for attachment to thetongue38 of aconventional shoe40. With this in mind, theouter surface36 of thefirst arm12 is substantially flat and is adapted for adhesive attachment to thetongue38 of theshoe40 to which it is to be secured. While adhesive attachment is contemplated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other attachment structures may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such as, for example, a hook and loop type fastener.
• As to thesecond arm14, it is substantially arcuate in shape and is adapted for creating theknot recess34 between thefirst arm12 and thesecond arm14 such that shoelace knots of various sizes may be held therebetween. Theknot recess34 is defined by creating opposedconcave surfaces42,44 along theinner portion46,48 of both thefirst arm12 and thesecond arm14. The concave surfaces42,44 along theinner portion46,48 of thefirst arm12 and thesecond arm14 define a substantiallycylindrical knot recess34 in which a shoelace knot may be retained in accordance with the present invention and as discussed below in greater detail. Theknot recess34 is ultimately defined by theconcave surfaces42,44 of thefirst arm12, thesecond arm14 and the livinghinge16 which connects thefirst arm12 to thesecond arm14. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, and in order to permit the snap connection structure to function along thefirst end20,24 of the respective first andsecond arms12,14, theknot recess34 is created at a position adjacent the second ends22,26 of the first andsecond arms12,14.
• As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, shoelace knots of different sizes are commonly encountered and are due to the manner in which people tie their shoelaces and the thickness of the shoelaces. The actual size of the space between thefirst arm12 and thesecond arm14, as well as the length of thefirst arm12 and thesecond arm14 may, therefore, be adjusted to accommodate various needs. With this in mind, the length of thesecond arm14 does have an effect upon the force required to bring thesecond arm14 into contact with thefirst arm12 when ashoelace knot18 is positioned therebetween. As such, care should be taken to ensure that the force required to bring thefirst end24 of thesecond arm14 into contact with thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12 for securing ashoelace knot18 therebetween in accordance with the present invention does not exceed the strength of the desired users.
• In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shoelaceknot retaining apparatus10 is made of polypropylene, acetal, polyacetal, nylon, ABS, polyester, polybutylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate or steel. These materials are robust allowing for multiple openings and closings throughout the life of the shoe. They are also lightweight, which is important in shoe construction, particularly running shoes. While preferred materials are disclosed above for use in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
• In practice, the shoelaceknot retaining apparatus10 is utilized in the following manner. The user first places his or her foot within theshoe40. Thereafter, theshoes40 are tied in a conventional manner. With thefirst arm12 and thesecond arm14 unsecured in their open orientation (preferably at approximately a 120° angle to permit ready access), an opening to theknot recess34 is provided in which one may create theshoelace knot18. Once theshoelace knot18 is created and is positioned between thefirst arm12 and thesecond arm14 within the space defined by theknot recess34, thefirst end24 of thesecond arm14 is brought into contact with thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12 and thelateral projection30 of thefirst end24 of thesecond arm14 is seated within thelateral recess28 of thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12. The interaction of thelateral projection30 as it rides over thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12 creates a clicking sound as the inherent bias “snaps” thelateral projection30 within thelateral recess28. This present shoelaceknot retaining apparatus10 allows locking of the shoelace with a “clicking” sound. This allows the operator to know that the present shoelace retaining apparatus is activated and the knot is locked. This is important with children and their mothers, hearing the clicking sound will add a sense of security and confirmation that the shoelace is safely secured.
• At this point, theshoelace knot18 is securely held between thefirst arm12 and thesecond arm14 and may not be unknotted. When it is time for one to untie theshoelace knot18, therelease member32 of thefirst arm12 is pushed away from thefirst end24 of thesecond arm14 allowing thefirst end24 of thesecond arm14 to move away from thefirst end20 of thefirst arm12 under the biasing forces maintained by the shoelaceknot retaining apparatus10 when it is under compression with the shoelaces held therebetween.
• Although most people attempt to tie shoelace knots tightly so as to prevent inadvertent untying thereof, children and the elderly often have difficulty in tying a tight knot that is prone to further loosening and ultimately untying of the shoe. The design of the present shoelaceknot retaining apparatus10 helps in preventing loosening of shoelace knots whether they are tightly secured or loosely secured. The inherent resilience of the present shoelaceknot retaining apparatus10 will engage a loose shoelace knot and prevent it from further loosening in a manner resulting in the untying of the shoelace.
• It is contemplated the present knot retaining apparatus may be attached to the tongue in various orientations, inverted, oblique, with a swivel, with a detachable base. The present knot retaining apparatus can be within a groove in the tongue. The apparatus can be part of the tongue itself. The tongue can split and the apparatus is embedded in it. The apparatus can be made from two or more plastic strips connected distally to provide the lock. The apparatus can have a cap as the part of the clamp compressing the knot. As long as it is preventing it from accidentally dislodging laterally, any shape will do. The flat area on top of the apparatus can be used for logo.
• With long distance runners, the shoelace knot tends to loosen, but even more commonly, the shoe tongue tends to migrate laterally or medially. This problem with shoes for long distance runners can be solved with this lightweight device. That is, the clamping action of the present knot retaining apparatus holds the knot in place and inhibits migration of the tongue.
• While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (12)

1. A shoelace knot retaining apparatus, comprising:

a first arm and a second arm connected by a living hinge positioned therebetween;

the first arm includes a free first end and a second end, and the second arm includes a free first end and a second end, the second end of the first arm is connected to the second end of the second arm via the living hinge, and the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm are respectively provided with mating snap connection members;

wherein the living hinge connecting the first arm to the second arm is integrally formed with the first and second arms and forms a portion of the first and second arms to create a knot recess in which a shoelace knot is positioned for retaining.

2. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the living hinge biases the first arm relative to the second arm such that a shoelace knot may be securely compressed between the first arm and the second arm to hold and retain it therebetween.

3. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein an angle between the first arm and the second arm is from approximately 180° to approximately 45° when the mating snap connection members of the first arm and second arm are not secured.

4. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the first end of the first arm includes a lateral recess shaped and dimensioned to engage a lateral projection extending from the first end of the second arm.

5. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according toclaim 4, wherein when the first end of the second arm is pushed toward the first end of the first arm, the mating lateral recess of the first arm and the lateral projection of the second arm engage each other to hold the first end of the first arm relative to the first end of the second arm.

6. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein the first end of the first arm is provided with a release member extending beyond the lateral recess, the release member is shaped and dimensioned to allow one to press thereon, causing the lateral recess to move away from the lateral projection of the second arm in a manner permitting the first end of the second arm to disengage from the first end of the first arm.

7. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the knot recess includes a cut out portion that reduces the weight of the shoelace knot retaining apparatus and grips the shoelace knot preventing lateral sliding of the shoelace knot retaining apparatus.

8. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the first arm includes an outer surface shaped and dimensioned for attachment to a tongue of a conventional shoe.

9. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein the outer surface of the first arm is substantially flat and is adhesively attached to a tongue of a shoe to which it is to be secured.

10. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the second arm is substantially arcuate and creates the knot recess between the first arm and the second arm such that shoelace knots of various sizes may be held therebetween.

11. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the knot recess is defined by creating opposed concave surfaces along an inner portion of the first arm and an inner portion of the second arm, the concave surfaces along the inner portion of the first arm and the inner portion of second arm define a substantially cylindrical knot recess in which a shoelace knot may be retained.

12. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the shoelace knot retaining apparatus is made of polypropylene, acetal, polyacetal, nylon, ABS, polyester, polybutylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate or steel.

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