Laced garment closure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for opening, closing, and fastening articles that are normally fastened with laces. Such articles may be, but are not limited to, garments and footwear. The device has a pair of strips articulated at one end and releasably connected by a clasp mechanism at the other end, each one of the strips having a structure for connecting to the garment using lace eyelets of the garment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to closure devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Garments typically fastened with laces have inherent drawbacks. To achieve the proper fit, one must properly tighten laces every time the garment is worn. A typical running shoe takes between 30 seconds and a minute to properly lace up, and 15 seconds to remove. If the shoe is not properly laced, it loses its benefits to the user. The user has to achieve optimal fit every time the garment is put on, and the fit can never be uniform. For children, overweight adults, people with arthritis and the elderly, tying one's shoes is a difficult task.[0003]In the case of shoes, hook-and-loop type fastener straps are used to replace laces in some models and provide a faster mechanism than laces. These, however, are not widespread. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,567 to Berger (assigned to Puma, AG), a cable can be tightened from a knob with the cable passing through arc-shaped channels (taking the pla...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]It has also been discovered that a variable position clasp operating between strips can efficiently allow for changes between foot sizes, as occurs for example due to changes in socks.

[0014]The present invention facilitates fastening of laced articles such as footwear. The present invention accelerates the fastening process, ensuring that every time the user puts on the garment, the fit and form of the garment is uniform to the user's preference. It also permits one-handed operation for attachment and removal of the garment, allowing the garment to open to its full capacity to accommodate the user, yet instantaneously closing as firmly and snugly as it would be closed had it been laced with conventional laces.

[0015]In addition, the present invention can add customizable elements: night joggers or children who have running shoes without blinking lights can add this valuable safety feature to any shoe. People can express their own individualism by adding a wide array of decorative items into the pre-formed attachment means on the present invention.

[0016]The present invention caters to everyone who does not have the time, desire or ability to tie shoe laces. In particular, it is adapted for the physically- or mentally-challenged user due to its simplicity and efficacy. It can be readjusted after installation to accommodate a bandaged limb, different sock thickness, and other conditions that may affect the size of the user's feet or hands.

Problems solved by technology

If the shoe is not properly laced, it loses its benefits to the user.

The user has to achieve optimal fit every time the garment is put on, and the fit can never be uniform.

For children, overweight adults, people with arthritis and the elderly, tying one's shoes is a difficult task.

These, however, are not widespread.

None of such prior art devices have seen widespread use.

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