US20030051374A1

US20030051374A1 - Lacing system

Info

Publication number: US20030051374A1
Application number: US10/098,218
Authority: US
Inventors: Anna Freed
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-09-14
Filing date: 2002-03-14
Publication date: 2003-03-20

Abstract

A lacing system includes a lace loop attached to a strap. The lace loop is threaded through eyelets of a sneaker, in such a manner that, a single pull on the strap, causes the lace segments to move through the eyelets of the sneaker opening, so that the entire length of the opening contracts simultaneously. This pull lifts the entire arch area, thus providing better support. The lace segments converge at the strap, near the ankle, thus providing better support at the ankle. Additional lace segments could be disposed above the arch to provide better arch support. A strap or fastening member may attach to the sneaker by either a ratchet buckle, clasp, hook, snap, or a hook-and-loop fastener. The sneaker opens to it's maximum width, automatically when the user steps out.

Description

This is a Continuation-In-Part application of pending international application number PCT/US01/28664 filed Sep. 14, 2001, the disclosure of which is hereby fully incorporated by reference. This application is entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/355,287, filed Feb. 6, 2002.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the manner in which laces are threaded though the eyelets of sneakers for fastening. More generally, this invention relates to a lacing system which, in addition to fastening shoes, can be used to fasten items such as corsets, garments, orthopedic devices, or luggage etc.

2. Description of the Related Art

To tightly fasten conventional sneakers the user crisscrosses and pulls on the two (2) lace ends at each eyelet pair, starting at the bottom eyelets, until he reaches the top eyelets, after which he makes a bow knot to secure the shoe. In this manner, the laces have been tightened to provide a snug fit. Of course, some users will not bother with tightening the laces at each eyelet pair, and, in this situation, the sneaker does not provide as snug of a fit. To remove the sneaker, the user must first untie the bow knot, and then pull apart the lace segments, at each pair of eyelets, to open the sneaker wide enough for the foot to be removed. This is time consuming, cumbersome, and requires that the user to have the know-how and dexterity to tie bow knots.

Additionally, current art lacing systems have other disadvantages such as they do not maintain their tension and are not safe because the bow knots often become undone.

In Forbes (U.S. Pat. No. 1,088,067, issued Feb. 24, 1914), the strand does not crisscross the boot opening. Instead, the strand transverses front to back and from top to bottom, and thus, (since the strand does not criss-cross) the shoe does not provide adequate support for the users foot. Additionally, the opening has a lace strand disposed across the top of the boot horizontally, limiting the width of the opening, and thus making it difficult for the user to insert or remove his foot. Also, there are strands that extend from the bottom of the boot across the opening directly to the fastener. These type of strands, which are not guided on the opposite side of the opening, are not safe and further weaken the lacing for the boot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lacing system which is easy to apply to a shoe, inexpensive, and easy to manufacture, strong, durable, versatile, reliable, and easy for the user to operate.

It is further an object of the present invention to produce a lacing system which can easily be placed on sneakers with little or no modification to the sneaker.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a lacing system which is easy to use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a lacing system that provides equal tension along the length of the opening and can accommodate different shaped feet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for a lacing system which immediately opens wide so the user can easily step out and back in.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for a lacing system that opens and closes instantly for tri-athletes, or people in a hurry.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for lacing system which is easily replaceable.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for a lacing system that can be used by young children, to give them independence, before they know how to tie bow knots.

It is yet another object of the present invention to eliminate bow knots to improve appearance and increase safety.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for laces that don't wear out readily because there are no bow knots that are tied and untied to cause wear on the lace.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for a lacing system that can easily be operated using only one hand or by seniors who are physically impaired (e.g., users who have arthritis or Alzheimer's, etc.). Also, users having difficulty reaching the fastener on the outside of the shoe would benefit, because the fastener could be disposed on the arch side of the sneaker.

It is another object of the present invention for the laces of the lacing system to lift the arch at two or more eyelets concurrently, for better support.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide better support at areas where it is needed, such as the ankle and the arch.

It is yet another object of the present invention to enable the user to choose, when he puts on his shoe, whether he wants more or less ankle support.

It is yet another object of the present invention for the lacing system to be safe. Since it cannot come untied, there are no loose laces to trip over or come undone.

It is yet another object of the present invention to maintain it's tension all day.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for a lacing system that can easily be used by athletes that require their shoe closure to have strength, durability, reliability, and speed.

It is yet another object of the present invention to be versatile and customizable and provide for a variety of embodiments to benefit different population segments, a variety of activities and sports, and other individual needs.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide for a lacing system which has application on many types of footwear (sandals, boots, slippers, sneakers, etc.), as well as, many other items across many industries, i.e., luggage, orthopedic devices, corsets, and garments, etc.

The lacing system of the present invention provides: 1) the comfort, fit, and look of laces; 2) the ease, speed, and safety of hook-and-loop fasteners; 3) the reliability, durability, and strength of a ski boot ratchet buckle; 4) and other benefits that are not available in any other lacing system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and still further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of the specific embodiment thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: [0028]
FIG. 1A is a front view of a right sneaker which is conventionally laced and untied; [0029]
FIG. 1B is the sneaker of FIG. 1A with the laces tied; [0030]
FIG. 2A is a front view of a right sneaker having the Lacing System of the present invention and opened; [0031]
FIG. 2B is the sneaker of FIG. 2A fastened; [0032]
FIG. 3A is a front view of a right sneaker of the present invention showing the slack in all the lace segments when it is opened; [0033]
FIG. 3B is the sneaker of FIG. 3A wide open, before the user starts to contract the opening; [0034]
FIG. 3C is a side view sneaker of FIG. 3A showing the pull on the arch produced by the four (4) lace segments when the user pulls the strap; [0035]
FIG. 3D is the sneaker of FIG. 3A after it has been fastened; [0036]
FIG. 4A is an outside view of a right sneaker of the present invention having holes in the strap that hook to the sneaker; [0037]
FIG. 4B is an outside view of a right sneaker of the present invention having ratchets on the strap and a ratchet buckle on the sneaker; [0038]
FIG. 4C is an outside view of a right sneaker of the present invention having a hook-and-loop fastener on the underside of the strap and on the side the sneaker; [0039]
FIG. 4D is an outside view of a right sneaker of the present invention and the strap having two sets of teeth, a holder and a retainer on the sneaker, as disclosed in my other patent pending incorporated herein by reference. [0040]
FIG. 4E is an outside view of the right sneaker of the present invention having four (4) lace segments that form two (2) loops which hook onto the hooks on the side of the sneaker; [0041]
FIG. 5A shows the ends of a lace strand having loops, and a member with two (2) hooks, the looped ends attach to the hook, and the hook can attach to a sneaker above the toes in the center; [0042]
FIG. 5B shows a lace with aglets (or lace ends) having a hook shape and hooking to each other forming a lace loop; [0043]
FIG. 5C shows the turned ends of a lace strand connected by an S-hook to form a large loop; [0044]
FIG. 5D shows an alternative way for the four (4) lace segments to attach to the strap; [0045]
FIG. 6A shows the lacing system, with one lace strand that forms a closed loop, threaded through the eyelets of a sneaker; [0046]
FIG. 6B shows the lacing system, with one lace strand whose ends are attached to a hook in the sneaker; [0047]
FIG. 6C shows the lacing system, with two (2) lace strands forming two (2) closed loops, wherein some lace segments are a positioned straight across the opening; [0048]
FIG. 6D shows the lacing system, with two (2) strands forming two (2) closed loops; [0049]
FIG. 6E shows the lacing system, with two (2) strands forming two (2) closed loops; [0050]
FIG. 6F shows the lacing system, with two (2) strands forming two (2) closed loops; [0051]
FIG. 6G shows the lacing system, with two (2) strands forming two (2) closed loops, having an extra segment across the arch; [0052]
FIG. 6H shows the lacing system, having one (1) lace strand forming a closed loop, and an additional lace segment across the opening for more support; [0053]
FIG. 61 shows the lacing system, with two (2) strands forming two (2) closed loops, and an additional lace segment across the opening for more support; [0054]
FIG. 6J shows the lacing system, having two (2) strands, one strand forms a closed loop, and the other strand forms an open loop; [0055]
FIG. 6K shows the lacing system, having three (3) strands forming three (3) open loops attached to the strap (either sewn or hooked etc.) and to the sneaker (either sewn or hooked etc.); [0056]
FIG. 6L shows the lacing system of the present invention having two (2) strands, one strand forms a closed loop and one strand forms an open loop; and [0057]
FIG. 7 shows the lacing system of the present invention on an arm brace.[0058]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. [0059] 1A-B illustrate a conventionally laced sneaker 100, untied and tied respectively.
The same number of eyelets are on either [0060] side 120, 130 of the adjustable opening 124. There are four pairs of eyelets over the instep 3,11; 4,10; 5,9; 6,8. There are two pairs of eyelets at the ankle 1,13; 2,12, which are placed there for additional support.
For the sake of brevity in the drawing illustrations, only the [0061] right sneaker 110 of the present invention is shown and discussed throughout this disclosure, however, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that the lacing system can be easily incorporated into a left sneaker (and other articles of footwear such as sandals, boots, and slippers, etc.). The eyelets could be holes, loops, hooks, etc. and there could be more or less than the examples given. The sneakers in FIGS. 2A-B have four (4) pairs of eyelets 3,11; 4,10; 5,9; 6,8 on the sides of the adjustable opening 124. Two additional eyelet holes 1, 2 are on the top of the arch side 150 of the sneaker. A tongue 148 is of conventional structure and bridges the gap underneath opening 124. A strap or movable fastener 160, has two holes 14,15 though which the lace strand 170 is threaded. The lace strand 170, has two (2) ends. Four lace segments S1, S2, S3, S4 comprise the lace strand and are formed to exit radially from holes 14, 15 in strap 160. The four (4) lace segments are first attached to or threaded through eyelets 1,2,3,4 directly above the arch 150 on side 130 of opening 124. The four (4) lace segments S1, S2, S3, S4 are then threaded through eyelets 11,10,9,8 respectively on the other side 120 of the opening. Eyelets 11,10,9,8 are lower than (or offset from) eyelets 1,2,3,4 and therefore the lace segments S1,S2,S3,S4 are diagonally disposed across the opening 124 and create a V-shaped gap 20, with side 120 of the opening. This V-shaped gap 20, provides more room for the user to insert (or remove) his foot from the sneaker. This V-shaped gap is closed by the four (4) lace segments radiating from the movable fastener when the sneaker is fastened. The adjustable opening is above the instep. The top of the instep A, is near the ankle, and the bottom of the instep B is near the toes. The two (2) ends of the lace strand can attach to each other, or to the sneaker, preferably at eyelet 7 (but may be at any other eyelet), to the strap, or to another part of the lace, to thereby form a closed or open loop. The lacing system of the present invention can have one or more lace strands, having different benefits (e.g., a single strand attaches readily, two strands adjust faster). In FIG. 2A, the lace segments S1,S2,S3,S4 maintain their individuality as they fan out, or radiate from the strap at holes 14, 15 and thread through eyelets 1,2,3,4 and into eyelets 11,10,9,8 respectively. Since the four (4) segments all are part of a single looped strand, they merge at some point. For example, segments S1 and S3 merge at eyelet 5 and segments S2 and S4 merge at eyelet 6.
Current art sneakers in FIGS. [0062] 1A-B must be pulled at each eyelet pair to provide a snug fit. Two additional pairs of eyelets (holes) are usually positioned near the ankle A, to enable more segments to cross near the ankle for more support, (since the ankle area is subject to additional movement and stress). Each time a lace segment changes direction though an eyelet, the effect of a pull is significantly diminished. The right lace segment in FIG. 1A turns at eyelets 12,3,10,5, and 8. A pull at the end of the lace segment at eyelet 1, has virtually no effect on the eyelets 10,5 & 8, and the bottom B does not contract. In FIG. 2A however, each of the four (4) segments turns at only two (2) eyelets, (e.g., segment S1 turns at eyelets 11 and 5). Therefore, a pull on the strap, which is connected to the four (4) segments, contracts the adjustable opening of the bottom B instantly.
When the user steps in and out of the shoe, the [0063] opening 124, near the top A opens a lot more than the remainder of opening 124. The opening near the bottom B, opens hardly at all. The lacing system of the present invention also opens very wide at the top A, and very little at the bottom B, as required by the natural motion of the user when removing or inserting his foot from and to the sneaker. The V-shaped gap 20, creates additional room for the user to remove (or insert) his foot. The lacing system of the present invention may consist of one or more lace strands, each strand has two (2) secured ends. The strand ends may be attached (or secured) to each other to form a closed loop or may be attached to the sneaker to form an open loop. The two (2) strand ends can be secured (e.g., by sewing, hooking, linking, etc.) either to each other, to the shoe directly, to the strap, to an eyelet loop, or to a hook attached to the shoe, etc. In the embodiments of the lacing system of the present invention the laces can be easily adjusted to be looser on top A, and tighter on the bottom B, or visa versa to accommodate a variety of foot structures (i.e., high or low arches or instep, swollen, fat or thin ankles etc.). The segments of the lacing system of the present invention crisscross providing better support and appearance.
The strap of the present invention need only be pulled (or adjusted) once for essentially the entire opening of the sneaker to contract instantly with equal tension (i.e., a single arcuate pull on the [0064] strap 160, results in all four (4) lace segments contracting essentially all the crisscrossing segments of the opening 124 at once). The four (4) lace segments of the present invention also provide additional support (extra lace segments) near the ankle A, because they converge at the movable fastener 160 near the ankle. With fastening the sneaker of the present invention, the initial pull on the movable fastener by the user causes the criss-crossing segments of the lower (or far) portion B, of the opening to contract, continued upward pulling, lifts and tightens the arch portion 150, then continued arcuate pulling towards the fixed fastener side 120, causes the upper (or near) portion A, of the opening to contract with substantially equal tension on all segments along the entire opening 124, until the sneaker is fastened. Therefore, with one substantially semi-circular motion, the entire opening 124 of the sneaker is contracted and snugly fastened! In reverse, the sneaker opens immediately at both A and B, due to the pressure created by the users' foot as he removes it from the sneaker. The array of threaded eyelets on the fastener side 120, may be offset from the array of threaded eyelets on the strap side 130, creating a large “V-shaped” gap 20, further enabling the user to easily remove or insert his foot, when the shoe is opened. To fasten the sneaker, the user can choose to engage the movable fastener to a fixed fastener that is higher (or nearer the ankle), to increase ankle support and also close the V-shaped gap. Since there may be more than one fixed fastener position, the user can change the ankle support when he desires. Of course, the lace strands can be configured, by someone skilled in the art, to form additional crisscrossing segments, and these configurations are all included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. [0065] 3A-B, when the user pulls the strap in the direction of arrow V, segments S4 and S2 pull at eyelet 6, and segments S1 and S3 pull at eyelet 5 simultaneously, hence contracting the area around the bottom B of the opening 124. At the start of the pull, the bottom of the opening B, is therefore contracted, as the user continues to lift, pull, and rotate the movable fastener towards the fixed fastener, the four (4) lace segments contract the top portion A of the opening 124 (i.e., lace segments S1, S2, S3, S4 pull in unison, at eyelets 1, 2, 3, 4, respectively).
FIG. 3A shows the sneaker in the open position with slack in the lace segments. The sneaker in accordance with the present invention opens to it's maximum width instantly. The single substantially semi-circular motion that tightens and fastens the shoe, is described in greater detail: [0066]
1) First the user adjusts (by wiggling, jiggling, or pulling) the [0067] strap 160 and/or lace segments to eliminate any slack in the lace segments until all four lace segments are taut. 2) Then the user pulls in the direction of arrow V, to contract bottom (or far) part B of the adjustable opening (FIG. 3B); 3) Continued pulling straight up of strap 160, in the direction of arrow W, as shown in FIG. 3C, tightens the sneaker under the arch area, because all four lace segments S1, S2, S3, S4 pull the arch up, through the eyelets 1, 2, 3, 4; 4) The user, keeping the lace segments taut, continues to pull the strap or movable fastener towards the fixed fastener in a substantial arc, shown by arrow X, thus contracting the top (or near) part A, of the adjustable opening at eyelets 1, 2, 3, 4, (FIG. 3-D); 5) The user continues pulling on strap 160 in the direction arrow Y; and 6) The final motion, in the direction of arrow Z, fastens the shoe depending on the type of fastener used.
The first set of lace segments radiating from the movable fastener [0068] 160 (S1, S2 from opening 14, and S3, S4 from opening 15), cross over the next set of lace segments (S1, S2, S3, S4) which extend between eyelets 1,11; 2,10; 3,9; 4,8, respectively.
FIGS. [0069] 4A-E show 5 different exemplary fastening methods. Of course, many other fastening methods may be contrived by those skilled in the art. FIG. 4A shows two (2) fixed fastener hooks 300 on side 120 of the sneaker and eyes 302 on the movable fastener 160. Of course, this could be reversed i.e., the eyes could be disposed on the sneaker (fixed fastener), and the hooks could be on the movable fastener 160 (not shown). The eyes on the sneaker could actually be the eyelets (holes, loops or hooks, etc.) thus, eliminating a part and requiring no change to the sneaker. The user chooses which hook (or eye) to use depending on the ankle support he desires. Attaching the strap towards the top of the shoe, nearer the ankle, provides more support. FIG. 4B shows a buckle fixed fastener 304 on side 120 that engages with the movable fastener having teeth or ratchets 306.
FIG. 4C shows a hook-and-loop fastener, the [0070] hooks 308 may be on side 120 of the shoe and the loops 310 may be on one side of the movable fastener or visa versa. Moving the strap to the top of the shoe nearer the ankle, provides more support. FIG. 4D shows a movable fastener with two sets of teeth as fully disclosed in my PCT patent, application # PCT/US01/28664. The movable fastener 160 has two (2) sets of teeth 312 on one side, and the fastener 314 is attached to side 120 of the shoe. A sleeve 316 may be used to hold the strap end next to the shoe when the strap is fastened. FIG. 4E shows a hook and loop fastener. The hooks 318 are fixed on the outside of side 120 of the sneaker, and loops 320 are formed by the bends in the lace strand. These loops could alternatively be sewn to each other so that only one loop remains to be hooked (not shown). The loops 320 could attach to one or more of the hooks 318 on the outside of the sneaker. The hooks closer to the ankle or back of the shoe, provide more support. This embodiment uses the lace 170 to form the fastening member and, thus, a part is eliminated.
The lacing system of the present invention is replaceable. FIG. 5A shows one of the ways a [0071] lace strand 170 can form a lace loop. The ends of each lace strand can be turned and sewn to itself to form a hole 205. A link member 210 can extend through each hole 205 to form a large lace loop. Of course, hole 205 could alternatively be formed within the actual strand 170 (not shown). Link 210 can be fixed to the shoe at 7 or may not be connected to the shoe. FIG. 5B shows how the strand ends can attach to each other to form the lace loop. The strand ends, or aglets, could be hooks 220, and could hook together. FIG. 5C shows how the strand ends could attach to an S-hook 230 to form a lace loop. Of course, the strand end could also be attached to strap 160 by a hook, or may be sewn thereto (not shown). FIG. 5D shows an alternative method for attaching the lace strand to strap 160 to form the lace segments S1,S2,S3,S4. The strand ends could alternatively be sewn together to form a loop, or they could be sewn to the sneaker or to the strap etc. Thus, the lace segments comprising a strand have two (2) ends. The two (2) strand ends are secured either to each other, to the shoe, to the lace, to the strap, to a hook, or link, etc.
FIGS. [0072] 6A-L show some alternative embodiments of the lacing system in accordance with the present invention. The lacing segments of the different embodiments criss-cross at different angles, including horizontal. These angles influence the flexibility and fit of the shoe. Depending upon the sport or use, different lacing embodiments of the present invention may be preferred.
FIG. 6A shows a single looped strand with four (4) lace segments S[0073] 1,S2,S3,S4 above the arch 150. FIG. 6B shows a lace strand 170, which is looped, whose two (2) ends are hooked into the sneaker at 7. Four (4) lace segments S1,S2,S3,S4 pull up on the arch.
FIG. 6C shows two (2) lace strands that form [0074] loops 172,174. One of the lace loops 172 is stippled to easily distinguish it from the other in the drawing figure. Segments S1,S2 comprise loop 172. Segments S3,S4 comprise loop 174. A portion of each of the segments S1,S2,S3,S4 threads straight across opening 124.
FIG. 6D shows two (2) strands forming two (2) [0075] loops 172,174. Segments S1 and S2 are part of loop 172 and segments S3 and S4 are part of loop 174. Segments S1 and S2 of lace loop 172 merge or meet at S1-S2. Segments S3 and S4 of lace loop 174 merge or meet at S3-S4.
FIG. 6E shows two (2) [0076] lace loops 172, 174 having four (4) lace segments above the arch. FIG. 6F shows the present invention with two (2) lace loops 172,174 criss-crossed at approximately the same angle. FIG. 6G shows two (2) lace loops 172,174 with an additional lace segment S1-S2 above the arch 150.
FIG. 6H shows a [0077] single lace loop 170 with four (4) lace segments S1, S2, S3, S4, above the arch which combine to attach to, or thread through three (3) eyelets on side 120 of the opening. Segments S2 and S3 combine at eyelet 9. An additional lace segment S1-S3 crosses the opening for better support, (in this figure, lace segment S1-S3 is stippled to show how it is threaded through the eyelet). FIG. 61 shows two (2) lace strands that form loops 172,174. Lace segment S1-S2 provides additional support.
FIG. 6J shows a [0078] lace loop 172 and a stippled lace strand 176 (i.e., an open loop). One end of strand 176 is sewn or hooked into the strap 160 at 15, and the other end of strand 176 is sewn or hooked etc. into an eyelet 6. The lacing system threads through three (3) eyelets above the arch and three (3) eyelets on side 120 of the sneaker opening.
Three [0079] lace strands 176, 177, 178 are shown in FIG. 6K. They can be hooked or sewn etc. into the sneaker at eyelets 5, 6, 7 and into the strap at 14, 15, 16. As the user first pulls on the strap, there is only one set of eyelets 8, 9, 10, through which the strands are pulled. During the latter part of the pull, the strands turn mostly through only eyelets 2, 3, 4. A pull on the strap instantly makes the lace segments taut.
FIG. 6L shows the lacing system of the present invention with two (2) members radiating from [0080] strap 160. Segments S1 and S2 form one radiating member and segment S3 forms the other radiating member. Segments S1 and S2 are doubled between eyelet 3 and the strap 160, to provide even more ankle support. segments S1 and S2 diverge from eyelet 3 into eyelet 10 and 9. Lace strand 176 can either be hooked or sewn into eyelet 6 and strap 160.
FIG. 7 shows the lacing system of the present invention on an arm brace. The segments of the [0081] lace loops 172, 174 radiate from the strap or movable fastener 160. The entire arm brace contracts at once when the strap is pulled. The far parts contract first and then the middle or near part contracts. Because of the use of the lace system of the present invention, the arm brace opens wide for the hand to be inserted (or removed).
The lacing system could of course be used on other orthopedic devices, on luggage, corsets, or other devices having an opening whose size is adjustable, etc. and could be configured in many other ways by someone skilled in the art. After studying the disclosure of the present invention as a whole, many other lacing embodiments could be contrived by those skilled in the art. The lacing system of the present invention provides the user with 1) the comfort, fit, and appearance of conventional laces; 2) the ease, speed, and safety of hook-and-loop fasteners; and 3) the strength, reliability, and durability, of a ratcheted ski boot-type buckle. Depending upon the lacing system embodiment and the fastener used, this lacing system has further benefits for different population segments. The hook-and-loop fastener is advantageous for seniors as well as young children because of its' ease of use. The buckle fastener is advantageous for serious athletes because of its' strength, reliability, and durability. [0082]
Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed out, fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or steps which perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results are within the scope of this invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. It is also to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but that they are merely conceptual in nature. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. [0083]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A lacing system comprising:

(a) at least three lace segments;

(b) a movable fastener, said at least three lace segments converging at said movable fastener;

(c) a shoe having a first side and a second side defining an adjustable opening therebetween, said first side having a plurality of eyelets, said second side having a plurality of eyelets;

(d) a fixed fastener disposed on said shoe;

(e) wherein at least two of said at least three lace segments extend radially from said movable fastener, and said at least three lace segments attach to said plurality of eyelets on said first side, and then said at least three lace segments attach to said plurality of eyelets on said second side, and then at least two of said at least three lace segments attach to said plurality of eyelets on said first side again, thereby crossing over each other;

(f) whereby pulling on said movable fastener during movement of said movable fastener towards said fixed fastener, causes said at least three lace segments to contract said adjustable opening; and

(g) said movable fastener being engagable with said fixed fastener to fasten said contraction of said adjustable opening.

2. A lacing system according to claim 1, wherein said at least three lace segments have at least two ends and said at least two ends are secured.

3. A lacing system according to claim 1, wherein additional lace segments are disposed across an area of said adjustable opening.

4. A lacing system according to claim 1, wherein said eyelets on said first side are offset from said eyelets on said second side, causing said at least three lace segments to be diagonally disposed with respect to said adjustable opening, thus forming a V-shaped gap with said second side.

5. A lacing system according to claim 4, wherein in said fastened position, said at least two of said at least three lace segments extend radially from said movable fastener through said eyelets on said first side, thereby closing said V-shaped gap and criss-crossing with respect to said at least three lace segments extending between said first side and said second side.

6. A lacing system comprising:

(a) at least three lace segments;

(c) an item having a first side and a second side defining an adjustable opening therebetween, said first side having a plurality of eyelets, said second side having a plurality of eyelets;

(d) a fixed fastener disposed on said item;

7. A lacing system according to claim 6, wherein said at least three lace segments have at least two ends and said at least two ends are secured.

8. A lacing system according to claim 6, wherein additional lace segments are disposed across an area of said adjustable opening.

9. A lacing system according to claim 6, wherein said eyelets on said first side are offset from said eyelets on said second side, causing said at least three lace segments to be diagonally disposed with respect to said adjustable opening, thus forming a V-shaped gap with said second side.

10. A lacing system according to claim 9, wherein in said fastened position, said at least two of said at least three lace segments extend radially from said movable fastener through said eyelets on said first side, thereby closing said V-shaped gap and criss-crossing with respect to said at least three lace segments extending between said first side and said second side.

11. A method for operating a lacing system on a shoe,

said shoe having lace segments, said lace segments extending radially from a movable fastener, said movable fastener being engagable with a fixed fastener, said fixed fastener disposed on said shoe, said shoe having a first side and a second side defining an adjustable opening therebetween, the adjustable opening having a near portion and a far portion, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) adjusting said lace segments by moving said movable fastener and said lace segments until said lace segments extending radially from said movable fastener are taut;

(b) pulling the movable fastener to said first side of the shoe to contract the far portion of the adjustable opening;

(c) moving said movable fastener in a substantial arc, while maintaining tension on said movable fastener, to said second side of said shoe, thereby contracting the near portion of said adjustable opening; and

(d) engaging said movable fastener with said fixed fastener.

12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of:

after step (b) and before step (c), lifting said movable fastener to tighten the arch area of said shoe.

13. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of:

before step (d), choosing said fixed fastener to engage.

14. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the steps of:

(e) disengaging said movable fastener from said fixed fastener;

(f) applying pressure to said lace segments to expand said adjustable opening.

15. A method for lacing an adjustable opening of an shoe, the shoe having a first side and a second side defining an adjustable opening therebetween, said first side having a plurality of eyelets, said second side having a plurality of eyelets, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) attaching at least three lace segments to a moveable fastener;

(b) radiating at least two of said at least three lace segments from the movable fastener;

(c) attaching said at least three lace segments to plurality of eyelets on the first side;

(d) attaching said at least three lace segments to plurality of eyelets on the second side, so that said three lace segments are diagonally disposed with respect to said adjustable opening;

(e) attaching at least two of said at least three lace segments to a plurality of eyelets on said first side once again, thereby criss-crossing some of the lace segments over each other; and

(f) disposing at least one fixed fastener on the shoe for selectively engaging with said movable fastener.

16. A method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of:

securing the ends of said at least three lace segments

17. A method for operating a lacing system on an item, said item having lace segments, said lace segments extending radially from a movable fastener, said movable fastener being engagable with a fixed fastener, said fixed fastener disposed on said item, said item having a first side and a second side defining an adjustable opening therebetween, the adjustable opening having a near portion and a far portion, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) adjusting said lace segments by moving said movable fastener and said lace segments, until said lace segments extending radially from said movable fastener are taut;

(b) pulling the movable fastener to said first side of the item to contract the far portion of the adjustable opening;

(c) moving said movable fastener in a substantial arc, while maintaining tension on said movable fastener, to said second side of said item, thereby contracting the near portion of said adjustable opening; and

(d) engaging said movable fastener with said fixed fastener.

18. A method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of:

after step (b) and before step (c), lifting said movable fastener to tighten an area of said item.

19. A method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of:

before step (d), choosing said fixed fastener to engage.

20. A method according to claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

(e) disengaging said movable fastener from said fixed fastener;

(f) applying pressure to said lace segments to expand said adjustable opening.

21. A method for lacing an adjustable opening of an item, the item having a first side and a second side defining an adjustable opening therebetween, said first side having a plurality of eyelets, said second side having a plurality of eyelets, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) attaching at least three lace segments to a moveable fastener;

(e) attaching at least two of said at least three lace segments to plurality of eyelets on said first side once again, thereby criss-crossing some of the lace segments over each other; and

(f) disposing at least one fixed fastener on the item for selectively engaging with said movable fastener.

22. A method according to claim 21, further comprising the step of:

securing the ends of said at least three lace segments.