WO2012162737A1

WO2012162737A1 - A releasable accessory for a shoelace

Info

Publication number: WO2012162737A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/000603
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aaron ALLOM
Original assignee: Allom Aaron
Priority date: 2011-05-31
Filing date: 2012-05-31
Publication date: 2012-12-06

Abstract

There is provided an accessory for a shoelace comprising covering means adapted to releasably cover a join of the shoelace in use, wherein the covering means comprises complimentary clip members having an open configuration for receiving the join therebetween and a closed configuration for securing the join therein in use. The complimentary clip members define at least a first internally located compartment. And are shaped to define one or more edgewise apertures and are hingedly coupled. The coupling comprises a mechanical interlock or a magnet coupling wherein the personalisation means is adapted for coupling with the accessory.

Description

A RELEASABLE ACCESSORY FOR A SHOELACE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to footwear accessories and in particular to

an accessory for a shoelace.

The invention has been developed primarily for use with footwear and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application, However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background

The present invention seeks to provide an accessory which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

Shoelaces often become untied in use, resulting in a wearer having to resort to using double knots and the like. Because of this problem, some shoe manufacturers have resorted to producing shoes having other fastening means, such as hook and loop fasteners and the like.

Furthermore, shoelace joins often have free hanging loose ends, thereby looking unsightly or providing a trip hazard.

Yet further, customers often seek ways to personalize or customize their footwear. It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary

According to one aspect, there is provided an accessory for a shoelace comprising covering means adapted to releasably cover a join of the shoelace in use.

Advantageously, the accessory is adapted for substantially preventing the shoelace join from becoming untied in use.

Advantageously, the accessory enhances the aesthetic appearance of the shoelace.

Advantageously, the accessory allows for the personalization or customization of the appearance of the shoelace.

Preferably, the covering means comprises complimentary clip members having an open configuration for receiving the join therebetween and a closed configuration for securing the join therein in use. Advantageously, the accessory is secured to the shoelace in a secure manner so as not to become detached during use.

Advantageously, the accessory allows for the simple removal and attachment about the shoelace in use.

Preferably, the complimentary clip members define at least a first internally located compartment.

Preferably, the at least a first internally located compartment is adapted for receiving the join therein when the complimentary clip members are in the closed configuration in use.

Advantageously, the accessory is adapted for containing the shoelace join in use.

Preferably, the at least a first internally located compartment is adapted for receiving knot shoelace loops and excess shoelace thereabout when the complimentary clip members are in the closed configuration in use,

Advantageously, the accessory is adapted for wholly containing the shoelace wherein the shoelace comprises the shoelace join, shoelace join loops and shoelace slack.

Preferably, the complimentary clip members comprise a forward clip member for forward location in use and a rearward clip member adapted for rearward location in use.

Advantageously, the complimentary clip members are adapted to correspond with one another such that the forward clip member and rearward clip member may be coupled together.

Preferably, the at least a first internally located compartment is substantially circular.

Advantageously, the first internally located compartment may be any shape including, but not limited to, triangles, rectangles or squares.

Preferably, the at least a first internally located compartment is bifurcated.

Advantageously, the internally located compartment may be divided into two compartments wherein the shoelace knot is located in a first compartment and shoelace knot loops and shoelace slack is located in a second compartment.

Preferably, the at least a first internally located compartment is defined by extrusions located at the forward clip member.

Preferably, the at least a first internally located compartment is further defined by extrusions located at the rearward clip member.

Advantageously, the accessory provides extrusions which may be moulded as a component of the first internally located compartment during the manufacturing process.

Preferably, the complimentary clip members are shaped to define one or more edgewise aperrures adapted to allow corresponding portions of the shoelace to pass therethrough in use. Advantageously, the accessory is adapted to attach to the shoelace about the shoelace join in a flush manner.

Preferably, the complimentary clip members are hingedly coupled,

Preferably, the complimentary clip members are biased towards the open configuration. Preferably, the complimentary clip members are biased towards the closed

configuration.

Advantageously, the accessory allows for the simple attachment or removal during use.

Advantageously, the accessory is biased in one of the open or the closed configuration to assist in the attachment or removal of the accessory in use.

Preferably, the complimentary clip members each have a substantially circular cross section.

Advantageously, the accessory is shaped in an aesthetical manner.

Advantageously, the substantially circular cross section is an ideal shape for

encompassing the shoelace join,

Preferably, the accessory further comprises a logo located at one of the complimentary clip members.

Advantageously, the accessory is adapted for the display of a logo, thereby allowing a user to customize the appearance of the shoe.

Preferably, the accessory comprises releasable personalization means.

Advantageously, the accessory provides the user with personalization means wherein the personalisation means may comprise a cartoon character, sporting goods or the like,

Preferably, the accessory comprises two or more personalization means.

Advantageously, the accessory provides a plurality of personalization means each with their own style to suit each user's preference,

Preferably, the personalisation means is adapted for coupling with the accessory.

Advantageously, the accessory provides a coupling device for easy attachment and detachment of the personalisation means to the accessory.

Preferably, the coupling comprises a mechanical interlock,

Preterably, the mechanical interlock is a clip-type mechanical interlock,

Advantageously, the state of coupling device may be selectable by the wearer using a depression tab on the mechanical interlock.

Preferably, the accessory comprises at least one arrowhead boss and complimentary slots adapted to receive at least one arrowhead boss. Preferably, the accessory comprises three arrowhead bosses and three complimentary slots adapted to receive at least one arrowhead boss.

Advantageously, the three arrowhead bosses may be arranged such that the

personalisation means may be secured to the complimentary slots.

Advantageously, the arrowhead bosses may be easily detachable by means of a depression tab located on the personalisation means opposing the arrowhead bosses. In this manner, a pivot is applied at a furthermost arrowhead boss.

Preferably, the coupling comprises a magnetic coupling.

Advantageously, the accessory comprises magnetic coupling which may provide less wear on the coupling components.

Preterably, the personalisation means is adapted for coupling to the forward clip member.

Advantageously, the personalisation means is clearly visible when coupled to the forward clip member.

Preferably, the personalisation means are substantially convex.

Advantageously, the personalisation means may be to prevent irritation or pain to a wearer by minimizing any sharp edges or lines.

Preferably, the personalisation means have a substantially circular cross section.

Advantageously, the cross section of the personalisation means may be any two dimensional shape including, but not limited to, squares, triangles, ellipses and the like.

Preferably, the personalisation means comprise a motif located at an outer surface of the personalisation means ,

Advantageously, the accessory provides a location for the motif wherein the motif is clearly visible.

Preferably, the accessory further comprises rearward apertures are located at the base of one or more of the complimentary clip members.

Advantageously, the accessory is adapted to securely fasten to the wearer^'s shoe wherein the fastening means comprises the shoelaces via the rearward apertures.

Preterably, the rearward apertures are two apertures substantially opposed about the centre of the complimentary clip member.

Advantageously, the accessory provides substantially opposed rearward apertures such that when fastened the force between the wearer's shoe and the accessory may be evenly distributed. Preferably, the rearward apertures are adapted to receive the shoelace in an inward direction

Advantageously, the shoelace may be easily knotted within the covering means when the shoelace is received from the inward direction of the rearward apertures. The shoelace may also be knotted from an outward direction of the rearward apertures to accommodate alternative knots.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a shoe comprising an accessory for a shoelace in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows the accessory of Fig. 1 in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig, 3 shows the accessory of Fig. 1 in a further detailed open configuration in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 shows the accessory of Fig. 1 in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 shows the accessory of Fig. 1 in an exploded open configuration view in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention:

Fig. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the accessory of Fis. 1 in a closed confi^guration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [077] Fig. 7 shows a set of personalisation means in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows underside an embodiment of Fig, 3 wherein the personalisation means is integral with the forward clip member of such an embodiment also in the open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 9 shows a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 show an accessory 100 for a shoelace 105. The accessory 100 comprises covering means adapted to releasably cover a join 210 of the shoelace 105 in use, so as to, for example, substantially prevent the join of the shoelace 105 from becoming loose during use or for aesthetical purposes amongst other things. In a preferred embodiment, in use, the join 210 of the shoelace 105 would be contained within the accessory 100 while the loops of shoelace 105 extending from the join 210 would lie outside of the accessory 100.

In another embodiment, the join 210 of the shoelace 105 and the loops of the shoelace 105 extending from the join 210 would be contained wholly within the covering means. As is shown in Fig. 3, the covering means would substantially encompass the entire join wherein the entire join comprises the shoelace join 210, shoelace loops and any excess shoelace. The covering means comprises internally located compartments 310 wherein the internally located compartments 310 may be bifurcated wherein a first internally located compartment 310a may be located centrally of the covering means and a second internally located compartment 31b may be located circumferent the first internally located compartment 310a. The internally located compartments 310 may be substantially circular however, on other embodiments, the internal ly located compartments 310 may be square shaped, triangle shaped or the like.

In a further embodiment, the shoelace join 210 would be located in the first internally located compartment 310a wherein the shoelace loops and excess shoelace would be located in the second infernally located compartment 310b. However, it should be noted that in another embodiment, the covering means covers only a portion of the join 210. In this embodiment, the covering means may be provided with one or more edgewise apertures 215 to allow one or more looped portions and any excess shoelace of the join 210 to travel outside the covering means.

In a yet further embodiment, the covering means is adapted to other parts of the shoelace 105 other than the join 210 of the shoelace 105. For example, the accessory 100 may be adapted to attach about an intersection of shoelace portions towards the toe.

As is better disclosed in Fig. 3, the covering means comprises complimentary clip members 205 having an open configuration (as is substantially shown in Fig. 2) for receiving the join 210 therebetween and a closed configuration (as is substantially shown in Fig, 1) for securing the join 210 therein in use. As is shown in Figs. 3, 5 and 6, the complimentary clip members 205 may be joined by a hinge 315, such as a live hinge. In this embodiment, the

complimentary clip members 205 may be biased towards the open configuration or the closed configuration. More specifically, the complimentary clip members 205 comprise a forward clip member 205a for forward location in use and a rearward clip member 205b for rearward location in use. In this manner, the complimentary clip members 205 correspond with one another such that they are coupled in the closed configuration.

Furthermore, the internally located compartments 310 may comprise bifurcated extrusions 345 located at the forward clip member 205a and a further extrusion 350 located at the rearward clip member 205b. In a preferred embodiment, the extrusions 345 located at the forward clip member 205a comprise a first arc device 345a and a second arc device 345b wherein the further extrusion 350 located at the rearward clip member 205b is wholly circular. The opposing arc devices 345 on the forward clip member 205a is adapted such that the accessory 100 may receive the join 210 through the edgewise apertures 215.

The opposing portion of the accessory 100 may be provided with locking means to as to allow the complimentary clip members 205 to be held in the closed configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the locking means are bifurcate wherein the locking means comprise a first locking portion 330 and a second locking portion 340. The first locking portion 330 and the second locking portion 340 would correspond with one another such that, in the closed configuration, the locking means are interlocked. In the closed configuration, the first locking portion 330 may be depressed in order to disengage the locking means such that the accessory 100 is in the open configuration. Similarly, in the open configuration, the rearward clip member 205b may be depressed to engage the locking means such that the accessory 100 is in the closed configuration. The first locking portion 330 would be located on the rearward clip member 205b and the second locking portion 340 would be located on the forward clip member 205a.

As such, in use, a user will configure the accessory 100 in the open configuration, then slide the complimentary clip members 205 about the join 210 and then configure the accessory 100 in the closed configuration.

It should be noted that in one embodiment, the complimentary clip members 205 do not necessarily cover the entire join 210. For example, where the upper clip member 205a may be complete, the rear clip member 205b may be have an open configuration, such as, for example, having one or more prongs substantially parallel to the upper clip member 205a and open at one end for receiving and engaging respective portions of the shoelace 105 about the join.

In a yet further embodiment, the complimentary clip members 205 are shaped to define two edgewise apertures 215 adapted to allo corresponding portions of the shoelace 105 to pass therethrough in use. In the embodiment given in Fig. 2, the accessory 100 comprises edgewise apertures 215 located at opposing edges of the accessory 100, wherein each edgewise aperture 215 is partially defined by coincident depressions on the surfaces of the complimentary clip members 205.

The embodiment given in Fig, 2 shows the complimentary clip members 205 each have a substantially circular cross section, it should be noted that other cross sections may be employed depending on the application.

In some embodiments, the accessory 100 further comprises releasable personalisation means 415 located at one of the complimentary clip members 205, The releasable

personalisation means 415 comprises of logos or motifs which may be selectively detachable from the complimentary clip members 205. Furthermore, the logos may comprise a plurality of materials including plastics, fabrics, phosphorescents, ultraviolet reactive material or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more personalisation means 415 may be available for coupling with the forward clip member 205a wherein only one personalization mean 415 may be attached to the accessory 100 at any given time. In other embodiments, multiple personalisation means 415 may be simultaneously coupled with the accessory 100 providing further custom sation possibilities.

Fig, 7 shows a set of logos or motifs which may be implemented on the releasable personalisation means 415 wherein the releasable personalisation means 415 may be subsequently coupled to the complimentary clip member 205. In a preferred embodiment, the accessory 100 may be adapted such that the user may select the releasable personalisation means 415 of choice and couple the chosen personalization means 305 to the complimentary- clip member 205.

in a preferred embodiment, the coupling comprises a mechanical interlock wherein the mechanical interlock is a clip-type mechanical interlock. More specifically, the mechanical interlock is an arrowhead boss configuration wherein the releasable personalisation means 415 comprises three arrowhead bosses 405, The forward clip member 205a comprises three corresponding arrowhead boss slots 410 adapted to accommodate each arrowhead boss 405 respectively. In other embodiments, the coupling comprises magnetic interlocks, an alternative arrowhead boss configuration with one or more arrowhead bosses or the like. In an alternative embodiment, it should be noted that the personalisation means 415 are not releasable as is shown in Fig. 5 but rather integral with the forward clip member 205a.

Turning now to Fig. 9, there is shown a top view of such an embodiment in the open configuration and Fig, 8 showing an underside of such an embodiment also in the open configuration, Fig. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of this embodiment in the closed configuration.

In this embodiment, the personalisation means 415 is not releasable from the forward clip member 205a, potentially allowing for a simplified manufacturing process wherein the personalisation means 415 need not be separately manufactured.

As is shown in Fig, 7, a plurality of personalisation means 415 may be designed comprising various motifs to appeal to children, adults and the like. Such logos or motifs may be provided as part of the manufacturing process or may be applied by a user at a later stage for personalization of the accessory 100. Preferably, the motif may be located at an outer surface of the personalisation means 415 such that the motif is clearly visible.

In a preferred embodiment, the personalisation means 415 are shaped in a substantially convex or dome-shaped orientation wherein the personalisation means 415 also has a substantially circular cross section, In other embodiments, the personalization means 415 may be shaped in any arrangement comprising, but is not limited to convex shapes, flat shapes, square cross-sections, triangular cross-sections or the like. Referring back to Fig. 7, the personalisation means 415 may comprise any shapes including faces, cartoon characters, sporting equipment or the like.

As is shown in a preferred embodiment in Fig. 3, the accessory 100 further comprises two rearward apertures 305 located at the base of the rearward clip member 205b, The rearward apertures 305 are positioned substantially opposed about the centre of the rearward clip member 205b. In other embodiments, more than two rearward apertures 305 may be implemented wherein the rearward apertures 305 may be located in any orientation on a complimentary clip member 205.

Furthermore, the rearward clip members 205b may be adapted to receive shoelaces 105 from an inward direction wherein the lace may be subsequently tied within the first internally located compartment 310a, In this manner, the lace may also function as a fastening means wherein the accessory 100 may be securely fastened to the wearer's shoe. Alternatively, the lace may be received through the edgewise apertures 215.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different

embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the apparel accessory industries.

Claims

I. An accessory for a shoelace comprising covering means adapted to releasably cover a join of the shoelace in use.

2 An accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the covering means comprises complimentary clip members having an open configuration for receiving the join therebetween and a closed configuration for securing the join therein in use.

3. An accessory as claimed in claim 2, wherein the complimentary clip members define at least a first internally located compartment.

4. An accessory as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least a first internally located compartment is adapted for receiving the join therein when the complimentary clip members are in the closed configuration in use.

5. An accessory as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least a first internally located compartment is adapted for receiving knot shoelace loops and excess shoelace thereabout when the complimentary clip members are in the closed configuration in use,

6. An accessory as claimed in claim 2, wherein the complimentary clip members comprise a forward clip member for forward location in use and a rearward clip member adapted for rearward location in use.

7. An accessory as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least a first internally located compartment is substantially circular.

8. An accessory as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least a first internally located compartment is bifurcated.

9. An accessory as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least a first internally located compartment is defined by extrusions located at the forward clip member.

10. An accessory as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least a first internally located compartment is further defined by extrusions located at the rearward clip member.

I I. An accessory as claimed in claim 2, wherein the complimentary clip members are shaped to define one or more edgewise apertures adapted to allow corresponding portions of the shoelace to pass therethrough in use.

12. An accessory as claimed in claim 2, wherein the complimentary clip members are hingedly coupled.

13. An accessory as claimed in claim 12, wherein the complimentary clip members are biased towards the open configuration.

14. An accessory as claimed in claim 12, wherein the complimentary clip members are biased towards the closed configuration.

15. An accessory as claimed in claim 2, wherein the complimentary clip members each have a substantially circular cross section.

16. An accessory as claimed in claim 2, wherein the accessory further comprises a logo located at one of the complimentary clip members.

17. An accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises releasable personalization means.

18. An accessory as claimed in claim 17, wherein the accessory comprises two or more personalization means.

19. An accessory as claimed in claim 17, wherein the personalisation means is adapted for coupling with the accessory.

20. An accessory as claimed in claim 19, wherein the coupling comprises a mechanical interlock.

21. An accessory as claimed in claim 20, wherein the mechanical interlock is a clip-type mechanical interlock.

22. An accessory as claimed in claim 17, wherein the mechanical interlock comprises at least one arrowhead boss and complimentary slots adapted to receive at least one arrowhead boss.

23. An accessory as claimed in claim 17, wherein the mechanical interlock comprises three arrowhead bosses and three complimentary slots adapted to receive at least one arrowhead boss.

24. An accessory as claimed in claim 19, wherein the coupling comprises a magnet coupling.

25. An accessory as claimed in claim 19, wherein the personalisation means is adapted for coupling to the forward clip member.

26. An accessory as claimed in claim 17, wherein the personalisation means are outwordly convex.

27. An accessory as claimed in claim 17, wherein the personalisation means have a substantially circular cross section.

28. An accessory as claimed in claim 17, wherein the personalisation means comprise a motif located at an outer surface of the personalisation means.

29. An accessory as claimed in claim. 2, wherein the accessory further comprises rearward apertures located at the base of one or more of the complimentary clip members.

30. An accessory as claimed in claim 29, wherein the rearward apertures are two apertures substantially opposed about the centre of the complimentary clip member.

31. An accessory as claimed in 29, wherein the rearward apertures are adapted to receive the shoelace therethrough in use.