Cross-reference of Related Application

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application having Serial No. 63/258,645 filed on May 19, 2021 , which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an adjustable lacing system for an article of footware, which comprises multiple functional parts that can be attached and detached in any combination thereof to become different assembly forms for fastening the lace on an upper of the footware article. The lacing system provides the flexibility of adjusting the lace to a desirable length, but also eliminates the need of tying bow knots of the lace ends.

Background of the Invention

Laces are widely used to secure and fasten footware on one’s foot, for example by tying bow knots. However, to tie the bow knots while maintaining the lace tightened and untie the bow knots are troublesome and time-consuming, especially for small children and the elderly who often cannot properly tie a bow knot to prevent the the bow knot from loosening up.

Additionally, the prior art lacing systems might have a problem that they may not maintain their tension and are not safe because the bow knots often become loose.

The lace, although functional in its simplicity, does not lend itself to improvements or lifestyle needs. The crisscross, bow-tying pattern has remained relatively unchanged and remains behind the lifestyle and fashion evolutions of modern living. Shoe models and styles are incredibly varied making a standard eyelet configuration impossible. Eyelets vary in diameter, material, rigidity, placement, and even distances from each other on the same quarter panel and across the throat. Current shoelace standards are cumbersome, needlessly laborious and old fashioned.

There is a problem with the prior art shoelaces in terms of fitness for comfort, whose “distance” is interpreted actually as a “length” for the elastic strap or straps to be made as a lace section between each horizontally corresponding pair of anchor part and is unpredictable and unknown for pre-manufacturing, because it is impossible or very difficult without knowing the specifications of all shoe designs and then to pre-determine and pre make the lace section. To be more specific, it is not feasible to pre-make for all shoes already available on the market or even for shoes of new design to be pre-manufactured to pre-fit. This is the reason why there is no breakthrough so the traditional lace bows remain till today. And the most conventional injection molding cannot be used prior to the present invention.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a lacing system to tackle the disadvantages and other drawbacks discussed above, and the lacing system is easy to apply to a shoe with the lace length adjustable to a desirable length. It would also be beneficial to include one or more functional parts in the lacing system to allow the user to assemble these parts in various manners in which the lace is fastened onto the shoe without the bow knots.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is proposed to address the above-discussed technical problems. Therefore, the present invention has a principal object of providing an adjustable lacing system for an article of footware, and the adjustable lacing system is uniquely adaptable to different models of lace-based footware which have eyelets or grommets and lace guard of different thicknesses and materials.

Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable lacing system for an article of footware, which eliminates the need of tying and untying bow knots for fastening and unfastening the footware.

A further object of the invention is to provide an adjustable lacing system for an article of footware, which allows for adjustable lace length while maintaining proper tension and therefore can accommodate different shaped feet.

A yet object of the invention is to provide an adjustable lacing system for an article of footware, which is versatile and customizable thanks to various structural parts of the lacing system.

These and other objects are satisfied by providing an adjustable lacing system for an article of footware, comprising: one or more laces each having opposite lace ends and one or more lace sections extending across an upper of the footware article in a width direction of the upper, at least one releasable lace receiver for releasably receiving and fastening the lace end of the lace for providing the lace at an adjustable length when the one or more lace sections run across the upper of the footwear article, wherein the lace end received in the lace receiver is moored on the upper of the footwear article by one or both of the following: at least one anchor clasp for attaching the lace receiver on an upper of the footware article, preferably releasably on a lace guard of the footware article, and a mechanism for releasably connecting the lace receiver, for example to form a closed loop, with the lace.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lace receiver may be configured to comprise a lace receiving body for receiving the lace end and a clip engageable with the lace receiving body. The lace receiving body may be configured to have two opposite side panels to define a receiving space, and a toothed plate mounted between the two side panels of the lace receiving body in a manner that allows the clip to slide into the receiving space to releasably teeth-lock the lace end when the lace is bent and wrapped over the toothed plate.

In certain cases of the invention, the toothed plate may be structured to have a top surface and a bottom surface each comprising a teeth-platoon, and the clip may be provided as a C-shaped clip insertable into the receiving space for engagement with the toothed plate. Preferably, the toothed plate may further have a plurality of teeth formed on an edge thereof facing the C-shaped clip to provide an additional teeth lock for locking the lace end.

In one specific embodiment of the invention, the adjustable lacing system may comprise the lace receivers in pair each having an extension member extending from the lace receiving body thereof, and the mechanism for connecting may comprise a male connector affixed to one of the lace receiver pair at the extension member, and a female connector connectable to the male connector and affixed to the other lace receiver at the extension member, such that the paired lace receivers are connected detachably through the male and female connectors.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the lace receiver may be configured to comprise a lace receiving frame having a pivot end and a connection end opposite to the pivot end, and a toothed flap pivotably mountable on the pivot end of the lace receiving frame. The lace receiving frame may comprise a bottom having a perforated portion with a plurality of holes, and first and second openings positioned on opposite sides of the perforated portion. The toothed flap may be configured to be pivotal relative to the lace receiving frame between a closed position where the toothed flap mates with the perforated portion of the lace receiving frame to teeth-lock the lace end in place when the lace is bent and wrapped over the perforated portion of the receiving frame through the first and second openings, and an open position where the toothed flap is away from the perforated portion to release the lace end.

In certain cases of the invention, the toothed flap may comprise a plurality of teeth in a number corresponding to the number of the holes of the perforated portion, and the plurality of teeth are formed on a surface of the toothed flap that faces the receiving frame for mating with the holes. Preferably, the toothed flap may comprise a pivot for pivotably mounting on the pivot end of the lace receiving frame, a recess in the vicinity of the pivot to allow for passage of the lace, and a bulge opposite to the pivot for fitting into a groove formed on the connection end of the lace receiving frame. In one specific embodiment of the invention, this adjustable lacing system may comprise the lace receivers in pair, and the mechanism for connecting may comprise a male connector affixed to one of the lace receiver pair at the connection end thereof, and a female connector connectable to the male connector and affixed to the other lace receiver at the connection end thereof, such that the paired lace receivers are connected detachably through the male and female connectors.

In certain cases of the invention, the anchor clasp may comprise a horseshoe hook attached to the lace receiver, and a threaded fastener extending through the horseshoe hook for fastening the lace receiver on the lace guard. The threaded fastener may comprise a threaded bolt and a ledged nut having an extended ledge, the threaded bolt extending through an eyelet or grommet of the upper of the footware article to protrude beyond the horseshoe hook for screwing into the ledged nut with the extended ledge positioned to sit on the horseshoe hook so as to hold the horseshoe hook in place.

In certain cases of the invention, the anchor clasp may comprise an anchor plate attached to the lace receiver, and a threaded fastener extending through a window formed through the anchor plate for fastening the lace receiver on the lace guard. The threaded fastener may comprise a threaded bolt and a threaded nut, the threaded bolt extending into the window to protrude beyond the anchor plate for screwing into the threaded nut with the nut positioned to sit on the anchor plate so as to hold the anchor plate in place.

In certain cases of the invention, the anchor clasp may be provided as a C-shaped anchor member attached to the lace receive. The C-shaped anchor member may have an upper plate and a lower plate to define a receiving space for accommodating a portion of the upper of the footware article, and a bolt extending from an underside of the upper plate through an eyelet or grommet of the upper of the footware article and through an aperture of the lower plate to protrude beyond the lower plate for fastening the lace receiver on the upper of the footware article.

In certain cases of the invention, the anchor clasp may be provided as a clip member attached to the lace receiver. The clip member may comprise a carrier plate having a carrier end and a clipping end, a ledge arranged above the clipping end of the carrier plate in a space apart fashion to define a space for accommodating a portion of the upper of the footware article. The clip member may further comprise a threaded bolt positioned on the carrier end of the carrier plate and configured to pass through an eyelet or grommet of the upper of the footware article, and a threaded nut into which the threaded bolt is screwed for fastening the lace receiver on the upper of the footware article. In one specific embodiment of the invention, the adjustable lacing system may comprise the lace receivers in pair for receiving and fastening the two ends of the lace, and the mechanism for connecting comprises a male connector affixed to one of the paired lace receivers, and a female connector connectable to the male connector and affixed to the other lace receiver, such that the paired lace receivers, the mechanism for connecting and the lace are connected from one another to form a close loop moored on the upper of the footware article.

Brief Description of the Drawings

To have a better understanding of the invention reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the various figures of the drawings, like reference numbers are used to designate like parts.

Figs. 1a and 1b depict respectively top and bottom perspective views of a lace receiving body of lace receiver constructed consistent with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1c depicts a top perspective view of a clip engageable with the lace receiving body shown in Figs. 1a and 1b.

Figs. 1d to 1f depict top perspective views of the clip shown in Fig. 1b and the lace receiving body shown in Fig. 1a, respectively illustrating their ready-for-engagement, partial engagement and full engagement states.

Figs. 1g depicts a sectional view of the lace receiving body taken along line A-A of Fig. 1a.

Fig. 1h depicts a sectional view of the lace receiver in engagement with the clip taken along line B-B of Fig. 1f.

Fig. 1i depicts a top perspective view of the lace receiver with a piece of lace wrapped over the lace receiving body while the clip is in a ready-for-engagement state.

Fig. 1j depicts a top perspective view of lace receiver with the lace piece being fastened.

Fig. 2a depicts a top perspective view of a pair of opposite lace receivers shown in Figs. 1d to 1f.

Figs. 2b and 2c respectively depict side view and top perspective view of the paired lace receivers of Fig. 2a with a piece of lace having two ends wrapped in and over the lace receivers, which remain to be fastened.

Figs. 2d and 2e respectively depict top and bottom perspective views of the paired lace receivers with the lace piece being fastened.

Fig. 2f depicts a sectional view of the lace receiver taken along a line C-C of Fig. 2e. Fig. 3a depicts side views of a male connector and a female connector which are connectable with each other.

Figs. 3b depicts a bottom view of the male and female connectors shown in Fig. 3a.

Figs. 3c depicts a top view of the male and female connectors shown in Fig. 3a.

Figs. 3d to 3f respectively depict top and bottom perspective views of the male and female connectors shown in Fig. 3a from different angles of view, illustrating the male and female connectors are in a ready-for-connection position.

Figs. 3g to 3i respectively depict top and bottom perspective views corresponding to figs. 3d to 3f, illustrating the male and female connectors are in a connection position.

Figs. 4a and 4b respectively depict top and bottom perspective views of the paired lace receiving bodies and the male and female connectors in sequence for assembling.

Figs. 4c and 4d respectively depict top and bottom perspective views of the paired lace receiving bodies and the male and female connectors, illustrating one of the lace receiving body affixed to the male connector and the other lace receiving body affixed to the female connector to form two unitary components for assembling.

Fig. 4e depicts a top perspective view of placements of two pieces of laces, the paired lace receivers with respective male and female connectors.

Fig. 4f depicts the two pieces of lace are respectively fastened by the paired lace receivers which are connected to each other by the male and female connectors.

Fig. 4g depicts the two pieces of lace are respectively fastened by the paired lace receivers and remain unconnected.

Fig. 5a depicts a top view of a horseshoe hook connectable with the lace receiver according to the invention.

Fig. 5b depicts a top view of the horseshoe hook in connection with the lace receiver according to the invention.

Figs. 5c to 5e depict respectively bottom perspective view, side view and top perspective view of the horseshoe hook in connection with the lace receiver according to the invention.

Figs. 5f to 5h depict respectively top and bottom perspective views of a threaded nut constructed according to the invention.

Figs. 5i depicts a side view of a threaded bolt engageable with the threaded nut shown in Figs. 5f to 5h, illustrating the nut and the bolt are ready for engagement.

Figs. 5j depicts a side view of the nut and the bolt in engagement to form a fastener.

Figs. 5k depicts a bottom perspective view of the threaded bolt engageable with the threaded nut, illustrating the nut and the bolt are ready for engagement. Fig. 6a depicts a top perspective view of an assembly comprising the lace receiver shown Figs. 1d to 1f and the fastener shown in Fig. 5i in a ready for assembling state, illustrating the clip of the lace receiver is ready for engagement with the lace receiving body.

Fig. 6b depicts a side view of the assembly of Fig. 6a with various parts in a disassembled state.

Fig. 6c depicts a bottom perspective view of the assembly shown Fig. 6a.

Fig. 6d depicts a top perspective view of the assembly shown Fig. 6a, illustrating the clip of the lace receiver is in engagement with the lace receiving body while the lace receiver is yet to be assembled with the fastener.

Fig. 6e depicts a side view of the assembly of Fig. 6d.

Fig. 6f depicts a bottom perspective view of the assembly shown Fig. 6d.

Fig. 6g depicts a top perspective view of the assembly shown Fig. 6a in the assembled state.

Fig. 6h depicts a side view of the assembly of Fig. 6g.

Fig. 6i depicts a top perspective view of the assembly shown Fig. 6g from another angle of view.

Fig. 6j depicts a top perspective view of the assembly shown Fig. 6g with a piece of lace fastened in the lace receiver.

Fig. 6k depicts a top perspective view of the assembly shown Fig. 6j from another angle of view.

Fig. 7a depicts an angled top perspective view of a pair of opposite lace receivers shown Figs. 1d to 1f, illustrating the clips are ready for engagement with the respective lace receiving bodies, and each of the lace receivers is terminated by an anchor clasp of first variation.

Fig. 7b depicts a front elevation view of the paired lace receivers of Fig. 7a for receiving two ends of a piece of lace, illustrating the clips are ready for engagement with the respective lace receiving bodies.

Fig. 7c depicts an angled top perspective view of the paired lace receivers of Fig. 7a for receiving two ends of a piece of lace, illustrating the clips are in engagement with the respective lace receiving bodies.

Fig. 7d depicts a top perspective view of an adjustable lacing system constructed consistent with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8a depicts an angled top perspective view of an adjustable lacing system constructed consistent with another preferred embodiment of the invention on two opposite lace guards. Fig. 8b depicts an angled top perspective view of an adjustable lacing system constructed consistent with another preferred embodiment of the invention on two opposite lace guards.

Fig. 9a depicts an angled top perspective view of a pair of opposite lace receivers shown Figs. 1d to 1f, illustrating the clips are ready for engagement with the respective lace receiving bodies, and each of the lace receivers is terminated by an anchor clasp of second variation.

Fig. 9b depicts a front elevation view of the paired lace receivers of Fig. 9a for receiving two ends of a piece of lace, illustrating the clips are ready for engagement with the respective lace receiving bodies.

Fig. 9c depicts an angled top perspective view of the paired lace receivers of Fig. 9a for receiving two ends of a piece of lace, illustrating the clips are in engagement with the respective lace receiving bodies.

Fig. 9d depicts a top perspective view of an adjustable lacing system constructed consistent with another preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 10a and 10b respectively depicts top and bottom perspective views of a ledged nut according to the invention.

Fig. 10c depicts a side view of a threaded bolt engageable with the ledged nut shown in Figs. 10a and 10b to form an anchor clasp of third variation.

Fig. 10d depicts top and bottom perspective views of a pair of opposite lace receivers shown Figs. 1d to If with the clips being removed, illustrating each of the lace receivers is terminated by the anchor clasp of third variation.

Fig. 10e depicts an angled top perspective view of the paired lace receivers of Fig. 10d, illustrating the clips are ready for engagement with the respective lace receiving bodies.

Fig. 10f depicts an angled side view of the paired lace receivers of Fig. 10e, illustrating the clips are in engagement with the respective lace receiving bodies.

Fig. 10g depicts an angled top perspective view of the paired lace receivers of Fig. 10e for receiving two ends of a piece of lace, illustrating the clips are ready for engagement with the respective lace receiving bodies.

Fig. 10h depicts an angled top perspective view of the paired lace receivers of Fig. 10e for receiving two ends of a piece of lace, illustrating the clips are in engagement with the respective lace receiving bodies.

Fig. 11a depicts an angled top perspective view of an adjustable lacing system constructed consistent with another preferred embodiment of the invention on two opposite lace guards. Fig. 11b depicts an angled top perspective view of an adjustable lacing system constructed consistent with another preferred embodiment of the invention on two opposite lace guards.

Fig. 12a depicts a top view of a lace receiving body of lace receiver constructed consistent with another preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 12b depicts a top view of the lace receiving body shown in Fig. 12, illustrating the lace receiving body is in connection with a horseshoe hook.

Figs. 12c depicts a side view of the lace receiving body and the horseshoe hook in connection shown in Fig. 12b.

Figs. 12d and 12e depict respectively top perspective views of the lace receiving body and the horseshoe hook in connection shown in Fig. 12b from different angles of views.

Figs. 12f depicts a bottom perspective view of the lace receiving body and the horseshoe hook in connection shown in Fig. 12b.

Figs. 13a and 13b depict respectively top and bottom perspective views of a toothed flap engageable with the lace receiving body shown in Figs. 12a to 12f.

Figs. 13c to 13f depict side views of the flap shown in Figs. 13a and 13b and the lace receiving body shown in Figs. 12a to 12f, illustrating the flap is ready for pivotably mounting on the lace receiving body, and the pivotal movement of the flap, after being mounted on the lace receiving body, from an open position to a closed position.

Figs. 13g to 13i depict top and bottom perspective views of the flap mounted on the lace receiving body from the open position to the closed position.

Fig. 14a depicts an angled top perspective view of a pair of opposite lace receivers shown Figs. 13c to 13i, illustrating the flaps are in open positions relative to the respective lace receiving bodies over which the ends of a piece of lace are wrapped.

Figs. 14b and 14c depicts respectively a front elevation view and a top perspective view of the paired lace receivers of Fig. 14a with anchor clasps inserted into the horseshoe hooks, illustrating the flaps are in closed positions relative to the respective lace receiving bodies to fasten the ends of the lace.

Figs. 14d and 14e depict respectively top and bottom perspective views of one of the paired lace receivers shown in Figs. 14b and 14c in closed position.

Fig. 15a depicts a top view of the paired lace receiving bodies, illustrating one of the lace receiving bodies affixed to a male connector and the other lace receiving body affixed to a female connector connectable to the male connector.

Fig. 15b depicts a sectional view taken along line D-D of Fig. 15a. Figs. 15c and 15d respectively depict top and bottom perspective views of the paired lace receiving bodies and the male and female connectors, which are placed in sequence for assembling.

Figs. 15e and 15f respectively depict top and bottom perspective views of the paired lace receiving bodies are connected to form a unitary component by the male and female connectors.

Fig. 16a depicts a top perspective view of a pair of lace receivers comprising the paired lace receiving bodies and the male and female connectors shown in Figs. 15c and 15d, and a pair of toothed flaps ready for pivotally mounting on the lace receiving bodies.

Fig. 16b depicts a bottom view of Fig. 16a, illustrating the paired receivers are in open position.

Fig. 16c depicts a sectional view taken along line of E-E in Fig. 16b.

Fig. 16d depicts a top view of Fig. 16a, illustrating the paired receivers are in closed position.

Fig. 16e depicts a sectional view taken along line of F-F in Fig. 16d.

Figs. 17a and 17b respectively depicts a top perspective view and a top elevation view of the paired lace receivers of Figs. 16a to 16e for receiving corresponding ends of two pieces of lace, illustrating the flaps are in open position.

Fig. 17c depicts a sectional view taken along line G-G in Fig. 17b.

Figs. 18a and 18b respectively depicts a top perspective view and a top elevation view of the paired lace receivers of Figs. 17a to 17c, illustrating the flaps are in closed positions to fasten the lace ends.

Fig. 18c depicts a sectional view taken along line H-H in Fig. 18b.

Fig. 19a depicts an angled top perspective view of an adjustable lacing system constructed consistent with another preferred embodiment of the invention on two opposite lace guards.

Fig. 19b depicts an angled top perspective view of an adjustable lacing system constructed consistent with another preferred embodiment of the invention on two opposite lace guards.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

While the present invention is illustrated and described in preferred embodiments, various structural parts that make up the lacing system of the present invention for an article of footware may be produced in many different configurations, sizes, forms and materials to assemble the lacing system. Basically, the invention provides an adjustable lacing system comprising one or more lace receivers to fasten a lace end of lace, preferably the lace receivers are provided in pair. The lace receiver is configured to fasten the lace end in a manner that allows for lace length comfort adjustment at will. The lacing system further comprises one or more anchor clasps for preferably releasably attaching the lace receivers on a lace guard of the footware, for example a laced sneaker (not shown). The lacing system may also comprise male and female connectors for connecting a pair of lace receivers together.

The term “lace receiver” herein refers to a structural element useful to fasten, anchor and lock a free end of the lace and useful as a lace length adjuster.

The term “anchor clasp” herein refers to an structural element designed to be fastened and anchored on the lace guard, for example on eyelets of the footware article.

The term “male and female connectors” herein refers to a connection mechanism adapted for connecting the paired lace receivers together to form a unitary component.

Referring now to the drawings, Figs. 1a to 2f, there is illustrated a lace receiver 100 constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the lace receiver 100 comprises a lace receiving body 3 and a C-shaped clip 4.

The lace receiving body 3 comprises two opposite side panels 3f to define a receiving space, and a toothed plate mounted in the receiving space between the side plates 3f and extending laterally with respect to the side plates 3f to define an opening 3d together with the two side plates 3f. The toothed plate has a top surface on which a top teeth-platoon 3a is formed, a bottom surface on which a bottom teeth-platoon 3b is formed, and an edge facing the opening 3d and having a plurality of edge teeth 3c.

The lace receiving body 3 further comprises an extension member 3e extending from the side plates 3f and over the entire width defined by the two side plates 3f. The C-shaped clip 4 has a release edge 4a which is implemented by push-in and push-back actions to engage with or disengage from the lace receiving body 3. The C-shaped clip 4 is sized and shaped to be slidable through the opening 3d of the lace receiving body 3 into the receiving space for engagement with the lace receiving body 3 in a manner that the C-shaped clip 4 embraces the top and bottom teeth-platoons 3a, 3b and the edge teeth 3c, as shown in Fig. 1h.

Figs. 1d to 1f illustrate the sliding movement of the C-shaped clip 4 into the lace receiving body 3 for engagement therebetween. As illustrated, the C-shaped clip 4 is slidable through the opening 3d into the receiving space of the lace receiving body 3 so that the toothed plate is clamped by the C-shaped clip 4 (see Fig. 1f).

Turning to Figs. 1 i and 1 j, one end of a piece of lace 5 is wrapped over the toothed plate of the lace receiving body 3, followed by sliding the C-shaped claim 4 to engage with the lace receiving body 3. The top and bottom teeth-platoon 3a, 3b function to bite and grip the lace end to provide a teeth-lock effect, and the edge teeth 3c further enhances the teeth lock and gain more grip to hold the lace end. The lace end may be unlocked and released from the lace receiver 100 by simply pushing back the release edge 4a to allow the C-shaped clip 4 to pop backward and out from the opening 3d. This also enables to adjust the lace length of the lace 5, and the C-shaped clip 4 is caused to slid into the receiving space for grip and lock the lace end in the lace receiving body 3 after the lace length is set to fit for comfort.

Figs. 2a to 2f illustrate a pair of lace receivers 100 is used to fasten the lace while a lace section 5a extending between the paired lace receivers is being maintained tensioned. Two free ends of the lace 5 are received in the respective lace receivers as shown in Figs. 2b and 2c. The lace section 5a is adjusted to have a desirable length before sliding the C- shaped clip 4 to engage with the lace receiving body 3, followed by fastening the two lace ends in place by the paired lace receivers 100 as discussed above. As shown in Fig. 2f, the two lace ends are wrapped in and over the top and bottom teeth platoon 3a, 3b and the edge-teeth 3c so that they are teeth-locked and fastened firmly by the lace receivers 100.

The paired lace receivers 100 may be connected together, if desirable. Thus the lacing system of the invention may further comprise a connection mechanism for this purpose. Figs. 3a to 3i illustrate an exemplary connection mechanism comprising a male connector 1 having a male part 1a, and a female connector 2 having a female part 2a connectable with the male part 1a. In this embodiment, the male part 1a is configured in the form of a stub, and the female part 1b is configured in the form of a slot into which the stud is insertable. Figs. 3d to 3f illustrate the male and female connectors before they are connected with each other, and Figs. 3g to 3i illustrate the male connector 1 is in connection with the female connector 2.

With reference to Figs. 4a to 4g, there is illustrated the paired lace receivers 100 connected by the male and female connectors 1 and 2 to form a unitary structure. One of the paired lace receivers is affixed to the male connector 1 at the extension member 3e thereof, with the male part 1a facing away from the lace receiver. Similarly, the other lace receiver is affixed to the female connector 2 at the extension member 3e thereof, with the female part 2a facing away from the lace receiver (Figs. 4c and 4d). Any method known in the art, for example snap-fit or press fit, may be used for affixation of the lace receivers to the male or female connector. The two laces 5 are respectively received and fastened by the paired lace receivers having the male and female connector as discussed above. The paired lace receivers with the laces 5 being gripped and fastened are then connected together to the unitary structure by inserting the male part 1a into the female part 2a, as shown in Fig. 4f. One exemplary anchor clasp useful in the lacing system of the invention are illustrated in Figs. 5a to 6k. In this embodiment, the anchor clasp comprises a horseshoe hook 6 and a threaded fastener that can extend through the horseshoe hook 6. The horseshoe hook 6 has two parallel arms to defines a U-shaped opening 6a, and the two arms have free ends configured to receive respectively an extension member extending from the two side panels 3f of the lace receiver 100 described above, so that the horseshoe hook 6 is coupled with the lace receiver, as best illustrated in Figs. 5c to 5e. Figs. 5f to 5k illustrate that the threaded fastener comprises a threaded bolt 8 and a threaded nut 7 into which the bolt 8 is threaded. The bolt 8 has a shank and a flat base for holding the shank. The shank comprises a threaded upper part for threading into the nut 7 and a lower part designed to pass through the U-shaped opening 6a of the horseshoe hook 6. The threaded nut 7 has a threaded nut part 7b for thread-engagement with the upper part of the bolt 8, and a ledge 7a extending from the nut part 7a to sit on the horseshoe hook 6 when the bolt 8 passes through the opening 6a of the horseshoe hook 6 and is screwed into the nut part 7b (see Figs. 6g to 6k). The ledge 7a helps to hold the horseshoe hook 6 in position and prevent the horseshoe hook 6 from falling off.

Figs. 6a to 6f illustrate the assembling sequences of various parts. The C-shaped clip 4 slides to engage with the lace receiving body 3 according to the above-described procedures (Fig. 6d). The bolt 8 is then inserted to protrude beyond the U-shaped opening 6a to be mounted in the nut part 7b, and the ledge 7a is exposed to rest tightly on the hook 6 (Figs. 6g to 6i). Figs. 6j and 6k depict the lace 5 is fastened in the assembly of Figs. 6g to 6i.

Fig. 7a illustrates another exemplary anchor clasp useful in the lacing system of the invention, comprising a C-shaped anchor member 9 attached to the lace receiver, for example integrally moulded with the extension member 3e of the lace receiving body 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor member 9 is configured to have upper and lower anchor plates 9b, 9c in parallel to define a C-shaped space for accommodating the upper (e.g. the lace guard) of the footware. The anchor plates 9b, 9c have connection ends which are connected together for attachment to the lacer receiver, and clasp ends which are opposite to each other to define the C-shaped space for accommodating and clasping the lace guard. The anchor member 9 further comprises an aperture extending through the lower anchor plate 9c and a plain bolt 9a extending from the underside of the upper anchor plate 9b into the aperture of the lower anchor plate 9c to protrude the lower anchor plate 9c. When the lace guard is inserted between the upper and lower anchor plates 9b, 9c, the plain bolt 9a would pass through the eyelets or grommets and then into the aperture of the lower anchor plate 9c to stabilize itself in position on the lace guard, providing the clipping effect. Figs. 7b and 7c illustrate the anchor member 7 is attached to each of the paired lace receivers which are used to fasten two ends of the lace 5 with the lace section 5a being maintained tensioned. The lace receivers for adjustably fastening the lace are not described herein and may be made reference to the ones shown in Figs. 2a to 2f described above.

Fig. 7d illustrates an adjustable lacing system constructed consistent with a preferred embodiment of the invention. This lacing system comprises two pairs of lace receivers for fastening and tensioning two lace sections 5a respectively. For each pair of the lace receivers, one of the paired lace receiver is terminated by the anchor member, and the other lace receiver is terminated by the male connector 1 or the female connector 2. These two pairs of lace receivers with the laces 5 can form a unitary structure by connecting the male and female connectors 1 , 2.

Now turning to Figs. 8a and 8b, there are illustrated two lace patterns created and fastened by the lacing system of the invention, and these two lace patterns are commonly used on the market. As illustrated in Fig. 8a, three sets of lacing system shown in Fig. 7c and a set of lacing system shown in Fig. 7d are anchored on the lace guards 15 by the anchor members 9 installed on the eyelets of the lace guards. Fig. 8b illustrates a crisscross lace pattern which is a very popular lace pattern on the footware. A piece of lace 5 extends in crisscross pattern between two opposite rows of eyelets on the lace guards 15. The two ends of the lace 5 are respectively received in the lace receivers 100 which are anchored on the lace guard by the horseshoe hook 6 and the threaded fastener shown in Figs. 5a to 6k. Therefore, the lacing systems of the invention eliminate the use of bow knots but provide the lace with a lace length adjustable by the footware user.

Figs. 9a to 9d illustrate a lacing system constructed consistent with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The lacing system of this embodiment is structurally same as the one shown in Figs. 7a to 7d, except the anchor clasp used. Specifically, the anchor clasp in this embodiment is provided in the form of a clip member 10 comprising a carrier plate having a carrier end 10d and a clipping end 10e, a ledge 10b above the clipping end of the carrier plate in space apart fashion to define a space for accommodating the lace guard. The clip member 10 further comprises a threaded bolt 10a positioned on the carrier end 10d of the carrier plate, and a threaded nut 10c configured to be engageable with a threaded upper portion of the bolt 10a. The bolt 10a is sized and shaped to pass through an eyelet or grommet of the lace guard to get engaged with the nut 10c for fastening the lace receiver on the lace guard. The nut 10c has a diameter greater than the eyelet or grommet so that the nut 10c rests on the lace guard to stabilize the clip member 10 in position.

Figs. 10a to 10h illustrate a lacing system constructed consistent with a yet preferred embodiment of the present invention. The lacing system of this embodiment is structurally same as the one shown in Figs. 7a to 7d, except the anchor clasp used. Specifically, the anchor clasp in this embodiment comprises an anchor plate 11 and a threaded fastener. The anchor plate 11 is attached to the lace receiver, for example, by snap-fit manner or by moulding as one piece. The threaded fastener comprises a threaded bolt 8 similar to the one shown in Fig. 5i to 5k, and a threaded nut 10c similar to the one shown in Figs. 9a to 9d. The bolt 8 has a shank and a flat base for holding the shank. The shank comprises a lower part designed to pass through the eyelet and grommet of the lace guard, a threaded upper part extending through a window of the anchor plate 11 to protrude beyond the anchor plate 11 for screwing into the nut 10c. The nut 10c is then positioned to rest against the lace guard to stabilize the anchor clasp in position.

Figs. 11a and 11b illustrate respectively two lace patterns created and fastened by the lacing systems of the invention. These lace patterns are similar to the one shown in Fig. 8b, but the lacing systems adopt different anchor clasps. In Fig. 11a the clip member 10 is used for clipping the lace guard 15, and in Fig. 11b the anchor plate 11 and the threaded fastener shown in Figs. 10a to 10h are used for fastening onto the lace guard 15. Again, bow knots or other forms of knots for the laced footware are eliminated.

Figs. 12a to 18c illustrate a lace receiver 200 constructed according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the lace receiver 200 comprises a lace receiving frame 12 defining a receiving space. The lace receiving frame 12 has a pivot end 12h and a connection end 12g (Fig. 12a), a bottom 12f having a perforated portion with a plurality of holes 12a, a first opening 12c and a second opening 12d positioned on opposite sides of the perforated portion. The lace end of the lace 5 is insertable into the first opening 12c to extend over the perforated portion and is folded to pass into the second opening 12d to be received in the lace receiving frame 12, where the lace 5 is freely adjusted for its lace length to fit for the user as desirable. A slot 12e is formed at the connection end 12g. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 12b to 12f, the connection end 12h is coupled with a horseshoe hook 6 as shown in Figs. 5a to 5e for anchoring purpose. The anchoring of the lace receiver 200 using the horseshoe hook 6 may be made back reference to the discussions above and is not described herein.

The lace receiver 200 further comprises a toothed flap 13 configured to mate with the lace receiving frame 200. Figs. 13a and 13b clearly illustrate the flap 13, which comprises a pivot 13a formed at one end thereof and insertable into the slot 12e of the pivot end of the lace receiving frame 12, through which the flap 13 is pivotally mounted on the lace receiving frame, such that the flap 13 is pivotal around the pivot 13a relative to the perforated portion of the lace receiving frame 12 between a closed position where the lace end is teeth-locked in place, and an open position where the lace end is released. The flap 13 further comprises a recess 13b in the vicinity of the pivot 13a to allow for passage of the lace, a bulge 13d opposite to the pivot 13a for fitting into a groove 12b formed on the connection end of the lace receiving frame 12. The bulge 13d that fits into the groove 12b provides a secondary locking effect for locking the flap 13 into the lace receiving frame 12. A ledge 13e is arranged at the opposite end of the pivot 13a to provide the ease of holding the flap 13. In other words, the ledge 13e facilitates to hold the flap 13 to pivot down and upward. Generally, the toothed flap 13 comprises a plurality of teeth in a number corresponding to the number of the holes 12a of the perforated portion of the lace receiving frame 12, the teeth are formed on a surface of the toothed flap that faces the receiving frame for mating with the holes 12a to provide the teeth locking effect for the lace ends when the flap 13 is caused to pivot to its closed position.

Referring now to Fig.13c to Fig. 13f, there is illustrated the movement of the flap 13 from the open position to the closed position. As illustrated, the pivot 13a is pivotally received in the slot 12e. When the flap 13 is spaced away from the perforated portion of the lace receiving frame, the flap 13 is in the open position (Fig. 13d); when the flap 13 is pivotal downwardly to get close to the perforated portion, the flap 13 is in a partially open position (Fig. 13e); when the flap 13 is pivotal downwardly to a position at a substantially 0-degree angle relative to the perforated portion (Fig. 13f), the flap 13 is in its fully closed position where the lace end wrapped over the perforated portion is pressed and teeth-locked by the flap 13 in place. Figs. 14b to 14e clearly illustrate how the lace 5 is locked by the lace receiver 200.

The lace receiver 200 may be moored on the upper, e.g. the lace guard, of the footware by various anchor grasps including the ones discussed above. A pair of lace receivers 200 illustrated in Figs. 14a to 14e, each of the paired lace receivers is moored on the footware by use of the anchor grasp comprising the horseshoe hook 6 and the fastener comprised of the bolt 8 and the ledged nut 7. Reference may be made reference to the description of Figs. 5a to 6k in this regard.

Similarly to the lace receivers 100 discussed above, two lace receivers 200 may be connected together by a connection mechanism. Turning now to Figs. 15a to 18c, a pair of opposite lace receivers 200 are illustrated, one of the lace receiving frame 12 of the paired lace receivers is affixed to the male connector 1 at the connection end 12g thereof, and the lace receiving frame 12 of the other lace receiver is affixed to the female connector 2 at the connection end 12g thereof, which is best shown in Figs. 15b to 15d. The paired lace receivers 200 are then connected to form a unitary structure by coupling the male and female connectors 1 , 2, which is best shown in Figs. 16b to 16e. With reference to Figs. 17a to 17c, there is illustrated the paired lace receivers 200 in connection for respectively receiving the two laces 5, where the flap 13 is in its open position to allow for adjustment of the laces 5 in terms of lace length and lace fitness. Figs. 18a to 18c illustrate the paired lace receivers 200 with the flaps 13 are in their full closed position for respectively receiving and fastening the laces 5.

The crisscross lace pattern fastened by the lacing system comprising the lace receivers 200 is illustrated in Fig. 19a. As illustrated, the lace has a plurality of lace sections 5a extending between two opposite rows of eyelets on the lace guards 15. The two ends of the lace are respectively received in the lace receivers 200 which are anchored on the lace guard 15 by the horseshoe hook 6 and the threaded fastener shown in Figs. 5a to 6k.

Fig. 19b illustrates a similar lace pattern to Fig. 19a. However unlike the lacing system of Fig. 19a, the lacing system of Fig. 19b does not employ any anchor clasp for anchoring the lace receivers 200. Rather the lace receivers 200 with the respective lace ends received and fastened therein are connected at their connection ends 12g by the male and female connectors 1 , 2. In this embodiment, the lace 5 running through the eyelets on the lace guards 5, the two lace receivers 200, the male connector 1 and the female connector 2 form together a closed loop to maintain the lace sections 5a tensioned properly, without the use of an anchor clasp.

Thus, the invention provides a variety of lacing systems adapted for the footware which may be varied according to the actual needs and requirements with ease. The lacing system is characterized by a built-in feature of teeth-locking and is advantageously useful as an alternative to eliminate the bow knots and therefore can be used by young children before they know how to tie bow knots. Moreover, the lacing systems of the invention not only allow for lace length adjustment with ease, but also improves appearance and increase safety by eliminating the bow knots.

While the embodiments described herein are intended as exemplary structural parts for making up the lacing systems, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations and modifications by means of the skilled person's common knowledge without departing from the scope of the invention, however, such variations and modifications should fall into the scope of this invention.