| 摘要 |
A lacing system having multiple anchor types, i.e., interior anchors, end anchors, and dynamically adjustable anchors, that, in combination with parallel lacing technology, provide instant and reliable fastening for shoes, boots, and other articles of manufacture. The lace is threaded and anchored so that, a single arcuate pull on the movable fastener(s) causes the multiple lace segments to move through the eyelets of the shoe, and align in unison, so that the entire shoe opening contracts (or opens wide) simultaneously. The fastener(s) can be hook and loop, ratchet buckles, adjustable buckles, or cord locks. The laces are replaceable. The adjustable opening is customizable for different width feet providing “gross” adjustment. The fastener provides “fine” adjustment. Methods and diagrams are disclosed for threading, anchoring, and customizing the lacing, as well as for indicating that the lacing is correct. |
| 主权项 |
1. A lacing system used in combination with an article of apparel, wherein said article of apparel comprises:
(a) an adjustable opening defined by a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom, wherein said adjustable opening defines a width extending from said first side to said second side; and wherein said adjustable opening has a fastened position and an unfastened position; (b) a vertical axis defined by said top and said bottom; wherein the relative positions; above, below, top-most and bottom-most relate to said vertical axis; (c) at least five eyelets on said first side, wherein the first eyelet is the top-most eyelet on said first side; and at least five eyelets on said second side, wherein the first eyelet is the top-most eyelet on said second side; (d) an anchor area at said bottom of said adjustable opening, wherein said anchor area is formed by the two bottom-most eyelets on said first side, the two bottom-most eyelets on said second side, and said bottom; (e) at least one lace having a first end and a second end; whereby at least one of said first end and said second end is used for lacing said adjustable opening; (f) said at least one lace forming four lace segments, wherein said four lace segments form a first set of two lace segments and a second set of two lace segments; (g) a first movable fastener movably attached to said first set of two lace segments; and a second movable fastener movably attached to said second set of two lace segments; (h) and wherein said first set of said two lace segments contains a first lace segment and a second lace segment; and wherein said first lace segment comprises a first top segment, a first middle segment, and a first bottom segment; and said second lace segment comprises a second top segment, a second middle segment, and a second bottom segment; and wherein said second set of two lace segments contains a third lace segment and a fourth lace segment; and wherein said third lace segment comprises a third top segment, a third middle segment, and a third bottom segment; and wherein said fourth lace segment comprises a fourth top segment, a fourth middle segment, and a fourth bottom segment; (i) wherein said first top segment and said second top segment extend from said first movable fastener to said first eyelet and the second eyelet on said first side respectively; and wherein said first middle segment and said second middle segment extend from said first eyelet and said second eyelet on said first side, to the third eyelet and the fourth eyelet on said second side respectively; and wherein said first bottom segment extends from said third eyelet on said second side to the fifth eyelet on said first side; (j) wherein said third top segment and said fourth top segment extend from said second movable fastener to said first eyelet and the second eyelet on said second side respectively; and wherein said third middle segment and said fourth middle segment extend from said first eyelet and said second eyelet on said second side, to the third eyelet and the fourth eyelet on said first side respectively; and wherein said third bottom segment extends from said third eyelet on said first side to the fifth eyelet on said second side; (k) a gap at said top of said adjustable opening in said unfastened position, wherein said gap is formed by said first middle segment, said third middle segment, and said top; and whereby said gap increases the width of said adjustable opening at said top to facilitate the insertion and removal of a body part from said article of apparel; and whereby said first top segment and said third top segment cover said gap, in said fastened position; (l) at least one retainer in said anchor area, wherein said four lace segments are anchored to said at least one retainer, thereby fixing the maximum distance of said first movable fastener to said first side, and fixing the maximum distance of said second movable fastener to said second side, and thereby fixing the maximum width of said adjustable opening in said fastened position; (m) and whereby pulling on said first movable fastener and pulling on said second movable fastener causes contraction of said adjustable opening; and (n) wherein said first movable fastener and said second movable fastener are engagable to maintain said contraction of said adjustable opening in said fastened position. |
