Laced garment closure

Abstract

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

1 . A laced garment closure device comprising a pair of strips articulated at one end and releasably connected by a clasp mechanism at the other end, each one of the strips having a structure for connecting to the garment using lace eyelets of the garment. 
   
   
       2 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strips are essentially rigid. 
   
   
       3 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the structure for connecting the garment using lace eyelets of the garment comprises a plurality of apertures. 
   
   
       4 . The device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said apertures terminate in a pair of closely spaced apertures for tying loose ends of laces. 
   
   
       5 . The device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein at least some of said apertures are oval or obround so as to accommodate laces of different sizes. 
   
   
       6 . The device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said oval or obround apertures comprise a middle hook. 
   
   
       7 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising an alignment guide for preventing axial misalignment between the pair of strips during articulated motion and in a closed position. 
   
   
       8 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the clasp mechanism provides a plurality of closed positions. 
   
   
       9 . The device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the clasp mechanism comprises a rack and pawl mechanism cooperating between the pair of strips. 
   
   
       10 . The device as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the rack is located on a top surface of one of the strips at said other end, and the pawl is resiliently biased against said rack to lock when the pair of strips are closed toward one another. 
   
   
       11 . The device as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said rack and pawl mechanism comprises a figure pull for actuating of release of said pawl from said rack to open said device. 
   
   
       12 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said strips are made of molded plastic material. 
   
   
       13 . The device as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said device is molded as a single piece. 
   
   
       14 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said strips are articulated by a pivot joint that allows said strips to be separated and joined when opened beyond an operational range of angular motion, and remain securely together for pivot action within the operation range of angular motion. 
   
   
       15 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said strips carry one or more of advertising, a light, a motion counter and ornamentation. 
   
   
       16 . In combination, a garment and a garment closure device comprising a pair of strips articulated at one end and releasably connected by a clasp mechanism at the other end, each one of the strips being connected to a side of a garment opening. 
   
   
       17 . The combination as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein said garment comprises lace eyelets disposed on each side of said garment opening, wherein said garment closure device comprises a pair of strips articulated at one end and releasably connected by a clasp mechanism at the other end, each one of the strips having a structure for connecting to the garment using lace eyelets of the garment. 
   
   
       18 . The combination as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said structure for connecting to the garment using lace eyelets of the garment comprises eyelet apertures corresponding to eyelets of the garment. 
   
   
       19 . The combination as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said garment is a shoe. 
   
   
       20 . The combination as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein said device is connected to a tongue of said shoe to hold said tongue in position while said device is open for insertion of a user's foot.