AGLET

Description

BACKGROUND

Inventions related to shoelaces have been described in the prior art patent literature.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,201 discloses that an elastic shoelace includes a first end and a second end, an elongate elastic core, a sheath, and an elongate friction member. The elongate elastic core extends between the first and second ends of the elastic shoelace, and the sheath includes an outer surface and surrounds the elongate elastic core. The elongate friction member is disposed in the sheath, and at least a portion of the elongate friction member protrudes past the outer surface of the sheath.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,931,146 discloses a tying lace constructed of an outer braided cover having a first thread type and a second thread type. The second thread type is formed from a different material and/or has a different cross-sectional area than the first thread type. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional area is at least twice that of the first thread type. Additionally, the second thread type may be of a material having higher elastic properties and/or a greater coefficient of friction than the first thread type. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the tying lace is constructed with an elastic core extending the length of the tying lace.

US20050257355 discloses aglet and aglet designs that facilitate the threading of lace material through eyelets or over tabs or spike located on active footwear. Preferably, the aglet of the present invention has a curved, tapering shape and includes an apex, a neck, and differing inner and outer axes of curvature which converge at the apex. In another embodiment the aglet has a continuously tapering shape. In one preferred embodiment, a tangent line to the outer axis of curvature changes from the neck to the apex through less than about 45 degrees and, most preferably, through about 30 degrees.

Nevertheless, existing designs for shoelaces and shoelace tips knowns as aglets suffer from limitations including lack of durability and lack of versatility.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention provides an aglet which combines a screw on the end of a shoelace and a charm which is configured to attach securely to the screw.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aglet, comprising: a screw on the end of a shoelace; and a charm, wherein: the screw is configured to insert inside a recess in the charm and tighten to secure the charm to the shoelace.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of attaching a charm to a shoelace, comprising: providing a screw on the end of a shoelace; providing a charm having a recess configured to receive the screw; inserting the screw inside the charm; and twisting the charm around the screw to tighten.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of the aglet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the aglet showing direction of movement.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aglet assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Prior art aglets are generally a sheath, often made of plastic or metal, attached at each end of a shoelace, a cord, or a drawstring. The aglet keeps the fibers of the lace or cord from unraveling; its firmness and narrow profile make it easier to hold and easier to feed through eyelets, lugs, or other lacing guides.

However, the prior art aglets are prone to falling off and lack durability. As well, they lack ability to easily be decorated or otherwise display an aesthetic.

The aglet of present invention is both functionally superior and fashionable. Embodiments of the aglet of the present invention will be described with reference to the appended drawings.

FIG. 1 is perspective view of the aglet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Charm 20 forms one component of the aglet of the present invention and screw 10 forms the other component. Screw 10 is designed to be attached to the end of a shoe lace where the sheath often made of plastic or metal would normally be.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the aglet showing direction of movement.

The screw 10 is configured to fit inside the charm 20. The groves of the screw can be lock and key for particular charms which can be configured to fit with particular screw patterns.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aglet assembly.

Charm 20 is screwed on to screw 10 to form an exceptionally secure fit compared to prior art designs.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Similar numerals designate similar elements among the several figures. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed.