The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 06, 1999
Filed:
Jul. 03, 1998
John A Galbreath, Bedminster, NJ (US);
Other;
Abstract
My invention is a device for preventing children from untying their shoelaces. It can be quickly and easily installed and removed by adults of any age. A snap-fit cap, attached to a well, forms the main body of the device. To install, the device (in an open position) is slipped between the knot and the shoe, using a slot incorporated into the well. The knot and lace ends are placed into the well, and the cap is then fitted over the well, to securely contain the knot and lace ends and prevent removal. The cap may only (and then may easily) be removed when a indicator tab on the cap is aligned with the slot in the well. Removal is basically the reverse of installation, except that the cap is rotated to line up its indicator tab with the slot in the main body of the device. The cap may then simply pulled off in one quick, easy motion. The device is then slipped off the shoe and laces. There are several advantages of this invention over the prior art. First, its simple design makes it quick and easy for an adult of any age to install and remove. Second, the invention is also more difficult for a child to remove than prior art--an adult can quickly snap the cap on or off, minimizing the time children have to observe and learn the cap's principles of operation. Third, the invention may be manufactured in one piece if desired, thus minimizing manufacturing steps and cost.