AU753668B2

AU753668B2 - Fastening device for laces

Info

Publication number: AU753668B2
Application number: AU71707/00A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Elias John Hyde
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-10-10
Filing date: 2000-11-17
Publication date: 2002-10-24
Anticipated expiration: 2016-10-07
Also published as: AU7170700A

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor Address for service is: ELIAS JOHN HYDE ELIAS JOHN HYDE WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Fastening Device for Laces The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- "Fastening Device for Laces" Field of the Invention This invention relates to a fastening device for releasably securing two lace ends together.

Background Art The invention has been devised particularly, although not solely, for releasably fastening together the opposite ends of a shoe lace thereby avoiding the need to tie the shoe lace together using a conventional bow. The invention may have 0 0" other applications such as where laces are employed in garments and bags.

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10 The two lace ends may be the ends of two separate laces or the opposite ends of a single lace. The term "lace end" is taken to include the free portion of a lace extending beyond that portion of the lace which is in a lacing arrangement.

In the specification, the term "lace" shall be taken to include any cord or string for holding or drawing together.

15 Disclosure of the Invention SIn one form, the invention resides in a fastening device for releasably securing two lace ends together, comprising a body having a space through which the lace ends can pass, and gripping means associated with the space for gripping the lace ends in a manner which allows movement of the lace ends through the space but selectively resists reverse movement, the body including first and second members defining said space therebetween, aperture means provided in the first member through which the lace ends can enter the space, the arrangement being such that in use the lace ends extend in substantially opposite directions within said space and emerge from the space at the Speriphery thereof, the first and second members defining the gripping means, the first and second members being hingedly connected together for pivotal -3movement towards and away from each other whereby they can assume an engaging condition in which the gripping means engage the lace ends in a manner which allows movement of the lace ends through the space to emerge from said periphery but prevents movement in the reverse direction, and a release condition in which the gripping means allow movement of the lace ends in the reverse direction and a biasing means operably connected between the first and second members for yieldingly urging the first and second members in the direction towards each other thereby to influence the gripping means into the engaging condition, the biasing means permitting movement of the first and second members between the engaging and release conditions without interrupting the connection that it provides therebetween.

S•Preferably, the device further comprises a holding means for releasably holding the portion of each lace extending beyond the space. The holding means may comprise a wedge provided on said second member.

15 Preferably, the wedge comprises a pair of inclined faces one of which is defined by said second member.

The gripping means may comprise two clamping units each adapted to engage one of the lace ends. Each clamping unit may comprise two clamping jaws, one clamping jaw being defined by the first member and the other clamping jaw being 20 defined by the second member wherein the clamping jaws move between said engaging and release conditions with movement of the first and second members towards and away from each other.

Each clamping unit may comprise a clamping portion adapted to assist in clamping the lace end.

Preferably, each clamping portion is in the form of an elongated projection on the first member disposed laterally of the aperture means to opposed sides thereof.

Preferably, said two clamping units are disposed laterally of said aperture means.

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Preferably, the two clamping units are disposed adjacent the outer periphery of said space.

Preferably, the biasing means comprises an elastic band attached to one of the first and second members and releasably attachable to the other of the first and second members whereby when so attached the elastic band resiliently resists movement of the first and second members in the direction away from each other. The one of the first and second members may comprise the second member and whereby said other of said first or second members comprises the first member.

The elastic band is preferably attached to one of said first or second members by S"being fitted onto said first or second member to extend therearound.

The aperture means preferably comprises two apertures each for receiving one S•of the lace ends. The aperture means may be provided centrally within said first member.

The body is preferably of one piece construction and the first and second members are pivotally connected together by means of a film hinge integral therewith.

The biasing means is preferably detachably connected to allow the first and second members to be pivoted apart to remove the fastening device from the lace ends.

In another form of the invention, the invention comprises a fastening device for releasably securing two lace ends together comprising a body having first and second members defining a space therebetween, aperture means provided in the first member and opening onto said space for receiving the lace ends whereby the lace ends can enter said space through the aperture means and extend in substantially opposite directions to emerge at the outer periphery of Ssaid space, gripping means having a gripping condition and release condition whereby in said gripping condition the gripping means allow movement of the 5/1 lace ends from said aperture means through said space to emerge therefrom while resisting movement in the reverse direction and wherein in said release condition said gripping means allows movement of the lace ends in said reverse direction and wherein biasing means are provided for urging the first and second members in the direction towards each other thereby to influence the gripping means into the gripping condition and wherein the biasing means are operably connected between the first and second members of yieldingly urging. the first and second members in the direction towards each other thereby to influence the gripping means into the engaging condition, the biasing means permitting movement of the first and second members between the gripping and release conditions without interrupting the connection that it provides therebetween, the biasing means comprising an elastic band attached to one of the first and second members and releasably attachable to the other of the first and second members •whereby when so attached the elastic band resiliently resists movement of the first and second members in the direction away from each other.

In a further form of the invention, the invention comprises a fastening device for releasably securing two lace ends together comprising a body having first and second members defining a space therebetween, the body being of one piece construction and the first and second members being pivotally connected 20 together by means of a film hinge integral therewith, aperture means provided in the first member and opening onto said space for receiving the lace ends whereby the lace ends can enter said space through the aperture means and extend in substantially opposite directions to emerge at the outer periphery of said space, gripping means having a gripping condition and release condition whereby in said gripping condition the gripping means allow movement of the lace ends from said aperture means through said space to emerge therefrom while resisting movement in the reverse direction and wherein in said released condition said gripping means allows movement of the lace ends in said reverse direction and wherein biasing means are provided for urging the first and second members in the direction towards each other thereby to influence the gripping means into the gripping condition and wherein the biasing means are operably connected between the first and second members of yieldingly urging the first -5/2and second members in the direction towards each other thereby to influence the gripping means into the engaging condition, the biasing means permitting movement of the first and second members between the gripping and release conditions without interrupting the connection that it provides therebetween, the biasing means comprising an elastic band attached to one of the first and second members and releasably attachable to the other of the first and second members whereby when so attached the elastic band resiliently resists movement of the first and second members in the direction away from each other.

With the exception of the biasing means, the components of the fastening device may be formed of integral construction and made of plastics material. In addition, the first and second members of the body may be pivotally connected by means of a film hinge or other suitable connecting means.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of three embodiments thereof which is directed to a fastening device for releasably securing together the ends of a shoe lace. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- -6- Figure 1 is a schematic front elevational view showing the fastening device according to the first embodiment in position on a shoe and securing the ends of the shoe lace together in a bow form; Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic side elevational view of the fastening device according to the first embodiment with the first and second members swung apart; Figure 4 isa view of the fastening device according to the first embodiment with the first and second members swung apart; Figure 5 is a top plan view of the device as shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a plan view of the fastening device according to the first embodiment with the first and second members swung apart in particular to illustrate the film hinge between the two members; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the fastening device according to the first embodiment with the first and second members swung apart; Figure 8 is a schematic view illustrating the fastening device according to the first embodiment being fitted onto the ends of the shoe lace prior to the first and second members being elastically connected together; Figure 9 is a detailed view of Figure 8; 20 Figure 10 is a side view illustrating the fastening device according to the first embodiment being fitted onto the ends of the shoe lace with the first and second members elastically connected together; Figure 11 is a schematic view showing the shoe lace in a tightened condition but prior to the formation of a bow as shown in Figure 1; -7- Figures 12 and 13 are schematic front elevational views showing the fastening device according to the first embodiment in position on a shoe and securing the ends of the shoe lace together after the first and second members have been elastically connected together.

Figure 14 is a schematic front elevational view showing the fastening device according to the second embodiment in position on a shoe and securing the ends of the shoe lace together; Figure 15 is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in Figure 14; Figure 16 is a side elevational view of the fastening device according to the second embodiment with the first and second members swung apart; Figure 17 is a view of the underside of the fastening means as shown in Figure 16; Figure 18 is a plan view of the fastening device as shown in Figure 16; 15 Figure 19 is an underside view of the fastening device according to the second embodiment with the first and second members elastically connected together; Figure 20 is a schematic view illustrating the fastening device according to the second embodiment being fitted onto the ends of the shoe lace prior to the first and second members being elastically connected together; Figure 21 is a detailed view of Figure Figure 22 is a schematic view illustrating the fastening device according to the second embodiment being fitted onto the ends of the shoe lace with the first and second members elastically connected together; -8- Figure 23 is a side view of the fastening device in the position shown in Figure 22; Figure 24 is a schematic view showing the shoe lace in a tightened condition but prior to formation of a bow; Figure 25 is a view similar to Figure 23 with the exception that the fastening device is now shown in a condition where it forms a bow in the shoe lace; Figure 26 is a schematic view illustrating the fastening device according to the third embodiment being fitted onto the ends of the shoe lace prior to the first and second members being elastically connected together; Figure 27 is a detailed view of Figure 26; Figure 28 is a view of the fastening device according to the third embodiment with the first and second members swung apart in particular to illustrate the elongate projections on the first member; Figure 29 is a plan view of the fastening device according to the third embodiment with the first and second members swung apart; •eeee Figure 30 is a perspective view of the fastening device according to the third embodiment with the first and second members swung apart; Figure 31 is a schematic side elevational view of the fastening device 20 according to the third embodiment with the first and second members a o. a swung apart; and Figure 32 is a side view showing the fastening device according to the third embodiment being fitted onto the ends of a shoe lace with the first and second members elastically connected together.

-9- Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention The embodiments are directed to a fastening device 1 adapted to releasably secure together the lace ends 3 of a shoe lace 4 of a shoe 5. The shoe 5 has vamp sections 7 which are laced together by shoe lace 4 having a lacing arrangement 6 with the ends 3 of the shoe lace extending beyond the lacing arrangement. In the embodiments the shoe lace 4 is of the type commonly known as a flat shoe lace but could equally be a round shoe lace.

A fastening device according to the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 13, comprises a first member 11 and a second member 12 both formed integrally of plastics material pivotally connected together by a film hinge 14 for movement towards and away from each other.

A biasing means 21 is provided for selectively urging the first and second members 11 and 12 towards each other. The biasing means 21 is in the form of an elastic band which extends around the second member 12 and is adapted to be secured to the first member 11 adjacent the free end thereof. For this purpose, the first member 11 is provided with a groove 23 to receive and locate the elastic band when it is passed around the first member, as best seen in Figure 9 and 10 of the drawings. While the elastic band 21 serves to bias the first and second members towards each other, it can be readily detached from 20 the first member so as to allow the second member to swing away from the first member without the biasing effects if required.

The first member 11 is provided with aperture means in the form of two holes each adapted to receive one of the ends of the shoe lace.

A holding means 27 is provided on the second member 12 for the purpose of 25 holding each lace end in a loop formation to create the appearance of a bow, as best seen in Figures 2 and 10 of the drawings. The holding means comprises an outer member 33 which cooperates with the second member 12 to define a wedge 35 into which the lace ends are inserted. In the embodiment, the second member 12 and the outer member 33 are of integral construction.

The open end of the wedge is adjacent the hinge 14, as best seen in Figure 3 of the drawings.

Operation of the fastening device according to the first embodiment will now be described.

The fastening device is initially installed onto the shoe lace by detaching the elastic band 21 from the first member 11 and moving the first and second members apart so as to expose the two holes 25. One lace end 3 is threaded through each hole 25 and the lace ends 3 are then laid in opposite directions, as shown in Figure 9 of the drawings. It will be noted that the lace ends are not crossed over each other at the vamp sections, as would normally be done in tying a conventional bow in the shoe lace. The second member is then pivoted towards the first member and the elastic band 21 is engaged with the first member such that it locates on the underside thereof and in the grooves 23.

With this arrangement, the lace ends are accommodated within the space 37 defined between the first and second members 11 and 12 respectively, and emerge from such space in opposite directions as shown in Figures 10 and 12.

The first and second members to clampingly engage the lace ends such that upon pulling of the lace ends to tighten the shoe lace and so draw the vamp sections of the shoe together, the lace ends can move through the two holes 20 and the space 37. The clamping action of the first and second members 11 and 12 does, however, resist reverse movement of the lace ends which would result in loosening of the shoe lace.

If a bow is required in the lace ends, once the shoe lace has been tightened sufficiently the outer sections of the lace ends 3 are placed one upon the other so as to create a loop formation in each lace end, as shown in Figure 11. The overlapping sections of the lace ends are then inserted into the wedge 35 which Se retains them in such position with the result that the two loop formations appear as a bow, as best seen in Figure 1.

-11 Alternatively, once the shoe lace has been tightened sufficiently as shown in Figure 12, the shoe may be worn in this way as shown in Figure 13. In this form, there is no need to insert the lace ends in the wedge 35 to make a bow which presents an easy method of securing laces for young children or persons who have difficulty tying laces. If the lace ends are too long they may be cut and knotted as shown in Figure 13.

The device according to the second embodiment as shown in Figures 14 to 23, is similar in many respects to the device of the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment the first member 11 and the second member 12 are pivotally connected together by a hinge 13 for movement towards and away from each other. In addition, the first member 11 has a pair of opposed upturned edges 15 which are spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the second member 12 such that the second member can pivot towards the first member and be received within the region between the upturned edges In the second embodiment, each upturned edge 15 of the first member is provided with a recess 17 which receives one of the lace ends of the shoe lace as shown in Figure 23. The upturned edge 15 of each first member cooperates with the corresponding edge 19 of the second member to define a clamping unit for gripping one of the lace ends as will be explained later.

A biasing means 21 is provided for selectively urging the first and second members 11 and 12 towards each other whereby the second member is received between the upturned edges 15 of the first member. As in the case of the first embodiment, the biasing means 21 is in the form of an elastic band which extends around the second member 12 and is adapted to be secured to the first 25 member 11 adjacent the free end thereof. For this purpose, the first member 11 is provided with a groove 23 in each of the edges 15 to receive and locate the elastic band when it is passed around the first member, as best seen in Figures 19 and 22.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the holding means comprises an outer member 33 which cooperates with the second member 12 to define a wedge -12into which the lace ends are inserted. While the outer member may be of any suitable configuration, in this embodiment it is generally circular and is coloured for decorative purposes.

The operation of the device according to the second embodiment is similar in many ways to that of the first except that once the lace ends 3 have been threaded through each hole 25, the lace ends are then laid in opposite directions such that each locates in one of the recesses 17 as shown in Figure 22 of the drawings. As described previously, the second member is pivoted towards the first member and the elastic band 21 is engaged with the first member in the grooves 23. The positioning of the lace ends in the recesses 17 and the cooperation of the upturned edge 15 with the corresponding edge 19 of the second member assist in preventing reverse movement of the lace ends.

The device according to the third embodiment, as shown in Figures 26 to 32, is similar in many respects to the devices of the first and second embodiments. The device of the third embodiment comprises a first member 11 and a second member 12 both formed integrally of plastics material pivotally connected together by a film hinge 14. The device of the third embodiment differs from that of the other two embodiments in that the first member 11 is provided with elongate projections 16 to assist in clamping the lace ends on operation of the 20 device. As can be best seen in Figures 26 and 27, the first member 11 has a pair opposed projections 16 which are spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the second member 12 such that the second member can pivot towards the first member and be received within the region between the projections 16.

The projections 16 may be moulded to the first member 11 or may be affixed to 25 the first member as separate portions made of a suitable material.

The projection 16 of each first member cooperates with the corresponding edge *19 of the second member to define a clamping unit for gripping one of the lace ends as can be seen in Figures 30 and 32. This clamping effect assists in inhibiting movement of the lace end in a reverse direction.

-13- The device according to the first and third embodiments allows for ease of manufacture because of its plastic construction, presence of the film hinge, and the substantially planar first member.

The device of all three embodiments has the advantage that it allows the tightening of laces using only one hand which assists persons with disabilities or persons who only have the use of one hand.

The fastening device retains the lace ends together during any activity normally performed in laced shoes. If at any time the tightness of the lacing requires adjustment, it is merely necessary to remove the lace ends from the wedge carry out the adjustment and then return the lace ends into the wedge in the overlapped arrangement. Where the necessary adjustment involves tightening of the lacing, all that is necessary is to pull on the lace ends after they have been removed from the adjustment and pivot the second member 12 away from the first member against the influence of the elastic band 21 so as to release clamping engagement on the lace ends. The lace ends can then move rearwardly through the fastening device as necessary in order to achieve the necessary adjustment. Thereafter the second member is released so that it returns to its former position under the influence of the elastic band 21, whereupon the lace ends are again clampingly engaged between the first and 20 second members.

When it is desired to remove the shoe from the foot of the wearer, the lace ends are removed from the wedge in the case of the bow form and the second member 12 pivoted away from the first member to permit sufficient loosening of the lacing for removal of the shoe. It should be noted that the fastening device is 25 not removed from the lace ends; it remains in position on the lace ends ready for use on the next occasion that the shoe is worn.

":'The fastening device not only provides a useful alternative to tying of a bow for securing the ends of the shoe lace together but also may function as a fashion accessory for shoes. In this regard the outer member 33 may be suitably shaped, coloured and otherwise presented for visual appeal.

-14- It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described. In particular it should be appreciated that a biasing means other than an elastic band could be employed to urge the first and second members together. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the fastening device can be used with shoe laces other than flat laces. Where, for example, the fastening device is used with round shoe laces, the laces would preferably be positioned in side by side overlapping relation rather than one upon the other before being inserted into the wedge.

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Claims

1. A fastening device for releasably securing two lace ends together, comprising a body having a space through which the lace ends can pass, and gripping means associated with the space for gripping the lace ends in a manner which allows movement of the lace ends through the space but selectively resists reverse movement, the body including first and second members defining said space therebetween, aperture means provided in the first member through which the lace ends can enter the space, the arrangement being such that in use the lace ends extend in substantially opposite directions within said space and emerge from the space at the periphery thereof, the first and second members defining the gripping means, the first and second members being hingedly connected together for pivotal movement towards and away from each other whereby they can assume an engaging condition in which the gripping means engage the lace ends in a manner which allows movement of the lace ends through the space to emerge from said periphery but prevents movement in the reverse direction, and a release condition in which the gripping means allow movement of the lace ends in the reverse direction and a biasing means operably connected between the first and second members for yieldingly urging the first and second members in the direction towards each other thereby to influence the gripping means into the engaging condition, the biasing means permitting movement of the first and second members between the engaging and •co• 0 release conditions without interrupting the connection that it provides therebetween.

2. A fastening device according to claim 1 wherein the device further comprises a holding means for releasably holding the portion of each lace extending beyond the space. -16-

3. A fastening device according to claim 2 wherein said holding means comprises a wedge provided on said second member.

4. A fastening device according to claim 3 wherein said wedge comprises a pair of inclined faces one of which is defined by said second member.

5. A fastening device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the gripping means comprises two clamping units each adapted to engage one of the lace ends.

6. A fastening device according to claim 5 wherein each clamping unit comprises two clamping jaws, one clamping jaw being defined by the first 10 member and the other clamping jaw being defined by the second member wherein the clamping jaws move between said engaging and release conditions with movement of the first and second members towards and away from each other.

7. A fastening device according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein each clamping unit comprises a clamping portion adapted to assist in clamping the lace end.

8. A fastening device according to claim 7 wherein each clamping portion is in the form of an elongated projection on the first member disposed laterally of the aperture means to opposed sides thereof.

9. A fastening device according to any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein said two clamping units are disposed laterally of said aperture means. A fastening device according to any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein said two clamping units are disposed adjacent the outer periphery of said space. -17-

11. A fastening device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the biasing means comprises an elastic band attached to one of the first and second members and releasably attachable to the other of the first and second members whereby when so attached the elastic band resiliently resists movement of the first and second members in the direction away from each other.

12. A fastening device according to claim 11 wherein said one of the first and second members comprises the second member and whereby said other of said first or second members comprises the first member.

13. A fastening device according to claim 1 wherein said elastic band is attached to one of said first or second members by being fitted onto said first or second member to extend therearound. 0:°°40 14. A fastening device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said i aperture means comprises two apertures each for receiving one of the lace o ends.

15. A fastening device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said o o aperture means are provided centrally within said first member. 09

16. A fastening device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the 0 .body is of one piece construction and the first and second members are pivotally connected together by means of a film hinge integral therewith.

17. A fastening device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the biasing means is detachably connected to allow the first and second members to be pivoted apart to remove the fastening device from the lace ends. -18-

18. A fastening device for releasably securing two lace ends together comprising a body having first and second members defining a space therebetween, aperture means provided in the first member and opening onto said space for receiving the lace ends whereby the lace ends can enter said space through the aperture means and extend in substantially opposite directions to emerge at the outer periphery of said space, gripping means having a gripping condition and release condition whereby in said gripping condition the gripping means allow movement of the lace ends from said aperture means through said space to emerge therefrom while resisting movement in the reverse direction and wherein in said release condition said gripping means allows movement of the lace ends in said reverse direction and wherein biasing means are provided for urging the first and second members in the direction towards each other thereby to influence the gripping means into the ••gripping condition and wherein the biasing means are operably connected between the first and second members of yieldingly urging the first and S"second members in the direction towards each other thereby to influence the gripping means into the engaging condition, the biasing means permitting movement of the first and second members between the gripping and release conditions without interrupting the connection that it provides 20 therebetween, the biasing means comprising an elastic band attached to one of the first and second members and releasably attachable to the other of the 00 first and second members whereby when so attached the elastic band resiliently resists movement of the first and second members in the direction oo away from each other.

19. A fastening device according to claim 18 wherein said gripping means is defined by the first and second members. A fastening device according to claim 18 or claim 19 wherein said gripping means comprises two clamping units each adapted to engage one of the lace .ends. -19-

21. A fastening device, according to claim 20 wherein each clamping unit comprises a clamping portion adapted to assist in clamping the lace end.

22. A fastening device according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein said clamping units are disposed laterally of said aperture means to opposed sides thereof.

23. A fastening device according to any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein said clamping units are located adjacent the outer periphery of said space.

24. A fastening device according to any one of claims 18 to 23 wherein said aperture means is disposed centrally within said first member. A fastening device according to any one of claims 18 to 24 wherein said aperture means comprises a pair of openings in the first member, each •-adapted to receive one of the lace ends. S"26. A fastening device according to any one of claims 18 to 25 wherein the device further comprises holding means for releasably holding the portions of each lace end extending outwardly from said space. 15 27. A fastening device according to any one of claims 18 to 26 wherein the first and second members are pivotally connected.

28. A fastening device according to any one of claims 18 to 27 wherein the body is of one piece construction and the first and second members are pivotally connected together by means of a film hinge integral therewith.

29. A fastening device according to any one of claims 18 to 28 wherein the biasing means is detachably connected to allow the first and second members to be moved apart to remove the fastening device from the lace ends. 20 A fastening device for releasably securing two lace ends together comprising a body having first and second members defining a space therebetween, the body being of one piece construction and the first and second members being pivotally connected together by means of a film hinge integral therewith, aperture means provided in the first member and opening onto said space for receiving the lace ends whereby the lace ends can enter said space through the aperture means and extend in substantially opposite directions to emerge at the outer periphery of said space, gripping means having a gripping condition and release condition whereby in said gripping condition the gripping means allow movement of the lace ends from said aperture means through said space to emerge therefrom while resisting movement in the reverse direction and wherein in said released condition said gripping means allows movement of the lace ends in said reverse ~direction and wherein biasing means are provided for urging the first and second members in the direction towards each other thereby to influence the gripping means into the gripping condition and wherein the biasing means are operably connected between the first and second members of yieldingly urging the first and second members in the direction towards each other thereby to influence the gripping means into the engaging condition, the 20 biasing means permitting movement of the first and second members between the gripping and release conditions without interrupting the connection that it provides therebetween, the biasing means comprising an elastic band attached to one of the first and second members and releasably attachable to the other of the first and second members whereby when so attached the elastic band resiliently resists movement of the first and second members in the direction away from each other.

31. A fastening device according to claim 30 wherein the first member is provided with a pair of opposed grooves to receive and retain the elastic band. -21-

32. The fastening device of claim 30 or claim 31 wherein the biasing means is detachably connected to allow the first and second members to be pivoted apart to remove the fastening device from the lace ends.

33. A fastening device according to claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. A fastening device according to claim 18 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A fastening device according to claim 30 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. o o *go o o o: Dated this Eighth day of August 2002. ELIAS JOHN HYDE Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant a.