Apparatus that fits into the eyelets of lace up footwear and permits a closure means alternative to laces

摘要

A substantially cylindrical member having a stepped diameter and a lower portion dimensioned to fit snugly into the lace eyelets of a lace-up shoe (footwear, including a sneaker, e.g.). The upper end includes a circumferential groove which is adapted to receive an elastic member such as a rubber band, O-ring, or the like. The lower may be bifurcated to facilitate insertion into the shoe eyelets. As illustrated, the lower end is double bifurcated at right angles. According to one embodiment, the invention is sold as a kit which includes enough members to fill all of the eyelets of a shoe and enough elastic members to match. According to other embodiments: a pair of shoes are sold with the invention pre-installed; the invention is permanently installed; the cylindrical members and the elastic members are provided in different colors; the tops are adorned with three dimensional decorations.