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How to keep shoe lace tied

Shared by Ana Duarte on 2016-06-03 16:32

About the solution

The device consists of plastic rectangular gadget with about an inch long that fits snuggly against the tongue of the shoe, keeping laces tight.

“I tried to come up with something interesting and hopefully I can make it work”, the mechanic recalled.

The first idea Gerald had was to use velcro and curly shoelaces, but his aunt told him there weren’t as many style options available with Velcro shoes and said the curly laces didn’t stay tight enough.

So the inventor tried another options. He created multiple designs before coming up with the final version, in 2012. The apparatus works by locking laces in place in each of four slots in the plastic.

“I don’t even know how many variations I tested,” he said. “It was a lot. The problem was the manufacturing. I could make it the way I wanted, but couldn’t reproduce it at a manufacturer.”

Trying to create the ties with a laser didn’t work because the process used up too much material. So, now they are stamped out. They can be used with any type of shoelace. Gerald explained anyone who wants to keep their shoes tied could benefit from them, including athletes and children.

The inventor got his product patented, and now a company in California makes the Grace Shoestring Ties for Hannon, and they are packaged in Omaha. He sells them online, but so far they are not available in any stores.

Adapted from: http://www.nptelegraph.com/news/all-tied-up-brady-man-invents-device-for...

https://www.facebook.com/Grace-Shoestring-Ties-581639385256608/timeline

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This solution shall not include mention to the use of drugs, chemicals or biologicals (including food); invasive devices; offensive, commercial or inherently dangerous content. This solution was not medically validated. Proceed with caution! If you have any doubts, please consult with a health professional.

DISCLAIMER: This story was written by someone who is not the author of the solution, therefore please be advised that, although it was written with the utmost respect for the innovation and the innovator, there can be some incorrect statements. If you find any errors please contact the patient Innovation team via info@patient-innovation.com

About the author

Gerald Hannon, born in USA, in 1995, is a mechanic who invented Grace Shoestering Ties, a device that secures shoelaces. Gerald made this invention after his aunt, who works with the elderly, called him asking to come up with with a way to help them keep the shoes laces tied.

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Comments (3)

  • nextmother • Tue, 01/10/2023 - 04:43

    The team discovered that one way to reduce this is to use a so-called square knot: cross the laces and thread them one under the other as usual, but then form the bow by crossing and threading the laces in the opposite direction .

  • turbanseagull • Tue, 02/14/2023 - 09:38

    The team realized that one approach to lessen this is to use a square knot: cross the laces and thread them one under the other as normal, but then construct the bow by crossing and threading the laces in the opposite manner.

  • followsledder • Tue, 08/29/2023 - 05:28

    To make a bow, first the laces are crossed and threaded one beneath the other, as is customary, but then the laces are crossed and threaded the other way to make the bow.

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