Shoelace protector and methods thereof

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a shoelace protector and methods thereof. In one shoelace protector, as disclosed herein, enclosure can be coupled to the eyelet and the upper section of the shoe. Instead, of using the fastening member to secure those components, eyelets can be incorporated with those features. The eyelets having the additional appendages can be incorporated when the shoe is manufactured or during use. The shoelace can be strung into the eyelet and through the bottom portion of the protector connecting with the eyelet. A top portion of the protector can surround the shoe lace on an exterior portion of the shoe. The shoelace can then be placed through the protector. In another embodiment, the protector does not have to be attached to the eyelet, but can be coupled to the vamp sections of the shoes removing the need for the fastening member.

1 . A device for protecting a shoelace on a shoe comprising:
 a top portion enclosing the shoelace of the shoe; and   a bottom portion secured to a top of an eyelet.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the eyelet comprises a top section and a bottom section, the bottom potion of the device connected to the top section. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the top section and bottom section of the eyelet fit through a vamp section of the shoe. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the top portion protects a bend of the shoelace. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom portion is opened at one end. 
     
     
         6 . A shoe comprising:
 a sole;   an upper connected to the sole, the upper comprising a first vamp section and a second vamp section and a plurality of eyelets in the vamp sections;   a lace-binding system for drawing the vamp sections together comprising a plurality of eyelets; and   at least one guard coupled to an eyelet, each guard comprising:
 a curved top portion providing protection to the lace where the lace bends; 
 a bottom portion securing the guard to a top of the eyelet. 
   
     
     
         7 . The shoe of  claim 6 , wherein the eyelet comprises a top section and a bottom section. 
     
     
         8 . The shoe of  claim 6 , wherein the bottom portion of the guard is above a vamp section. 
     
     
         9 . A method of protecting a lace comprising:
 securing a lace guard with an eyelet to a vamp section;   placing the lace through the eyelet and the lace guard;   placing the lace through a top portion of the lace guard where the lace bends; and   pulling the lace through the top portion.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein securing the lace guard with the eyelet to the vamp section comprises placing a top section of the eyelet having the lace guard through the vamp section and connecting the top section with a bottom section placed underneath the vamp section.