Shoelace Locking Apparatus

Abstract

A shoelace locking apparatus includes an elongated body having an exterior and a channel. The channel has a diameter sized to receive a shoelace in friction fit relation. A tab is secured to and projects outwardly from the exterior sidewall of the body. The tab has an aperture. The aperture has a diameter sized to receive a shoelace in friction fit relation and is oriented crosswise to the channel. A force in a first direction that would otherwise be sufficient to dislodge the shoelace from the aperture is resisted with the shoelace held fast in the channel. A force in a second direction that would otherwise be sufficient to dislodge the shoelace from the channel is resisted with the shoelace held fast in the aperture.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A shoelace locking apparatus, comprising:
 an elongated body having an exterior sidewall, a first end, a second end and a channel that extends between the first end and the second end, the channel having a diameter sized to receive a shoelace in friction fit relation;   a tab secured to and projecting outwardly from the exterior sidewall, the tab having a first face, a second face and an aperture that extends between the first face and the second face, the aperture having a diameter sized to receive a shoelace in friction fit relation, the aperture being oriented crosswise to the channel.   
     
     
         2 . The shoelace locking apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body has a friction enhancing coating. 
     
     
         3 . The shoelace locking apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the friction enhancing coating is rubber.