Patent attributes
Apparatus and techniques for securing a shoelace are described. In accordance with embodiments, the shoelace is secured without forming a knot with the ends of the shoelace. In described examples, a shoe tie assembly includes a housing with at least two apertures configured to individually receive one of the ends of the shoelace that is inserted in a first direction along a lengthwise axis of the shoelace. A securing device is included in the assembly to secure the shoelace and housing to substantially permit movement of the shoelace in the first direction generally and to substantially prevent movement of the shoelace in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction in the first configuration. The securing device is also operable to obtain a second configuration in which the securing device permits the shoelace to move in the second direction.
