Shoelace tie helper

thingiverse

Most common everyday practical shoes have laces on them. However, tying them is a nearly impossible task for someone with limited mobility in their hands. This device simplifies the process of tying shoes by incorporating a screwing method. The device allows you to insert your shoelaces in and screw in the bolt to tie your shoes by inserting the lace into the hole of the large ring attached to the bolt sleeve, and then loop it over and placing the aglet (plastic tip commonly found on the end of shoelaces) onto the top of the bolt into the holes, you can then screw the bolt in and have the shoes tied. The design is meant to be small in order to not draw too much attention when on the shoe. The design incorporates bumps on the bolt to aid with grip, and has a small compact design. This device can help people with limited mobility in their hands, especially those who are unable to fully open their hands, by simplifying the process of tying shoes which is pretty much an everyday task most people have to overcome. Many of today's shoes have laces, and although there are alternatives such as slip in shoes, they are not as common to find, and can tend to be much more expensive, and are not as practical or durable compared to shoes, such as sneakers, which have laces to conform closely to the user's foot. Project: Laces Objectives: To learn how to design and innovate new methods to improve the lives of those with limited mobility in their hands. To be able to design a new method to tie shoes, which is an everyday activity that people have to overcome. Audiences: Basic understanding of what it means to be limited in mobility in you hands, and beginner's understanding of the design software Preparation: any design software (I used 123d), basic understanding of what it means to have limited mobility in your hands. Steps: open software design a brand new method to tying your shoes can use my design as a base to improve on print result continue to prototype until found something that can truly benefit those with limited mobility in their hands Results: A new method to tying your shoes that can gretly benefit those who have limited mobility in their hands.