Device for retaining in side-by-side relationship flexible tying means such as shoelaces

A device for retaining in side-by-side relationship flexible tying means such as shoelaces comprising:

• a pair of relatively rigid clamping members formed of a plastic material,
• a relatively flexible linking member comprising a hinge section of reduced dimension integrally formed with said clamping members and joining said clamping members in such a manner as to permit said clamping members to be folded so as to lie one against the other for firmly retaining said flexible tying means in side-by-side relationship therebetween,
• gripping means on the mating surfaces of said clamping members comprising pins on one of said surfaces and corresponding cooperating depressions on the other of said surfaces, said pins being of sufficient size and number as to be able to engage and retain said flexible tying means placed between said clamping members,
• means for locking said clamping members together, said locking means being such as to require at least partial destruction of said device for removal of said tying means from between said clamping members, and
• said clamping members including severable portions of reduced thickness so as to enable severance of said frangible portions for opening said device and releasing said flexible tying means for use.