US20230000200A1

US20230000200A1 - Dubui-shoe (assistance free footwear for disabled)

Info

Publication number: US20230000200A1
Application number: US17/300,451
Authority: US
Inventors: Edward Guy Dubuisson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-02
Filing date: 2021-07-02
Publication date: 2023-01-05

Abstract

The present invention is a shoe or sandal type of footwear comprising wireless, remote controlled, mechanical portions which pivot and/or slide to affix to a foot, or to detach from a foot, on command, in a handsfree manor. Wireless charging elements are also utilized to charge batteries of footwear in a handsfree manor.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to footwear with pivoting heel portion
Class: 36, Boots, Shoes, and Leggings
Subclass: 105/117.8/7.5/23/58.5

BACKGROUND

Many people have difficulties that limit their range of motion, making putting on and removing footwear, difficult or impossible. This invention improves upon said disabilities by allowing footwear such as shoes and sandals to be put on and removed without assistance from either hand or opposing foot.

SUMMARY

Footwear with pivoting heel portion and sliding quarter portion which are actuated electrically and wirelessly, are disclosed.
Novel footwear including shoes and sandals, comprising a pivoting heel portion and/or a sliding quarter portion, which are actuated mechanically and electrically by way of remote-controlled wireless transmitters and receivers, radio waves, infrared and/or Bluetooth app.
Footwear may also comprise of an electric release button and/or manual release chord.
Inductive wireless charging, may also be utilized within the footwear to aid in ease of use for disabled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the present disclosure, depicted in closed position

FIG. 2 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 1 , depicted in the open position.

FIG. 3 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the present disclosures, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 4 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 3 , depicted in the open position.

FIG. 5 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the present disclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 6 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 5 , depicted in the open position.

FIG. 7 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the present disclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 8 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 7 , depicted in the open position.

FIG. 9 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the present disclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 10 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 9 , depicted in the open position.

FIG. 11 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the present disclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 12 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 11 , depicted in the open position.

FIG. 13 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the present disclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 14 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 13 , depicted in the open position.

FIG. 15 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the present disclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 16 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 15 , depicted in the open position.

FIG. 17 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of the present disclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 18 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 17 , depicted in the open position.

FIG. 19 Schematically illustrates a side view of a portion of footwear of the present disclosure, depicted in the closed position.

FIG. 20 Schematically illustrates a side view of footwear of FIG. 19 , depicted in the open position.

FIG. 21 Schematically illustrates a top view of mechanical elements of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 Schematically illustrates a top view of mechanical elements of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 Schematically illustrates a top view of mechanical elements of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 Schematically illustrates a top view of a portion of footwear comprising mechanical elements of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 Schematically illustrates a side view of mechanical elements of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 Schematically illustrates a side view of mechanical elements of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 Schematically illustrates a side view of mechanical elements of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 Schematically illustrates a side view of mechanical elements of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 Schematically illustrates a top view of footwear and wireless charger of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 Schematically illustrates a top view of a wireless charger of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases, all of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims, should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely witching the scope of the invention and claims.
Novel footwear, including: shoes, sandals and sneaker style footwear, comprising a pivoting rear quarter portion 2 and a sliding vamp portion 76, which are actuated electronically and mechanically by a wireless transmitter 28, transmitting a signal to a wireless receiver/transmitter 16, comprised within the footwear, for ease of use, are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are not set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be evident however to one skilled in the art of the present invention, that this may be practiced without these specific details.
The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.
The term, pivoting rear quarter portion 2, is defined as the rear portion of a footwear, which is sectioned about the ankle area, comprises the quarter, but does not comprise a portion of the sole 1 of the footwear, and is pivoted rearward upon a pivot point 3, or is mechanically slid rearward away from remainder of footwear.
The term ferrous magnetic metal 57, refers to any ferrous metal which is magnetically attractive but does not comprise a magnetic field.
The term sliding vamp portion 76, is defined as the portion of footwear, in front of leg, which covers the top and sides of a foot 26, and is fashioned separately from the toe enclosure 7 in such a way that it will slide forward over toe enclosure 7,
The term wireless receiver/transmitter 16, is defined as electronic elements which emit and receive: radio frequency, infrared, neuralink and/or Bluetooth signals which remotely control the movement and position of the portions of the footwear of the present disclosure to the desired position.
The term flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, is defined as a flexible rod fashioned with a gear segment which is actuated by a pinion gear 35, in a rack 34 and pinion 35 fashion of movement to move the portions of the footwear of this disclosure.
Majorly this device is represented as a hand free invention for disabled persons, though this invention or device is not limited to such descriptive terms, and may also comprise of electrical buttons, switches, pull cords, and may also be utilized by able bodied persons.
The terminology used herein, is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term: “and/or”, includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items as used herein. The singular forms: ‘a’/‘an’, and ‘the’, are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms: ‘comprise’ and or ‘comprising’ when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated: features, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence of addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the area to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that the terms such as these defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.
The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred embodiments. It should be further understood that mechanical elements 25, depicted in side view illustrations, are present in same position upon opposite side of footwear.
FIG. 1 Schematically illustrates a side, top view, of a sneaker style of footwear, comprising a pivoting rear quarter portion 2, a sliding vamp portion 76, batteries 17, wireless charging receiver coil 63, flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, sliding vamp portion attachment points 77, manual release cord 39, electric release button 70, L.E.D. charging light 61, toe enclosure 7, wireless receiver/transmitter 16, hollow tube for flexible rod 37, electric motor 18, and mechanical elements 24. Mechanical elements 24 are depicted in FIG. 22 . Footwear is depicted in the closed position, as if it were secured upon a foot 26.
FIG. 2 Schematically illustrates same sneaker style of footwear and elements as depicted in FIG. 1 , which is depicted here as being in the open position, awaiting a wearer to insert a foot. Pivoting rear quarter portion 2, is pivoted rearward away from sole 1, and sliding vamp portion 76, which is depicted as being slid forward over the toe enclosure 7. Mechanical elements 24 which actuate aforementioned portions are further depicted in FIG. 22 .
FIG. 3 Schematically illustrates a side view of a sneaker style of footwear with a pivoting rear quarter portion 2, which pivots rearward upon four rods 14 attached to four pivot points 3, with two pivoting rods 71 upon each side of footwear to equally support pivoting rear quarter portion 2 during transition of opening and closing. Sliding vamp portion 76 and elements are also depicted. Mechanical elements 24 are depicted in FIG. 22 . Footwear is depicted in the closed position, as if it were secured upon a wearers foot 26.
FIG. 4 Schematically illustrates same sneaker style of footwear and elements as depicted in FIG. 3 , yet depicted in the open position, awaiting a wearer to insert a foot. Pivoting rear quarter portion 2, is depicted with flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, extended, rendering pivoting rear quarter portion 2 up, and rearward upon the aforementioned pivoting rods 71. Sliding vamp portion 76, is depicted in its forward position, which occurs when flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, which extends pivoting rear quarter portion 2, retracts at opposite end which is attached to sliding vamp portion 76. As flexible rod comprising gear segments 76 is actuated by mechanical elements 24, it extends pivoting rear quarter portion 2, and retracts at opposite end, moving sliding vamp portion 76, forward. Mechanical elements of this process are depicted in FIG. 22 .
FIG. 5 Schematically illustrates a side view of a sneaker style of footwear comprising pivoting rear quarter portion 2, which pivots on a central pivot point 3 at outside rear of sole 1, and pivoting rear quarter portion 2. Sliding vamp portion 76 and aforementioned elements are illustrated. Also present, is an attaching mechanism which consists of a ferrous magnetic metal 57, to be comprised within or outside of contacting edge of pivoting rear quarter portion 2, which aligns with ferrous magnetic metal 57 comprised within matching edge of sliding vamp portion 76. Neither of the ferrous magnetic metals 57, are magnetic until the pivoting bar comprising a magnet 60, is positioned into closed position and in contact with one of the ferrous magnetic metals 57. As the magnet 4 contacts a ferrous magnetic metal 57, the magnetic attraction occurs between the two separate ferrous magnetic metals 57. Thus creates a magnetic attachment which only requires one magnet 4 per side of footwear, instead of two and creates a magnetic attachment within a footwear which can be turned on and off at will.
FIG. 6 Schematically illustrates a side view of same footwear of FIG. 5 , depicted in the open position with pivoting rear quarter portion 2 extended rearward and sliding vamp portion 72, slid forward over toe enclosure 7. Pivoting bar comprising magnet 60 is pivoted away from ferrous magnetic metal 57 by flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, at start of movement to open position which causes magnetic 4 attraction between the two ferrous magnetic metals 57 to fail on command.
FIG. 7 Schematically illustrates a side view of a sneaker style footwear comprising: pivoting rear quarter portion 2, flexible attachment point to quarter 49, flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, which is extended through a hollow tube for rod 37 by mechanical elements 24 actuated by electric motor 18 and battery 17, which are controlled by receiver/transmitter 16 which is commanded by way of wireless, remote control transmitter 28. Mechanical elements of this depiction are illustrated in FIG. 24 . Wireless charging receiver coil 63 and wireless charger 64 for footwear, are illustrated in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 . Footwear is depicted as being in the closed position as if secured upon a persons' foot.
FIG. 8 Schematically illustrates same sneaker style of footwear from a side view as FIG. 7 , depicted in an open position, awaiting a foot 26 to be inserted.
FIG. 9 Schematically illustrates a side view of a sneaker style of footwear comprising a pivoting rear quarter portion 2, which is pivoted by way of sliding rearward away from remainder of footwear by a sliding rod 74 which is actuated rearward by mechanical element 24 and electric motor 18, which are powered by a battery 17 and wireless charging coil 63, which are controlled by a transmitter/receiver 16, which is commanded by way of wireless, remote control, transmitter 28. Forward portion of pivoting rear quarter portion 2, is secured upon each side to a sliding attachment point 83, which slides upon a rod 14. Charging light 61, electric button 70 and manual release cord 39, are also illustrated. Footwear is depicted in the closed position as if secured upon a foot.
FIG. 10 Schematically illustrates same side view of foot of FIG. 9 , depicted in the open position, awaiting a foot 26 to be inserted.
FIG. 11 Schematically illustrates same footwear and elements illustrated in FIG. 5 , with an addition of a tongue 82, which is fashioned to underside of top portion of toe enclosure 7, allowing sliding vamp portion 76 to slide forward. Tongue 82, is fashioned in such a way that it moves forward as sliding vamp portion 76 un-restricts its current position. Footwear is depicted in the closed position as if secured upon a foot.
FIG. 12 Schematically illustrates same footwear and elements illustrated in FIG. 11 , depicted in open position, awaiting a foot 26, to be inserted. Tongue 82, is depicted in an up and forward position protruding from under top side of sliding vamp portion 76.
FIG. 13 Schematically illustrates footwear comprising pivoting rear quarter portion 2, sliding vamp portion 76 and previously depicted elements. In addition, latching levers 84, which are actuated by flexible rod comprising gear segments 44 at time of opening and closing to latch onto latching lever secure point 85, are also illustrated. Footwear is illustrated in the closed position with latching levers 84 secured to latching lever secure point 85, as if secured upon a foot 26.
FIG. 14 Schematically illustrates footwear of FIG. 13 , depicted in the open position, exposing the ends of the latching levers 84 and latch lever cavities 85, awaiting a foot 26 to be inserted.
FIG. 15 Schematically illustrates a side view of a sandal type of footwear in the closed position as if upon a foot. Pivoting rear quarter portion 2 is pivoted by a flexible rod comprising gear segment 44, which is attached to and slides, sliding foot strap 90 by mechanical elements 24 and electric motor 16, powered by a battery 17 and controlled by receiver/transmitter 16 which is commanded by wireless, remote control, transmitter 28, and charged by wireless receiver coil 63.
FIG. 16 Schematically illustrates same footwear and elements of FIG. 15 , depicted in the open position, with pivoting rear quarter portion 2, positioned rearward and sliding foot strap 90 is slid forward, awaiting a foot to be inserted.
FIG. 17 Schematically illustrates a side view of a portion of a sneaker style footwear, comprising a pivoting rear quarter portion 2, which comprises latching lever secure points 85 within latching lever cavities 89 and latching levers 84, which protrude into shoe sole to lever secure point 85, and are actuated by actuating lever 11, which is attached to flexible rod comprising gear segment 44 in such a fashion as to pivot latching levers 84 to release from lever secure points 85 as the extending process occurs. Opposite end of flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, is attached to sliding vamp portion 76, in such a fashion as to release the latching levers 84 from lever secure points 85 within cavities 89 in the pivoting rear quarter portion 2 when contracting process begins to slide vamp portion 76 forward. Footwear is depicted as being in the closed position, as if secured upon a foot 26.
FIG. 18 Schematically illustrates same side view of portion of footwear of FIG. 17 , depicted in an open position, awaiting a foot 26, to be inserted, which also illustrates latching levers 84 protruding from side of sliding vamp portion 76 and from bottom sides of pivoting rear quarter portion 2. Also illustrated are latching lever cavities 89 which comprise the lever secure point 85.
FIG. 19 Schematically illustrates a side view of a portion of a sneaker style of footwear comprising a pivoting rear quarter portion 2, which comprises a ferrous magnetic metal 57, outside or within the forward portion and are fashioned to align to contact the ferrous magnetic metal 57 which are comprised within or about, sliding vamp portion 76, which shall become magnetically attracted to each other by flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, pivoting a pivoting rod comprising magnet 4 against back side of ferrous magnetic metal 57, at last portion of travel, during the retracting motion which renders pivoting rear quarter portion 2, in the closed position and magnetically secured to sliding vamp portion 76 by only using 1 magnet per side of footwear. Illustration is depicted in the closed position, as if secured upon a foot 26.
FIG. 20 Schematically illustrates a side view of same footwear illustrated in FIG. 19 , depicted in the open position, awaiting a foot 26 to be inserted. Pivoting bar comprising magnet 60, is illustrated as resting against a backstop 59. This position occurs when flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, begins to extend and remains in this position to pivot pivoting rear quarter portion 2. This position with the pivoting rod comprising magnet 60, moved away from the ferrous magnetic metal 57, causes the magnetic attraction between the two ferrous magnetic metal 57 to fail, thus causing a magnetic attraction which can be turned on and off to secure the footwear to a foot 26, or to remove the footwear.
FIG. 21 Schematically illustrates a top view of mechanical element 24, which pivot and slide portions of footwear depicted in this disclosure. Electric motor 18, rotates a worm gear 45, which is fashioned to rotate a drive gear 46, which comprises a pinion gear 35 which is fashioned to fit rack gear segments 34 in a rack and pinion 35 fashion and fashioned in such a way that when pinion gear 35 is rotated, each of the two flexible rods comprising gear segments 44, will extend and contract equally—opposite. The direction of rotation of the electric motor 18, which may be controlled by way of the receiver/transmitter 16, reversing the polarity of electricity supplied to the electric motor 18. Sliding vamp portion attachment points 77, pivoting rear quarter portion attachment points 78 and direction of travel arrows are depicted to move to the open position.
FIG. 22 Schematically illustrates a top view of same mechanical elements 24 of FIG. 21 and: manual release cord 39, electric wires 20, edge of shoe sole 79, drive gear casing 66, battery 17, which is utilized by receiver/transmitter 16, to supply electricity to electric motor 18 which rotates worm gear 35, which rotates drive gear 46 and comprised pinion gear 35, which actuate gear segments of the two flexible rods comprising gear segments 44 to extend and contract sliding vamp portion attachment points 77 and pivoting rear quarter portion attachment points 78 into desired location.
FIG. 23 Schematically illustrates a top view of elements described in FIG. 22 , with exception being that a hollow tube is present in place of portion of flexible rod comprising gear segment 44, which slides sliding vamp portion 76. This hollow tube provides a cavity to protrude into as pinion gear 35 retracts flexible rod comprising gear segments 44 to close pivoting rear quarter portion 2. This mechanical element 24, is designed to open and close the pivoting rear quarter portion 2 only.
FIG. 24 Schematically illustrates a top view of same illustration of FIG. 23 , with the addition of pivoting rear quarter portion 2, and pivoting rear quarter portion attachment point 78.
FIG. 25 Schematically illustrates a side view of the pinion gear 35, drive gear 46, with a spring 12 at bottom, the manual release wedge 80 at top attached to the manual release cord 39, the flexible rod comprising gear segments 44 is illustrated in working position at rest against the pinion gear 35. A gear casing 66 hold mechanical elements 24 in place by way of drive gear shaft 65.
FIG. 26 Schematically illustrates a side view of same mechanical elements of FIG. 25 , depicted in the released position. Manual release cord 39, is attached to manual release wedge 80 by manual release attachment point 81. Manual release wedge 80 being pulled, causes pinion gear 35, drive gear 46, to slide down drive gear shaft 65, against spring 12, causing pinion gear 35 to lose contact with flexible rod comprising gear segments 44, which can now move freely.
FIG. 27 Schematically illustrates a side view of magnetic latching elements previously depicted in FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 , FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 . As illustrated, the pivoting bar comprising magnet 60, is pivoted upon a pivot point 3 to position against a backstop 59 by flexible rod comprising gear segments 44 which is attached at rod attachment pivot point 69, and away from ferrous magnetic metal 57. At this position, neither portion of ferrous magnetic metal 57, is magnetic, nor does either portion comprise a magnetic field. In current position, the only thing magnetic, is the magnet 4.
FIG. 28 Schematically illustrates a side view of elements of FIG. 27 , with pivoting bar comprising magnet 60 positioned against one portion of ferrous magnetic metal 57, which upon contact, causes portion of ferrous magnetic metal 57 to become magnetic with a magnetic field, which attracts to counter portion of ferrous magnetic metal 57. Pivoting of pivoting bar comprising magnet 60 by flexible rod comprising gear segments 44 essentially turns on and off the magnetic attraction between ferrous magnetic metal 57. Current illustration is depicted in the closed or latched position.
FIG. 29 Schematically illustrates a top view of a left footwear depiction 55, a right footwear depiction 56, and their correct positioning to wireless charger 64. Also illustrated are, wireless charging receiver coils 63, located within the sole portion of the footwear, and wireless charging inductive charging coils 62, and charging electronics 75, are located within charger. An A.C. adapter 54, and electrical cord 53, are also attached to charging unit 64.
FIG. 30 Schematically illustrates a top view of wireless inductive charging unit 64, A.C. adapter 54, power cord 53, wireless inductive charging electronics 75 and inductive charging coils 62.
Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with references to preferred material, embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention and are contemplated thereby and are intended to be covered by the following claim:

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

This device, when properly fashioned and utilized, may assist physically disabled individuals with the process of affixing and removing footwear, by way of wireless, remote controlled mechanical portions which pivot and/or slide away from foot entry point to receive a foot and mechanically pivot and/or slide back into position to secure to foot. Footwear may also utilize wireless charging technology to further provide a handsfree footwear. Welcome to the future, GOD SPEED
It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub-combinations that are novel and non-obvious. Other embodiments and examples which perform similar functions and/or achieve like results, are intended to be covered by the following claims:

Claims

1. An enclosed type of footwear comprising:

a pivoting rear quarter portion which

slides rearward or

pivots upon

a pivot point at

rear

center of

bottom portion of

pivoting rear quarter portion above

sole or

upon rods

which connect and

pivot by way of

extending

flexible rod comprising gear segments

comprised within sole and is

attached to each side of

or within

pivoting rear quarter portion and is extended:

and contracted

in a rack and pinion fashion, and

contracted by way of:

worm gear:

pinion gear:

drive gear: which are

matched to

gear segments within

flexible rod comprising gear segments, and are

rotated either direction by

electric motor which is

electrified by

remote controlled

wireless receiver/transmitter, located within sole and is

controlled by:

wireless remote control:

Bluetooth:

neuralink neurological implant: or

cellular app, which is

electrified by

battery, which is

wirelessly charged by

comprising a wireless receiver coil: and

electronics

within sole of footwear, which are

fashioned to rest beside

a wireless charger which comprises

wireless induction charging coils: and

electronics: and while

opposite end of flexible rod with gear segments

is attached to

sliding vamp portion, which is separate from

toe enclosure and is fashioned to

slide on:

a track: or

within a crevice located on

top of or

side of

sole, and is

fashioned to slide over the enclosure

as pivoting quarter portion is pivoted rearward from remainder of footwear, and

both portions may utilize: latches: or

ferrous magnetic metals

within or about contacting points

of portions which are

magnetized

and demagnetized

on demand by flexible rod comprising gear segments

actuating

a magnet

against,

and away from one ferrous magnetic metal

to attract

opposing ferrous magnetic metal in

an attaching fashion.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1 in a sandal type of footwear which comprises:

A forked pivoting rear quarter portion

which pivots by

flexible rod comprising gear segments,

which also slides

a foot strap

forward over

toe area, which may

be open or

enclosed and

controlled by:

remote control:

Bluetooth:

cellular app: or

neuralink neurological implant.

3. Article of footwear of claim 1 and claim 2 further comprising:

L.E.D charging lights:

manual release cord:

activation: and

deactivation

electric button and

a pivoting quarter portion which

pivots by

sliding rearward

on or with a rod

and away from remainder of footwear by

flexible rod comprising gear segments

extending

and contracting

to close.