US3517866A - Means for putting on a shoe construction - Google Patents

Description

June 30,

2 Sheets-Sheet .L

Filed March 17, 1969 l N VE N T 02 Gear 6 .5. amcrel 7 June 30, 197.0 G. s. DAME-REL 3,517,866

MEANS FOR PUTTING ON A SHOE CONSTRUCTION Filed Mai-ch 17, 1969 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent 3,517,866 MEANS FOR PUTTING ON A SHOE CONSTRUCTION George S. Damerel, 486 S. Main St.,

Crown Point, Ind. 46307 Filed Mar. 17, 1969, Ser. No. 807,648 Int. Cl. A47j 51/02 U.S. Cl. 223-111 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A mechanism for putting on a shoe construction such as overshoes comprising an upstanding arm situated at the rear of the construction. The arm includes an upper end engageable by the heel of a shoe or foot as it moves into the construction. Upon engagement by the heel, the arm pivots in response to forward movement'of the heel and a component of lateral force is developed. This force provides for smooth but noticeably forcible entry of the toe into the shoe construction and allows correspondingly easy entry of the heel.

This invention relates to a mechanism for use in putting on shoe constructions.

It is 'well known that shoe constructions can be difi'icult to put on. For example, overshoes must often be stretched by hand so that the shoe of a person can be fit into the overshoe, and so that the overshoe will fit relatively snugly when the stretching force is removed. With respect to any type of shoe construction, a person must usually bend over or otherwise situate himself to reach the shoe with his hands. This can create problems for older persons or for persons with certain types of ailments, and is a general nuisance for everyone.

This invention will be particularly described with reference to putting on overshoes. As will be more fully explained, however, the invention is generally applicable to shoe constructions which have the capability of stretching, or which can be forcibly deformed to permit entry of the foot or shoe of the wearer, and which will be restored to a snugly fitting position upon removal of the force.

Previous attempts have been made to provide shoes which can be put on with relative ease. For example, overshoe constructions are described in Schovee Pat. No. 3,283,423, Owings Pat. No. 3,146,535 and Ruane Pat. No. 2,815,588. The patentees recognize the nuisance of putting on shoe constructions and seek to provide means to simplify this procedure.

It has been found that prior attempts to provide a more convenient shoe construction are not satisfactory for various reasons. In some instances, the techniques proposed have simply not been suitable from the standpoint of permitting free entry of the shoe of the wearer so that the wearer must still stoop down and use his fingers to put on the construction. Other designs which provide satisfactory entry do not provide means for holding the overshoe in place once the wearers shoe has been inserted. Thus, an overshoe, to be satisfactory, must fit snugly around the wearers shoe since otherwise the overshoe would flop while the person is walking. Finally, some constructions provide mechanical arrangements which prove to be too expensive for practical use.

It is the general object of this invention to provide a unique mechanism which provides for putting on overshoes or other shoe constructions in a highly satisfactory fashion.

It is a more specific object of this invention to provide a mechanism which can be easily and conveniently associated with shoe constructions and which is character izcd by a highly reliable operating structure so that the shoe constructions can be put on with a minimum of inconvenience.

These and other objects of the invention will appear hereinafter and for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, the specific embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view in section illustrating one form of mechanism of this invention associated with a rubber and in the position assumed during initial entry of a shoe;

FIG. 2 is a side view in section illustrating the combination of FIG. 1 just prior to complete entry of a shoe;

FIG. 3 is a side view in section illustrating the mechanism after the shoe is in place;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 with the stiffener portion shown in section;

FIG. 5 is a vertical, sectional view of the mechanism taken about the line 55 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view illustrating a hinge connection in the mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a side view in section illustrating an alternative form of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view in section illustrating an additional alternative form of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a side view in section illustrating one form of the invention in association with a boot; and

FIG. 11 is a side view in section illustrating a further alternative form of the invention.

This invention relates to an improved mechanism for use in association with shoe constructions so that the construction can be easily put on. The mechanism includes as a basic element a pivotally connected arm which is situated in the heel portion of the construction. In using the construction, the toe is first inserted and the upper end of the arm is then engageable by the heel as the heel moves downwardly for entry into the construction. As pivoting movement of the arm occurs, a gradually increasing component of lateral force is developed. The lateral force is suflicient to provide forcible entry of the toe into the shoe construction, and preferably the construction stretches so that the heel entering the con- Struction will clear the back edge of the construction. Continued downward movement of the heel into the construction will cause the arm to pivot beyond a critical point at which time the arm rapidly releases, and the shoe construction will return to its normal position whereby the shoe construction -will fit snugly.

The invention is particularly applicable to overshoes since these are commonly made of stretchable materials and since they are widely recognized as being something of a nuisance to put on. It will be appreciated, however, that the concepts of the invention could be applied even where a person desires to put on slippers or other shoe constructions without any shoe already being on the foot. In addition, the invention is applicable to overshoes or other shoe constructions where the toe can be forced into position and the heel is moved into proper position when released by the arm with a minimum of inconvenience.

FIG. 1 illustrates a rubber 10 comprising a conventional design including a toe portion 12 and heel portion 14. A mechanism 16 is inserted in the construction to facilitate the entry of the shoe 18 into the construction.

The mechanism 16 is shown in detail in FIGS. 4 through 7. This mechanism comprises a stilfener element 20 which has outer contours permitting its location adjacent the inside surface of the heel portion 14. The stiffener 20 defines a bottom wall 22 which in turn defines a cut out 24. A hinge 26 is secured at the inside end of the cut out portion 24.

The hinge 26 provides for pivotal mounting of an arm 28. A spring 30 includes a pair of arms which bear against the bottom wall 22 of the stiffener. An upper portion 32 of the spring bears against the under side of the arm 28, and the spring sections are normally forced apart whereby the arm 28 is normally situated in the upright position shown in FIGS. 1, and 7.

The upper end of the arm 28 defines a hinged portion 34, and this hinged portion provides means for engaging the heel 36 of a shoe as shown in FIG. 1. When the hinged portion 34 is first engaged by a heel, the force applied is substantially vertical. As the shoe moves forward, a gradually increasing lateral component of force is developed. This force provides for entry of the toe into the overshoe, and it is important to note that the force is sufficient to accomplish this even where the vamp of the overshoe is substantial and offers significant resistance.

Where the overshoe is stretchable, the combination also provides for stretching of the rubber to develop clearance for entry of the shoe into the rubber. Specifically, the vertical component of force tends to hold the heel portion of the rubber against the floor or ground while the forward end of the shoe applies stretching force. This combined vertical and lateral action is best illustrated in FIG. 2. It Will, of couse, be appreciated that the heel portion need not be held completely stationary since some stretching forces can definitely result in rearward movement of the heel portion as well as in forward movement of the toe portion. The important factor is that the heel and toe move relative to each other to provide clearance for the heel of a shoe entering the rubber.

FIG. 3 illustrates the unique character of the invention in that a completely satisfactory fit of the rubber is accomplished. Thus, the rubber fits snugly particularly in the heel area so that it will be comfortable when the wearer is walking. In addition, the mechanism of this invention is moved to a position, particularly where the cut out 24 is provided, such that an undesirable lump is not created. Thus, the mechanism can be worn without any adverse reaction on the part of the wearer.

The stiffener arrangement is particularly important when the mechanism is inserted in an overshoe of conventional design. The stiffener holds the heel portion of the rubber in a sufilciently open position to permit entry of the shoe, and the possibility of an individual stepping down on the top edges of the rubber is substantially eliminated. The provision of the wings 21 on opposite sides of the stiffener is particularly important in this regard. The wings engage the side walls during insertion of the shoe. Furthermore, the heel, even if it brazes an edge of the rubber during entry, will not bend the edge over and disrupt the clearance provided by the stretching action.

As indicated, the stiffener is of particular value Where the mechanism is utilized as an insert in a conventional overshoe. Where the principles of the invention are incorporated in a newly designed shoe, the stiffening feature may be built directly into the shoe with appropriate connections being provided for the arm and spring.

In order to insure proper engagement of the overshoe counter of the rubber with the back of the shoe, the back wall of the stiffener defines a substantial opening 37. This open area should be as large as practical but the connection between the wings must be strong enough to prevent the wings from bending toward each other under pressure. When the shoe is in place within the rubber, the rubber will tend to stretch across the opening 37, and provide engagement with the rear surface of the shoe to thereby increase the snugness of fit.

The hinged end 34 on the arm 28 is particularly desirable for preventing locking of the upper end of the arm relative to the heel of the shoe being inserted.

l Thus, the hinged end holds the end of the arm in spaced relation with the heel to provide rapid release when the shoe being inserted has cleared the heel portion of the overshoe.

FIG. 8 illustrates a form of the invention which can be employed in conjunction with a so-called toe rubber. It will be appreciated that with this type of rubber, the toe portion of the shoe is located very near the end of the rubber when the toe is first inserted. Accordingly, the amount of force needed for positioning the toe is reduced, and the force applied, therefore, serves primarily to produce relative movement between the toe and heel portions of the overshoe.

The construction of FIG. 8 comprises a stiffener 20 and an arm 38 pivotally connected at 40. The spring 42 normally maintains the arm in the upright position, and the arm is adapted to pivot in opposition to the spring when a shoe is inserted. It will be noted that the pivot axis of the arm is at the juncture of the bottom and back wall of the rubber. The position of this axis can vary considerably as suggested in FIG. 1 and may even be located above the bottom wall and attached to the back wall.

The heel 36 of the shoe shown in FIG. 8 will engage the top end of the arm 38 at an intermediate point rather than at the junction between the shank and heel. This engagement imparts combined vertical and lateral force in the manner described, and suflicient stretching will occur to provide clearance, and to provide a snug fit once the shoe is in place.

The modification of the invention shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 provide a means for automatically putting on shoe constructions which otherwise present difficulties. FIG. 9 illustrates a storm rubber 44 which is characterized by a particularly long front portion designed to protect substantially all of the lace portion of a shoe. This reduces the entrance opening into the rubber and, accordingly, this type of rubber is much harder to put on.

The mechanism 46 comprises a stiffener 48 and a pair of hinges at 50. The arms comprise a first amn 52 and a second arm 54. The first arm is held in the upright position by means of a spring having an upper section 56 and a lower section 58. A second spring 60 is provided for the arm 54.

When a shoe is inserted in the rubber 44, the heel 62 engages the first arm 52 at the juncture between the heel and the shank of the shoe. Forward movement of the heel eventually results in the engagement of the upper end of the arm 54 at the intermediate point on the heel bottom. This action builds up sufficient force to force the toe of the shoe into the rubber despite the considerable opposition of the vamp section 45.

The combination of arms 52 and 54 is desirable since the longer arm need not extend above the top edge of the shoe as far as the arm 28 of FIG. 1. Thus, with this combination, the longer arm 52 is initially engaged and serves to provide forward thrust for a portion of the travel of the shoe as it is forced into the toe socket. The shorter arm 54 takes over at an intermediate time to provide additional forward thrust when the pressure on the upper end of the arm 52 is released.

A flexible link 61 comprising a cord or similar device may be connected between the arms 52 and 54 to limit the spread of the arms during operation.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 10, the mechanism 46 is associated with a boot 64. The boot 64 may be of substantially conventional design; however, only the bottom section of the boot need be formed of stretchable material since the forces applied will act in essentially the same way as is the case with a rubber. The upper section 66 may be formed of fabric or other non-stretchable material, and this is a desirable modification where the fabric is relatively stiff so that the top of the boot will normally remain in the upright position. The shoe of a wearer can then be initially inserted without the need for holding the upper part of the boot to permit initial entry of the shoe. If desired, a wire ring 68 or other additional means may be employed for maintaining the form of the boot for facilitating the objects of this invention.

The mechanism 70 shown in FIG. 11 is quite similar to the mechanism illustrated in FIG. 8. In this case, however, a separate element 72 is pivotally connected at 74 to the upstanding arm 76. The lower end 78 of the arm 72 engages the rubber at the crease which is formed to define the extent of the heel portion of the rubber. A bumper plate 73 may be positioned at this juncture to reduce wear or tearing of the rubber when pressure is applied by the end of the arm 72.

A spring or elastic connection 79 extends between the pivotal connection 75 for the arm 76 and the end 78 of the element 72. This spring normally maintains the arm 76 in the upright position. When force is applied, the arm 76 acts in the manner "described; however, the arm 72 provides additional stretching action by displacing the heel material as illustrated by the dotted lines.

One of the most advantageous features of the invention relates to the ease with which the various mechanisms can be used. Where the mechanisms are provided as an insert, they can be located in a shoe without any securing means required. If desired, a pressure-sensitive adhesive or other means for holding the insert in place could be utilized; however, this is not necessary for the operation of the mechanisms.

The mechanisms are also capable of being readily incorporated into shoe constructions as they are manufactured. In this connection, the parts of the mechanism are few and of very basic design so that little expense is involved over and above the basic cost of an overshoe or other construction.

The mechanisms are highly convenient when used, particularly since virtually no training is required to employ the mechanisms. Thus, a person need only insert the toe of his shoe into a rubber or other overshoe and then move his foot forward in a natural way. The fact that a vertical component of force is involved is quite important since this force hold the overshoe substantially stationary as the overshoe is put on. Although some detailed description of the forces developed has been provided, in actual operation, an overshoe is put on in a single motion in virtually instantaneous fashion. Thus, the wearer is not at all conscious of the operation of the mechanism once the toe is inserted in an overshoe and the heel engaged in the manner described. Only one foot is used when the overshoe is put on so that there is no significant problem from the standpoint of maintaining balance.

Although the action involved in using the inventive concepts differs depending upon the type .of overshoe or other shoe construction involved, there are certain important common features. In all instances, the person putting on the construction merely needs to aim the front of the foot into the shoe construction opening and the foot will then be automatically positioned by means of the upwardly extending arm. Thus, the location of the arm is such that one can hardly avoid proper engagement with the arm when simply aiming his shoe into the opening provided by an overshoe.

The positioning of the forepart of the shoe relative to an overshoe is characteristic of all constructions. In some instances, substantial force is developed to achieve forci ble entry into the toe section of the overshoe, while in other cases, the foot is very nearly in the proper position when initially entering the shoe construction and, therefore, there is no need for a great deal of transverse force from the standpoint of toe positioning.

Where considerable relative displacement of a heel construction is possible, for example where stretchable materials characterized the shoe construction, then this act will take place in the next stage of operation. When the overshoe heel has been sufficiently displaced, the shoe being inserted will rapidly descend into the overshoe to clear the heel portion of the overshoe. Only then does the mechanism provide quick release so that the shoe will be located in its final position.

The stiffener construction plays an important role in the operations described, particularly the wings 21. These wings serve to hold the side walls of the overshoe erect for easy toe insertion, and they prevent collapse of the walls during stretching. The forwardly extending portions of the stilfener which define the cut out 24 function to prevent the stiifener from tilting forward.

As indicated, the location of the hinge for the pivotally mounted arm can vary. In this connection, a plurality of sockets for the arm could be provided at different locations so that the arm could be adjusted to particular needs.

The mechanism provides ideal holding-on capability because of the cut out 37 which permits snug engagement of the upper edge of the rubber around the back of the shoe. 'In this connection, the mechanism actually allows for improvement in holding capability since the shoe can be more easily inserted into what would otherwise be considered undersized overshoes.

The exterior appearance of the overshoes is not at all altered when the overshoes are worn. On the other hand, the mechanism is unobtrusive when the overshoes are oil the feet. In a typical embodiment of the invention, the arm of FIG. 1 and the longer arm of FIG. 9 extends about li /z inches above the edge of a rubber. Where the mechanism is associated with a toe rubber, an extension of about /1 inch above the top edge of the rubber is 'suflicient.

The structures illustrated may, of course, be modified in various ways while achieving the objects of the invention. The hinge arrangement of FIG. 1 could, for example be dispensed with, particularly by providing a somewhat fiexible, curved upper end of the type shown in (FIG. 9. It is important simply to provide a suitable design for catching the heel and for maintaining engagement until the lateral force is sufiicient to provide clearance.

The stiifener and arm means could be molded as a single piece, and the hinge means formed by known techniques used with materials such as polypropylene. Various stiffener designs are contemplated which could depart from the contoured design shown, particularly where the material of the shoe construction provides some stiifness.

An overshoe design in accordance with this invention can be removed just as easily as a conventional design. In this connection, the mechanism will automatically assume its original position when the overshoe is removed so that it can be automatically put back on.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the above described construction which provide the characteristics of this invention without departing from thet spirit thereof particularly as defined in the following claims.

That which is claimed is:

1. The improvement in a mechanism for putting on a shoe construction having a toe area, a heel portion, a bottom wall and upstanding back and side walls, said mechanism comprising an arm situated in the heel portion of the construction, said arm being located within said walls and being movable relative to said back and side walls, means for normally holding said arm in a generally upright position relative to said walls, said arm having an upper end, said arm normally extending upwardly from the bottom wall a distance such that said upper end is engageable by a heel being inserted as the heel is pressed downwardly during movement into the. construction, said holding means being yieldable to permit movement of said arm in response to such engagement, the opposite end of said arm being pivotally connected at the bottom of said construction whereby said arm pivots as the heel being inserted moves forward, forward thrust being developed 7 to force the toe being inserted into position relative to the front of the shoe construction and to position the heel being inserted in the heel portion of the construction.

2. A mechanism in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shoe construction is formed at least in part of resilient material and wherein a large component of horizontally directed force is developed causing stretching of the construction whereby the heel portion of the construction is displaced relative to the toe portion to provide a clear path for entry of the heel being inserted, and wherein said shoe construction returns from the stretched condition after the heel being inserted is positioned in the shoe.

3. A mechanism in accordance with claim 1 including a stiffener attached to the bottom end of said arm, said stiffener holding the construction walls spaced-apart to facilitate initial toe insertion, and retaining said walls in an uncollapsed state during the insertion operation.

4. A construction in accordance, with claim 3 wherein said stiffener comprises upstanding wing portions in engagement with the side walls of the construction in the area of the heel portion.

*5. A construction in accordance with claim 4 wherein said wing portions of said stiffener are disposed in spaced apart relationship to thereby define a substantially open area in the rear portion of the stiffener whereby the back wall of the shoe construction engages the heel inserted after the heel is positioned in the shoe construction.

6. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said arm has an intermediate point, and including a lower transversely extending member pivotally connected to said arm at said intermediate point, a forwardly located upstanding wall portion defining a forward position in said heel portion, said lower member having an outer end portion engaging said forward position of said heel portion, said lower member operating to apply a transverse component of force during insertion to facilitate heel insertion, and including a plate at said forward position of said heel portion for engagement by said outer end portion of said lower member, and wherein said outer end portion is adapted to slide over said plate for bearing contact therewith and is released from bearing contact with said plate at the completion ofthe insertion operation.

7. A mechanism in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shoe construction comprises a rubber having an upper edge and wherein said arm extends upwardly beyond the upper edge of the rubber, said upper end of the arm being engageable at the juncture of the heel and shank of a shoe being inserted into the rubber.

'8. A mechanism in accordance with claim 7 wherein said arm extends over the upper edge of the rubber, and including a second arm extending upwardly a distance less than said first arm, the upper end of said second arm adapted to engage the bottom surface of said heel being inserted at a point behind said juncture after the upper end of said first arm is engaged in the course of movement of said heel being inserted into the construction.

9. A mechanism in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shoe construction comprises a 'boot having an ankle section extending upwardly as a continuation of said back and side walls, means for holding the ankle section of the boot in an upright position so that a shoe can be inserted without holding the boot, and wherein said upper end of the arm is engageable at the juncture of the heel and shank of a shoe being inserted into the boot.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 33,456 10/1861 Worden Q 223ll8 3,026,635 3/1962 Slade 367.3 3,146,535 9/1964 Owings 367.3 3,280,485 10/1966 Arnold 36-7.3 3,283,423 11/1966 Schovee 36 7.3

PATRICK D. LAWSON, Primary Examiner G. H. KRIZMANICH, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 223118

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