CA2564152C - Weight-activated tying shoe - Google Patents
Weight-activated tying shoe Download PDFInfo
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- CA2564152C CA2564152C CA2564152A CA2564152A CA2564152C CA 2564152 C CA2564152 C CA 2564152C CA 2564152 A CA2564152 A CA 2564152A CA 2564152 A CA2564152 A CA 2564152A CA 2564152 C CA2564152 C CA 2564152C
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- Prior art keywords
- weight
- foot
- footwear according
- configuration
- user
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
- A43C11/16—Fastenings secured by wire, bolts, or the like
- A43C11/165—Fastenings secured by wire, bolts, or the like characterised by a spool, reel or pulley for winding up cables, laces or straps by rotation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
- A43C11/20—Fastenings with tightening devices mounted on the tongue
Abstract
A weight-activated tying footwear (1) being worn on a foot of a user so as to allow the user to easily tighten the footwear (1) around the foot. The footwear (1) includes a body (28) for receiving the foot. An activation device (2) is connected to the sole (27) of the body (28), and is activated by the foot of the user. The activation device (2) operates between a raised or depressed configuration, depending on the position of the foot in the footwear (1). A tightening mechanism (30) within a vertical wall of the body (28) is responsive to the operation of the activation device (2). When the activation device (2) is in the raised configuration, the tightening mechanism (30) is loose around the foot of the user. When the user depresses the activation device (2) in the depressed configuration, the tightening mechanism (30) becomes tight around the user's foot.
Description
WEIGHT-ACTIVATED TYING SHOE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The invention relates generally to footwear, but more particularly to a weight-activated system intended to tie shoes, boots, snow shoes, etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Lacing shoes can be difficult or impossible for some people, and several inventors have tried over the years to simplify the matter.
US patent application 2005/0198867 Al (now abandoned) by the present inventor describes a self tying shoe where the lacing device is activated by the weight of the user. The weight is transmitted to a mechanism located within the sole, underneath the foot. The large number of moving parts makes the mechanism vulnerable to breakage. In addition, the underneath location of the mechanism causes some discomfort to the foot.
US patent 4,741,115 relates to a ski boot with an operating assembly for closing and adjustment, and includes a power source supported by the ski boot which operates a driving gearwheel which is selectively engageable with driven gearwheels for winding the cables of closing and/or adjustment devices of the boot.
US patent 5,205,055 concerns a shoe member including a plurality of securement webs directed about a lacing gap within the shoe upper, wherein the webs are each mounted slidably within associated cavities, with tether lines mounted to the webs operative above a crank pulley. The crank pulley is in operative engagement with a slidable actuator rod to effect projection of the securement webs forcibly within each respective cavity, wherein a gas cylinder is operative to effect rotation of the crank pulley by the use of an associated slide rod within a guide cylinder to effect winding of each associated tether line relative to each associated securement web.
US patent 5,335,401 describes a device for quickly tightening shoelaces on a shoe and for locking the tightened laces without the need for tying a bow or other knot. The device includes a body unit with a slotted opening formed with a chamfered edge along one side of the slot. A rotatable shaft which includes a set of chamfered ridges rolls laterally across the width of the slot. A
shoelace introduced through the slot becomes pinched between the chamfered edge of the slotted opening and the chamfered ridges of the shaft.
The shaft is spring biased to automatically lock the laces in place upon being tightened to the desired tension. A quick release lever retracts the shaft to unpinch the lace.
US patent 5,511,325 shows a shoe having a central rotary closure arranged on the heel of the upper in the area above the location at which the heel bone is received and having at least one tightening element which has a tightening section running from the central rotary closure towards each side of the shoe.
The tightening sections are coupled by a coupling element with at least one strap which runs from each tightening section or coupling element over the instep and/or by the arch to the other tightening section or coupling element.
US patent 5,600,874 shows a central closing device for shoes with a rotationally supported cord disc for at least one cord-type tensioning member for closing the shoe in such a way that the number of rotations of the cord disc is limited without any increase in the space required. Both the cord disc and a stationary member each have mutually-cooperating tooth profiles having the same tooth pitch but of different diameters. Located in the intermediate space created due to the different diameters of the tooth profiles is an idling pinion of the same pitch, which meshes with the two tooth profiles. At least one stop is provided to limit the travel of the idling pinion.
US patent 5,718,021 shows a device for tying a shoelace on a shoe. The device includes a base and a cover hingedly mounted on the base so as to be pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The base includes a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second holes which are sized and shaped so that the shoelace can be inserted therethrough. The cover includes a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second pins which are aligned so as to project into the first and second holes, respectively, when the cover is in the closed position. The cover also includes a locking tab which engages with a tip on the base to releasably lock the cover in the closed position.
US patent 5,839,210 shows a shoe incorporating adjustable straps that are positioned to tighten the shoe casing around a wearer's instep. A retractor mechanism incorporates elastic members. The elastic members are charged when the wearer loosens the shoe by pulling on the straps. The stored energy is released when a catch is disengaged and releases the elastic members to tighten and cinch the shoe on the wearer's foot.
US patent 6,202,953 shows a footwear lacing system that includes a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace is threaded through a series of opposing guide members positioned along the top of the foot and ankle portions of the footwear. The lace and guide preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace through the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. A
release mechanism allows a user to quickly loosen the lace.
, US patent 6,467,194 shows an automated tightening shoe with crisscrossed laces and a tightening mechanism which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the crisscrossed laces to tighten the shoe about a wearer's foot, and which can be released easily so that the shoe can be removed from the wearer's foot.
Some inventions involve a manual tightening mechanism which is integrated into the outsole area while others use retractable heels latched on the shoe.
Still other systems use a central closing device that involves manual winding.
All these inventions need to be operated by hand. Another system involves the use of pneumatic means.
Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved footwear which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the aforementioned prior art problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a footwear, which by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related footwear and/or methods known in the prior art, used for self-lacing or self-tightening, etc.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a weight-activated tying footwear, such as the one briefly described herein, and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
More particularly, and according to the present invention, there is provided a weight-activated tying footwear for being worn on a foot of a user, the footwear comprising:
=
a body having a sole and at least two opposed vertical side walls projecting substantially vertically from the sole so as to define a cavity for receiving therein the foot of the user;
an activation device actuatable by the foot of the user, the activation device being functionally connectable to the sole of body and operable between a raised configuration and a depressed configuration; and at least one tightening mechanism housed within at least one vertical side wall of the body at a vertical distance from the sole, the at least one tightening mechanism functionally connectable to the body and operatively responsive to the activation device such that the at least one tightening mechanism tightens the body around the foot of the user when the activation device transitions between the raised configuration to the depressed configuration, and the at least one tightening mechanism loosens the body around the foot of the user when the activation device transitions from the depressed configuration to the raised configuration.
Such a footwear and/or shoe provides an efficient way to tie shoes using the weight of the user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe, will depress a movable activation device. This activates a tightening mechanism preferably comprising of a winch with a cable system used to close the body of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user simply uses his weight to activate the mechanism. Using his other foot, the user can move a pedal to release the mechanism's tension.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and described, by way of examples. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a weight-activated tying shoe according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure 1, an inner sole of the shoe being shown in a downward position.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of interior components of the shoe shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is another exploded perspective view of interior components of the shoe shown in Figure 1, an inner sole being shown in a downward position.
Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the shoe shown in Figure 1.
Figure 6 is another side elevational view of the shoe shown in Figure 1, a tongue of the shoe being shown in a downward position.
Figure 7 is yet another exploded view of interior components of the shoe shown in Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are preferred embodiments only, given for exemplification purposes only.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for self-tightening around the foot of the user from the application of the user's weight, via at least one tightening mechanism, it may be used for other types of purposes and with other types of objects, and in other fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as "shoe", "foot", "sole", etc., used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of objects or fields with which the present invention could be used and may be useful.
Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "shoe", "footwear", "boot", "sandal", and "slipper", as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compounds word thereof known in the art, will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings may comprise various components, and although the preferred embodiment of the weight-activated tying footwear as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e.
should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the weight-activated tying footwear and corresponding components according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained hereinafter and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.
Having discussed some of the principal components and features of the weight-activated tying shoe (1) according to the present invention, other preferential embodiments will be further discussed hereinbelow.
Referring to Figure 1, a weight-activated lacing or tying shoe (1) is shown as a conventional shoe having a sole (27) and a body (28), preferably including a tongue (29) and a holding rod (17), which acts as a guide and keeps the tongue (29) open when the side or tightening mechanisms (30,31) are released. The side mechanisms (30,31) are preferably connected to an inner sole (2) by a cable (12), the inner sole (2) currently being shown in the "up"
or "raised" position. The holding rod (17) is preferably integrated within a standard tongue, typically found on a shoe, and two straps (15) are preferably made of elastic material which prevents them from over tensioning. The straps (15) passing through buckles (18) allow the user to adjust tension. An untying pedal (20), located on the back of the outer sole (27), can act as a release switch, which disengages the tightening mechanism (30,31). The holding rod (17) is preferably a biasing means normally in an outward configuration, as illustrated, and pulls on the straps (15).
Referring to Figure 2, when the inner sole (2) is in a downward or "depressed"
(i.e. depressed by the user's foot) position, the straps (15) are preferably tied or tightened around the tongue (29). The side mechanisms (30,31) are preferably connected to the inner sole (2) by cable (12), the inner sole (2) currently being shown in the down position.
Referring to Figure 3, the inner sole (2), currently shown in the up position, is preferably connected with at least one tension element, such as cables (12), to a winding wheel, such as a ratchet wheel (24) which is symmetrical to the ratchet wheel (5). A locking device, such as a ratchet pawl (7), currently shown in a release or "rotatable" position, can act as a retainer to block rotation of the ratchet wheel (5) When in the downward position. The ratchet pawls (7) are preferably connected by cable (6) to the untying pedal (20).
Referring to Figure 4, the inner sole (2), currently shown in the down position, is preferably connected with cables (12) to the ratchet wheel (24) which is symmetrical to the ratchet wheel (5). The ratchet pawl (7), currently shown in the hold or "locked" position, can act as a retainer to block the rotation of the ratchet wheel (5) when in the downward position. The ratchet pawls (7) are preferably connected by cable (6) to the untying pedal (20).
Referring to Figure 7, the symmetrical side or tightening mechanisms (30,31) are preferably composed of a casing (4,23) in which the ratchet wheels (5,24), ratchet pawl (7), spring (8), cover (9,25), and screw (10) fit. The ratchet wheels (5,24) can act as a winch to wind the cables (12) around themselves.
The inside part of the cables (12) are preferably connected via crimped sleeves (14) to the link plate (3), which is preferably made of rigid material, and which is preferably connected to the inner sole (2). When the weight of the user is applied on the inner sole (2), it creates tension in cables (12) which can allow the ratchet wheels (5,24) to turn. When turning, the ratchet wheels (5,24) act as a winch to wind the outside part of cables (12) around themselves. The straps (15) are preferably connected to cables (12) by hangers (11). When turning sufficiently, the ratchet wheels (5,24) preferably interfere with ratchet pawls (7) so as to block the rotation of the ratchet wheels (5,24), thereby tying or tightening the shoe (1). Untying cables (6) with crimp sleeves (22) are preferably connected between the upper pedal (20) and the lower pedal (19), which can be assembled with at least one screw (32) or other mechanical fastener. The biasing element or spring (8) preferably maintains a force on ratchets pawls (7) to ensure they remain in the tying state. When the user pulls on pedal (19,20), it preferably in turn pulls on ratchet pawls (7) to allow the ratchet wheel (5,24) to turn freely, thus untying or loosening the shoe (1). The symmetrical side tracks (16,26) can reduce side pressure and friction. The straps (15) preferably pass through buckles (18) so as to allow the user to adjust tension. A holding rod (17) can act as a guide and keep the tongue (29) open by creating reacting force in downward position.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments 10 set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The invention relates generally to footwear, but more particularly to a weight-activated system intended to tie shoes, boots, snow shoes, etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Lacing shoes can be difficult or impossible for some people, and several inventors have tried over the years to simplify the matter.
US patent application 2005/0198867 Al (now abandoned) by the present inventor describes a self tying shoe where the lacing device is activated by the weight of the user. The weight is transmitted to a mechanism located within the sole, underneath the foot. The large number of moving parts makes the mechanism vulnerable to breakage. In addition, the underneath location of the mechanism causes some discomfort to the foot.
US patent 4,741,115 relates to a ski boot with an operating assembly for closing and adjustment, and includes a power source supported by the ski boot which operates a driving gearwheel which is selectively engageable with driven gearwheels for winding the cables of closing and/or adjustment devices of the boot.
US patent 5,205,055 concerns a shoe member including a plurality of securement webs directed about a lacing gap within the shoe upper, wherein the webs are each mounted slidably within associated cavities, with tether lines mounted to the webs operative above a crank pulley. The crank pulley is in operative engagement with a slidable actuator rod to effect projection of the securement webs forcibly within each respective cavity, wherein a gas cylinder is operative to effect rotation of the crank pulley by the use of an associated slide rod within a guide cylinder to effect winding of each associated tether line relative to each associated securement web.
US patent 5,335,401 describes a device for quickly tightening shoelaces on a shoe and for locking the tightened laces without the need for tying a bow or other knot. The device includes a body unit with a slotted opening formed with a chamfered edge along one side of the slot. A rotatable shaft which includes a set of chamfered ridges rolls laterally across the width of the slot. A
shoelace introduced through the slot becomes pinched between the chamfered edge of the slotted opening and the chamfered ridges of the shaft.
The shaft is spring biased to automatically lock the laces in place upon being tightened to the desired tension. A quick release lever retracts the shaft to unpinch the lace.
US patent 5,511,325 shows a shoe having a central rotary closure arranged on the heel of the upper in the area above the location at which the heel bone is received and having at least one tightening element which has a tightening section running from the central rotary closure towards each side of the shoe.
The tightening sections are coupled by a coupling element with at least one strap which runs from each tightening section or coupling element over the instep and/or by the arch to the other tightening section or coupling element.
US patent 5,600,874 shows a central closing device for shoes with a rotationally supported cord disc for at least one cord-type tensioning member for closing the shoe in such a way that the number of rotations of the cord disc is limited without any increase in the space required. Both the cord disc and a stationary member each have mutually-cooperating tooth profiles having the same tooth pitch but of different diameters. Located in the intermediate space created due to the different diameters of the tooth profiles is an idling pinion of the same pitch, which meshes with the two tooth profiles. At least one stop is provided to limit the travel of the idling pinion.
US patent 5,718,021 shows a device for tying a shoelace on a shoe. The device includes a base and a cover hingedly mounted on the base so as to be pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The base includes a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second holes which are sized and shaped so that the shoelace can be inserted therethrough. The cover includes a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second pins which are aligned so as to project into the first and second holes, respectively, when the cover is in the closed position. The cover also includes a locking tab which engages with a tip on the base to releasably lock the cover in the closed position.
US patent 5,839,210 shows a shoe incorporating adjustable straps that are positioned to tighten the shoe casing around a wearer's instep. A retractor mechanism incorporates elastic members. The elastic members are charged when the wearer loosens the shoe by pulling on the straps. The stored energy is released when a catch is disengaged and releases the elastic members to tighten and cinch the shoe on the wearer's foot.
US patent 6,202,953 shows a footwear lacing system that includes a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace is threaded through a series of opposing guide members positioned along the top of the foot and ankle portions of the footwear. The lace and guide preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace through the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. A
release mechanism allows a user to quickly loosen the lace.
, US patent 6,467,194 shows an automated tightening shoe with crisscrossed laces and a tightening mechanism which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the crisscrossed laces to tighten the shoe about a wearer's foot, and which can be released easily so that the shoe can be removed from the wearer's foot.
Some inventions involve a manual tightening mechanism which is integrated into the outsole area while others use retractable heels latched on the shoe.
Still other systems use a central closing device that involves manual winding.
All these inventions need to be operated by hand. Another system involves the use of pneumatic means.
Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved footwear which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the aforementioned prior art problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a footwear, which by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related footwear and/or methods known in the prior art, used for self-lacing or self-tightening, etc.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a weight-activated tying footwear, such as the one briefly described herein, and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
More particularly, and according to the present invention, there is provided a weight-activated tying footwear for being worn on a foot of a user, the footwear comprising:
=
a body having a sole and at least two opposed vertical side walls projecting substantially vertically from the sole so as to define a cavity for receiving therein the foot of the user;
an activation device actuatable by the foot of the user, the activation device being functionally connectable to the sole of body and operable between a raised configuration and a depressed configuration; and at least one tightening mechanism housed within at least one vertical side wall of the body at a vertical distance from the sole, the at least one tightening mechanism functionally connectable to the body and operatively responsive to the activation device such that the at least one tightening mechanism tightens the body around the foot of the user when the activation device transitions between the raised configuration to the depressed configuration, and the at least one tightening mechanism loosens the body around the foot of the user when the activation device transitions from the depressed configuration to the raised configuration.
Such a footwear and/or shoe provides an efficient way to tie shoes using the weight of the user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe, will depress a movable activation device. This activates a tightening mechanism preferably comprising of a winch with a cable system used to close the body of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user simply uses his weight to activate the mechanism. Using his other foot, the user can move a pedal to release the mechanism's tension.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and described, by way of examples. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a weight-activated tying shoe according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure 1, an inner sole of the shoe being shown in a downward position.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of interior components of the shoe shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is another exploded perspective view of interior components of the shoe shown in Figure 1, an inner sole being shown in a downward position.
Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the shoe shown in Figure 1.
Figure 6 is another side elevational view of the shoe shown in Figure 1, a tongue of the shoe being shown in a downward position.
Figure 7 is yet another exploded view of interior components of the shoe shown in Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are preferred embodiments only, given for exemplification purposes only.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for self-tightening around the foot of the user from the application of the user's weight, via at least one tightening mechanism, it may be used for other types of purposes and with other types of objects, and in other fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as "shoe", "foot", "sole", etc., used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of objects or fields with which the present invention could be used and may be useful.
Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "shoe", "footwear", "boot", "sandal", and "slipper", as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compounds word thereof known in the art, will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings may comprise various components, and although the preferred embodiment of the weight-activated tying footwear as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e.
should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the weight-activated tying footwear and corresponding components according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained hereinafter and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.
Having discussed some of the principal components and features of the weight-activated tying shoe (1) according to the present invention, other preferential embodiments will be further discussed hereinbelow.
Referring to Figure 1, a weight-activated lacing or tying shoe (1) is shown as a conventional shoe having a sole (27) and a body (28), preferably including a tongue (29) and a holding rod (17), which acts as a guide and keeps the tongue (29) open when the side or tightening mechanisms (30,31) are released. The side mechanisms (30,31) are preferably connected to an inner sole (2) by a cable (12), the inner sole (2) currently being shown in the "up"
or "raised" position. The holding rod (17) is preferably integrated within a standard tongue, typically found on a shoe, and two straps (15) are preferably made of elastic material which prevents them from over tensioning. The straps (15) passing through buckles (18) allow the user to adjust tension. An untying pedal (20), located on the back of the outer sole (27), can act as a release switch, which disengages the tightening mechanism (30,31). The holding rod (17) is preferably a biasing means normally in an outward configuration, as illustrated, and pulls on the straps (15).
Referring to Figure 2, when the inner sole (2) is in a downward or "depressed"
(i.e. depressed by the user's foot) position, the straps (15) are preferably tied or tightened around the tongue (29). The side mechanisms (30,31) are preferably connected to the inner sole (2) by cable (12), the inner sole (2) currently being shown in the down position.
Referring to Figure 3, the inner sole (2), currently shown in the up position, is preferably connected with at least one tension element, such as cables (12), to a winding wheel, such as a ratchet wheel (24) which is symmetrical to the ratchet wheel (5). A locking device, such as a ratchet pawl (7), currently shown in a release or "rotatable" position, can act as a retainer to block rotation of the ratchet wheel (5) When in the downward position. The ratchet pawls (7) are preferably connected by cable (6) to the untying pedal (20).
Referring to Figure 4, the inner sole (2), currently shown in the down position, is preferably connected with cables (12) to the ratchet wheel (24) which is symmetrical to the ratchet wheel (5). The ratchet pawl (7), currently shown in the hold or "locked" position, can act as a retainer to block the rotation of the ratchet wheel (5) when in the downward position. The ratchet pawls (7) are preferably connected by cable (6) to the untying pedal (20).
Referring to Figure 7, the symmetrical side or tightening mechanisms (30,31) are preferably composed of a casing (4,23) in which the ratchet wheels (5,24), ratchet pawl (7), spring (8), cover (9,25), and screw (10) fit. The ratchet wheels (5,24) can act as a winch to wind the cables (12) around themselves.
The inside part of the cables (12) are preferably connected via crimped sleeves (14) to the link plate (3), which is preferably made of rigid material, and which is preferably connected to the inner sole (2). When the weight of the user is applied on the inner sole (2), it creates tension in cables (12) which can allow the ratchet wheels (5,24) to turn. When turning, the ratchet wheels (5,24) act as a winch to wind the outside part of cables (12) around themselves. The straps (15) are preferably connected to cables (12) by hangers (11). When turning sufficiently, the ratchet wheels (5,24) preferably interfere with ratchet pawls (7) so as to block the rotation of the ratchet wheels (5,24), thereby tying or tightening the shoe (1). Untying cables (6) with crimp sleeves (22) are preferably connected between the upper pedal (20) and the lower pedal (19), which can be assembled with at least one screw (32) or other mechanical fastener. The biasing element or spring (8) preferably maintains a force on ratchets pawls (7) to ensure they remain in the tying state. When the user pulls on pedal (19,20), it preferably in turn pulls on ratchet pawls (7) to allow the ratchet wheel (5,24) to turn freely, thus untying or loosening the shoe (1). The symmetrical side tracks (16,26) can reduce side pressure and friction. The straps (15) preferably pass through buckles (18) so as to allow the user to adjust tension. A holding rod (17) can act as a guide and keep the tongue (29) open by creating reacting force in downward position.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments 10 set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Claims (18)
1. A weight-activated tying footwear for being worn on a foot of a user, the footwear comprising:
a body having a sole and at least two opposed vertical side walls projecting substantially vertically from the sole so as to define a cavity for receiving therein the foot of the user;
an activation device actuatable by the foot of the user, the activation device being housed within the body and operable between a raised configuration and a depressed configuration; and at least one tightening mechanism housed within at least one vertical side wall of the body at a vertical distance from the sole, the at least one tightening mechanism functionally connectable to the body and operatively responsive to the activation device such that the at least one tightening mechanism tightens the body around the foot of the user when the activation device transitions between the raised configuration to the depressed configuration, and the at least one tightening mechanism loosens the body around the foot of the user when the activation device transitions from the depressed configuration to the raised configuration.
a body having a sole and at least two opposed vertical side walls projecting substantially vertically from the sole so as to define a cavity for receiving therein the foot of the user;
an activation device actuatable by the foot of the user, the activation device being housed within the body and operable between a raised configuration and a depressed configuration; and at least one tightening mechanism housed within at least one vertical side wall of the body at a vertical distance from the sole, the at least one tightening mechanism functionally connectable to the body and operatively responsive to the activation device such that the at least one tightening mechanism tightens the body around the foot of the user when the activation device transitions between the raised configuration to the depressed configuration, and the at least one tightening mechanism loosens the body around the foot of the user when the activation device transitions from the depressed configuration to the raised configuration.
2. The weight-activated tying footwear according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tightening mechanism comprises at least one side winch.
3. The weight-activated tying footwear according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one tightening mechanism comprises two side winches, each side winch being oppositely and symmetrically housed in a corresponding vertical side wall of the body at the vertical distance from the sole
4. The weight-activated tying footwear according to claims 2 or 3, wherein each side winch comprises:
at least one tension element operatively linking the activation device to the body;
a rotatable winding wheel for winding the at least one tension element around the winding wheel when the activation device transitions from the raised configuration to the depressed configuration thus tightening the body around the foot of the user, and for unwinding the at least one tension element around the winding wheel when the activation device transitions from the depressed configuration to the raised configuration thus loosening the body around the foot of the user; and a locking device for removably engaging the winding wheel, the locking device being operable between a locked configuration wherein the locking device engages the winding wheel preventing its rotation when the activation device is in the depressed configuration, and a rotatable configuration wherein the locking device selectively engages the winding wheel allowing it to freely rotate when the activation device transitions from the raised configuration to the depressed configuration.
at least one tension element operatively linking the activation device to the body;
a rotatable winding wheel for winding the at least one tension element around the winding wheel when the activation device transitions from the raised configuration to the depressed configuration thus tightening the body around the foot of the user, and for unwinding the at least one tension element around the winding wheel when the activation device transitions from the depressed configuration to the raised configuration thus loosening the body around the foot of the user; and a locking device for removably engaging the winding wheel, the locking device being operable between a locked configuration wherein the locking device engages the winding wheel preventing its rotation when the activation device is in the depressed configuration, and a rotatable configuration wherein the locking device selectively engages the winding wheel allowing it to freely rotate when the activation device transitions from the raised configuration to the depressed configuration.
5. The weight-activated tying footwear according to claim 4, wherein a biasing element urges the locking device to removably engage the winding wheel.
6. The weight-activated tying footwear according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the footwear comprises a casing housing the winding wheel, the locking device, and the biasing element.
7. The weight-activated tying footwear according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the footwear comprises an untying pedal mounted onto the body and functionally connected to the locking device, the untying pedal being configured for alternating the locking device from the locked configuration to rotatable configuration.
8. The weight-activated tying footwear according to claim 7, wherein the untying pedal is connectable to the locking device by a connector.
9. The weight-activated tying footwear according to claims 7 or 8, wherein the untying pedal is mounted to a rear of the body.
10. The weight-activated tying footwear according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the at least one tension element and the connector are attachments selected from the group consisting of cables, strings, chords, and straps.
11. The weight-activated tying footwear according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the rotatable winding wheel comprises a ratchet wheel and the locking device comprises a ratchet pawl.
12. The weight-activated tying footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the activation device is made of a flexible material.
13. The weight-activated tying footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the activation device comprises an inner sole.
14. The weight-activated tying footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the activation device is connectable to the at least one tightening mechanism via a link plate.
15. The weight-activated tying footwear according to claim 14, wherein the link plate is made of a rigid material.
16. The weight-activated tying footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the body further comprises a tongue for covering the cavity, the tongue comprising at least one constricting device for tightening the tongue around the foot of the user, wherein the at least one constrictor device is selected from the group consisting of a strap, a tie, a belt, a lace, a string, a wire, a cable, and a hook-and-loop fastener
17 The weight-activated tying footwear according to claim 16, wherein the at least one constricting device is connectable to an end of the at least one tension element
18 The weight-activated tying footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the raised configuration is defined by a raised angle with respect to the ground that is formed by the activation device when the foot of the user is removed from the body, and wherein the depressed configuration is defined by the activation device being substantially parallel to the ground when the foot of the user is received in the body
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2564152A CA2564152C (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2006-10-16 | Weight-activated tying shoe |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2564152A CA2564152C (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2006-10-16 | Weight-activated tying shoe |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2564152A1 CA2564152A1 (en) | 2008-04-16 |
| CA2564152C true CA2564152C (en) | 2014-07-29 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2564152A Active CA2564152C (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2006-10-16 | Weight-activated tying shoe |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2564152C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019103962A1 (en) * | 2017-11-21 | 2019-05-31 | Floyd Joshua | Shoe tongue stabilization system and method |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR102391195B1 (en) | 2014-07-31 | 2022-04-28 | 파워레이스 테크놀로지스 인크. | Closure system |
| IT201700060315A1 (en) * | 2017-06-01 | 2017-09-01 | De Longhi Fabio | CLOSING SYSTEM FOR SKI BOOTS THROUGH BODY WEIGHT |
-
2006
- 2006-10-16 CA CA2564152A patent/CA2564152C/en active Active
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019103962A1 (en) * | 2017-11-21 | 2019-05-31 | Floyd Joshua | Shoe tongue stabilization system and method |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2564152A1 (en) | 2008-04-16 |
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