CA2890709A1 - Egronomic shoe and boot grip apparatus - Google Patents
Egronomic shoe and boot grip apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2890709A1 CA2890709A1 CA2890709A CA2890709A CA2890709A1 CA 2890709 A1 CA2890709 A1 CA 2890709A1 CA 2890709 A CA2890709 A CA 2890709A CA 2890709 A CA2890709 A CA 2890709A CA 2890709 A1 CA2890709 A1 CA 2890709A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- midsole
- sole
- bottom sole
- boot
- shoe
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B3/00—Sticks combined with other objects
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0054—Footwear characterised by the material provided with magnets, magnetic parts or magnetic substances
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C15/00—Non-skid devices or attachments
- A43C15/06—Ice-gripping devices or attachments, e.g. ice-spurs, ice-cleats, ice-creepers, crampons; Climbing devices or attachments, e.g. mountain climbing irons
- A43C15/061—Ice-gripping devices or attachments, e.g. ice-cleats, ice-creepers
- A43C15/063—Ice-gripping devices or attachments, e.g. ice-cleats, ice-creepers with ice-gripping means projecting from the front foot region
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C15/00—Non-skid devices or attachments
- A43C15/06—Ice-gripping devices or attachments, e.g. ice-spurs, ice-cleats, ice-creepers, crampons; Climbing devices or attachments, e.g. mountain climbing irons
- A43C15/061—Ice-gripping devices or attachments, e.g. ice-cleats, ice-creepers
- A43C15/066—Ice-gripping devices or attachments, e.g. ice-cleats, ice-creepers with ice-gripping means projecting from the heel area, e.g. ice spurs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B9/00—Details
- A45B9/04—Ferrules or tips
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B7/00—Other sticks, e.g. of cranked shape
Abstract
An apparatus is provided that allows a person with disability issues - such flexibility and mobility problems, arthritis, muscle weakness, and the like - to attach and detach a spiked sole (or other grip enhancing sole) from a regular shoe or boot. A midsole is provided that can be attached to the shoe or boot, is suitable for use as the sole of the boot, and can be left on for the winter season. A bottom spiked sole is provided that can be attached to the midsole by simply stepping on the bottom sole. The bottom sole may be detached by engaging a release button on the heel of the midsole. The overall system includes a cane or attachment to a cane that allows the user to pick up the bottom sole when not in use.
Description
ERGONOMIC SHOE AND BOOT GRIP APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides an apparatus which allows people with flexibility and mobility problems, arthritis, muscle weakness, and the like ¨ often the elderly -- to more easily attach and detach a bottom sole to a shoe or boot without bending over, said bottom sole providing a better gripping surface such as spikes when walking outdoors on ice or snow. A cane or attachment to a cane allows the user to pick up the bottom sole when not in use without bending over.
BACKGROUND
Certain people, particularly those who are elderly, have difficulties with flexibility and mobility problems, arthritis, muscle weakness, "the shakes", or poor eyesight. .
Flexibility issues make it difficult for many of the elderly to bend over without losing balance, or in some cases to bend over at all. Such issues create a greater likelihood of slipping and falling when walking outdoors on ice and/or snow.
One known approach is for people concerned with slipping and falling on ice and snow to purchase shoes or boots with a spiked sole. This can be effective at reducing the likelihood of falling; however, if the person then enters a building or other location where spikes on the bottom of the shoes or boots are undesirable (such as a supermarket), dangerous to use (i.e. the spikes or gripping apparatus may creat their own slipping problems on a hard, smooth floor), or simply not allowed, the person has to remove the shoes or boots with the spiked soles and put on a second pair of boots or shoes. This is undesirable, as this requires the person to carry a second set of footwear, and often there is no convenient place provided for an elderly person to sit down and change footwear. A person with flexibility and/or mobility problems, arthritis, muscle weakness, "the shakes", or poor eyesight may have difficulty making such a change in footwear.
It is known in the prior art to have shoes or boots whose soles are adapted to allow spikes or other grip-enhancing features to be attached and detached. It is also known to have shoes or boots with spikes that retract into the sole. See, for example, US 5269080 of Davis. It is also known to have shoes or boots whose soles are adapted to allow a second sole (with spikes or other grip-enhancing features) to be attached and detached from the sole of the shoe or boot. See, for example, US 4267650 of Bauer, US 5644857 of Oulette et al., US 5661915 of Smith, US6032386 of Evans. However, these solutions require the purchase of a specialized shoe or boot, typically an expensive proposition. This is even more expensive if the person requires a customized shoe or boot for some medical reason. Also, it is known to attach a sole to a shoe or boot, and then be able to attach or detach spikes from the sole, as in US
7409782 of Larson. One difficulty with these approaches is that they often necessitate a thick sole or combination of soles, much thicker than on a normal winter boot or shoe, which can be unstable in use and add to the difficulties of persons struggling with balance and slipping issues.
Generally, all of these solutions still present difficulties for the user who has flexibility and mobility problems, arthritis, muscle weakness, "the shakes", or poor eyesight.
A person with flexibility issues would not want to (and may not be able to) bend over or sit down to attach or detach the spikes and/or a sole. A person with arthritis, muscle weakness, the shakes or poor eyesight may struggle to detach and attach spikes and/or a sole, or operate mechanisms to retract and extend spikes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides an apparatus which allows people with flexibility and mobility problems, arthritis, muscle weakness, and the like ¨ often the elderly -- to more easily attach and detach a bottom sole to a shoe or boot without bending over, said bottom sole providing a better gripping surface such as spikes when walking outdoors on ice or snow. A cane or attachment to a cane allows the user to pick up the bottom sole when not in use without bending over.
BACKGROUND
Certain people, particularly those who are elderly, have difficulties with flexibility and mobility problems, arthritis, muscle weakness, "the shakes", or poor eyesight. .
Flexibility issues make it difficult for many of the elderly to bend over without losing balance, or in some cases to bend over at all. Such issues create a greater likelihood of slipping and falling when walking outdoors on ice and/or snow.
One known approach is for people concerned with slipping and falling on ice and snow to purchase shoes or boots with a spiked sole. This can be effective at reducing the likelihood of falling; however, if the person then enters a building or other location where spikes on the bottom of the shoes or boots are undesirable (such as a supermarket), dangerous to use (i.e. the spikes or gripping apparatus may creat their own slipping problems on a hard, smooth floor), or simply not allowed, the person has to remove the shoes or boots with the spiked soles and put on a second pair of boots or shoes. This is undesirable, as this requires the person to carry a second set of footwear, and often there is no convenient place provided for an elderly person to sit down and change footwear. A person with flexibility and/or mobility problems, arthritis, muscle weakness, "the shakes", or poor eyesight may have difficulty making such a change in footwear.
It is known in the prior art to have shoes or boots whose soles are adapted to allow spikes or other grip-enhancing features to be attached and detached. It is also known to have shoes or boots with spikes that retract into the sole. See, for example, US 5269080 of Davis. It is also known to have shoes or boots whose soles are adapted to allow a second sole (with spikes or other grip-enhancing features) to be attached and detached from the sole of the shoe or boot. See, for example, US 4267650 of Bauer, US 5644857 of Oulette et al., US 5661915 of Smith, US6032386 of Evans. However, these solutions require the purchase of a specialized shoe or boot, typically an expensive proposition. This is even more expensive if the person requires a customized shoe or boot for some medical reason. Also, it is known to attach a sole to a shoe or boot, and then be able to attach or detach spikes from the sole, as in US
7409782 of Larson. One difficulty with these approaches is that they often necessitate a thick sole or combination of soles, much thicker than on a normal winter boot or shoe, which can be unstable in use and add to the difficulties of persons struggling with balance and slipping issues.
Generally, all of these solutions still present difficulties for the user who has flexibility and mobility problems, arthritis, muscle weakness, "the shakes", or poor eyesight.
A person with flexibility issues would not want to (and may not be able to) bend over or sit down to attach or detach the spikes and/or a sole. A person with arthritis, muscle weakness, the shakes or poor eyesight may struggle to detach and attach spikes and/or a sole, or operate mechanisms to retract and extend spikes.
2 SUMMARY
There is a need for an improved system to provide spikes or some other grip-enhancing features on the bottom of regular shoes and boots. These should be easy to attach and detach and minimize the need for the wearer to bend over or sit down when attaching and detaching the spikes or grip-enhancing features. They attach and detach in such a way as to make it easier for a person with arthritis, muscle weakness, the shakes or poor eyesight to do the attachment and detachment. When detached, the shoe or boot should be capable of being worn indoors in, for example, a supermarket. The system should attempt to minimize the thickness of the combined soles when the device is worn. When not in use, the spikes or grip-enhancing features should be easy to pick off the ground, portable and easily carried around, and preferably should fit easily into a pocket.
The present invention provides a mid-sole which is a sole that can be detachably attached to the sole of a regular boot or shoe. The midsole is designed for easy but robust attachment. Once attached, the midsole provides a suitable sole for everyday use, and can be used indoors on hard surfaces. The midsole can be left on the regular shoe or boot for the entire winter season.
The midsole also provides receiver ports by which a bottom sole may be detachably attached to the midsole. The attachment is such that it may more easily be made by a person with flexibility/mobility issues, arthritis, muscle weakness, the shakes or poor eyesight without the need to bend over or sit down. The attachment is also such that the bottom sole may be easily detached without bending or sitting down by pressing a release button on the heel of the midsole,
There is a need for an improved system to provide spikes or some other grip-enhancing features on the bottom of regular shoes and boots. These should be easy to attach and detach and minimize the need for the wearer to bend over or sit down when attaching and detaching the spikes or grip-enhancing features. They attach and detach in such a way as to make it easier for a person with arthritis, muscle weakness, the shakes or poor eyesight to do the attachment and detachment. When detached, the shoe or boot should be capable of being worn indoors in, for example, a supermarket. The system should attempt to minimize the thickness of the combined soles when the device is worn. When not in use, the spikes or grip-enhancing features should be easy to pick off the ground, portable and easily carried around, and preferably should fit easily into a pocket.
The present invention provides a mid-sole which is a sole that can be detachably attached to the sole of a regular boot or shoe. The midsole is designed for easy but robust attachment. Once attached, the midsole provides a suitable sole for everyday use, and can be used indoors on hard surfaces. The midsole can be left on the regular shoe or boot for the entire winter season.
The midsole also provides receiver ports by which a bottom sole may be detachably attached to the midsole. The attachment is such that it may more easily be made by a person with flexibility/mobility issues, arthritis, muscle weakness, the shakes or poor eyesight without the need to bend over or sit down. The attachment is also such that the bottom sole may be easily detached without bending or sitting down by pressing a release button on the heel of the midsole,
3 typically by gently knocking the heel of the regular boot or shoe against any convenient surface.
The midsole is designed to minimize its thickness to minimize its effect upon the user's mobility.
The bottom sole provides connectors that mate with the receiver ports on the midsole portion.
The lower surface of the bottom sole is provided with spikes or some other gripping mechanism.
The bottom sole itself is manufactured from a thin, flexible but robust material, and when not in use the bottom sole may be folded and carried in the pocket.
There is also optionally provided a cane attachment, designed to attach to the bottom of a cane (where the cane touches the ground). A magnet is provided in the cane attachment. If the connectors in the bottom sole are equipped with complementary magnets, the bottom sole may be picked up off the ground without bending or sitting by using the magnet in the cane attachment on the cane to pick up the bottom sole. Alternatively, a magnet may be simply built into a cane (or other reaching device) to provide the same functionality.
The midsole and bottom sole together form an apparatus for the easier attachment and removal of the grip-enhancing bottom sole from regular shoes and boots. When the cane or cane attachment is added, the result is a system where the grip enhancing bottom sole may be taken out of a pocket, attached to the regular shoes or boots, used, then detached, picked off the ground, and placed back in the pocket, all without the user bending over or sitting down.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a midsole and a bottom sole; said midsole having a main component, at least one front body, a piece of material connecting the main component and at least one front body, and means for attaching the midsole to an ordinary boot or shoe, the main component having a bottom surface and at least two receiver ports on the bottom surface, and a release mechanism with a release button; said bottom sole having an upper
The midsole is designed to minimize its thickness to minimize its effect upon the user's mobility.
The bottom sole provides connectors that mate with the receiver ports on the midsole portion.
The lower surface of the bottom sole is provided with spikes or some other gripping mechanism.
The bottom sole itself is manufactured from a thin, flexible but robust material, and when not in use the bottom sole may be folded and carried in the pocket.
There is also optionally provided a cane attachment, designed to attach to the bottom of a cane (where the cane touches the ground). A magnet is provided in the cane attachment. If the connectors in the bottom sole are equipped with complementary magnets, the bottom sole may be picked up off the ground without bending or sitting by using the magnet in the cane attachment on the cane to pick up the bottom sole. Alternatively, a magnet may be simply built into a cane (or other reaching device) to provide the same functionality.
The midsole and bottom sole together form an apparatus for the easier attachment and removal of the grip-enhancing bottom sole from regular shoes and boots. When the cane or cane attachment is added, the result is a system where the grip enhancing bottom sole may be taken out of a pocket, attached to the regular shoes or boots, used, then detached, picked off the ground, and placed back in the pocket, all without the user bending over or sitting down.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a midsole and a bottom sole; said midsole having a main component, at least one front body, a piece of material connecting the main component and at least one front body, and means for attaching the midsole to an ordinary boot or shoe, the main component having a bottom surface and at least two receiver ports on the bottom surface, and a release mechanism with a release button; said bottom sole having an upper
4 surface and a lower surface, a grip enhancement device on its bottom surface and at least two connectors on its upper surface; where said at least two connectors are adapted to attach by mating with the at least two receiver ports, and once attached the at least two connectors may be detached from the at least two receiver ports by engaging the release button.
In another aspect of this invention, the release mechanism is a slider with pins that intrude into the receiver ports and is biased by a spring. In another aspect of this invention, the piece of material is elastic. In another aspect of this invention, the piece of material is between 3-5 mm in thickness with a tensile strength of 2 ¨ 3 MPa. In another aspect of this invention, the main component is between 3/8" to 1/2" thick and made with a material with a Shore A number of around 40. In another aspect of this invention, there is also provided a cane with a first magnet and a second magnet in the at least two connectors, the first and second magnets being oriented to attract. In another aspect of this invention, there is also provided a cane attachment with a first magnet and a second magnet in at least one of the at least two connectors, the first and second magnets being oriented to attract.
In accord with the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a midsole having a main component, at least one front body, a piece of material connecting the main component and at least one front body, and means for attaching the midsole to an ordinary boot or shoe, where the main component has a bottom surface and at least two receiver ports on the bottom surface, and a release mechanism with a release button; a bottom sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, a grip enhancement device on its bottom surface and at least two connectors on its upper surface where at least one connector has a first magnet, where said at least two connectors are adapted to attach by mating with the at least two receiver ports, and once attached the at least two connectors may be detached from the at least two receiver ports by engaging the release button, and a cane attachment with a second magnet, the first and second magnets being oriented to attract.
In accord with the present invention, there is provided a method of use of the invention, comprising the steps of: attaching a midsole to a regular shoe or boot;
wearing the shoe or boot;
placing the bottom sole on the ground with the connectors facing upwards;
attaching the bottom sole to the midsole by stepping on the bottom sole with the midsole. In another aspect of this invention, there is provided the further step of releasing the bottom sole from the top sole by engaging the release button.
In accord with the present invention, there is provided a method of use of the invention, comprising the steps of: attaching a midsole to a regular shoe or boot;
wearing the shoe or boot;
placing the bottom sole on the ground with the connectors facing upwards;
attaching the bottom sole to the midsole by stepping on the bottom sole with the midsole. releasing the bottom sole from the top sole by engaging the release button; retrieving the bottom sole by using the first and second magnets to attach the bottom sole to the cane and lifting the bottom sole off the ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments of the present invention shall be more clearly understood with reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side view of a midsole, bottom sole and shoe or boot;
Figure 2 is an illustration of the construction of the midsole from the underside Figure 3 is an illustration of the midsole from the side, illustrating its method of attachment to a regular shoe or boot;
Figure 4 is an illustration of the midsole from the side, illustrating its method of attachment to a regular shoe or boot;
Figure 5 illustrates the bottom sole from its underside;
Figure 6 is an exploded view of the bottom sole;
Figure 7 illustrates the bottom sole from the topside;
Figure 8 is a top down view of the midsole;
Figure 9 illustrates the method of attaching the bottom sole to the midsole in use;
Figure 10 illustrates the method of detaching the bottom sole from the midsole in use;
Figure 11 is a side view of the cane attachment;
Figure 12 is a top view of the cane attachment; and Figure 13 illustrates the use of the cane attachment to pick up a bottom sole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The description which follows and the embodiments described therein are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation and not of limitation, of those principles of the invention. In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals.
The present invention provides a system for providing detachably attachable spikes or other gripping mechanism for use with regular shoes or boots, which may be attached and detached without bending or sitting down, and may be more easily used by those with flexibility, mobility, arthritis, muscle weakness, the shakes, or eyesight issues. Turning to Figure 1, there is illustrated an ordinary boot or shoe 10, which is not part of the invention. The boot or shoe 10 has an upper part 12 and a sole 14. The inventive apparatus includes a midsole 16 and a bottom sole 18. The midsole 16 has receiver ports 20 which mate with connectors 22 in the bottom sole 18. Bottom sole 18 is provided with spikes 19. As will be explained in more detail below, the connection between the receiver ports 20 and connectors 22 is such that it is easy to attach bottom sole 18 to midsole 16 by the user stepping on the bottom sole 18 while wearing the boot or shoe 10 with the midsole 16 attached. The bottom sole 18 may be detached by pressing release button 24.
Figure 2 shows the construction of the midsole from the underside. Turning to Figure 2, the midsole consists of three front bodies 26, 28, and 30 and a main component 32The three front bodies 26, 28, and 30 are shaped or bent in such a way that no matter where they are stretched, the bottom sole 18 will always be touching one of the front bodies 26, 28, and 30 at the tip (if the front bodies 26, 28, and 30 were cut straight across, the tip of the bottom sole could end up in one of the gaps between the bodies 26, 28, and 30 and get stuck or simply have no support when in contact with the ground). Note that the number of front bodies can be varied and still fall within the scope of the invention. The three bodies 26, 28 and 30 are attached to the front of main component 32 (front being in the direction of the toes when worn) by a thin, elastic material 34. The elastic material 34 has a low durometer which allows the elastic material to stretch with a "reasonable" force, allowing an individual that lacks strength to install the midsole but with enough elastic strength to retain tension. This allows the midsole 16 to conform to the user's boot or shoe size and retain tension underneath the shoe or boot, ensuring a secure connection along the length of the midsole 16. Front body 26 has a toe cap 36, which slips over the front of the shoe or boot. The ability to stretch allows the midsole to lengthen and adapt to a variety of shoe/ boot sizes and styles within the Small, Medium, Large designation. For example within the range of small (sizes 6- 8) the device will always stay secure on the users shoe/boot and in tension whether the boot is size 6 or size 8. There is no compromise as is the case with some other current traction aid devices that may offer a size 7 for "small"
and assume users with size 6 and 8 will be able to use it as well.
Covering the spectrum of sizes within Small, Medium, Large as the midsole 16's design allows also has advantages in manufacturing, as this design requires only 3 molds as opposed to a non-stretching device that would require many different sizes or simply a compromised, non-ideal fit for the user. Providing a stretch to fit design for midsole 16, reduces mold costs and increases user satisfaction. In addition the natural walking motion is kept intact as the material stretches and contracts with each step.
Turning to Figure 3, the midsole 16 has a toe covering 38 attached to front member 36 that includes straps 40. Straps 40 are elastic in nature. Midsole 16 also has connected a heel cap 42 and fastening ports 44. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the midsole is attached to the user's boot or shoe by first placing the heel of the shoe or boot into the heel cap 42. The toe cap 36 and toe covering 38 are pulled up over the toe of the shoe or boot. The straps 40 are provided with a hook mechanism. The hooks are positioned on the strap 40 so that when the hooks are attached to the fastening port 44 closest to the front of the midsole 16, this provides sufficient tension to keep the midsole securely on the boot or shoe. Attaching the hook to the fastening port 44 closest to the front of the midsole 16 provides the least tension while attaching the hook to the fastening port 44 farthest from the front provides the most tension. The straps 40 provide further support in the lateral directions.
Returning to Figure 2, the heel 46 of main component 32 is made of a thicker, more ridged material to support the anchor function of the midsole 16 and heel cap 42 and promote durability.
Figure 5 illustrates the bottom sole from its underside, while Figure 6 provides an exploded view of the bottom sole. Turning to Figures 5 and 6, the bottom sole 18 is made of a piece of material 52. Piece 52 is a thin rubber- like material that can stretch as to not impede the normal walking motion and can flex in the middle, between the plates, during storage. Plates 54 and 56 are comprised of a durable plastic that can flex repeatedly, is UV resistant, and durable to scratches and impact. Spikes 19 (which can be made of metal) can be either molded right into the plate or can be added on afterwards using a threaded insert fastening method, which would allow old spikes 19 to be swapped out. These plates are attached to piece 52. Different types of spikes or other gripping apparatus may be used depending on requirements. For example, spikes designed specifically for snow would be broader and less sharp than spikes designed for ice. Also, the spikes may be manufactured from many different materials.
The piece of material 52 is flexible enough so that bottom sole 18 may be folded and placed in a pocket. A waterproof pouch may be provided to store wet or dirty bottom soles 18 between uses.
Turning to Figure 6, connectors 22 are molded into the plates 54 and 56, and pass through openings in piece 52. Figure 7 illustrates the bottom sole from the topside.
Turning to Figure 7, connectors 22 are exposed on the top side of bottom sole 18. The front of the bottom sole has a curved front section 59 that curves upwards (i.e. up towards the toes when in use). When the bottom sole is attached to the midsole, this prevents items such as rocks, snow or dirt from getting lodged or caught between the bottom sole and the midsole.
Returning to Figure 2, main component 32 of midsole 16 has two receiver ports 20. The receiver ports 20 are surrounded by chamfered depressions 50 that aid in alignment with the connectors 22 of bottom sole 18. The main component 32 and front bodies 26, 28 and 30 has a depression 49 that follows the size and shape of the material 52 of bottom sole 18, allowing the perimeter of the bottom sole to nest and avoid possible disruption to the connection between the bottom sole and the midsole. The thickness of main component 32 is constrained by the undesirability of adding additional height to a boot (or shoe) that might already have a thick sole, but this must be balanced against the necessity of implementing the release mechanism described below, including imparting the necessary stiffness to main component 32.
In one embodiment, chamfered depressions 50 are (1/8" in deep 1-1/8" in diameter), and main component 32 is 3/8" to 1/2" thick, and depression 49 is 1/8" deep. In one embodiment, the main component 32 is made of "medium soft" Shore A 40 SantopreneTM. Santoprene TM
thermoplastic vulcanizate is a fully dynamically vulcanized ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber in a thermoplastic matrix of polypropylene.
Detachable attachment of the midsole and the bottom sole is provided by a mechanism that is triggered by the release button 24. Figure 8 is a top down view of the midsole 16. Turning to Figure 78, there is provided a slider 62 that is biased towards the heel of the midsole 16 by springs 64. Slider 62 has pins 66 that extend slightly into the receiver ports 20. A trackway 68 is cut into the main component 32 that allows the slider to move forwards and backwards (i.e.
towards the toes and towards the heel of the midsole 16). The trackway 68 is covered by a thin plastic covering to prevent dirt or foreign objects from impeding the slider 62. The thin plastic covering is removable through small fastening screws, if parts below need to be accessed.
Springs 64 may be a small compression spring, or a "live" plastic hinge that uses its flex properties to create a spring-like effect, or any other method of biasing the slider 62 known in the art. In one embodiment, the trackway 68 is 1/8" deep, and the slider is 1/8"
thick.
The slider 62 is made from a single plastic part to aid in cost reduction and simplicity in design -reducing possible breakdowns, which may be seen in complicated mechanisms that are on the market currently. Additionally this slider 62 can be replaced or repaired by the user if it wears down, because the mechanism is so simple and not fixed into the device. In addition the mechanism layout and the use of pins with a small spring also allows the release button 24 to remain close to the heel and not protrude far out - preferably between 1/4"
and 3/8", making it less likely for something to accidently hit release button 24.
In use, the bottom sole 18 is placed on the ground with connectors 22 facing upwards. As seen in Figure 9, the user simply steps onto the bottom sole 18 with midsole 16 (midsole 16 having been previously attached to the user's shoe or boot). The connectors 22, guided by the chamfer, inserts into receiver ports 20. The weight of the step compresses the material 52 of the bottom sole 18, allowing the connectors 22 to penetrate farther into the receiver ports 20. Once inserted, the connectors 22 are held in the receiver ports 20 by pins 66 of slider 62.
The connectors 22 and receiver ports 20 are designed to interact within a tight tolerance to minimize the amount of movement when the connector 22 and receiver port 20 are locked and under pressure in natural walking motions.
To detach the bottom sole 18, the release button 24 is engaged, for example by pressing the heel of the midsole 16 against the midsole on the other foot as may be seen in Figure 10. Engaging release button 24 moves the slider 62 towards the front (towards the toes) of the midsole, releasing the connectors 22 and allowing the bottom sole 18 to drop out of the receiver ports 20.
The bottom sole 18 may then be picked up and stored for future use. When the release button 24 is disengaged, the spring 64 biases slider 62 towards the heel of the midsole, and the midsole 18 is again ready to attach to the connectors 22 of bottom sole 18.
The release mechanism, and the midsole 16 and bottom sole 18 in general, has been designed to minimize the thickness of the apparatus as much as possible so as to minimize difficulties for users with mobility or flexibility issues. The apparatus has also been designed to be simple in construction with relatively few parts, reducing the expense of manufacture of the apparatus and making the release mechanism easier to maintain and replace.
In one embodiment, elastic material 34 is manufactured from a low durometer grade of Santoprene TM (i.e. with a Shore Hardness A of around 30) between 3-5 mm in thickness,. Piece of material 52 is made of SantopreneTM with a Shore Hardness A of around 35 and a tensile strength of around 2-3 MPa of 2-4 mm thickness in the middle section and 1-2mm in thickness where it is overmolded over the bottom plates 54 and 56. Plates 54 and 56 may be made of Santoprene TM Shore A 60 through Shore A 90, or of nylon, and plates 54 and 56 are 5mm thick at the thickest portions, reducing to 3mm in thickness in the thinnest portions. The spikes 19 are made of tungsten carbide. The front bodies 26, 28 and 30 and main component 32 of the midsole 16 are made of "Medium soft" SantopreneTM with a Shore Hardness A of around 40.
The chamfers around the receiver ports could be made from Shore D 60 SantopreneTM.
One method of manufacturing the midsole 16 is via an automatic rotary injection moulding machine that uses a 4 piece mould to produce detail on all sides while ensuring an easy ejection process. This is a basic manufacturing process known in the art that is currently used in the production of inexpensive rubber boots and two colour sandals, slippers and shoes. This method would require the three front midsole bodies 26, 28 and 30 to be connected afterwards by overmolding material 32 with a low durometre grade of SantopreneTM. This ensures the greatest adherence of materials and allows stretch between the bodies.
If the mechanism track is specifically designed open faced (i.e. directly accessible to someone installing the slider 62), this eliminates undercuts and the need for costly removable cores. As a result the product can be produced at high volumes, low cost and high versatility in terms of design and functionality.
A second manufacturing process that could be utilized is multi-component molding, which allows the injection molding of multiple materials in one part. The bottom sole 18 may be manufactured using multi component molding to add the soft and flexible material 52, and molding the tungsten carbon spikes 19 directly into the plates 54 and 56.
Midsole 16 and bottom sole 18 form an apparatus for the attachment and detachment of bottom sole 18 to regular shoes and boots without the need for bending or sitting down, and that may be more easily used by persons with arthritis, muscle weakness, or eyesight problems.
To complete the system, there may also be provided a cane attachment accessory 89, which provides the capability of retrieving the bottom sole 18 from the ground without having to bend over or sit down and pick it up. Turning to Figures 11 and 12, the cane attachment 89 has a magnet 90 embedded inside a plastic or rubber-like housing 92. Generally, the cane attachment can utilize any known method of attaching the magnet to a cane (or other reaching device). In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, extending upwards from housing 92 are four rubber claws 94, which are biased towards the axial centre of the cane attachment 89. In use, as illustrated in Figure 13, the bottom tip of a cane (the part that contacts the ground) is inserted into the space 96 formed by the four rubber claws 94, engaging the rubber claws 94so that the cane attachment 89 is securely attached to the bottom of the cane. A
corresponding magnet 98 is placed in one (as seen in Figure 6) or both (as seen in Figure 7) of connectors 22 in bottom sole 18. The user uses the corresponding magnets to pick up the detached bottom sole 18 from the ground. The user can then simply pull the bottom sole off the cane attachment and store the bottom sole for future use.
Alternatively, magnets 90 may be built into the bottom of a cane.
Alternatively, magnets 90 may be built into any stick or reaching device.
Although the forgoing description and accompanying drawings relate to specific preferred embodiments of the present invention as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and adaptations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
In another aspect of this invention, the release mechanism is a slider with pins that intrude into the receiver ports and is biased by a spring. In another aspect of this invention, the piece of material is elastic. In another aspect of this invention, the piece of material is between 3-5 mm in thickness with a tensile strength of 2 ¨ 3 MPa. In another aspect of this invention, the main component is between 3/8" to 1/2" thick and made with a material with a Shore A number of around 40. In another aspect of this invention, there is also provided a cane with a first magnet and a second magnet in the at least two connectors, the first and second magnets being oriented to attract. In another aspect of this invention, there is also provided a cane attachment with a first magnet and a second magnet in at least one of the at least two connectors, the first and second magnets being oriented to attract.
In accord with the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a midsole having a main component, at least one front body, a piece of material connecting the main component and at least one front body, and means for attaching the midsole to an ordinary boot or shoe, where the main component has a bottom surface and at least two receiver ports on the bottom surface, and a release mechanism with a release button; a bottom sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, a grip enhancement device on its bottom surface and at least two connectors on its upper surface where at least one connector has a first magnet, where said at least two connectors are adapted to attach by mating with the at least two receiver ports, and once attached the at least two connectors may be detached from the at least two receiver ports by engaging the release button, and a cane attachment with a second magnet, the first and second magnets being oriented to attract.
In accord with the present invention, there is provided a method of use of the invention, comprising the steps of: attaching a midsole to a regular shoe or boot;
wearing the shoe or boot;
placing the bottom sole on the ground with the connectors facing upwards;
attaching the bottom sole to the midsole by stepping on the bottom sole with the midsole. In another aspect of this invention, there is provided the further step of releasing the bottom sole from the top sole by engaging the release button.
In accord with the present invention, there is provided a method of use of the invention, comprising the steps of: attaching a midsole to a regular shoe or boot;
wearing the shoe or boot;
placing the bottom sole on the ground with the connectors facing upwards;
attaching the bottom sole to the midsole by stepping on the bottom sole with the midsole. releasing the bottom sole from the top sole by engaging the release button; retrieving the bottom sole by using the first and second magnets to attach the bottom sole to the cane and lifting the bottom sole off the ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments of the present invention shall be more clearly understood with reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side view of a midsole, bottom sole and shoe or boot;
Figure 2 is an illustration of the construction of the midsole from the underside Figure 3 is an illustration of the midsole from the side, illustrating its method of attachment to a regular shoe or boot;
Figure 4 is an illustration of the midsole from the side, illustrating its method of attachment to a regular shoe or boot;
Figure 5 illustrates the bottom sole from its underside;
Figure 6 is an exploded view of the bottom sole;
Figure 7 illustrates the bottom sole from the topside;
Figure 8 is a top down view of the midsole;
Figure 9 illustrates the method of attaching the bottom sole to the midsole in use;
Figure 10 illustrates the method of detaching the bottom sole from the midsole in use;
Figure 11 is a side view of the cane attachment;
Figure 12 is a top view of the cane attachment; and Figure 13 illustrates the use of the cane attachment to pick up a bottom sole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The description which follows and the embodiments described therein are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation and not of limitation, of those principles of the invention. In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals.
The present invention provides a system for providing detachably attachable spikes or other gripping mechanism for use with regular shoes or boots, which may be attached and detached without bending or sitting down, and may be more easily used by those with flexibility, mobility, arthritis, muscle weakness, the shakes, or eyesight issues. Turning to Figure 1, there is illustrated an ordinary boot or shoe 10, which is not part of the invention. The boot or shoe 10 has an upper part 12 and a sole 14. The inventive apparatus includes a midsole 16 and a bottom sole 18. The midsole 16 has receiver ports 20 which mate with connectors 22 in the bottom sole 18. Bottom sole 18 is provided with spikes 19. As will be explained in more detail below, the connection between the receiver ports 20 and connectors 22 is such that it is easy to attach bottom sole 18 to midsole 16 by the user stepping on the bottom sole 18 while wearing the boot or shoe 10 with the midsole 16 attached. The bottom sole 18 may be detached by pressing release button 24.
Figure 2 shows the construction of the midsole from the underside. Turning to Figure 2, the midsole consists of three front bodies 26, 28, and 30 and a main component 32The three front bodies 26, 28, and 30 are shaped or bent in such a way that no matter where they are stretched, the bottom sole 18 will always be touching one of the front bodies 26, 28, and 30 at the tip (if the front bodies 26, 28, and 30 were cut straight across, the tip of the bottom sole could end up in one of the gaps between the bodies 26, 28, and 30 and get stuck or simply have no support when in contact with the ground). Note that the number of front bodies can be varied and still fall within the scope of the invention. The three bodies 26, 28 and 30 are attached to the front of main component 32 (front being in the direction of the toes when worn) by a thin, elastic material 34. The elastic material 34 has a low durometer which allows the elastic material to stretch with a "reasonable" force, allowing an individual that lacks strength to install the midsole but with enough elastic strength to retain tension. This allows the midsole 16 to conform to the user's boot or shoe size and retain tension underneath the shoe or boot, ensuring a secure connection along the length of the midsole 16. Front body 26 has a toe cap 36, which slips over the front of the shoe or boot. The ability to stretch allows the midsole to lengthen and adapt to a variety of shoe/ boot sizes and styles within the Small, Medium, Large designation. For example within the range of small (sizes 6- 8) the device will always stay secure on the users shoe/boot and in tension whether the boot is size 6 or size 8. There is no compromise as is the case with some other current traction aid devices that may offer a size 7 for "small"
and assume users with size 6 and 8 will be able to use it as well.
Covering the spectrum of sizes within Small, Medium, Large as the midsole 16's design allows also has advantages in manufacturing, as this design requires only 3 molds as opposed to a non-stretching device that would require many different sizes or simply a compromised, non-ideal fit for the user. Providing a stretch to fit design for midsole 16, reduces mold costs and increases user satisfaction. In addition the natural walking motion is kept intact as the material stretches and contracts with each step.
Turning to Figure 3, the midsole 16 has a toe covering 38 attached to front member 36 that includes straps 40. Straps 40 are elastic in nature. Midsole 16 also has connected a heel cap 42 and fastening ports 44. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the midsole is attached to the user's boot or shoe by first placing the heel of the shoe or boot into the heel cap 42. The toe cap 36 and toe covering 38 are pulled up over the toe of the shoe or boot. The straps 40 are provided with a hook mechanism. The hooks are positioned on the strap 40 so that when the hooks are attached to the fastening port 44 closest to the front of the midsole 16, this provides sufficient tension to keep the midsole securely on the boot or shoe. Attaching the hook to the fastening port 44 closest to the front of the midsole 16 provides the least tension while attaching the hook to the fastening port 44 farthest from the front provides the most tension. The straps 40 provide further support in the lateral directions.
Returning to Figure 2, the heel 46 of main component 32 is made of a thicker, more ridged material to support the anchor function of the midsole 16 and heel cap 42 and promote durability.
Figure 5 illustrates the bottom sole from its underside, while Figure 6 provides an exploded view of the bottom sole. Turning to Figures 5 and 6, the bottom sole 18 is made of a piece of material 52. Piece 52 is a thin rubber- like material that can stretch as to not impede the normal walking motion and can flex in the middle, between the plates, during storage. Plates 54 and 56 are comprised of a durable plastic that can flex repeatedly, is UV resistant, and durable to scratches and impact. Spikes 19 (which can be made of metal) can be either molded right into the plate or can be added on afterwards using a threaded insert fastening method, which would allow old spikes 19 to be swapped out. These plates are attached to piece 52. Different types of spikes or other gripping apparatus may be used depending on requirements. For example, spikes designed specifically for snow would be broader and less sharp than spikes designed for ice. Also, the spikes may be manufactured from many different materials.
The piece of material 52 is flexible enough so that bottom sole 18 may be folded and placed in a pocket. A waterproof pouch may be provided to store wet or dirty bottom soles 18 between uses.
Turning to Figure 6, connectors 22 are molded into the plates 54 and 56, and pass through openings in piece 52. Figure 7 illustrates the bottom sole from the topside.
Turning to Figure 7, connectors 22 are exposed on the top side of bottom sole 18. The front of the bottom sole has a curved front section 59 that curves upwards (i.e. up towards the toes when in use). When the bottom sole is attached to the midsole, this prevents items such as rocks, snow or dirt from getting lodged or caught between the bottom sole and the midsole.
Returning to Figure 2, main component 32 of midsole 16 has two receiver ports 20. The receiver ports 20 are surrounded by chamfered depressions 50 that aid in alignment with the connectors 22 of bottom sole 18. The main component 32 and front bodies 26, 28 and 30 has a depression 49 that follows the size and shape of the material 52 of bottom sole 18, allowing the perimeter of the bottom sole to nest and avoid possible disruption to the connection between the bottom sole and the midsole. The thickness of main component 32 is constrained by the undesirability of adding additional height to a boot (or shoe) that might already have a thick sole, but this must be balanced against the necessity of implementing the release mechanism described below, including imparting the necessary stiffness to main component 32.
In one embodiment, chamfered depressions 50 are (1/8" in deep 1-1/8" in diameter), and main component 32 is 3/8" to 1/2" thick, and depression 49 is 1/8" deep. In one embodiment, the main component 32 is made of "medium soft" Shore A 40 SantopreneTM. Santoprene TM
thermoplastic vulcanizate is a fully dynamically vulcanized ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber in a thermoplastic matrix of polypropylene.
Detachable attachment of the midsole and the bottom sole is provided by a mechanism that is triggered by the release button 24. Figure 8 is a top down view of the midsole 16. Turning to Figure 78, there is provided a slider 62 that is biased towards the heel of the midsole 16 by springs 64. Slider 62 has pins 66 that extend slightly into the receiver ports 20. A trackway 68 is cut into the main component 32 that allows the slider to move forwards and backwards (i.e.
towards the toes and towards the heel of the midsole 16). The trackway 68 is covered by a thin plastic covering to prevent dirt or foreign objects from impeding the slider 62. The thin plastic covering is removable through small fastening screws, if parts below need to be accessed.
Springs 64 may be a small compression spring, or a "live" plastic hinge that uses its flex properties to create a spring-like effect, or any other method of biasing the slider 62 known in the art. In one embodiment, the trackway 68 is 1/8" deep, and the slider is 1/8"
thick.
The slider 62 is made from a single plastic part to aid in cost reduction and simplicity in design -reducing possible breakdowns, which may be seen in complicated mechanisms that are on the market currently. Additionally this slider 62 can be replaced or repaired by the user if it wears down, because the mechanism is so simple and not fixed into the device. In addition the mechanism layout and the use of pins with a small spring also allows the release button 24 to remain close to the heel and not protrude far out - preferably between 1/4"
and 3/8", making it less likely for something to accidently hit release button 24.
In use, the bottom sole 18 is placed on the ground with connectors 22 facing upwards. As seen in Figure 9, the user simply steps onto the bottom sole 18 with midsole 16 (midsole 16 having been previously attached to the user's shoe or boot). The connectors 22, guided by the chamfer, inserts into receiver ports 20. The weight of the step compresses the material 52 of the bottom sole 18, allowing the connectors 22 to penetrate farther into the receiver ports 20. Once inserted, the connectors 22 are held in the receiver ports 20 by pins 66 of slider 62.
The connectors 22 and receiver ports 20 are designed to interact within a tight tolerance to minimize the amount of movement when the connector 22 and receiver port 20 are locked and under pressure in natural walking motions.
To detach the bottom sole 18, the release button 24 is engaged, for example by pressing the heel of the midsole 16 against the midsole on the other foot as may be seen in Figure 10. Engaging release button 24 moves the slider 62 towards the front (towards the toes) of the midsole, releasing the connectors 22 and allowing the bottom sole 18 to drop out of the receiver ports 20.
The bottom sole 18 may then be picked up and stored for future use. When the release button 24 is disengaged, the spring 64 biases slider 62 towards the heel of the midsole, and the midsole 18 is again ready to attach to the connectors 22 of bottom sole 18.
The release mechanism, and the midsole 16 and bottom sole 18 in general, has been designed to minimize the thickness of the apparatus as much as possible so as to minimize difficulties for users with mobility or flexibility issues. The apparatus has also been designed to be simple in construction with relatively few parts, reducing the expense of manufacture of the apparatus and making the release mechanism easier to maintain and replace.
In one embodiment, elastic material 34 is manufactured from a low durometer grade of Santoprene TM (i.e. with a Shore Hardness A of around 30) between 3-5 mm in thickness,. Piece of material 52 is made of SantopreneTM with a Shore Hardness A of around 35 and a tensile strength of around 2-3 MPa of 2-4 mm thickness in the middle section and 1-2mm in thickness where it is overmolded over the bottom plates 54 and 56. Plates 54 and 56 may be made of Santoprene TM Shore A 60 through Shore A 90, or of nylon, and plates 54 and 56 are 5mm thick at the thickest portions, reducing to 3mm in thickness in the thinnest portions. The spikes 19 are made of tungsten carbide. The front bodies 26, 28 and 30 and main component 32 of the midsole 16 are made of "Medium soft" SantopreneTM with a Shore Hardness A of around 40.
The chamfers around the receiver ports could be made from Shore D 60 SantopreneTM.
One method of manufacturing the midsole 16 is via an automatic rotary injection moulding machine that uses a 4 piece mould to produce detail on all sides while ensuring an easy ejection process. This is a basic manufacturing process known in the art that is currently used in the production of inexpensive rubber boots and two colour sandals, slippers and shoes. This method would require the three front midsole bodies 26, 28 and 30 to be connected afterwards by overmolding material 32 with a low durometre grade of SantopreneTM. This ensures the greatest adherence of materials and allows stretch between the bodies.
If the mechanism track is specifically designed open faced (i.e. directly accessible to someone installing the slider 62), this eliminates undercuts and the need for costly removable cores. As a result the product can be produced at high volumes, low cost and high versatility in terms of design and functionality.
A second manufacturing process that could be utilized is multi-component molding, which allows the injection molding of multiple materials in one part. The bottom sole 18 may be manufactured using multi component molding to add the soft and flexible material 52, and molding the tungsten carbon spikes 19 directly into the plates 54 and 56.
Midsole 16 and bottom sole 18 form an apparatus for the attachment and detachment of bottom sole 18 to regular shoes and boots without the need for bending or sitting down, and that may be more easily used by persons with arthritis, muscle weakness, or eyesight problems.
To complete the system, there may also be provided a cane attachment accessory 89, which provides the capability of retrieving the bottom sole 18 from the ground without having to bend over or sit down and pick it up. Turning to Figures 11 and 12, the cane attachment 89 has a magnet 90 embedded inside a plastic or rubber-like housing 92. Generally, the cane attachment can utilize any known method of attaching the magnet to a cane (or other reaching device). In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, extending upwards from housing 92 are four rubber claws 94, which are biased towards the axial centre of the cane attachment 89. In use, as illustrated in Figure 13, the bottom tip of a cane (the part that contacts the ground) is inserted into the space 96 formed by the four rubber claws 94, engaging the rubber claws 94so that the cane attachment 89 is securely attached to the bottom of the cane. A
corresponding magnet 98 is placed in one (as seen in Figure 6) or both (as seen in Figure 7) of connectors 22 in bottom sole 18. The user uses the corresponding magnets to pick up the detached bottom sole 18 from the ground. The user can then simply pull the bottom sole off the cane attachment and store the bottom sole for future use.
Alternatively, magnets 90 may be built into the bottom of a cane.
Alternatively, magnets 90 may be built into any stick or reaching device.
Although the forgoing description and accompanying drawings relate to specific preferred embodiments of the present invention as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and adaptations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims (11)
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a midsole and a bottom sole;
said midsole having a main component, at least one front body, a piece of material connecting the main component and at least one front body, and means for attaching the midsole to an ordinary boot or shoe;
the main component having a bottom surface and at least two receiver ports on the bottom surface, and a release mechanism with a release button;
said bottom sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, a grip enhancement device on its bottom surface and at least two connectors on its upper surface;
where said at least two connectors are adapted to attach by mating with the at least two receiver ports, and once attached the at least two connectors may be detached from the at least two receiver ports by engaging the release button.
a midsole and a bottom sole;
said midsole having a main component, at least one front body, a piece of material connecting the main component and at least one front body, and means for attaching the midsole to an ordinary boot or shoe;
the main component having a bottom surface and at least two receiver ports on the bottom surface, and a release mechanism with a release button;
said bottom sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, a grip enhancement device on its bottom surface and at least two connectors on its upper surface;
where said at least two connectors are adapted to attach by mating with the at least two receiver ports, and once attached the at least two connectors may be detached from the at least two receiver ports by engaging the release button.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, where the release mechanism is a slider with pins that intrude into the receiver ports and is biased by a spring.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, where the piece of material is elastic.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 where the piece of material is between 3-5 mm in thickness with a tensile strength of 2 - 3 MPa.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 where the main component is between 3/8" to 1/2"
thick and made with a material with a Shore A number of around 40.
thick and made with a material with a Shore A number of around 40.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cane with a first magnet and a second magnet in the at least two connectors, the first and second magnets being oriented to attract.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cane attachment with a first magnet and a second magnet in at least one of the at least two connectors, the first and second magnets being oriented to attract.
8. A kit comprising:
a midsole having a main component, at least one front body, a piece of material connecting the main component and at least one front body, and means for attaching the midsole to an ordinary boot or shoe, where the main component has a bottom surface and at least two receiver ports on the bottom surface, and a release mechanism with a release button;
a bottom sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, a grip enhancement device on its bottom surface and at least two connectors on its upper surface where at least one connector has a first magnet;
where said at least two connectors are adapted to attach by mating with the at least two receiver ports, and once attached the at least two connectors may be detached from the at least two receiver ports by engaging the release button.
and a cane attachment with a second magnet, the first and second magnets being oriented to attract.
a midsole having a main component, at least one front body, a piece of material connecting the main component and at least one front body, and means for attaching the midsole to an ordinary boot or shoe, where the main component has a bottom surface and at least two receiver ports on the bottom surface, and a release mechanism with a release button;
a bottom sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, a grip enhancement device on its bottom surface and at least two connectors on its upper surface where at least one connector has a first magnet;
where said at least two connectors are adapted to attach by mating with the at least two receiver ports, and once attached the at least two connectors may be detached from the at least two receiver ports by engaging the release button.
and a cane attachment with a second magnet, the first and second magnets being oriented to attract.
9. A method of use of the apparatus of claim 1, comprising the steps of:
attaching a midsole to a regular shoe or boot;
wearing the shoe or boot;
placing the bottom sole on the ground with the connectors facing upwards;
attaching the bottom sole to the midsole by stepping on the bottom sole with the midsole.
attaching a midsole to a regular shoe or boot;
wearing the shoe or boot;
placing the bottom sole on the ground with the connectors facing upwards;
attaching the bottom sole to the midsole by stepping on the bottom sole with the midsole.
10. A method of use of the apparatus of claim 9 comprising the further steps of:
releasing the bottom sole from the top sole by engaging the release button.
releasing the bottom sole from the top sole by engaging the release button.
11. A method of use of the apparatus of claim 6, comprising the steps of:
attaching a midsole to a regular shoe or boot;
wearing the shoe or boot;
placing the bottom sole on the ground with the connectors facing upwards;
attaching the bottom sole to the midsole by stepping on the bottom sole with the midsole.
releasing the bottom sole from the top sole by engaging the release button;
retrieving the bottom sole by using the first and second magnets to attach the bottom sole to the cane and lifting the bottom sole off the ground.
attaching a midsole to a regular shoe or boot;
wearing the shoe or boot;
placing the bottom sole on the ground with the connectors facing upwards;
attaching the bottom sole to the midsole by stepping on the bottom sole with the midsole.
releasing the bottom sole from the top sole by engaging the release button;
retrieving the bottom sole by using the first and second magnets to attach the bottom sole to the cane and lifting the bottom sole off the ground.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2890709A CA2890709A1 (en) | 2015-05-08 | 2015-05-08 | Egronomic shoe and boot grip apparatus |
| CA2928942A CA2928942A1 (en) | 2015-05-08 | 2016-05-05 | Ergonomic shoe and boot grip apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2890709A CA2890709A1 (en) | 2015-05-08 | 2015-05-08 | Egronomic shoe and boot grip apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2890709A1 true CA2890709A1 (en) | 2016-11-08 |
Family
ID=57243394
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2890709A Abandoned CA2890709A1 (en) | 2015-05-08 | 2015-05-08 | Egronomic shoe and boot grip apparatus |
| CA2928942A Abandoned CA2928942A1 (en) | 2015-05-08 | 2016-05-05 | Ergonomic shoe and boot grip apparatus |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2928942A Abandoned CA2928942A1 (en) | 2015-05-08 | 2016-05-05 | Ergonomic shoe and boot grip apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA2890709A1 (en) |
-
2015
- 2015-05-08 CA CA2890709A patent/CA2890709A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2016
- 2016-05-05 CA CA2928942A patent/CA2928942A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2928942A1 (en) | 2016-11-08 |
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