US20170318911A1 - Shoe treatment - Google Patents
Shoe treatment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170318911A1 US20170318911A1 US15/660,863 US201715660863A US2017318911A1 US 20170318911 A1 US20170318911 A1 US 20170318911A1 US 201715660863 A US201715660863 A US 201715660863A US 2017318911 A1 US2017318911 A1 US 2017318911A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shoe
- slide actuator
- toe box
- movable slide
- interior
- 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
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
- A43D3/00—Lasts
- A43D3/08—Devices for stretching special parts of shoes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
- A43D3/00—Lasts
- A43D3/14—Stretching or spreading lasts; Boot-trees; Fillers; Devices for maintaining the shape of the shoe
- A43D3/1433—Shoe-trees
- A43D3/1441—Shoe-trees spreading the width of a shoe, i.e. laterally expandable
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
- A43D3/00—Lasts
- A43D3/14—Stretching or spreading lasts; Boot-trees; Fillers; Devices for maintaining the shape of the shoe
- A43D3/1433—Shoe-trees
- A43D3/1441—Shoe-trees spreading the width of a shoe, i.e. laterally expandable
- A43D3/145—Shoe-trees spreading the width of a shoe, i.e. laterally expandable adjustable
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
- A43D3/00—Lasts
- A43D3/14—Stretching or spreading lasts; Boot-trees; Fillers; Devices for maintaining the shape of the shoe
- A43D3/1433—Shoe-trees
- A43D3/1466—Shoe-trees stretching the length of a shoe, i.e. longitudinally expandable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
- A43D3/00—Lasts
- A43D3/14—Stretching or spreading lasts; Boot-trees; Fillers; Devices for maintaining the shape of the shoe
- A43D3/1433—Shoe-trees
- A43D3/1466—Shoe-trees stretching the length of a shoe, i.e. longitudinally expandable
- A43D3/1475—Shoe-trees stretching the length of a shoe, i.e. longitudinally expandable adjustable
Definitions
- a device often referred to as a “shoe tree” may be inserted into a shoe to help maintain the shape of the shoe while the shoe is being stored until the shoe is worn again.
- a shape protection device typically has one or more components often referred to as a “form” which are shaped to resemble portions of a human foot. These components are often made of wood such as cedar to absorb moisture and control odors.
- shoe stretching devices are intended to enlarge a shoe.
- Such shoe stretching devices may include an expansion mechanism to stretch at least a portion of the shoe.
- Some shoe devices are fixed in size and shape.
- Other shoe devices have multiple components linked by various mechanical devices which may be adjusted or actuated to change the size or shape of the shoe device. For example, a threaded bolt linking toe and heel components may be rotated to change the length of the shoe device to one suitable for a particular shoe size.
- Other designs may have components linked by springs to apply pressure to the interior of the shoe.
- Still other designs may have a pivoting over-center mechanical device to drive components of the shoe device in place within the interior of the shoe.
- FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a pair of shoe treatment devices in accordance with the present description
- FIG. 2 b is a front, schematic, cross-sectional view as viewed along the lines 2 b - 2 b of FIG. 4 b , illustrating the shoe treatment device of FIG. 2 a , in which the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted in a latched, laterally expanded state and in a vertically expanded state, while inserted into a shoe.
- FIG. 2 c is a front, schematic, cross-sectional view as viewed along the lines 2 c - 2 c of FIG. 4 b , illustrating the shoe treatment device of FIG. 2 a , in which the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted in a latched, and further laterally expanded state and in a vertically expanded state, while inserted into a shoe.
- FIG. 4 a is a side, schematic diagram, illustrating the shoe treatment device of FIG. 2 a in which the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted in a latched, laterally contracted state and in a vertically expanded state, while inserted into a shoe.
- FIG. 6 a is a side, schematic diagram, illustrating another shoe treatment device in accordance with another embodiment of the present description in which a rear extension member is depicted pivoted up out of a shoe while the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted inserted into the shoe.
- FIG. 7 b depicts another example of operations in accordance with another aspect of the present description, utilizing a shoe treatment device in accordance with one embodiment of the present description.
- FIG. 8 a is a top, front, perspective view of one embodiment of a shoe treatment device in accordance with one aspect of the present description depicting a slide actuator on a pivoting arm, and a shoe interior engagement form shown in a contracted state.
- FIG. 9 b is a top view of the shoe interior engagement form of FIG. 9 a shown in an expanded state with a crown engagement member omitted, for clarity.
- FIG. 9 e is a bottom, rear perspective view of the shoe interior engagement form of FIG. 9 a shown in an expanded state.
- FIG. 12 a is a top view schematic diagram of an expander member and lateral wing engagement members of a shoe interior engagement form in accordance with one embodiment of the present description, depicted in a lateral contracted state.
- FIG. 12 b is a top view schematic diagram of the expander member and lateral wing engagement members of FIG. 12 a , depicted in a symmetrically displaced, lateral expanded state.
- FIG. 12 d is a top view schematic of a guide slot of a wing engagement member of FIG. 12 a.
- FIG. 13 a is a partial side view schematic diagram of a slide actuator for a shoe interior engagement form in accordance with one embodiment of the present description, depicted in various positions, each position corresponding to an associated latched, expanded or contracted state of the shoe interior engagement form.
- FIG. 13 c is a top schematic cross-sectional diagram of the slide actuator of FIG. 13 a in a latched position as viewed along the lines 13 c - 13 c of FIG. 13 a.
- FIG. 14 b is a top view of the foot feature simulating extension member of FIG. 14 a.
- each shoe treatment device 110 a , 110 b has an expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 which is enclosed in a fabric shroud or enclosure 130 similar to a human sock.
- the interior engagement form 120 has a first size in a latched, contracted state as depicted for the shoe treatment device 110 a of FIG. 1 , and a second size in a latched, expanded state as depicted for the shoe treatment device 110 b of FIG. 1 .
- the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 is configured to be inserted into the interior of the toe box area 224 ( FIG. 3 ) of the shoe 220 , with a slide actuator 230 of the shoe treatment device 110 extending outside of the shoe 220 . It is appreciated however, that an expandable shoe interior engagement form in accordance with the present description may be inserted into other areas of the interior of the shoe, depending upon the particular application. Also, the slide actuator 230 may be positioned wholly within the shoe interior 210 in some embodiments.
- the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 has an exterior size in the lateral direction which is smaller than that of the interior 210 of the toe box 224 ( FIG. 3 ) of the shoe 220 when the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 is in the latched, laterally contracted state.
- a lateral gap space as represented by the arrows 240 is formed between the outer surface 242 of the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 of the shoe treatment device 110 , and the interior 210 defined by an interior surface of the shoe 220 .
- the shoe treatment device 110 may be unlatched and the slide actuator 230 actuated from the exterior of the shoe, to expand the form 120 to a first selected, laterally expanded state as shown in FIG. 2 b .
- FIG. 4 b is a side view schematic diagram of the shoe treatment device of FIG. 2 b .
- the form 120 has laterally expanded from the size of FIG. 2 a indicated in phantom at 120 ′ in FIG. 2 b , to fit and conform to the intended area of the interior of the shoe.
- the outer surface of the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 engages the inner surface of the interior 210 of the shoe 220 , as indicated at 242 ′.
- the first expanded position 242 ′ may represent a suitable expansion position for shoe shape maintenance.
- FIG. 4 c is a side view schematic diagram of the shoe treatment device of FIG. 2 c .
- the form 120 has laterally expanded again from the size of FIG. 2 a indicated in phantom at 120 ′ in FIG. 2 c , to fit and conform to the intended area of the interior of the shoe.
- the outer surface of the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 engages the inner surface of the interior 210 of the shoe 220 , as indicated at 242 ′′.
- the second expanded position 242 ′′ may represent a suitable expansion position for shoe stretching as well as shape maintenance.
- the shoe treatment device 110 of FIG. 3 is shown inserted into the shoe 220 which, in the example of FIG. 3 , is a women's pump style shoe.
- the shoe treatment devices of the present description are shaped to fit a multitude of shoe styles including, for example, pumps that have a curvature in the arch area 300 . It is appreciated however, that a shoe treatment device in accordance with the present description may be used in a variety of different types of men's and women's shoes, including, for example, flats, boots, booties, athletic shoes, dress shoes, boat shoes, etc.
- the user may before relatching the shoe treatment device 110 , optionally continue to further slide the slide actuator 230 toward the toe of the shoe, which causes the expander device 260 to further apply the engaging force to further expand the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 to a still larger size such as the second selected expanded state as shown in FIG. 2 c , for example.
- the shoe treatment device may be relatched by the latch 250 so that the shoe treatment device 110 holds the selected expansion position to treat the shoe as appropriate.
- the slide actuator 230 includes a user-manipulatable knob 270 which is positioned remotely from the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 of the shoe treatment device.
- the user-manipulatable knob 270 is a button which when depressed, releases the latch 250 , permitting the a user-manipulatable knob 270 of the slide actuator 230 to slide, causing the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 to expand to a larger size in an expanded state such as one of the states shown in FIG. 2 b or 2 c , for example.
- a button type slide actuator it is appreciated that other types of actuator mechanisms may be utilized. For example, threaded shafts, ratchets and over center mechanisms may be used, depending upon the particular application.
- the user-manipulatable knob 270 is supported on an arm 280 of the slide actuator 230 of the shoe treatment device 110 .
- the actuator arm 280 extends to the exterior 290 of the shoe 220 when the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 is positioned in the interior 210 of the shoe 220 .
- the arm 280 may be pivoted between the upright position of FIG. 4 a and the lowered position depicted in FIGS. 4 b , 4 c independently of whether the shoe interior engagement form 120 is in a contracted or deployed (expanded) state, or latched or unlatched state.
- the arm 280 may be pivoted between the upright position of FIG. 4 a and the lowered position depicted in FIGS. 4 b , 4 c independently of whether the slide actuator 230 is in a contracted or deployed (expanded) position or latched or unlatched state.
- user supplied manual movement of the arm 280 may provide the motive force to cause the expansion of the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 .
- an expansion force may be provided by other devices such as air pressure or memory shapes, for example, depending upon the particular application.
- the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 of the shoe treatment device 110 may be readily removed from the shoe 220 to permit the shoe to be worn by the user.
- the biasing device 296 biases the interior engagement form 120 to expand in the vertical direction to apply engaging force to the upper portion of the interior 210 of the shoe 220 .
- the vertical bias force provided by the biasing device 292 may operate independently of the lateral engaging force provided by the expander 260 of the interior engagement form 120 in response to user actuation of the slide actuator 230 .
- the arm 280 operates as a pivotally connected lever arm. It is appreciated that in other embodiments, the slide actuator 230 may be carried by mechanical devices other than lever arms, for example.
- the rear extension member 510 may be pivoted upward from the position depicted in FIG. 5 b until the counter interior engagement member 530 disposed on the distal end of the rear extension member 510 no longer engages the counter interior 540 at the rear of the shoe interior 210 .
- the removal of the shoe treatment device 500 from the shoe 220 may be facilitated, particularly if the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 has contracted to the smaller size of the contracted, stowed position of FIG. 2 a , 4 a.
- the rear extension member 510 may pivot freely and independently of the actuator arm 280 carrying the slide actuator 230 and may lack a latched state. Thus, a user may grasp the rear extension member 510 in the position depicted in FIG. 5 a and manually pivot the rear extension member 510 downward ( FIG. 5 b ) or upward ( FIG. 5 a ) whether or not the slide actuator 230 or the interior engagement form 120 is latched in position or not.
- the rear extension member 510 may be coupled to the actuator arm 280 of the slide actuator 230 at the distal end of the actuator arm 280 adjacent to the pivot 294 so that the rear extension member 510 and the actuator arm 280 pivot together.
- FIGS. 6 a , 6 b show another example of a shoe treatment device 600 having a rear extension member 610 which extends rearward from the arm 280 carrying the slide actuator 230 instead of from the base 292 , toward the heel or counter 520 of a shoe 220 .
- the rear extension member 610 is depicted as extending rearwardly from an upper end 230 a of the actuator arm 280 . It is appreciated that in other embodiments, the rear extension member 610 may extend from other portions of the arm 280 , depending upon the particular application.
- the rear extension member 610 is fixed to the upper end 230 a of the actuator arm 280 and thus does not pivot relative to the arm 280 carrying the slide actuator 230 .
- the other end of the arm 280 is pivotally connected to the base 292 by the pivot 294 .
- the arm 280 and the rear extension member 610 may be pivoted downward together from the position depicted in FIG. 6 a until a counter interior engagement member 630 disposed on the distal end of the rear extension member 610 engages the counter interior 540 at the rear of the shoe interior 210 .
- the shape of the shoe 220 may be maintained by the shoe treatment device 600 while the shoe is being stored.
- the arm 280 carrying the slide actuator 230 and the rear extension member 610 may be pivoted upward from the position depicted in FIG. 6 b until the counter interior engagement member 630 disposed on the distal end of the rear extension member 610 no longer engages the counter interior 540 at the rear of the shoe interior 210 .
- the removal of the shoe treatment device 600 from the shoe 220 may be facilitated, particularly if the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 has contracted to the smaller size of the contracted, stowed position of FIG. 2 a , 4 a.
- the rear extension member 610 is coupled directly to the arm 280 so that the rear extension member 610 and the arm 280 move together.
- the user may grasp and pivot either or both of the arm 280 and the rear extension member 610 from the position depicted in FIG. 6 b , back to an upright position such as that depicted in FIG. 6 a.
- the rear extension member 610 may be pivotally coupled to the arm 280 carrying the slide actuator 230 so that the rear extension member 610 pivots freely relative to the arm 280 .
- a user may grasp the rear extension member 610 in the position depicted in FIG. 6 a and manually pivot the rear extension member 610 downward or upward whether or not the slide actuator 230 is latched in position or not or whether or not the interior engagement form 120 is in an expanded state or not.
- the rear extension member 610 may be pivoted downward from the position depicted in FIG. 6 a , until the counter interior engagement member 630 disposed on the distal end of the rear extension member 610 is within the counter interior 540 at the rear of the shoe interior 210 .
- the slide actuator 230 may remain in a rearward latched position as shown.
- the interior engagement form 120 may remain in the latched contracted state in the positions of the arm 280 and extender member 610 depicted in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b .
- the slide actuator 230 may then be unlatched, slid forward to the forward to a position similar to that shown in FIG. 4 b or 4 c and relatched.
- the slide actuator 230 is in the forward latched state, the interior engagement form 120 is actuated to a latched, expanded state.
- the rear extension members 510 , 610 may be fixed in length. In other embodiments, the lengths of the rear extension members 510 , 610 may be adjustable in length, depending upon the particular application.
- FIG. 7 a shows one embodiment of operations in accordance with one aspect of the present description.
- a shoe treatment device having an expandable shoe interior engagement form is inserted (block 700 ) in a latched, contracted state, into the interior of a shoe.
- the expandable shoe interior engagement form is released (block 710 ) from the latched, contracted state, to an unlatched, state while in the interior of the shoe.
- a slide actuator such as the slide actuator 230 is slid (block 720 ) to expand the expandable shoe interior engagement form so that it engages the interior of the shoe in a first expanded state.
- a first selected expanded state may represent a state suitable for shoe shape and size maintenance.
- the user may select (block 730 ) whether to stretch the shoe as well. If so, the user may slide (block 734 ) the slide actuator further to expand further the expandable shoe interior engagement form so that it engages the interior of the shoe in a second selected, larger expanded state, to stretch the shoe.
- the shoe treatment device may then be latched (block 738 ) in the selected expanded state.
- FIG. 7 b shows another example of operations in accordance with one aspect of the present description.
- the shoe treatment device may be unlatched (block 740 ) from the selected expanded state.
- the user may further slide (block 750 ) the slide actuator to contract the expandable shoe interior engagement form of the shoe treatment device from the selected expanded state to a selected contracted state.
- the shoe treatment device may be latched (block 760 ) in the selected contracted state.
- the expandable shoe interior engagement form of the shoe treatment device may be withdrawn (block 770 ) in the latched, contracted state from the interior of the shoe.
- FIGS. 8 a -8 c depict the interior engagement form 120 in a latched, contracted state, with the arm 280 pivoted down to a lowered position.
- FIG. 10 depicts various components of the shoe treatment device in an exploded view.
- the shoe interior engagement form 120 includes lateral wing engagement members 812 , 814 movable between a contracted, stowed position as best seen in FIGS. 8 a -8 c , and a deployed, expanded position as depicted in FIGS. 9 a -9 e .
- the shoe interior engagement form 120 further includes a crown engagement member 820 movable between a contracted, stowed position depicted in FIGS. 8 a , 8 c , and a deployed, expanded position depicted in FIGS. 9 a and 9 c - 9 e.
- the engagement members 812 - 820 are shaped such that when in their respective deployed positions, the shoe interior engagement form 120 in an expanded state is shaped generally to resemble that portion of a human foot which is within the toe box of the shoe 220 when worn.
- the shoe interior engagement form 120 of the shoe treatment device 110 a ( FIG. 1 ) may be shaped generally to resemble that portion of a right human foot which is within the toe box of a right shoe 220 when worn.
- the shoe interior engagement form 120 of the shoe treatment device 110 b ( FIG. 1 ) may be shaped generally to resemble that portion of a left human foot which is within the toe box of a left shoe 220 when worn. It is appreciated that the shoe interior engagement form 120 may be shaped to have other shapes in one or more expanded states, depending upon the particular application.
- the crown member 820 has a pair of forward positioned flanges 822 ( FIGS. 8 c , 9 c , 10 ) which are pivotally connected to the base 292 by a pivot pin 830 of a pivot 824 positioned at the front of the base 292 .
- the forward flanges 822 are received in a corresponding opening 832 ( FIG. 10 ) defined by a nose member 834 of the base 292 and positioned at the front of the base 292 .
- the crown member 820 pivots vertically between the stowed position depicted in FIGS. 8 a , 8 c and the deployed position depicted in FIGS. 9 a , 9 c .
- the interior engagement form 120 includes a torsion spring 836 ( FIGS. 8 b , 8 c , 9 b , 9 c ) of the biasing device 296 ( FIG. 2 a ).
- the torsion spring 836 is carried by the pivot pin 830 and includes an engagement member 836 a engaging the underside of the crown engagement member 820 to bias the crown engagement member 820 from the stowed, contracted position depicted in FIG. 8 c , and to the deployed, expanded position depicted in FIGS. 9 c and 9 d .
- Contraction of the crown engagement member 820 is limited by a pair of posts 838 extending from the base 292 which are positioned to engage the underside of the crown engagement member 820 to inhibit excessive contraction in the stowed, contracted position depicted in FIG. 8 c .
- springs such as coil springs may be added to or substituted for the torsion spring 836 .
- the coil springs may be secured at one end by a corresponding post of the pair of posts 838 extending from the base 292 .
- the other end of such a coil spring may be secured to the underside of the crown engagement member 820 by suitable fasteners or female cavities of the crown engagement member 820 , which may be positioned to receive the upper ends of the coil springs.
- the crown engagement member 820 is not latched and is not actuated by the slide actuator 230 . Instead, in this embodiment the crown engagement member 820 is free to be compressed in an expanded state as the user inserts the interior engagement form 120 into the toe box area of the shoe.
- the torsion spring 836 further continues to apply a bias force to the crown member 820 in a deployed state.
- the interior engagement form 120 applies pressure to the upper portion of the interior 210 of the shoe toe box area 224 , to shape the shoe toe box area 224 , particularly in the upper portion of the toe box area 224 .
- the crown engagement member may be latched in one or more of a contracted or stowed position and a deployed or expanded position. It is further appreciated that in some embodiments, the crown engagement member may be actuated by a suitable actuator to actuate the crown engagement member to or from, as appropriate, a contracted or stowed position or a deployed or expanded position.
- the base 292 includes a generally flat platform 840 having a supporting slide surface 842 which supports the wing engagement members 812 , 814 for sliding motion between the stowed, contracted position depicted in FIGS. 8 a -8 c , and the deployed, expanded position depicted in FIGS. 9 a -9 e .
- the slide actuator 230 coupled to the expander 260 ( FIGS. 2 b , 8 b , 9 b ), actuates the expander 260 to drive the wing engagement members 812 , 814 ( FIG. 10 ) apart in one or more directions generally parallel to the plane of the supporting slide surface 842 of the platform 840 of the base 292 .
- the wing engagement members 812 - 814 of the illustrated embodiment are configured for sliding motion in a primarily lateral direction, it is appreciated that the wing engagement members may be configured for other types of engagement motion including pivoting motions or vertical motions, for example.
- the engagement members 812 - 820 do not engage the interior 210 of the shoe directly.
- the outer surface 242 ( FIG. 2 a ) of the expandable shoe interior engagement form 120 includes a fabric shroud 130 ( FIG. 1 ) which covers the crown member 820 and the lateral wing members 812 , 814 of the shoe interior engagement form 120 .
- the fabric 130 may be made of a moisture and odor absorbing fabric such as an anti-microbial fabric. It is appreciated that in other embodiments, the fabric shroud may be made of other materials, including foam inserts encasing the engagement members, depending upon the particular application.
- the engagement members 812 - 820 may engage the interior 210 of the shoe directly, such that a shroud 130 may be omitted.
- the sled member 850 of the slide actuator 230 is coupled by a link member 851 ( FIGS. 8 c , 9 c and 10 ) to the expander 260 of the interior engagement form 120 .
- the sled member 850 includes a leaf spring 850 a which is integrally formed from one end of the link member 851 which is curved back upon the link member 851 to form the integral, C-shaped, ribbon-shaped leaf spring 850 a . It is appreciated that in other embodiments, a sled member or a spring may be formed separately and affixed to the link member 851 .
- the link member 851 passes through the guide track 852 of the actuator housing assembly 856 and thus moves along the arm 280 . As best seen in FIG.
- the link member 851 is sufficiently flexible to accommodate the pivotal motion between the actuator arm 280 and the platform 840 of the base 292 .
- a relatively flat, ribbon-shaped link member 851 provides sufficient flexibility to bend in the pivot direction of the arm 280 in a range of approximately 90 degrees, as the arm moves between the upright ( FIG. 9 c ) and lowered positions ( FIG. 8 c ).
- the link member 851 is bent in an approximately 100 degree angle when the arm 280 is pivoted up to the upright position ( FIG. 9 c ) and is bent in an approximately 170 degree angle when the arm 280 is pivoted downward to the lowered position ( FIG. 8 c ) and may be bent in each angle therebetween.
- the link member 85 a is sufficiently resistant to compression by the sliding sled member 850 when the link member 851 is used in the push rod mode, and is sufficiently resistant to stretching when used in the pull rod mode.
- the link member 851 and the integral leaf spring 850 a are formed of flexible spring steel.
- a suitable lubricant may be applied to the link member 851 or to the guide track 852 , or both, to facilitate the sliding motion of the link member 851 within the guide track 852 . It is appreciated that other shapes and a variety of materials may be utilized, depending upon the particular application.
- the expander 260 of the interior engagement form 120 includes an expander member 860 which as best seen in FIG. 10 is generally flat and wedge-shaped.
- the expander member 860 is coupled to the distal end 861 of the link member 851 and is supported by the platform 840 of the base 292 .
- the expander member 860 slides over the supporting surface 842 of the platform 840 in response to the push motion provided by the link member 851 .
- the expander member 860 engages one or more movable engagement members 812 , 814 of the shoe interior engagement form 120 to move engagement members 812 , 814 forward and outwardly from the contracted state of FIG.
- the link member 851 may push the expander member 860 forward or pull the expander member 860 back, in response to the user's actuation of the actuator button 270 , whether the arm 280 is pivoted up to the upright position such that the link member 851 is bent in an approximately 100 degree angle, or the arm 280 is pivoted downward to the lowered position such that the link member 85 a is bent in an approximately 170 degree angle, or the arm 280 is pivoted to an intermediate position between the positions depicted in FIGS. 8 c and 9 c.
- the expander member inclined engagement surfaces 862 a , 862 b are inclined relative to each other at an angle of 40 degrees. It is appreciated that other angles may be suitable such as an angle in the range of 30-90 degrees, for example, depending upon the particular application. In some embodiments, the more narrow the angle between the engagement surfaces of the expander, the greater the travel of the expander for a given amount of expansion of the wing engagement members. Conversely, the more wide the angle between the engagement surfaces of the expander, the less the expander travels for a given amount of expansion of the wing engagement members.
- the expander member 860 is depicted as a symmetrical, wedge-shaped member, it is appreciated that other shapes including curved or nonsymmetrical, for example, may be appropriate, again, depending upon the particular application.
- the latch 250 is a ratchet latch which includes an internal rack 880 which is integrally formed within the recess 854 of the actuator housing assembly components 856 a , 856 b .
- the rack 880 has parallel rows of spaced ratchet teeth 882 , one row in each housing component 856 a , 856 b , which cooperate with a flexible pawl 884 extending from the leaf spring 850 a of the sled member 850 .
- the upper surface of the pawl 884 is coupled by a tab member 885 to the user manipulatable knob 270 of the slide actuator 230 .
- the rack 880 defines a central guide slot 886 ( FIG.
- the tab member 885 of the sled member 850 of the slide actuator 230 extends ( FIG. 8 c ).
- the tab member 885 also extends through a central guide slot 887 of the housing component 858 a of the outer housing assembly 858 of the arm 280 .
- longitudinal traversal of the sled member 850 through the arm 280 is guided by the guide track 852 as well as the tubular enclosure 853 which limit lateral movement of the sled member 850 . It is appreciated that such limits may vary or be eliminated in other embodiments, depending upon the particular application.
- FIG. 8 c depicts the latch 250 in a latched position in which the pawl 884 engages one of the teeth 882 of the rack 880 .
- the latch 250 may be unlatched by the user depressing the knob 270 to flex the leaf spring 850 a of the sled 850 and push the pawl 884 away from and out of engagement which the teeth 882 of the rack 880 .
- the guide pins 866 a , 866 b and 868 a , 868 b are fastened to the slide surface 842 of the platform 840 and are received by guide slots 870 a , 870 b and 872 a , 872 b respectively, for the wing engagement members 812 , 814 , respectively.
- the guide pins 866 a , 866 b and 868 a , 868 b each include a fastener 1000 which passes through a collar 1010 and is threadably received by a guide pin base 1020 integrally formed to extend from the slide surface 842 of the base 292 .
- the guide slots 870 a , 870 b are longitudinal in shape and generally parallel to each other with the longitudinal axis 1100 a , 1100 b of each of the guide slots 870 a , 870 b being oriented generally parallel to each other and orthogonal to the inclined engagement surface 862 a of the expander member 860 and the inclined engagement surface 864 a of the wing engagement member 812 .
- the guide slots 872 a , 872 b are longitudinal in shape with the longitudinal axis 1110 a , 1110 b of each of the guide slots 872 a , 872 b being oriented generally parallel to each other and orthogonal to the inclined engagement surface 862 b of the expander member 860 and the inclined engagement surface 864 b of the wing engagement member 814 . Accordingly, the wing engagement members are generally directed for movement in a direction defined by the guide slot longitudinal axes 1100 a , 110 b , 1110 a , 1110 b.
- the shoe treatment device 110 defines a longitudinal axis 1120 which corresponds generally with the longitudinal axis of the shoe when the device 110 is inserted into the shoe.
- the longitudinal axis 1120 corresponds generally to the toe to heel direction of the shoe.
- Orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 1120 is a transverse axis 1130 corresponding generally to the left-right direction of the shoe.
- the orientation of the longitudinal axis 1100 a , 110 b , 1110 a , 1110 b of each of the guide slots 870 a , 870 b and 872 a , 872 b respectively is angled at approximately 70 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis 1120 of the shoe treatment device 110 .
- each wing engagement member 812 , 814 may include both a forward-reverse direction component parallel to the device longitudinal axis 1120 and a side to side direction component parallel to the device transverse axis 1120 .
- the longitudinal axes 1100 a , 1100 b , 1110 a , 1110 b of the guide slots 870 a , 870 b and 872 a , 872 b may be angled at other angles such as angles in a range of 10-90 degrees, for example. Other angles may be suitable, depending upon the particular application.
- each guide slot 870 a , 870 b and 872 a , 872 b is substantially larger than the diameter of the associated guide pin 866 a , 866 b and 868 a , 868 b as shown in FIG. 12 d for the guide slot 870 a , for example.
- the wing engagement members 812 , 814 have a degree of independent freedom of movement which permits the wing engagement members 812 , 814 to move laterally independently of each other.
- schematic diagram FIG. 12 a depicts the wing engagement members 812 , 814 in a stowed, contracted position.
- This stowed, contracted position of the wing engagement members 812 , 814 may correspond to a first position 1300 of the user-manipulatable knob 270 of the slide actuator 230 as shown in FIG. 13 a .
- the pawl 884 of the slide actuator 230 is in the latched position, engaging teeth 882 of the rack 880 as shown in the top schematic cross-sectional diagram of FIG. 13 c.
- the user may then engage the user manipulatable knob 270 , using the user's thumb, for example, to pivot the knob 270 as shown in FIG. 13 b and to contract the leaf spring 850 a , so that the pawl 884 disengages from the rack 880 to unlatch the slide actuator 230 .
- the user may push the knob 270 toward the front of the shoe treatment device.
- pushing the knob 270 of the slide actuator 230 toward the front of the shoe treatment device causes the interior engagement form 120 ( FIG. 2 a ) to expand.
- the farther forward the knob 270 is pushed toward the front of the shoe treatment device the greater the degree of expansion of the interior engagement form 120 as indicated by the arrow 1304 .
- slide actuator position 1310 ( FIG. 13 a ) may correspond to the deployed, expanded positions of the wing engagement members 812 , 814 as depicted in FIG. 12 b , for example.
- the expander member 860 has been pushed forward along the longitudinal axis 1120 of the shoe treatment device by the link member 851 of the slide actuator, thereby driving the wing engagement members 812 , 814 a particular equidistance apart and a particular equidistance forward.
- the lateral movements of the wing engagement members 812 , 814 in the example of FIG. 12 b are symmetrical in the left-right relative to the longitudinal axis 1120 and equidistant in the toe-heel direction relative to a transverse axis 1130 .
- the expander member 860 may travel approximately one inch from the stowed position of FIG. 12 a to the deployed position of FIG. 12 b .
- the wing engagement members may as a result of this travel of the expander member, in one embodiment, separate from each other a left/right (transverse) distance of approximately three-quarters of an inch from the stowed position of FIG. 12 a to the deployed position of FIG. 12 b .
- each wing engagement member travels laterally a distance of approximately three-eighths of an inch in response to the expander member travel of approximately one inch in the longitudinal direction.
- the wing engagement members may as a result, in one embodiment, travel forward a longitudinal distance of approximately one-eighth of an inch from the stowed position of FIG. 12 a to the deployed position of FIG. 12 b .
- the ratio of the expander longitudinal travel to the wing engagement member left-right lateral travel is approximately 3 to 1 in the illustrated embodiment, and the ratio of the expander forward longitudinal travel to the wing engagement member forward longitudinal travel is approximately 8 to 1. It is believed that a ratio of expander travel to wing engagement member travel in excess of unity facilitates ease of use of the shoe treatment device.
- the guide pins 866 a , 866 , 868 a , 868 b may be positioned toward the forward edge and distal end of the associated guide slot 870 a , 870 b , 872 a , 872 b , respectively.
- the guide pins 866 a , 866 , 868 a , 868 b may be positioned toward the forward edge and distal end of the associated guide slot 870 a , 870 b , 872 a , 872 b , respectively.
- the guide slots 870 a , 870 b , 872 a , 872 b may have moved relative to the associated guide pins 866 a , 866 , 868 a , 868 b , respectively, such that the guide pins 866 a , 866 , 868 a , 868 b may be positioned toward the center of the associated guide slot 870 a , 870 b , 872 a , 872 b , respectively.
- Slide actuator position 1320 may correspond to another deployed, expanded position of the wing engagement members 812 , 814 as depicted in FIG. 12 c , for example.
- the expander member 860 has been pushed further along the longitudinal axis 1120 of the shoe treatment device by the link member 851 of the slide actuator, in the forward direction, as compared to that shown in FIG. 12 b .
- FIG. 12 b In the example, of FIG.
- the shoe exerts greater resistance to lateral movement of the right wing engagement member 814 as compared to that exerted upon the left wing engagement member.
- the right wing engagement member 814 stops at a position similar to that depicted for the right wing engagement member 814 in FIG. 12 b .
- the guide slots 872 a , 872 b may have moved relative to the associated guide pins, 868 a , 868 b , respectively, such that the guide pins 868 a , 868 b may remain positioned toward the center of the associated guide slot 872 a , 872 b , respectively.
- the shoe treatment device can accommodate asymmetric lateral movements of the wing engagement members 812 , 814 .
- the expander member 860 is coupled to the slide actuator link member 851 by a coupler 1400 integrally formed with the link member 851 .
- the coupler 1400 defines a guide slot 1410 which receives a coupler pin 1420 of the link member 851 .
- the guide slot 1410 permits the expander member 860 to move laterally relative to the link member 851 .
- the coupler pin 1420 has a cap member 1430 which, in the illustrated embodiment, has a diameter of sufficient size to retain the coupler pin 1420 in the guide slot 1410 .
- the expander member 860 moves aligned with the longitudinal axis 1120 and the link member 851 .
- the coupler pin 1420 is depicted centered in the guide slot 1410 of the coupler 1400 in the examples of FIGS. 12, 12 b.
- the wing engagement members 812 , 814 are driven an asymmetric distance apart and an asymmetric distance forward.
- the lateral movements of the wing engagement members 812 , 814 in the example of FIG. 12 b are asymmetrical in the left-right direction about the longitudinal axis 1120 and asymmetrical in the toe-heel direction relative to a transverse axis 1130 .
- the coupler pin 1420 secured to the expander member 860 is depicted as moving leftward with the expander member 860 toward the left end of the guide slot 1410 of the coupler 1400 . In this manner, the coupler 1400 accommodates left-right lateral displacement of the expander member 860 relative to the link member 851 and the longitudinal axis 1200 .
- the guide pins 866 a , 866 , 868 a , 868 b may be positioned toward the forward edge and distal end of the associated guide slot 870 a , 870 b , 872 a , 872 b , respectively. Also, as a result of the lateral movement of the engagement member 814 as depicted in FIG.
- the guide slots 872 a , 872 b may have moved relative to the associated guide pins 868 a , 868 b , respectively, such that the guide pins 868 a , 868 b may be positioned toward the center of the associated guide slot 872 a , 872 b , respectively.
- the engagement members 812 as depicted in FIG.
- the guide slots 870 a , 870 b may have moved relative to the associated guide pins 866 a , 866 b , such that the guide pins 866 a , 866 may be positioned toward the rearward edge and the proximal (right) end of the associated guide slot 870 a , 870 b , respectively.
- the nose member 834 ( FIG. 10 ) of the base 292 may define angled guide surfaces 1140 as shown in phantom in FIG. 12 c to guide the longitudinal and lateral travel of the wing engagement members 812 , 814 .
- each tooth 882 of the rack 880 defines a latch position and a corresponding selectable expanded (or contracted) state of the interior engagement form 120 . It is believed that the number of individual latch positions and associated engagement form expansion/contraction states may be in a range of 2-20, for example. However, it is appreciated that the number of such individual latch positions and associated engagement form expansion/contraction states may vary, depending upon the particular application.
- the interior engagement form 120 may have one or more foot feature extension members 1450 ( FIGS. 14 a , 14 b ) which are shaped to simulate a bunion or other foot feature which the device user may have on one or more of the user's feet.
- the foot feature simulating extension member 1450 may be fastened to the exterior of a wing engagement member as represented by the wing engagement member 812 , for example.
- the wing engagement member has a hook and loop type fastener strip 1460 affixed to the side of the wing engagement member 812 .
- the foot feature simulating extension member 1450 has a cooperating hook and loop type fastener strip 1470 ( FIG. 14 b ) affixed to the bottom of the bunion simulating extension member 1450 . Accordingly, the foot feature simulating extension member 1450 may be readily attached to the wing engagement member 812 at an appropriate location along the length of the fastener strip 1460 to match the corresponding location of the actual bunion or foot feature on the user's foot.
- the foot feature simulating extension member 1450 may be readily unfastened from the fastener strip 1460 and relocated and refastened as appropriate on the fastener strip 1460 to simulate the location of the actual bunion or other foot feature.
- the shoe treatment device 110 may treat the user's shoes to maintain shape and stretch the shoe as appropriate to accommodate special needs such as a bunion, for example.
- the shoe treatment device may include an assortment of bunion or other foot feature simulating extension members similar to the foot feature simulating extension member 1450 in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different shapes and sizes of bunions or other foot features of the user.
- the member 1450 may be attached to the appropriate wing extension member.
- the foot feature simulating extension member 1450 may be covered by the fabric enclosure 130 . In other embodiments, the fabric enclosure 130 may be omitted.
- the user may again engage the user manipulatable knob 270 , using the user's thumb, for example, to pivot the knob 270 as shown in FIG. 13 b and to contract the leaf spring 850 a , so that the pawl 884 disengages from the rack 880 to unlatch the slide actuator 230 .
- the user may pull the knob 270 toward the rear of the shoe treatment device.
- pulling the knob 270 of the slide actuator 230 toward the rear or heel of the shoe treatment device causes the interior engagement form 120 ( FIG. 2 a ) to contract.
- the form 120 may contract as the slide actuator 230 is moved rearward, while the form 120 remains in place in the toe box until the desired degree of contraction is achieved.
- the farther forward the knob 270 is pushed toward the rear of the shoe treatment device the greater the degree of contraction of the interior engagement form 120 as indicated by the arrow 1304 .
- slide actuator position 1300 ( FIG. 13 a ) may correspond to the stowed, contracted positions of the wing engagement members 812 , 814 as depicted in FIG. 12 a , for example.
- the expander member 860 has been pulled backward along the longitudinal axis 1120 of the shoe treatment device by the link member 851 of the slide actuator, thereby allowing the wing engagement members 812 , 814 biased by the spring 844 ( FIG. 8 b ) to return to the stowed position to facilitate removal of the treatment device from the shoe.
- the form 120 Once the form 120 has been contracted and latched in the desired contraction state, the form may be readily removed from the toe box reducing or eliminating potential damage to the shoe caused by withdrawal of the treatment device.
- shoe treatment devices having a slide actuator in accordance with the present description may be used to substantially maintain, the original shape and fit of a shoe, or to stretch a shoe as appropriate
- Other aspects may be realized in addition thereto or instead of those described herein, depending upon the particular application.
- Example 1 is directed to a method, comprising: inserting a shoe treatment device having an expandable, interior engagement form into the interior of a toe box of a shoe while the expandable toe box interior engagement form is in a latched, contracted state; unlatching the expandable toe box interior engagement form from the latched, contracted state; sliding a movable slide actuator and link member coupling the slide actuator to the expandable toe box interior engagement form, along an arm of the of the device, from a first position to a second position toward the expandable toe box interior engagement form; expanding the expandable toe box interior engagement form to an expanded state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe as the movable slide actuator and the link member slide to the second position, to treat the interior of the toe box of the shoe; and latching the expandable toe box interior engagement form in the expanded state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe.
- Example 2 the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include pivoting the arm wherein the link member extends from the interior of the shoe to the exterior of the shoe and the pivoting arm extends to the exterior of the shoe so that the first and second positions of the movable slide actuator are both exterior to the shoe.
- Example 3 the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the sliding the movable slide actuator and the link member includes sliding the movable slide actuator and the link member along a guide track disposed within the arm and guiding the movable slide actuator and the link member from the first position to the second position.
- Example 5 the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the sliding the movable slide actuator includes sliding the movable slide actuator along a guide slot defined by a housing of the arm, and configured to guide the movable slide actuator from the first position to the second position.
- the sliding the movable slide actuator includes sliding the movable slide actuator along a guide slot defined by a housing of the arm, and configured to guide the movable slide actuator from the first position to the second position.
- Example 6 the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the engaging the movable slide actuator with a ratchet latch includes moving a spring tensioned pawl of the movable slide actuator from an unengaged position to an engaged position in which the pawl engages the ratchet latch of the guide member.
- Example 11 the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the unlatching the expandable toe box interior engagement form includes disengaging the movable slide actuator from ratchet teeth of a ratchet latch disposed along a guide member guiding the movable slide actuator and wherein the disengaging the movable slide actuator from ratchet teeth of the ratchet latch includes pivoting a pawl of the movable slide actuator from an engaged position to a disengaged position in which the pawl disengages from the ratchet teeth of the ratchet latch.
- Example 12 the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the contracting the expandable toe box interior engagement form to a contracted state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe as the movable slide actuator slides toward the first position includes the movable slide actuator pulling the link member and the expander member backward away from the front of the toe box of the shoe, and a spring member drawing the wing engagement members inwardly back together.
- Example 14 is directed to a shoe treatment device for use with a shoe having a toe box, comprising: an expandable, interior engagement form having a contracted state and expandable to an expanded state wherein the expandable, interior engagement form is configured to engage the interior of the toe box of the shoe in the expanded state; an arm coupled to the engagement form; a movable slide actuator disposed on the arm and configured to slide along the arm from a first position to a second position; a link member coupling the slide actuator to the interior engagement form and configured to slide along the arm from a first position to a second position, wherein the expandable toe box interior engagement form is configured to expand to the expanded state as the movable slide actuator slides to the second position; and a latch configured to selectively latch the expandable toe box interior engagement form in a selected state of a plurality of states including the contracted state and the expanded state.
- Example 17 the subject matter of Examples 14-23 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the latch is a ratchet latch having ratchet teeth disposed along the guide track and configured to releasably latch the movable slide actuator in the second position of the movable slide actuator to latch the expandable toe box interior engagement form in the expanded state.
- the latch is a ratchet latch having ratchet teeth disposed along the guide track and configured to releasably latch the movable slide actuator in the second position of the movable slide actuator to latch the expandable toe box interior engagement form in the expanded state.
- Example 21 the subject matter of Examples 14-23 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the link member is ribbon-shaped and wherein the expandable toe box interior engagement form includes opposing wing engagement members, a spring biasing the wing engagement members together, and a wedge-shaped expander member coupled to the movable slide actuator by the ribbon-shaped link member, and positioned between and configured to engage the opposing wing engagement members of the expandable toe box interior engagement form as the movable slide actuator slides to the second position of the actuator, driving the link member and the expander member forward toward the front of the toe box of the shoe, and driving the wing engagement members apart.
- the link member is ribbon-shaped and wherein the expandable toe box interior engagement form includes opposing wing engagement members, a spring biasing the wing engagement members together, and a wedge-shaped expander member coupled to the movable slide actuator by the ribbon-shaped link member, and positioned between and configured to engage the opposing wing engagement members of the expandable toe box interior engagement form as the movable
- Example 24 is directed to an apparatus comprising means to perform a method as described in any preceding Example 1-13.
Abstract
In accordance with one aspect of the present description, a shoe treatment device is provided having a shoe interior engagement form expandable from a latched, contracted state to an expanded state. A user operated slide actuator positioned exterior to the shoe may drive the engagement form to expand to the expanded state. The slide actuator may be actuated to contract the engagement form back to the contracted state. A latch may latch the engagement form in the selected contracted or expansion state to facilitate insertion and removal and treatment of the shoe. Other aspects are described.
Description
- A device often referred to as a “shoe tree” may be inserted into a shoe to help maintain the shape of the shoe while the shoe is being stored until the shoe is worn again. Such a shape protection device typically has one or more components often referred to as a “form” which are shaped to resemble portions of a human foot. These components are often made of wood such as cedar to absorb moisture and control odors.
- Other shoe devices are intended to enlarge a shoe. Such shoe stretching devices may include an expansion mechanism to stretch at least a portion of the shoe.
- Some shoe devices are fixed in size and shape. Other shoe devices have multiple components linked by various mechanical devices which may be adjusted or actuated to change the size or shape of the shoe device. For example, a threaded bolt linking toe and heel components may be rotated to change the length of the shoe device to one suitable for a particular shoe size. Other designs may have components linked by springs to apply pressure to the interior of the shoe. Still other designs may have a pivoting over-center mechanical device to drive components of the shoe device in place within the interior of the shoe.
- Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a pair of shoe treatment devices in accordance with the present description; -
FIG. 2a is a front, schematic, cross-sectional view as viewed along the lines 2 a-2 a ofFIGS. 3 and 2 a-2 a ofFIG. 4a , illustrating one embodiment of a shoe treatment device in accordance with the present description, in which an expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted in a latched, laterally contracted state and in a vertically expanded state, while inserted into a shoe. -
FIG. 2b is a front, schematic, cross-sectional view as viewed along the lines 2 b-2 b ofFIG. 4b , illustrating the shoe treatment device ofFIG. 2a , in which the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted in a latched, laterally expanded state and in a vertically expanded state, while inserted into a shoe. -
FIG. 2c is a front, schematic, cross-sectional view as viewed along the lines 2 c-2 c ofFIG. 4b , illustrating the shoe treatment device ofFIG. 2a , in which the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted in a latched, and further laterally expanded state and in a vertically expanded state, while inserted into a shoe. -
FIG. 3 depicts a shoe treatment device ofFIG. 1 inserted into a shoe; -
FIG. 4a is a side, schematic diagram, illustrating the shoe treatment device ofFIG. 2a in which the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted in a latched, laterally contracted state and in a vertically expanded state, while inserted into a shoe. -
FIG. 4b is a side, schematic diagram, illustrating the shoe treatment device ofFIG. 2b in which the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted in a latched, laterally expanded state and in a vertically expanded state, while inserted into a shoe. -
FIG. 4c is a side, schematic diagram, illustrating the shoe treatment device ofFIG. 2c in which the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted in a latched, and further laterally expanded state and in a vertically expanded state, while inserted into a shoe. -
FIG. 5a is a side, schematic diagram, illustrating another shoe treatment device in accordance with another embodiment of the present description in which a rear extension member is depicted pivoted up out of a shoe while the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted inserted into the shoe. -
FIG. 5b is a side, schematic diagram, illustrating the shoe device ofFIG. 5a in which the rear extension member is depicted pivoted down and into the interior of the shoe while the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted inserted into the shoe. -
FIG. 6a is a side, schematic diagram, illustrating another shoe treatment device in accordance with another embodiment of the present description in which a rear extension member is depicted pivoted up out of a shoe while the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted inserted into the shoe. -
FIG. 6b is a side, schematic diagram, illustrating the shoe device ofFIG. 6a in which the rear extension member is depicted pivoted down and into the interior of the shoe while the expandable shoe interior engagement form is depicted inserted into the shoe. -
FIG. 7a depicts one example of operations in accordance with one aspect of the present description, utilizing a shoe treatment device in accordance with one embodiment of the present description. -
FIG. 7b depicts another example of operations in accordance with another aspect of the present description, utilizing a shoe treatment device in accordance with one embodiment of the present description. -
FIG. 8a is a top, front, perspective view of one embodiment of a shoe treatment device in accordance with one aspect of the present description depicting a slide actuator on a pivoting arm, and a shoe interior engagement form shown in a contracted state. -
FIG. 8b is a top view of the shoe interior engagement form ofFIG. 8a shown in a contracted state with a crown engagement member omitted, for clarity. -
FIG. 8c is a side cross-sectional view of the pivoting slide actuator and shoe interior engagement form ofFIG. 8a shown in a contracted state. -
FIG. 9a is a top, front perspective view of the slide actuator and pivoting arm ofFIG. 8a , and shoe interior engagement form ofFIG. 8a shown in an expanded state. -
FIG. 9b is a top view of the shoe interior engagement form ofFIG. 9a shown in an expanded state with a crown engagement member omitted, for clarity. -
FIG. 9c is a side cross-sectional view of the slide actuator and pivoting arm ofFIG. 9a , and the shoe interior engagement form ofFIG. 9a shown in an expanded state. -
FIG. 9d is a rear view of the shoe interior engagement form ofFIG. 9a shown in an expanded state. -
FIG. 9e is a bottom, rear perspective view of the shoe interior engagement form ofFIG. 9a shown in an expanded state. -
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of one embodiment of components of a shoe treatment device in accordance with one aspect of the present description. -
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of an expander member and wing engagement members of the shoe interior engagement form ofFIG. 8b as viewed along the lines 11-11. -
FIG. 12a is a top view schematic diagram of an expander member and lateral wing engagement members of a shoe interior engagement form in accordance with one embodiment of the present description, depicted in a lateral contracted state. -
FIG. 12b is a top view schematic diagram of the expander member and lateral wing engagement members ofFIG. 12a , depicted in a symmetrically displaced, lateral expanded state. -
FIG. 12c is a top view schematic diagram of the expander member and lateral wing engagement members ofFIG. 12a , depicted in an asymmetrically displaced, lateral expanded state. -
FIG. 12d is a top view schematic of a guide slot of a wing engagement member ofFIG. 12 a. -
FIG. 13a is a partial side view schematic diagram of a slide actuator for a shoe interior engagement form in accordance with one embodiment of the present description, depicted in various positions, each position corresponding to an associated latched, expanded or contracted state of the shoe interior engagement form. -
FIG. 13b is a partial side view schematic diagram of the slide actuator ofFIG. 13a depicted in an unlatched position. -
FIG. 13c is a top schematic cross-sectional diagram of the slide actuator ofFIG. 13a in a latched position as viewed along thelines 13 c-13 c ofFIG. 13 a. -
FIG. 14a is a side view of a wing engagement member having a foot feature simulating extension member in accordance with one aspect of the present description. -
FIG. 14b is a top view of the foot feature simulating extension member ofFIG. 14 a. - In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and which illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present description.
-
FIG. 1 depicts apair 100 of shoe shape protection and enhancement products referred to herein as “shoe treatment devices” 110 a, 110 b in accordance with one embodiment of the present description. It is believed that theshoe treatment devices shoe treatment devices - In one aspect, each
shoe treatment device interior engagement form 120 which is enclosed in a fabric shroud orenclosure 130 similar to a human sock. Theinterior engagement form 120 has a first size in a latched, contracted state as depicted for theshoe treatment device 110 a ofFIG. 1 , and a second size in a latched, expanded state as depicted for theshoe treatment device 110 b ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 2a is a schematic diagram depicting in schematic form, an example of an expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 of ashoe treatment device 110 in accordance with the present description, inserted in a latched, contracted state, into theinterior 210 of ashoe 220, depicted in a cross-sectional view along the lines 2 a-2 a ofFIGS. 3, 4 a.FIG. 4a is a side view schematic diagram of the shoe treatment device ofFIG. 2 a. - In one embodiment, the expandable shoe
interior engagement form 120 is configured to be inserted into the interior of the toe box area 224 (FIG. 3 ) of theshoe 220, with aslide actuator 230 of theshoe treatment device 110 extending outside of theshoe 220. It is appreciated however, that an expandable shoe interior engagement form in accordance with the present description may be inserted into other areas of the interior of the shoe, depending upon the particular application. Also, theslide actuator 230 may be positioned wholly within theshoe interior 210 in some embodiments. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 2a, 4a the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 has an exterior size in the lateral direction which is smaller than that of theinterior 210 of the toe box 224 (FIG. 3 ) of theshoe 220 when the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 is in the latched, laterally contracted state. As a result, a lateral gap space as represented by thearrows 240 is formed between theouter surface 242 of the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 of theshoe treatment device 110, and the interior 210 defined by an interior surface of theshoe 220. - In the latched, laterally contracted state, the
shoe treatment device 110 facilitates ready insertion of the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 of the shoe treatment device into the interior of ashoe 220 or ready removal from the interior of theshoe 220. For example, inserting the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 of theshoe treatment device 110 a in a latched, laterally contracted, state may facilitate inserting the shoe treatment device farther into thetoe box area 224 of the shoe. Thus, the expandable toe boxinterior engagement form 120 latched in the contracted state may be readily withdrawn from the toe box area or inserted into the toe box area as appropriate. In contrast, prior shoe treatment devices frequently are made of inflexible materials such that the user may jam the prior shoe treatment device into the shoe and damage or improperly stretch delicate materials of the shoe. Conversely, such prior shoe treatment devices may be difficult to extract for users having limited strength or fine motor movement in their hands and fingers. - As explained in greater detail below, the
shoe treatment device 110 may be unlatched and theslide actuator 230 actuated from the exterior of the shoe, to expand theform 120 to a first selected, laterally expanded state as shown inFIG. 2b .FIG. 4b is a side view schematic diagram of the shoe treatment device ofFIG. 2b . In this expanded state, theform 120 has laterally expanded from the size ofFIG. 2a indicated in phantom at 120′ inFIG. 2b , to fit and conform to the intended area of the interior of the shoe. In the first expanded state ofFIG. 2b , the outer surface of the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 engages the inner surface of theinterior 210 of theshoe 220, as indicated at 242′. In one application, the first expandedposition 242′ may represent a suitable expansion position for shoe shape maintenance. - In another aspect of the present description, continued actuation of the
slide actuator 230 may provide for further expansion to a second selected, more expanded state, as shown inFIG. 2c .FIG. 4c is a side view schematic diagram of the shoe treatment device ofFIG. 2c . In this expanded state, theform 120 has laterally expanded again from the size ofFIG. 2a indicated in phantom at 120′ inFIG. 2c , to fit and conform to the intended area of the interior of the shoe. In the second expanded state ofFIG. 2c , the outer surface of the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 engages the inner surface of theinterior 210 of theshoe 220, as indicated at 242″. In one application, the second expandedposition 242″ may represent a suitable expansion position for shoe stretching as well as shape maintenance. - Still further, the
slide actuator 230 may be latched by alatch 250 to latch theshoe treatment device 110 a in the selected contracted or expanded state. Although the figures depict a few examples of different selectable positions of theslide actuator 230 and different states of theinterior engagement form 120, it is appreciated that theactuator 230 of the illustrated embodiment has a wide range of selectable positions corresponding to a wide range of interior engagement form sizes and shapes. Thus, the shoe treatment device may be latched in one of many different selectable contracted or expanded states (as represented by the examples ofFIGS. 2a-2c ), depending upon the position of theslide actuator 230, the position of theinterior engagement form 120 within the shoe, and the particular size, shape and properties of the shoe being treated. In this manner, the degree of lateral expansion may be readily selected and configured to provide a suitable amount of shape maintenance or shoe stretching as appropriate for the user. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
shoe treatment device 110 ofFIG. 3 is shown inserted into theshoe 220 which, in the example ofFIG. 3 , is a women's pump style shoe. The shoe treatment devices of the present description are shaped to fit a multitude of shoe styles including, for example, pumps that have a curvature in thearch area 300. It is appreciated however, that a shoe treatment device in accordance with the present description may be used in a variety of different types of men's and women's shoes, including, for example, flats, boots, booties, athletic shoes, dress shoes, boat shoes, etc. - In another aspect of the present description, to operate the
slide actuator 230 of theshoe treatment device 110, thelatch 250 of theshoe treatment device 110 may be released, which permits theslide actuator 230 to be moved by the user toward the toe of the shoe, which causes anexpander device 260 to apply an engaging force to expand the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 to a larger size such as the first expanded state as shown inFIG. 2b , for example. In the first expanded state ofFIG. 2b , the shoe treatment device may be latched again by thelatch 250 so that the outer surface of the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 is latched in this first selected expanded position so that it engages the inner surface of theinterior 210 of theshoe 220, as indicated at 242′. - In another aspect of the present description, the user may before relatching the
shoe treatment device 110, optionally continue to further slide theslide actuator 230 toward the toe of the shoe, which causes theexpander device 260 to further apply the engaging force to further expand the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 to a still larger size such as the second selected expanded state as shown inFIG. 2c , for example. Once the appropriate expanded position has been reached, the shoe treatment device may be relatched by thelatch 250 so that theshoe treatment device 110 holds the selected expansion position to treat the shoe as appropriate. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
slide actuator 230 includes a user-manipulatable knob 270 which is positioned remotely from the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 of the shoe treatment device. In the example ofFIG. 1 , the user-manipulatable knob 270 is a button which when depressed, releases thelatch 250, permitting the a user-manipulatable knob 270 of theslide actuator 230 to slide, causing the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 to expand to a larger size in an expanded state such as one of the states shown inFIG. 2b or 2 c, for example. Although depicted as a button type slide actuator, it is appreciated that other types of actuator mechanisms may be utilized. For example, threaded shafts, ratchets and over center mechanisms may be used, depending upon the particular application. - As best seen in
FIGS. 4a-4c , the user-manipulatable knob 270 is supported on anarm 280 of theslide actuator 230 of theshoe treatment device 110. Theactuator arm 280 extends to theexterior 290 of theshoe 220 when the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 is positioned in theinterior 210 of theshoe 220. By positioning the user-manipulatable knob 270 remotely such that it extends to the exterior of theshoe 220, it is believed that user operation of the user-manipulatable knob 270 to deploy the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 to a deployed, expanded state may be facilitated since theknob 270 may remain on the exterior of the shoe throughout deployment of theform 120 to the selected expanded and contracted states. It is appreciated however that in other embodiments, the user-manipulatable knob 270 may be positioned fully in the interior of theshoe 220 or partially in the interior of theshoe 220, depending upon the particular application. - In another aspect of the present description, the
arm 280 supporting theslide actuator 230 is pivotally coupled to a base 292 (FIG. 8c ) of theinterior engagement form 120, by apivot 294, which permits thearm 280 to pivot down from a more upright position depicted inFIG. 4a , to a lowered depicted inFIGS. 4b and 4c . It is believed that such a pivoting capability may assist the user in finding a comfortable position to actuate theslide actuator 230 between selected contracted and expanded states of theform 120. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
arm 280 may be pivoted between the upright position ofFIG. 4a and the lowered position depicted inFIGS. 4b, 4c independently of whether the shoeinterior engagement form 120 is in a contracted or deployed (expanded) state, or latched or unlatched state. Similarly, thearm 280 may be pivoted between the upright position ofFIG. 4a and the lowered position depicted inFIGS. 4b, 4c independently of whether theslide actuator 230 is in a contracted or deployed (expanded) position or latched or unlatched state. However, it is appreciated that in some embodiments, user supplied manual movement of thearm 280 may provide the motive force to cause the expansion of the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120. In other embodiments, an expansion force may be provided by other devices such as air pressure or memory shapes, for example, depending upon the particular application. - As explained in greater detail below, to facilitate removal of the
shoe treatment device 110 from the interior of theshoe 220, in another aspect of the present description, the user may again depress the user-manipulatable knob 270 to release thelatch 250, and slide theslide actuator 230 rearward back to the position depicted inFIGS. 2a, 4a . As the user-manipulatable knob 270 of theslide actuator 230 is slid back away from the toe portion of the shoe, theslide actuator 230 permits a biasing device 296 (FIG. 2a ) to contract the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 to the smaller size of the contracted, stowed position ofFIGS. 2a, 4a , to relieve the lateral pressure of engagement between theouter surface 242 of the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 with the inner surface of theinterior 210 of theshoe 220. As a consequence, the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 of theshoe treatment device 110 may be readily removed from theshoe 220 to permit the shoe to be worn by the user. - In another aspect, the
biasing device 296 biases theinterior engagement form 120 to expand in the vertical direction to apply engaging force to the upper portion of theinterior 210 of theshoe 220. In one embodiment, the vertical bias force provided by thebiasing device 292 may operate independently of the lateral engaging force provided by theexpander 260 of theinterior engagement form 120 in response to user actuation of theslide actuator 230. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
arm 280 operates as a pivotally connected lever arm. It is appreciated that in other embodiments, theslide actuator 230 may be carried by mechanical devices other than lever arms, for example. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 2a-4c , theshoe treatment device 110 is depicted as having the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 configured to be inserted into the toe box portion of a shoe. It is appreciated however that a shoe treatment device in accordance with the present description may have other shoe interior engagement forms in addition to or instead of the toe boxinterior engagement form 120 discussed above. For example,FIGS. 5a, 5b show ashoe treatment device 500 having arear extension member 510 which extends rearward from thepivot 294 toward the heel or counter 520 of ashoe 220. Therear extension member 510 may be pivotally connected to the base 292 in a manner similar to that of theactuator arm 280. Thus, therear extension member 510 may be pivoted downward from the position depicted inFIG. 5a until a counterinterior engagement member 530 disposed on the distal end of therear extension member 510 engages thecounter interior 540 at the rear of theshoe interior 210. In this manner, the longitudinal shape and heel shape of theshoe 220 may be maintained by theshoe treatment device 500 while the shoe is being stored. - Conversely, the
rear extension member 510 may be pivoted upward from the position depicted inFIG. 5b until the counterinterior engagement member 530 disposed on the distal end of therear extension member 510 no longer engages thecounter interior 540 at the rear of theshoe interior 210. In this manner, the removal of theshoe treatment device 500 from theshoe 220 may be facilitated, particularly if the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 has contracted to the smaller size of the contracted, stowed position ofFIG. 2a , 4 a. - In one embodiment, the
rear extension member 510 may pivot freely and independently of theactuator arm 280 carrying theslide actuator 230 and may lack a latched state. Thus, a user may grasp therear extension member 510 in the position depicted inFIG. 5a and manually pivot therear extension member 510 downward (FIG. 5b ) or upward (FIG. 5a ) whether or not theslide actuator 230 or theinterior engagement form 120 is latched in position or not. - In another embodiment, the
rear extension member 510 may be coupled to theactuator arm 280 of theslide actuator 230 at the distal end of theactuator arm 280 adjacent to thepivot 294 so that therear extension member 510 and theactuator arm 280 pivot together. - For example, the
rear extension member 510 may be coupled to the base 292 in a fixed manner in the position depicted inFIG. 5b , such that therear extension member 510 does not pivot relative to the base 292 or to the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120. Other coupling techniques may be utilized, depending upon the particular application. - In the positions depicted in
FIGS. 5a and 5b , theslide actuator 230 may remain in the rearward latched position as shown. Hence, theinterior engagement form 120 may remain in the latched, contracted state in various positions of thearm 280 andextender member 510 depicted inFIGS. 5a and 5b . Theslide actuator 230 may then be unlatched, slid forward to the forward latched position similar to that shown inFIG. 4b or 4 c and relatched. When theslide actuator 230 is in the forward latched state, theinterior engagement form 120 is actuated to a selected, expanded state. -
FIGS. 6a, 6b show another example of ashoe treatment device 600 having arear extension member 610 which extends rearward from thearm 280 carrying theslide actuator 230 instead of from thebase 292, toward the heel or counter 520 of ashoe 220. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 6a, 6b , therear extension member 610 is depicted as extending rearwardly from anupper end 230 a of theactuator arm 280. It is appreciated that in other embodiments, therear extension member 610 may extend from other portions of thearm 280, depending upon the particular application. - In one embodiment, the
rear extension member 610 is fixed to theupper end 230 a of theactuator arm 280 and thus does not pivot relative to thearm 280 carrying theslide actuator 230. The other end of thearm 280 is pivotally connected to thebase 292 by thepivot 294. Thus, thearm 280 and therear extension member 610, may be pivoted downward together from the position depicted inFIG. 6a until a counterinterior engagement member 630 disposed on the distal end of therear extension member 610 engages thecounter interior 540 at the rear of theshoe interior 210. In this manner, the shape of theshoe 220 may be maintained by theshoe treatment device 600 while the shoe is being stored. Conversely, thearm 280 carrying theslide actuator 230 and therear extension member 610 may be pivoted upward from the position depicted inFIG. 6b until the counterinterior engagement member 630 disposed on the distal end of therear extension member 610 no longer engages thecounter interior 540 at the rear of theshoe interior 210. In this manner, the removal of theshoe treatment device 600 from theshoe 220 may be facilitated, particularly if the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 has contracted to the smaller size of the contracted, stowed position ofFIG. 2a , 4 a. - In this embodiment, the
rear extension member 610 is coupled directly to thearm 280 so that therear extension member 610 and thearm 280 move together. Thus, to facilitate removal of theshoe treatment device 110 from the interior of theshoe 220, in another aspect of the present description, the user may grasp and pivot either or both of thearm 280 and therear extension member 610 from the position depicted inFIG. 6b , back to an upright position such as that depicted inFIG. 6 a. - In another embodiment, the
rear extension member 610 may be pivotally coupled to thearm 280 carrying theslide actuator 230 so that therear extension member 610 pivots freely relative to thearm 280. Thus, a user may grasp therear extension member 610 in the position depicted inFIG. 6a and manually pivot therear extension member 610 downward or upward whether or not theslide actuator 230 is latched in position or not or whether or not theinterior engagement form 120 is in an expanded state or not. Thus, therear extension member 610 may be pivoted downward from the position depicted inFIG. 6a , until the counterinterior engagement member 630 disposed on the distal end of therear extension member 610 is within thecounter interior 540 at the rear of theshoe interior 210. Thearm 280 carrying theslide actuator 230 may then be pivoted downward to the position depicted inFIG. 6b , causing therear extension member 610 to engage thecounter interior 540 at the rear of theshoe interior 210 as shown inFIG. 6b . In this manner, thearm 280 and theslide actuator 230 pivotally coupled to each other may form an over-center mechanical device to drive forward and rearward components of theshoe treatment device 600 in place within the interior of the shoe. - In the positions depicted in
FIGS. 6a and 6b , theslide actuator 230 may remain in a rearward latched position as shown. Hence, theinterior engagement form 120 may remain in the latched contracted state in the positions of thearm 280 andextender member 610 depicted inFIGS. 6a and 6b . Theslide actuator 230 may then be unlatched, slid forward to the forward to a position similar to that shown inFIG. 4b or 4 c and relatched. When theslide actuator 230 is in the forward latched state, theinterior engagement form 120 is actuated to a latched, expanded state. - In accordance with another aspect of the present description, the
rear extension members rear extension members -
FIG. 7a shows one embodiment of operations in accordance with one aspect of the present description. In one operation, a shoe treatment device having an expandable shoe interior engagement form is inserted (block 700) in a latched, contracted state, into the interior of a shoe. - In another operation, the expandable shoe interior engagement form is released (block 710) from the latched, contracted state, to an unlatched, state while in the interior of the shoe. In addition, a slide actuator such as the
slide actuator 230 is slid (block 720) to expand the expandable shoe interior engagement form so that it engages the interior of the shoe in a first expanded state. - In one aspect of the present description, a first selected expanded state may represent a state suitable for shoe shape and size maintenance. In another aspect of the present description, the user may select (block 730) whether to stretch the shoe as well. If so, the user may slide (block 734) the slide actuator further to expand further the expandable shoe interior engagement form so that it engages the interior of the shoe in a second selected, larger expanded state, to stretch the shoe. The shoe treatment device may then be latched (block 738) in the selected expanded state.
-
FIG. 7b shows another example of operations in accordance with one aspect of the present description. In one operation, the shoe treatment device may be unlatched (block 740) from the selected expanded state. The user may further slide (block 750) the slide actuator to contract the expandable shoe interior engagement form of the shoe treatment device from the selected expanded state to a selected contracted state. In addition, the shoe treatment device may be latched (block 760) in the selected contracted state. Also, the expandable shoe interior engagement form of the shoe treatment device may be withdrawn (block 770) in the latched, contracted state from the interior of the shoe. -
FIGS. 8a-8c and 9a-9e show one embodiment of theinterior engagement form 120 in which thefabric enclosure 130 has been omitted for clarity. In this embodiment, the exterior shape of thearm 280 is elongated and rounded in cross-section. Thearm 280 may be grasped with the user's hand with the user's fingers encircling thearm 280. The user's thumb may be placed upon theslide actuator button 270 and pointed toward theengagement form 120. The user's thumb may be used to slide theslide actuator button 270 selectively towards or away from theengagement form 120, to actuate theslide actuator 230. It is appreciated that other shapes of thearm 280 may be selected, depending upon the particular application. -
FIGS. 8a-8c depict theinterior engagement form 120 in a latched, contracted state, with thearm 280 pivoted down to a lowered position.FIGS. 9a-9e depict theinterior engagement form 120 in a latched, expanded state, and thearm 280 pivoted up to an upright position.FIG. 10 depicts various components of the shoe treatment device in an exploded view. - In the example of
FIGS. 8a-8c and 9a-9e , the shoeinterior engagement form 120 includes lateralwing engagement members FIGS. 8a-8c , and a deployed, expanded position as depicted inFIGS. 9a-9e . The shoeinterior engagement form 120 further includes acrown engagement member 820 movable between a contracted, stowed position depicted inFIGS. 8a, 8c , and a deployed, expanded position depicted inFIGS. 9a and 9c -9 e. - The engagement members 812-820 are shaped such that when in their respective deployed positions, the shoe
interior engagement form 120 in an expanded state is shaped generally to resemble that portion of a human foot which is within the toe box of theshoe 220 when worn. Thus, the shoeinterior engagement form 120 of theshoe treatment device 110 a (FIG. 1 ) may be shaped generally to resemble that portion of a right human foot which is within the toe box of aright shoe 220 when worn. Similarly, the shoeinterior engagement form 120 of theshoe treatment device 110 b (FIG. 1 ) may be shaped generally to resemble that portion of a left human foot which is within the toe box of aleft shoe 220 when worn. It is appreciated that the shoeinterior engagement form 120 may be shaped to have other shapes in one or more expanded states, depending upon the particular application. - The engagement members 812-820 may be made of any suitable material. For example, the engagement members 812-820 may be made of cedar or other moisture and odor absorbing materials. Other materials such as plastic may be used, depending upon the particular application.
- The
crown member 820 has a pair of forward positioned flanges 822 (FIGS. 8c, 9c , 10) which are pivotally connected to thebase 292 by apivot pin 830 of apivot 824 positioned at the front of thebase 292. Theforward flanges 822 are received in a corresponding opening 832 (FIG. 10 ) defined by anose member 834 of thebase 292 and positioned at the front of thebase 292. In this manner, thecrown member 820 pivots vertically between the stowed position depicted inFIGS. 8a, 8c and the deployed position depicted inFIGS. 9a, 9c . In one embodiment,flanges 822 may be received in corresponding guide slots (not shown) of thebase nose member 834 to guide the vertical motion of the crown member 320 to limit lateral motion of thecrown member 820 in that embodiment. It is appreciated however that a degree of lateral motion of a crown member may be appropriate in some embodiments. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
interior engagement form 120 includes a torsion spring 836 (FIGS. 8b, 8c, 9b, 9c ) of the biasing device 296 (FIG. 2a ). Thetorsion spring 836 is carried by thepivot pin 830 and includes anengagement member 836 a engaging the underside of thecrown engagement member 820 to bias thecrown engagement member 820 from the stowed, contracted position depicted inFIG. 8c , and to the deployed, expanded position depicted inFIGS. 9c and 9d . Contraction of thecrown engagement member 820 is limited by a pair ofposts 838 extending from the base 292 which are positioned to engage the underside of thecrown engagement member 820 to inhibit excessive contraction in the stowed, contracted position depicted inFIG. 8c . In another embodiment, springs such as coil springs may be added to or substituted for thetorsion spring 836. For example, in one embodiment, the coil springs may be secured at one end by a corresponding post of the pair ofposts 838 extending from thebase 292. The other end of such a coil spring may be secured to the underside of thecrown engagement member 820 by suitable fasteners or female cavities of thecrown engagement member 820, which may be positioned to receive the upper ends of the coil springs. - In one embodiment, the
crown engagement member 820 is not latched and is not actuated by theslide actuator 230. Instead, in this embodiment thecrown engagement member 820 is free to be compressed in an expanded state as the user inserts theinterior engagement form 120 into the toe box area of the shoe. Thetorsion spring 836 further continues to apply a bias force to thecrown member 820 in a deployed state. As a consequence, theinterior engagement form 120 applies pressure to the upper portion of theinterior 210 of the shoetoe box area 224, to shape the shoetoe box area 224, particularly in the upper portion of thetoe box area 224. - It is appreciated that in some embodiments, the crown engagement member may be latched in one or more of a contracted or stowed position and a deployed or expanded position. It is further appreciated that in some embodiments, the crown engagement member may be actuated by a suitable actuator to actuate the crown engagement member to or from, as appropriate, a contracted or stowed position or a deployed or expanded position.
- As best seen in
FIG. 10 , thebase 292 includes a generallyflat platform 840 having a supportingslide surface 842 which supports thewing engagement members FIGS. 8a-8c , and the deployed, expanded position depicted inFIGS. 9a-9e . In the illustrated embodiment, theslide actuator 230 coupled to the expander 260 (FIGS. 2b, 8b, 9b ), actuates theexpander 260 to drive thewing engagement members 812, 814 (FIG. 10 ) apart in one or more directions generally parallel to the plane of the supportingslide surface 842 of theplatform 840 of thebase 292. Although, the wing engagement members 812-814 of the illustrated embodiment are configured for sliding motion in a primarily lateral direction, it is appreciated that the wing engagement members may be configured for other types of engagement motion including pivoting motions or vertical motions, for example. - In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement members 812-820 do not engage the
interior 210 of the shoe directly. Instead, the outer surface 242 (FIG. 2a ) of the expandable shoeinterior engagement form 120 includes a fabric shroud 130 (FIG. 1 ) which covers thecrown member 820 and thelateral wing members interior engagement form 120. In one embodiment, thefabric 130 may be made of a moisture and odor absorbing fabric such as an anti-microbial fabric. It is appreciated that in other embodiments, the fabric shroud may be made of other materials, including foam inserts encasing the engagement members, depending upon the particular application. In addition, in other embodiments, the engagement members 812-820 may engage theinterior 210 of the shoe directly, such that ashroud 130 may be omitted. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
wing engagement members interior engagement form 120 are biased by the biasing device 296 (FIGS. 2a-2c, 8b, 9b ) to contract to a contracted state. Thebiasing device 296 may utilize any device which can provide a suitable biasing force to thewing engagement members interior engagement form 120. For example, thebiasing device 296 may include a coil type spring 844 (FIGS. 8b, 9b ,10) fastened by a fastener 846 (FIG. 8b ) at one end to thewing engagement member 812, and fastened by a similar fastener at the other end of thecoil spring 844 to the otherwing engagement member 814. As theslide actuator 230 is actuated in a reverse direction (toward the heel of the shoe), theexpander 260 is corresponding withdrawn in the reverse direction, allowing thewing engagement members FIG. 8b under the biasing force provided by thecoil spring 844. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
torsion spring 836 biasing thecrown engagement member 820 and thecoil spring 844 biasing thewing engagement members crown member 820, and thelateral wing members interior engagement form 120 adapting to a variety of toe box shapes and sizes. It is appreciated that in other embodiments, the biasing members of thebiasing device 296 may be configured to be operate in a more cooperative fashion, depending upon the particular application. -
FIGS. 8c, 9c , and 10 show one embodiment of theslide actuator 230 which includes a sled member 850 (FIGS. 8c, 9c and 10) which slides along aguide track 852 within thearm 280. Theguide track 852 is defined by a recess 854 (FIG. 10 ) of an actuator housing assembly which includeshousing components actuator arm 280. Thesled member 850 is coupled to the user actuatedknob 270 which the user selectively pushes or pulls along theguide track 852 to drive thesled member 850 forward toward theexpander 260 of theinterior engagement form 120, or rearward away from theexpander 260, respectively. The actuator housing assembly 856 is assembled from thehousing components components outer housing assembly 858 of theactuator arm 280. Theouter housing assembly 858 is assembled fromhousing components suitable fasteners 859. The actuator housing assembly may be nested within spacedrails 858b FIG. 10 ) of thehousing component 858 b. - The
sled member 850 of theslide actuator 230 is coupled by a link member 851 (FIGS. 8c, 9c and 10) to theexpander 260 of theinterior engagement form 120. In the illustrated embodiment, thesled member 850 includes aleaf spring 850 a which is integrally formed from one end of thelink member 851 which is curved back upon thelink member 851 to form the integral, C-shaped, ribbon-shapedleaf spring 850 a. It is appreciated that in other embodiments, a sled member or a spring may be formed separately and affixed to thelink member 851. Thelink member 851 passes through theguide track 852 of the actuator housing assembly 856 and thus moves along thearm 280. As best seen inFIG. 10 , theguide track 852 includes a generallytubular enclosure 853 which encloses a portion of theguide track 852 through which the link member 85 a passes. Theguide track 852 guides thesled member 850 and thelink member 851 which functions as a push rod as thesled member 850 is pushed forward along theguide track 852 toward theexpander 260 and hence thetoe box 224 of the shoe. Conversely, thelink member 851 functions as a pull rod as thesled member 850 is pulled rearward along theguide track 852 away from theexpander 260, and hence away from thetoe box 224 of the shoe. In the illustrated embodiment, thelink member 851 is sufficiently flexible to accommodate the pivotal motion between theactuator arm 280 and theplatform 840 of thebase 292. For example, it is believed that a relatively flat, ribbon-shapedlink member 851 provides sufficient flexibility to bend in the pivot direction of thearm 280 in a range of approximately 90 degrees, as the arm moves between the upright (FIG. 9c ) and lowered positions (FIG. 8c ). For example, in one embodiment, thelink member 851 is bent in an approximately 100 degree angle when thearm 280 is pivoted up to the upright position (FIG. 9c ) and is bent in an approximately 170 degree angle when thearm 280 is pivoted downward to the lowered position (FIG. 8c ) and may be bent in each angle therebetween. - Further, the link member 85 a is sufficiently resistant to compression by the sliding
sled member 850 when thelink member 851 is used in the push rod mode, and is sufficiently resistant to stretching when used in the pull rod mode. In one embodiment, thelink member 851 and theintegral leaf spring 850 a are formed of flexible spring steel. In one embodiment, a suitable lubricant may be applied to thelink member 851 or to theguide track 852, or both, to facilitate the sliding motion of thelink member 851 within theguide track 852. It is appreciated that other shapes and a variety of materials may be utilized, depending upon the particular application. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
expander 260 of theinterior engagement form 120 includes anexpander member 860 which as best seen inFIG. 10 is generally flat and wedge-shaped. Theexpander member 860 is coupled to thedistal end 861 of thelink member 851 and is supported by theplatform 840 of thebase 292. Theexpander member 860 slides over the supportingsurface 842 of theplatform 840 in response to the push motion provided by thelink member 851. As theexpander member 860 slides forward in response to the push motion provided by thelink member 851, theexpander member 860 engages one or moremovable engagement members interior engagement form 120 to moveengagement members FIG. 8b , to an expanded state depicted inFIG. 9b . Thelink member 851 may push theexpander member 860 forward or pull theexpander member 860 back, in response to the user's actuation of theactuator button 270, whether thearm 280 is pivoted up to the upright position such that thelink member 851 is bent in an approximately 100 degree angle, or thearm 280 is pivoted downward to the lowered position such that the link member 85 a is bent in an approximately 170 degree angle, or thearm 280 is pivoted to an intermediate position between the positions depicted inFIGS. 8c and 9 c. - The
expander member 860 has a pair of recessed inclined engagement surfaces 862 a, 862 b (FIG. 10 ) which are angled relative to each other as the sides of an isosceles triangle, in the illustrated embodiment. As best seen in the cross-sectional schematic diagram ofFIG. 11 , the inclined engagement surfaces 862 a, 862 b (FIG. 10 ) of theexpander member 860 are defined by extending flanges and slidingly engage corresponding inclined engagement surfaces 864 a, 864 b (FIG. 10 ) of extending flanges of thewing engagement members expander member 860 and theengagement members FIG. 11 . It is believed that positioning the flanges of theextender member 860 between the flanges of themembers platform surface 842 facilitates guiding the motion of theexpander member 860 in a horizontal direction. - In the illustrated embodiment, the expander member inclined engagement surfaces 862 a, 862 b are inclined relative to each other at an angle of 40 degrees. It is appreciated that other angles may be suitable such as an angle in the range of 30-90 degrees, for example, depending upon the particular application. In some embodiments, the more narrow the angle between the engagement surfaces of the expander, the greater the travel of the expander for a given amount of expansion of the wing engagement members. Conversely, the more wide the angle between the engagement surfaces of the expander, the less the expander travels for a given amount of expansion of the wing engagement members. Although the
expander member 860 is depicted as a symmetrical, wedge-shaped member, it is appreciated that other shapes including curved or nonsymmetrical, for example, may be appropriate, again, depending upon the particular application. - In the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in
FIGS. 8c, 9c , thelatch 250 is a ratchet latch which includes aninternal rack 880 which is integrally formed within therecess 854 of the actuatorhousing assembly components rack 880 has parallel rows of spacedratchet teeth 882, one row in eachhousing component flexible pawl 884 extending from theleaf spring 850 a of thesled member 850. The upper surface of thepawl 884 is coupled by atab member 885 to the usermanipulatable knob 270 of theslide actuator 230. Therack 880 defines a central guide slot 886 (FIG. 10 ) through which thetab member 885 of thesled member 850 of theslide actuator 230 extends (FIG. 8c ). Thetab member 885 also extends through acentral guide slot 887 of thehousing component 858 a of theouter housing assembly 858 of thearm 280. In the illustrated embodiment, longitudinal traversal of thesled member 850 through thearm 280 is guided by theguide track 852 as well as thetubular enclosure 853 which limit lateral movement of thesled member 850. It is appreciated that such limits may vary or be eliminated in other embodiments, depending upon the particular application. - The
pawl 884 is integrally formed extending from theleaf spring 850 a of thesled member 850 of theslide actuator 230. It is appreciated that in other embodiments, a rack, spring, pawl and other components of thelatch 250 may be fabricated separately and affixed to thelatch 250 of theactuator arm 280. It is further appreciated that other types of mechanisms may provide a suitable latch. Moreover, it is appreciated that in some embodiments of a shoe treatment device in accordance with the present description, a latch may be omitted. -
FIG. 8c depicts thelatch 250 in a latched position in which thepawl 884 engages one of theteeth 882 of therack 880. Thelatch 250 may be unlatched by the user depressing theknob 270 to flex theleaf spring 850 a of thesled 850 and push thepawl 884 away from and out of engagement which theteeth 882 of therack 880. - In the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in
FIGS. 8b, 9b-9e and 10, thepivot 294 pivotally coupling theactuator arm 280 to thebase 292 includes a pair ofouter hinge members actuator housing components pivot 294 further includes a pair ofinner hinge members 898 extending from thebase 292 and received between theouter hinge members pivot pin 900 extends through the pairs ofhinge members hinge members actuator arm 280 andbase 292. - As noted above, the
slide surface 842 of theplatform 840 supports thewing engagement members FIGS. 8a-8c , and the deployed, expanded position depicted inFIGS. 9a-9e . In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding motions of thewing engagement members guide pins FIG. 8b ) for thewing engagement members slide surface 842 of theplatform 840 and are received byguide slots wing engagement members fastener 1000 which passes through acollar 1010 and is threadably received by aguide pin base 1020 integrally formed to extend from theslide surface 842 of thebase 292. Thecollar 1010 has a diameter of sufficient size to retain the associatedguide pin guide slot - As best seen in the schematic diagrams of
FIGS. 12a-12c , theguide slots longitudinal axis 1100 a, 1100 b of each of theguide slots inclined engagement surface 862 a of theexpander member 860 and theinclined engagement surface 864 a of thewing engagement member 812. Similarly, theguide slots longitudinal axis guide slots inclined engagement surface 862 b of theexpander member 860 and theinclined engagement surface 864 b of thewing engagement member 814. Accordingly, the wing engagement members are generally directed for movement in a direction defined by the guide slotlongitudinal axes - The
shoe treatment device 110 defines alongitudinal axis 1120 which corresponds generally with the longitudinal axis of the shoe when thedevice 110 is inserted into the shoe. Hence, thelongitudinal axis 1120 corresponds generally to the toe to heel direction of the shoe. Orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis 1120 is atransverse axis 1130 corresponding generally to the left-right direction of the shoe. In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation of thelongitudinal axis guide slots longitudinal axis 1120 of theshoe treatment device 110. As a result, thelongitudinal axis guide slots expander member 860. Accordingly, the lateral movement of eachwing engagement member longitudinal axis 1120 and a side to side direction component parallel to thedevice transverse axis 1120. It is appreciated however that thelongitudinal axes guide slots - Although the wing engagement members are generally directed for lateral movement in a direction defined by the associated guide slot
longitudinal axes guide slot guide pin FIG. 12d for theguide slot 870 a, for example. As a consequence, thewing engagement members wing engagement members - For example, schematic diagram
FIG. 12a depicts thewing engagement members wing engagement members first position 1300 of the user-manipulatable knob 270 of theslide actuator 230 as shown inFIG. 13a . In thefirst position 1300, thepawl 884 of theslide actuator 230 is in the latched position, engagingteeth 882 of therack 880 as shown in the top schematic cross-sectional diagram ofFIG. 13 c. - The user may then engage the user
manipulatable knob 270, using the user's thumb, for example, to pivot theknob 270 as shown inFIG. 13b and to contract theleaf spring 850 a, so that thepawl 884 disengages from therack 880 to unlatch theslide actuator 230. In the unlatched position, the user may push theknob 270 toward the front of the shoe treatment device. As indicated by thearrow 1304, pushing theknob 270 of theslide actuator 230 toward the front of the shoe treatment device causes the interior engagement form 120 (FIG. 2a ) to expand. In general, the farther forward theknob 270 is pushed toward the front of the shoe treatment device, the greater the degree of expansion of theinterior engagement form 120 as indicated by thearrow 1304. - Once the slide actuator reaches a desired position, the slide actuator may be latched in that position by the user engaging the user
manipulatable knob 270, to pivot the knob upward as shown inFIG. 13a and allowing theleaf spring 850 a to expand, so that thepawl 884 engages theteeth 882 of therack 880 to latch theslide actuator 230 in the desired position with the spring tension supplied by theleaf spring 850 a. Slide actuator position 1310 (FIG. 13a ) may correspond to the deployed, expanded positions of thewing engagement members FIG. 12b , for example. In this example, theexpander member 860 has been pushed forward along thelongitudinal axis 1120 of the shoe treatment device by thelink member 851 of the slide actuator, thereby driving thewing engagement members 812, 814 a particular equidistance apart and a particular equidistance forward. As a result, the lateral movements of thewing engagement members FIG. 12b , are symmetrical in the left-right relative to thelongitudinal axis 1120 and equidistant in the toe-heel direction relative to atransverse axis 1130. - In one embodiment, the
expander member 860 may travel approximately one inch from the stowed position ofFIG. 12a to the deployed position ofFIG. 12b . The wing engagement members may as a result of this travel of the expander member, in one embodiment, separate from each other a left/right (transverse) distance of approximately three-quarters of an inch from the stowed position ofFIG. 12a to the deployed position ofFIG. 12b . Thus, each wing engagement member travels laterally a distance of approximately three-eighths of an inch in response to the expander member travel of approximately one inch in the longitudinal direction. Further, the wing engagement members may as a result, in one embodiment, travel forward a longitudinal distance of approximately one-eighth of an inch from the stowed position ofFIG. 12a to the deployed position ofFIG. 12b . Thus, the ratio of the expander longitudinal travel to the wing engagement member left-right lateral travel is approximately 3 to 1 in the illustrated embodiment, and the ratio of the expander forward longitudinal travel to the wing engagement member forward longitudinal travel is approximately 8 to 1. It is believed that a ratio of expander travel to wing engagement member travel in excess of unity facilitates ease of use of the shoe treatment device. - In the contracted, stowed positions of the
engagement members FIG. 12a , the guide pins 866 a, 866, 868 a, 868 b may be positioned toward the forward edge and distal end of the associatedguide slot engagement members FIG. 12b , theguide slots guide slot - As previously mentioned, the farther forward the
knob 270 is pushed toward the front of the shoe treatment device, the greater the degree of expansion of theinterior engagement form 120 as indicated by thearrow 1304. Slide actuator position 1320 (FIG. 13a ) may correspond to another deployed, expanded position of thewing engagement members FIG. 12c , for example. In this example, theexpander member 860 has been pushed further along thelongitudinal axis 1120 of the shoe treatment device by thelink member 851 of the slide actuator, in the forward direction, as compared to that shown inFIG. 12b . In the example, ofFIG. 12c , the shoe exerts greater resistance to lateral movement of the rightwing engagement member 814 as compared to that exerted upon the left wing engagement member. As a result of such resistance by the shoe, in this example, the rightwing engagement member 814 stops at a position similar to that depicted for the rightwing engagement member 814 inFIG. 12b . Hence, as a result of the lateral movement of theengagement member 814 as depicted inFIG. 12c , theguide slots guide slot - In accordance with another aspect of the present description, the shoe treatment device can accommodate asymmetric lateral movements of the
wing engagement members expander member 860 is coupled to the slideactuator link member 851 by acoupler 1400 integrally formed with thelink member 851. Thecoupler 1400 defines aguide slot 1410 which receives acoupler pin 1420 of thelink member 851. Theguide slot 1410 permits theexpander member 860 to move laterally relative to thelink member 851. Thecoupler pin 1420 has acap member 1430 which, in the illustrated embodiment, has a diameter of sufficient size to retain thecoupler pin 1420 in theguide slot 1410. - In the examples of
FIGS. 12a, 12b , theexpander member 860 moves aligned with thelongitudinal axis 1120 and thelink member 851. Hence, thecoupler pin 1420 is depicted centered in theguide slot 1410 of thecoupler 1400 in the examples ofFIGS. 12, 12 b. - Should one of the wing engagement members such as the
wing engagement member 814 encounter sufficient resistance to continued lateral movement such that the lateral movement of themember 814 ends at the position indicated inFIG. 12c , continued forward movement of thelink member 851 as theslide actuator 230 continues to slide forward from theposition 1310 toward theposition 1320, continues to drive theexpander member 860 forward relative to thetransverse axis 1130 and to the left of the longitudinal axis 1200 as depicted inFIG. 12c . As a result, although thewing engagement member 814 remains in the expanded state depicted inFIGS. 12b, 12c , thewing engagement member 812 continues to slide laterally both in the forward direction and in the leftward direction as shown inFIG. 12c . As a result thewing engagement members wing engagement members FIG. 12b , are asymmetrical in the left-right direction about thelongitudinal axis 1120 and asymmetrical in the toe-heel direction relative to atransverse axis 1130. Accordingly, thecoupler pin 1420 secured to theexpander member 860 is depicted as moving leftward with theexpander member 860 toward the left end of theguide slot 1410 of thecoupler 1400. In this manner, thecoupler 1400 accommodates left-right lateral displacement of theexpander member 860 relative to thelink member 851 and the longitudinal axis 1200. - As previously mentioned, in the contracted, stowed positions of the
engagement members FIG. 12a , the guide pins 866 a, 866, 868 a, 868 b may be positioned toward the forward edge and distal end of the associatedguide slot engagement member 814 as depicted inFIG. 12c , theguide slots guide slot engagement members 812 as depicted inFIG. 12c , theguide slots guide slot FIG. 10 ) of the base 292 may defineangled guide surfaces 1140 as shown in phantom inFIG. 12c to guide the longitudinal and lateral travel of thewing engagement members - Thus, the user may push the
knob 270 along therack 880 until the desired degree of expansion has been achieved, providing a suitable amount of shoe shape maintenance or shoe size stretching, as appropriate. At that point, the user may pivot theknob 270 until thepawl 884 reengages theteeth 882 of therack 880 at the appropriate position to relatch theknob 270 of theslide actuator 230 at that position, which may beposition 1310, orposition 1320, for example which are represented in phantom inFIG. 13a . In the illustrated embodiment, eachtooth 882 of therack 880 defines a latch position and a corresponding selectable expanded (or contracted) state of theinterior engagement form 120. It is believed that the number of individual latch positions and associated engagement form expansion/contraction states may be in a range of 2-20, for example. However, it is appreciated that the number of such individual latch positions and associated engagement form expansion/contraction states may vary, depending upon the particular application. - In accordance with another aspect of the present description, the
interior engagement form 120 may have one or more foot feature extension members 1450 (FIGS. 14a, 14b ) which are shaped to simulate a bunion or other foot feature which the device user may have on one or more of the user's feet. The foot feature simulatingextension member 1450 may be fastened to the exterior of a wing engagement member as represented by thewing engagement member 812, for example. - In the illustrated embodiment, the wing engagement member has a hook and loop
type fastener strip 1460 affixed to the side of thewing engagement member 812. The foot feature simulatingextension member 1450 has a cooperating hook and loop type fastener strip 1470 (FIG. 14b ) affixed to the bottom of the bunion simulatingextension member 1450. Accordingly, the foot feature simulatingextension member 1450 may be readily attached to thewing engagement member 812 at an appropriate location along the length of thefastener strip 1460 to match the corresponding location of the actual bunion or foot feature on the user's foot. The foot feature simulatingextension member 1450 may be readily unfastened from thefastener strip 1460 and relocated and refastened as appropriate on thefastener strip 1460 to simulate the location of the actual bunion or other foot feature. In this manner, theshoe treatment device 110 may treat the user's shoes to maintain shape and stretch the shoe as appropriate to accommodate special needs such as a bunion, for example. - The shoe treatment device may include an assortment of bunion or other foot feature simulating extension members similar to the foot feature simulating
extension member 1450 in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different shapes and sizes of bunions or other foot features of the user. Upon selecting the appropriate bunion or other foot feature simulatingextension member 1450, themember 1450 may be attached to the appropriate wing extension member. In one embodiment, the foot feature simulatingextension member 1450 may be covered by thefabric enclosure 130. In other embodiments, thefabric enclosure 130 may be omitted. - It is believed that the independent deployment of the engagement members of expandable toe box
interior engagement form 120, permits the shape of the expandable toe boxinterior engagement form 120 in the expanded state, to be flexible and to readily conform to a variety of different toe box shapes and sizes. In contrast, prior shoe treatment devices having a relatively inflexible shape may not conform to many types of shoes such that the shoe treatment device may pop out of the shoe, reducing or eliminating any benefit of the shoe treatment device. - To remove the shoe treatment device, the user may again engage the user
manipulatable knob 270, using the user's thumb, for example, to pivot theknob 270 as shown inFIG. 13b and to contract theleaf spring 850 a, so that thepawl 884 disengages from therack 880 to unlatch theslide actuator 230. In the unlatched position, the user may pull theknob 270 toward the rear of the shoe treatment device. As indicated by thearrow 1304, pulling theknob 270 of theslide actuator 230 toward the rear or heel of the shoe treatment device causes the interior engagement form 120 (FIG. 2a ) to contract. In one embodiment, theform 120 may contract as theslide actuator 230 is moved rearward, while theform 120 remains in place in the toe box until the desired degree of contraction is achieved. In general, the farther forward theknob 270 is pushed toward the rear of the shoe treatment device, the greater the degree of contraction of theinterior engagement form 120 as indicated by thearrow 1304. - Once the slide actuator reaches a desired position for removal of the treatment device, the slide actuator may be latched in that position by the user again engaging the user
manipulatable knob 270, to pivot the knob upward as shown inFIG. 13a and allowing theleaf spring 850 a to expand, so that thepawl 884 engages theteeth 882 of therack 880 to latch theslide actuator 230 in the desired position. Slide actuator position 1300 (FIG. 13a ) may correspond to the stowed, contracted positions of thewing engagement members FIG. 12a , for example. In this example, theexpander member 860 has been pulled backward along thelongitudinal axis 1120 of the shoe treatment device by thelink member 851 of the slide actuator, thereby allowing thewing engagement members FIG. 8b ) to return to the stowed position to facilitate removal of the treatment device from the shoe. Once theform 120 has been contracted and latched in the desired contraction state, the form may be readily removed from the toe box reducing or eliminating potential damage to the shoe caused by withdrawal of the treatment device. - It is believed that the shoe treatment devices having a slide actuator in accordance with the present description may be used to substantially maintain, the original shape and fit of a shoe, or to stretch a shoe as appropriate Other aspects may be realized in addition thereto or instead of those described herein, depending upon the particular application.
- The following examples pertain to further embodiments.
- Example 1 is directed to a method, comprising: inserting a shoe treatment device having an expandable, interior engagement form into the interior of a toe box of a shoe while the expandable toe box interior engagement form is in a latched, contracted state; unlatching the expandable toe box interior engagement form from the latched, contracted state; sliding a movable slide actuator and link member coupling the slide actuator to the expandable toe box interior engagement form, along an arm of the of the device, from a first position to a second position toward the expandable toe box interior engagement form; expanding the expandable toe box interior engagement form to an expanded state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe as the movable slide actuator and the link member slide to the second position, to treat the interior of the toe box of the shoe; and latching the expandable toe box interior engagement form in the expanded state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe.
- In Example 2, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include pivoting the arm wherein the link member extends from the interior of the shoe to the exterior of the shoe and the pivoting arm extends to the exterior of the shoe so that the first and second positions of the movable slide actuator are both exterior to the shoe.
- In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the sliding the movable slide actuator and the link member includes sliding the movable slide actuator and the link member along a guide track disposed within the arm and guiding the movable slide actuator and the link member from the first position to the second position.
- In Example 4, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the latching the expandable toe box interior engagement form in the expanded state includes engaging the movable slide actuator with a ratchet latch disposed along the guide track and in the second position of the movable slide actuator.
- In Example 5, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the sliding the movable slide actuator includes sliding the movable slide actuator along a guide slot defined by a housing of the arm, and configured to guide the movable slide actuator from the first position to the second position.
- In Example 6, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the engaging the movable slide actuator with a ratchet latch includes moving a spring tensioned pawl of the movable slide actuator from an unengaged position to an engaged position in which the pawl engages the ratchet latch of the guide member.
- In Example 7, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the sliding the movable slide actuator includes engaging a button of the slide actuator with a user's thumb to slide the movable slide actuator between the first and second positions and wherein moving the pawl between the engaged and disengaged positions includes moving the button of the slide actuator with the user's thumb.
- In Example 8, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the link member is ribbon-shaped and wherein expanding the expandable toe box interior engagement form to the expanded state as the movable slide actuator slides to the second position, includes driving a wedge-shaped expander member coupled to the movable slide actuator by the ribbon-shaped link member, and positioned between and engaging opposing wing engagement members of the expandable toe box interior engagement form as the movable slide actuator slides to the second position, wherein the ribbon-shaped link member drives the wedge-shaped expander member forward toward the front of the toe box of the shoe, and drives the wing engagement members apart.
- In Example 9, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the expanding the expandable toe box interior engagement form to the expanded state as the movable slide actuator slides to the second position, includes the expander member shifting laterally in a left-right direction within the toe box area so that one wing member may be driven outwardly more than the other wing member.
- In Example 10, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include: unlatching the expandable toe box interior engagement form from the expanded state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe; sliding the movable slide actuator from the second position toward the first position; contracting the expandable toe box interior engagement form to a contracted state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe as the movable slide actuator slides toward the first position; latching the expandable toe box interior engagement form in the contracted state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe; and removing the expandable toe box interior engagement form of the shoe treatment device from the interior of the toe box of the shoe.
- In Example 11, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the unlatching the expandable toe box interior engagement form includes disengaging the movable slide actuator from ratchet teeth of a ratchet latch disposed along a guide member guiding the movable slide actuator and wherein the disengaging the movable slide actuator from ratchet teeth of the ratchet latch includes pivoting a pawl of the movable slide actuator from an engaged position to a disengaged position in which the pawl disengages from the ratchet teeth of the ratchet latch.
- In Example 12, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the contracting the expandable toe box interior engagement form to a contracted state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe as the movable slide actuator slides toward the first position includes the movable slide actuator pulling the link member and the expander member backward away from the front of the toe box of the shoe, and a spring member drawing the wing engagement members inwardly back together.
- In Example 13, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include selectively attaching and removing removable foot extension features to and from the engagement form.
- Example 14 is directed to a shoe treatment device for use with a shoe having a toe box, comprising: an expandable, interior engagement form having a contracted state and expandable to an expanded state wherein the expandable, interior engagement form is configured to engage the interior of the toe box of the shoe in the expanded state; an arm coupled to the engagement form; a movable slide actuator disposed on the arm and configured to slide along the arm from a first position to a second position; a link member coupling the slide actuator to the interior engagement form and configured to slide along the arm from a first position to a second position, wherein the expandable toe box interior engagement form is configured to expand to the expanded state as the movable slide actuator slides to the second position; and a latch configured to selectively latch the expandable toe box interior engagement form in a selected state of a plurality of states including the contracted state and the expanded state.
- In Example 15, the subject matter of Examples 14-23 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the link member is configured to extend from the interior of the shoe to the exterior of the shoe and the arm is configured to pivot and extend to the exterior of the shoe so that the first and second positions of the movable slide actuator are both exterior to the shoe when the device is used with a shoe.
- In Example 16, the subject matter of Examples 14-23 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include a guide track disposed within the arm and configured to guide the movable slide actuator and the link member between their respective first position and second position.
- In Example 17, the subject matter of Examples 14-23 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the latch is a ratchet latch having ratchet teeth disposed along the guide track and configured to releasably latch the movable slide actuator in the second position of the movable slide actuator to latch the expandable toe box interior engagement form in the expanded state.
- In Example 18, the subject matter of Examples 14-23 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the arm comprises a housing configured to house the slide actuator and the ratchet latch and defining a guide slot configured to guide the movable slide actuator from the first position to the second position of the movable slide actuator.
- In Example 19, the subject matter of Examples 14-23 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the link member is ribbon shaped and the slide actuator comprises a movable pawl and a C-shaped ribbon spring extending integrally from the ribbon-shaped link member and coupling the pawl to the link member, said pawl configured to move with spring tension supplied by said C-shaped ribbon spring from an unengaged position to an engaged position in which the pawl engages the ratchet latch.
- In Example 20, the subject matter of Examples 14-23 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the movable slide actuator comprises a button configured to be engaged by a user's thumb to slide the movable slide actuator between the first and second positions of the movable slide actuator and to move the pawl between the engaged and disengaged positions.
- In Example 21, the subject matter of Examples 14-23 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the link member is ribbon-shaped and wherein the expandable toe box interior engagement form includes opposing wing engagement members, a spring biasing the wing engagement members together, and a wedge-shaped expander member coupled to the movable slide actuator by the ribbon-shaped link member, and positioned between and configured to engage the opposing wing engagement members of the expandable toe box interior engagement form as the movable slide actuator slides to the second position of the actuator, driving the link member and the expander member forward toward the front of the toe box of the shoe, and driving the wing engagement members apart.
- In Example 22, the subject matter of Examples 14-23 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include wherein the expander member is configured to shift laterally in a left-right direction within the toe box area so that one wing member may be driven outwardly more than the other wing member.
- In Example 23, the subject matter of Examples 14-22 (excluding the present Example) can optionally include removable foot extension features removably attached to the engagement form.
- Example 24 is directed to an apparatus comprising means to perform a method as described in any preceding Example 1-13.
- The foregoing description of various embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
Claims (21)
1. A method, comprising:
inserting a shoe treatment device having an expandable, interior engagement form into the interior of a toe box of a shoe while the expandable toe box interior engagement form is in a latched, contracted state;
unlatching the expandable toe box interior engagement form from the latched, contracted state;
sliding a movable slide actuator and link member coupling the slide actuator to the expandable toe box interior engagement form, along an arm of the of the device, from a first position to a second position toward the expandable toe box interior engagement form;
expanding the expandable toe box interior engagement form to an expanded state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe as the movable slide actuator and the link member slide to the second position, to treat the interior of the toe box of the shoe; and
latching the expandable toe box interior engagement form in the expanded state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising pivoting the arm wherein the link member extends from the interior of the shoe to the exterior of the shoe and the pivoting arm extends to the exterior of the shoe so that the first and second positions of the movable slide actuator are both exterior to the shoe.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the sliding the movable slide actuator and the link member includes sliding the movable slide actuator and the link member along a guide track disposed within the arm and guiding the movable slide actuator and the link member from the first position to the second position.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the latching the expandable toe box interior engagement form in the expanded state includes engaging the movable slide actuator with a ratchet latch disposed along the guide track and in the second position of the movable slide actuator.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the sliding the movable slide actuator includes sliding the movable slide actuator along a guide slot defined by a housing of the arm, and configured to guide the movable slide actuator from the first position to the second position.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the engaging the movable slide actuator with a ratchet latch includes moving a spring tensioned pawl of the movable slide actuator from an unengaged position to an engaged position in which the pawl engages the ratchet latch of the guide member.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the sliding the movable slide actuator includes engaging a button of the slide actuator with a user's thumb to slide the movable slide actuator between the first and second positions and wherein moving the pawl between the engaged and disengaged positions includes moving the button of the slide actuator with the user's thumb.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the link member is ribbon-shaped and wherein expanding the expandable toe box interior engagement form to the expanded state as the movable slide actuator slides to the second position, includes driving a wedge-shaped expander member coupled to the movable slide actuator by the ribbon-shaped link member, and positioned between and engaging opposing wing engagement members of the expandable toe box interior engagement form as the movable slide actuator slides to the second position, wherein the ribbon-shaped link member drives the wedge-shaped expander member forward toward the front of the toe box of the shoe, and drives the wing engagement members apart.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the expanding the expandable toe box interior engagement form to the expanded state as the movable slide actuator slides to the second position, includes the expander member shifting laterally in a left-right direction within the toe box area so that one wing member may be driven outwardly more than the other wing member.
10. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
unlatching the expandable toe box interior engagement form from the expanded state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe;
sliding the movable slide actuator from the second position toward the first position;
contracting the expandable toe box interior engagement form to a contracted state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe as the movable slide actuator slides toward the first position;
latching the expandable toe box interior engagement form in the contracted state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe; and
removing the expandable toe box interior engagement form of the shoe treatment device from the interior of the toe box of the shoe.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the unlatching the expandable toe box interior engagement form includes disengaging the movable slide actuator from ratchet teeth of a ratchet latch disposed along a guide member guiding the movable slide actuator and wherein the disengaging the movable slide actuator from ratchet teeth of the ratchet latch includes pivoting a pawl of the movable slide actuator from an engaged position to a disengaged position in which the pawl disengages from the ratchet teeth of the ratchet latch.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the contracting the expandable toe box interior engagement form to a contracted state while in the interior of the toe box of the shoe as the movable slide actuator slides toward the first position includes the movable slide actuator pulling the link member and the expander member backward away from the front of the toe box of the shoe, and a spring member drawing the wing engagement members inwardly back together.
13. A shoe treatment device for use with a shoe having a toe box, comprising:
an expandable, interior engagement form having a contracted state and expandable to an expanded state wherein the expandable, interior engagement form is configured to engage the interior of the toe box of the shoe in the expanded state;
an arm coupled to the engagement form;
a movable slide actuator disposed on the arm and configured to slide along the arm from a first position to a second position;
a link member coupling the slide actuator to the interior engagement form and configured to slide along the arm from a first position to a second position, wherein the expandable toe box interior engagement form is configured to expand to the expanded state as the movable slide actuator slides to the second position; and
a latch configured to selectively latch the expandable toe box interior engagement form in a selected state of a plurality of states including the contracted state and the expanded state.
14. The shoe treatment device of claim 13 wherein the link member is configured to extend from the interior of the shoe to the exterior of the shoe and the arm is configured to pivot and extend to the exterior of the shoe so that the first and second positions of the movable slide actuator are both exterior to the shoe when the device is used with a shoe.
15. The shoe treatment device of claim 14 further comprising a guide track disposed within the arm and configured to guide the movable slide actuator and the link member between their respective first position and second position.
16. The shoe treatment device of claim 15 wherein the latch is a ratchet latch having ratchet teeth disposed along the guide track and configured to releasably latch the movable slide actuator in the second position of the movable slide actuator to latch the expandable toe box interior engagement form in the expanded state.
17. The shoe treatment device of claim 16 wherein the arm comprises a housing configured to house the slide actuator and the ratchet latch and defining a guide slot configured to guide the movable slide actuator from the first position to the second position of the movable slide actuator.
18. The shoe treatment device of claim 17 wherein the link member is ribbon shaped and the slide actuator comprises a movable pawl and a C-shaped ribbon spring extending integrally from the ribbon-shaped link member and coupling the pawl to the link member, said pawl configured to move with spring tension supplied by said C-shaped ribbon spring from an unengaged position to an engaged position in which the pawl engages the ratchet latch.
19. The shoe treatment device of claim 18 wherein the movable slide actuator comprises a button configured to be engaged by a user's thumb to slide the movable slide actuator between the first and second positions of the movable slide actuator and to move the pawl between the engaged and disengaged positions.
20. The shoe treatment device of claim 13 wherein the link member is ribbon-shaped and wherein the expandable toe box interior engagement form includes opposing wing engagement members, a spring biasing the wing engagement members together, and a wedge-shaped expander member coupled to the movable slide actuator by the ribbon-shaped link member, and positioned between and configured to engage the opposing wing engagement members of the expandable toe box interior engagement form as the movable slide actuator slides to the second position of the actuator, driving the link member and the expander member forward toward the front of the toe box of the shoe, and driving the wing engagement members apart.
21. The shoe treatment device of claim 20 wherein the expander member is configured to shift laterally in a left-right direction within the toe box area so that one wing member may be driven outwardly more than the other wing member.
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US969165A (en) * | 1909-01-26 | 1910-09-06 | Clements B Kosters | Shoe-form. |
US1062164A (en) * | 1912-05-07 | 1913-05-20 | Edward J Kobert | Shoe-tree. |
US1062165A (en) * | 1912-11-22 | 1913-05-20 | Edward J Kobert | Shoe-tree. |
GB191308074A (en) | 1913-04-05 | 1914-01-22 | Edward Joseph Kobert | Improvements in Shoe Trees. |
US1222470A (en) * | 1916-10-02 | 1917-04-10 | Waldo A Ross | Shoe-tree. |
US1356509A (en) | 1919-06-30 | 1920-10-26 | Arthur R Anderson | Shoe-tree |
US1632044A (en) * | 1921-03-31 | 1927-06-14 | Schoshusen Arthur | Boot or shoe form |
US1465270A (en) | 1921-07-21 | 1923-08-21 | Mawhinney Last Company | Shoe-tree |
US1444010A (en) | 1922-01-13 | 1923-02-06 | Archie J Shimp | Shoe form |
US1527662A (en) | 1923-07-16 | 1925-02-24 | Arthur R Anderson | Shoe-tree |
US1599900A (en) | 1925-08-22 | 1926-09-14 | Clements B Kosters | Shoe tree |
US1660912A (en) * | 1926-05-17 | 1928-02-28 | Brock Harry | Shoe stretcher |
US1761012A (en) * | 1926-10-14 | 1930-06-03 | Fitz Empire Dble Pivot Last Co | Shoe stretcher |
US1720479A (en) * | 1927-05-13 | 1929-07-09 | Kanell Andrew | Shoe-stretching device |
US1746466A (en) * | 1928-11-12 | 1930-02-11 | Galterio Appliance Company | Shoe-stretching last |
US1830016A (en) | 1930-01-11 | 1931-11-03 | Vulcan Corp | Closed shoe tree |
US2068232A (en) * | 1933-08-21 | 1937-01-19 | Gershune Julius | Shoetree |
US2063370A (en) * | 1934-05-29 | 1936-12-08 | William H Dutton | Shoe stretcher |
US2018408A (en) * | 1934-08-01 | 1935-10-22 | Alfred G Legge | Adjustable shoe form |
US2018406A (en) * | 1934-08-01 | 1935-10-22 | Alfred G Legge | Shoe form |
US2018407A (en) * | 1934-08-01 | 1935-10-22 | Alfred G Legge | Shoe form |
US2023618A (en) * | 1934-08-25 | 1935-12-10 | Schecter Harry | Shoe stretching device |
US2069537A (en) * | 1935-12-10 | 1937-02-02 | Panos Apostole | Shoe stretcher |
US2070234A (en) * | 1936-02-11 | 1937-02-09 | Loeffler Albert | Shoetree and stretcher |
US2084748A (en) * | 1936-05-05 | 1937-06-22 | John J Schiller | Shoe stretcher |
US2075412A (en) * | 1936-09-28 | 1937-03-30 | Ward Paul | Shoe stretcher |
US2104839A (en) | 1937-03-29 | 1938-01-11 | Panos Apostole | Shoe stretcher |
US2203792A (en) * | 1939-03-22 | 1940-06-11 | United Shoe Machinery Corp | Shoe tree |
US2215835A (en) * | 1940-03-12 | 1940-09-24 | Schelter Last Co Inc | Shoe tree or form |
US2233454A (en) * | 1940-06-15 | 1941-03-04 | Koskela Joel | Shoe stretching last |
US2255471A (en) * | 1940-12-28 | 1941-09-09 | Schelter Last Co Inc | Self-adjusting heelpiece for shoe forms |
US2295359A (en) * | 1941-11-17 | 1942-09-08 | John J Schiller | Shoe lengthener |
US2303469A (en) | 1942-06-23 | 1942-12-01 | Janic Matthew Pol | Shoe tree |
US2362237A (en) | 1942-12-18 | 1944-11-07 | Joseph R Bernstein | Shoe tree |
US2361531A (en) * | 1943-01-15 | 1944-10-31 | Vulcan Corp | Shoe tree |
US2376926A (en) | 1943-12-22 | 1945-05-29 | United Last Company | Shoe tree |
US2424669A (en) * | 1945-10-20 | 1947-07-29 | Rinnela Andrew | Shoe stretcher |
US2501285A (en) * | 1946-01-26 | 1950-03-21 | Minton Vincent Harry | Shoe tree |
FR941278A (en) | 1946-01-26 | 1949-01-06 | Shoe tree with expanding front part for shoes | |
US2513664A (en) | 1946-02-04 | 1950-07-04 | Schelter Last Co Inc | Shoe tree |
US2473176A (en) * | 1946-04-30 | 1949-06-14 | Schoshusen Arthur | Expansible shoe tree |
US2443792A (en) * | 1946-11-05 | 1948-06-22 | King Irving | Adjustable shoe tree |
US2473207A (en) | 1946-11-22 | 1949-06-14 | Kessler Louis | Shoe tree |
US2511366A (en) * | 1948-06-18 | 1950-06-13 | Thomas R Muzinich | Shoe or boot stretcher |
US2488720A (en) * | 1948-10-02 | 1949-11-22 | Galterio Elia | Shoe stretcher |
FR982758A (en) | 1949-03-09 | 1951-06-14 | Shoe tree | |
US2673360A (en) * | 1949-06-06 | 1954-03-30 | Bascom Henry | Expandable shoe tree |
US2628375A (en) | 1949-10-17 | 1953-02-17 | John T Smithson | Lateral and longitudinal adjustable shoe tree |
US2549502A (en) * | 1950-03-03 | 1951-04-17 | Roy F Mcclenathan | Shoe stretcher |
US2634439A (en) * | 1950-08-29 | 1953-04-14 | George E Belcher Company | Laterally and longitudinally adjustable shoe tree |
CH286472A (en) | 1951-01-06 | 1952-10-31 | Singer Otto | Collapsible shoe trees. |
US2689365A (en) * | 1951-07-20 | 1954-09-21 | Koskela Joel | Lateral and longitudinal shoe stretcher |
US2714217A (en) * | 1953-04-15 | 1955-08-02 | Frank M Dore | Shoe stretching, shoe lengthening and vamp raising apparatus |
US2789294A (en) * | 1954-06-28 | 1957-04-23 | William H Doherty | Shoe stretching apparatus with adjustable toe and heel pieces |
US2872692A (en) * | 1955-12-20 | 1959-02-10 | Moses Charles | Flexible type shoe tree with free end membranes |
US2879527A (en) * | 1958-03-31 | 1959-03-31 | Davis Jack | Self adjusting shaper for shoes |
US3860986A (en) * | 1973-03-15 | 1975-01-21 | Alexander K Stanton Ballard | Shoe tree with selectively adjustable inserts |
US3877100A (en) * | 1973-10-26 | 1975-04-15 | Lawrence Peska Ass Inc | Adjustable shoe tree |
US3986221A (en) * | 1976-02-13 | 1976-10-19 | Thompson Otto D | Boot tree |
IT8221138V0 (en) * | 1982-03-15 | 1982-03-15 | Brev Caminiti Di Bruno Caminit | SHAPE FOR SHOES WITH DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE OPENING ACCORDING TO NEED AND WITH SHIELD ELEMENT FOR THE ADAPTABILITY OF THE SAME SHAPE FOR RIGHT AND LEFT SHOES. |
DE3431904A1 (en) | 1984-08-30 | 1986-03-13 | Anton 7125 Kirchheim Bolsinger | Shoe tree |
US4577360A (en) * | 1984-09-21 | 1986-03-25 | Melvin D. Pountain | Shoe tree |
US4718135A (en) * | 1986-06-02 | 1988-01-12 | Colvin Timothy E | Shoe tree with horn |
USD331828S (en) | 1991-02-26 | 1992-12-22 | H. H. Brown Shoe Company, Inc. | Shoe tree |
US5136746A (en) * | 1991-07-17 | 1992-08-11 | Willard Jones | Adjustable shoe holder and support |
KR100342028B1 (en) * | 1999-12-27 | 2002-06-27 | 탁승호 | Form for correcting shoes |
JP3708461B2 (en) * | 2001-08-22 | 2005-10-19 | 震徳 張 | Shoe storage type structure with simple fine adjustment function |
US20030046778A1 (en) | 2001-09-07 | 2003-03-13 | Sicurelli Robert J. | Adaptable shoe tree to stabilize backless and other shores |
US20060168742A1 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2006-08-03 | Chang Chen T | Shoe tree having expansible side pieces |
ITMI20051051A1 (en) | 2005-06-07 | 2006-12-08 | Nike International Ltd | "SHOE SHAPE WITH VARIABLE GEOMETRY" |
US7287293B2 (en) * | 2005-08-12 | 2007-10-30 | Nike, Inc. | Custom fit system with adjustable last and method for custom fitting athletic shoes |
US8032962B1 (en) * | 2008-10-16 | 2011-10-11 | Felicia Monica Payne | Shoe enlargement device |
US8578534B2 (en) * | 2009-06-24 | 2013-11-12 | Nike, Inc. | Inflatable member |
US9107479B2 (en) * | 2009-06-24 | 2015-08-18 | Nike, Inc. | Adjustable last |
US20120190473A1 (en) | 2011-01-26 | 2012-07-26 | Jason Swist | Variable stiffness sports equipment |
US20170095039A1 (en) | 2014-05-19 | 2017-04-06 | Dukoz LLC | Shoe treatment |
US9781976B2 (en) | 2014-05-19 | 2017-10-10 | Dukoz LLC | Shoe treatment |
-
2014
- 2014-05-19 US US14/281,793 patent/US9781976B2/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-05-18 WO PCT/US2015/031437 patent/WO2015179319A2/en active Application Filing
- 2015-05-18 EP EP15726474.8A patent/EP3145358B1/en active Active
- 2015-05-18 ES ES15726474.8T patent/ES2678893T3/en active Active
-
2017
- 2017-07-26 US US15/660,863 patent/US20170318911A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3145358A2 (en) | 2017-03-29 |
ES2678893T3 (en) | 2018-08-20 |
WO2015179319A2 (en) | 2015-11-26 |
WO2015179319A3 (en) | 2016-01-14 |
US9781976B2 (en) | 2017-10-10 |
EP3145358B1 (en) | 2018-07-04 |
US20150327629A1 (en) | 2015-11-19 |
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