WO2022020912A1

WO2022020912A1 - Collapsible apparatus for putting footwear on feet

Info

Publication number: WO2022020912A1
Application number: PCT/BR2020/050296
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ricardo POCAI
Original assignee: Pocai Ricardo
Priority date: 2020-07-30
Filing date: 2020-07-30
Publication date: 2022-02-03
Also published as: AU2020442002A1; BR112023001679A2; GB2612263A; AR123074A1; GB202302455D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a collapsible apparatus for putting footwear on feet (100) that comprises a main structure (200) to which a seat (300) and a support (400) are pivotingly fastened structurally and rotationally interdependently and that, in conjunction with a horizontal substrate (SH), form three preferably parallel levels (N300, N400, NSH) of different heights.

Description

FOLDABLE DEVICE FOR PUTTING ON OR DRESSING THE FEET

Technical Field

[001] The present invention pertains to the field of apparatus and implements used in connection with the use of clothing, notably footwear, especially apparatus to assist in placing footwear on the feet.

Introduction

[002] The present invention refers to a folding device to help its user to put on or wear their feet, with practicality and comfort and occupying only the necessary minimum of space.

[003] A folding device for putting on or dressing the feet or, simply, device, comprises a main structure to which a seat element and a support element are pivotally attached, both structurally and rotationally dependent on each other and which form, in relation to and together with the horizontal substrate, three levels of different heights.

Fundamentals of the invention

[004] The placement of footwear that includes socks, pantyhose, shoes, boots and other items to dress the feet is a task that involves bending and/or lowering and/or bending the user's knees to perform it and which, depending on health conditions, age, flexibility, height, weight, foot dimensions and the like, can become exhausting and painful and even impossible to perform without the help of another person.

[005] Added to the above-mentioned hindering factors are tight or tight shoes, long-legged shoes, with high heels, with restricted openings, zippers, buttons and similar conditions.

[006] The first solutions to some of these problems came in in the form of tools called shoehorns, which are smooth, elongated and concave elements arranged between the heel (or calf) and the shoe, helping the heel slide into the shoe.

[007] Other solutions aim to bring the feet closer to the user's hands to facilitate the final finishing of dressing and the tying or closing of the footwear, developed in the form of three-dimensional structures such as benches, chests, stools, furniture in general and also footrests and other constructions isolated or grouped with accessories.

[008] Especially in this last type of construction, notably in the case of more voluminous constructive solutions, an important factor to be considered is precisely the physical space that the structure to help put on or dress the feet will occupy.

State of the art

[009] There are, therefore, in the state of the art, several solutions to help put on or wear shoes configured in the form of three-dimensional structures.

[010] An example is the solution of the patent document number JP3885548B2, which discloses and describes a seat for entrance halls that includes a seat and a base for foot support, fitting of the user's heels and shoe guard, in addition to providing holders for canes, bags and the like. The main disadvantages of the furniture described by JP3885548B2 are the exaggerated vertical distance between the seat and the base and the tiny vertical distance between the base and the floor, which make it difficult to take off and put on and access and handle zippers, shoelaces, buttons and related. In addition, the seat for halls is bulky and does not allow it to be folded, taking up precious space.

[011] Another solution of the state of the art is the chair for putting on and taking off shoes equipped with foot and arm rests from the patent document of number US2010/0026075A1, which has the same disadvantage of the height difference between the levels mentioned in the previous document, to which is added its volume and the fact that it is fixed, without the possibility of being folded or retracted, in addition to the lateral limitations of the arm. Solution with similar problems is that of the bank described and disclosed by patent document number CN202589224U.

[012] Another known device is the bench disclosed by patent document number US10,618,720B1, which describes a cuboid element for storing shoes provided with a retractable footrest arranged on an inclined front face. The discomfort of its use is visible due to the proximity of the footrest to the main structure, in addition to the fact that the main structure occupies space without the possibility of being collected as a whole.

[013] A similar solution is the stool described in patent document CN107865564A which has one of its legs formed as part of the seat and retractable as a foot rest. The structure is unstable and uncomfortable, as there is a large distance between the tip of the footrest and, of course, the stool is not collapsible or foldable or retractable.

[014] In addition to these solutions, there are also equipment for the simple support of the foot, formed as independent structures as revealed by the Brazilian patent document PI 9604437-3 or as structures attachable to furniture, doors or hooks as revealed by patent documents number DE 102013 100589 A1, US 2011/010 1047A1 and DE 19747188A1.

[015] Finally, there are still built-in auxiliary structures such as the one revealed by patent document number KR20110009776U that reveals a collapsible seat, but with only one seat level and with the ground functioning as a support level, which configures only and only something similar to a chair, as revealed also by CN209528809. [016] There is, therefore, a demand for a folding device to put on or wear the feet capable of overcoming the defects of the state of the art and that can be used by the greatest possible number of users and for the vast majority of footwear available on the market.

Objectives of the invention

[017] One of the objectives of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a folding device in accordance with the characteristics of independent claim number 1, attached to this document.

[018] Other features and details of features are represented by dependent claims.

Description of figures

[019] For a better understanding and visualization of the object of the present invention, it will now be described with reference to the attached figures, representing the technical effect obtained through exemplary modalities not limiting the scope of the present invention, in which:

Figure 1: presents an anterolateral perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention, in its open and ready-to-use position, showing its main components;

Figure 2: shows a side view of the apparatus of figure 1;

Figure 3: shows an anterolateral perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention in its open and ready-to-use position and comprising a damping element;

Figure 4: shows a side view of the apparatus of figure 3;

Figure 5: shows superolateral perspective views of an apparatus according to the invention, showing the apparatus in a position A, retracted, in a position B, in opening procedure and in a position C, fully open and ready for use;

Figure 6a: shows a side view of the apparatus of figure 1 with the representation of a person of short stature resting one foot on the support and the other on the horizontal substrate;

Figure 6b: shows a front view of figure 6a;

Figure 6c: shows a perspective view of figure 6a;

Figure 7a: shows a side view of the apparatus of figure 1 with the representation of a person of short stature resting one foot on the support and the other on the horizontal substrate;

Figure 7b: shows a front view of figure 7a; and

Figure 7c: shows a perspective view of figure 7a.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[020] A folding device for putting on or dressing the feet or, simply, device (100), comprises a main structure (200) to which a seat element or simply seat (300) and an element support or simply support (400), both structurally and rotationally dependent on each other and that form, together with the horizontal substrate (SH) on which the apparatus (100) rests, three levels (N300, N400, NSH) of different heights, preferably parallel, in which the parallelism does not depend on its angulation in relation to a vertical substrate (SV).

[021] The seat (300) is fixed to the main structure (200) by means of one or more upper rotation elements (210), around which the seat (300) pivots. [022] The support (400) is fixed to the main structure (200) by means of one or more intermediate rotation elements (220), around which the support (400) pivots.

[023] The seat (300) and the support (400) are interconnected by means of one or more connection and traction elements (500), pivotally fixed to seat rotation elements (301) and, equally pivotally , to upper support pivot elements (401). In this way, the rotation of the seat (300) follows the rotation of the support (400) and vice versa.

[024] To the support (400) are fixed, pivotally and by means of lower support rotation elements (402), one or more support elements (600). The support element (600) and the main structure (200) are interconnected by means of one or more lower connection and traction elements (700), the connection and traction elements (700) being connected to the support element ( 600) by means of one or more pivot elements (601) and to the main frame (200) by means of one or more lower pivot members (230).

[025] The seat (300) has a seat width (L300), a seat length (C300) and a seat height (h3oo) in relation to the horizontal substrate level (NSH), while the support (400) has a bearing width (L400), a bearing length (C400) and a bearing height (fuoo) in relation to the horizontal substrate level (NSH).

[026] The widths (L300, L400) can be the same or different, preferably being the same and, if they are different, the condition of the seat (300) being slightly wider than the support (400) should be prioritized, that is, the width of the support (L400) is equal to or smaller than the width of the seat (L300), to allow access and, in particular, the perfect accommodation, balance and safety of the user.

[027] The support (400) must be longer than the seat (300), being the length (C400) of the support (400) from 1.1 to 5 times, preferably from 1.5 to 3.5, preferably from 2 to 3 times the length (C300) of the seat (300), these ranges being variable in according to the dimensions of the users and their feet, in which the ideal relationship is a length (C400) of the support (400) that is 2.4 times greater than the length (C300) of the seat (300). This equates to the free length between seat and support (C300-400) being at least 0.8 to 2.5, preferably 1 to 2, preferably 1.4 times greater than the seat length (C300). These measurement relationships make it possible to use both people (P) of short stature (figures 6a, 6b, 6c) and people (P) of medium and tall stature (figures 7^, 7b, 7c), without compromising comfort, as it allows one or two feet to be supported on the support (400) at variable distances, serving both different heights and different foot sizes. In addition, this difference facilitates access to the free end of the support (400) and, thus, the folding for opening and closing of the device (100).

[028] The relationship between the seat height (IΊ300) and the support height (Euoo) is such that the height between seat and support (IΊ300-400) is equivalent to a value between 25% and 55%, preferably at 43 % of the seat height (IΊ300) and at a value between 50% and 85%, preferably at 78% of the support height (Euoo).

[029] The structural and rotational interdependence of the seat (300) and the support (400) interconnected by the connection and traction elements (500), allows the seat (300) and support (400) to move together in any traction condition .

[030] Figure 5 shows the device (100) in three different situations. Position A shows the apparatus (100) retracted, position B shows the apparatus (100) in the opening procedure and position C shows the apparatus fully open, ready for use. [031] To take the device (100) from position A to position C, passing through position B, simply apply a force to the free end of the support (400), which makes it rotate around the intermediate rotation elements (220 ) and promote the rotation of the seat (300) which is connected by means of the connection and traction elements (500), pivotally connected to the seat (300) by means of the rotation elements of the seat (301) and, to the support (400), by means of the upper support rotation elements (401).

[032] When the rotation movement of the support (400) and seat (300) begins, as described above, the lower connection and traction element (700), pivotally fixed to the main structure (200) by means of the lower rotation elements (230) and to the support element (600) by means of the rotation elements (601), it promotes the rotation of the support element (600) around the lower support rotation elements (402) that connect it to the support (400), in which both the connection and traction element (500) and the support element (600) always remain, preferably, parallel to the vertical substrate (SV).

[033] Once positioned in the open position C, the seat (300), the support (400) and the horizontal substrate (SH) form three levels (N300, N400 and NSH), which are preferably parallel to each other, being perpendicular to the main frame (200), which may vary depending on the application.

[034] Between the seat (300) and the main structure (200)/vertical substrate (SV) there is an angle (a) that varies from 0 ^o (position A, closed, in figure 5) to 90° (position C, open, of figure 5).

[035] Between the support (400) and the main structure (200)/vertical substrate (SV) an angle (b) is formed that varies from 0 ^o (position A, closed, of figure 5) to 90° (position C, open, of figure 5).

[036] Between the main structure (200) and the horizontal substrate (SH) formed an angle (g) that can vary in the range of 90° ± 25°, preferably 90° ± 15°, depending on ergonomic demand and user comfort.

[037] In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the angles (a) and (b), in the open position (C), are different from 90°, and may be greater than 90° ("backward tilt of the user") or less than 90° ("forward tilt of the user"), in which the limit of this angle is determined by the ergonomic and comfort demand of the user, being in the range of 90° ± 45°, preferably in the range of 90° ± 25°, making it easier for the user to reach his feet or forcing him to lean against the main frame (200) etc. The angles (a) and (b) may be the same or different, that is, the seat (300) and the support (400) may or may not be parallel to each other. As a result, the seat (300) and/or the support (400) may or may not be parallel to the horizontal substrate (SH), either alone or together.

[038] Differences between angles (a), (b) and (g) will be possible with the dimensional variation of the other elements of the device (100) such as, for example, but not limited to the variation of dimensions and/or inclination of the element of connection and traction (500) and/or of the support element (600) and so on.

[039] In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, one or more damping/traction elements (800) are arranged between the main structure (200) and the seat (300), to which they are pivotally attached by means of joints (215) and (302), respectively. These damping/traction elements (800) serve, for example, to maintain the apparatus (100) in the closed position (A). To open the device (100) just pull the support (400) until reaching the open position (C), a situation that will remain with the user's weight on the seat (300) and/or support (400), or just the foot of the user about the support (400). After the user leaves the device (100), the elements of damping/traction (800) will push (or pull, depending on the type employed) the seat (300) and thus the seat (400) back to the closed position (A).

[040] The damping/traction elements (800) must be chosen so as to allow the smooth movement of the set, both to open and to close the device (100), which can be, but not limited to shock absorbers, springs, cables or elastic, resilient elements in general, endless threads and other suitable elements, used alone or together.

[041] Rotation elements, according to the invention, are elements arranged between two or more parts or components, allowing rotational movement between each other and around the rotation elements, which may be, but not limited to, hinges, bushings, shafts with bearings, balls and the like.

[042] For all the above, it is concluded that the device (100) according to the invention solves the problems reported in the relevant state of the art, offering a practical and functional, simple, safe and versatile solution to help the donning or wear from the feet of the intended users. The dimensional relationships and the formation of three levels (N300, N400, NSH) in relation to the horizontal substrate (SH), of different heights, preferably parallel, regardless of their angulation, provide an unexpected technical effect in relation to similar ones of the same nature of the prior art.

[043] Rotation elements, according to the invention, are elements arranged between two or more parts or components, allowing rotational movement between each other and around the rotation elements, which may be, but not limited to, hinges, bushings, shafts with bearings, balls and the like. Final considerations

[044] It is evident that the measurements and relationships between measurements described for the present invention may vary according to the sizing of the apparatus (100).

[045] Exhaustive practical tests, however, have shown that the aforementioned dimensions and their relationships are highly efficient and effective in the safety and practicality provided by the device (100).

[046] Furthermore, the apparatus (100) of the present invention and said measurements and their relationships are highly reliable and reproducible.

Conclusion

[047] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the present invention without thereby departing from the concepts set forth in the above description. Such modifications are to be considered as falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the particular embodiments described in detail above are illustrative and exemplary only and not limiting as to the scope of the present invention, to which the full extent of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof must be given.

Claims

1. Foldable device for putting on or wearing feet, wherein said device (100) is characterized in that it comprises a main frame (200) to which a seat (300) and a support (400) are pivotally attached. structurally and rotationally dependent on each other, which form, together with a horizontal substrate (SH), three levels (N300, N400, NSH) of different heights, preferably parallel.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the parallelism between the seat (300) and support (400) is independent of their angulation (a, b) in relation to a vertical substrate (SV).

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat (300) is fixed to the main frame (200) by means of one or more upper pivot elements (210), around which the seat (300) pivots. .

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (400) is fixed to the main frame (200) by means of one or more intermediate pivot elements (220), around which the support (400) pivots. .

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat (300) and the support (400) are interconnected by means of one or more connecting and pulling elements (500), pivotally fixed to rotating elements of the seat (301) and upper support pivot elements (401).

6. Apparatus, according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the rotation of the seat (300) follows the rotation of the support (400) and vice versa.

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (400) is pivotally fixed by means of elements support rotation lower (402), one or more support elements (600).

Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the support element (600) and the main frame (200) are interconnected by means of one or more lower connecting and pulling elements (700).

9. Apparatus, according to claims 1 and 8, characterized in that the connection and traction elements (700) are connected to the support element (600) by means of one or more rotation elements (601) and, to the main frame (200), by means of one or more lower pivot elements (230).

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of the support (L ₄₀ o) is equal to or smaller than the width of the seat (L ₃₀ o).

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the length (c ₄ oo) of the support (400) is from 1.1 to 5 times, preferably from 1.5 to 3.5, preferably from 2 to 3 times and preferably 2.4 times the length (c ₃₀ °) of the seat (300).

12. Apparatus, according to claims 1 and 11, characterized in that the free length between seat and support (c ₃₀ o-oo) is at least 0.8 to 2.5, preferably 1 to 2, preferably 1.4 times longer than the seat length (c ₃₀ o)·

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio between the seat height (h ₃₀ o) and the support height (h ₄₀ o) is such that the height between seat and support (h ₃₀ o- ₄ oo ) is equivalent to a value between 25% and 55%, preferably at 43% of the seat height (h ₃₀ o) and a value between 50% and 85%, preferably at 78% of the support height (h ₄₀ o)·

14. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that comprising one or more damping/traction elements (800) between the seat (300) and/or the support (400).