U.S. patent application number 10/237240 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-13 for adaptable shoe tree to stabilize backless and other shores.
Invention is credited to Sicurelli, Robert J. JR..
Application Number | 20030046778 10/237240 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26930474 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030046778 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sicurelli, Robert J. JR. |
March 13, 2003 |
Adaptable shoe tree to stabilize backless and other shores
Abstract
A shoe tree for backless and other shoes, includes an elongated
insert member for longitudinal installation into a the toe portion
of a backless shoe. This insert member stretches at least the toe,
wherein the toe insert has a mechanically or air expandable
form-fitting toe block which is receivable within the closed or
open toe portion of the backless shoe. The toe block fits fitting
into and expansively stresses the toe portion of the backless shoe.
To compensate for the fact that the backless shoe has no heel for
the shoe tree to push against, this insert member may have an
optional user controllable holder to hold the toe insert member in
place and to stabilize the shape of the shoe. The shoe tree may be
adapted for use with shoes with heels also.
Inventors: |
Sicurelli, Robert J. JR.;
(Brooklyn, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALFRED M. WALKER
225 OLD COUNTRY ROAD
MELVILLE
NY
11747-2712
US
|
Family ID: |
26930474 |
Appl. No.: |
10/237240 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60317831 |
Sep 7, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
12/128H ;
12/117.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43D 3/1433 20130101;
A43D 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
12/128.00H ;
12/117.4 |
International
Class: |
A43D 005/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A shoe tree for backless shoes said backless shoes having a
hollow front toe portion and a flat, rear heal-portion, comprising:
an elongated insert member for longitudinal installation into a
backless shoe, said insert member having opposite toe and heel ends
and a stretching shaft extending therebetween, said toe end having
a form-fitting toe block receivable within the closed toe portion
of said backless shoe, said toe block fitting into and expansively
stressing said closed toe portion of the backless shoe; said insert
member having user controllable clamp disposed near a heel end of
the backless shoe, said clamp removably affixing said insert member
in a user-selected installed position on the backless shoe.
2. The shoe tree of claim 1, wherein: said elongated insert member
comprises at least two centrally articulated members, said central
articulation members comprising a hinge and threaded shaft-and-nut
length adjuster, said length adjuster for user selection of a
desired magnitude of force of said expansively stressing said
closed toe portion of the backless shoe.
3. The shoe tree of claim 1, wherein said clamp grasps respective
top and bottom portions of the heel of the backless shoe.
4. The shoe tree of claim 3, wherein said clamp grasps respective
left and right side portions of the heel of the backless shoe.
5. The shoe tree of claim 4, wherein said clamp simultaneously
grasps said respective top, bottom, left and right side portions of
the heel of the backless shoe.
6. The shoe tree of claim 5, wherein said clamp comprises
user-operable wing-nut and threaded shaft means, said threaded
shaft means having a suitable compression end-plate contact
grasping the heel portion of the backless shoe.
7. The shoe tree of claim 5, wherein said clamp comprises
user-openable and closable contact adhesion straps, said straps
surrounding and grasping the heel portion of the backless shoe.
8. The shoe tree of claim 7, wherein said adhesion straps comprise
user-openable and closable hook-and-loop fastener means; said
hook-and-loop-furnished straps surrounding and grasping the heel
portion of the backless shoe.
9. The shoe tree of claim 1, wherein said clamp comprises a
user-openable and closable spring clamp simultaneously grasping
with force suitable to lock together said heel end of said insert
member and the heel portion of the backless shoe.
10. A shoe tree for backless shoes, comprising: an elongated insert
member for longitudinal installation into a backless shoe, said
insert member having a form-fitting toe block receivable within the
closed toe portion of the backless shoe.
11. The shoe tree as in claim 10 wherein said toe block comprises a
pre-inflated compressible air bladder expansively stressing said
closed toe portion of the backless shoe.
12. The shoe tree of claim 10, wherein said toe block comprises a
solid lightweight cellular compressible material expansively
stressing said closed toe portion of the backless shoe.
13. The shoe tree as in claim 12, wherein said lightweight cellular
compressible material is foam.
14. The shoe tree as in claim 12, wherein said lightweight cellular
compressible material is latex foam rubber.
15. The shoe tree as in claim 12, wherein said lightweight cellular
compressible material is rubber.
16. The shoe tree as in claim 10, wherein said toe block comprises
an inflatable compressible air-bladder controlled by a user
controllable pump introducing air through a valve.
17. The shoe tree as in claim 10, wherein said toe block is a
closed sleeve filled with discrete particle stuffings.
18. The shoe tree as in claim 10, wherein said closed toe portion
comprises an air bladder portion adjacent to a solid lightweight
compressible material.
19. The shoe tree of claim 10, further comprising a user
controllable clamp disposed near a heal end of said backless shoe,
said clamp connected to said form-fitting toe block by a shaft.
20. The shoe tree of claim 10, wherein said clamp grasps respective
toe and bottom portions of the heel of the backless shoe.
21. The shoe tree of claim 10, wherein said clamp grasps respective
left and right side portions of the heel of the backless shoe.
22. The shoe tree as in claim 19, wherein said clamp grasps
respective top, bottom, left and right portions of the heel of the
backless shoe.
23. The shoe tree of claim 19, wherein said clamp comprises
user-operable wing-nut and threaded shaft, said threaded shaft
having a suitable compression end-plate contact-grasping the heel
portion of the backless shoe.
24. The shoe tree of claim 19, wherein said clamp comprises
user-openable and closable contact adhesion straps said straps
surrounding and grasping the heel portion of the backless shoe.
25. The shoe tree of claim 24, wherein said adhesion straps
comprise user-openable and closable hook-and-loop fasteners said
hook-and-loop-furnished straps surrounding and grasping the heel
portion of the backless shoe.
26. The shoe tree of claim 19, wherein said clamp comprises a
user-openable and closable spring clamp simultaneously grasping
with force suitable to lock together said heel end of said insert
member and the heel portion of the backless shoe.
27. A shoe tree for backless shoes comprising a form fitting toe
block expandable within a toe portion of the backless shoe, said
for a fitting toe block comprising a pluality of members movable
away from each other and toward an inside surface of the toe
portion of the backless shoe.
28. The shoe tree as in claim 27, wherein said movable toe block
members are urged apart from each other by a hinged piece having at
least one pivot point and connecting arms controlled by depression
of a plunger towards said pivot point.
29. A shoe tree for a shoe having a toe portion and a heel portion,
said shoe tree comprising a form fitting compressible member have a
toe portion urged away from a heel portion by a compressible
connecting portion.
30. The shoe tree as in claim 29, wherein said shoe tree is a pre
inflated compressible air bladder expansingly stressing within said
shoe.
31. The shoe tree as in claim 29, where said shoe tree comprises a
solid, lightweight cellular compressible material expansively
stressing within said shoe.
32. The shoe tree as in claim 31, wherein said lightweight cellular
compressible material is foam.
33. The shoe tree as in claim 31, wherein said lightweight cellular
compressible material is latex foam rubber.
34. The shoe tree as in claim 31, wherein said lightweight cellular
compressible material is rubber
35. The shoe tree as in claim 29, wherein said shoe tree comprises
an inflatable compressible air-bladder controlled by a user
controllable pump introducing air through a valve.
36. The shoe tree as in claim 29, wherein said shoe tree is a
closed sleeve filled with discrete particle stuffings.
37. The shoe tree as in claim 29, wherein said closed shoe tree
comprises an air bladder portion adjacent to a solid lightweight
compressible material.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon provisional application
serial No. 60/317,831 of Sep. 7, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to shoe trees to stabilize the
shapes of shoes in storage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Traditional shoe trees are used to prevent sagging and shape
changes in footwear. They are also used to stretch the material of
the shoes. The mechanism by which these devices function is a force
pushing against the toe and heel areas of the shoe. The force is
typically developed by means of a spring, ratchet, or clamping
device that creates a linear force against the walls of the shoe.
This force can be directed in different directions. The heel and
toe sections of these traditional shoes trees can be split into
sections that spread laterally to provide support to the inner and
outer surfaces of the shoe. These sections are forced against the
top, front, rear, and sides of the shoe by well known means as the
vector of force changes from linear, front and back; to
linear-lateral front to back.
[0004] All of these devices have worked well throughout the years
using the front of the shoe and the back of the shoe to direct the
forces of the shoe trees linearly and laterally to effect the
desired function.
[0005] The problem with traditional devices is that they work only
with footwear that has a front toe portion and a back heel portion.
These devices are difficult to adjust and clumsy.
[0006] Backless shoes with designer leather details, such as made
by Cole Haan, cannot utilize a conventional shoe tree having a
stabilizing member applying force to both a toe and heel portion of
the shoe.
[0007] Among related patents include U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,198 of
Mueller which discloses a two piece shoe tree for backless sandals.
However, Mueller '198 does not describe a shoe tree without a heel
block to stabilize the backless sandal.
[0008] In addition U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,227 of Goldston and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,765,298 of Potter are examples of athletic shoes with
air pumps to inflate ankle or tongue portions of the shoe.
[0009] However, neither Goldston '227 nor Potter '298 describe
adaptable shoe trees for shoes, especially backless shoes.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a shoe tree which can adapt to stabilize the shape of a
shoe.
[0011] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
shoe tree which utilizes compressive force to promote shape
stabilization of a toe portion of a backless shoe.
[0012] Other objects which become apparent from the following
description of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In keeping with these objects and others which may become
apparent, the present invention is a shoe tree which is adaptable
for conventional shoes; as well as for backless shoes, sandals and
the like.
[0014] As noted, an object of this invention is to provide a means
of maintaining or changing the shape of shoes especially backless
shoes. This invention is a shoe tree that functions with backless
shoes as well, as conventional shoes. In the backless shoe
embodiment it works by providing the necessary anchorage at the
backless portion of the shoe. A backless shoe has no means of
activating and holding the energy of the spring or other mechanism
into the shoe.
[0015] For a traditional shoe tree to work, the device must be
wedged into the shoes front and back areas. A backless shoes has no
means of wedging and therefore no means of providing the forces
needed to support the shoe in all directions because no opposite
equal force can be achieved. However, this invention can provide
all of the desired functions of traditional devices by optionally
providing a fixed point at the back of the shoe. This fixed part is
achieved by using a clamp or strapping mechanism that holds the
tree in place by securing it from under the heel.
[0016] In one embodiment the toe piece of the shoe tree does not
need any modification and can function in traditional ways;
spreading and supporting the shoe because of the fixed point in the
heel has been achieved. Alternative ways of fixing the heel part of
the shoe tree can be found in different ways:
[0017] a) use of elastic VELCRO .RTM. binding;
[0018] b) use of non-elastic VELCRO .RTM. binding, such as
snap/buckle binding;
[0019] c) use of rubberized bottom of heel piece to effect better
frictional force;
[0020] d) a clamping system that attaches to the heel at or near of
sole near clamp (spring type);
[0021] e) clamping system that attaches to the sides of the sole of
the shoe;
[0022] f) these modifications can be added to existing trees with a
kit;
[0023] g) a toe-only shoe tree with an expandable toe insert;
and,
[0024] h) a shoe tree has an expandable toe insert that is
essentially a traditional shoe tree in shape and appearances but
which has also a heel portion.
[0025] In the latter two embodiments, the toe piece is an air
chamber that is effectively a similar shape of a traditional toe
piece of a shoe tree. The difference is that it conforms its shape
to the toe portion, such as by being able to be inflated in a micro
pump similar to those found in basketballs and other sporting
devices. In this embodiment, the toe piece of the bladder shoe tree
is placed inside the shoe and the pump is used to inflate the shoe
tree to a suitable size. The functional force of the toe piece
against the inside walls of the shoe keeps it in place. There is no
need for a heel fixed point. These can be made in various sizes.
They will fit all types of shoes, backless and standard. An
alternative configurations is a one shoe piece bladder tree that
comes in shoe sizes. The micro pump can be placed in an accessible
area. The bladder can be split into separate compartments to afford
selective pressures against the inside walls of the shoe.
[0026] Alternatively the toe end can have a securing mechanism i.e.
straps, springs, clamps etc, to further hold the shoe tree in
place. These mechanisms can be moved by springs, scissors
extenders, lateral extenders and plungers.
[0027] Therefore in one embodiment, a shoe tree made of a
compressible material can be just a toe insert, or also
alternatively can extend the length of the shoe, in an optional
version for a shoe with both toe and heel portions.
[0028] In this method the toe piece and/or the heel piece are made
from an compressible material, such as closed cell foam, which is
slightly larger than the cavity to which it must support. The
compression of the foam rubber and other spring like material
supports the shoe. These will be inexpensive enough to include
either the toe portion by itself or the entire shoe, if the shoe
has a conventional heel portion.
[0029] Moreover, the wedge-shaped compressible foam can have an
overlaying air-inflatable wrap wrapping around the upper portion of
the wedge.
[0030] The shoe tree of the present invention enhances the
stabilization of a backless shoe by incorporating an independent
toe stabilizer. The addition of the toe stabilizer greatly enhances
the shape of the backless shoe, while maintaining its utility as a
shoe tree.
[0031] The use of clamps or compressible materials, such as for
example, foam wedges, provide a function that a conventional shoe
tree cannot do, namely to provide the shoe tree with a means to
stabilize a backless shoe, which promotes its storage in a stable
shape.
[0032] The important shaping function of the shoe tree is
maintained with the unique toe stabilizing feature. The synergistic
combination of the toe stabilization portion with or without the
heel clamping portions provide beneficial effects for a backless
shoe that are not possible with any other type of shoe tree.
[0033] Furthermore, for persons having slightly different feet, the
shoe tree of the present invention can selectively stretch one of
the shoes more than the other, by applying more stress thereto.
[0034] In addition, optional odor and/or moisture absorbent sock
type materials, such as of cotton or other absorbent natural or
synthetic materials, can be provided over the toe and/or heel
portions of the shoe tree. These absorbent socks can be disposable,
or washable and reusable.
[0035] In a one embodiment for a backless shoe, the shoe tree
stabilizes backless shoes. At the toe end, the shoe tree includes
an elongated insert member for longitudinal installation into a
backless shoe. This insert member has opposite toe and heel ends
and a stretching shaft extending therebetween, wherein the toe end
has a form-fitting toe block which is receivable within the closed
or open toe portion of the backless shoe. The toe block fits
fitting into and expansively stresses the closed toe portion of the
backless shoe.
[0036] To compensate for the fact that the backless shoe has no
heel for the shoe tree to push against, this insert member has a
user controllable clamp positioned near the heel end, for removably
affixing the insert member in a user-selected installed position on
the heel portion of the backless shoe. This shoe-stressing force is
user-adjustable.
[0037] The elongated insert member may have two or more centrally
articulated members, with hinges and a threaded shaft-and-nut
length adjustment member, for user selection of a desired magnitude
of force for expansively stressing the closed open toe portion of
the backless shoe into a preferred storage position.
[0038] Preferably, the clamp grasps the top and bottom portions of
the heel of the backless shoe. Alternatively, the clamp grasps the
left and right side portions of the heel of the backless shoe.
Moreover, in a further embodiment, the clamp simultaneously grasps
the top, bottom, left and right side portions of the heel of the
backless shoe.
[0039] Mechanically, the clamp may have, for example, a
user-operable wing-nut and threaded shaft having a suitable
compression end-plate, in the same manner that a traditional
C-clamp has a threaded-shaft and a disc-shaped freely rotatable
clamping end-plate, for contacting the heel portion of the backless
shoe.
[0040] In another embodiment, the clamp is one or more
user-openable and closable contact adhesion straps (i.e., hook-and
loop fastening means, i.e. VELCRO .RTM.) for surrounding and
grasping the heel portion of the backless shoe.
[0041] Moreover, the clamp may be a user-openable and closable
spring clamp for simultaneously grasping with force suitable to
lock together the heel end of the insert member and the heel
portion of the backless shoe, for grasping the top, bottom and/or
side portions of the heel of the backless shoe.
[0042] In yet another embodiment, a shoe tree for backless shoes,
includes an elongated insert member for longitudinal installation
into a backless shoe. The insert member has a form-fitting toe
block receivable within the closed toe portion of the backless
shoe. The toe block can be a user inflatable and deflatable air
bladder for expansively stressing the closed on open toe portion of
the backless shoe, a pre-inflated, compressible air bladder.
[0043] In addition, the form-fitting toe block can also be of a of
a lightweight compressible material such as latex foam rubber,
other foams, rubber or a closed sleeve filled with discrete
particle stuffings, such as natural or synthetic particles,
shavings, beans, pellets, cedar shavings or other suitable discrete
materials in small pieces. These toe block embodiments can shape
the toe portion individually or they can be provided in combination
with heel clamps for grasping the top bottom, or sides portions of
the heel of the backless shoe.
[0044] These clamps can simultaneously grasp the top, bottom,
and/or left and right side portions of the heel of the backless
shoe; with the same clamping mechanisms as noted above, such as a
user-operable wing-nut and threaded shaft, having a suitable
compression end-plate or user-openable and closable contact
adhesion straps (i.e., hook-and loop fastening means, i.e. VELCRO
.RTM.) for surrounding and grasping the heel portion of the
backless shoe.
[0045] In yet another embodiment, the shoe tree can be an elongated
insert member for longitudinal installation into either the toe end
or the entire length of the interior of a conventional shoe,
wherein the insert has a form-fitting block receivable within the
entire portion of the shoe. This compressible shoe tree can be a
user inflatable and deflatable air bladder, a pre-inflated air
bladder, a compressible foam block, or a pre-inflated air bladder
which partially wraps around the compressible foam block, for
expansively stressing the toe end, or the entire shoe, from toe to
heel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] The present invention can best be understood in connection
with the accompanying drawings. However, no unnecessary limitations
are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted,
beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the terms and
illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the
scope of the present invention.
[0047] It is noted that the invention is not limited to the precise
embodiments shown in drawings, in which:
[0048] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a prior art shoe tree;
[0049] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a spring clamp device of
this invention;
[0050] FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of an alternate C-shaped
spring clamp of this invention;
[0051] FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of an alternate scissors
clamp of this invention;
[0052] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a shoe bottom attachment
clamp of this invention.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a side attachment clamp of this
invention;
[0054] FIG. 4A is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment for a
side attachment clamp of this invention;
[0055] FIG. 5 is a back end view of a strap attachment of this
invention;
[0056] FIG. 6 is an side edge view of an attachment strap showing
the various layers;
[0057] FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a resilient pad shoe tree for
an enclosed shoe;
[0058] FIG. 8 is a side elevation of a toe pad used in a backless
shoe;
[0059] FIG. 9 is a side elevation of a resilient toe pad used with
a mechanical shoe tree back portion in a backless shoe;
[0060] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an inflatable toe pad with a
bellows pump;
[0061] FIG. 11 is an end view in crossection of the bellows pump as
in FIG. 10;
[0062] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the inflatable toe pad
as in FIG. 10;
[0063] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a partially inflatable
toe pad wrap with a foam base and insert;
[0064] FIG. 13A is an end view in crossection of the embodiment of
FIG. 13;
[0065] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a combination of the toe
pad of FIG. 13 with a foam back pad for an enclosed shoe;
[0066] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a whole shoe pad with a
foam base and an inflatable upper section;
[0067] FIG. 16 is an end view in crossection of another embodiment
for a shoe tree with a different type of air pump taken along line
"16-16" of FIG. 15;
[0068] FIG. 17 is a top plan view in partial cross section of
another embodiment for plunger-operable shoe tree with an
expandable toe blank;
[0069] FIG. 17A is a close-up detail view of a latch for the
embodiment of FIG. 17; and,
[0070] FIG. 17B is a close-up detail view of an alternate
embodiment for a ratchet used with the embodiment shown in FIG.
17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0071] Conventional shoe trees are constructed in a number of
configurations with a variety of features and several different
mechanisms to achieve similar results.
[0072] For example, a fully featured prior art shoe tree 1 of a
particular type is shown in the top view of FIG. 1. It is
articulated to conform to a variety of shoe designs and sizes; it
also places stretching forces on the front, back, front sides and
back sides of a conventional closed shoe which is shown in
crossection outline 2.
[0073] Many more simple shoe trees are also on the market; they
often eliminate some adjustability features or the ability to
stretch the sides at the heel portion.
[0074] In FIG. 1, a prior art shoe tree includes front attachment
block 3, which is attached to front side contoured stretching
blocks 9 and 10 by springs 11 and 12 respectively. These springs
force blocks 9 and 10 against the sides of the sole portion of shoe
2 in transverse directions "B". Back attachment block 4 is attached
to heel area side contoured stretching blocks 13 and 14 by springs
15 and 16 respectively which cause transverse forces in direction
"A".
[0075] Many prior art shoe trees just have a one-piece abbreviated
part at the back which just braces against the back of shoe 2
providing internal forces in direction "C". The central section of
shoe tree 1 connects front attachment block 3 to back attachment
block 4 so as to provide a method for creating longitudinal forces
"C" and "D" (at the front).
[0076] In this illustration, a threaded rod 5 is pinned 17 to rear
block 3 to permit some articulation. The end of rod 5 freely moves
in and out of tubing segment 6 to permit length adjustment while
threaded adjustment disk 8 permits adjustment of longitudinal
spring 7 force.
[0077] Tubing segment 6 is pinned 18 to front block 3. In an
alternate design, spring 7 is eliminated while tubing segment 6 is
internally threaded to engage threaded rod 5 and disk 8 is now
rigidly attached to threaded rod 5 so as to permit rotation of rod
5 (which now is permitted to turn by a pinned 17 bushing within
block 4; this detail is not shown).
[0078] In this alternative configuration, turning adjustment disk 8
adjusts the length of shoe tree 1 to fit shoe 2 and/or to stretch
shoe 2 in the longitudinal direction.
[0079] Several alternate mechanisms to attach the front and back
segments of a shoe tree have been used. While these will not be
illustrated, they include leaf springs, coil springs, ratchet
mechanisms, and "over-center" spring clamps.
[0080] In contrast to the prior art shoe trees, the embodiments of
the present invention shown in FIGS. 2-6 are accessories to
conventional shoe trees (of a variety of designs) to permit their
intended use for backless shoes. They therefore provide an
alternate attachment method for the back part of a tree shoe so as
to permit longitudinal stretching and locating forces to impinge on
the inside toe portion of the backless shoe.
[0081] FIG. 2 shows backless shoe 25 with shoe tree 1 inserted
wherein the heel block 13 is rigidly connected to shoe heel portion
by spring clamp 35. This is a scissors type clamp with 2-part frame
31 pinned at the crossover with torsion spring 33 exerting a
closing force. Handle ends 34 are manually compressed to attach or
detach clamp 35. High friction elastomeric pads 32 attached to the
clamp ends press against heel block 13 of shoe tree 1 and the heel
bottom of backless shoe 25.
[0082] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, a hingeless
spring clamp 135 in the form of a "C" shape spring 130 may be used,
whereby manual loosening of "C" shape spring 130 causes "C" shape
spring 130 to loosen its grip against backless shoe 25. Optional
high friction elastomeric pads 132 attached to the clamp ends press
against heel block 113 of shoe tree 101 and the heel bottom of
backless shoe 25.
[0083] In a further alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, toe
block 9 includes two separable parts 9a, 9b, which split-apart by
use of a scissors-type clamp 102 including cooperating handles
104a, 104b pivoting about fulcrum hinge 103. While FIG. 2B shows
parts 9a, 9b spreading apart in a vertical axis, they can also
pivot horizontally outwards if the scissors clamp 102 is positioned
to operate also in a horizontal axis.
[0084] In another embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 3, a
purposely designed C-clamp 45 is used for the same purpose. Rigid
frame 40 has an elastomeric pad 41 at its distal end which impinges
on the heel bottom of shoe 25.
[0085] The proximal end of frame 40 has a threaded hole which
receives wing head screw 43 which permits clamping forces between
distal pad 41 and freely rotating elastomeric pad 42 which impinges
on the top of heel block 13 of shoe tree 1.
[0086] Yet another type of clamp embodiment holds heel block 13
against the heel end of backless shoe 25 by grasping the heel
sides, while an elastomeric pad 49 presses down and holds heel
block 13 immobilized.
[0087] For example, this is shown as clamp 48 in FIG. 4. Here frame
50 crosses over heel block 13 and fixed elastomeric pad 51 at the
distal end and swiveling elastomeric pad 52 grasp the sides of shoe
25 at or near the heel, and wing head screw 53 exerts clamping
force. Large elastomeric pad 49 is attached to frame 50.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 4A, in a further alternate embodiment,
clamp 101' includes C-shape clamp 150, which crosses a top portion
of backless shoe 25. Optionally, clamp 101' crossed over optional
heel block 113 and fixed elastomeric pad 151 at the distal end and
optional swiveling elastomeric pad 152 grasp the sides of shoe 25
at or near the heel. Optional large elastomeric pad 149 is attached
to C-shape spring clamp 150 of clamp 101'.
[0089] Another embodiment to temporarily attach the heel portion 13
of shoe tree 1 to the back of backless shoe 25 is shown in the end
view of FIG. 5. It includes a strap 55 of reinforced fabric or
plastic material attached as a loop by hook and loop fasteners,
such as VELCRO.RTM. fasteners. Strap 55 envelops heel block 13 as
well as the heel of backless shoe 25. The material of strap 55 may
be non-stretching or it may be elastomeric (thereby comprising two
different embodiments).
[0090] The edge view of FIG. 6 shows the make-up of strap 55. It
has strength layer 56 with a short length of "hook" material 57 at
one end. The opposite face of strap 55 includes a high friction
elastomeric layer 59 with a section of "loop" material at the end
opposite that of the shorter length of "hook" material 57. In
operation, strap 55 is snugly wrapped around and the ends
fastened.
[0091] An set of embodiments of shoe trees incorporating the use of
resilient pads is illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 16. These pads may
be resilient materials, such as natural and synthetic discrete
stuffing pieces, within a sleeve cover, or may be made of other
soft solid resilient materials, such as, for example, foam rubber,
where the resiliency is primarily from elastomeric properties of
the material, or they may be a closed cell foam material using a
flexible grade of plastic material where the resiliency is
primarily the result of compression of gasses entrapped in the
cells.
[0092] Alternatively, the pads may be preinflated impermeable
membranes, or inflatable hollow membrane structures with an
attached air pump for inflation.
[0093] FIG. 7 shows a side view of an embodiment using two
resilient pads 66 at the toe end and 67 at the heel end within a
conventional closed shoe outline 65. The forces produced by pad
resiliency provide the stretching and shaping forces, thereby
duplicating the function of a conventional shoe tree with enhanced
conformability to shoe contours. The implementation as two separate
toe 66 and heel 67 pads with touching common walls facilitates ease
of insertion and removal.
[0094] FIG. 8 shows the use of single toe pad 66 in backless shoe
25 unaided with any clamps or heel attachment. This is possible in
some backless shoes with side front contours that capture front pad
66. An alternate pull handle, such as a knob or ring (not shown)
may be provided to facilitate insertion or removal of the toe pad
66 within the toe portion of a shoe.
[0095] For those backless shoes where an unaided front toe pad
would tend to slip out, the solution of FIG. 9 presents an
alternative embodiment. In a modified shoe tree of mainly
conventional form, a resilient pad 69 replaces the front stretching
blocks. Pad 69 has an attached embedded rigid member 70 to
facilitate normal attachment to the conventional portion of shoe
tree 71. Clamp 45 is shown attaching heel block 13 to backless shoe
25, although any of the devices of FIGS. 2 through 6 can be used.
Other clamps, such as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B or 4A may also be
employed.
[0096] FIG. 10 shows a top view of an embodiment of a front
resilient pad 75 using air pump 95 for inflation. Material for pad
75 can be any of a wide variety of relatively impermeable flexible
membrane materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane
formed into a shape compatible with the inside contours of a shoe.
A back resilient inflatable pad of different shape (such as 67) can
also be fitted with pump 95.
[0097] While FIG. 12 shows a side phantom view of pump 95, the end
view in crossection of FIG. 11 (at "11-11" in FIG. 10) reveals pump
details. The main pumping element is a plastic blow molded bellows
77 preferably made of polypropylene. Rigid depressed finger
compression knob 76 seals the top of bellows 77. Air entry port
permits entry of ambient air at "h" through intake check valve 84
into bellows interior for compression during a downward stroke.
Compressed air exits bellows 77 through base structure 78 at "j"
through exit check valve 85 and further exiting into pad 75 at "i".
A release valve for purposely leaking air from within pad 75 to
deflate it is formed from sealing plate 82, O-ring 83, closing
spring 81, rod 80 and release button 79. A small force at "f" on
release button 79 will cause air leakage around rod 80.
[0098] In operation, partially deflated pad 75 is inserted in the
toe portion of a shoe and then knob 76 is depressed a few times
until the desired pressure within pad 75 is reached.
[0099] In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual
depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. For
example, the air pump embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-16 is
illustrative only. Other air pumps may be used, such as, for
example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,227 of Goldston for an
air pump having an air bladder to inflate portions of the walls and
tongue of an athletic shoe. In addition, small micro-pumps such as
contained within a basketball for inflation can be built into the
air bladder of the present invention.
[0100] The latter is exemplified by the INFUSION.TM. pump of
Spalding Corporation. It is a piston and cylinder pump wherein the
cylinder is entirely contained within a basketball with the top end
actually attached to the surface of the ball. The piston is stored
within the cylinder when not in use. Due to the nature of the
application of the INFUSION.TM. pump, the actuator handle for the
piston must also be stored and locked within the ball flush with
the surface when not being used lest any portion protrude from the
surface when the ball is being aggressively used in a game. This
adds the complication of a coin (or finger nail) actuated twist
lock to gain access to and then to re-lock the piston handle after
use.
[0101] FIG. 13 shows yet another embodiment of toe pad 200 with
inflatable upper section 201 and foam base 203 which intrudes into
air cavity 209 as shown in the end crossection (taken along plane
line "13A-13A" in FIG. 13A). In this embodiment, a different type
of air pump 202 is illustrated attached to the membrane 201 of the
inflatable section. Pump 202 is a hollow elastomeric "bubble
shaped" (almost hemispherical) housing with inlet check valve
integrally constructed as orifice 207 and valve flap 204. The
outlet check valve is formed from an outlet orifice periodically
sealed by flap 208 and protected from interference by perforated
cage 213. Pump 202 is simply depressed and released several times
to pressurize cavity 209. To release pressure, release button 210
is pressed which pushes down rod 211 which, in turn, forces open
valve flap 212 to release air from region 209.
[0102] FIG. 14 shows toe pad 200 used in conjunction with a back
pad 215 which is foam (not inflatable) for use within closed shoe
65.
[0103] FIG. 15 is a side view of an embodiment for enclosed shoe 65
using a "full shoe" inflatable pad with a foam base 226 which may
intrude into the cavity of the inflatable upper portion 225.
[0104] FIG. 16 is an end view in crossection taken at the line
shown in FIG. 15 as plane "16-16". A different type of air pump 227
is illustrated next to release valve button 210 (of similar
construction to that described in FIG. 13A). For example, FIG. 16
shows a piston and cylinder plunger-type of an air pump 227.
[0105] Certain features of air pump 227 are shared with the
INFUSION.TM. pump, however the flush-mounted and lockable piston
handle is avoided for this application as there is no need for such
a complicating feature. For the purpose of this invention, flat
piston handle 228 (designed to be grasped by thumb and forefinger)
is always ready for use as it protrudes from cylinder 230 even when
piston 232 is stored in the lowest position totally within
inflatable section 225 having hollow air-filled interior recesses
236. The other parts of pump 227 are an inlet air orifice 233 built
into piston 232 with inlet check valve flap 234 at its distal end.
O-ring seal 231 seals piston 232 against cylinder 230 bore.
Cylinder 230 is attached to air chamber bladder 225 at flange 229
which has small clearance 237 around piston 230; this prevents
piston 232 from exiting cylinder 230 on upstrokes since o-ring 231
would prevent such an occurrence. An outlet check valve is formed
from a bottom orifice on cylinder 230 and valve flap 235 as
protected by perforated cage 238.
[0106] Although three different types of air pumps are illustrated
in specific embodiments of the inflatable pads of this invention,
it can be appreciated that the alternate types shown can be
interchanged with the ones illustrated on any given embodiment.
[0107] FIG. 17 shows an alternate embodiment for a shoe tree 300
for a backless shoe which uses the traditional split block toe
piece 301. However, in the present invention, each section 301a,
301b is connected to each other by a hinged piece 302 having at
least one pivot point 303 and connecting arms 304 which allows
lateral expansion of toe piece 301. Attached to the split block is
a bracing arm or tube 305 and rod 306 having plunger 308. Rod 306
may be a double rod. Rod 306, is spring loaded with spring 307 to
allow resistance upon pushing the rod 306 with plunger 308 and
plunger handle 308a against the hinge 302. This allows expansion of
split block toe piece 301.
[0108] FIG. 17A shows a releasable latch 310 releasing ratchet
respective teeth 309 of rod members 305' and 306' which allows the
split block toe piece 301 to return to the original position.
[0109] Another embodiment shown in FIG. 17B uses a rod 306 plunger
308 with a plurality of teeth 309 that can be ratcheted from the
heel area to expand rod 305 to split block toe piece 301.
[0110] It is further known that other modifications may be made to
the present invention, without departing the scope of the
invention.
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