U.S. patent application number 11/189270 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-03 for canine footwear.
Invention is credited to Ynostroza, John Carlos, Yun, Yeu Hoon.
Application Number | 20050241188 11/189270 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37101530 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050241188 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yun, Yeu Hoon ; et
al. |
November 3, 2005 |
Canine footwear
Abstract
A dog shoe that is configured to be worn by a dog comprises a
rubberized sole sized for a foot of a dog. The rubberized sole has
an exterior portion and an upper portion opposite the exterior
portion. The rubberized sole further includes a heel portion and a
toe portion. The heel portion is raised in relation to the toe
portion. The dog shoe further comprises a shoe wall that comprises
a flexible material and that is coupled to at least a perimeter
portion of the upper portion of the rubberized sole. The shoe wall
includes an elongate opening along an upper portion thereof. The
dog shoe further comprises a zipper that is mounted on opposite
sides of the elongate opening in the upper portion of the shoe
wall, the zipper is also configured to open and close an adjustable
ankle opening in the upper portion of the shoe wall. The dog shoe
further comprises an elastic ankle cinch that is mounted to the
upper portion of the shoe wall. The elastic cinch is configured to
cinch open and close the adjustable ankle opening.
Inventors: |
Yun, Yeu Hoon; (Beverly
Hills, CA) ; Ynostroza, John Carlos; (Piedmont,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
37101530 |
Appl. No.: |
11/189270 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11189270 |
Jul 26, 2005 |
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11095927 |
Mar 31, 2005 |
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60589506 |
Jul 19, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/111 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 13/007 20130101;
A43C 11/00 20130101; A43B 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/111 |
International
Class: |
A43C 011/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A dog shoe configured to be worn by a dog, the shoe comprising:
a rubberized sole sized for a foot of a dog, the rubberized sole
having an exterior portion and an upper portion opposite the
exterior portion, and further including a heel portion and a toe
portion, wherein the heel portion is raised in relation to the toe
portion; a shoe wall that comprises a flexible material and that is
coupled to at least a perimeter portion of the upper portion of the
rubberized sole, wherein the shoe wall includes an elongate opening
along an upper portion thereof; a zipper that is mounted on
opposite sides of the elongate opening in the upper portion of the
shoe wall, and that is configured to open and close an adjustable
ankle opening in the upper portion of the shoe wall; and an elastic
ankle cinch that is mounted to the upper portion of the shoe wall,
and that is configured to cinch open and close the adjustable ankle
opening.
2. The dog shoe of claim 1, wherein the rubberized sole further
comprises an intermediate portion positioned between the toe
portion and the heel portion, and wherein the toe portion and the
heel portion are raised with respect to the intermediate
portion.
3. The dog shoe of claim 1, further comprising a lighting assembly
positioned on the heel portion of the rubberized sole.
4. The dog shoe of claim 1, further comprising a lighting assembly
coupled to the elastic ankle cinch.
5. The dog shoe of claim 1, wherein the rubberized sole has a heel
inclination angle between about 5.degree. and about 50.degree..
6. The dog shoe of claim 1, wherein the exterior portion of the
rubberized sole includes a numbered size indicator that provides an
indication of paw size the dog shoe will fit.
7. The dog shoe of claim 1, wherein the exterior portion of the
rubberized sole includes an indicator that provides an indication
as to whether the shoe is intended for a front dog foot or a rear
dog foot.
8. The dog shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe wall is attached to
the rubberized sole using an adhesive.
9. The dog shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe wall is sewn onto the
rubberized sole.
10. The dog shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe wall comprises
nylon.
11. The dog shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe wall includes a
plurality of ventilation holes.
12. The dog shoe of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the dog
shoe wall is coated with a water resistant material or coating.
13. The dog shoe of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the dog
shoe wall is coated at least in part with carnauba wax.
14. The dog shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe wall has a height
between about 1 inch and about 5 inches.
15. The dog shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe wall has a height
sized to reach to a region adjacent to an ankle of the dog.
16. A canine footwear apparatus comprising: a rubber sole sized to
fit a dog, the rubber sole having a dog toe portion and a dog heel
portion opposite the dog toe portion, wherein the dog heel portion
is elevated with respect to the toe portion to accommodate a dog's
anatomy; an upper shoe wall fastened to a perimeter portion of the
sole and forming an upper ankle opening, wherein the upper shoe
wall is shaped to allow the footwear apparatus to be positioned on
a dog foot, and wherein the upper shoe wall includes a first wall
portion and a second wall portion, wherein the first and second
wall portions are at least partially separated; and a fastener
configured to secure the upper shoe first wall portion to the upper
shoe second wall portion.
17. The canine footwear apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a
compressible material positioned on an interior portion of the shoe
wall.
18. The canine footwear apparatus of claim 16, further comprising
an elastic band embedded within the shoe wall.
19. The canine footwear apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first
and second wall portions are separated by an opening.
20. The canine footwear apparatus of claim 16, wherein the rubber
sole has a heel inclination angle between about 5.degree. and about
50.degree..
21. The canine footwear apparatus of claim 16, wherein the rubber
sole has a heel inclination angle between about 5.degree. and about
30.degree..
22. The canine footwear apparatus of claim 16, wherein the fastener
is a zipper.
23. The canine footwear apparatus of claim 16, wherein the fastener
is an elastic portion that couples the upper shoe first wall
portion to the upper shoe second wall portion.
24. The canine footwear apparatus of claim 16, wherein the fastener
is a hook-and-loop type fastener.
25. The canine footwear apparatus of claim 16, wherein the fastener
is a hook-and-loop type fastener that is configured to leave an
exposed front opening when fastened.
26. The canine footwear apparatus of claim 16, further comprising
an elastic ankle cinch coupled to the upper ankle opening, wherein
the elastic ankle cinch is configured to adjust a size of the upper
ankle opening.
27. The canine footwear apparatus of claim 16, further comprising
an ankle cinch coupled to the upper ankle opening, wherein: the
ankle cinch is configured to adjust a size of the upper ankle
opening; and the ankle cinch includes a hook-and-loop type
fastener.
28. The dog shoe of claim 16, wherein the exterior portion of the
rubberized sole includes an indicator that provides an indication
as to whether the shoe is intended for a front dog foot or a rear
dog foot.
29. The dog shoe of claim 16, wherein the rubber sole has a tread
pattern.
30. The dog shoe of claim 16, wherein the rubber sole has a tread
pattern having a dog paw shape.
31. An enclosure for a dog paw, the enclosure comprising: a shoe
sole sized to fit a dog paw, the shoe sole having a toe portion and
a heel portion opposite the toe portion; a curved sidewall
connected to and extending upwardly from a perimeter portion of the
shoe sole to an adjustable ankle opening, wherein the curved
sidewall comprises a flexible material; a longitudinally extending
closable slit formed in the curved sidewall, and extending from a
point adjacent the shoe sole toe portion to the adjustable ankle
opening; a closure device configured to open and close the
longitudinally extending closable slit; and an elastic ankle cinch
that is mounted to an upper portion of the curved sidewall, and
that is configured to cinch open and close the adjustable ankle
opening.
32. The dog paw enclosure of claim 31, wherein the closure device
is one of a hook-and-loop fastener and a zipper.
33. The dog paw enclosure of claim 31, further comprising an
alphanumeric size indicator positioned on an exterior portion of
the shoe sole.
34. The dog paw enclosure of claim 31, wherein the heel portion of
the shoe sole is inclined with respect to the toe portion of the
shoe sole.
35. The dog paw enclosure of claim 31, further comprising a
plurality of ventilation holes formed in the curved sidewall.
36. The dog paw enclosure of claim 31, further comprising a
water-resistance surface treatment applied to the curved
sidewall.
37. A kit comprising: two first canine footwear articles having a
first size; and two second canine footwear articles having a second
size that is larger than the first size, wherein the two first
canine footwear articles and the two second canine footwear
articles each include: a rubberized sole having a raised heel
portion, a shoe wall that is made of a flexible material and that
is attached to a perimeter portion of the rubberized sole, and an
elastic ankle cinch that is mounted to an upper portion of the shoe
wall, and that is configured to cinch open and close an adjustable
ankle opening in the shoe wall.
38. The kit of claim 37, wherein the rubberized sole for the two
first canine footwear articles further comprises a raised toe
portion.
39. The kit of claim 37, wherein: the raised heel portion of the
two first canine footwear articles has a first angle of
inclination; the raised heel portion for the two second canine
footwear articles has a second angle of inclination; and the second
angle of inclination is shallower than the first angle of
inclination.
40. The kit of claim 37, wherein the two first canine footwear
articles and the two second canine footwear articles each includes
an alphanumeric size indicator.
41. The kit of claim 37, wherein the two first canine footwear
articles each includes an indicator that they are for a canine's
front feet, and the two second canine footwear articles each
includes an indicator that they are for a canine's front feet.
42. The kit of claim 37, wherein the two first canine footwear
articles and the two second canine footwear articles each includes
an alphanumeric size inductor; and further comprising packaging
configured to hold the two first canine footwear articles and the
two second canine footwear articles such that the alphanumeric size
indicator is visible through the packaging.
Description
PRIORITY APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/095,927 (filed 31 Mar. 2005),
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
60/589,506 (filed 19 Jul. 2004). The entire disclosure of both of
these applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to canine footwear,
and more specifically to canine footwear with improved features
such as comfort, durability and appearance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Canine footwear has been developed to mitigate the
discomfort that dogs experience when standing, walking or running
on certain surfaces, such as hot pavement, snow or rough surfaces.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the advantages derived from
canine footwear are not limited to the dog wearing the footwear.
Specifically, canine footwear provides utility in the sense of
decorations to help fulfill some sort of anthropomorphic kinship
satisfaction to the dog owner.
[0004] Disadvantageously, many conventional canine footwear designs
do not adequately meet the unique shape and needs of dog paws and
legs. Further, many conventional canine footwear designs do not
provide adequate durability and do not sufficiently protect a dog's
paws from sharp objects on the ground, such as broken glass.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In view of the numerous advantages that canine footwear
provides, several different types of canine footwear have been
developed. However, many conventional forms of canine footwear
suffer from significant disadvantages, such as a tendency to twist
or slide off the dog's paw during certain activities, a failure to
provide adequate ventilation to the dog's foot, and an inability to
easily insert or remove the dog's foot from the shoe. These and
other deficiencies are addressed by various embodiments of the
canine footwear disclosed herein. However, not all embodiments need
address all deficiencies.
[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a dog shoe that
is configured to be worn by a dog comprises a rubberized sole sized
for a foot of a dog. The rubberized sole has an exterior portion
and an upper portion opposite the exterior portion. The rubberized
sole further includes a heel portion and a toe portion. The heel
portion is raised in relation to the toe portion. The dog shoe
further comprises a shoe wall that comprises a flexible material
and that is coupled to at least a perimeter portion of the upper
portion of the rubberized sole. The shoe wall includes an elongate
opening along an upper portion thereof. The dog shoe further
comprises a zipper that is mounted on opposite sides of the
elongate opening in the upper portion of the shoe wall. The zipper
is also configured to open and close an adjustable ankle opening in
the upper portion of the shoe wall. The dog shoe further comprises
an elastic ankle cinch that is mounted to the upper portion of the
shoe wall. The elastic cinch is configured to cinch open and close
the adjustable ankle opening.
[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, a canine
footwear apparatus comprises a rubber sole sized to fit a dog. The
rubber sole has a dog toe portion and a dog heel portion opposite
the dog toe portion. The dog heel portion is elevated with respect
to the toe portion to accommodate a dog's anatomy. The canine
footwear apparatus further comprises an upper shoe wall fastened to
a perimeter portion of the sole and forming an upper ankle opening.
The upper shoe wall is shaped to allow the footwear apparatus to be
positioned on a dog foot. The upper shoe wall includes a first wall
portion and a second wall portion. The first and second wall
portions are at least partially separated. The canine footwear
apparatus further comprises a fastener configured to secure the
upper shoe first wall portion to the upper shoe second wall
portion.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, an enclosure
for a dog paw comprises a shoe sole sized to fit a dog paw. The
shoe sole has a toe portion and a heel portion opposite the toe
portion. The dog paw enclosure further comprises a curved sidewall
connected to and extending upwardly from a perimeter portion of the
shoe sole to an adjustable ankle opening. The curved sidewall
comprises a flexible material. The dog paw enclosure further
comprises a longitudinally extending closable slit formed in the
curved sidewall, and extending from a point adjacent the shoe sole
toe portion to the adjustable ankle opening. The dog paw enclosure
further comprises a closure device configured to open and close the
longitudinally extending closable slit. The dog paw enclosure
further comprises an elastic ankle cinch that is mounted to an
upper portion of the curved sidewall, and that is configured to
cinch open and close the adjustable ankle opening.
[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, a kit
comprises two first canine footwear articles having a first size.
The kit further comprises two second canine footwear articles
having a second size that is larger than the first size. The two
first canine footwear articles and the two second canine footwear
articles each include a rubberized sole having a raised heel
portion. The two first canine footwear articles and the two second
canine footwear articles each include a shoe wall that is made of a
flexible material and that is attached to a perimeter portion of
the rubberized sole. The two first canine footwear articles and the
two second canine footwear articles each include an elastic ankle
cinch that is mounted to an upper portion of the shoe wall, and
that is configured to cinch open and close an adjustable ankle
opening in the shoe wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the improved canine footwear
disclosed herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
which are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings comprise the
following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dog wearing an exemplary
embodiment of the improved canine footwear disclosed herein.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a first side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
canine footwear apparatus having an elastic ankle cinching
mechanism.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a second side view of the canine footwear
apparatus of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front view of the canine footwear apparatus of
FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the canine footwear apparatus of
FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the canine footwear apparatus of
FIG. 2 illustrating an exemplary sole configuration.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a first side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
canine footwear apparatus having a raised heel.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a front view of the canine footwear apparatus of
FIG. 7.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the canine footwear apparatus of
FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the canine footwear apparatus of
FIG. 7 illustrating an exemplary sole configuration.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
canine footwear apparatus having a heel-mounted light.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
canine footwear apparatus having an angle-mounted light.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
canine footwear apparatus having an adjustable ankle strap.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a rear view of the canine footwear apparatus of
FIG. 13.
[0025] FIG. 15A is an open front view of an exemplary embodiment of
a canine footwear apparatus that does not include a zipper.
[0026] FIG. 15B is a closed front view of an exemplary embodiment
of a canine footwear apparatus that does not include a zipper, but
that does include a secondary strap.
[0027] FIG. 15C is a side view of the canine footwear apparatus of
FIG. 15B.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a canine footwear apparatus that includes a rear opening.
[0029] FIG. 17A is a closed front view of an exemplary embodiment
of a canine footwear apparatus that includes an elastic portion and
an ankle strap.
[0030] FIG. 17B is an open front view of an exemplary embodiment of
a canine footwear apparatus that includes an elastic portion and an
ankle strap.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a side view of a canine footwear apparatus having
a raised toe portion of the sole.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a side view of a canine footwear apparatus
including exemplary embodiments of supplementary fitting
devices.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] In accordance with the forgoing, improved canine footwear
has been developed. Certain optional embodiments described herein
provide enhanced paw protection and comfort. For example, seeing
eye dogs and other service dogs are often subjected to hot,
sun-baked pavement surfaces for prolonged periods of time. In some
cases, the causes burning, cracking and/or infection of the dog's
foot pads. Use of certain footwear embodiments described herein
helps to protect the dog's footpads from such effects.
[0034] Certain embodiments of the canine footwear described herein
also optionally provide dogs with protection from hazards such as
thorns, burrs, stinging insects, and salt used in street
maintenance during wintry weather. These hazards are particularly
bothersome for dogs that spend a large amount of time indoors,
because such dogs are unable to develop the tougher paw pads that
dogs that spend a large amount of time outdoors have. Moreover, the
advantages derived from canine footwear are not limited to
providing comfort and protection from adverse environmental
conditions. Canine footwear also optionally provides enhanced
healing and protection for dogs with paw injuries; improved
stability for dogs with arthritic, dysplastic or other conditions
that adversely affect their ability to walk; and/or improved
mobility for dogs that walk on slippery surfaces, such as hardwood
floors or ice.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of canine
footwear 10 worn by a dog 12. Certain features of the canine
footwear 10 are illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 2 through
6.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the canine footwear 10 comprises
a sole 16 that is made of rubber, although other suitable materials
such as leather or canvas are used in other embodiments. For
example, in one embodiment, the sole 16 comprises a thermoplastic
rubber material, which is advantageously durable and lightweight.
An optional slip-resistant sole, such as a rubber sole, provides
several advantages, such as increased durability and wear
resistance, enhanced protection from dangers such as thorns or
burrs, and improved traction on various types of slippery terrain.
For example, a rubber sole will provide a dog with enhanced
traction on a polished wood floor, thus facilitating the dog's
movement and decreasing the risk of injury due to a fall.
Furthermore, many dogs suffering from certain conditions such as
arthritis find that the increased traction provided by a
slip-resistant sole makes it easier to stand up from a sitting or
lying condition. Because of its properties as an electrical
insulator, a rubber sole also advantageously helps to protect a dog
from electric shock, for example from metal grate subway platforms.
In one embodiment, the thickness of the sole 16 is between 0.1
inches and 0.5 inches. In another embodiment, the thickness of the
sole 16 is between 0.125 inches and 0.4 inches. In yet another
embodiment, the thickness of the sole 16 is between 0.15 inches and
0.25 inches.
[0037] The sole 16 optionally includes tread 18 to further enhance
traction. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment the
tread 18 includes one or more dog paw patterns 20, although other
tread patters, such as dog body shaped patters or channels running
the length of the sole are used in other embodiments. The tread
patterns in the sole advantageously provide the dog with enhanced
traction, especially on wet or otherwise slippery surfaces.
Additionally, in certain embodiments the sole 16 further includes a
size indicator 22 printed thereon. The size indicator 22, which in
an exemplary embodiment comprises one or more alphanumeric
characters, provides an indication of the size of a particular
article of canine footwear. Optionally, if a set of four canine
shoes includes two sized for the front feet and two sized
differently for the rear feet, an indication is provided on each
shoe indicating if it is a front foot shoe or a rear foot shoe.
[0038] The canine footwear 10 further includes a shoe wall 14 that
is configured to cover an upper portion of the dog's foot. In an
exemplary embodiment, the shoe wall 14 optionally comprises a
flexible, porous material, such as canvas, nylon or
polytetrafluoroethylene, thereby allowing air to pass through the
shoe wall 14 to the dog's foot, and allowing moisture to pass from
the dog's foot through the shoe wall 14. Such a configuration is
particularly advantageous for canine footwear because a dog
perspires through its feet. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner
surface of the shoe wall 14 comprises a soft fleece-like material
or similar material to enhance comfort for the dog's foot. Further,
the fleece, fleece-like, or other material provides additional
thermal insulation.
[0039] Optionally, the shoe wall 14 further includes macroscopic
pores to further facilitate passage of air and moisture
therethrough. Optionally, the shoe wall is at least partially
coated with a material configured to resist water damage, such as a
water-resistant material. An example of such a material is carnauba
wax. Such surface treatments are particularly advantageous where
the canine footwear is to be used to prevent a dog's foot from
becoming wet.
[0040] Still referring to in exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 2 through 6, the shoe wall 14 is secured to a perimeter
portion of the sole 16. In one embodiment the shoe wall 14 is sewn
to the sole 16, although other attachment mechanisms, such as use
of an epoxy or other glue or adhesive, are used in other
embodiments. For example, FIGS. 2 through 6 illustrate the use of a
clip 24, such as a metallic or plastic clip, to secure the shoe
wall 14 to a toe portion 34 of the sole 16. In other embodiments,
additional clips 24 are used at other locations around the
perimeter of the sole 16.
[0041] The shoe wall 14 includes an elongate opening to facilitate
placement of the dog's foot within the canine footwear 10. In the
exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the elongate opening
includes a zipper 26. However, other mechanisms to open and close
the elongate opening are used in other embodiments; examples of
such mechanisms include snaps, buttons, clips and hook-and-loop
type fasteners. In one embodiment, a zipper with an enlarged pull
tab is provided to open and close the elongate opening. An enlarged
pull tab makes it easier to handle the zipper and therefore to open
or close the footwear when the dog is moving around. In a modified
embodiment, the zipper 26 is positioned elsewhere on the canine
footwear, such as on the rear (extending upwards from the heel) or
the side of the canine footwear.
[0042] The canine footwear 10 optionally includes a tongue 32
positioned inside the shoe and over the elongate opening, thereby
providing a buffer between the dog's foot and the elongate opening.
Aside from providing an added level of comfort, the tongue 32 also
optionally protects the dog's foot from the mechanism used to open
and close the elongate opening. For example, in embodiments wherein
a zipper is used to open and close the elongate opening, the tongue
32 helps to prevent fur on the dog's foot from becoming entangled
in the zipper.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, an upper portion of the shoe
wall 14 additionally or optionally includes an ankle cinch 28. For
example, in one embodiment the ankle cinch 28 comprises an elastic
cord that is configured to be tightened around an upper portion of
the dog's ankle. In such embodiments, the ankle cinch includes a
pushbutton lock 30 usable to keep the elastic cord in a tightened
configuration. Other mechanisms for keeping the elastic cord in a
tightened configuration are used in other embodiments. The ankle
cinch advantageously helps to keep the canine footwear 10 secured
to the dog's foot, and helps to reduce the tendency of the canine
footwear 10 to slip, twist, slide or otherwise fall off of the
dog's foot during certain activities, such as strenuous physical
activities. This ankle cinch configuration also advantageously
provides substantially unhindered movement of the dog's leg and
foot tendons.
[0044] Modified embodiments of canine footwear 10 are illustrated
in FIGS. 7 through 10. Such embodiments include a hook-and-loop
type fastener for the ankle cinch 28 instead of an elastic cord.
FIG. 8 illustrates that the ankle cinch 28 is optionally positioned
over the elongate opening, as distinguished from the exemplary
configuration using an elastic cord that is illustrated in FIG. 4.
Furthermore, the modified embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7
through 10 illustrate that the shoe wall 14 optionally comprises a
plurality of smaller shoe wall panels that are interconnected
using, for example, stitching 36. However, other mechanisms are
used to interconnect the smaller shoe wall panels in other
embodiments.
[0045] The modified embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 10
included a raised heel portion 38 of the sole 16. For example, in
one embodiment the raised heel portion 38 is inclined at an angle
between about 5.degree. and about 50.degree. with respect to a foot
portion 40 of the sole (also referred to as an intermediate portion
of the sole). In another embodiment, the raised heel portion 38 is
inclined at an angle between about 5.degree. and about 30.degree.
with respect to the foot portion 40 of the sole. Other heel
inclination angles are used in other embodiments. Inclining the
heel portion 38 of the sole advantageously conforms to the unique
anatomy of the canine foot, thereby providing significant comfort
advantages with respect to flat-soled canine footwear.
[0046] As described herein, in certain embodiments, canine footwear
10 with various sized soles is produced. The size of the sole is
optionally provided by an alphanumeric size indicator 22 marked on
the sole 16. However, in certain embodiments components of the
canine footwear other than or in addition to the sole 16 are
provided in various sizes. For example, the height of the shoe wall
14 is adjustable. In one embodiment, the height of the shoe wall 14
is between about one inch and about 5 inches. In another
embodiment, the height of the shoe wall 14 is between about 2
inches and about 4 inches. In still another embodiment, the shoe
wall 14 is provided with a height configured to reach to a region
adjacent to an ankle of the dog.
[0047] In a modified embodiment, the canine footwear 10 includes
lights which enhance visibility of the dog wearing the footwear,
for example in low light conditions such as nighttime. For example,
this advantageously makes the dog more visible to cars, thereby
providing a significant safety enhancement. FIG. 11 illustrates a
light assembly 42 positioned at the heel of the footwear, while
FIG. 12 illustrates a light assembly 44 mounted to the pushbutton
lock 30 at an ankle portion of the footwear. In an exemplary
embodiment, the light assemblies comprise one or more light
emitting diodes, although other sources of light are used in other
embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the lights are activated
by a motion sensor, and thus are configured to flash when the dog's
foot hits the ground. In an alternative embodiment, the lights
flash intermittently according to a timing circuit. In such
embodiments, the light assembly includes circuitry to control the
flashing of the lights, as well as a power source for the
lights.
[0048] Generally, a dog's front paws are slightly larger than a
dog's rear paws. Therefore, in certain embodiments wherein four dog
boots are provided in a kit, the kit comprises two smaller dog
boots intended for the dog's rear paws, and two slightly larger dog
boots intended for the dog's front paws. For example, in one such
embodiment, the width of an intermediate portion of the sole of the
dog boots intended for the dog's rear paws is between about 5% and
about 40% smaller than the corresponding dimension on the dog boots
intended for the dog's front paws. In embodiments wherein the dog
boot includes a size indicator, the kit optionally includes
packaging that allows the size indicators to be seen through the
packaging, thereby making it easier for a consumer to procure
appropriately-sized canine footwear.
[0049] In addition to size differences, other design modifications
are optionally included to accommodate differences between the
dog's front paws and the dog's rear paws. For example, FIG. 18
illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the dog boot 10
includes a raised toe portion 70 of the sole 16. The raised toe
portion 70 provides additional comfort and usability, particularly
when provided on a dog boot configured for use on a dog's rear
paws. However, in certain applications a dog boot 10 having a
raised toe portion 70 is used on both the dog's front and rear
paws.
[0050] Similarly, in embodiments wherein the sole includes a raised
heel portion, the raised heel portion is optionally provided with a
different angle of inclination for the front and rear paws. For
example, in one embodiment the dog boots configured for use on the
dog's front paws are provided with a raised heel portion having a
relatively shallow angle of inclination, while the dog boots
configured for use on the dog's rear paws are provided with a
raised heel portion having a relatively steep angle of inclination.
As used herein, a shallow angle of inclination refers to an angle
wherein the inclined portion of the sole deviates from the
remainder of the sole by a relatively small angular deviation, and
a steep angle of inclination refers to an angle wherein the
inclined portion of the sole deviates from the remainder of the
sole by a relatively large angular deviation.
[0051] In other modified embodiments, different mechanisms are used
to secure the canine footwear 10 to the dog's foot. One example of
such a modified embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG.
13 illustrates a side view of canine footwear 10 having an ankle
strap 46 that is positioned around an ankle portion of the
footwear. In this exemplary embodiment, the ankle strap 46 is
coupled to the shoe wall 14 using a raised loop 48; however, other
coupling mechanisms can be used in other embodiments, such as
stapling, gluing or sewing. As illustrated in the rear view
provided in FIG. 14, the ankle strap 46 optionally includes a
hook-and-loop type fastener 50 that is used to tighten the strap
around the dog's foot. Other tightening mechanisms are used in
other embodiments, such as buckles, snaps, and ties.
[0052] Another example of an embodiment having a modified mechanism
to secure the canine footwear 10 to the dog's foot is illustrated
in FIGS. 15A through 15C. FIG. 15A illustrates an open front view
of canine footwear 10 that does not include a zipper. Instead, the
canine footwear 10 illustrated in FIG. 15A includes two flaps 52
that are wrapped around the dog's ankle. In an exemplary
embodiment, the flaps 52 include hook-and-loop type fasteners 54
that are used to tighten the strap around the dog's ankle. Other
tightening mechanisms are used in other embodiments, such as
buckles, snaps, or elastic ties. FIGS. 15B and 15C illustrate a
closed front and closed side view of the canine footwear 10 that
does not include a zipper. The exemplary embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 15B and 15C include a secondary strap 56 that is optionally
included to further secure the canine footwear 10 around the dog's
ankle. As illustrated in FIGS. 15B and 15C, these embodiments
advantageously provide a front opening 58 when the footwear is
closed, thereby providing additional ventilation to the dog's foot
during use.
[0053] Another modified embodiment of the canine footwear is
illustrated in FIG. 16. FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of
canine footwear 10 that includes a rear opening 60 that is
configured, for example, to accommodate a dog's dew paw. The rear
opening 60 also advantageously provides additional ventilation to
the dog's paws during use. This embodiment optionally includes
ankle straps 62 that are configured to wrap around the dog's angle
to assist in securing the canine footwear 10 to the dog's foot. In
one embodiment, the straps 62 are connected together using
hook-and-loop type fasteners, although other fastening mechanisms
are used in other embodiments, such as buckles, snaps and ties.
Such embodiments optionally include a zipper positioned on a front
portion of the footwear, although in a modified embodiment an
elastic portion is provided in place of, or in addition to, the
zipper.
[0054] For example, FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate an exemplary
embodiment of canine footwear 10 wherein the zipper has been
replaced with an elastic portion 64. In particular, FIG. 17A
illustrates the canine footwear 10 in a closed configuration, and
FIG. 17B illustrates the canine footwear in an open configuration.
Such embodiments optionally include an ankle strap 66 to further
secure the canine footwear 10 to the dog's foot. As described
above, in one embodiment the ankle strap 66 includes hook-and-loop
type fasteners, although other types of fasteners are used in other
embodiments, such as button, snaps and buckles.
[0055] While zippers, elastic bands and hook-and-loop type
fasteners have been disclosed herein as usable to secure canine
footwear to a dog's foot, other securing mechanisms are used in
other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 19. For example, in one
embodiment a canine footwear article 10 includes a compressible
material 72 positioned on the inside of the canine footwear 10. In
an exemplary embodiment, the compressible material 72 comprises a
material such as a foam- or sponge-like substance that presses
against the dog's foot when the canine footwear 10 is worn, and
thereby provides an improved secure fit between the dog's foot and
the canine footwear 10. In such embodiments, the compressible
material 72 is positioned inside and is fastened to the shoe wall
14. Optionally, the compressible material comprises multiple
separate pieces of material. For example, in an embodiment wherein
the canine footwear 10 includes a front zipper, separate pieces of
compressible material are positioned on either side of the
zipper.
[0056] Still referring to FIG. 19, the canine footwear 10
optionally or additionally includes one or more embedded elastic
bands 74 incorporated into the shoe wall 14. Similar to the
compressive material 72, the embedded elastic bands 74 cause the
shoe wall 14 to more closely fit against the dog's foot, and
thereby provide an improved secure fit between the dog's foot and
the canine footwear 10. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 19, embedded elastic bands 74 are positioned in an ankle
region of the canine footwear 10, as well as in a toe region of the
canine footwear 10. In other embodiments, the embedded elastic
bands 74 are alternatively or additionally placed elsewhere on the
canine footwear. Because the embedded elastic bands 74 do not
include an external cinching, tightening or fastening mechanism,
they advantageously are resistant to the dog interfering with their
operation by biting, chewing or otherwise pulling thereon.
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0057] While the foregoing detailed description discloses several
embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that
this disclosure is illustrative only and is not limiting of the
present invention. It should be appreciated that the specific
configurations and operations disclosed can differ from those
described above, and that the methods described herein can be used
in contexts other than canine footwear.
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