U.S. patent application number 12/192930 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-13 for device for footwear.
Invention is credited to Marty Pavkovic.
Application Number | 20090199437 12/192930 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40436131 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090199437 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pavkovic; Marty |
August 13, 2009 |
DEVICE FOR FOOTWEAR
Abstract
A device (100) for minimizing damage caused to at least a
portion of footwear, the device (100) having a protecting surface
(110), and an attaching surface (115) formed between the footwear
and the protecting surface (110), the attaching surface being
removably attachable to the portion of footwear.
Inventors: |
Pavkovic; Marty; (Penshurst,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
40436131 |
Appl. No.: |
12/192930 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60956085 |
Aug 15, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/136 ;
36/72R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 13/00 20130101;
A43B 3/0078 20130101; A43B 5/145 20130101; A43B 23/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/136 ;
36/72.R |
International
Class: |
A43C 13/00 20060101
A43C013/00; A43B 23/00 20060101 A43B023/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 15, 2007 |
AU |
2007904377 |
Claims
1. A device for minimizing damage caused to at least a portion of
footwear, the device comprising: a) a protecting surface; and, b)
an attaching surface formed between the footwear and the protecting
surface, the attaching surface being removably attachable to the
portion of footwear.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the attaching surface is an
adhesive surface.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device protects the footwear
from damage caused by a lever when the footwear is pressed against
the lever.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the lever is a gear change lever
of a motorcycle.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is formed from a shape
that follows the contours of at least a portion of the shape of the
footwear.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein at least the protecting surface
is made from plastic.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the protecting surface includes
information.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the information is formed under
the protecting surface, and is visible.
9. The device of claim 7, wherein the information comprises of
advertising.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is made from
injection molding.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the attaching surface comprises
of any one or a combination of: a) glue; and, b) hook and loop
fastener device.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the protecting surface comprises
of one or more ridges.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the protecting surface comprises
of a lip for removing the device from the footwear.
14. A method of using a device for minimizing damage to at least a
portion of footwear, the method comprising the steps of removably
attaching the device to the footwear at an attaching surface of the
device, the attaching surface being formed between the footwear and
a protecting surface of the device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Section
119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/956,085, filed on Aug. 15,
2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a device for footwear, and
in particular to a device for limiting/minimizing damage to at
least a portion of footwear, or a device for limiting/minimizing
contact between an object and footwear.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] The reference in this specification to any prior publication
(or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known,
is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission
or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or
information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the
common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this
specification relates.
[0006] Presently, motorcycle riders often wear footwear such as
trainers, dress or casual shoes, which are typically not designed
for motorcycling. This is generally the case as motorcyclists find
it inconvenient to change shoes for riding the motorcycle, in order
to change back into normal, everyday footwear, after the motorbike
ride.
[0007] However, it has become apparent that shoes which are
typically not designed for motorcycling are often damaged by the
foot-operated gear lever of the motorbike.
[0008] Notably, this particular problem is not limited to
motorcycle riders and can also extend to operators of factory
equipment, skeet or clay pigeon shooters, an many others, who use
their footwear unconventionally.
[0009] Accordingly, there is required a device for footwear, which
seeks to substantially overcome, at least ameliorate one or more
disadvantages of existing arrangements, or to provide an
alternative to existing arrangements.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0010] In a first broad form, there is provided a device for
minimizing damage caused to at least a portion of footwear, the
device having a protecting surface; and, an attaching surface
formed between the footwear and the protecting surface, the
attaching surface being removably attachable to the portion of
footwear
[0011] In a second broad form, there is provided a device for
limiting/minimizing damage caused by an object to at least a
portion of footwear, the device having: [0012] a) an attaching
surface for removably attaching the device to the portion of the
footwear; and, [0013] b) a protecting surface, the protecting
surface being in between the attaching surface and the object such
that damage to the portion of the footwear is
limited/minimized.
[0014] In one example, the attaching surface is an adhesive
surface.
[0015] In another example, the object is a lever and the footwear
is pressed against the lever.
[0016] In another aspect, wherein the lever is a gear change lever
of a motorcycle.
[0017] According to another form, the device is formed from a shape
that fits around/follows the contours of at least a portion of the
shape of the footwear.
[0018] In a further example, at least the protecting surface is
made from plastic.
[0019] In yet another form, the protecting surface includes
information.
[0020] According to another aspect, the information is formed under
the protecting surface, and is visible.
[0021] In a further example, the written information includes
advertising.
[0022] In a further form, the device is made from injection
molding.
[0023] According to another example, the attaching surface includes
any one or a combination of: [0024] a) glue; and, [0025] b) hook
and loop fastener device.
[0026] In accordance with another example, the protecting surface
includes one or more ridges.
[0027] According to a further aspect, the protecting surface
includes a lip for removing the device from the footwear.
[0028] In a third broad form, there is provided a method of using a
device for limiting/minimizing damage to at least a portion of
footwear, the at least one portion of the footwear being in contact
with an object, the method including the steps of removably
attaching the device to the footwear at an attaching surface of the
device, the device having a protecting surface, the protecting
surface being in contact with the object such that damage to the
footwear is limited/minimized.
[0029] In a fourth broad form, there is provided a device for
protecting footwear, the device having an adhesive surface, such
that the device is removably attachable to the footwear.
[0030] In a fifth broad form, there is provided a device for use
with footwear, the device having an adhesive surface, such that the
device is removable attachable to the footwear, the device being
able to allow an object to rest on or against the footwear such
that contact between the object and the device is minimized.
[0031] In a sixth broad form, there is provided a method of using a
device for minimizing damage to at least a portion of footwear, the
method including the steps of removably attaching the device to the
footwear at an attaching surface of the device, the attaching
surface being formed between the footwear and a protecting surface
of the device.
[0032] It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention
may be used individually or in combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] An example of the present invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:--
[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a device for
footwear;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the side view of the
example device of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the example device of FIG.
1, in use with footwear;
[0037] FIG. 4 is another schematic diagram of the example device of
FIG. 1, in use with footwear;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another example of a device
for footwear;
[0039] FIG. 6A is a photograph of a top perspective view of an
example of a device for footwear;
[0040] FIG. 6B is another photograph of a side perspective view of
the example device of FIG. 6A;
[0041] FIG. 7A is a photograph of a top view of another example
device for footwear;
[0042] FIG. 7B is a photograph of a side view of the example device
of FIG. 7A;
[0043] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of a top view of another
example of a device for footwear;
[0044] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of
the example device of FIG. 8A;
[0045] FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram of a side view of the example
device of FIG. 8A;
[0046] FIG. 8D is a schematic diagram of another side view of the
example device of FIG. 8A;
[0047] FIG. 8E is a schematic diagram of a bottom perspective view
of the example device of FIG. 8A;
[0048] FIG. 8F is a schematic diagram of a bottom view of the
example device of FIG. 8A;
[0049] FIG. 5G is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of
the example device of FIG. 8A; and,
[0050] FIG. 8H is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of
the example device of FIG. 8A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0051] A device for footwear is generally shown in FIG. 1.
[0052] In particular, FIG. 1 shows a device 100, where the device
100 generally has an attaching surface 105 and a protecting surface
110 (as shown in FIG. 2).
[0053] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the device 100 of FIG. 1 in use, on/with
footwear 115. In particular, the device 100 can be used to limit
damage caused by an object 120, which may, in use, press upon or
come into contact with the footwear. In this particular example,
the attaching surface 105 removably attaches the device 100 to at
least a portion of the footwear 115, where the protecting surface
110 is between the attaching surface 105 and the object 120 such
that damage to the at least one portion of the footwear 115 is
limited.
[0054] In one particular example, the attaching surface 105 is an
adhesive surface, which can adhere to the footwear 115 via any type
of adhesive such as glue, or the like. It will be appreciated that
the attaching surface is formed such that the device 100 is
removably attachable. In a further example, the attaching surface
can include a hook and loop fastening device, where the hook
portion of the device is removably attached to the footwear, and
the loop portion of the device 100 is attached to the attaching
surface of the device (or vice versa), such that the device 100 is
removably attachable to the footwear 115.
[0055] In a further example, the protecting surface 110 is made
from plastic. Furthermore, the protecting surface 110 can include
information 125, such as advertising, logos, text, written
instructions for using the device 100, or the like. The information
125 can be formed under the protecting surface, where it is visible
through the protecting surface (for example, through the clear
plastic of the protecting surface), formed as a part of the
protecting surface, or formed within a recess of the protecting
surface.
[0056] Additionally, the protecting surface 110 can also include
ribs or other molded features for improving the usability of the
device 100 (as further described below). Thus for example, the
protecting surface 110 can include a molded lip or portion (not
shown) which can allow for the object 120 to rest on the device
100, or a lip portion that allows a user to grip the lip portion in
order to remove the device 100 from the footwear 115.
[0057] Thus, the device 100 can be made from injection molding, and
can be formed into a shape such that the device 100 fits at least
partially around a portion of the footwear 115, as shown in FIGS. 3
and 4. It will further be appreciated that the device can be formed
into many shapes, which can include the general "S" shape of the
device 100 as shown in FIG. 1, or any other shape, an example of
which is shown in FIG. 5 in device 100A. Further examples of
various shapes of the device 100 and 100A are shown in FIGS. 6A to
7B.
[0058] Accordingly, the device 100 can protect the footwear 115,
when the footwear 115 is pressed against an object 120, such as a
lever or the like, or when the footwear undergoes any
unconventional use. In one particular example, the object 120 is a
gear change lever of a motorcycle, and the device 100 can be used
by motorcycle riders to protect their shoes from damage from the
gear change lever, when changing gears.
[0059] It will be appreciated, however, that although the device
100 has been described with specific reference to the use of the
device 100 whilst riding a motorcycle, the device 100 can be used
in numerous other applications. In one example, skeet or clay
pigeon shooters can use the device 100 (or a variation thereof) to
protect or pad the top of their foot, upon which the muzzle of the
gun is rested. In this particular example, the device 100 can be
formed with a recessed top or lip (not shown) to retain the muzzle
of the gun, thus limiting/minimizing contact between the muzzle of
the gun (which in this example is the object 120), and the footwear
115).
[0060] A further example of a device 100B for footwear is shown in
FIGS. 8A to 8H.
[0061] In this particular example, the device 100B has one or more
ridges 130 on the protecting surface 110B, which in this example
are longitudinally extending ridges, which can provide strength and
durability as well as increase the surface area of the protecting
surface 110B and thus provide more protection when the device 100B
is applied to footwear or the like.
[0062] Furthermore, the device 100B has a lip 135 which can make it
easier for a user or the like to remove the device by holding and
pulling the device off.
[0063] Additionally, the device 100B has a curved L-shaped cross
section (as can be seen in FIGS. 8C and 8D), so that the device
100B can be fitted onto footwear, and can follow or correspond to
the curvature of a shoe or the like.
[0064] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the devices 100,
100A, and 100B can limit/minimize damage to footwear 115, or
limit/minimize contact between footwear 115 and an object 120.
Specific Examples
[0065] In one particular example, the above-described device 100
can include an "S" shaped plastic shield formed in a single plane
curve to conform to the contours of the inner side and top of the
toe of a left shoe (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4).
[0066] In this particular example, the device is laser cut and
thermo formed from a section of extruded thermo plastic sheet,
where the inner face of the device has an adhesive surface formed
from a section of double sided foam tape cut to the profile of the
device.
[0067] The example of the device in use, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,
shows that the device can be attached, by self adhesive backing, to
the inner and upper part of the toe of footwear worn on the left
foot of motorcyclists. Accordingly, the device covers the contact
area between the footwear and the gear change lever and can take
all scuffing and wear which would otherwise be subjected to the
footwear by upward gear changes.
[0068] It will be appreciated that motorcyclists often wear
footwear such as trainers, dress or casual shoes not designed for
motorcycling and such footwear can be damaged by the foot-operated
gear lever. Accordingly, the above-described device may be applied
to such footwear (including trainers and dress or casual shoes or
the like) in order to eliminate, prevent, and/or limit damage and
wear to the upper surfaces of footwear worn by motorcycle riders,
caused by the operation of the gear change lever of a motorcycle.
Thus, the device of the present application can allow for
motorcyclists to wear everyday footwear for riding motorcycles.
[0069] Additionally, in yet a further example, the device spreads
pressure applied to the upper parts of the foot by the action of
lifting the gear lever, which may otherwise cause bruising, on the
shoe, or on the foot of the motorbike rider.
[0070] Furthermore, the device can also mitigate fatigue, and/or
stress caused to the foot by operation of the gear change lever.
Further still, it will also be appreciated that the device may be
removed without damage to the footwear, and can be formed such that
it is discreet and may be left attached to the footwear for general
use. Thus, the device need not necessarily be removed for walking
or other activities.
[0071] The device can also be formed such that the particular shape
of the device suits the usability of the device. Thus, the device
can have a curved shape to fit the curves of footwear. In one
example, the device of the present application is "one size fits
all", and can be applied to a range of footwear types, or
alternatively, can be made for different sizes of footwear.
[0072] Accordingly, the device described can provide a high degree
of protection, universal suitability for a range of styles and
sizes of footwear, and the opportunity to remove the device from
footwear without noticeable (or substantial) damage to the
footwear.
[0073] It will also be appreciated that the device described can be
manufactured by any means which is apparent to persons skilled in
the art. Examples of techniques for manufacturing are further
described below.
[0074] In particular, techniques such as laser cutting, injection
molding, thermo forming, or the like, can be used.
[0075] In one particular example, the device is manufactured by
injection molding. Injection molding can enable an integral
production of variable wall sections, ribs, and other details.
Thus, for example, ribs or raised wear strips can be molded in the
upper surface of the device to take wear and scratches in use,
whilst preserving the finish of the surface of the device. This can
be used in the case of a clear molding where scratches would
otherwise render the molding opaque.
[0076] Thus, a more detailed injection molded design, such as one
incorporating ribs, embossed graphics, or the like can be developed
by producing a 3D CAD model and using Rapid Prototyping (RP)
technologies such as an SLS, SLA or objet printing. It will be
appreciated by persons skilled in the art that these processes can
provide stimulant materials for any proposed plastics. Technologies
such as Z-crop 3D prints, or any other processes evident to persons
skilled in the art, may also be used.
[0077] Additionally, injection molding can allow for graphics, wear
strips (an integral tear off hanging tab for retail display
purposes) together with molded instructions, or the like, to be
formed as a part of the device, thus eliminating packaging
requirements to be formed as a part of the device.
[0078] It will also be appreciated that generally, injection
molding produces little waste material in processing and waste
material can be granulated and directly reprocessed. Additionally,
injection molding is generally cost efficient, and can also allow
for the use of readily available custom colors.
[0079] In another example, thermo forming can also be used to
produce the device. However, it will be appreciated that although
thermo forming has significantly lower tooling costs, more
processing is often required than injection molding.
[0080] For example, thermo forming generally requires a processed
sheet material that is more expensive than the raw granule material
used in injection molding. Additionally, thermo forming requires a
profiled "blank" part to be cut from a sheet with resultant waste,
as the form of the device does not usually tessellate. Furthermore,
waste material can not be directly reprocessed.
[0081] It will also be appreciated that the blank profile form
would then need to be thermo formed into the curved shape of the
device involving three processes, as opposed to one for injection
molding, which can add significantly to cycle time, labor and part
cost.
[0082] Furthermore, thermo forming would be less suited to integral
molding of graphic detail such as that possible with injection
molding (as previously described, in one example, the device can
include graphics, advertising information, or the like with,
within, or a part of the protecting surface).
[0083] Thus, in one example, multi layer laminated plastic sheet
material can also be used with a thermo formed approach, typically
utilizing layers of different colors. Lasers can be used to etch as
well as cut plastic sheets. Additionally, they can also be used to
etch through one layer exposing one of a different color, creating
graphics with relief and differentiating color.
[0084] In addition to recycling symbols, instructions and corporate
branding or a product name or other information might be molded
onto the surface of the product, possibly in reverse on the
internal face of a clear product, so as to avoid dirt
entrapment.
[0085] One-off instructions might also be printed onto the covering
strip of the adhesive tape, on the attaching surface, in order to
minimize packaging requirements.
[0086] The curved face of the device can also be pad printed on the
inner face of a clear product, to provide single or multi colored
graphics. It will be appreciated that graphics can be printed on
the external surface of the protecting surface, however it is
likely that these would wear off, unless recessed.
[0087] It will be appreciated that the device can be formed by
various materials, and that in one particular example, the
materials chosen include plastics that perform well structurally.
In one example, the device can be made of Perspex R), which is
generally made from acrylic, and is typically a hard plastic.
[0088] In a further example, materials that provide a degree of
flexibility and resilience can also be used, such as polycarbonate
(PC), which is generally hard, but flexible and substantially
unbreakable.
[0089] However, it will be appreciated that the device can be
formed from any type of plastic, including but not limited to
thermoplastics, thermoset plastics, polycarbonate plastics,
acrylic, or the like.
[0090] It will also be appreciated that the product can also be
made from other suitable materials such as rubber.
[0091] Thus, there has been provided in accordance with the above
description, a device for footwear, and in particular to a device
for limiting/minimizing damage to at least a portion of footwear,
or a device for limiting/minimizing contact between an object and
footwear.
[0092] The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present
invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the
embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.
[0093] In the context of this specification, the word "comprising"
is to be interpreted in an open manner such as "including but not
necessarily solely including" or "having" or "including", and not
"consisting only of". Variations of the word "comprising", such as
"comprise" and "comprises" have correspondingly varied
meanings.
* * * * *