Hiking Aid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for improving the standing and walking properties in a shoe (1), in particular a hiking shoe, on a ground surface (9) inclined downwardly in the direction of the tip of the shoe, comprising a balancing member (2) for balancing the inclination of the ground surface (9), fastening means (4, 5, 6a, 6b, 6b′, 24-29) for the releasable fastening of the balancing member (2) on the shoe (1) comprising at least a belt or strap (6a, 6b, 13, 26) to be guided over the heel area of the shoe, wherein the balancing member only lies against the sole (3) in the forefoot area of the shoe (1) in the fastened state, wherein the surface of the balancing member (2) pointing towards the ground surface runs substantially parallel relative to the sole (3) of the shoe (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for improving the standing and walking properties in a shoe, in particular a hiking shoe, on a surface inclined downwardly in the direction of the tip of the shoe,

Walking on a surface inclined downwardly in the direction of walking is often perceived by the hiker as being uncomfortable because, on the one hand, there is an unusual strain upon the leg muscles, and, on the other hand, an additional strain on the respective foot within the shoe. A large amount of tension on the knee extensor in the thigh develops when walking downhill, which quickly leads to fatigue during longer periods of walking downhill, as can happen in the mountains. In addition, the tension generates an increased pressure on the kneecap, which in turn transfers this pressure on the knee joint, thus causing damage to the knee joint. Among other things, a hiker uses hiking sticks in order to minimize this strain, however, they can only support the weight of the hiker to a partial extent and are thus able to provide only a certain degree of relief.

The increased strain on the foot when walking downhill is a result of the foot slipping towards the front in the hiking shoe. In the long run, the result may be a painful contact of the toes with the inside of the shoe and may cause the socks to wear through quickly in the area of the toenails. In order to prevent this contact, it is generally recommended to buy the shoes in a larger size than is actually necessary. However, this is disadvantageous in that the shoes do not fit perfectly, and that this must be compensated by lacing the shoe very tightly when walking downhill. However, when the shoe is laced tightly, this may quickly cause blood congestion, which is also uncomfortable. Lacing often varies during walking in order to accommodate the course of the hike. Such a process is time-consuming and is inconvenient.

In order to ensure a more uniform strain on the leg muscles, EP 0 083 050 A1 proposes an orthopedic device to be fastened to a shoe like a climbing iron, which has both a wedge on the heel as well as on the ball of the foot. The structure is comparatively complicated and limits the flexibility of the sole of the shoe in a disadvantageous manner. Due to lack of flexibility of the sole, the shoe does not always have grip, in particular in the highly strained area of the heel.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,984 proposes a device to be fastened both on the heel as well as on the ball of the foot, which in these two positions, respectively, leads to a compensation of the inclination between the foot and the surface due to a balancing member that is wedge-shaped in cross-section. Because of the interchangeability and the different fastening conditions on the heel and on the balls of the foot, the device cannot be fastened optimally in either of the positions. In addition, the balancing member, which is merely wedge-shaped and tapers off to become flat towards the heel, does not lead to an optimal compensation of the inclination for the foot, particularly not in the area of the metatarsus. It was also found that such a balancing member, which tapers off to become flat and which is wedge-shaped, wears out easily or becomes damaged in the comparatively thin area of the wedge, in particular on a rough surface.

CH 91145 also proposes a balancing member for walking downhill. The balancing member shown therein also does not have a contact surface parallel relative to the sole, on the side of the ground surface. Rolling movement in the forefoot area is thus not ensured by the device shown. In addition, the fastening shown therein has proven not to be sufficient.

In EP 1 386 552 A1, balancing members are shown that are fastened to the sole. The structure is comparatively complicated and susceptible to failure. The structure does not solve the problem of the transmission of the comparatively large forces acting during walking downhill. A rolling movement does not take place. Rather, it is like walking on stilts.

EP 0 083 050 A1 describes a comparatively complicated structure of a balancing member for both the heel as well as for the forefoot. Due to the obligatory rigid basic body and the lack of parallelism between the sole and the balancing member's contact surface on the side of the ground surface, no rolling movement takes place, thus making walking with this device uncomfortable.

The Austrian patent specification No. 230786 also shows a wedge-shaped balancing member. The comparatively large wedge-shaped balancing member prevents a rolling movement of the foot also in this case. Due to the comparatively inflexible fastening system, the system shown is only suitable for certain shoes.

In view of the disadvantages described above, it is therefore the object of the invention to provide a device for improving the standing and walking properties in a shoe, in particular a hiking shoe, on a surface inclined downwardly in the walking direction, which, on the one hand, accomplishes the object comparatively effectively, and which, on the other hand, is comparatively inexpensive to produce.

This object is achieved by a generic device having the features of the first claim. Advantageous embodiments become apparent from the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention for improving the standing and walking properties in a shoe, in particular a hiking shoe, on a surface inclined downwardly in the direction of the tip of the shoe comprises a balancing member for compensating the inclination of the surface. In addition, fastening means for fastening the balancing member on the shoe are provided according to the invention. In a particularly simple and inexpensive embodiment, the balancing member is laced to the shoe with shoe laces. The balancing member merely lies against the sole in the forefoot area of the shoe when fastened to the shoe. The surface of the balancing member pointing towards the ground surface runs substantially parallel relative to the sole of the shoe. Because of the balancing member, moving on the inclined ground surface is similar to walking on stairs. The tension on the knee extensor in the thigh described in the introduction is reduced, so that the strain on the knee also becomes less. In addition, the tendency of the foot to slide towards the front is less, which is an advantage as regards the socks and toes. It becomes unnecessary to buy shoes in a larger size than necessary in order to have enough room in front of the toes when walking downhill. This is advantageous in that the shoe need not be laced tightly because it is too large, in order to be able to offer sufficient purchase, which can lead to it being uncomfortable. Apart from improved walking properties, standing on an inclined ground surface is also improved because standing is safer and less tiring due to the reduced inclination of the foot. The balancing member, for example, is designed to be as wide as the sole in order to provide as wide a contact surface as possible on the ground surface and in order to prevent spraining of the foot.

Because the balancing member is limited to the forefoot are, the device can be produced comparatively simply and inexpensively and can be transported, for example, in a backpack, in a manner that saves room and weight. In addition, the flexibility of the heel area is not limited by the device so that it is ensured that the heel lies securely and flatly on any ground surface. Because of the fact that the balancing member's surface pointing towards the ground surface runs essentially parallel relative to the sole of the shoe, it is accomplished that the later course of movements during which the heel of the shoe lifts off from the ground surface remains comparatively natural and familiar, and that thus, the natural rolling movement of the foot can be maintained. It was found that, in the case of such an embodiment of the balancing member, the walker or hiker feels little insecurity due to the device fastened on the shoe, because the shape of the sole in the forefoot area is substantially maintained and is only offset parallel. Parallel within the meaning of the invention must therefore be understood to mean that the above mentioned surface runs nearly parallel, but that it can indeed be provided with grooves and notches because it may be provided with a profile. Because of such a design of the balancing member, which substantially is not wedge-shaped, conventional and commercially available heel parts are suitable for producing the device according to the invention, so that it can be produced inexpensively. In addition, there is no wear as is regularly the case in wedge-shaped balancing members in the area of the ends that taper off to become thin. It is of particular advantage to prevent this if walking is done on a ground surface with rubble, as is regularly the case for a hiking shoe.

The fastening means comprise at least one belt or strap guided over the heel. In this way, not only is a particularly secure hold of the balancing member on the sole ensured by preventing the balancing member from sliding off from the sole of the shoe towards the front, but a particularly versatile fastening of the balancing member to various shoes is also achieved in this way. Thus, it was shown that the heel in particular provides for a secure hold of the balancing member because the belt or strap running around the heel provides for a secure fastening due to the long area of contact. In addition, the heel area of the shoe, as a rule, has a recess, not only due to anatomical circumstances, which the belt or strap can “engage”. Because of the “loose” guidance of the belt or strap, that is, a fastening of the belt only in the vicinity of the balancing member and the obligatory relatively great length of the belt or strap, it can be guided easily and flexibly over the heel in accordance with the configuration of the shoe. Such a fastening has proven particularly advantageous in combination with various shoes, in particular hiking shoes. The good adaptability to various configurations of the shoe can be increased by the flexibility of the belt or strap or the maneuverability of the fastening on the balancing member. In addition, the belt or strap can be used to protect the heel area of the shoe and thus, the foot, from injury. The belt or the strap is pivotably connected with the balancing member, or it is designed to be flexible and riveted.

In one embodiment, the fastening means are designed such that the fastening can be released. For example, belts with clasps are provided, or fastening members attached to both the shoe and the balancing member are attached that interact such that, on the one hand, a fastening is achieved, and, on the other hand, this fastening can also be released again. Because of the releasability and the resulting options, the device can be taken off when the ground surface conditions change, for example, when the ground surface in inclined in the opposite direction. For example, the fastening means comprise magnetic or metal-mechanical elements with which releasability is achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device, the balancing member has a length in the range of 33%-50% relative to the length of the sole. Preferably, the length is about 40%, more preferably 33% of the length of the sole. The expression length of the balancing member means the dimension of the balancing member extending between the tip of the foot and the metatarsal area in the fastened state of the balancing member. The above described effects according to the invention thus develop particularly well. On the other hand, a sufficient contact area in the forefoot area of the shoe is thus achieved. If, for example, the size of the balancing member is within the range of 40%-50%, the distance to the heel is correspondingly small, and, by means of a comparatively thin balancing member, a sufficient balancing effect can be caused with this member.

It was found that there is an optimum with regard to adhesion in the attached state and transportability with respect to weight and size in the detached state of the device according to the invention at a size of 33% of the length of the sole.

According to one embodiment, the balancing member has a thickness o 1 cm to 5 cm, preferably of 2 cm to 4 cm. It was found that a balancing member of such a thickness provides a sufficient compensation for the inclination in most cases, that is, for inclinations occurring during hiking, in order to make walking sufficiently comfortable and comparatively strain-free.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the fastening means comprise adjustable straps. This is, for example, a strap that can be adjusted in length by means of a clasp. For example, the strap is guided over the forefoot. In one embodiment, two straps are provided in the area of the forefoot, the straps being guided over the toe area and the area of the instep of the shoe. The device can be adjusted to various shoe sizes and types of shoe due to this adjustment option.

In another advantageous embodiment, the fastening means comprise an elastic material, for example, rubber. Thus, the fastening means are expandable and can therefore be used to a comparatively great extent in various shoe sizes and types of shoe at a given length. If the balancing member also consists of rubber, as conventional shoe heels do, then fastening between balancing member and fastening means can be done comparatively easily by simple vulcanization. The device can thus be produced particularly inexpensively.

Another advantageous embodiment provides that the fastening means are guided so that they encompass the shoe at least partially like socks. Thus, the device can be attached to the shoe comparatively easily, like an overshoe. In addition, this fastening protects the shoe from damage.

In accordance with another advantageous embodiment, the balancing member is provided with a profile on the surface pointing towards the ground surface. Advantageously, this increases the adhesion of the balancing member on the ground surface, in particular on a slippery ground surface or on rubble.

In another advantageous embodiment, the balancing member is provided with an upwardly-pointing projection protruding over the sole, for example in the area of the shoe's tip. The projection is, for example, riveted to the balancing member or designed to be integral therewith. The result of the projection is that a, for example, sliding off of the balancing member from the sole in a backward direction is prevented. In an additional embodiment, the projection can also be guided around the sides of the balancing member in order to fasten the balancing member particularly securely.

In accordance with another advantageous embodiment, the balancing member corresponds to a conventional heel of a hiking shoe. The device can thus be produced particularly easily and inexpensively.

For example, given a length of 27-29 cm (shoe size 38 to 40 according to European standards), an elevation of the front part of the shoe of 3 cm is achieved, the distance of the end of the heel of the shoe to the end of the balancing member pointing towards the heel being 19 to 20 cm.

In another embodiment, the balancing member can be designed to comprise several parts. For example, the balancing member includes several layered and detachably connected panels in order to enable an individual adaptation of the balancing member to the ground surface and/or the shoe size.

According to another embodiment, parts of the fastening means are integrated into the shoe, for example in the sole, in order to interact with the other fastening members attached to the balancing member so as to achieve a fastening, in particular a releasable fastening. For example, pins are provided on the sole of the shoe that engage corresponding holes on the balancing member or vice versa.

In one embodiment, the fastening means are designed so that the balancing member is attached to the shoe in a foldable manner. The balancing member can foldably be brought into a first position in which the inclination of the ground surface is compensated. The can be folded in a second position in which there is no compensation.

According to another embodiment, the thickness of the balancing member can be adjusted, for example, by means of a mechanical of hydraulic adjustment. In another embodiment, means are provided that determine the thickness required for optimum compensation and that set the thickness of the balancing member accordingly.

In another preferred embodiment, the fastening means are guided over the instep (back of the shoe). For example, belts or straps are provided that are guided over the back. Because of the belts' contact on the shoe, they prevent a sliding off off the shoe. In particular, it is ensured that they contact the shoe if the width of the balancing member corresponds to the width of the shoe. In order to increase the adhesion of the fastening means, it can be designed to be elastic or adjustable.

In another advantageous embodiment, the fastening means comprise one or more tensile force distributors. Tensile force distributors within the sense of the invention are characterized in that, through them, several tensile forces applied by the fastening means are reduced to one tensile force, if possible, which then acts on the balancing member. Thus, the fastening efforts on the balancing member are reduced in an advantageous manner. In addition, the tensile forces can be distributed in such a uniform manner that the resulting force acting on the balancing member is substantially perpendicular to the sole, thus effecting a secure fastening of the balancing member. The balancing member is precluded from sliding off during the stress of walking. The tensile force distributor is, for example, a seam or a weld between two or more bands.

In a preferred embodiment, the tensile force distributor is a ring. belts or straps that are guided around various sections of the shoe are, for example, threaded through the ring. Advantageously, the belts and thus, the tensile forces, can distribute around the circumference of the ring because the belts are displaceable in the circumferential direction of the ring. A particularly good fastening is thus achieved. This has the added advantage that the fastening means can easily be adapted to different shoes and that, if necessary, a secure fastening of the balancing member is easily accomplished by hand. In one embodiment, one ring each is arranged on the inner flank and the outer flank of the shoe, in a distance of 1-20 mm from the upper edge of the balancing member. The distance prevents, if possible, the ring or the straps guided therethrough from coming into contact with the area walked through or rubble or the like, and thus, from being damaged. Preferably, the ring is of metal, more preferably of stainless steel. The ring is, for example, a key ring, i.e. a wire that is closely coiled in a spiral, thus forming a ring. Thus, the belts can be easily attached to the ring or be exchanged.

According to another advantageous embodiment, at least one of the tensile force distributors (29) receives the tensile force of the belt or strap to be guided over the heel of the shoe and of at least one belt or strap to be guided over the back of the shoe. It was found that a particularly good distribution of the tensile forces, and therefore, a particularly good hold of the balancing member on the shoe, can thus be achieved. If the tensile force distributor is a ring, for example, the belt guided over the heel can easily be displaced within the circumference of the ring, and the position of the belt can easily be adapted to different shoe shapes and sizes in order to thus ensure a secure hold of the balancing member.

The invention will be described in detail below with reference to two embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment according to the invention in a side view.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment according to the invention in a side view.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment according to the invention with several tensile force distributors in a side view.

In FIG. 1, the device according to the invention is fastened to a hiking shoe 1. This shoe is merely shown for the purpose of illustrating the device according to the invention. The balancing member 2 is fastened to the sole 3 of the shoe 1 so as to rest against the sole 3 in the forefoot area. Fastening is achieved by several straps 4, 5, 6a, 6b, which, for example, consist of leather or, preferably, nylon. Clasps 7 are provided for adjusting and fitting them individually to the shoe 1. They are each attached, for example, to the outside of the shoe to preclude an entanglement of the clasps that are attached to the respective shoes and thus prevent stumbling. The straps 4, 5, 6a are guided through through-holes 11 provided in the balancing member 2. Two of the straps 6a, 6b are guided over the heel area of the shoe 1 in order to ensure a particularly secure fastening of the balancing member 2 to the sole 3. The strap 6b with the section 6b′ is guided from the heel to the rear strap 5, wraps around the strap 5, then, with the section 6b′, leads to the strap 5 in order to wrap around that. The guidance of the strap 6b corresponds to this on the opposite side of the shoe, which is not shown. By virtue of the guidance 6b, in particular by the strap 6b′. the straps 5 and 5 are fixated, on the one hand, and on the other hand, the balancing member is prevented from slipping off towards the front by the additional guidance over the heel. In order to prevent the balancing member 2 from slipping off, a projection 8 protruding over the sole 3 is optionally provided on the balancing member 2. The balancing member 2 is provided with a profile on the side facing away from the sole 3 in order to enhance adhesion. As shown, the shoe 1 is situated on an inclined ground surface 9. The inclination of the ground surface 9 is compensated, at least in part, by the balancing member 2, so that the inclination of the shoe 1 is less than that of the ground surface 9, so that advantageously, a walk on stairs in simulated, thus relieving the strain on the foot and the muscles. As is shown, the flexibility of the sole 3 of the shoe 1 is not affected by the device according to the invention, so that, due to flexibility not being affected, the sole can align itself in the heel area 10 so that the sole 3 comes into as flat a contact as possible with the ground surface 9 in the heel area 10. The surface of the balancing member 2 pointing towards the ground surface runs substantially parallel relative to the sole 3 of the shoe 1. This is to make possible a rolling movement of the shoe 1, as indicated by the arrow shown, in the direction of the inclined ground surface 9 in the further sequence of movements (not shown) of the foot. Thus, the device according to the invention affects only slightly the usual sequence of movements when lifting the heel off the ground surface, and when rolling the foot over the area of the toes.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment. In FIG. 2, the device according to the invention is again fastened to a hiking shoe 1. This shoe is merely shown for the purpose of illustrating the device according to the invention. The balancing member 12 is fastened to the sole 3 of the shoe 1 so that it lies against the sole 3 in the forefoot area. Fastening is achieved by fastening means having rubber straps 13, 14, 15 that are pulled over the shoe 1 like socks or overshoes. Adjustment and individual fit to the shoe 1 is accomplished by the elasticity of the fastening means. One of the rubber straps 13 is guided over the heel area of the shoe 1 in order to ensure a particularly secure fastening of the balancing member 12 to the sole 3. The balancing member 12 is provided with a profile on the side facing away from the sole 3 in order to enhance adhesion. As shown, the shoe 1 is situated on an inclined ground surface 9. The inclination of the ground surface 9 is compensated, at least in part, by the balancing member 12, so that the inclination of the shoe 1 is less than that of the ground surface 9, so that advantageously, a walk on stairs in simulated, thus relieving the strain on the foot and the muscles. As is shown, the flexibility of the sole 3 of the shoe 1 is not affected by the device according to the invention, so that, due to the flexibility not being affected, the sole can align itself in the heel area 10 so that the sole 3 comes into as flat a contact as possible with the ground surface 9 in the heel area 10. The surface of the balancing member 12 pointing towards the ground surface runs substantially parallel relative to the sole 3 of the shoe 1. This is to make possible a rolling movement of the shoe 1, as indicated by the arrow shown, in the direction of the inclined ground surface 9 in the further sequence of movements (not shown) of the foot. Thus, the device according to the invention affects only slightly the usual sequence of movements when lifting the heel off the ground surface, and when rolling the foot over the area of the toes.

In FIG. 3, the device according to the invention is also fastened to a hiking shoe 1 in a third embodiment. The balancing member 2 is fastened to the sole 3 of the shoe so that it lies against the sole 3 in the forefoot area. Fastening is done by several straps 24, 25, 26, 27a, 27b and ring-shaped tensile force distributors 28 and 29 Again, claps 7 are provided for adjusting and individual fitting to the shoe 1. They are each attached, for example, to the outer side of the shoe to preclude an entanglement of the clasps that are attached to the respective shoes and thus prevent stumbling. The straps 24 and 27b are guided through through-holes 11 provided in the balancing member 2. In the embodiment shown here, only one strap 25 is advantageously guided over the heel area of the shoe 1 in order to ensure a particularly secure fastening of the balancing member 2 to the sole 3. The strap 27b leads to the tensile force distributor 29. Extending the strap 27b, the strap 27a leads from the tensile force distributor 29 to the opposite side (not shown) of the shoe 1. However, the guidance of the straps on the side not shown substantially corresponds to that of the side shown. Thus, the strap 27a leads to a ring-shaped tensile force distributor, which in turn, via a piece of strap, leads to the balancing member 2 and through the through hole 11 to the side shown to end in the part designated 27b on the ring-shaped tensile force distributor 29. The front strap 24 leads to the ring-shaped tensile force distributor 28 arranged in the top side of the shoe. Further straps lead away from the tensile force distributor in a star shape. In this manner, the tensile force distributors 28 and 29 are connected by the strap 26 on the side shown. The fastening means prevent the balancing member 2 from slipping off off the shoe 1. The balancing member 2 is provided with a profile on the side facing away from the sole 3 in order to enhance adhesion. As shown, the shoe 1 is situated on an inclined ground surface 9. The inclination of the ground surface 9 is compensated, at least in part, by the balancing member 2, so that the inclination of the shoe 1 is less than that of the ground surface 9, so that advantageously, a walk on stairs is simulated, thus relieving the strain on the foot and the muscles. As is shown, the flexibility of the sole 3 of the shoe 1 is not affected by the device according to the invention, so that, due to the flexibility not being affected, the sole can align itself in the heel area 10 so that the sole 3 comes into as flat a contact as possible with the ground surface 9 in the heel area 10. The surface of the balancing member 2 pointing towards the ground surface runs substantially parallel relative to the sole 3 of the shoe 1. This is to make possible a rolling movement of the shoe 1, as indicated by the arrow, in the direction of the inclined ground surface 9 in the further sequence of movements (not shown) of the foot. Thus, the device according to the invention affects only slightly the usual sequence of movements when lifting the heel off the ground surface, and when rolling the foot over the area of the toes.

Claims

1. A device for improving the standing and walking properties in a shoe, comprising a balancing members for balancing an inclination of a ground surface inclined downwardly in a direction of a tip of the shoe, fastening means for fastening the balancing member on the shoe, the balancing member only lying against a sole of the shoe in a forefoot area of the shoe in the fastened state, the fastening means comprising at least a belt or strap to be guided over a heel of the shoe, the device being characterized in that a surface of the balancing member pointing towards the ground surface runs substantially parallel relative to the sole of the shoe.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means are designed so that the fastening is releasable.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the balancing member has a length in the range of 30-50% of a length of the sole.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means comprise at least one tensile force distributor.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the tensile force distributors receives the tensile force of the belt or strap to be guided over the heel of the shoe and of at least one belt or strap to be guided over a back of the shoe.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the balancing member has a thickness of at least 1 cm to 5 cm.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means comprise adjustable straps.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means consist of an elastic material.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means are guided so that they envelop the shoe in a sock-like manner.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the balancing member is provided with a profile on the surface pointing towards the ground surface.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the balancing member is provided with an upwardly-pointing projection protruding over the sole.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the balancing member corresponds to a conventional heel of a hiking shoe.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the shoe is a hiking shoe.

14. The device according to claim 3, wherein the length of the balancing member is about 40% of the length of the sole.

15. The device according to claim 3, wherein the length of the balancing member is about 33% of the length of the sole.

16. The device according to claim 4, wherein the at least one tensile force distributor is a ring.

17. The device according to claim 6, wherein the thickness of the balancing member is from 2 cm to 4 cm.

18. The device according to claim 8, wherein the elastic material is rubber.