Footwear with an Integrated Donning Mechanism

A footwear with an integrated donning mechanism allows a user to put on a shoe and a sock without bending over or overexerting themselves. This is accomplished through the use of an at least one attachment mechanism. Each attachment mechanism includes a first interlocking element and a second interlocking element. The sock includes an outer contact surface connected in between a sock toe and an ankle band. The shoe includes an inner contact surface connected in between a shoe toe and a collar. The first interlocking element connects onto the outer contact surface. The second interlocking element connects onto the inner contact surface. When the sock is positioned within the shoe, the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are engaged to each other, and thus fastening the sock to the shoe such that it is easier for the user put on the sock and the shoe.

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Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/984,129 filed on Apr. 25, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear. More specifically, the present invention is an alternative design for a shoe and a sock which allows the user to put on the sock and the shoes with minimal physical exertion or bending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The human body is prone to a variety of mental and physical conditions which affect, to a certain degree, the cognitive and physical capabilities of the person; one of the consequences of these conditions is mobility restrictions. While minor mobility restrictions yield slight discomfort, the majority of the time that the individual is capable of overcoming the limitations by themselves. More severe mobility restrictions, such as the restrictions caused by obesity and old age, require the individual to seek outside assistance even for the most trivial of tasks. As the baby boomers generation, people born between 1946 and 1964, begin to reach elderly age above 60 years old and the obesity rate in the United States reaches an all-time high, the amount of individuals with limited mobile restrictions grow every day. Outside assistance may be provided by a professional, close family member, or a friend; leaving the individual feeling helpless and weak. Additionally, professional assistance is quite expensive and difficult to obtain for certain times and dates. One of the more prominent problems associated with relatively mild mobile restrictions is the inability to bend over to a functional degree. This limitation makes tasks such as putting on shoes and socks, an otherwise trivial task, difficult and strenuous. A plurality of different products have been invented which allow users to easily put on their shoes and socks, but the majority of those products are just modifications of shoe horns which still require the user to bend over to some degree. Additionally, many of these devices are multi-component devices which require a substantial amount of time to set up and are difficult and/or awkward to execute.

The present invention seeks to provide a product which allows individuals with mobility limitations to quickly and easily put on their shoes and socks. Instead of focusing on means of inserting the foot into the sock, the present invention proposes an alternative unique system of anchoring a modified sock into the shoe and then simply inserting the foot into said assembly. The present invention utilizes a sock with a semi rigid sole and a modified shoe to fasten the sock inside the shoe to create a more efficient solution when compared to prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the sock component of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shoe component of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention with a partial sectional cut in the shoe, depicting the internal components.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention with a partial sectional cut in the shoe, depicting the positioning of the sock within the shoe.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention, depicting the leg sleeve component of the present invention.

 DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is footwear with an integrated donning mechanism. More specifically, the integrated donning mechanism does not require the user to bend over or over exert themselves. This is especially useful for individuals with physical disabilities that otherwise would require external assistance. The present invention is an alternative sock and shoe design which allows a user to attach the sock to the shoe prior to inserting his/her foot. This feature allows the user to simply slip their respective foot into the sock and shoe assembly without bending over and with or without partial assistance from a shoe horn.

Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the present invention comprises a sock 1, a shoe 7, and an at least one attachment mechanism 12. The sock 1 is an apparel item designed to cover the human foot, most often times composed of linen or other similar cloth material. The sock 1 helps absorbs and wick away sweat produced by the foot as well as provide insulation in cold environments to keep the foot warm and to reduce the chance of frostbite. The present invention may be used with a variety of different types of socks 1 including, but not limited to, men's socks, woman's socks, sport's socks, bobby socks, slouch socks, and knee socks. Additionally, the sock 1 may vary in length, size, color, and material composition. Contrary to the sock 1, the shoe 7 is a more durable covering for the human foot that protects the foot from environmental hazards and provides comfort during movement and activities. The shoe 7 may vary in size, length, color, material composition, and type. Shoe 7 types include, but are not limited to, sneakers, loafers, chucks, dress shoes, and boots. The at least one attachment mechanism 12 is a means for attaching the sock 1 within the shoe 7 such that the user may insert his/her foot within the sock 1 and therefore within the shoe 7. Each of the at least one attachment mechanisms 12 comprises a first interlocking element 15 and a second interlocking element 16 which secure the sock 1 within the shoe 7 with a strong enough hold that the user may slide his/her foot in without dislodging or displacing the sock 1; the first interlocking element 15 is connected to the sock 1 and the second interlocking element 16 is connected to the shoe 7.

Referring to FIG. 1 the sock 1 comprises a sock toe 2, an ankle band 3, and an outer contact surface 4. The sock toe 2 is the closed off portion of the sock 1 that is designed to cover and protect the toes of a user. The ankle band 3 is the top portion of sock 1 which holds the sock 1 to the user's leg and encircles the opening into which the users inserts his/her foot. The outer contact surface 4 is the external surface of a main body of the sock 1 and as such extends from the sock toe 2 to the ankle band 3. The outer contact surface 4 directly engages the external environment around the sock 1, most often times the shoe 7. The first interlocking element 15 is connected onto the outer contact surface 4 as seen in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the shoe 7 comprises a shoe toe 8, a collar 9, and an inner contact surface 10. The shoe toe 8 is the closed off portion of the shoe 7 that is designed to protect the toes. The collar 9 is the rim which encircles the opening of the shoe 7 and the portion that constricts around an ankle of the user and holds the shoe 7 in place. The inner contact surface 10 is the inside material of the shoe 7 which comes in direct contact with the sides of the foot, the top of the foot, and/or the rear of the heel. More specifically, the inner contact surface 10 extends from the shoe toe 8 to the collar 9. The second interlocking element 16 is connected onto the inner contact surface 10 as seen in FIG. 4.

To use the present invention, the user first inserts the sock 1 into the shoe 7 such that the first interlocking element 15 is engaged to the second interlocking element 16. More specifically, the sock 1 traverses into the shoe 7 with the sock toe 2 being positioned adjacent to the shoe toe 8 as seen in FIG. 4. With the first interlocking element 15 engaged to the second interlocking element 16, the sock 1 is secured within the shoe 7 the user then simply inserts his/her foot into the sock 1 and applies pressure downwards until the foot is fully inside the sock 1 and therefore the shoe 7; this step may require a shoe horn depending on the type of sock 1 and shoe 7 being used. In one embodiment of the present invention, a sole support 17 may be used to ensure that the sock 1 does not move while the user is putting on the sock 1 and shoe 7 assembly. The sole support 17 is a semi-rigid piece of material that is shaped to a sole 6 of the sock 1. The sole support 17 is integrated into the sole 6 of the sock 1 such that when the sock 1 is positioned within the shoe 7, the sole support 17 is positioned adjacent to an insole 11 of the shoe 7. The sole support 17 may also act as a foot orthoses that alters the characteristics of the shoe 7 to increase comfort, promote proper blood circulation, and proper pressure distribution. Various materials may be used for the sole support 17 including, but not limited to, gel, rubber, plastic, and other similar materials. Additionally, the sole support 17 may partially or fully extend across the sole 6 of the sock 1. Furthermore, the sole support 17 may also contain padding in various regions to further facilitate a comfortable feel for the user.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sock 1 further comprises a leg sleeve 5. The leg sleeve 5 extends the sock 1 to cover the lower portion of the leg for added coverage and or aesthetic appeal as seen in FIG. 5. The leg sleeve 5 is perimetrically and adjacently connected to the ankle band 3. This positions the leg sleeve 5 externally to the shoe 7. In this embodiment, two additional steps are required for the user to but the sock 1 and shoe 7 on. The user would first roll the leg sleeve 5 towards the ankle band 3, insert the sock 1 into the shoe 7, insert his/her foot into the sock 1, and then roll the leg sleeve 5 up the leg as seen in FIG. 5.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one attachment mechanism 12 comprises a toe attachment mechanism 13 and an ankle attachment mechanism 14. This embodiment fastens the sock 1 and the shoe 7 at two different points, ensuring the sock 1 does not move while the user inserts his/her foot. The toe attachment mechanism 13 fastens the sock toe 2 and the shoe toe 8 together. The first interlocking element 15 of the toe attachment mechanism 13 is connected onto the outer contact surface 4, adjacent to the sock toe 2. The second interlocking element 16 of the toe attachment mechanism 13 is connected onto the inner contact surface 10, adjacent to the shoe toe 8. When the sock 1 is positioned within the shoe 7, the first interlocking element 15 and the second interlocking element 16 of the toe attachment mechanism 13 are engaged to each other. Positioning the toe attachment mechanism 13 towards the front of the sock 1 and shoe 7 ensures the sock 1 is fully extended inside the shoe 7 and that there are no crumpled regions.

The ankle attachment mechanism 14 fastens the ankle band 3 and the collar 9 together. The first interlocking element 15 of the ankle attachment mechanism 14 is connected onto the outer contact surface 4, adjacent to the ankle band 3. The second interlocking element 16 of the ankle attachment mechanism 14 is connected onto the inner contact surface 10, adjacent to the collar 9. When the sock 1 is positioned within the shoe 7, the first interlocking element 15 and the second interlocking element 16 of the ankle attachment mechanism 14 are engaged to each other. This design fastens the two ends of the sock 1 to the shoe 7 and ensures ease of use for the user; when inserting the sock 1 into the shoe 7, the first interlocking element 15 has little to no obstacles that get caught on. Alternative placement of the first interlocking element 15 and the second interlocking element 16 may also be utilized.

To properly insert the sock 1 into the shoe 7, the user first inserts the sock toe 2 into the shoe 7 and attaches the sock toe 2 to the shoe toe 8 through the use of the toe attachment mechanism 13. Next, the user aligns the ankle band 3 to be coincident with the collar 9 and ensures that the sock 1 does not have any wrinkles or bent regions. Afterwards, the user attaches the collar 9 to the ankle band 3 through the use of the ankle attachment mechanism 14. The user is then able to insert his/her foot inside the sock 1 and the shoe 7 simultaneously as seen in FIG. 4.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, each of the at least one attachment mechanisms 12 comprises a multitude of interlocking elements distributed about the outer contact surface 4 and the inner contact surface 10. The interlocking elements may be implemented in the form of strips, patterns, and other designs. Referring to FIG. 3, the preferred at least one attachment mechanism 12 is a hook and loop fastening mechanism. Furthermore, it is preferred that the first interlocking element 15 is the loop portion of the hook and loop fastening mechanism and the second interlocking element 16 is the loop portion of the hook and loop fastening mechanism. Alternative fastening mechanism may also be used for the at least one attachment mechanism 12 including, but not limited to, buttons, friction strips, adhesive, and other similar mechanisms. In one embodiment, the at least one attachment mechanism 12 is a multitude of reusable adhesive strips distributed about the outer contact surface 4 and the inner contact surface 10.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A footwear donning mechanism comprises:

a sock;
a shoe;
an at least one attachment mechanism;
the sock comprises a sock toe, an ankle band, and an outer contact surface;
the shoe comprises a shoe toe, a collar, and an inner contact surface;
each of the at least one attachment mechanism comprises a first interlocking element and a second interlocking element;
the outer contact surface extending from the sock toe to the ankle band;
the first interlocking element being connected onto the outer contact surface;
the inner contact surface extending from the shoe toe to the collar;
the second interlocking element being connected onto the inner contact surface;
the sock traversing into the shoe;
the sock toe being positioned adjacent to the shoe toe; and
the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element being engaged to each other.

2. The footwear donning mechanism as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the at least one attachment mechanism comprises a toe attachment mechanism;
the first interlocking element of the toe attachment mechanism being connected onto the outer contact surface, adjacent to the sock toe;
the second interlocking element of the toe attachment mechanism being connected onto the inner contact surface, adjacent to the shoe toe; and
the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element of the toe attachment mechanism being engaged to each other.

3. The footwear donning mechanism as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the at least one attachment mechanism comprises an ankle attachment mechanism;
the first interlocking element of the ankle attachment mechanism being connected onto the outer contact surface, adjacent to the ankle band;
the second interlocking element of the ankle attachment mechanism being connected onto the inner contact surface, adjacent to the collar; and
the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element of the ankle attachment mechanism being engaged to each other.

4. The footwear donning mechanism as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the sock further comprises a leg sleeve;
the leg sleeve being perimetrically and adjacently connected to the ankle band; and
the leg sleeve being externally positioned to the shoe.

5. The footwear donning mechanism as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a sole support;
the sole support being integrated into a sole of the sock; and
the sole support being positioned within the shoe, adjacent to an insole of the shoe.

6. The footwear donning mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment mechanism is a hook and loop fastening mechanism.

7. A footwear donning mechanism comprises:

a sock;
a shoe;
an at least one attachment mechanism;
a sole support;
the sock comprises a sock toe, an ankle band, and an outer contact surface;
the shoe comprises a shoe toe, a collar, and an inner contact surface;
each of the at least one attachment mechanism comprises a first interlocking element and a second interlocking element;
the outer contact surface extending from the sock toe to the ankle band;
the first interlocking element being connected onto the outer contact surface;
the inner contact surface extending from the shoe toe to the collar;
the second interlocking element being connected onto the inner contact surface;
the sock traversing into the shoe;
the sock toe being positioned adjacent to the shoe toe;
the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element being engaged to each other;
the sole support being integrated into a sole of the sock; and
the sole support being positioned within the shoe, adjacent to an insole of the shoe.

8. The footwear donning mechanism as claimed in claim 7 comprises:

the at least one attachment mechanism comprises a toe attachment mechanism;
the first interlocking element of the toe attachment mechanism being connected onto the outer contact surface, adjacent to the sock toe;
the second interlocking element of the toe attachment mechanism being connected onto the inner contact surface, adjacent to the shoe toe; and
the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element of the toe attachment mechanism being engaged to each other.

9. The footwear donning mechanism as claimed in claim 7 comprises:

the at least one attachment mechanism comprises an ankle attachment mechanism;
the first interlocking element of the ankle attachment mechanism being connected onto the outer contact surface, adjacent to the ankle band;
the second interlocking element of the ankle attachment mechanism being connected onto the inner contact surface, adjacent to the collar; and
the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element of the ankle attachment mechanism being engaged to each other.

10. The footwear donning mechanism as claimed in claim 7 comprises:

the sock further comprises a leg sleeve;
the leg sleeve being perimetrically and adjacently connected to the ankle band; and
the leg sleeve being externally positioned to the shoe.

11. The footwear donning mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one attachment mechanism is a hook and loop fastening mechanism.

12. A footwear donning mechanism comprises:

a sock;
a shoe;
a toe attachment mechanism;
an ankle attachment mechanism;
a sole support;
the sock comprises a sock toe, an ankle band, and an outer contact surface;
the shoe comprises a shoe toe, a collar, and an inner contact surface;
both the toe attachment mechanism and the ankle attachment mechanism each comprise a first interlocking element and a second interlocking element;
the outer contact surface extending from the sock toe to the ankle band;
the first interlocking element of the toe attachment mechanism being connected onto the outer contact surface, adjacent to the sock toe;
the first interlocking element of the ankle attachment mechanism being connected onto the outer contact surface, adjacent to the ankle band;
the inner contact surface extending from the shoe toe to the collar;
the second interlocking element of the toe attachment mechanism being connected onto the inner contact surface, adjacent to the shoe toe;
the second interlocking element of the ankle attachment mechanism being connected onto the inner contact surface, adjacent to the collar;
the sock traversing into the shoe;
the sock toe being positioned adjacent to the shoe toe;
the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element of the toe attachment mechanism being engaged to each other;
the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element of the ankle attachment mechanism being engaged to each other;
the sole support being integrated into a sole of the sock; and
the sole support being positioned within the shoe, adjacent to an insole of the shoe.

13. The footwear donning mechanism as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

the sock further comprises a leg sleeve;
the leg sleeve being perimetrically and adjacently connected to the ankle band; and
the leg sleeve being externally positioned to the shoe.

14. The footwear donning mechanism as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one attachment mechanism is a hook and loop fastening mechanism.

Patent History
Publication number: 20150305442
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 24, 2015
Publication Date: Oct 29, 2015
Inventor: Suganthi Ravindran (Dix Hills, NY)
Application Number: 14/696,075
Classifications
International Classification: A43B 23/28 (20060101); A41B 11/00 (20060101); A43B 11/00 (20060101);