ADJUSTABLE BOOTJACK WITH HANDLE

Abstract

The disclosed bootjack apparatus relates to an apparatus to hold or retain at least part of a piece of footwear to facilitate the removal or application of boots or similar footwear from a user's foot. Various embodiments are described, each having a clamping mechanism to hold or retain the footwear and a stabilizing handle by which the user may steady themselves while removing or applying the footwear.

Description

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional patent application for an ADJUSTABLE BOOTJACK WITH HANDLE, Ser. No. 62/537,595, by John C. Crowley, filed on Jul. 27, 2017, and U.S. Provisional patent application for an IMPLEMENT FOR THE REMOVAL OF BOOTS, Ser. No. 62/599,107, by John C. Crowley, filed on Dec. 15, 2017, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Footwear and specifically boots, including for example, cowboy boots, riding boots, motocross boots, turnout boots, work boots, hiking boots, ski boots etc., can be somewhat difficult and awkward to both put on and remove. Construction workers, firemen, first responders, hikers, farmers, hunters, horseback riders, skiers and others often wear boots outdoors to support and protect their feet while engaged in various outdoor recreation and work activities, often in adverse weather conditions. An ongoing problem with many boots and similar types of footwear is the difficulty to readily remove them due to their snug fit, buckles and laces and high tops.

Prior devices for facilitating removal of a boot by and large are referenced as bootjacks, and typically comprise a heel receiving recess such as a “V” or “U” shaped notch formed on the edge of a surface, whereby the heel is generally wedged within the recess and the leg and foot are lifted or pulled away from the boot. In some devices the wearer's other foot is placed on a back surface of the device to steady the bootjack while removing one boot or the other. As a result, the wearer not only must pull one leg and foot upward while standing on the bootjack, but must also balance their weight on the other leg, thus placing the wearer in a precarious position. Such bootjacks are most often used for cowboy-style boots, but are also useful for other types of tight fitting boots, as well as some shoes, and require that the footwear include a shoulder or similar feature between the upper of the boot and the heel of the boot so that the user can force the boot against the bootjack's notch.

The aforementioned devices used for boot removal exhibit various limitations which remain a constant cause of frustration and possible injury, but still such devices remain in use for lack of a reasonable alternative. As noted, with both feet disposed substantially in toe-to-heel alignment, it is difficult for a person to maintain their balance while pulling upward on one leg and placing their body weight on the opposite leg. A further difficulty associated with the conventional bootjack is the inability to securely clamp and immobilize the heel of the footwear during removal, especially with a mud laden boot or a boot lacking a shoulder or transition on the sides of the heel (e.g., a ski boot). Therefore the boot must be pre-cleaned or the bootjack must be carefully manipulated by the user to catch the heel as the foot is being pulled from the boot.

Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a bootjack apparatus that overcomes the aforementioned difficulties by both providing support handles, as well as securely gripping the boot heel.

Several embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an apparatus that overcomes the aforementioned difficulties associated with footwear removal by securely gripping the boot heel and optionally toe of the boot, while at the same time providing a support for assisting with balance of the wearer. Such an apparatus may also prove advantageous to a user seeking to put-on or apply some footwear, such as a ski boot.

An object of the disclosed boot removal apparatus is to provide a safe and convenient footwear removing device which will accommodate boots of varying sizes and permit easy removal thereof, while the wearer stands in an upright, or possibly sitting position.

Disclosed in embodiments herein is an apparatus for assisting with the removal of footwear from a foot, comprising: a generally planar foot support plate forming part of a base; at least one stabilizing handle attached to said foot support plate and extending in an upward direction therefrom; and a movable clamping mechanism, operable in response to an applied force, to clamp at least a portion of the footwear between a pair of opposed members, at least one of said members being movable, where the applied force is generated by a movable handle pivotally attached to the base and operatively attached to the movable clamping mechanism to translate movement of the handle to movement of the movable member.

In one embodiment the bootjack apparatus may include a foot support, having a top surface upon which a first foot can be placed, along with an adjustable heel-receiving opening at the other end to grasp or clamp the boot heel. The bootjack apparatus provides a heel receiving throat with a fixed jaw extending along one side of the throat and a movable jaw, positioned opposite the fixed jaw, whereby the movable jaw adjustably changes the distance or spacing between itself and the fixed jaw in order to securely grip or clamp the boot heel. A movable handle is operatively connected to the movable jaw via a 90-degree twisted-link member so that the moveable handle provides a means to clamp the heel up against the fixed jaw by having the routable jaw clamp the heel against the fixed jaw as pressure is applied to the moveable handle. Additionally, a stationary handle extends upwardly from the foot support, along with the movable handle, to provide a means for the user to retain their balance. It is further contemplated that the disclosed embodiment of the bootjack may be used in either a sitting or standing position.

In another embodiment, the heel of the footwear becomes engaged within a heel capture member in response to a force applied directly to the toe of the footwear. At least two handles are provided in combination with the foot support plate or base, whereby one or more handles provide a support “handrail” for an added element of stability for the user, while the remaining handle is movable to cause the footwear to be secured within the heel capture member, which is attached to or operatively associated with the foot support plate. In use a booted foot is placed onto the foot support plate while the other foot remains on the floor in a normal stance. Both handles are grasped and the movable handle is moved so as to clamp the footwear between the toe contact member and the heel capture member. Once secured the foot may be withdrawn from the footwear and the procedure is then repeated for the remaining booted foot.

In the interest of shipping, as well as portability, the handles can be detachable from the foot support plate and they may be further collapsible into multiple sections via a hinge point, bayonet-type connection or a telescoping arrangement. In the alternative the handles may remain attached, but collapsed as previously discussed.

Further disclosed in several embodiments herein is the ability to stylize the elongated handles, along with the foot support plate, to adapt to a particular theme, such as a western look for riding boots, an alpine appearance for ski boots or possibly a construction theme for work boots. Moreover, as noted previously, the handles may be collapsible into sections to facilitate storage and shipping.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear view of an embodiment of a footwear removal apparatus employing a heel clamping mechanism, as seen by the user;

FIG. 2 is a close up top view detailing the various linkages of the heel gripping mechanism of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial front perspective view showing an optional heel support in an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows the bootjack apparatus of FIG. 1 in use in conjunction with a boot;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus having a toe-to-heel clamping mechanism for assisting with retaining footwear for application and/or removal, and having a movable toe contact member and an adjustable-position heel capture member;

FIG. 6 is a partial close-up view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 where a movable toe contact and adjustable heel capture member are depicted in detail;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 showing detail of the movable toe contact of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial side perspective view depicting the apparatus of FIG. 5, with a ski-type boot shown secured by the apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view illustrating another alternative embodiment of the footwear retaining apparatus employing a heel-to-toe clamping mechanism;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective illustration, from a user's point-of-view, of the apparatus of FIG. 9, the embodiment having two fixed handles and a movable actuator handle;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 9 with an exemplary ski boot positioned therein;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are alternative oblique views of the underside of the apparatus of FIG. 9 showing the apparatus in an open and clamped configuration, respectively; and

FIGS. 14A-14B are illustrative examples of alternative, collapsible handle sections for use with any of the disclosed embodiments.

The various embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to those embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments and equivalents set forth. For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like references have been used throughout to designate identical or similar elements. It is also noted that the drawings may not have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and aspects could be properly depicted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, shown therein are various aspects of a bootjack apparatus 100 for assisting with the removal of footwear from a foot, constructed in accordance with the depicted side-clamping embodiment. Of particular interest are the extended handle bars 102 and 104, where stationary handle 102 provides support for user stabilization during the footwear removal process, and actuator handle 104 serves to activate a clamping mechanism 101 as movable handle 104 moves between a forward position and a rearward position, as illustrated by arrow 306. Also shown is foot support plate 114, which is placed upon or securely mounted to a floor or other planar structure such as a platform or horizontal support surface, and serves as a base for the apparatus. As can also be seen in FIG. 1, various logos or trade dress demarcations can be included on the handles or the planar surface of support plate 114, for example markings 138.

Also referring to FIG. 2, the clamping mechanism 101 clamps from the sides of the heel and includes an actuating handle 104, having a rotational attachment point associated with the base of foot support plate 114, and where movement of the handle is in the direction of arrow 306. The displacement and force from actuator handle 104 is applied to the balance of the clamping mechanism, and thereby to the boot heel, via linkage 112, translating in accordance with arrow 308. The linkage 112 is further attached to heel gripping jaw 134, which is also pivotally attached to support plate 114 via tab 106 so that in response to movement of handle 104, the linkage 112 causes the end of the gripping jaw 134 to move in the direction of arrow 310. This arrangement provides for a sufficient force to be applied to the heel griping jaw 134 with a nominal effort by the user, all the while grasping handle 102 for stability.

More specifically the elongated handle 104 can be characterized as being a class 2 lever having a fulcrum point 116 operatively associated with the foot support plate 114 (i.e. has the load in-between the force and the fulcrum). As generally described and depicted in FIGS. 1-3, a force applied to the distal end of actuator handle 104, as represented with arrow 306, translates at vertical fulcrum point 118 into motion in the direction shown by arrow 308. In turn the motion is again translated at horizontal fulcrum point 122, via the 90-degree twisted linkage member 112, so as to apply force to movable jaw 134 operatively connected to linkage 112 and pivotally connected to the support plate 114 via tab 106. The movable jaw 134 in turn travels along the path of arrow 310, moving about a rotational axis at pivot point 108. As illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, the heel gripping mechanism 101 comprises a plurality of pivot or fulcrum points (e.g., 108, 122, 116 and 118). In operation, the forward-backward motion of the movable actuator handle 104, results in a forward-backward motion being imparted to the moveable jaw 134. Movable jaw 134 moves inward to clamp the heel of a boot (e.g., 140 in FIG. 4) against the opposed fixed jaw 138 in response to moving handle 104 forward. It is contemplated, however, that in an alternative embodiment, the relationship of the movable jaw 134 and the moving of handle 104 may be reversed such that pulling the top of the handle rearward (toward the user) would cause the moveable jaw 110 to clamp the heel of a boot as previously discussed. As will be appreciated, the alternative embodiment would require a change in the position of pivot point 116 of handle 104 to be above the attachment point 118 of link 112, thus constituting a first class lever.

Additionally, one or more surfaces of the clamping mechanism 101, for example surfaces of jaws 134 or 138, or the foot support plate may include a resilient coating to assure that there is no damage to the footwear. As illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, a flexible material cover 135 such as woven fabric, leather, or the like may be applied to cover one or both jaws. Furthermore, the top surface of foot support plate 114 may be covered with an anti-skid material having ribs or grooves to accommodate the presence of ice, snow, mud or dirt impacted within the sole of the footwear. Also, located on the distal ends of handles 102 and 104 are hand grips 128, which provide an ergonomic surface for a hand to comfortably grasp the upper or distal portion of the respective handles.

FIG. 3 shows an optional heel support plate 136 appended to support plate 114 in order to better situate the heel between fixed jaw 138 and movable jaw 134. Therefore, in use the user is able to rest the heel of the boot to be removed onto plate 136 in order to enhance the ergonomics of the boot removal apparatus as gripping mechanism 101 moves to clamp the heel of the footwear. Furthermore to ensure stability bracket 148 serves to both raise the front of the apparatus to tilt the support plate 114, as well as provide means to attach the bootjack apparatus to a fixed surface.

Referring also to FIG. 4, shown is a view illustrating the placement of a user's feet prior to removing the footwear. While firemen's turnout boots 140 are shown, it is contemplated that any classification of footwear having a graspable heel configuration would be accommodated, including a cowboy boot, work shoe, waders, fireman boots, mukluks, galoshes and the like. As further shown in FIG. 4 bootjack apparatus 100 includes a flat, substantially rectangular foot support plate 114 with optional bracket 148 underneath to provide an angle or slope to the support plate so the foot support plate 114 contacts the floor along the rear edge to encourage the user to lean backwards while moving handle 104 and pulling up and rearward on their foot (not shown), as it is pulled outward (upward) from within the footwear. In this particular embodiment the feet are aligned heel to toe so that while one boot is being removed, the other foot is holding down the foot support plate 114 to surface 150. Additionally the bootjack apparatus can be directly mounted via bracket 148 to a solid surface 150 so the bootjack apparatus is stationary and the other (back) foot can alternatively be placed beside the other. Also, to further assure the balance of the user, one or more fixed handles 102 are provided as a support, like a hand rail, to prevent the user from falling. Both handles 102 and 104 can be detachable and/or collapsed, if desired, so the form factor of bootjack apparatus 100 is more conducive to transport and storage.

Turning next to an alternative embodiment, for example as shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment the foot support plate 114 of the bootjack apparatus 100 is now adapted to securely clamp the footwear directly onto plate 114, while the remaining foot rests firmly on the floor, thereby holding or retaining the footwear while removing or applying the footwear. There are at least two functional elements to the toe-to-heel clamping mechanism 101 in this configuration: (i) a heel capture member 216 and (ii) a toe clamp or contact 230. In operation, the toe contact 230 footwear forces the footwear backward and pushes a heel up against, and somewhat under, the heel capture member 216. In other words, the apparatus applies a force against the toe of the footwear using the toe contact 230, which is transmitted through the sole causing the footwear to be securely clamped between the toe contact 230 and the heel capture member 216 and to foot support plate 214.

As seen in FIG. 6, toe contact 230 is further connected to actuator handle 104 and pivotally attached to foot support plate 114 by bolt/axle forming a fulcrum 218. At least one, but possibly two or more, stationary elongated handles 102 are provided to assist in maintaining the user's balance. More specifically, stationary handle 102 is attached to a bracket 148 that forms part of the base with the foot support plate 114, whereas movable handle 104, which may have substantially the same form factor as stationary handle 102, is pivotally attached to a bracket above the foot support plate 114 and further attached, below the fulcrum, to the toe clamp 230. Movable handle 104 moves or swings forward and backward in the direction of arrow 324.

Although depicted in several embodiments as one-piece handles, it is also contemplated that the handles 102 and 104 may be separated from the foot support plate and/or collapsed into two or more sections, so that each handle can be detached and removed for shipping and storage of the bootjack apparatus. Such alternatives are discussed relative to FIGS. 14A-14B below.

With further reference now to FIG. 6, it will be understood that footwear generally comes in a range of sizes wherein the sole length can vary over three to four inches, from size 2 to 18. Understanding that toe contact 230 has a somewhat limited displacement, and as a result the apparatus may be restricted to a small range of sizes, in the illustrated embodiment the position of the heel capture member 216 is adjustable in direction 320 along and between guideways 234 to a plurality of pre-defined positions. As shown heel capture member 216 is mounted between guideways 234 and once the position of member 216 is selected it may be secured along the edge of support plate 114. Removable fasteners 240 secure the heel clip 216 in one of a plurality of positions to correspond to a desired range of sole lengths.

Depicted in FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the toe contact 230 as it is attached to handle 102 at fulcrum 218. Although toe contact 230 moves in an opposite direction when handle 104 is moved in the direction of arrow 324 it should be further understood that fulcrum 218 could be repositioned below the toe mount which would reverse the overall operation of handle 104 (i.e. Class 2 lever conversion to a Class 3 lever). In the case of the repositioned fulcrum, moving handle 102 away from the user would be required to clinch the footwear onto the support plate 114.

Referring also to FIG. 8 depicted the bootjack apparatus embodiment of FIG. 6 having a ski boot type footwear held on support plate 114 by virtue of toe contact 230 forcing the boot backward against heel capture member 216 as handle 104 is moved away from the user. Notably, most all sizes of footwear could be accommodated; however the heel capture member 216 would require adjustment to one of the predefined positions selected to be within a desired range of sizes.

Referring next to FIGS. 9-13, an alternative embodiment of bootjack apparatus 100 is depicted where the previously disclosed adjustable heel capture member is manually movable or slidable to adjust to a full range of footwear sizes without being limited to a pre-set specific size range. In this heel-to-toe clamping mechanism 101 embodiment the footwear is again retained on support plate 114 to facilitate the user removing or applying the footwear. As seen, a mechanical interconnection or linkage, such as rod 232 (or alternatively a chain or other non-rigid member) pulls the heel capture member 216 to slide in response to a user pulling the movable handle 104, so that as the movable handle is drawn toward the user heel capture member 216 slides upward and forward toward the toe contact member 230 to clamp the footwear and hold it firmly on support plate 214. The embodiment of FIGS. 9-13 is believed to be suitable for accommodating all sizes of footwear, particularly ski boots. In this configuration one or both the toe contact 230 and the heel capture member 216 may move towards, or away, from one another in direct response to the movement of handle 104.

Although toe contact 230 could be movable as described relative to the embodiment of FIGS. 5-8, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-13 it remains stationary and is securely attached to the foot support plate 114, thereby allowing the movable handle 104 to operate independently of the toe contact—where only the heel capture member 216 is operated in response to the movable handle 104. The depicted embodiment allows the user to position the footwear on the support plate 114, and movement of the handle 104 slides the heel capture member 216 forward, driving the footwear upward and clamping it against the now fixed toe contact 230, thereby preventing motion between the sole and the foot support plate 114.

FIG. 10 shows the bootjack apparatus 100 from the user's point of view, with dual handles 102, which serve to stabilize a user grasping at least the left or right side handle 102, as the other hand is pulling back on movable handle 104, as represented by arrow 340. Movement of movable handle 104, as described above, inversely correlates with heel capturing member 216 sliding as indicated by arrow 342 (movable handle 104 pulled back slides heel capture member 216 forward). Movable handle 104 includes, in one exemplary embodiment, at least two bends of about 45-degrees to provide the necessary clearance to pass alongside a user's leg positioned on support plate 114. It is also contemplated that once the footwear is secured to support plate 114, by movable handle 104, that each hand then could be placed on the right and left stationary handlebars 102 while pulling the foot from the boot.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 9 with an exemplary ski boot positioned therein. Further illustrated is footwear 140 in the form of a ski boot abutted against the stationary toe contact member 230, as handle 104 is pulled towards the user, as indicated by arrow 340.

The operable elements of the aforementioned bootjack apparatus 100 are further shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, which respectively shown the elements in an “open” and a “clamped” position. More specifically, handle 104 is directly attached to member 402, which in turn is pivotally attached to connecting rod 408, having its distal end pivotally attached to movable heel capture member 216. As represented by arrow 346, movable handle 104 moves rod 408, and as movable handle 104 is positioned towards the user (e.g., FIG. 13) the heel capture member 216 slides against the ski boot. Conversely, as depicted in FIG. 12, as the movable handle 102 is moved away from the user the heel capture member 216 releases the rear of boot 140 from the clamp and thus from foot support plate 214. Further contemplated is the use of spring 406, or another resilient biasing member, to return the movable handle 104 and movable heel clamp 216 to the “retracted” or “open” position upon release of the movable handle. Accordingly, such a biasing element would be arranged to encourage the movable handle 104 to return to the full open position.

As depicted in FIG. 13, like the prior embodiments, the bootjack apparatus may employ one or more means for securing the bootjack apparatus in place on a floor or sturdy platform. Mounting brackets 148, or other mechanical features extend from the sides of a welded support bracket, which is attached to the underside of foot support plate 114. Brackets 148 are intended to contact the floor or stable surface to increase the stability of the bootjack apparatus. Also contemplated is the placement of mounting holes 146 in brackets 148 to permit the insertion of a screw, lag-bolt or similar fastener through the bracket 148 and into the underlying floor or surface, in order to prevent the bootjack from tipping. Equivalent stability may also be accomplished by increasing the width of the foot support plate 114 and/or its associated support brackets 148.

Also contemplated, and possibly applicable to any one of the three alternative clamping mechanisms, is a means for locking, either the clamping mechanism 101 itself and/or movable handle 104 when the footwear has been clamped. In other words the user does not have to continue to apply pressure to maintain the clamping of the footwear. Such a configuration would allow the user to have both hands free to steady themselves using a plurality of handles 102 while removing their foot from the clamped footwear. Various mechanisms may be employed to achieve the locking means, including various additional manually activated lock/release mechanisms. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, the clamping mechanism may be configured in a manner to permit slight over-travel of the movable handle 104, placing the connection of linkage rod 408 to member 402 in a position “above” or beyond the handle pivot or fulcrum point 418.

As noted above, movable handle 104 and fixed handle(s) 102 may include a mechanism to allow for detachment or removal of the upstanding portion of the handle from the remainder of the bootjack device. The mechanism for detachment of the handle sections may be overlapping portions that are then connected via common fasteners 120, pins, etc. Alternatively, there may be more elaborate attachment/detachment mechanisms such as a bayonet-type interconnection, a telescoping interconnection, or even a threaded screw-type interconnection. Furthermore the collapsible handles could remain attached to and folded into or along the foot support plate 114.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-14B, in one embodiment, a bayonet-type joint(s) 370 is provided in one or more locations along the handles 102 and/or 104. The bayonet-type joint 370 between handle sections 368 (e.g., 368A-368C) includes a smaller outside-diameter tube section 372 that slides within the inside diameter of the handle tube section 368A or 368B, and is retained in place using a spring-loaded pin 376 inside the tube section 372 and associated hole 378 in the handle tube. Moreover, a flexible or elastic cord 380 may span the joint to assure that the handle components stay together when disassembled. In the alternative collapsible joint depicted in FIG. 14B, the handle sections 368A and 368B are pivotally attached to one another at joint 390, pivoting about point 392, and may swing in the direction indicated by arrow 360, between the fully extended position shown for use, and a partially folded position (shown in dashed line) or a fully folded position for shipping and storage. In all cases, the collapsible mechanism facilitates storage and shipping of the bootjack apparatus. It is further expected that such detachment can be readily accomplished without the use of tools.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore anticipated that all such changes and modifications be covered by the instant application.

Claims

1. An apparatus for retaining a piece of footwear, to assist with application or removal of the footwear from a foot, comprising:

a generally planar foot support plate forming part of a base;

at least one stabilizing handle attached to said foot support plate and extending in an upward direction therefrom; and

a movable clamping mechanism, operable in response to an applied force, to clamp at least a portion of the footwear between a pair of opposed members, at least one of said members being movable, where the applied force is generated by a movable handle pivotally attached to the base and operatively attached to the movable clamping mechanism to translate movement of the handle to movement of the movable member.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the foot support plate is inclined such that the rear of the plate is lower than the front of the plate.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a support bracket is attached to the foot support plate to form part of the base and to raise the front of the plate.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a bottom portion of the stabilizing handle is attached to the base.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one stabilizing handle includes a lower portion and an upper portion, such that the at least one stabilizing handle includes at least two pieces that are collapsible.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said at least one stabilizing handle includes a pivot connection between the lower portion and the upper portion.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the lower portion of said at least one stabilizing handle is detachably connected to the base.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said clamping mechanism includes a footwear contacting component that operates in a plane generally parallel to the foot support plate.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said moveable clamping mechanism is selected from the group consisting of:

i) a side clamp linkage mechanism, said side clamp linkage mechanism translating motion of the movable handle into a force applied on opposite sides of a heel of the footwear;

ii) a toe-to-heel clamping mechanism, said toe-to-heel clamping mechanism translating a pivoting movement of the movable handle into contact with a toe of the footwear to drive the footwear against an adjustable heel capture member; and

iii) a heel-to-toe clamping mechanism, said heel-to-toe clamping mechanism translating the pivoting movement of the movable handle into motion of a sliding heel capture member to drive the footwear against a toe contact member.

10. An apparatus to retain footwear, to assist with the application or removal of footwear from a wearer's foot, said apparatus comprising:

a generally rectangular foot support base upon which a worn piece of footwear is placed;

a heel engaging member adjacent one end of said foot support base;

a toe engaging member adjacent an opposite end of said foot support base;

at least one of said heel engaging member and said toe engaging member being movable relative to said foot support base and one another to clamp said footwear therebetween;

at least one stationary handle extending upward from said foot support base; and

a movable handle, also extending upward from the foot support base, said movable handle having a distal end pivotally connected to the support base, said distal end being operatively connected to at least one of said heel engaging member and said toe engaging member such that movement of an upper end of the handle causes movement of the distal end and results in displacement of at least one of said heel engaging member and said toe engaging member and thereby causing a change in a distance between said heel engaging and toe engaging members.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said heel engaging member is adjustable between one of a plurality of fixed positions.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said toe engaging member is fixed.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said apparatus is usable with footwear selected from the group consisting of: cowboy boots, riding boots, motocross boots, turnout boots, work boots, hiking boots and ski boots.

14. A ski boot retaining apparatus, comprising:

a foot support plate, secured to a horizontal surface, said foot support plate having a top surface upon which a ski boot may be placed;

a sliding heel-receiving member adjacent a distal end of the foot support plate to secure a heel on the sole of the ski boot;

a toe engaging member adjacent a proximal end of the foot support plate to forcibly engage a toe portion of the ski boot and thereby clamp said ski boot between the heel capture member and the toe engaging member to retain the ski boot on the foot support plate;

a stationary handle attached to and extending upward from the foot support plate to stabilize a skier inserting or withdrawing their foot from the ski boot; and

a movable handle, operatively connected to and extending upward from the foot support plate, said movable handle having a distal end pivotally attached to the foot support plate and operatively connected to the heel capture member such that movement of a proximal end of the moveable handle results in displacement of the heel capture member.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said heel capture member is operatively connected to the movable handle using a linkage.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said heel capture member is biased to an open position.