Attic Shoe Attachment Device

Abstract

An article of manufacture providing work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists is disclosed. The work shoes attachment device are made from an attic shoe base having an upper side and a lower side, a set of support legs coupled to the lower side of the attic shoe base, the set of support legs configured to create a crosswise opening and a lengthwise opening between the support legs for positioning on opposing sides of a joist, and a pair of support straps coupled to the attic shoe base for securing the work shoes attachment device to a worker's foot, the pair of support straps comprise a front support strap and a rear support strap.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing work shoes attachment device, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture for providing work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists.

BACKGROUND

Workers in various types of construction jobs are required to walk along joists in attics when performing their jobs. These attics typically do not have flooring on which the workers may walk from an entry point to all of the locations in which tasks are to be performed. As such, these workers are required to walk along narrow joists that contain significant amounts of space in between that are not able to support the weight of the worker should he or she accidentally step off of the joists. These workers are at risk of serious injury if they should inadvertently step off of the joists while working.

Therefore, a need exists for a an article of manufacture for providing work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists. Such a device will assist the workers in remaining on joists and thus eliminating or reducing the chances of injury present in current working solutions caused by limitations and deficiencies of the prior solutions according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing an article of manufacture for work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of manufacture for providing work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists. The work shoes attachment device are made from an attic shoe base having an upper side and a lower side, a set of support legs coupled to the lower side of the attic shoe base, the set of support legs configured to create a crosswise opening and a lengthwise opening between the support legs for positioning on opposing sides of a joist, and a pair of support straps coupled to the attic shoe base for securing the work shoes attachment device to a worker's foot, the pair of support straps comprise a front support strap and a rear support strap.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the attic shoe base comprises a rectangular center portion and four extension tabs, two extension tabs on either side of the attic shoe base, the four extension tabs comprise a pair of front extension tabs and a pair of rear extension tabs.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the set of support legs couple to the attic shoe base across each of the extension tabs.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the crosswise opening and the lengthwise opening between the support legs are positioned between the extension tabs.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the attic shoe base further comprises a pair of front strap openings and a pair of rear strap openings through the attic shoe base, the pair of front strap openings are located within the rectangular center portion of the attic shoe base in front of the front extension tabs and a pair of rear strap openings are located within the rectangular center portion of the attic shoe base in behind the rear extension tabs.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the front support strap is routed through the front pair of front strap openings, across the upper side of the attic shoe base, and around each side of the attic shoe base from the lower side to permit the front support strap to be arranged about the worker's foot, and the rear support strap is routed through the front pair of rear strap openings, across the upper side of the attic shoe base, and around each side of the attic shoe base from the lower side to permit the rear support strap to be arranged about the worker's foot.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of support straps each have a buckle to secure each end to the support straps to its opposing end.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of support straps each have mating Velcro™ strips to secure each end to the support straps to its opposing end.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the attic shoe base and the set of support legs are made of a material comprising: steel, wood, plastic, aluminum, and synthetic resin.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the crosswise opening and the lengthwise opening between the support legs are at least 1⅞″ wide.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIGS. 1a-e illustrate various views of an example embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an article of manufacture providing a work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists according to the present invention.

FIGS. 3a-b illustrate multiple views of leg supports for an article of manufacture providing a work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a 2D view of a leg support for an article of manufacture providing a work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists according to the present invention.

FIGS. 5a-b illustrate multiple views of leg supports for an article of manufacture providing a work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a work shoes attachment devices, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture providing work shoes attachment devices for use in working on attic joists according to the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one or more of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

The terms “worker,” and “user” refer to an entity, e.g. a human, using the work shoes attachment devices for use in working on attic joists associated with the invention. The term user herein refers to one or more users.

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “Attic Shoes.” Invention may be used interchangeably with shoes.

In general, the present disclosure relates to an article of manufacture for providing work shoes attachment devices for use in working on attic joists. To better understand the present invention, FIGS. 1a-f illustrate various views of an example embodiment of an article of manufacture providing work shoes attachment devices for use in working on attic joists according to the present invention. FIG. 1a shows a side view of an attic shoe coupled to a work shoes attachment device showing a crosswise opening to walk on a joist according to the present invention. The attic shoe 100 has an attic shoe base 101 coupled on top of a set of support legs 102a-d arranged to create a crosswise opening 111 and a lengthwise opening 110 (see FIGS. 1b-c) that are sized to permit a joist to fit in between the set of support legs 102a-d. The set of support legs 102a-d extends downward from the attic shoe base 101 to create a support frame that may be positioned about a joist to permit the worker to securely stand on a narrow joist. The crosswise opening 111 and lengthwise opening 110 permit the worker to step in either direction on a joist while ensuring the worker steps onto the joist with the center of the his or her foot.

The attic shoe 100 also uses a pair of support straps 103a-b to connect the attic shoe base 101 to a worker's shoe. The support straps 103a-b are coupled to the attic shoe base 101 about a front and a back end of the attic shoe base 101 to hold the worker's shoe in place while wearing the attic shoe 100.

FIG. 1b shows a front-top down view of an attic shoe coupled to a worker's shoe showing attachment straps according to the present invention. The support straps 103a-b are shown with a front strap 103a positioned about the front edge of the attic shoe base 101 and securing the toe of the worker's shoe to the attic shoe 100. A rear strap 103b is positioned about a rear edge of the attic shoe base 101 to wrap around the shoe about the ankle securing the rear of the shoe to the attic shoe 100.

The support straps 103a-b are shown in the embodiment FIG. 1c to be secured using buckles to connect the two ends of the support straps 103a-b to each other. Other coupling mechanisms including buttons, snaps, Velcro™, and similar coupling devices may be used to secure each end of the strap to each other. The support straps 103a-b must be secured sufficiently to the worker's shoe to keep the shoe and the attic shoe 100 connected to each other as the worker steps onto and off of joists.

FIG. 1d shows a rear view of an attic shoe coupled to a worker's shoe showing a lengthwise opening to walk on a joist according to the present invention. The rear view of FIG. 1e shows the worker's shoe resting upon a rear portion of the attic shoe base 101 and having the set of support legs 102a-d on either side of the attic shoe base 101 to create the lengthwise opening 110. The lengthwise opening 110 runs the entire length of the attic shoe 100 beneath the attic shoe base 101.

FIG. 1e shows a top view of an attic shoe base having attachment straps according to the present invention. A front attachment strap 103a is shown crossing over a center portion of the attic shoe base 101 near its front edge in which the front attachment strap 103a then wraps about the outer edges of the attic shoe base 101 to be buckled over the toe of a worker's shoe. The front attachment strap 103a passes through a pair of strap openings 201a-b in the attic shoe base 101 to hold the front attachment strap 103a in place. The rear attachment strap 103b attaches to the attic shoe base 101 using a similar pair of strap openings 201c-d about the rear end of the attic shoe base 101 (not shown).

The attic shoe base 101 and set of support legs 102a-d are made of a rigid material capable of holding the worker in place when walking and standing on a joist. In a preferred embodiment, the attic shoe base 101 and set of support legs 102a-d are made of a thick plastic material. Other materials including wood, metal, and other synthetic materials also may be used to provide the support needed by the worker wearing the attic shoes 100. The support straps 103a-b may be made of a nylon webbing material capable of tightly attaching about the worker's shoes. Other materials including cotton, leather, and other synthetic materials also may be used.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an article of manufacture providing work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists according to the present invention. The schematic of FIG. 2 shows a top down view of the attic shoe base 101 showing its shape as having four extension tabs, two on each side of the attic shoe base 101 in which each tab supports one of the set of support legs 102a-d positioned underneath the attic shoe base 101. The strap openings 201a-d are shown about the ends of the attic shoe base 101 positioned on an outward side of the set of support legs 102a-d. Each of the four tabs are 13/16″ by 1½″ in size. The inner spacing of the tabs is 1⅞″ apart to create the crosswise opening 111 in between the set of support legs 102a-d. The attic shoe base 101 is 3¼″ wide without the addition of the four tabs and 10″ in length. The set of strap openings 201a-d are ⅝″ by ⅛″ is sized to permit the corresponding set of support legs 102a-d to pass through the set of strap openings 201a-d. The front and back ends of the attic shoe base 101 are shown to have a circular shape with a diameter of 3¼″ and coupled to the ends of the attic shoe base 101. The attic shoe base 101 is typically ¾″ thick to provide sufficient support for the worker when wearing the attic shoe 100.

All of the above dimensions are for a preferred embodiment that has been sized for a typical construction worker. Of course, the length and width of the attic shoe base 101 may be altered to be properly sized for workers having larger and smaller feet. The arrangement and spacing of the set of support legs 102a-d should remain the same as shown in FIG. 2 to create the crosswise opening 111 and lengthwise opening 110 sized to fit over a standard joist. If the attic shoe 100 is to be worn when the worker is walking on larger or thicker joists, the arrangement and spacing of the set of support legs 102a-d may be adjusted to fit the size of the different joists.

FIG. 3a-b illustrate multiple views of leg supports for an article of manufacture providing work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists according to the present invention. FIG. 3a shows a front view of leg supports from an attic shoe according to the present invention. The set of four support legs 102a-d are shown, each of which has a ½″ by ¼″ inner edge removed from the set of support legs 102a-d along their respective lower inner edges to guide a joist into the lengthwise opening 110 when the attic shoe 100 is stepping onto the joist. These widening of the set of support legs 102a-d at their base will assist a joist to be guided into the attic shoe 100 and between the set of support legs 102a-d when the worker takes a step on a joist.

FIG. 3b shows a side view of leg supports from an attic shoe according to the present invention. One of the set of support legs 102a-d is shown from the side in FIG. 3b. A bottom, inner edge has a ¼″ by ½″ edge removed on its inner edge such that the wider bottom edge of the set of support legs 102a-d is positions along the crosswise opening 111 to perform the same guidance of a joist into the crosswise opening 111 when the worker steps in this direction on a joist.

FIG. 4 illustrates a 2D view of a leg support for an article of manufacture providing work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists according to the present invention. One of the set of support legs 102a-d is shown to illustrate the wider openings created for the crosswise opening 111 and lengthwise opening 110 by each of the set of support legs 102a-d.

FIGS. 5a-b illustrate bottom views of leg supports for an article of manufacture providing work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists according to the present invention. The bottom view of the attic shoe 100 shows the arrangement and spacing of the set of support legs 102a-d as shown in FIG. 2 to create the crosswise opening 111 and lengthwise opening 110 sized to fit over a standard joist. The strap openings 201a-b are shown about an end of the attic shoe base 101 positioned on an outward side of the set of support legs 102a-d.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the present application, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In other words, any of the features mentioned in this application may be included to this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow the functionality required for the desired operations.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. An article of manufacture for providing work shoes attachment device for use in working on attic joists, the work shoes attachment device comprises:

an attic shoe base having an upper side and a lower side;

a set of support legs coupled to the lower side of the attic shoe base, the set of support legs configured to create a crosswise opening and a lengthwise opening between the support legs for positioning on opposing sides of a joist; and

a pair of support straps coupled to the attic shoe base for securing the work shoes attachment device to a worker's foot, the pair of support straps comprise a front support strap and a rear support strap.

2. The work shoes attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the attic shoe base comprises a rectangular center portion and four extension tabs, two extension tabs on either side of the attic shoe base, the four extension tabs comprise a pair of front extension tabs and a pair of rear extension tabs.

3. The work shoes attachment device according to claim 2, wherein the set of support legs couple to the attic shoe base across each of the extension tabs.

4. The work shoes attachment device according to claim 2, wherein the crosswise opening and the lengthwise opening between the support legs are positioned between the extension tabs.

5. The work shoes attachment device according to claim 2, wherein the attic shoe base further comprises a pair of front strap openings and a pair of rear strap openings through the attic shoe base, the pair of front strap openings are located within the rectangular center portion of the attic shoe base in front of the front extension tabs and a pair of rear strap openings are located within the rectangular center portion of the attic shoe base in behind the rear extension tabs.

6. The work shoes attachment device according to claim 5, wherein the front support strap is routed through the front pair of front strap openings, across the upper side of the attic shoe base, and around each side of the attic shoe base from the lower side to permit the front support strap to be arranged about the worker's foot; and

the rear support strap is routed through the front pair of rear strap openings, across the upper side of the attic shoe base, and around each side of the attic shoe base from the lower side to permit the rear support strap to be arranged about the worker's foot.

7. The work shoes attachment device according to claim 6, wherein the pair of support straps each have a buckle to secure each end to the support straps to its opposing end.

8. The work shoes attachment device according to claim 6, wherein the pair of support straps each have mating Velcro™ strips to secure each end to the support straps to its opposing end.

9. The work shoes attachment device according to claim 2, wherein the attic shoe base and the set of support legs are made of a material comprising: steel, wood, plastic, aluminum, and synthetic resin.

10. The work shoes attachment device according to claim 6, wherein the crosswise opening and the lengthwise opening between the support legs are at least 1⅞″ wide.