HANDS-FREE SHOE

Abstract

A hands-free shoe includes a heel assembly that allows a user to step into a shoe and tighten the shoe around the user's foot without the use of hands. The heel assembly includes a housing, a translating assembly including an inner frame and an outer frame, a plurality of translating pins, a plurality of stationary pins, a locking piece, a plurality of springs, and a heel button that work in conjunction to tighten the laces of the shoe and secure the shoe to a user's foot. The hands-free shoe can also be removed by depressing the heel button to loosen the laces of the shoe and release the shoe from a user's foot without the use of hands.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/371,163 filed Aug. 11, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a shoe for a person's foot, and more particularly to a hands-free shoe capable of tightening and loosening without the use of hands.

Traditional shoes include a shoe sole coupled to a shoe upper. The shoe upper includes eyelets and shoelaces for securing the shoe upper to a user's foot. The shoelaces are guided through each eyelet in a crisscross lacing pattern up to the top of the shoe upper. The user pulls the shoelaces tight and then ties a knot with the shoelaces to secure the shoe to the user's foot. As such, a user must bend over (or lift their leg and foot up) to reach the shoelaces to tighten and secure the shoe to their foot. Further, if a user is unable to reach the shoelaces to tighten the shoe themselves, they may require assistance from another person to tighten the shoes. The traditional approach to securing a shoe to a user's foot can be particularly difficult for children, the elderly, and the disabled, among others. Further, the traditional approach to securing a shoe to a user's foot can be difficult if a person is holding items in their hands. Therefore, it is desirable for a shoe to be secured to and removed from a user's foot without the use of their hands.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a hands-free shoe includes a shoe upper and a heel assembly coupled to the shoe upper. The heel assembly includes a housing, a translating assembly, an inner frame positioned within and fixedly coupled to the housing, and a plurality of stationary pins coupled to the inner frame. The translating assembly includes an outer frame and a plurality of translating pins coupled to the outer frame. The translating assembly is configured to translate in and out of the housing. Shoelaces are coupled at a first end to a bar of the translating assembly and coupled at a second end to the shoe upper. When the shoe upper is in a closed position, the shoelaces wrap around the plurality of translating pins and the plurality of stationary pins in an alternating configuration such that the shoelaces are pulled within the heel assembly to tighten the shoe upper.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of operating a hands-free shoe is disclosed. The method includes pressing downward on a heel assembly coupled to a shoe upper. Translating, by a translating assembly of the heel assembly, from an open position with the translating assembly outside a housing of the heel assembly to a closed position with the translating assembly within the housing of the heel assembly. Further, translating the translating assembly into the housing of the heel assembly pulls shoelaces of the hands-free shoe into the heel assembly. The shoelaces wrap around a plurality of translating pins and a plurality of stationary pins of the heel assembly in an alternating configuration to pull the shoelaces within the heel assembly to tighten the shoe upper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a hands-free shoe in a closed position.

FIG. 1B is a rear view of the hands-free shoe in a closed position.

FIG. 1C is a top view of the hands-free shoe in an open position.

FIG. 2A is a first perspective view of a heel assembly of the hands-free shoe in a closed position.

FIG. 2B is a second perspective view of the heel assembly of FIG. 2A in a closed position.

FIG. 2C is a side view of the heel assembly of FIG. 2A in an open position.

FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view of the heel assembly in a closed position.

FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view of the heel assembly in an open position.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the heel assembly in an open position.

FIG. 4A is a side partial cross-sectional view of the heel assembly illustrating a locking piece in a closed position.

FIG. 4B is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of the heel assembly illustrating a spring block of the locking piece in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of hands-free shoe 10 in a closed position. FIG. 1B is a rear view of hands-free shoe 10 in a closed position. FIG. 1C is a top view of hands-free shoe 10 in an open position. FIGS. 1A-1C will be discussed together. Further, hands-free shoe 10 will hereinafter be referred to as shoe 10. Shoe 10 is a shoe for a person's foot that can be tightened around a user's foot and loosened from a user's foot without the use of the user's hands. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and described in the following disclosure, shoe 10 is shown and described with reference to a dress shoe. But it is to be understood that the following disclosure could also be applied to any other type of shoe with a shoe upper and a sole. With that said, the following disclosure will focus on the embodiment in which shoe 10 is a dress shoe or semi-formal shoe, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C.

Shoe 10 includes shoe upper 12 and heel assembly 14, with heel assembly 14 coupled to a bottom surface of shoe upper 12. Heel assembly 14 can be coupled to shoe upper 12 using one or more of an adhesive, screws, and tacks, among other options. Shoe upper 12 is the portion of a shoe that the user inserts their foot into and then tightens the shoe around their foot, securing the shoe to their foot during use. Shoe upper includes first side 16, second side 18, tongue 20, shoelaces 22, insert 24, and elastic 26. In the embodiment shown, first side 16 is the left side of shoe 10 and second side 18 is the right side of shoe 10, when secured to a user's foot. Tongue 20 is positioned between and at least partially under a portion of first side 16 and second side 18. Shoelaces 22 are looped through eyelets positioned within both first side 16 and second side 18. Shoelaces 22 can be constructed from traditional cotton or leather shoelaces, Kevlar, para-aramid fibers, or other synthetic fibers, among other options. Shoelaces 22 are configured to tighten and loosen to secure and release shoe 10 from a user's foot, respectively. More specifically, shoelaces 22 are looped through eyelets positioned within first side 16 and second side 18 and then shoelaces 22 are routed through an interior of shoe upper 12 and into heel assembly 14 to tighten and loosen shoe 10, discussed further below.

As best shown in FIG. 1A, insert 24 of shoe upper 12 is positioned between layers of second side 18 of shoe upper 12. In the view shown in FIG. 1A, only one insert 24 is shown on second side 18 of shoe 10, but it is to be understood that insert 24 is positioned on both sides of shoe 10. As such, one insert 24 is positioned between layers of shoe upper 12 on first side 16 of shoe 10 and another insert 24 is positioned between layers of shoe upper 12 on second side 18 of shoe 10. Insert 24 is configured to force first side 16 and second side 18 outward from an interior of shoe upper 12 into the open position shown in FIG. 1C. Insert 24 is generally a straight component in a relaxed state that can be constructed from a carbon fiber material, a polymeric material, or a metallic material, among other options. When shoe 10 is in a closed position, insert 24 on each side of shoe 10 is forced into a bent arc configuration. The bending of insert 24 induces potential energy into insert 24, such that insert 24 pushes against an interior of first side 16 and second side 18 of shoe 10 in an attempt to return to their relaxed straight orientation. As such, inserts 24 are configured to push shoe upper 12 of shoe 10 into the open position by forcing first side 16 and second side 18 outward from the interior of shoe upper 12. Shoe 10 opening into the open position allows a user to step into shoe upper 12 without needing to use their hands to pull open shoe upper 12. As such, the force exerted by insert 24 pushes shoe 10 into the open position, allowing a user to easily step into shoe 10 without using their hands. Inserts 24 will continuously force shoe 10 into the open position, shown in FIG. 1C, until a separate force overcomes the spring force of insert 24.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, shoe 10 includes elastic 26 coupled to an exterior surface of tongue 20. More specifically, shoe 10 includes one elastic 26 coupled to tongue 20 adjacent first side 16 and another elastic 26 coupled to tongue 20 adjacent second side 18. Elastics 26 can be coupled to the exterior surface of tongue through an adhesive or tack, among other options. Elastics 26 can be constructed from any material that is able to resume its normal shape and length after being stretched. When shoe 10 is in a closed configuration, elastics 26 are stretched and potential energy is created within elastics 26, such that elastics 26 pull on tongue 20. As such, elastics 26 are configured to pull shoe upper 12 of shoe 10 into the open position by pulling tongue 20 outward from the interior of shoe upper 12. Shoe 10 opening into the open position allows a user to step into shoe upper 12 without needing to use their hands to pull open shoe upper 12. As such, the force exerted by elastics 26 pulls shoe 10 into the open position, allowing a user to easily step into shoe 10 without using their hands. Elastics 26 will continuously pull shoe 10 into the open position, shown in FIG. 1C, until a separate force overcomes the spring force of elastics 26.

Shoelaces 22 are looped through eyelets and routed through an interior of shoe upper 12 into heel assembly 14 to tighten and loosen shoe 10. More specifically, shoelaces 22 positioned along first side 16 of shoe upper 12 are routed into first tubes 28 positioned between layers of first side 16, such that first tubes 28 are not visible, and then shoelaces 22 are routed into heel assembly 14. Likewise, shoelaces 22 positioned along second side 18 of shoe upper 12 are routed into second tubes 30 positioned between layers of second side 18, such that second tubes 30 are not visible, and then shoelace 22 are routed into heel assembly 14. In some examples, the distal ends of first tubes 28 and second tubes 30 positioned closest to tongue 20 can include smooth or curved inner surfaces, such that shoelaces 22 exiting first tubes 28 and second tubes 30 extend around a radiused portion rather than a sharp 90-degree corner at the distal end. Including the smooth, curved, or radiused portion prevents excess wear on shoelaces 22 and also reduces the amount of friction experienced by shoelaces 22 during the opening and closing of shoe 10. In turn, this extends the useful life of shoelaces 22 and makes it easier to open and close shoe 10.

Shoelaces 22 are configured to be tightened by pulling shoelaces 22 through first tubes 28 and second tubes 30 and into heel assembly 14. The tightening of shoelaces 22 overcomes the spring force of inserts 24 and elastics 26, causing shoe upper 12 to close and tighten around a user's foot. Therefore, inserts 24 and elastics 26 will force shoe 10 into the open position until shoelaces 22 are tightened using heel assembly 14. Additionally, the shoelaces 22 are configured to be loosened by releasing shoelaces 22 outward from heel assembly 14 and through first tubes 28 and second tubes 30. After releasing and loosening shoelaces 22, the spring force of inserts 24 and elastics 26 forces first side 16, second side 18, and tongue 20 back into the open position. A user can depress heel button 42 (FIG. 1B) of heel assembly 14 to release shoelaces 22 and loosen shoe 10, discussed further below.

FIG. 2A is a first perspective view of heel assembly 14 of shoe 10 in a closed position. FIG. 2B is a second perspective view of heel assembly 14 in a closed position. FIG. 2C is a side view of heel assembly 14 in an open position. FIGS. 2A-2C will be discussed together. Heel assembly 14 includes housing 32, film cover 34, base 36, clamp 38, button frame 40, heel button 42, translating assembly 44, and shoe sole 46 (FIG. 2C). Heel assembly 14 is configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position to open or close (i.e., release or tighten, respectively) shoe upper 12 of shoe 10. Heel assembly 14 allows a user to step into shoe upper 12, actuate translating assembly 44 of heel assembly 14, and tighten shoe 10 around the user's foot. Further, heel assembly 14 allows a user to depress heel button 42 to release translating assembly 44, which loosens and releases shoe 10 from the user's foot. As such, heel assembly 14 allows a user to tighten and secure shoe 10 to their foot as well as loosen and release shoe 10 from their foot without the use of their hands.

Heel assembly 14 is a symmetric design such that the components of heel assembly 14 are identical on both sides of heel assembly 14. In other words, the components of heel assembly 14 are mirrored about a central plane extending through heel assembly 14 (i.e., section line A-A shown in FIG. 2A). The central plane can extend from fore end 14A of heel assembly 14 to aft end 14B of heel assembly 14, and the central plane can be positioned equidistant from first base side 36A and second base side 36B of base 36 of heel assembly 14. As such, to avoid redundancy, a discussion of only one half of heel assembly 14 will be presented below. But it is to be understood that the discussion of the one half of heel assembly 14 equally applies to the other half of heel assembly 14.

Housing 32 is the main body portion of heel assembly 14 that other components of heel assembly 14 are coupled. Housing 32 is configured to surround and protect most of the components of heel assembly 14 from the environment and/or other debris, with some components positioned outside housing 32. In some examples, housing 32 can be constructed from a polymeric material, metallic material, or a composite material. Housing 32 can include an opening (not shown) on the top surface, allowing access to the other components positioned within housing 32. In some embodiments, housing 32 can include film cover 34 positioned over the opening in housing 32 and adjacent a top surface of housing 32. Film cover 34 can be used to seal and prevent debris from entering an interior of housing 32. Film cover 34 can be coupled to housing 32 through one or more of an adhesive, screws, and tacks, among other options. In other embodiments, housing 32 may not include film cover 34. Base 36 is a lower or bottom surface of housing 32 closest a ground surface when heel assembly 14 is positioned within shoe 10. As shown best in FIGS. 2A-2B, base 36 includes first base side 36A and second base side 36B. Referring to FIG. 2B, base 36 includes an aperture or opening extending through base 36, allowing access to the components positioned within housing 32 of heel assembly 14.

Clamp 38 is coupled to an upper surface of base 36 adjacent fore end 14A of heel assembly 14. Clamp 38 is configured to fasten and secure first tubes 28, second tubes 30, and shoelaces 22 entering housing 32 of heel assembly 14. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, there are two of first tubes 28 and two of second tubes 30 entering housing 32 of heel assembly 14. In another example, there could only be one of first tube 28 and second tube 30 entering housing 32 of heel assembly 14. Clamp 38 is configured to secure and prevent movement of first tubes 28 and second tubes 30 to ensure shoelaces 22 are entering housing 32 in the correct orientation for proper operation of heel assembly 14. Clamp 38 can be any component capable of surrounding first tubes 28 and second tubes 30 and preventing movement of first tubes 28 and second tubes 30.

Button frame 40 is a component of heel assembly 14 that extends partially within housing 32 and partially outside housing 32. Further, button frame 40 is slidingly coupled to housing 32, such that button frame 40 can translate in the fore and aft directions of heel assembly 14. Button frame 40 is configured to aid it securing heel assembly 14 in a closed position and releasing heel assembly 14 into an open position, discussed further below. Button frame 40 is a generally rectangular shaped component with a distal end extending outwards from housing 32. Heel button 42 is coupled to the distal end of button frame 40 extending outwards from housing 32. Although heel button 42 is described as being coupled to button frame 40, it is to be understood that heel button 42 could be formed integral with button frame 40. Heel button 42 is positioned adjacent aft end 14B of heel assembly 14 towards an upper surface of housing 32. Referring to FIG. 1B, heel button 42 is positioned within the heel of shoe 10, allowing the user to depress heel button 42 from the exterior of shoe 10. When depressed, heel button 42 is configured to aid in releasing heel assembly 14 from a closed position to an open position, discussed further below.

As shown in FIGS. 2B-2C, heel assembly 14 includes translating assembly 44 which can be positioned fully within housing 32 in certain configurations and translating assembly 44 can be positioned partially within housing 32 and partially outside housing 32 in other configurations. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B, when heel assembly 14 is in a closed position translating assembly 44 is positioned fully within housing 32. As shown in FIG. 2C, when heel assembly 14 is in an open position, translating assembly 44 is positioned partially within housing 32 and partially outside housing 32. As such, translating assembly 44 is configured to translate or slide vertically within housing 32 depending on the configuration (open or closed) of heel assembly 14.

When heel assembly 14 is in an open position, allowing a user to insert or remove their foot from shoe upper 12, translating assembly 44 extends vertically downward from a bottom surface of housing 32. When heel assembly 14 is in a closed position, such that shoe upper 12 is secured to a user's foot, translating assembly 44 is positioned within housing 32 and housing 32 fully surrounds translating assembly 44. As shown best in FIG. 2B, translating assembly 44 extends through the aperture or opening within base 36 of heel assembly 14. Further, referring to FIG. 2C, shoe sole 46 can be coupled to a bottom or lower surface of translating assembly 44 to engage with a ground surface when a user has shoe 10 attached to their foot. Although not shown in FIG. 2B for clarity purposes, shoe sole 46 is also configured to fit within the aperture or opening of base 36 to seal the aperture or opening and prevent liquid or other debris from entering the interior of housing 32.

FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view of heel assembly 14 in a closed position, taken along section line A-A shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view of heel assembly 14 in an open position, taken along section line A-A shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3C is a perspective view of heel assembly 14 in an open position. FIGS. 3A-3C will be discussed together. As discussed, heel assembly 14 includes housing 32, film cover 34, base 36, clamp 38, button frame 40, heel button 42, translating assembly 44, and shoe sole 46. In addition, heel assembly 14 can include inner frame 48, fasteners 50, alignment posts 52, stationary pins 54, bearings 56, and extension spring 58. Translating assembly 44 can include outer frame 60, spacer 62, alignment tabs 64, a plurality of springs 66, knob 68, square bar 70, and translating pins 72. Translating assembly 44 works in conjunction with the other components of heel assembly 14 to pull in or release shoelaces 22 from heel assembly 14 to tighten shoe 10 around a user's foot or loosen shoe 10 from a user's foot, respectively.

Inner frame 48 is a component of heel assembly 14 that is positioned within and fixedly coupled to housing 32. Inner frame 48 includes three extension members that extend from an upper portion of inner frame 48 and a rounded portion is positioned between and connects each of the extension members. In the example shown, inner frame 48 is coupled to housing 32 through a plurality of fasteners 50 that extend through apertures within housing 32 and thread into mating threaded apertures within inner frame 48. In the example shown, six fasteners 50 are used to secure inner frame 48 to housing 32. In another example, more or less than six fasteners 50 can be used to secure inner frame 48 to housing 32. Inner frame 48 can also include a plurality of apertures extending through inner frame 48 in which alignment posts 52 are positioned. Alignment posts 52 are dowels, pins, rods, or the like that are used to properly align inner frame 48 within housing 32 and to properly align other components of heel assembly 14 with inner frame 48. In the example shown, alignment posts 52 include three alignment posts 52 each having a circular cross-section. In another example, heel assembly 14 can include more or less than three alignment posts 52 and alignment posts 52 can have a cross-section of any geometric shape.

A plurality of stationary pins 54 are positioned within housing 32 and coupled to inner frame 48. In the example shown, each of the plurality of stationary pins 54 are coupled to an end of one of the extension members of inner frame 48. Further, an axis of each of the plurality of stationary pins 54 are horizontally aligned in a direction extending from fore end 14A to aft end 14B of heel assembly 14. The plurality of stationary pins 54 remain stationary or in a fixed position during the translation of translating assembly 44 (during the opening and closing of shoe 10). The plurality of stationary pins 54 provide a surface/structure for shoelaces 22 to wrap around during the actuation of translating assembly 44 from an open position to a closed position, discussed further below. In the example shown, the plurality of stationary pins 54 comprises three stationary pins 54. In another example, heel assembly 14 can include more than or less than three stationary pins 54 coupled to inner frame 48. Further, in the example shown, each of the plurality of stationary pins 54 include bearing 56 surrounding at least a portion of each of the plurality of stationary pins 54. Each of bearings 56 are axially aligned with one of the plurality of stationary pins 54 and each of bearings 56 extend around a circumference of one of the plurality of stationary pins 54. Bearings 56 are configured to provide a low resistance sliding surface for shoelaces 22 to slide against during the opening and closing of shoe 10. In one specific example, each of bearings 56 can be bronze plain bearings.

Referring to FIG. 3B, extension spring 58 is positioned fully within housing 32 and extension spring 58 is coupled at a first end to housing 32 and coupled at a second end to button frame 40. More specifically, the first end of extension spring 58 is coupled to a dowel, pin, rod, extension, etc. of housing 32 that extends into an interior of housing 32. The second end of extension spring 58 is coupled to a ledge, aperture, or other feature of button frame 40 that allows the second end of extension spring 58 to fixedly attach or grip the feature. Extension spring 58 is configured to induce a force on button frame 40 to pull button frame 40 toward aft end 14B of heel assembly 14. As such, when a user depresses heel button 42 it causes heel button 42 and button frame 40 to translate toward fore end 14A of heel assembly 14. In turn, this causes extension spring 58 to extend or elongate, which loads extension spring 58 with potential energy. Once the user releases heel button 42, extension spring 58 induces a force on button frame 40 that pulls button frame 40 with the attached heel button 42 in the direction toward aft end 14B of heel assembly 14 until extension spring 58 reaches a relaxed state. After extension spring 58 reaches a relaxed state, extension spring 58, button frame 40, and heel button 42 remain stationary until the user again depresses heel button 42.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A-3C, translating assembly 44 includes outer frame 60, spacer 62, alignment tabs 64, a plurality of springs 66, knob 68, and square bar 70. Translating assembly 44 is configured to translate in the vertical direction in and out of housing 32 of heel assembly 14 to tighten or loosen, respectively, shoelaces 22 of shoe 10. Further, the components of translating assembly 44 are configured to interact with the other components of heel assembly 14 and shoe 10 to tighten shoe 10 around a user's foot or loosen shoe 10 from a user's foot. Although specific components of translating assembly 14 are discussed in detail, it is to be understood that shoe 10 and heel assembly 14 can include further components not specifically described.

Outer frame 60 is a component of translating assembly 44 that translates in and out of housing 32 during the opening and closing of shoe 10. Outer frame 60 is positioned between housing 32 and inner frame 48, such that outer frame 60 is positioned outward from inner frame 48 with respect to a central plane extending through heel assembly 14. As shown best in FIG. 3C, outer frame 60 includes a generally flat central region and cylinder-shaped members 74 on each distal end of outer frame 60. Cylinder shaped members 74 are configured to translate within mating open cylindrical cavities within housing 32. As such, housing 32 aids in securing outer frame 60 within heel assembly 14 as well as aids in guiding outer frame 60 during actuation of translating assembly 44. Outer frame 60 also includes a plurality of grooves 76 extending from an upper surface of outer frame 60 to a lower surface of outer frame 60. Grooves 76 can be a plurality of narrow cuts or depression that extend into outer frame 60 from an inner surface of outer frame 60 towards an outer surface of outer frame 60. Grooves 76 also aid in guiding outer frame 60 during translation of translating assembly 44.

Further, cylinder shaped members 74 include a hollow center portion such that each of the cylinder-shaped members 74 has a generally hollow cavity extending from an upper surface of outer frame 60 towards but not extending through a bottom surface of outer frame 60. Each of the hollow interiors of cylinder-shaped members 74 are configured to accept spring 66. Springs 66 are positioned within housing 32 and extend downward into each of the cylinder-shaped members 74 such that springs 66 engage with a lower surface of each of cylinder-shaped members 74. Springs 66 are configured to induce a force on outer frame 60 of translating assembly 44 to force heel assembly 14 into an open position after a user depresses heel button 42, discussed further below. In the example shown, heel assembly 14 includes two outer frames 60 with each outer frame 60 including two cylinder-shaped members 74. As such, heel assembly 14 includes a total of four cylinder-shaped members 74 and four springs 66, each spring 66 positioned within a single cylinder-shaped member 74. In other examples, heel assembly 14 can include more or less than four springs 66.

As shown best in FIG. 3C, spacer 62 is positioned between outer frame 60 positioned on each side of heel assembly 14. As discussed, heel assembly 14 is mirrored about a central plane extending through heel assembly 14. Spacer 62 is positioned along the central plane and extends outward from the central plane to interface with outer frame 60 positioned on each side of heel assembly 14. Spacer 62 is a generally rectangular shaped block that connects the two halves of heel assembly 14. Spacer 62 provides support and stability for the components of translating assembly 44. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, spacer 62 includes a plurality of alignment tabs 64. Each of the plurality of alignment tabs 64 can be dowels, pins, rods, or the like that are used to properly align outer frame 60 and other components within translating assembly 44. In the example shown, the plurality of alignment tabs 64 includes three alignment tabs 64, each having a circular cross-section. In another example, spacer 62 can include more or less than three alignment tabs 64 and alignment tabs 64 can have a cross-section of any geometric shape.

Knob 68 and square bar 70 are each components of translating assembly 44 that translate with translating assembly 44. Knob 68 is a component of heel assembly 14 that allows a user to turn knob 68 to tighten or loosen shoelaces 22 to their desired comfort/tightness level. Square bar 70 is coupled to knob 68 and fixedly attached to knob 68. In the example shown, knob 68 includes a square shaped aperture that extends through knob 68 and square bar 70 is inserted into and secured within the square shaped aperture of knob 68. In another example, square bar 70 could be coupled to knob 68 through a fastener, adhesive, or pin, among other options. Shoelaces 22 are wrapped around and coupled to square bar 70 in a way that prevents shoelaces 22 from slipping as square bar 70 is rotated. For example, shoelaces 22 can be coupled to square bar 70 through a hole and plug, an adhesive, a fastener, or a knot (e.g., girth hitch knot).

Shoelaces 22 are coupled at a first end to square bar 70 and coupled at a second end to shoe upper 12 of shoe 10. To tighten shoelaces 22 to the users preferred tightness level, the user rotates knob 68 in the counterclockwise direction (based on the view shown in FIG. 3B) and this causes a greater length of shoelaces 22 to be pulled into housing 32 and wrap around square bar 70, resulting in shoe 10 tightening around a user's foot. To loosen shoelaces 22 to the users preferred tightness level, the user rotates knob 68 in the clockwise direction (based on the view shown in FIGS. 3B) and this causes less of shoelaces 22 to be pulled into housing 32 and wrap around square bar 70, resulting in shoe 10 loosening from a user's foot. As such, a user can manipulate knob 68, square bar 70, and shoelaces 22 to achieve the desired tightness level of shoe 10.

Translating pins 72 are a component of translating assembly 44 and translating pins 72 are coupled to outer frame 60. In the example shown, each of the plurality of translating pins 72 are coupled to an inner surface of outer frame 60 near an upper surface of outer frame 60. Further, an axis of each of the plurality of translating pins 72 are horizontally aligned in a direction extending from fore end 14A to aft end 14B of heel assembly 14. The plurality of translating pins 72 translate with outer frame 60 during the actuation of translating assembly 44 (during the opening and closing of shoe 10). The plurality of translating pins 72 provide a surface/structure for shoelaces 22 to wrap around during the actuation of translating assembly 44 from an open position to a closed position, discussed further below. In the example shown, the plurality of translating pins 72 comprises three translating pins 72. In another example, heel assembly 14 can include more than or less than three translating pins 72 coupled to outer frame 60.

Further, in the example shown, two of the three translating pins 72 include bearing 56 surrounding at least a portion of the two translating pins 72. In the example shown, the two translating pins 72 closest to fore end 14A of heel assembly 14 include bearings 56, while the translating pin 72 positioned closest to aft end 14B of heel assembly 14 does not include bearing 56. Shoelaces 22 sliding across the translating pin 72 positioned closest to aft end 14B of heel assembly 14 do not experience as much force or friction compared to the two translating pins 72 closest to fore end 14A of heel assembly 14. Therefore, in some examples, the translating pin 72 positioned closest to aft end 14B of heel assembly 14 may not include bearing 56. In other examples, the translating pin 72 positioned closest to aft end 14B of heel assembly 14 can include bearing 56 to further reduce friction and wear on shoelaces 22. Each of bearings 56 are axially aligned with one of the plurality of translating pins 72 and each of bearings 56 extends around a circumference of one of the plurality of translating pins 72. Bearings 56 are configured to provide a low resistance sliding surface for shoelaces 22 to slide against during the opening and closing of shoe 10. In one specific example, each of bearings 56 can be bronze plain bearings.

In operation, shoe 10 will initially be in the open position before a user secures shoe 10 to their foot (shown in FIGS. 1C, 2C, and 3B-3C). The user will step into the open shoe 10 and force translating assembly 44 to translate in the vertical direction into housing 32. After translating assembly 44 translates all the way into housing 32, shoe 10 has reached the closed position (shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, 3A, and 4A). As shown best in FIG. 3B, when shoe upper 12 is in an open position, shoelaces 22 extend between the plurality of translating pins 72 and the plurality of stationary pins 54 in a generally straight configuration. In other words, when shoe upper 12 is in an open position, shoelaces 22 extend generally parallel to a ground surface in the direction between fore end 14A and aft end 14B of heel assembly 14. When shoelaces 22 are in such a configuration, shoelaces 22 are released from within heel assembly 14 to loosen the shoe upper 12, as shown in FIG. 1C.

Once a user begins to step into shoe upper 12 and press down on heel assembly 14, translating assembly 44 translates in the vertical direction into housing 32. The vertical translation of translating assembly 44 causes shoelaces 22 to wrap around the plurality of translating pins 72 and the plurality of stationary pins 54 in an alternating configuration such that the shoelaces are pulled within heel assembly 14 to tighten shoe upper 12, as shown in FIG. 3A. In other words, referring to FIG. 3A, when shoe upper 12 is in a closed position, shoelaces 22 wrap around the plurality of translating pins 72 and the plurality of stationary pins 54 in an alternating configuration such that shoelaces 22 are oriented in a generally S-shaped wave configuration. Shoelaces 22 wrapping around both the plurality of stationary pins 54 and translating pins 72 causes shoelaces 22 to be drawn into housing 32 of heel assembly 14, which in turn tightens shoelaces 22 around shoe upper 12 and around the user's foot. A fixed length of shoelaces 22 are coupled at one end to square bar 70 and coupled at the other end to shoe upper 12. As such, wrapping shoelaces 22 around the plurality of translating pins 72 and the plurality of stationary pins 54 causes the fixed length of shoelaces 22 to be pulled into heel assembly 14, which then causes shoelaces 22 to overcome the force exerted by inserts 24 and elastics 26 and close and tighten shoe upper 12 around a user's foot. Shoe 10 remains locked/tightened until the user depresses heel button 42, which releases translating assembly 44 and allows translating assembly 44 to translate vertically out from housing 32 of heel assembly 14, discussed further below.

FIG. 4A is a side partial cross-sectional view of heel assembly 14 in a closed position, with several components removed for clarity purposes. FIG. 4B is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of heel assembly 14 in an open position, with several components removed for clarity purposes. FIGS. 4A-4B will be discussed together. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, heel assembly 14 also includes locking piece 78, screw nail 80, and spring block 82. Further, outer frame 60 also includes slot 84 and ramped surface 86.

Referring to FIG. 4A, locking piece 78 is positioned within housing 32 and locking piece 78 is coupled to button frame 40 (not shown in FIGS. 4A-4B for clarity). More specifically, locking piece 78 is coupled to button frame 40 through screw nail 80, which extends through button frame 40 and fastens to locking piece 78. As such, button frame 40 and locking piece 78 are coupled together such that button frame 40 and locking piece 78 translate horizontally together. When a user depresses heel button 42, button frame 40 and locking piece 78 translate together in a direction towards fore end 14A of heel assembly 14. When shoe 10 is in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 4A, locking piece 78 is engaged or coupled with at least one translating pin 72 that extends through outer frame 60. Locking piece 78 engages with the at least one translating pin 72 and holds heel assembly 14 in a closed position.

When a user depresses heel button 42 it forces button frame 40 and locking piece 78 to translate toward fore end 14A of heel assembly 14. In turn, this releases locking piece 78 from engagement with the at least one translating pin 72. Once locking piece 78 is no longer in engagement with the at least one translating pin 72 and the user has removed pressure from their foot, springs 66 force outer frame 60 downward toward a ground surface. As such, depressing heel button 42 allows translating assembly 44 to translate out from within housing 32 into an open position. Once translating pins 72 have translated vertically past a bottom surface of locking piece 78 and the user has stopped depressing heel button 42, extension spring 58 pulls button frame 40 and locking piece 78 toward aft end 14B of heel assembly 14 into a relaxed state. When a user again steps into shoe 10 and translates translating assembly 44 vertically into housing 32, translating pins 72 engage angled surfaces 88 of locking piece 78 and force locking piece 78 toward fore end 14A of heel assembly 14. This allows translating pins 72 to vertically translate past angled surfaces 88 of locking piece 78 and into the cavities or semi-circular features of locking piece 78 that lock onto translating pins 72 and hold shoe 10 in a closed position.

Referring to FIG. 4B, which shows heel assembly 14 in an open position, heel assembly 14 includes spring block 82 which includes an essentially identical outer shape/perimeter as locking piece 78 (not shown for clarity). Spring block 82 is positioned between an outer surface of outer frame 60 and an inner surface of locking piece 78. Further, spring block 82 is coupled to locking piece 78 and spring block 82 is configured to translate with locking piece 78. As shown, spring block 82 includes tab 90 which is configured to engage and interface with both ramped surface 86 and slot 84 of outer frame 60. Ramped surface 86 is an angled surface of outer frame 60 that extends from an outer surface of outer frame 60 into outer frame 60, and ramped surface 86 is configured to be a surface that tab 90 can slide across. Slot 84 is a groove or channel that extends into outer frame 60 and slot 84 is configured to engage with tab 90 and hold spring block 82 in an open position, as shown in FIG. 4B. Tab 90 is a feature of spring block 82 that is configured to actuate in and out to aid in holding locking piece 78 in an open position. Spring block 82 and tab 90 can be constructed from a spring steel or similar material to prevent deformation of tab 90.

In operation, when a user depresses heel button 42 it forces locking piece 78 and the coupled spring block 82 toward fore end 14A of heel assembly 14. Locking piece 78 and spring block 82 translate towards fore end 14A until tab 90 translates and snaps into engagement with slot 84 of outer frame 60. Slot 84 engages tab 90 and prevents tab 90 from releasing or escaping from slot 84. In turn, this allows a user to remove their foot from shoe 10 without locking piece 78 re-locking with translating pins 72. Further, spring block 82 allows the user to depress heel button 42 and locking piece 78 will remain unlocked because tab 90 and slot 84 prevent locking piece 78 from translating towards aft end 14B of heel assembly 14. If spring block 82 and slot 84 were not included in shoe 10, a user would need to continuously hold heel button 42 while they remove their foot from shoe 10. The inclusion of spring block 82 and slot 84 allows the user to depress heel button 42 and locking piece 78 will remain unlocked until the user steps back into shoe 10 and vertically translates translating assembly 44. As such, when the user removes their foot from shoe 10 and translating assembly 44 translates in the vertical direction, tab 90 will slide along slot 84 until tab 90 is fully out from slot 84. Then extension spring 58 pulls locking piece 78 and spring block 82 toward aft end 14B of heel assembly 14 and shoe 10 is ready for a user to step back into shoe 10. With shoe upper 12 in the fully open position, the user can easily remove shoe 10 from their foot without the use of their hands. As such, shoe 10 including heel assembly 14 allows a user to both secure/tighten and loosen/release shoe 10 from the user's foot without the use of their hands.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hands-free shoe comprising:

a shoe upper; and

a heel assembly coupled to the shoe upper, the heel assembly comprising: a housing; a translating assembly comprising an outer frame and a plurality of translating pins coupled to the outer frame, wherein the translating assembly is configured to translate in and out of the housing; an inner frame positioned within and fixedly coupled to the housing; and a plurality of stationary pins coupled to the inner frame;

wherein shoelaces are coupled at a first end to a bar of the translating assembly and coupled at a second end to the shoe upper; and

wherein, when the shoe upper is in a closed position, the shoelaces wrap around the plurality of translating pins and the plurality of stationary pins in an alternating configuration such that the shoelaces are pulled within the heel assembly to tighten the shoe upper.

2. The hands-free shoe of claim 1, wherein the translating assembly is positioned within the housing when the hands-free shoe is in the closed position, and wherein the translating assembly is positioned outside the housing when the hands-free shoe is in an open position.

3. The hands-free shoe of claim 1, wherein, when the shoe upper is in an open position, the shoelaces extend between the plurality of translating pins and the plurality of stationary pins in a generally straight configuration, such that the shoelaces are released from within the heel assembly to loosen the shoe upper.

4. The hands-free shoe of claim 1, wherein, when the shoe upper is in a closed position, the shoelaces wrap around the plurality of translating pins and the plurality of stationary pins in an alternating configuration such that the shoelaces are oriented in a generally S-shaped wave configuration.

5. The hands-free shoe of claim 1, wherein the plurality of stationary pins comprises three stationary pins, and wherein at least a portion of each of the three stationary pins are surrounded by a bearing.

6. The hands-free shoe of claim 1, wherein the plurality of translating pins comprises three translating pins, and wherein at least a portion of two of the three translating pins is surrounded by bearings.

7. The hands-free shoe of claim 1 and further comprising a plurality of springs positioned at least partially within the housing and at least partially within the outer frame of the translating assembly, wherein the plurality of springs is configured to induce a force on the translating assembly to force the heel assembly into an open position.

8. The hands-free shoe of claim 1 and further comprising a heel button, a button frame, and a locking piece, wherein:

the heel button is coupled to a distal end of the button frame;

the button frame is positioned at least partially within the housing and coupled to the housing of the heel assembly; and

the locking piece is positioned within the housing and coupled to the button frame.

9. The hands-free shoe of claim 8, wherein depressing the heel button forces the locking piece to translate toward a fore end of the heel assembly to release the locking piece from engagement with at least one of the plurality of translating pins, and wherein depressing the heel button allows the translating assembly to translate out from within the housing into an open position.

10. The hands-free shoe of claim 9 and further comprising an extension spring coupled at a first end to the housing and coupled at a second end to the button frame, wherein the extension spring is configured to induce a force on the button frame to pull the button frame toward an aft end of the heel assembly.

11. The hands-free shoe of claim 8 and further comprising a spring block positioned between an outer surface of the outer frame and an inner surface of the locking piece, wherein the spring block is coupled to and configured to translate with the locking piece.

12. The hands-free shoe of claim 11, wherein the spring block comprises a tab configured to engage a slot within the outer surface of the outer frame when the heel assembly is in an open position.

13. The hands-free shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe upper includes a first insert positioned within a first side of the shoe upper, and a second insert positioned within a second side of the shoe upper.

14. The hands-free shoe of claim 13, wherein the first insert and the second insert are configured to force the first side and the second side outward from an interior of the shoe upper into an open position.

15. The hands-free shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoelaces extend through a first tube positioned within a first side of the shoe upper and through a second tube positioned within a second side of the shoe upper into an interior of the heel assembly.

16. The hands-free shoe of claim 1, wherein the heel assembly is mirrored about a central plane extending through the heel assembly.

17. The hands-free shoe of claim 16, wherein the central plane extends from a fore end of the heel assembly to an aft end of the heel assembly, and wherein the central plane is positioned equidistant from a first base side and a second base side of a base of the heel assembly.

18. A method of operating a hands-free shoe, the method comprising:

pressing downward on a heel assembly coupled to a shoe upper;

translating, by a translating assembly of the heel assembly, from an open position with the translating assembly outside a housing of the heel assembly to a closed position with the translating assembly within the housing of the heel assembly, wherein: translating the translating assembly into the housing of the heel assembly pulls shoelaces of the hands-free shoe into the heel assembly; and the shoelaces wrap around a plurality of translating pins and a plurality of stationary pins of the heel assembly in an alternating configuration to pull the shoelaces within the heel assembly to tighten the shoe upper.

19. The method of claim 18 and further comprising:

engaging, by a locking piece of the heel assembly, at least one of the plurality of translating pins to lock the translating assembly and the heel assembly in a closed position; and

releasing, by the locking piece of the heel assembly, at least one of the plurality of translating pins to allow the translating assembly and the heel assembly to translate to an open position.

20. The method of claim 19 and further comprising depressing a heel button to force the locking piece to translate toward a fore end of the heel assembly to release the locking piece from engagement with at least one of the plurality of translating pins, and wherein depressing the heel button allows the translating assembly to translate into an open position.