Abstract: A device for aiding putting on a ski boot includes a flexible attachment member removably attached to the ski boot. The flexible attachment member includes a strap retention member at a front end. An end of a main strap is attached at a rear end of the flexible retention member. The other end of the main strap is threaded through the strap retention member and through a loop positioned on a tongue of the ski boot. The main strap is pulled to move the tongue toward the front of the ski boot to increase the opening into the ski boot. After the tongue is in an open position, the ends of the main strap are attached to one another to keep the tongue in an open position. A pair of side straps attached to the main strap can be pulled upwardly on either side of the ski boot to aid in pulling the ski boot onto the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A shoe horn and sock removing tool is disclosed. In embodiments, the shoe horn and sock removing tool comprises a handle portion and a shoe horn and sock removing portion. The shoe horn and sock removing portion comprises a main body and a head. The head comprises a first end including a gripping portion and a second end including a curved heel-engaging portion. The head is pivotally connected to the main body and is configured to be pivoted between a locked shoe horn position wherein the gripping portion extends past an end of the main body, and a locked sock removing position wherein the curved heel-engaging portion extends past the end of the main body.

Abstract: A foot entry-assisting topside shoe tab improves a shoe wearer's foot entry by reducing uncomfortable friction between a shoe tongue and a dorsum of the shoe wearer's foot. In one embodiment, the foot entry-assisting topside shoe tab incorporates a shoe cup insert, a hinge attached to one side of the shoe cup insert, a hinge pivot that allows the shoe cup insert and the hinge to swing around the hinge pivot, and a pull string located near one end of the hinge pivot. In another embodiment, the foot entry-assisting topside shoe tab incorporates a shoe cup insert, a first hole, a second hole, and a looped pull string that loops around the first hole and the second hole. The foot entry-assisting topside shoe tab is side-insensitive and is nearly frictionless at a bottom side of the shoe tongue that otherwise rubs uncomfortably against the dorsum of a shoe wearer's foot.

Abstract: A footwear donning and removal system includes a leg and foot guide mechanism forming an open cross-sectionally contoured L-shaped passageway. A frictional member is mounted to the leg and foot guide mechanism within the open passageway. A platform is mounted to a lower surface of the leg and foot guide mechanism so that the leg and foot guide mechanism is stabilized when the leg and foot of a user is reversibly inserted into the L-shaped open passageway.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device for putting a sock or a shoe on or off. The device includes a long rigid arm with a distal end and a proximal end. The device includes a sleeve with its proximal end coupled to the distal end of the arm and a distal end of the sleeve including one or more tongues spaced apart by valleys that define sides of each tongue. At the proximal end of the arm is a right angle handle being broadly curved in a partly hooked shape, followed by a reverse bend to provide a short reverse end hook.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides footwear construction that includes a foot securing mechanism that provides improved fit without resulting in footwear that is substantially more difficult or time consuming to put on and take off. In one embodiment the footwear is a slip-on boot having both an instep hold down system and a heel retaining system. In the depicted embodiment both systems can be activated by a single mechanism exposed on the outside of the boot. Related methods and additional embodiment are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a trough for receiving a user's shoe. The trough includes a removal portal. The apparatus includes a vacuum capable of causing a shoe cover to be removed from the shoe of a user when a user places a shoe covered by a shoe cover into the trough. An actuator is triggered by the placement of an object in the trough, the triggering of the actuator causing the vacuum to activate. The vacuum activation causes the shoe cover to be sucked through the removal portal and into a primary chamber. The primary chamber collects the removed shoe covers and is disposed in a remote from the trough for preventing debris and other contaminants from being stored in a clean room. The apparatus may also include multiple troughs connected to one or more primary chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed is canine footwear with features making the footwear suitable for use with canine suspenders. The disclosure also describes multiple features or variations for a canine footwear guide device that makes it easier for attaching both the canine footwear intended for use with suspenders as well as attaching all other footwear whether being used with suspenders or not being used with suspenders.

Abstract: An automatic shoe cover dispenser includes a shoe cover feeding arrangement holding a plurality of shoe covers each having a shoe opening; and a shoe cover pulling mechanism for pulling one of the shoe covers into an open-up condition as a standby shoe cover and being ready for putting on a user's shoe, wherein after the standby shoe cover is dispensed for being worn at the shoe of the user, the shoe cover at a subsequent position is pulled into the open-up condition.

Abstract: A ski boot spreader has a substantially triangular block and a handle coupled to the block. The block has first and second side surfaces angled relative to each other and forming a leading nose area, a rear side surface extending from the first to the second side surface, top and bottom surfaces, and a flange extending beyond the first and second side surfaces and around the nose area and located toward the bottom surface. In one embodiment, the first and second side surfaces define first and second undercuts extending from a location at or behind the nose area to the rear side surface. In one embodiment, the bottom surface defines a third undercut extending from a location at or behind the nose area to the rear side surface.

Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis (AFO) and shoe donning device is disclosed comprising an L-shaped AFO cradle with unitarily formed hinge pins for releasable and rotatable engagement with channels in a docking base for purposes of stabilizing and positioning an AFO for donning by a patient with restricted movement. The AFO cradle can be rotated in a variety of positions within the docking base for donning an AFO using only one hand at a position of choice. A shoe platform is also provided for engagement with the docking base in which includes an inclined upper surface for placement of a shoe and which is designed for releasable engagement with the docking base and with the AFO cradle to stabilize the shoe platform during donning of a shoe. Adjustable pins are provided to accommodate various AFO and shoe sizes during the donning process.

Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis (AFO) and shoe donning device is disclosed comprising an L-shaped AFO cradle with unitarily formed hinge pins for releasable and rotatable engagement with channels in a docking base for purposes of stabilizing and positioning an AFO for donning by a patient with restricted movement. The AFO cradle can be rotated in a variety of positions within the docking base for donning an AFO using only one hand at a position of choice. A shoe platform is also provided for engagement with the docking base in which includes an inclined upper surface for placement of a shoe and which is designed for releasable engagement with the docking base and with the AFO cradle to stabilize the shoe platform during donning of a shoe. Adjustable pins are provided to accommodate various AFO and shoe sizes during the donning process.

Abstract: This clamp facilitates the firm tying of ice and roller skates by clamping the two sides of the skate boot and holding them. This makes it easy for children and adults to produce a more uniform tightness while reducing hand fatigue and string-burn. By reducing the friction normally caused by the yanking of strings through the eyelets, string life will be prolonged. An alternate use of this clamp is to facilitate the firm tying of other clothing items with laces. Another alternative use of this clamp is to facilitate the firm tying of other non-clothing items with laces.

Abstract: A shoe-cover dispenser is described, including, for example, features that facilitate the simultaneous loading of multiple shoe covers and/or features that prevent incomplete release of shoe covers. The shoe-cover dispenser can include a shell and a removable shoe-cover cartridge sized to fit within the shell. The removable shoe-cover cartridge can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of shoe covers, such as by releasably holding three or more clips attached to an elastic element of each shoe cover. These clips can be preloaded into the removable shoe-cover cartridge prior to delivery to an end-user. Release of a shoe cover can be initiated by downward movement of a foot pad. To prevent tilting of the foot pad, the shell can include a guide plate substantially abutting a substantially vertical side of the foot pad and/or an alignment rod positioned within a substantially vertical hole in the foot pad.

Abstract: A shoe cover removal vacuuming system for removing a shoe cover from a user's shoe. The system includes a shoe cover removal apparatus and a central vacuuming system. The shoe cover removal apparatus includes a trough for receiving a user's shoe, the trough including a removal portal. The central vacuuming system includes a central vacuum unit having a suction motor, a collection container disposed in a room remote from the at least one shoe cover removal apparatus for collecting shoe covers removed by the shoe cover removal apparatus, and tubing for connecting the removal portal of the shoe cover removal apparatus to the central vacuum unit and the collection container.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a trough for receiving a user's shoe. The trough includes a removal portal. The apparatus includes a vacuum capable of causing a shoe cover to be removed from the shoe of a user when a user places a shoe covered by a shoe cover into the trough. An actuator is triggered by the placement of an object in the trough, the triggering of the actuator causing the vacuum to activate. The vacuum activation causes the shoe cover to be sucked through the removal portal and into a primary chamber. The primary chamber collects the removed shoe covers and is disposed in a remote from the trough for preventing debris and other contaminants from being stored in a clean room. The apparatus may also include multiple troughs connected to one or more primary chambers.

Abstract: Foot support unit which e.g. facilitates putting on and taking off shoes. The foot support is height adjustable by guiding means and fastening means.

Abstract: This invention is a type of adhesive footwear for humans. The adhesive bond between the footwear and foot eliminates the need for shoestrings, Velcro, zippers, or any other type of fastening device. Unlike other types of footwear, the adhesive bond enables the footwear to remain in place and causes less discomfort when the foot becomes wet, sandy, or muddy. The footwear is precut into a shape that makes it capable of fitting several different sizes and types of feet. It is applied to the feet by stepping directly onto the adhesive side of the slip resistant material. Only the material needed will remain attached to the foot, making the footwear as light as possible.

Abstract: An automatic shoe cover dispenser includes a shoe cover feeding arrangement holding a plurality of shoe covers each having a shoe opening; and a shoe cover pulling mechanism for pulling one of the shoe covers into an open-up condition as a standby shoe cover and being ready for putting on a user's shoe, wherein after the standby shoe cover is dispensed for being worn at the shoe of the user, the shoe cover at a subsequent position is pulled into the open-up condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided herein for removing footwear from a person's foot, wherein the footwear comprises an upper portion and a sole forming a heel and the upper portion is coupled to the heel so that a portion of an upper surface of the heel extends outwardly from the junction between the heel and the upper portion of the footwear. The apparatus includes an elongated member including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is sized and configured to be grasped by the person's hand and the second end portion comprises an extended member forming a contoured surface sized and configured to be disposed on the portion of the upper surface of the heel which extends outwardly from the junction between the heel and the upper portion of the footwear.

Abstract: A shoe-cover dispenser is described, including, for example, features that facilitate the simultaneous loading of multiple shoe covers and/or features that prevent incomplete release of shoe covers. The shoe-cover dispenser can include a shell and a removable shoe-cover cartridge sized to fit within the shell. The removable shoe-cover cartridge can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of shoe covers, such as by releasably holding three or more clips attached to an elastic element of each shoe cover. These clips can be preloaded into the removable shoe-cover cartridge prior to delivery to an end-user. Release of a shoe cover can be initiated by downward movement of a foot pad. To prevent tilting of the foot pad, the shell can include a guide plate substantially abutting a substantially vertical side of the foot pad and/or an alignment rod positioned within a substantially vertical hole in the foot pad.

Abstract: A device for putting on a shoe cover on a shoe, comprising a bar and an expanding holder for a shoe cover at one end of the bar, the shoe cover comprising a bag having a neck that is tightened by an elastic string, which extends around at least a part of the circumference of the bag neck. A stand having a guide, which guides the bar to a generally vertical axial motion. Biasing members are provided to bias the bar against an upper end position in which the clamping holder, that is mounted at the lower end of the bar, is lifted up from a substratum for the stand to a level that enables a user to conveniently mount the shoe cover on the holder. The bar is displaceable against the action of the biasing device to a lower state at which the holer having mounted shoe cover is situated at the floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding in the donning of a foot covering is provided. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a base supported by the floor with a surface oriented at an angle to the floor so that it is not parallel to the floor. The surface has an area sufficient for contact with at least a portion of the bottom of a foot of a user. A foot covering retaining member is provided and is carried by the base. The foot covering retaining member is configured for receiving a foot covering and holding open an opening of the foot covering.

Abstract: An improved covering apparatus for covering shoes, bare feet, or other appendages, wherein the device includes a pedal system that has a low positioned actuator pedal and a mechanism to release a shoe cover when the actuator is engaged by a user.

Abstract: Protective shoe covers have been widely used in health care setting and some industry environment that require clean room condition. To strip off the disposed shoe covers in a hand-free and automated fashion is very desirable to the users, which provide physical convenience, time saving and economic merits. This disclosed invention provides methods and an automatic system for stripping of disposable shoe cover from user's foot/feet that includes the electromechanical complex, a micro control unit and its embedded software programs, control algorithm to guide the execution of the stripping functions in automated and hand-free fashion.

Abstract: A tool for opening and closing a boot buckle that has a latching lever including a base portion and a longitudinally extending first working head with an opening sized to engage the latching lever. A tongue portion projects from the base portion into the opening, and this opening may be formed as an annulus. Teeth may be provided on the internal sidewall of the opening. A second working head may be provided with a socket portion thereon to mount a tool piece. A lidded compartment may be formed in the base portion. A cord may mount to the base portion.

Abstract: A shoe donning device is provided comprising a generally U shaped body 20, having an external portion 22 and an internal portion 24 extending downwardly from a top portion 26. The external portion having a top region, and spaced from said internal region for preventing said body from migrating forwardly from the rear of the shoe. The internal portion has an internal top region, and an internal bottom region which has at least one upwardly extending slot 50 cut in its rear region. Two side extensions extend forwardly from the rear portion and have grip enhancers to provide positive engagement between the shoe and the device. Each of the side extensions has a finger grips coupled to its upper side. The rear portion of the internal region is forwardly biased. The device is made of resilient, smooth, semi rigid material, such as molded plastic.

Abstract: A hosiery donning aid consists of a base, at least one hosiery support and at least one handle support. The hosiery support has a support element carried by the base. The handle support has a handle outwardly extending from the base in adjacent relationship to the hosiery support.

Abstract: The invention provides a footwear donning device. The device includes a carriage for holding the footwear, a flexible fore handle coupled to the carriage and a handle coupled to the fore handle for donning the footwear.

Abstract: A combination shoehorn, shoe counter clip and sock applier is disclosed which comprises a generally U-shaped funnel portion having a pair of elongated handles secured thereto and extending upwardly and outwardly from opposite sides thereof. The counter clip is secured to the outer rearward surface of the funnel portion with the upper end thereof extending above the upper rearward end of the funnel portion to define a sock support. The counter clip is secured to the funnel portion in such a way so as to create a space therebetween at the lower end of the counter clip and the funnel portion. When the device is used to assist in placement of a shoe on the person's foot, the counter of the shoe is positioned within the space between the counter clip and the funnel portion so that the individual is able to maneuver the shoe as required since the shoe is securely held in the space between the counter clip and the funnel portion. The device may also be used to assist a person in donning his or her socks.

Abstract: The apparatus to assist a user thereof to dress themselves with boots having side pull straps which includes a base plate, a pair of uprights extending upwardly therefrom, and a pair of pins projecting rearward, toward the hole of the user, from which pins the boots may be hung, with the leg portion substantially vertical, from said side pull straps. Upwardly included ends of said pins prevent inadvertent slipping of the boots from said pins, but permit easy removal of the boots from the apparatus by slight lifting of the leg and flexion of the knee.

Abstract: A lace-up device for tightening an article of footwear, providing for the tieing of the lacing without causing discomfort to the user's hands, as well as to the article of footwear equipped with such device. The lace-up device includes a gripping mechanism arranged on the linkage in the area of a loop formed by the lacing outside the tightening zone. The gripping device includes a rigid frame, making it possible to distribute the tension of the lacing over the hand of the user.

Abstract: A boot jack which is maintained in position by one foot while the walking boot on the other foot is removed. A V-shaped recess extends from one end of the boot jack. The lower edge of the recess extends parallel to the bottom surface of the boot jack and the ground upon which the boot jack is held as the boot is removed. By arranging the lower edge of the V-shaped recess parallel to the ground, the wearer's foot is moved in a vertical direction while the heel of the boot is retained in the boot jack.

Abstract: A combination shoehorn and shoe counter clip is disclosed which comprises an elongated member or handle having upper and lower ends. A U-shaped horn portion is secured to the lower end of the elongated member at the forward side thereof to create a clip space therebetween. The counter of the shoe to be donned is positioned within the clip space and the individual is able to maneuver the shoe as required since the shoe is securely held in the clip space.

Abstract: An extendable shoehorn device for permitting a user to put a shoe on a foot without having to bend over. The extendable shoehorn device includes a handle assembly. An offset shoehorn member is mounted to an end of the handle assembly for permitting a user to more easily put a shoe on their foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lace-up device, adapted to equip a footwear (CH), which makes it possible to tie the lace tightly without bruising the hands.

Abstract: A boot jack that is removably attachable to a distal end of a rod so that the individual can grasp a proximal end of the rod and use the boot jack to remove their shoes while either sitting or standing. The boot jack has a v-shaped part between which the user can place the heel of their shoe to removably engage the shoe with the boot jack. A clamping structure attaches to the v-shape part for removably securing the boot jack around the distal end of the rod so that the boot jack extends outward away from the rod at approximately a 90-degree angle from the longitudinal axis of the rod.

Abstract: A footwear insertion apparatus includes a flexible, moldable sheet of material having a layer of hydrophilic or lubricious material disposed on at least one side of the flexible sheet of material. The hydrophilic or lubricious material preferably becomes highly slippery when in contact with water. The footwear insertion apparatus is configured to be readily inserted into the opening of a unit of footwear to interface between a person's foot and the unit of footwear while the person's foot is being inserted into the footwear. The insertion apparatus may include a handle to facilitating grasping of the insertion apparatus for installation and removal purposes. The insertion apparatus may also include a float to suspend the insertion apparatus when placed in water.

Abstract: A shoe donning enabler adapted for use with a dressing stick but which can be used without a dressing stick by some patients. The enabler can be attached to an ordinary pair of shoes and may be supplied as a conversion kit. The enabler has a ring supported at the back of a shoe on a lace, a first end of which is attached to the ring and a second end of which is threaded through a pair of holes provided in the back of the shoe. The second end of the lace passes from the inside of the shoe through one of the holes, passing back through the second hole into the inside of the shoe and is attached to the ring. The lace is long enough that the ring hangs outside the shoe where it can be hooked with a dressing stick or finger.

Abstract: A tool to assist in tying shoe laces, having a handle with three tool elements affixed at one end. One of the elements is a resilient element for holding a loop formed in the shoe lace, the second element is a holding element for holding the crossed laces and the third element is a hook for pulling one of the ends of the shoe lace through the loop.

Abstract: A collapsible bootjack for use in both putting on and removing boots having boot straps. The bootjack has a base member for supporting it on a flat surface and an elongate platform pivotally connected at a rear end to the base member with a generally V-shaped opening at its front end for receiving the heel of a boot. A pair of laterally spaced boot strap receiving elements disposed one at each side of the V-shaped opening extend forwardly from the front end for receiving the boot straps of a boot.

Abstract: A manually operable combination device to help a user who cannot bend at the back, waist, or knees with applying socks, shoes, pants, tightening and loosening shoe laces, removing socks and picking things up off the ground. The device includes components to provide a reacher function with a pivoting closeable jaw operated by a trigger mechanism, a flexible or rigid plastic shovel, and a longitudinally sliding hook operated by a lever. The plastic shovel is used to apply socks and as a shoe horn. The reacher is used to apply shoes and remove socks and to pick articles up from floor. A sliding hook is used in conjunction with cord clamps on shoelaces to tighten laces. The hook is also used for application of pants.

Abstract: A device for facilitating removal of a boot from a foot by a standing person has an elongated shaft with a preferably right angled upper end that is grasped by the person and a pair of arms that extend out from the shaft. The arms are positioned to abut a rear portion of the boot at an elevated location and function to strip the boot from the foot as the foot is raised. The shaft has a lower end which extends below the location of the abutment of the arms and the boot in order to contact the underlying ground or floor during removal of a boot. The user leans on the shaft in order to maintain the device in a fixed position as the foot is being pulled out of the boot and in order to maintain balance while the foot is lifted.

Abstract: A tool is used to custom fit rubber slip-ons onto golf shoes for use in wet conditions to keep the feet of the golfer dry. The tool can be manually manipulated to cut openings into the sole of a slip-on of an appropriate size so that the openings are aligned with the spikes of the golf shoe. When openings have been cut for all of the spikes, the sole of the slip-on rests against a base of the spikes and the sole of the golf shoe. The tool has an elongated hollow body with two ends. One end has a circular cutting edge thereon and the other end has a handle thereon. After the slip-on is placed onto the golf shoe with the spikes separating the sole of the slip-on from the sole of the golf shoe, the tool is aligned with each spike in turn to cut an appropriate opening for that spike. Previously, slip-ons have been designed with pre-cut openings but these slip-ons can only be used with a specific model of golf shoe of a specific manufacturer having a specific size.

Abstract: The ATTACHABLE LACE TIGHTENING and LACE SECURING DEVICE is a small hand held device comprising a slotted handle with a hole in it at one end of concavely curved shaft and a hook for pulling and tightening laces at the other end of the shaft. After the laces on the footwear have been pulled and tightened by the hook, the hook is latched onto a lower crossed-section of laces. Whereupon the handle receives the loose laces through its slots; the laces are thus secured for ease in tying. Once the laces are tied, the device is thus affixed to the footwear for ease in carrying and for decorative purposes. The hole in the handle also provides for additional means for carrying or wearing the Attachable Lace Tightening Hook and Lace Securing Device.

Abstract: A unitary planar element is formed to have a generally V-shaped opening in one edge, the opening having a generally rounded bottom, and a channel structure formed along an edge of the planar element obverse to that containing the generally V-shaped opening. The channel structure is configured to removably engage an upper lip edge of a vehicle bumper so as to hold the bootjack at an appropriately canted angle accepting a rear of a heel or achilles region of a boot into the generally V-shaped opening to be held thereby while the leg of the wearer is withdrawn from the boot.

Abstract: A boot jack is described which provides a step tread surface on the top thereof having a generally V-shaped opening arranged about a longitudinal axis for receiving the heel of a boot to be removed from one leg of the user. The opening is formed by a pair of downwardly extending surfaces which terminate in opposed boot heel engaging edges. Left and right foot rest areas are defined by the step tread surface for accommodating the heel and ball of the foot of the other leg. The foot rest areas are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis with a line bisecting each area extending at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis. The boot heel engaging edges are positioned below the step tread surface a sufficient distance to require the knee of the other leg to be bent when the boot to be removed is within the boot heel opening so that primarily the larger muscles of the other leg may be used to remove the boot.

Abstract: The boot jack includes a generally rectangular base having two bores in one end. A rod-like member forms a V-shaped stirrup having portions extending vertically and horizontally with respect to the base so as to form a loop. The ends of the horizontally extending portions are inserted into the bores for attaching the rod-like member to the base. The base is maintained horizontally while the rod-like member provides an incline for the V-shaped stirrup. The rod-like member is preferably made of mild steel so as to provide a spring action in gripping the heel of the boot.

Abstract: A boot puller for pulling a boot onto the foot of a wearer comprising an elongated hollow tube having an upper fixed handle and a lower boot engaging portion, the boot engaging portion including a housing, a clamp pivotally mounted in the housing, a vertical stop normally spaced from the pivotal clamp, a vertical rod extending downwardly from above the top of the vertical tube, through the tube, and to a lower end which operatively connects with the pivotal clamp so as to move the clamp toward the stop upon lifting of the rod, the rod having an upper end which connects to the center of a short horizontal and moveable handle, whereby when the boot puller is slipped over the upper rear end of a boot such that the end of the boot is positioned between the clamp and the stop, the wearer can place his fingers beneath the moveable handle while the wearer's foot is inserted into the boot, the rod is urged upwardly while the clamp pivots so that the boot is gripped between the clamp and the stop, and whereby continue

Abstract: A boot remover is provided and consists of a structure for angularly positioning a platform on a floor with its V-shaped forked end elevated therefrom. When a person steps on the platform it will be retained in a stationary position. The V-shaped forked end will hold a boot heel securely to allow the person to withdraw their foot from the boot. When stepping on the platform, a wedge engages and forces two jaws together to grip the sides of the heel. Springs provide snap action.