Traction control device

Abstract

A removable traction device for wearing over an article of footwear includes an outer peripheral band, a forefoot pod member disposed interior of the outer peripheral band, a heel pod member disposed interior of the outer peripheral band, and a plurality of resilient connecting strands extending between the forefoot pod member and the outer peripheral band and between the heel pod member and the outer peripheral band, thereby connecting the forefoot pod member and heel pod member to the outer peripheral band. According to one aspect of the invention, at least some of the connecting strands define a non-linear configuration According to a further aspect of the invention, the forefoot pod member and heel pod member include a ground-engaging outsole surface having a non-slip tread configuration and the forefoot pod member and heel pod member further include a footwear engaging surface having an anti-fatigue tread configuration.

Description

[0001]The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No, 29 / 294,002, filed Dec. 21, 2007, now pending.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is directed to a traction device for footwear, and more particularly, to a removable traction device intended to be worn over a conventional shoe or boot to improve traction for the wearer when traversing potentially slick or slippery surfaces.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Many type of conventional footwear, including dress shoes, work boots and even athletic shoes, may not provide adequate traction for the wearer on certain types of slippery or wet surfaces. Hence, in attempting to traverse such a slippery or wet surface, injury may occur.[0004]According to recent statistics, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States, with work related injuries costing over $131.2 Billion. Thus, due to the increase in slip-and-fall claims against employers ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a removable traction device for wearing over footwear. The device includes an outer peripheral band, a forefoot pod member, a heel pod member, and a plurality of resilient connecting strands that connect the forefoot and heel pod members to the outer peripheral band. The forefoot and heel pod members have a non-linear configuration and a ground-engaging outsole surface with a non-slip tread pattern and an anti-fatigue tread configuration for engaging with the footwear. The technical effects of the invention include improved traction, comfort, and durability for various outdoor activities.

Problems solved by technology

Many type of conventional footwear, including dress shoes, work boots and even athletic shoes, may not provide adequate traction for the wearer on certain types of slippery or wet surfaces.

Hence, in attempting to traverse such a slippery or wet surface, injury may occur.

According to recent statistics, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States, with work related injuries costing over $131.2 Billion.

Such traction devices intended to be worn over an article of footwear, however, tend to be cumbersome, difficult to attach to the footwear, and unreliable in their ability to remain in place on the footwear.

Rubber matting, which also serves an anti-fatigue purpose for employees that must do a substantial amount of standing, can also be installed over the entire at-risk area, but is generally cost prohibitive.

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