External stabilizing structure for work boots

Abstract

The external stabilizing structure is a structural element for use in work boots and similar types of footwear. The external stabilizing structure comprises a molded footbed of firm yet flexible material that provides external support under both the heel and arch of the wearer's foot.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of Invention[0002]This invention relates to a permanent external stabilizing element for work boots.[0003]2. Discussion of Relevant Prior Art[0004]A person working in construction or a similar field often spends extended periods of time standing or walking on surfaces that do not evenly or fully support the person's boot or shoe. This uneven support may translate into foot discomfort and fatigue. For example, while standing on the rung of a ladder briefly may not result in discomfort or fatigue, a few hours of standing on the rung of a ladder will likely result in extreme discomfort for the person due to localizing of pressure points on a small portion of the foot. A worker is forced to either endure the discomfort or continually shift position in an attempt to change the pressure points. As a result, the worker is less focused on the job at hand and less efficient.[0005]One common answer to this problem is to provide a leather tuck board be...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]It is an object of the invention to provide tough, durable, all-day support to a work boot.

[0010]It is also an object of the invention to provide transverse rigidity to prevent or resist the transverse twisting of the foot between the heel and the ball of the foot.

[0011]It is also an object of the invention to provide counter rigidity for supporting the heel of the foot.

[0012]It is also an object of the invention to fulfill these objectives with a single structural element without adding unnecessary weight or significantly compromising flexibility of the work boot.

[0014]The external stabilizing structure is a structural element for use in work boots and possibly other types of footwear. The external stabilizing structure comprises a molded footbed of stiff and resilient material that provides external support under the heel and arch of the wearer's foot. It also enhances the stability of the heel by enhancing the internal counter of the boot.

[0016]By using a single piece of stiff and resilient hard-molded material, pressure points are defused throughout the length of the external stabilizing structure, thereby enhancing the wearer's comfort and stability while standing on ladder rungs, uneven or rocky surfaces and the like. But unlike a leather tuck board, the boot retains flexibility for comfortable walking and the weight of the external stabilizing structure is minimal, especially compared to a tuck board.

Problems solved by technology

A person working in construction or a similar field often spends extended periods of time standing or walking on surfaces that do not evenly or fully support the person's boot or shoe.

This uneven support may translate into foot discomfort and fatigue.

For example, while standing on the rung of a ladder briefly may not result in discomfort or fatigue, a few hours of standing on the rung of a ladder will likely result in extreme discomfort for the person due to localizing of pressure points on a small portion of the foot.

As a result, the worker is less focused on the job at hand and less efficient.

However, this results in an unnecessarily heavy and stiff boot.

Such a design makes walking in the boot difficult and more strenuous.

Thus, while the tuck board addresses the problem when the wearer is standing, the tuck board impedes the wearer's ability to walk comfortably and easily while wearing such boots.

As a result, these designs are ill-suited for work boots.

As a result, these designs are also ill-suited for work boots.

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