Step-In Apparatus, Counter And Shoe

Abstract

A step-in apparatus and counter for a shoe are provided. The step-in apparatus allows a wearer to easily put on and take off a shoe without bending over, manipulating shoe laces, or using a shoe horn. The step-in apparatus and related counter allow the counter to deform and then return to its original shape without damaging the structural integrity of the counter or the shoe. This controlled deformation allows for ease of foot entry and exit without the need for laces, gores, or external devices such as shoe horns. The present invention is useful for those that lack the physical dexterity to bend over, tie shoe laces, or otherwise put on and take off shoes. In addition, the comfort and ease of use of the present invention makes for a new shoe that has universal appeal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates generally to footwear, and more specifically to a step-in apparatus that provides both deformation and subsequent shape retention of a shoe's counter.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Many forms of footwear have been developed over the centuries. Sandals may be considered the most basic of all footwear, allowing a user to easily slip them on and off, while providing limited protection for the bottom of the foot. Sandals are easy to take on and off, but may also slip off unintentionally while wearing them. A sandal may come off easily while running, and provides limited protection to one's foot. Shoes, however, contact and firmly retain not only the toes and instep of one's foot, but also the heel. The back portion of a shoe that makes contact with the wearer's heel is called the heel counter, or just counter. The counter provides retention of the heel within the shoe, and prevents the shoe ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a step-in apparatus that includes an intrasole plate, a counter support, a counter support insert, and a compressive element between the counter support and the counter support insert. The apparatus can be placed within a shoe or a counter. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a comfortable and adjustable shoe that can be easily stepped into without discomfort or difficulty.

Problems solved by technology

Sandals may be considered the most basic of all footwear, allowing a user to easily slip them on and off, while providing limited protection for the bottom of the foot.

Sandals are easy to take on and off, but may also slip off unintentionally while wearing them.

A sandal may come off easily while running, and provides limited protection to one's foot.

While this is important in preventing falls and injuries, the counter also makes placement of the shoe on one's foot cumbersome.

This procedure takes some time, and may be difficult for those that are impatient, in a hurry, or lack the physical dexterity to tie shoe laces.

Children, for example, often lack the dexterity, or sometimes just the patience, to stop and tie their shoes.

Many times the shoe laces are loosened up, remain tied, and the wearer simply forces their foot into the shoe, usually crushing the heel counter in the process.

Repeated crushing of the heel counter will eventually ruin the shoe, as the counter will no longer have the structural integrity to retain the wearer's heel, and will oftentimes tear or otherwise come apart.

Use of a shoe horn does, however, add time and complexity to the simple process of putting on a shoe.

These attempts at strengthening the counter do not make the shoe easier to put on, but may in some cases extend the life of a counter that would otherwise be subject to repeated crushing by the wearer.

Images