Heel and toe protection, as well as shoe

Abstract

Heel protector (16) for detachable attachment to a heel of a shoe (10), comprising - a protective body which has an interior space (22) for receiving the shoulder (12), and in the interior space (22) an inner lateral surface for contact with the shoulder (12), - a lower attachment area (20) and an upper collar area (26), wherein the interior space (22) is open towards the collar area (26), and wherein - the collar region (26) is designed to contact a sole (28) of the corresponding shoe (10) in a transition region (30) when the heel (12) is accommodated in the interior space (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a heel and toe protector for shoes, as well as a shoe with corresponding protective devices.

[0002] For example, US4498252A discloses a protective cap that can be attached to a shoe heel and is intended to protect it from damage to the back and sides. The cap is open at the front and top, with cross braces connecting the side parts of the cap.

[0003] US2014075790A1 also discloses a foldable heel protector that can be wrapped around the middle part of the heel. The protector is made of paper or foil.

[0004] GB2171588A discloses a cover that can be slipped over a shoe heel. The cover is open at the bottom, allowing the heel to rest on a surface. A retaining flap is provided at the top of the cover, which can be inserted into the heel of the shoe and secured by the wearer's foot after putting it on. Alternatively, the elongated flap can also be placed around the wearer's ankle.

[0005] One disadvantage of the current technology is that the heels are not fully protected from damage. The open design of known protective devices also does not adequately protect against dirt. Furthermore, some of these devices are complex to use or can only be used once.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a detachable heel protector, a detachable toe protector and a shoe which are simple in construction, cost-effective and reusable and at the same time offer reliable protection against damage and soiling.

[0007] The invention solves the problem by a heel protector according to claim 1, a toe protector according to claim 13 and a shoe according to claim 18. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0008] The heel protector according to the invention is designed for detachable attachment to a heel of a shoe. The heel protector comprises a protective body, which in turn has an interior space for accommodating the heel. The interior space defines an inner surface for contact with the heel.

[0009] Within the scope of the invention, the protective body can be designed as a geometric body made of a material or a combination of materials, wherein the protective body encloses or spans a space with outer surfaces. Within the scope of the invention, the protective body can be designed like a shell with respect to the heel to be protected. This space can accordingly be regarded as an interior space. Within the scope of the invention, the interior space can be designed to accommodate the heel of a shoe. Accordingly, the interior space and / or the protective body can be designed such that there is geometric or dimensional compatibility with the heel of a shoe. Within the scope of the invention, the inner surface of the interior space can therefore be designed to partially bear against the heel. It is also conceivable that the inner surface can be brought into full contact with the heel.This applies in each case if the heel protector has been properly attached to the heel of the shoe. Attachment can be achieved by clipping, pulling, or similar means.

[0010] Within the scope of the invention, the geometric shape of the outer surface can be modeled after the heel to be accommodated. It is also conceivable to select a configuration for the outer surface that only partially corresponds to the shape of the heel to be accommodated. Accordingly, it is conceivable that the interior space or protective body is specifically designed for attachment to a single, specific shoe or heel model. However, it is equally conceivable that a heel protector, with its protective body and the interior space formed therein, is designed to accommodate or connect to several differently designed shoes or heels.

[0011] The heel protector or its protective body further comprises a lower attachment area and an upper collar area, with the interior opening toward the collar area. The collar area is designed to contact a sole of the corresponding shoe in a transition area when the heel is accommodated in the interior.

[0012] Within the scope of the invention, the contact area can be regarded as the area of ​​the heel protector or protective body which, after being properly attached to the heel of the shoe, is intended for ground contact. The heel area can be arranged opposite the transition area, based on the extent of the heel. The collar area can be regarded here as the edge or edge area of ​​the opening of the interior. Within the scope of the invention, the collar area is arranged at the transition area and can therefore be regarded analogously as opposite the contact area. The collar area can be in full or partial contact with the sole of the shoe in the transition area. The collar area can be designed in such a way that it prevents particles, dirt, moisture or wetness from penetrating the interior of the protective body.The collar area can therefore help to prevent dirt or damage to the heel of the shoe.

[0013] The heel protector according to the invention, when properly attached to a heel, protects it from damage and / or contamination. Thanks to its geometric design, the heel protector has a self-locking effect on the heel, thus preventing accidental slipping and allowing easy and safe attachment and removal. Thanks to the collar area, a seal can be achieved in the transition area to the sole of the shoe, thus preventing the penetration of particles, moisture, etc. between the inner surface and the heel. Compared to known variants of protective devices, the heel protector according to the invention proves to be advantageous.

[0014] If the heel protector has been attached to the heel of the shoe as intended, as described above, it is conceivable that there is a barrier between the inner surface of the interior of the protective body and the heel, which prevents the heel protector from being accidentally triggered by the heel. This barrier can be created in particular by a frictional connection between the contacting surfaces. It is also conceivable that securing means are provided which, for example, increase the frictional force or create a mechanical operative connection between the heel protector and the heel. The barrier is particularly preferably created by a frictional force due to an at least essentially conforming contact of the inner surface with the heel. The barrier is preferably free of actively interacting connecting means.

[0015] The protective body of the heel protector can be made from materials that are durable, water-repellent, and easy to process. In particular, a material can be selected that is neither mechanically nor chemically abrasive to the heel to be protected or its surface. However, it is conceivable for the protective body to be formed from multiple components. Finally, the inner surface, in particular, can be designed in such a way that no scratches or other damage are mechanically generated when the heel to be protected is attached or released. The inner surface can accordingly be made from a material that is soft and / or smooth compared to the surface of the heel.

[0016] In view of all of the above, plastics can be used in particular as the material for the protective body, which are soft and free of edges, at least in the area of ​​the inner surface. Examples of suitable materials here are rubber, rubber-like or rubber-containing materials, and in particular materials containing rubber. It is also conceivable for the protective body to be made of a hard material, which accordingly has a high resistance to external mechanical stress, and for the inner surface to be provided with a softer secondary component. As mentioned above, a material must also be selected which does not have a reactive effect on the surface of the heel, for example due to chemical components. The protective body, or at least the inner surface, is therefore preferably designed to be chemically selective with respect to the heel of the shoe.Similar considerations also apply to the collar area, where, due to the contact with the sole of the shoe, a design that also avoids damage to the sole is preferable.

[0017] It's conceivable that the heel guard's protective body could be created additively using 3D printing. However, it's also conceivable that it could be molded from an injection mold, a press mold, or similar. Manual molding from a manually formable material is also conceivable.

[0018] As explained above, the detachability of the protective body from the heel of the shoe and, at the same time, the self-locking against accidental release can be achieved in particular by means of a frictional force between the inner surface and the heel. To provide such friction, the inner surface is designed to bear against the heel. In addition to material parameters, the friction can be advantageously influenced by changing the contact surface between the inner surface and the heel. According to a preferred embodiment, the interior is designed to positively accommodate the heel. A positive connection enables a large contact surface and thus high friction and locking. It is obvious that at least one of the two components in contact should be made of a material with anti-slip properties, e.g., a rubber-containing plastic.This is particularly the case if the shape of the heel and the corresponding geometry of the interior prevent accidental release not merely due to the positive fit. It is also conceivable that the positive fit in question also contributes positively to securing the protective body to the shoe or heel, for example, by wedging or interlocking.

[0019] According to the above definitions, the protective body can advantageously maximize the material-dependent frictional force to prevent the heel protector from being accidentally triggered by having the largest possible contact area with the heel to be protected. According to a further preferred embodiment, the inner surface is therefore designed for full-surface contact with the heel. Furthermore, it can also be considered a safety-relevant aspect, for example, that there is no gap between the heel and the inner surface and thus as little freedom of movement as possible. This could otherwise lead to an unsafe stance when wearing the corresponding shoe. The protective body can therefore preferably be designed so that it can be firmly connected to the heel. Particularly preferably, the heel protector or its protective body attached to the heel as intended only has one degree of freedom for movement opposite to a direction in which the heel protector is attached to the heel.The inhibition described above, which can be caused in particular by frictional force, can preferably counteract a movement of the protective body of the heel protector against the attachment direction. It is also conceivable that the inhibition also causes an increased attachment force in the attachment direction. If, for example, the heel is conical, i.e. tapers in particular towards the attachment area, it is conceivable that the attachment force is lower than that required to trigger the heel protector from the heel. This is the case, for example, if, as mentioned above, when properly attached to a conical heel, full-surface contact between the inner shell surface and the heel is only achieved when the heel protector reaches the desired end position. Before this, there is only a small amount of contact between the two components during attachment.

[0020] To further ensure increased safety when using the heel protector, it may also be advantageous if the attachment area is designed in such a way that the stability of the user when walking with the shoe featuring the heel protector is unaffected. According to a further preferred embodiment, the lower attachment area is therefore flat.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to design the lower attachment area in a way that increases the user's stability. According to a further preferred embodiment, the lower attachment area therefore has an anti-slip surface. It is conceivable for the protective body to be formed as a single piece from an overall anti-slip material. For example, the inner surface can then have the same or similar anti-slip or friction-increasing properties, in particular due to the choice of material or due to a surface texture. It is also conceivable for the lower attachment area to be provided with special additives for anti-slip properties. Here, the surface of the attachment area can be provided with a covering made of rubber or similar, for example, while the protective body is made of a different material.Furthermore, it is conceivable that the attachment, with or without additional support, has a surface design that additionally supports the anti-slip properties, e.g. in the form of a roughening or similar.

[0022] As mentioned above, the collar area of ​​the protective body is primarily intended to prevent dirt, moisture, or similar from penetrating the interior while the heel protector or protective body is attached to the heel as intended. It can be advantageous to design the collar area in a way that further reduces any potential residual risk in this case. According to a further preferred embodiment, the collar area is therefore bead-like. This allows the transition area between the collar area and the sole of the shoe, and thus also the penetration path for moisture or unwanted particles, etc., to be enlarged. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the collar area to be designed to protrude or project in a direction away from the shoe, towards the rear. The bead-like collar area can thus, for example, also create a buffer zone that can also passively protect areas above the heel from damage.

[0023] To prevent the penetration of dirt, moisture, or similar into the interior as mentioned above, it may additionally or alternatively be advantageous if any gap between the collar region and the sole of the shoe is reduced. According to a further preferred embodiment, the collar region is therefore designed to form a flat seal with the sole of the shoe. In order not to jeopardize the detachability of the heel protector or protective body from the heel of the shoe, it may be advantageous to dispense with an additional seal, which could sometimes create a connection between the collar region and the sole that is difficult or only invasive to detach. Therefore, a flat seal, possibly in combination with a bead-like design of the collar region, can effectively prevent the penetration of particles, moisture, or similar. It is accordingly conceivable for the collar region to be designed to follow the shape of the sole of the shoe in the transition region.

[0024] In order to enable a buffer zone against damage to the shoe like the one described above at other points in the heel area, it can also be advantageous to provide corresponding means on the protective body, in particular on a surface of the protective body facing away from the shoe. According to a further preferred embodiment, the protective body therefore has an outer surface with a topology. The topology can be designed, for example, as knobs, in particular rubber-like knobs, which, in addition to the function described above, can also have an aesthetic aspect. It is also conceivable to provide the outer surface with decorations, prints, or similar in order to be able to individually design the visual impression.

[0025] The shape of a shoe can include not only aesthetic aspects but also ergonomic aspects. For example, it can be advantageous if the heel protector, which is attached to the heel as intended, also reproduces the original shape of the shoe. The shape of the heel can, in particular, as mentioned above, already be reproduced by the inner surface if, for example, full-surface contact or a positive connection between the interior and the heel is desired. According to a further preferred embodiment, the protective body therefore has an outer surface which is shaped to match the inner surface. The inner surface can, for example, be aligned parallel to the outer surface.

[0026] As explained above, it is conceivable that, in addition to the frictional force to prevent the protective body from accidentally being triggered by the heel, means can also be provided that contribute to securing it. It is also conceivable that, in addition to special material features, the inner lateral surface has a surface structure or similar, so that a secure fit of the protective body or heel protector on the heel to be protected is possible without additional external intervention and without manual intervention. According to a further preferred embodiment, the protective body is therefore designed to secure itself to the heel. Furthermore, a toe protector according to the invention for detachable attachment to the front tip of a shoe is disclosed. This toe protector has a base body with a recess, wherein the recess is designed for conformal engagement, in particular for conformal reception of the toe of the shoe. According to the invention, the base body further has at least one contact surface for engagement with a sole of the shoe.

[0027] The front tip of the shoe is preferably arranged at an end opposite the heel of the corresponding shoe. The tip protector preferably encompasses or encases the tip of the shoe and offers protection, in particular against mechanical damage from various directions. It is conceivable that the tip protector is slipped onto the tip in a slip-on direction and arranged there in a self-locking manner. In this case, it is again conceivable that a frictional force prevents the tip protector from accidentally being triggered by the tip of the shoe. It is also conceivable that a clamping or locking connection is created, particularly in the area of ​​the contact surface with the sole of the shoe. In this way, the tip protector can be specifically adapted to a shoe and fastened, for example, in the contact area or in a transition area between the sole and the upper material.

[0028] For this purpose, it may be advantageous if the base body of the toe protector encompasses the toe of the shoe from all surfaces, preventing any direct contact from the outside to the toe of the shoe. According to a preferred embodiment, the toe protector can therefore be cap-shaped.

[0029] To achieve a fastening as described above, it may be further advantageous if the base body or the toe protector can be actively fastened to the shoe. According to a further preferred embodiment, means for releasably fastening to the sole or a seam area of ​​the shoe are therefore assigned to the base body.

[0030] The base body can advantageously further have a design, at least in the area of ​​the contact surface, which also supports the accidental activation of the toe protector from the tip of the shoe. According to a further preferred embodiment, the contact surface therefore has a slip-resistant surface design on at least one side. An inner side of the contact surface is preferably directed towards the sole of the shoe, while an opposite outer side of the contact surface can be directed away from the shoe. Slip resistance in the area of ​​the inner side can support the prevention of accidental activation of the properly attached toe protector. Slip resistance in the area of ​​the outer side can in particular ensure stability and footing and thus compensates for the fact that a small part of the sole is sometimes covered by the toe protector.

[0031] It is conceivable that the outer side of the contact surface is designed analogously to the attachment area of ​​the heel protector. It is also conceivable that the inner contact surface is designed analogously to the inner surface of the heel protector.

[0032] Finally, a shoe is disclosed which has a front tip and a rear heel opposite the tip, wherein a detachable tip protector is arranged on the tip and a detachable and sleeve-like heel protector is arranged on the heel.

[0033] The definitions formulated above to describe the heel protector according to the invention and its embodiments can also be applied to the toe protector according to the invention or to the shoe equipped with both components. The definitions for the protective body of the heel protector can be logically applied to the base body of the toe protector.

[0034] An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a shoe with a heel protector and a toe protector, each according to an embodiment in an exploded view; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the shoe according to Fig. 1 with attached heel or toe protection.

[0035] Fig. 1 illustrates, by way of example, a shoe 10 having a heel 12 and a toe 14. The heel 12 can be covered by a sheath-like heel protector 16 according to the exploded view if this is pushed over the heel in the application direction A. The toe 14 is accordingly Fig. 1 illustrates a cap-like toe protector 18 which can be put over the shoe tip 14 in the plug-on direction S.

[0036] The heel protector 16 has an outer surface 24, which is angular in shape and follows the shape of the heel 12 to be protected. Also illustrated Fig. 1 shows, by way of example, that when the heel protector 16 is attached, the heel 12 of the shoe 10 is received in an interior space 22 not shown in detail here. In the interior space, an inner surface (not shown in detail) is present, which can be brought into contact with the outer surface of the heel 12 in a form-fitting manner and over its entire surface. With a protective collar 26, the heel protector 16 is in contact with a sole 28 of the shoe 10 after attachment. Opposite the protective collar 26, the heel protector 16 has an attachment 20.

[0037] Fig.Figure 2 further illustrates a shoe 10 provided with the heel protector 16 and the toe protector 18. The heel protector 16 here has a protective collar 26, which is bead-like and protrudes from the rear end of the shoe 10. The protective collar 26 is partially in direct, flat contact with the sole 28.

[0038] On the outer surface 24, the heel protection 16 has, for example, a topology in the form of studs 32. These not only serve an aesthetic purpose but also create a buffer zone against external influences.

[0039] It has already been explained above that the geometry of the heel protector 16 can be oriented, in particular, towards the shape and design of the heel 12 to be protected. The same applies to the design of the toe protector 18 relative to the shoe tip 14. Thus, it is conceivable that, for example, the heel protector 16, in other embodiments, may be cylindrical, rectangular, oval, or even polygonal with respect to a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal extent. The longitudinal extent of a heel protector 16 is understood to be the distance between the protective collar 26 and the attachment 20. List of reference symbols 10 shoes 12 paragraph 14 Shoe tip 16 Heel protection 18 Tip protection 20 Essay 22 Interior 24 outer surface 26 protective collars 28 sole 30 Transition area 32 studs A Mounting direction S Mounting direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 4498252A

[0002] US 2014075790A1

[0003] GB 2171588A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Heel protector (16) for detachable attachment to a heel of a shoe (10), comprising - a protective body which has an interior space (22) for receiving the shoulder (12), and in the interior space (22) an inner lateral surface for contact with the shoulder (12), - a lower attachment area (20) and an upper collar area (26), wherein the interior space (22) is open towards the collar area (26), and wherein - the collar region (26) is designed to contact a sole (28) of the corresponding shoe (10) in a transition region (30) when the heel (12) is accommodated in the interior space (22). [2] Heel protection (16) according to claim 1, characterized by that the interior space (22) is designed to positively receive the shoulder (12). [3] Heel protection (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inner surface is designed for full-surface contact with the shoulder (12). [4] Heel protection (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lower attachment area (20) is flat. [5] Heel protection (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lower attachment area (20) has an anti-slip surface. [6] Heel protection (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the collar area (26) is bead-like. [7] Heel protection (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the collar area (26) is designed to form a flat connection with the sole (28) of the shoe (10). [8] Heel protection (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the protective body has an outer surface (24) with a topology. [9] Heel protection (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the protective body has an outer surface (24) which is shaped in a manner consistent with the inner surface. [10] Heel protection (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interior (22) of the protective body is designed for self-securing on the shoulder (12). [11] Tip protector (18) for detachable attachment to a front tip (14) of a shoe (10), comprising - a base body with a recess, wherein the recess is designed for conformal contact, in particular for conformal reception of the tip (14) of the shoe (10), wherein - the base body has at least one contact surface for contact with a sole (28) of the shoe (10). [12] Tip protector (18) according to claim 11, characterized by that the base body is cap-like. [13] Tip protection (18) according to one of the sprays 11-12, characterized bythat means for releasable fastening to the sole (28) or a seam area of ​​the shoe (10) are assigned to the base body. [14] Tip protection (18) according to one of the sprays 11-13, characterized by that the contact surface has an anti-slip surface design on at least one side. [15] Shoe (10) comprising a front tip (14) and a rear heel (12) opposite the tip (14), wherein - on the tip (14) a detachable tip protector (18) according to one of claims 11-14, and - a removable and sheath-like heel protector (16) according to one of claims 1-10 is arranged on the heel (12).

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