Device and shoe for facilitating boarding and boarding

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a shoe for facilitating entry and exit, wherein the device comprises an upper shank designed to be integrated into a heel collar of the shoe, and a lower shank designed to be integrated into a heel cup of the shoe, the upper shank and the lower shank being connected to each other via a spring system. The spring system is composed of a plurality of ribs, the plurality of ribs defining a plurality of openings.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for integration into a shoe for facilitating entry and exit, comprising an upper bridge designed in such a way that it can be integrated into a heel collar of the shoe, and a lower bridge designed in such a way that it can be integrated into a heel cup of the shoe, wherein the upper bridge and the lower bridge are connected to each other via a spring system, wherein the spring system is composed of a plurality of ribs and the plurality of ribs define a plurality of openings, and a shoe comprising such a device.

[0002] Various solutions are known from the state of the art that make it easier to get in and out of a shoe without having to use a tool, such as a shoehorn, or your hands to help with the process.

[0003] For example, utility model DE 21 2022 000 099 U1 discloses a heel counter for easier entry and exit from a shoe. In this design, the heel counter is configured to be compressible when the shoe is put on. This is achieved in particular by having a deformable upper section of the heel counter, which returns to its original position after a force is applied, and by having a central section comprising a peripheral section and a central section, wherein the first peripheral section has a first thickness and the central section has a second thickness, the second thickness being less than the first. Similar designs are also known from DE 21 2022 000 110 U1 and DE 21 2022 000 112 U1.

[0004] Furthermore, footwear with a quick-entry mechanism is known from EP 2 498 641 B1. The technical solution shown here utilizes the principle of a rocker mechanism, whereby one part of the device, located in the heel of the shoe, can be pressed down by the user's foot when entering the shoe. A suitable counterforce then returns the compressed part of the device in the heel to its original position after entry. A disadvantage of this design is that a heel counter is not required, as otherwise the heel of the shoe, or the back of the shoe, cannot be compressed to allow entry.

[0005] Furthermore, EP 3 445 198 B1 discloses a quick-entry shoe. This shoe incorporates a deformable element embedded in the rear section, which is connected to the heel cup. The paddle, enclosed within the heel cup, can rotate around this deformable element. The quick-entry shoe is characterized by the fact that an inward rotation of the paddle is prevented by an upper and lower neck connecting the paddle to a second paddle, while an outward rotation is facilitated by the collapse of the heel cup. A similar design is known from EP 3 813 528 B1. Here, too, a primary disadvantage is the need for a heel cup, as otherwise the heel of the shoe, or the back of the shoe, cannot be compressed to allow the paddle to enter the shoe.

[0006] Finally, EP 3 849 368 B1 reveals a shoe designed for quick-release fastening, featuring a special grid structure. A disadvantage here is that the grid structure itself is part of the shoe's external appearance, thus limiting its design when used with this fastening aid.

[0007] Based on this state of the art, the invention therefore aims to provide a device that can be integrated into a shoe without affecting the aesthetics of the shoe, has high durability and also ensures easier entry and exit from a shoe.

[0008] This problem is solved by a device according to the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a shoe according to the features of dependent claim 12. Further advantageous embodiments can be found in particular in the dependent claims.

[0009] The present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a device for integration into a shoe to facilitate entry and exit, comprising an upper rib designed to be integrated into a heel collar of the shoe, and a lower rib designed to be integrated into a heel cup of the shoe, wherein the upper rib and the lower rib are connected to each other via a spring system. The spring system is composed of a plurality of ribs, the plurality of ribs defining a plurality of openings. The spring system is preferably a compressible lattice structure.

[0010] The device according to the invention is characterized in that the lower bridge is designed in the form of a heel cup and the heel cup consists of two opposing concave heel cup flanks and a connecting bridge that connects the two heel cup flanks.

[0011] An upper trestle according to the invention is located at the level of the heel collar of a shoe, whereas a lower trestle according to the invention is located at the level of a heel cup. The lower trestle can, for example, be connected to a shoe base, rest on it, or be arranged in some other way at the level of the heel cup in the shoe.

[0012] A closed state within the meaning of the invention is a state in which the heel counter of a shoe is fully extended, in particular the heel of a foot inside the shoe is completely enclosed and held by the shoe. An open state within the meaning of the invention is a state in which the shoe opening is enlarged to facilitate the insertion of a person's foot into the shoe.

[0013] The advantage arising from these distinctive features lies particularly in the fact that, on the one hand, the desired elasticity and a secure hold of the foot in the heel of the shoe are guaranteed, and on the other hand, the device can be individually adapted to the existing shape of the shoe. In particular, the device at the heel cup can be bent concavely towards the toe of the shoe due to the connecting element located between the heel flanks.

[0014] Advantageously, the spring system has at least one node and at least two openings, wherein at least four ribs are connected to each other via the at least one node, wherein two ribs opposite each other on an imaginary vertical line running centrally from the upper web to the lower web each form a rib pair and a rib pair defines an opening, wherein the ribs of a rib pair each extend at least sectionally in an orthogonal direction from the imaginary vertical line running centrally between the upper web and the lower web.

[0015] Due to the advantageous spring system, the desired stiffness and firmness of the heel of a shoe is still guaranteed in the closed state in order to keep the foot securely in the shoe, especially during movement, while when putting the shoe on, the heel of the shoe can be compressed by a person's foot with little effort and brought into an open state, thus making it easier to put the shoe on.

[0016] The invention can be further improved by the following embodiments, each of which is advantageous in itself and can be combined with each other as desired.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one node is located on the imaginary vertical line running midway from the upper web to the lower web. This ensures improved force transmission and compressibility when moving the device into the open position.

[0018] Preferably, the ribs are shaped like meanders, loops, or parabolas. Particularly preferably, the ribs are concave. These preferred designs allow, in particular, for individual adaptation to the given structure of a shoe, preferably filling or covering the entire heel area of ​​a shoe. Thus, the device can be individually adapted to the specific requirements of each shoe, and the aesthetics of the shoe are not affected.

[0019] Advantageously, the size of the openings formed by the rib pairs always increases towards the lower web. This is particularly advantageous for the size of the distance between the upper web and the first node, the first node with a further node, and / or the lower web in the direction of the lower web.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment, the upper bridge is designed in the form of a heel collar.

[0021] Advantageously, the device consists of a dimensionally elastic and / or resilient material. Preferably, the device consists of thermoplastic polymers or thermoplastic elastomers, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). These exhibit the desired plastically deformable properties while simultaneously offering material durability.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention relates to a shoe comprising a device according to the invention. Advantageously, the device is located in the

[0023] The upper part of the shoe is integrated, with the device particularly preferably replacing the heel counter of the shoe.

[0024] The heel spring ensures that the heel is compressed when the foot is inserted and then returns to its original position. The heel spring integrated into the shoe is preferably made of a TPU material that is highly flexible and resilient. At the same time, it is extremely robust and difficult to damage. The component provides the support of a heel counter but is also designed at an optimal angle with a backward bend to ensure easy foot entry. The spring system of the present invention, constructed as a compressible grid structure, is compressible downwards and backwards.

[0025] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are always used in the drawings for elements that correspond to each other in terms of function and / or structure.

[0026] As described above, a feature of the embodiment can be omitted if the technical effect associated with that feature is not relevant for a particular application. Conversely, a feature not yet present in the embodiment can also be added as described above if the technical effect of the added feature is relevant for a particular application.

[0027] They show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention in a rear view; Fig. 2 shows the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in a side view; Fig. 3 the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and 2 in a view from below; Fig. 4 the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 3 in a perspective view; and Fig. 5 shows the embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 4 integrated into the heel counter of a shoe.

[0028] Figures 1 to 4 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention in its closed state. This device has an upper bridge 2 in the form of a heel collar 12, which is curved concavely towards the toe of the shoe, see Figure 1. Figure 2, 3 and 5This allows the upper bridge 2 to be adapted to the shape of the heel collar 12 of the shoe 14, providing better support for the foot in the closed position. The upper bridge 2 is connected to the lower bridge 3 by a spring system 4. The lower bridge 3 is designed as a heel cup 13, which consists of two heel cup flanks 10, 10' and a connecting element 11. This ensures both the desired elasticity and a secure hold of the foot in the heel of the shoe 14, and allows it to adapt individually to the existing shape of the shoe 14. In particular, the device 1 on the heel cup 13 can be bent concavely towards the toe of the shoe due to the thinner connecting element 11 compared to the heel flanks 10, 10'.The spring system 4 connecting the upper bridge 2 and the lower bridge 3 is composed of six ribs 5,5', 6, 6', 7, 7', which are connected to each other via two nodes 9, 9', with each node 9, 9' connecting four ribs 5,5', 6, 6', 7, 7'. Two opposing ribs 5,5', 6, 6', 7, 7' each form a rib pair, i.e., ribs 5,5', 6, 6', and 7, 7'. Each rib pair 5,5' / 6, 6' / 7, 7' defines an opening 8, 8', 8". The openings 8, 8', 8" increase continuously in size from the upper bridge 2 towards the lower bridge 3. The uppermost rib pair 5,5' is connected to the upper bridge 2, here in the form of a heel collar 12, and to the first node 9. The heel collar 12 is designed as a half-shell in the variant shown.The second pair of ribs 6, 6' is connected to the first node 9 and the second node 9', with the last pair of ribs 7, 7' being connected to the second node 9' and the lower rib 3, here in the form of a heel cup 13, the ribs 7, 7' each terminating in the heel cup flanks 10, 10'. Along a central line extending from the upper rib 2 towards the lower rib 3, the distance between the nodes 9, 9' increases. In other words, the distance between the upper rib 2 and the first node 9 is smaller than the distance between the first node 9 and the second node 9'. The same applies to the distance between the first node 9 and the second node 9' compared to the distance between the second node 9' and the lower rib 3.

[0029] In Figures 2 to 4It can be seen that the ribs 5,5',6,6',7,7' are not only loop-shaped or parabolic, but also extend towards the toe of a shoe (see Figure 5 ) are concavely curved. The same applies to the upper bridge 2 and lower bridge 3.

[0030] Ultimately, it shows Figure 5 the embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 4The device 1 according to the invention is integrated into a shoe 14. The device 1 is incorporated into the heel counter 16 of the shoe 14, which is shown cut open and folded to the right for better illustration. The device 1 is integrated into the upper part 15 of the shoe and rests on the sole of the shoe 14 with its heel cup 13. The device 1 is in a closed position. When a person steps into the shoe 14, they can use their foot to compress the device 1 at the heel counter 16 of the shoe 14 and open it, without the need for any external aids.When the person's foot is completely inside the shoe 14, the device 1, due to its spring system 4 according to the invention, moves from the open position back into the closed position, thus securely holding the person's foot in the shoe 14.

[0031] Thus, a device for integration into a shoe for easier entry and exit is disclosed above, which can be integrated into a shoe and does not affect the aesthetics of the shoe, has high durability and also ensures easier entry and exit into a shoe for a person. Reference sign

[0032] 1 Device 2 Upper bridge 3 Lower bridge 4 Spring system 5.5', 6.6', 7.7' Rib 8.8', 8" Opening 9.9' Junction 10.10' Heel cup flank 11 Connecting bridge 12 Heel collar 13 Heel cup 14 Shoe 15 Shoe upper 16 Heel counter

Claims

1. Device (1) for integration into a shoe (14) for facilitating entry and exit, comprising an upper shank (2) designed to be integrated into a heel collar of the shoe (14), and a lower shank (3) designed to be integrated into a heel cup of the shoe (14), wherein the upper shank (2) and the lower shank (3) are connected to each other via a spring system (4), wherein the spring system (4) is composed of a plurality of ribs (5, 5', 6, 6', 7, 7') and the plurality of ribs (5, 5', 6, 6', 7, 7') define a plurality of openings (8, 8', 8"). characterized by the fact that the lower bridge (3) is designed in the form of a heel cup (13) and the heel cup (13) is made up of two opposing concave heel cup flanks (10,10') and a connecting bridge (11) connecting the two heel cup flanks (10,10').

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe spring system (4) has at least one node (9,9') and at least two openings (8,8`,8"), wherein at least four ribs (5,5`,6,6`,7,7` are connected to each other via the at least one node (9,9').

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that Two ribs (5,5`,6,6`,7,7`) opposite each other on an imaginary vertical line running centrally from the upper rib (2) to the lower rib (3) each form a rib pair and a rib pair defines an opening (8,8`,8"), wherein the ribs (5,5',6,6',7,7') of a rib pair each extend at least sectionally from the imaginary vertical line running centrally between the upper rib (2) and the lower rib (3) in an orthogonal direction.

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that at least one node (9,9') is located on the imaginary vertical line running midway from the upper bridge (2) to the lower bridge (3).

5. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the ribs (5,5',6,6',7,7') are meander-shaped, loop-shaped, or parabolic.

6. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the ribs (5,5',6,6',7,7') are concavely curved.

7. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the size of the openings (8,8`,8") increases from the upper bridge (2) towards the lower bridge (3).

8. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that the size of the distance between the upper bridge (2) and the at least first node (9,9'), the first node (9) with another node (9') and / or the lower bridge (3) increases in the direction of the lower bridge (3).

9. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe upper bridge (2) is designed in the form of a heel collar (12) and forms a half shell.

10. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that which is made of a material that is elastic and / or springy.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that The material is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

12. Shoe (14) comprising a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11.

13. Shoe according to claim 12, wherein the device (1) is integrated into the upper part of the shoe (15).

14. Shoe according to claim 13, wherein the device (1) replaces the heel counter (16) of the shoe (14).

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