Footwear removal device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear removal devices, such as bootjacks, are bulky and cumbersome, making them impractical for travel and storage, especially when removing cowboy boots which lack traditional fasteners like laces or buckles.
Innovation Solution
A portable footwear removal device with a base member, engagement member, and support that can pivot and fold, allowing it to transition between a work position for use and a storage position for easy transport, featuring magnets for secure storage and a spring mechanism for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bootjacks are used to remove cowboy boots, then boot removal is assisted, but the device becomes bulky and cumbersome for travel
Solution Approach 1:
The bootjack is designed with movable components including a pivotable engagement member that can rotate between a raised position for use and a lowered position for compact storage, and a support member that can pivot between extended and retracted positions, transforming the static bulky structure into a dynamic compact form factor suitable for travel
Solution Approach 2:
The support member pivots to nest within or alongside the base member when not in use, and the engagement member folds down to lie flat against the base, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes volume for portability while maintaining full functionality when deployed
2Reliability
If the engagement member is designed for secure boot engagement, then removal effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement member is segmented into distinct functional zones including a yoked end with a saddle for heel engagement, elongate members for lateral support, and a distal end for toe engagement, allowing each segment to perform its specific function independently while contributing to overall secure engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement member serves multiple functions simultaneously: the yoked end receives and secures the boot heel, the elongate members provide lateral stability and leverage, and the distal end engages the toe area, creating a universal interface that handles various boot types and removal forces through a single integrated component
Data Source
AI summary
A bootjack for removing footwear from a wearer is disclosed herein. The bootjack comprises a base member, an engagement member, and a support. The base member may have a top surface, a bottom surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a chamber defined in the bottom surface. The engagement member may have a yoked end configured to receive footwear. The engagement member may be pivotably coupled to the base member adjacent the distal end. The support may have a coupling end and a ground engagement end. The coupling end of the support may be pivotably coupled to the base member within the chamber. The bootjack may be selectively moveable between a work position and a storage position.