Slip-on Boot with Single Dial Cable Tensioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear often requires complex external securing mechanisms, making them difficult and time-consuming to put on and take off, while also being prone to snagging and not fully sealed from the elements.
Innovation Solution
A slip-on boot design incorporating a single external mechanism that activates both an instep hold down system and a heel retaining system using a cable take-up mechanism, providing a secure fit without altering the outer shape of the footwear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional external securing mechanisms (laces, buckles, zippers) are used, then the footwear can securely hold the foot, but the footwear becomes difficult and time-consuming to put on and take off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional external securing mechanisms (laces, buckles, zippers) from the footwear exterior and replaces them with an internal heel retention system. The foot is pulled in through a simple opening without external fasteners, enabling quick donning and doffing while maintaining secure foot holding through internal geometric constraints and material properties
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear upper material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates geometric constraints for foot retention, and allows flexible movement. The material itself becomes the securing mechanism rather than requiring separate external fastening components
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lacing structures are used, then the footwear can be adjusted for fit, but the footwear becomes more complex and prone to snagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex external lacing structures, buckles, and zippers entirely, replacing them with a simplified internal retention system that uses the natural geometry of the footwear upper and cable tensioning mechanism to achieve fit adjustment without multiple moving parts or external fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear achieves fit adjustment by changing the tension parameter of an internal cable mechanism rather than using traditional lacing. A single dial controls cable tension, which uniformly adjusts the fit throughout the footwear interior, providing adaptability with minimal complexity
3Ease of operation
If slip-on design is used, then the footwear is quick to put on and take off, but the footwear may not securely hold the foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the foot retention function into two distinct internal systems: a heel retention system with cable tensioning and a toe/instep retention system with geometric constraints. This segmentation allows each system to optimize for its specific function while working together to provide secure overall foot retention in a simple slip-on design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses three-dimensional geometric constraints within the footwear upper to retain the foot. The upper is shaped to create natural retention zones that conform to the foot's geometry, using spatial configuration rather than external fasteners to prevent foot removal while allowing easy insertion
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate securing systems are used for heel and instep, then the fit can be optimized, but the mechanism becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heel retention and instep retention systems into a single integrated cable tensioning mechanism controlled by one dial. Rotating the dial simultaneously tensions cables that apply force to both the heel and instep areas, providing optimized fit across multiple foot regions through a single simple operation rather than requiring separate adjustments for each area
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and easy donning and doffing while maintaining a secure foot hold, balancing forces to prevent excessive pressure on any one area, and keeping the exterior shape of the boot loose-fitting.
Implementation Method 1
A tensioning cable is provided extending along the interior of the upper. A cable take-up mechanism is provided at a forward most portion of the footwear and is in communication with the tensioning cable. The cable take-up mechanism includes a reel and a dial rotatably mounted on the reel. Rotation of the dial in a first rotational direction winds the tensioning cable onto the reel to thereby tension the tensioning cable.
Implementation Method 2
Rotation of the dial in a first rotational direction winds the tensioning cable onto the reel to thereby tension the tensioning cable. Tensioning of the tensioning cable pulls the heel securing system and the instep securing system together to thereby secure a persons foot within the footwear.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides footwear construction that includes a foot securing mechanism that provides improved fit without resulting in footwear that is substantially more difficult or time consuming to put on and take off. In one embodiment the footwear is a slip-on boot having both an instep hold down system and a heel retaining system. In the depicted embodiment both systems can be activated by a single mechanism exposed on the outside of the boot. Related methods and additional embodiment are also provided.