DE202023106854U1 - Heel cap, shoe hammer and foam padding for safety shoes - Google Patents

Abstract

Heel cap (10) for a footwear, in particular a shoe or boot (1), the heel cap (10) being at least partially arranged on the outside of a heel portion of the shoe, the heel cap (10) comprising a protruding part (11) extending from the heel portion of the shoe (1) in a rearward direction, characterized in that the heel cap (10) distributes a downward force exerted on the protruding part (11) over at least a substantial part of the heel portion of the shoe (1), preferably to assist in removing the shoe (1) from a foot (4).

Description

The following invention relates to a heel cap, a shoe hammer and a foam pad for use in safety shoes. Modifying work shoes to increase protection and utility in the work area is a well-known concept that has led to a variety of safety shoes, particularly heavy-duty safety aspects.

Most features, such as the inclusion of steel toe caps on the front of the shoes, are aimed at increasing the safety of a user's foot against blunt trauma or similar.

However, particularly in the construction industry, shoes are often used not only for protection but also for pushing or moving fixed objects and for dismantling or 'kicking' objects into place. The shoe as such is therefore often used as a tool and there is a need to provide reinforcement elements to enable such use. In addition, due to the tight fit of many heavy-duty boots, removing the shoe from the user's foot can sometimes be laborious, as the shoes and boots are designed to be supportive of the wearer's foot and can be quite inflexible.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide improvements to the known state of the art in terms of protection, ease of removal and usability as a tool. In the following, the footwear described is referred to as "shoe"; this is not limiting and includes shoes, boots and any other suitable footwear to which the present concepts can be applied.

According to one aspect of the invention, this problem is solved by a heel cap for a shoe, the heel cap being at least partially arranged on the outside of a heel portion of the shoe, the heel cap comprising a protruding part extending from the heel portion of the shoe in a rearward direction, characterized in that the heel cap distributes a downward force exerted on the protruding part over at least a substantial part of the heel portion of the shoe, preferably to assist in removing the shoe from a foot.

The heel cap may be a TPU molded part. The protruding part and the heel cap may be formed as one piece, preferably monolithic. Alternatively, the protruding part may be molded separately from the rest of the heel cap, preferably by injection, and may be molded from PU (polyurethane).

It is a central aspect of the present invention to provide a heel that assists in removing the shoe from the user's foot. At the same time, the design provides protection for the heel and ankle area of the user, thereby improving the safety aspects of the shoe. The heel cap is preferably made of a rigid material, e.g. a hard plastic or fabric composite or a TPU molding, and therefore provides protection for the area it covers. The protruding part provides the ability to exert a downward force on the heel cap when the protruding part is pressed down. Due to the rigid nature of the heel cap, the downward force exerted on the protruding part, e.g. by pressing down, is more evenly distributed across the heel portion of the shoe, facilitating the removal of the user's foot as well as limiting the wear caused by such frictional and/or compressive forces on the heel portion of a shoe.

The heel portion of the shoe is to be understood as substantially corresponding to the position of the heel of the user while wearing the shoe. In particular, the heel portion of the shoe can be understood as constituting the rear third of the shoe. The front third of the shoe, i.e. the part closest to the toe of the shoe, is referred to herein as the front portion of the shoe, while the area enclosed between the heel portion and the front portion is referred to as the middle portion.

According to a further embodiment, the heel cap is arranged in contact with the sole of the shoe, preferably to direct downward force into the sole.

According to a further embodiment, the heel cap is arranged in contact with the sole of the shoe, preferably to direct a vertical downward force.

By being in contact with the sole of the shoe, the heel counter can distribute the downward force even more evenly over a larger part of the shoe. In particular, the downward pressure is applied evenly over the outer circumference of the sole, which reduces the rotational movement of the shoe when the heel counter is pressed down. is reduced, which in turn allows for easier removal of the shoe.

In another embodiment, the heel cap extends into a middle section of the shoe.

The extension of the heel counter into the central section of the shoe distributes the force exerted on the protruding part over an even larger area, increasing the overall impact and reducing wear due to shear effects. In addition, the extension of the essentially rigid heel counter allows for a natural articulation effect, increasing durability, comfort, protection and stability when walking.

According to yet another embodiment, the heel cap is attached to the heel portion of the shoe by injection molding and/or gluing or sewing to the shaft.

By attaching the heel counter at the heel section of the shoe to the upper by injection molding and/or gluing or sewing, a greater variety of shapes can be realized at a lower cost than traditional attachment techniques. In addition, this type of attachment allows for thinner thicknesses since the structural integrity of the heel counter is not compromised by punctures or similar.

In another embodiment, the heel cap is attached to the heel part of the shoe by sewing.

Attachment by sewing allows for easy connection of the heel counter to the heel section of the shoe, as sewing is usually an integral part of the manufacturing process of a shoe. Attachment by sewing therefore does not need to require an additional manufacturing step, thus reducing costs.

According to a further embodiment, the heel cap comprises polyurethane and/or thermoplastic PU or polymers.

The use of polyurethane or thermoplastic or polymers is advantageous as it is both lightweight and durable, thus providing both protection, comfort and stability to the user. In particular, polyurethane or thermoplastic or any polymers can be applied by direct injection, which further simplifies production options. Polyurethane and thermoplastic PU or any polymers possess good abrasion resistance, which increases the durability and lifespan of the shoe, while being flexible, providing adequate cushioning and support/stability and reliability to the corresponding sections of the shoe. Finally, they are both oil and lubricant resistant as well as waterproof, which in turn increases protection, comfort and durability for the user.

In a further embodiment, the heel cap substantially covers at least one third of the surface of a rear portion of the shoe, preferably at least half of the surface, more preferably at least three quarters of the surface.

By covering a large area of a rear portion of the shoe, protection to the user's foot is increased as the surface area vulnerable to external impact is reduced. In addition, covering a large surface area and then attaching it to a large part of the rear portion of the shoe increases the distribution of downward force acting on the protruding part of the heel counter, thus facilitating removal of the shoe.

In the present application, the rear portion of the shoe refers to the area in the heel portion of the shoe that is visible when the shoe is viewed from behind in a view along its longitudinal extension direction, and preferably from medial and lateral side views.

In a further embodiment, the protruding part comprises engagement means, preferably grooves and/or elevations and/or roughenings, in order to increase the static friction coefficient of the protruding part.

The provision of engagement means on the protruding part increases the friction between the finger and/or another foot of a user (e.g. also another shoe and/or shoe hammer) and the heel counter of the shoe, preventing slipping when attempting to remove the shoe by applying pressure to the protruding part. This facilitates the removal of the shoe and prevents injuries caused by slipping.

Another aspect of the invention is a shoe hammer for a shoe, wherein the shoe hammer is made of a rigid material, preferably steel, and/or preferably is part of the sole itself. The shoe hammer is arranged at the toe of the shoe, comprising a front portion protruding from the toe of the shoe and a rear portion which, in plan view, Has the shape of a horseshoe and is adapted to run along a contour of the sole.

The shoe hammer allows the user to use the shoe as a tool to apply blunt force to numerous objects with relative ease, without the need to carry a specialized tool kit. In particular, such a device is useful for simple deconstruction operations as well as for positioning various objects that may be lying on the ground. The horseshoe-shaped rear section of the shoe hammer allows the force to be directed away from the user's toes and/or feet and into the body of the shoe, providing additional protection from front impacts.

The toe cap is the frontmost part of the shoe, located at a distal end opposite the rear portion of the shoe. In particular, the toe cap is located in close proximity to the toes of the user when the shoe is worn.

In another embodiment, the rear portion is dome-shaped and configured to at least partially enclose a front portion of a user's foot.

Providing a dome shape for the rear section of the shoe hammer provides additional protection to a user's foot, similar to a steel or composite toe cap in the front section of the shoe. This not only allows for better force distribution when using the shoe hammer, but also protects the user's toes from impact forces acting from above or below that are unrelated to using the shoe as a tool.

In another embodiment, the rear portion includes a hammer made of a shock absorbing material configured to absorb the impact forces originating from the front portion of the shoe hammer.

Since the use of the shoe hammer subjects the user's foot to potentially large forces acting from the front of the shoe, providing additional padding to the front of the shoe hammer increases the user's comfort, versatility and safety when using the shoe and reduces the risk of injury.

Another aspect of the invention is a foam pad for a shoe, wherein the foam pad is arranged in the heel portion of the shoe, wherein the foam pad is made of an elastic foam, preferably PU (polyurethane), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), foamed TPU for e-TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), foamed TPEE for e-TPEE (thermoplastic polyester elastomer), Pebax@, a non-exhaustive list

The use of foam padding allows for the absorption of weight and/or body force and helps the user's ankle and/or body to rebound when walking. The foam padding therefore increases user comfort and supports the user's natural movement during use.

In a further embodiment, the foam padding is at least partially arranged within a recess and/or a cavity in the sole of the shoe.

Placing the foam padding in a recess or cavity of the sole of the shoe allows the beneficial effects of the foam padding to be achieved without adding excessive height to the shoe. It also increases the durability of the heel foam padding as it is supported by the sole in at least three directions.

In a further embodiment, the foam padding has a thickness of less than half the sole thickness of the shoe, preferably a thickness of less than a quarter of the sole thickness, and is preferably located under the heel zone.

Limiting the thickness of the foam pads to some extent prevents the sole of the shoe from becoming too thin in some areas, which would reduce both durability and protection. In addition, excessive foam padding would result in uncomfortable wearing characteristics for the user.

According to another embodiment, the foam padding extends into the middle portion of the shoe.

By expanding the foam padding into the midsection of the shoe, the user will be given additional support during the natural rolling of the foot while walking. Additionally, additional padding will increase comfort within the shoe and allow the shoe to conform to the shape of the user's foot. Expanding the foam padding will also provide greater rebound energy effect, making the body less fatigued during use.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a shoe may comprise a heel cap and a shoe hammer as previously described.

By providing a shoe that has both a shoe hammer and a heel counter, overall safety and usability can be further improved. In particular, if the heel counter extends into the middle section of the shoe, it can be brought into contact with the rear section of the shoe hammer to form a protective "frame" for the user's foot.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a shoe may comprise a heel counter and a foam pad as described above.

The advantages of such a combination arise from those already described with regard to the individual features above.

In another embodiment, the heel cap is arranged so that it does not overlap the foam padding in plan view.

By not overlapping the heel counter and foam pad when viewed from a top-down perspective (i.e., a line of sight that is substantially parallel to the user's leg), a downward force applied to the heel counter is not directed into the foam padding. This allows for easier removal of the shoe since the downward force is not absorbed, and extends the life of the foam padding since it is not subjected to additional stress.

In a further embodiment, the shoe comprises a foam pad and a shoe hammer as previously described.

The advantages of such a combination arise from those already described with regard to the individual features above.

In a further embodiment, the shoe comprises a heel cap, a shoe hammer and a foam pad as described above.

By combining the heel cap, shoe hammer and foam pad in different permutations, it is possible to utilize the individual benefits provided by each element in combination, as described above.

In another embodiment, the foam pad extends to the front portion of the shoe such that the foam pad is located, at least partially, between the rear portion of the shoe hammer and the user's foot.

By extending the foam pad forward, a larger section of the user's foot is cushioned, improving overall comfort. Additionally, the foam pad can create or reinforce padding behind the rear section of the shoe hammer, further improving the shock absorption of the shoe when used as a hammer.

In the following, the invention is also described with regard to further details, features and advantages, which are explained in more detail with reference to the figures. The described features and combinations of features, as shown below in the figures of the drawings and described with reference to the drawings, are not only applicable in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

• 1 zeigt eine Seitenansicht eines Schuhs, der mit dem Schuhhammer und der Fersenkappe gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ausgerüstet ist.
• 2 zeigt eine Rückansicht des Schuhs.
• 3 zeigt eine weitere Ansicht eines Schuhs, der mit einem Schuhhammer ausgestattet ist.
• 4 zeigt eine isolierte Draufsicht auf ein Beispiel für einen Schuhhammer.
• 5 zeigt eine Seitenansicht eines Schuhs, die die Positionierung der Schaumstoffpolsterung im Inneren sowie der Fersenkappe veranschaulicht.

The figures show:

• 1 shows a side view of a shoe equipped with the shoe hammer and heel cap according to the present invention.
• 2 shows a back view of the shoe.
• 3 shows another view of a shoe equipped with a shoe hammer.
• 4 shows an isolated top view of an example of a shoe hammer.
• 5 shows a side view of a shoe illustrating the positioning of the foam padding inside and the heel cap.

The figures are only schematic in nature and serve exclusively to facilitate understanding of the invention. Similar elements are provided with the same reference numerals in the description of the embodiments.

1 shows a side view of a shoe 1 according to the present invention. As can be seen, the front portion 21 of a shoe hammer 20 protrudes from the tip 3 of the shoe 1 to allow the front portion of the shoe hammer 21 to be brought into contact with other objects. A heel cap 10 is arranged in the heel portion of the shoe 1 and protrudes in contact with the sole 2 or is integrally formed as part of the sole 2. A projecting part 11 projects from the general contour of the shoe 1 to enable the application of a downward force to the heel counter 10. Engagement elements 12 arranged on the projecting part 11 enable an increase in the static friction of the projecting part 11 and prevent slipping.

2 shows a rear view of a shoe 1 with a heel cap 10 arranged above the sole 2. The surface shown (excluding the part covered by the sole 2) defines the rear section of the shoe 1, which is approximately half covered by the heel cap 10.

3 illustrates the shoe hammer 20, with the front section 21 protruding beyond the tip 3 of the shoe 1. In the example shown, the rear section 22 of the shoe hammer 20 is located inside the sole 2 and is therefore not shown.

4 illustrates the components of the shoe hammer 20 in isolation in plan view. The front section 21 extends from the rear section 22, which has an approximately horseshoe shape. The rear section 22 thus surrounds, at least partially, a foot 4 of the user (not shown) in front to provide protection and to attach the shoe hammer 20 to the shoe 1 (not shown) over a large area. This helps to fix the shoe hammer 20 in the shoe 1 and, crucially, also helps to distribute forces acting on the shoe hammer 20 - for example when the user kicks an object with the shoe hammer 20.

5 shows another side view of a shoe 1, illustrating the positioning of the foam padding 30 in a recess of the sole 2. The sole 2 is in contact with the heel cap 10, which in the embodiment shown extends into the middle portion of the shoe 1. The foam padding 30 supports the heel portion of a user's foot. Also shown is the hammer padding 23, which is arranged between the shoe hammer 20 and the user's foot 4 to dampen shocks emanating from the shoe hammer 20.

List of reference symbols:

1

shoe

2

sole

3

Great

4

Foot

10

Heel cap

11

protruding part

12

Intervention means

20

Shoe hammer

21

front section

22

rear section

23

Hammer padding

30

Foam padding

Claims (22)

Heel cap (10) for a footwear, in particular a shoe or boot (1), wherein the heel cap (10) is arranged at least partially on the outside of a heel portion of the shoe, wherein the heel cap (10) comprises a protruding part (11) extending from the heel portion of the shoe (1) in a rearward direction, characterized in that the heel cap (10) distributes a downward force exerted on the protruding part (11) over at least a substantial part of the heel portion of the shoe (1), preferably to assist in removing the shoe (1) from a foot (4). Heel cap (10) after Claim 1 , wherein the heel cap (10) is arranged in contact with the sole (2) of the shoe (1), preferably to direct the downward force into the sole (2). Heel cap (10) according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the heel cap is arranged in contact with the sole of the shoe to direct a vertical downward force. Heel cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heel cap (10) extends into a central portion of the shoe (1). Heel cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heel cap (10) is attached to the heel portion of the shoe (1) by injection molding and/or gluing. Heel cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heel cap (10) is attached to the heel portion of the shoe (1) by sewing. Heel cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heel cap (10) comprises polyurethane and/or thermoplastic PU and/or other polymers. Heel cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heel cap (10) substantially covers at least one third of the surface of a rear portion of the shoe (1), preferably at least half of the surface, more preferably at least three quarters of the surface. Heel cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protruding part (11) comprises engagement means (12), preferably grooves and/or elevations and/or roughened areas, for increasing the static friction coefficient of the protruding part (11). Shoe hammer (20) for a shoe (1), the shoe hammer (20) being made of a rigid material, preferably steel, arranged on the tip (3) of the shoe (1), comprising a front portion (21) protruding from the tip (3) of the shoe (1) and a rear portion (22) having a horseshoe shape when viewed from above and adapted to extend along a contour of the sole (2). Shoe hammer (20) according to Claim 10 wherein the rear portion (22) is dome-shaped and configured to at least partially surround a front portion of a foot (4) of a user. Shoe hammer (20) according to one of the Claims 10 until 11 wherein the rear portion (22) comprises a hammer pad (23) formed of a shock absorbing material configured to absorb the impact forces emanating from the front portion (21) of the shoe hammer (20). Foam padding (30) for a shoe (1), wherein the foam padding (30) is arranged in the heel portion of the shoe (1), wherein the foam padding (30) is made of an elastic foam, preferably of one of the following PU (polyurethane), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), expanded TPU for e-TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), expanded TPEE for e-TPEE (thermoplastic polyester elastomer) or PebaxO. Foam padding (30) according to Claim 13 , wherein the foam padding (30) is arranged, at least partially, in a recess and/or a cavity of the sole (2) of the shoe (1). Foam padding (30) to Claim 14 , wherein the foam padding (30) has a thickness of less than half a thickness of the sole (2) of the shoe (1), preferably a thickness of less than a quarter of the sole (2) of the shoe (1). Foam padding (30) according to one of the Claims 13 until 15 , wherein the foam padding (30) extends into the middle portion of the shoe (1). Shoe (1) comprising a heel cap (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 and a shoe hammer (20) according to one of the Claims 10 until 12 . Shoe (1) comprising a heel cap (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 and a foam pad (30) according to one of the Claims 13 until 16 . Shoe (1) according to Claim 18 , wherein the heel cap (10) is arranged such that it does not overlap the foam padding (30) in plan view. Shoe (1) comprising a foam pad (30) according to one of the Claims 13 until 16 and a shoe hammer (20) according to one of the Claims 10 until 12 . Shoe (1) comprising a heel cap (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , a shoe hammer (20) according to one of the Claims 10 until 12 and a foam pad (30) according to one of the Claims 13 until 16 . Shoe (1) according to the Claims 20 until 21 , wherein the foam pad (30) extends into the front portion of the shoe (1) such that the foam pad (30) is located, at least partially, between the rear portion (22) of the shoe hammer (20) and the foot (4) of the user.