Abstract:
A noise-attenuating apparatus removably couple to footwear for reducing sounds associated with walking on wilderness terrain. The noise-attenuating apparatus includes a base having one end corresponding to the toe box of a shoe and a second end corresponding to the heel of a shoe. The noise-attenuating apparatus further including at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the toe box of the shoe and at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the heel of the shoe. The at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the toe box end having at least one sound-dampening pad. At least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the heel end coupled to at least one sound-dampening cover. A securing system coupled to the base and adapted for securing the base to the shoe.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to noise-attenuating apparatuses that attaches to footwear. In particular, the present invention relates to a noise-attenuating attachment with replaceable noise-dampening pads for footwear and a means for raising the wearer&#39;s feet above terrain. 
         [0002]    It is desirable to walk silently or be as quiet as possible while in the wilderness. This is especially true for hunters trying to remain hidden from and unheard by the prey they are stalking. Other outdoor enthusiasts, such as birdwatchers and nature photographers where any amount of noise might startle and scare off the animal they are trying to find, observe, or capture an image of, also want to walk silently. For both hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts, it often takes some effort and time to track and locate the animal they are looking for in the wilderness, resulting in wandering over terrains of various conditions. Often the terrain is a mix of dried leaves, branches, and pebbles, all of which by itself or together can be noisy enough to alert and scare off any wildlife, making it more challenging to locate, view, and shoot (whether by gun or camera) such wildlife. 
         [0003]    Known noise-attenuating footwear attachments are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, existing noise-reducing footwear attachments do not adequately elevate a wearer&#39;s feet above the terrain, which is often covered in various detritus that creates noise when walked thereon. In addition, conventional noise-dampening footwear attachments are often bulky and do not have replaceable pads. Thus, the sound-dampening pads often become worn after a few uses and do not withstand extended use. Finally, some slip-over noise-attenuating footwear attachments do not elevate the wearer&#39;s feet above the ground but also soak up water and mud from the ground, making for a soiled mess to clean up once home. 
         [0004]    Thus, there exists a need for noise-attenuating attachment for footwear that improves upon and advance the design of known noise-dampening footwear. Examples of new and useful footwear apparatuses for reducing noise related to walking relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below. 
         [0005]    Disclosure addressing one or more of the identified existing needs is provided in the detailed description below. Examples of references relevant to noise-attenuating attachment for footwear include U.S. Patent References: U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,418 to Davis (“Davis”), U.S. Patent Publication 20030226281 to Carlton (“Carlton”), and U.S. Patent Publication 20050223595 to Wright (“Wright”). The complete disclosures of the above patents and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
         [0006]    The Davis patent discloses a footwear device for reducing walking-related noise. The Davis device is a bootie that fits over footwear. The Davis device is completely composed from fabric or fabric-like material and the sole is made from synthetic fur material. In use, the entire sole of the Davis device is in contact with the ground. Thus, even though the synthetic fur sole would muffle some of the noises associated with walking in nature, having the entire sole contact the ground creates more noise than necessary. Furthermore, the footwear cover disclosed in Davis has a permanent sole and there thus, there would be no to replace a worn sole, requiring the wearer to have to replace a pair once the device was worn. 
         [0007]    The Carlton application discloses a detachable noise-reducing and traction enhancing element for footwear. The device in Carlton has a sandal-like structure into which a wearer&#39;s footwear would fit. Similar to the Davis device described above, the entire bottom portion of the Carlton device is in contact with the ground when in use. Thus, the Carlton device does not elevate the wearer&#39;s feet above noisy terrain. Furthermore, the device disclosed in Carlton does not provide for replaceable pads and covers, so a wearer would have to replace the device once the traction portion of the device is worn out. 
         [0008]    The apparatus disclosed in Wright also attempts to muffle sounds associated by the footsteps of a user. The Wright apparatus appears to attach around the wearer&#39;s ankle region and splays out to entirely cover the wearer&#39;s footwear with a sound dampening material. In theory, the noises associated with the wearer&#39;s entire soles contacting the ground is muffled within the chamber created by the between the wearer&#39;s shoe and the walls of the apparatus. Wright&#39;s apparatus is clumsy to wear and awkward to walk in because it forces the wearer to walk with an unnatural wider gait. Also, the wider side walls of this apparatus could easily contact brush and other noise-creating foliage outdoors, thus defeating the very purpose for which the wearer is using the apparatus for in the first place. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The present invention contemplates a noise-attenuating apparatus that can be removably couple to footwear for reducing the sounds associated with walking on wilderness terrain. The noise-attenuating apparatus of the present invention includes a base having one end that corresponds to the toe box end of a shoe and second end that corresponds to the heel of a shoe. The noise-attenuating apparatus further includes at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the toe box end the shoe and at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the heel end of the shoe. The at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the toe box end further includes at least one sound-dampening pad. The at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the heel end further couples to at least one sound-dampening cover. A securing system couples to the base and adapted for securing the base to the shoe. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective a top view of a first embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment with a strap securing system showing only the base 
           [0011]      FIG. 1B  is the drawing from  FIG. 1A  now showing a strap system and an outline of a boot within the noise-attenuating attachment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the first embodiment showing a sound-dampening cover at the proximal end and sound dampening pads corresponding to the distal end of a wearer&#39;s foot, the underside of two plates with corresponding first and second array of apertures. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an offset bottom view of the first embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment further showing the sound-dampening pads coupled to corresponding platforms. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the first embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment with a securing system comprising a slight variation of the strap positioning. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the first embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment with a securing system comprising an elastic system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective of a second embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment with the strap securing system. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6B  is the drawing from  FIG. 6A  now showing a strap system and an outline of a boot within the noise-attenuating attachment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective of a second embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment with the elastic securing system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective of a third embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    The disclosed noise-attenuating attachments for footwear will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description. 
         [0021]    Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various noise-attenuating attachments for footwear are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example. 
         [0022]    Overview 
         [0023]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , a first example of a noise-attenuating attachment apparatus for footwear, noise-attenuating apparatus  100 , will not be described. Noise-attenuating apparatus  100  includes a base  110 , a distal end sound-dampening cover  130 , a proximal end sound-dampening pad  132  and a strap system  140 . Alternatively, noise-attenuating apparatus  100  can be attached to footwear with an elastic securing mechanism  160 . 
       Base 
     First Embodiment 
       [0024]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1A , base  110  includes a distal end  101  and a proximal end  102 . Distal end  101  corresponds to the toe end of footwear and proximal end  102  corresponds to the heel end of footwear. In this embodiment, base  110  comprises two pieces, a distal end plate  112  and a proximal end plate  122 . 
         [0025]    Distal end plate  112  further includes a distal end plate first end  113 , a distal end plate second end  115 , a distal end lip  118  on either side of distal end plate second end  115 . Proximal end plate  122  also includes a proximal end plate first end  123  and a proximal end plate second end  125 . Distal end lip  118  on either side of distal end plate  112  accommodates the sides of proximal end plate  122  at proximal end plate first end  123 . When distal end plate  112  and proximal end plate  122  are fitted together through distal end plate second end  115  and proximal end plate first end  123 , the overall length of base  110  can be adjusted. 
         [0026]    Apertures on the Distal End and Proximal End Plates 
         [0027]    Further included on distal end plate  112  and proximal end plate  122  are a plurality of apertures that aid to secure distal end plate  112  to proximal end plate  122  once a desired length of base  110  has been achieved. Distal end plate  112  further includes a distal end plate, first array of apertures  114  and a distal end plate, second array of apertures  116 . Proximal end plate  122  further includes a proximal end plate, first array of apertures  124  and a proximal end plate, second array of apertures  126 . Distal end plate, first array of apertures  114  can align with proximal end plate, first array of apertures  124 , while distal end plate, second array of apertures  116  align with proximal end plate, second array of apertures  126 . 
         [0028]    Noise-attenuating apparatus  100  further includes at least two base plate fasteners  150 . One base plate fasteners  150  can be inserted through one of the distal end plate, first array of apertures  114  and then through one of the proximal end plate, first array of apertures  116 . A second base plate fastener  150  can be inserted through one of the distal end plate, first array of apertures  124  and then through one of the proximal end plate, first array of apertures  126 . When both fasteners  150  are fastened through one of the distal end plate, first array of apertures  114 , through one of the proximal end plate, first array of apertures  116 , and through one of the distal end plate, first array of apertures  124  and through one of the proximal end plate, first array of apertures  126 , hold distal end plate  112  is secured to proximal end plate  122 . 
         [0029]    Sound Dampening Elements 
         [0030]    Further included on noise-attenuating apparatus  100  are a proximal end sound-dampening cover  130  and distal end sound-dampening pads  132 . Proximal end sound-dampening cover  130  is disposed on the underside of proximal end plate  122 . The top end of proximal end sound-dampening cover  130  is attached to the underside of proximal end plate  122 . The bottom end of proximal end sound-dampening cover  130  contacts the ground when noise-attenuating apparatus  100  is in use. Proximal end sound-dampening cover  130  lifts the wearer&#39;s heel above the ground, providing sufficient clearance over most noisy ground cover likely to be encountered by a hunter or other outdoor enthusiast. Proximal end sound-dampening cover  130  is made of a rubberized material either natural or synthetic. The rubberized material, provides some sound-dampening properties but also anti-skid properties. In this embodiment proximal end sound-dampening cover  130  is in the shape of a truncated cone. In other embodiments, the proximal end sound-dampening cover can be of other suitable shapes, such as, but not limited to cylindrical, cuboid, and pyramidal shapes. In yet other embodiments, the end of the proximal end sound-dampening cover that is in contact with the ground can be covered with a cloth or fabric material to increase the sound dampening capabilities of the noise attenuating apparatus. 
         [0031]    Next, distal end sound-dampening pads  132  are coupled to distal end plate  112 . Distal end sound-dampening pads  132  are disposed on corresponding platforms  134 . Platforms are disposed on the underside of distal end plate  112  and can vary in height. A first distal end sound-dampening pad  132  attached to a first platform  134  is disposed along the right edge of the underside of distal end plate  112  and a second distal end sound-dampening pad  132  attached to a second platform  134  is disposed along the left edge of the underside of distal end plate  112 . Platforms  134  serve to raise the distal end of a wearer&#39;s foot above the noisy terrain. Distal end sound-dampening pads  132  is composed of sound-dampening materials that is resilient, compressible, and cushioning such as felt or foam. Finally distal end sound-dampening pads  132  may be detachable from platforms  134  and replaceable when worn. 
         [0032]    Strap System 
         [0033]    Noise attenuating apparatus  100  further includes a strap system  140  that allows noise attenuating apparatus  100  to be attached to most footwear. Strap system  140  includes a series of straps  141  and a strap fastener  142 . In order for strap system  140  to attach to base  110 , both distal end plate  112  and proximal end plate  122  includes at least two strap receivers  144 . Straps  141  thread through strap receivers  144  to secure noise-attenuating apparatus  100  to a wearer&#39;s footwear. Straps  141  can be one contiguous piece of material or multiple pieces of material working cooperatively to maintain footwear within noise-attenuating apparatus  100 . Strap fastener  142  can tighten and loosen straps  141 . Strap fastener  142  can be a buckle or a button with corresponding button receiving aperture. The main criterion here is that strap system  140  can be engaged or released with minimal noise. Furthermore, straps  141  can be made of rubberized material or a woven fabric. Finally, while  FIGS. 1B and 4  show a particular arrangement for strap system  140 , a person skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a multitude of ways the straps may be arranged for retaining the noise-attenuating apparatus to footwear. 
         [0034]    Elastic Attachment 
         [0035]    A second means for noise-attenuating apparatus  100  to couple to footwear is through an elastic securing system  160 . Similar to strap system  140 , elastic securing system  160 , can thread through strap receivers  144 . But in the example shown in  FIG. 5 , elastic securing system  160  is anchored to distal end plate  112  and proximal end plate  122  with grommets. Elastic securing system  160  is composed on tight, stretchy elastic material that can fit over footwear. In other embodiments, the elastic securing system can have include means for adjusting the tightness further. 
         [0036]    Other Methods of Attachment 
         [0037]    In other embodiments, specially-designed shoes will have a means for accepting the noise-attenuating apparatus directly incorporated into the outer sole of the shoe. The specialized shoe will have a coupler that can be mated directly with the base of the noise-attenuating apparatus. This design would eliminate the need for way to strap the noise-attenuating apparatus to the footwear, but would require specialized footwear fitted with the means for coupling to the noise-attenuating apparatus. One contemplated specialized footwear is an adaptation of existing bicycle riding shoes with soul-integrated clipping system, or potentially a boot with a ski-like binding or attachment. 
       Second Embodiment 
     Detached but Coupled Plates 
       [0038]    Turning to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a second embodiment of a noise-attenuating apparatus  200  will now be described. Noise-attenuating apparatus  200  share many similarities and identical features with the previously disclosed example. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of noise-attenuating apparatus  200  will not be described redundantly in great detail. 
         [0039]    Coupled Base Plates 
         [0040]    Noise-attenuating apparatus  200  has two base plates that are not in direct contact. Noise-attenuating apparatus  200  also includes a distal-end plate  212  and a proximal-end plate  222 . Distal-end plate  212  further includes a distal-end plate first end  213  and a distal-end plate second end  214 . Similarly, proximal-end plate  222  further includes a proximal-end plate first end  223  and a proximal-end plate second end  224 . Next, a distal plate aperture  215  is disposed on distal-end plate second end  214  and a proximal plate aperture  225  is disposed on proximal-end plate first end  223 . Finally, distal-end plate  212  further includes a distal-end securing aperture  216  and proximal-end plate  222  includes a proximal-end securing aperture  226 . 
         [0041]    Distal-end plate  212  is coupled to proximal-end plate  222  though a coupling bar  270 . Coupling bar  270  includes a coupling bar first end  272  and a coupling bar second end  274 . Coupling bar  270  further includes a series of coupling bar apertures  276  along the longitudinal body of the bar. Coupling bar first end  272  is fitted though distal-plate aperture  215  while coupling bar second end  274  is fitted through proximal-plate aperture  225 . In use, coupling bar apertures  276  disposed on coupling bar first end  272  aligns with distal-end securing aperture  216  and coupling bar apertures  276  disposed on coupling bar second end  274  aligns with proximal-end securing aperture  226 . Once a desired to a particular footwear is achieved, fasteners  268  secure coupling bar first end  272  to distal-end plate  212  through distal-end securing aperture  216  and coupling bar second end  274  to proximal-end plate  222  through proximal-end securing aperture  226 . 
         [0042]    Similar to noise-attenuating apparatus  100 , noise-attenuating apparatus  200  includes a distal-end sound-dampening pad  232  and a proximal-end sound-dampening cover  230 . Because proximal-end plate  222  has an opening to allow for some adjustability of coupling bar second end  274  through proximal plate aperture  225 , the shape of proximal-end sound-dampening cover  230  is such that it is able to accommodate the opening of proximal-end plate  222 . 
         [0043]    Similar to noise-attenuating apparatus  100 , noise-attenuating apparatus  200  includes a securing system that allows noise-attenuating apparatus  200  to be attached to most footwear. The means for securing noise-attenuating apparatus  200  to footwear can be either a strap system  240  or an elastic system  270  similar to those described for noise-attenuating apparatus  100 . 
       Detached Base Plates 
     Third Embodiment 
       [0044]    Turning to  FIG. 7 , a third embodiment of a noise-attenuating apparatus  300  will now be described. Noise-attenuating apparatus  300  share many similarities and identical features with the previously disclosed example. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of noise-attenuating apparatus  300  will not be described redundantly in great detail. 
         [0045]    Noise-attenuating apparatus  300  includes a distal-end plate  312  and a proximal-end plate  322 . Noise-attenuating apparatus  300  further includes a securing system  340 . Securing system  340  has a securing system distal-end  341  and a securing system proximal-end  346 . Distal-end plate  312  is secured to securing system distal-end  341 , while proximal-end plate  322  is secured to securing system proximal-end  346  by any suitable means such as grommet, adhesives, and other coupling means known in the art. Securing system distal-end  341  has an opening large enough for a wearer to insert the toe box of his footwear. 
         [0046]    Securing system distal-end  341  and securing system proximal-end  346  further include a way to couple and adjust relative to one another. Securing system distal-end  341  further includes a securing system distal-end left side  342  and a securing system distal-end right side  343 . Securing system proximal-end  346  further includes a securing system proximal-end left side  347  and a securing system proximal-end right side  348 . Included on securing system distal-end left side  342  and on securing system proximal-end left side  347  are a series of distal-end left couplers  344  and a proximal-end left coupler  349 . Similarly, securing system distal-end right side  343  and proximal-end right side  348  include a series of distal-end right couplers  345  and a proximal-end left coupler  350 . Proximal-end left coupler  349  can couple to any of distal-end left couplers  344  while proximal-end right coupler  350  can couple to any of the distal-end right couplers  345 . By adjusting the way proximal-end left coupler  349  is coupled to distal-end left couplers  344  and by adjusting the way proximal-end right coupler  350  is coupled to distal-end right couplers  345 , the overall length of noise-attenuating apparatus  300  may be adjusted. Finally, while securing system  340  can comprise any suitable materials such as metal or woven fabric, the goal is for it to be silent when it taking on and off. Thus, in the present embodiment, securing system  340  is composed of rubberized straps and rubberized couplers. 
         [0047]    The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 
         [0048]    Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.