Abstract:
A device suitable for use in donning a ski boot and a method of using the device to don a ski boot. According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a wheel mounting bracket, the wheel mounting bracket comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinally-extending slot disposed therebetween. A wheel is rotatably mounted within the longitudinally-extending slot and is shaped to include a proximal extension and a distal extension. A first handle is fixed to the distal end of the wheel mounting bracket, and a second handle is fixed to the distal extension of the wheel. A first spreader is fixed to the proximal extension of the wheel, and a second spreader is fixed to the proximal end of the wheel mounting bracket. The wheel is provided with a plurality of teeth along its periphery. A pawl, which is pivotally mounted on the wheel mounting bracket, is engageable with the teeth and is biased towards the teeth by a spring clip.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to devices adapted for use in donning footwear and more particularly to a novel device adapted for use in donning a ski boot and to a method of using said device. 
     The difficulties associated with donning tight-fitting articles of footwear of the type having a closed-heel are well-chronicled and are attributable in large part to the fact that while, in many instances, it is desirable to make such footwear as rigid as possible to provide protection to a foot disposed therein, such rigidity makes the insertion of a foot into the article of footwear more difficult. One common approach to this problem has been the use of a conventional shoe horn. Examples of other types of devices that are designed for use in donning footwear are disclosed in the following U.S. patents, all of which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,607, inventor Koskela, which issued Nov. 20, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,654, inventor Evensen, which issued May 23, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,701, inventor Busch, which issued Nov. 2, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,573, inventors Votino et al., which issued Jul. 27, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,729, inventor Ramon, which issued Sep. 15, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,569, inventors Votino et al., which issued Apr. 21, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,800, inventor Sergi, which issued Feb. 28, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 4,718,135, inventor Colvin, which issued Jan. 12, 1988; U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,861, inventors Harrington et al., which issued May 26, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 3,591,226, inventors Elmore et al., which issued Jul. 6, 1971; and U.S. Pat. No. 28,927, inventor Wheeler, which issued Jun. 28, 1860. 
     As can readily be appreciated, the aforementioned difficulties associated with the donning of tight-fitting footwear are especially acute in the case of ski boots, which must be particularly rigid and tight-fitting to afford optimal protection and support to the ski boot wearer. Unfortunately, however, because of the size, shape and rigidity of most ski boots, most shoe horns and other devices of the type discussed above are of little use in helping one to don a ski boot. As a result, the typical way in which a skier dons a ski boot is to insert her foot into the boot while, at the same time, manually spreading apart the cuff portions of the boot disposed on opposite sides of the boot tongue. However, as can readily be appreciated, this task is often too onerous for many children and other weaker individuals. Consequently, it is often necessary for such individuals to enlist the aid of a second person to spread apart the opposing cuff portions of the boot while the skier inserts her foot into the boot. As can be imagined, where there are many individuals in need of assistance and a limited number of people available for help, the foregoing procedure can become quite time-consuming and can even cause a delay to those individuals who are helping others from donning their own ski boots. Moreover, it can readily be appreciated that the task of spreading apart the opposing cuff portions can be tiring, both to those working on their own ski boots and to those working on the ski boots of others. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel device adapted for use in donning a ski boot. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device as described above that overcomes at least some of the problems discussed above in connection with the donning of ski boots. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device as described above that is adapted to be used either by the skier wishing to don her own ski boot or by a first individual wishing to help a second individual to don a ski boot. 
     It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a device as described above that has a minimal number of parts, that can be mass-produced and that is easy to operate. 
     According to the above and other objects to be described or apparent from the description which follows, there is provided herein a device suitable for use in donning a ski boot, said device comprising (a) a first handle; (b) a second handle; (c) a first spreader; (d) a second spreader; and (e) means for coupling said first and second handles to said first and second spreaders so that said first and second spreaders may be pivoted away from one another by pivoting said first and second handles away from one another. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a wheel mounting bracket, the wheel mounting bracket comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinally-extending slot disposed therebetween. A wheel is rotatably mounted within the longitudinally-extending slot and is shaped to include a proximal extension and a distal extension. A first handle is fixed to the distal end of the wheel mounting bracket, and a second handle is fixed to the distal extension of the wheel. The first and second handles are mirror images of one another viewed along their respective longitudinal axes, each of the first and second handles being a unitary structure. The first handle is shaped to include a generally rectangular intermediate portion, a generally rectangular proximal end, a trapezoidal intermediate portion, and a distal end. The proximal end of the first handle is of reduced width as compared to the generally rectangular intermediate portion. The trapezoidal intermediate portion is disposed between the generally rectangular intermediate portion and the proximal end, said trapezoidal intermediate portion tapering in width from said generally rectangular intermediate portion to said proximal end. The distal end is of intermediate width as compared to the generally rectangular intermediate portion and the proximal end. The sides of the distal end are turned upwardly, the remainder of said first handle being coplanar. 
     A first spreader is fixed to the proximal extension of the wheel, and a second spreader is fixed to the proximal end of the wheel mounting bracket. The first and second spreaders are mirror images of one another viewed along their respective longitudinal axes, each of the first and second spreaders being a unitary structure. The first spreader is shaped to include generally rectangular first intermediate portion. An upwardly extending, generally rectangular second intermediate portion extends distally from said generally rectangular first intermediate portion. A generally rectangular third intermediate portion extends distally from said upwardly extending, generally rectangular second intermediate portion, said generally rectangular third intermediate portion extending generally parallel to said generally rectangular first intermediate portion. The first spreader also includes a generally rectangular distal end of reduced width as compared to said generally rectangular third intermediate portion, a trapezoidal fourth intermediate portion disposed between said generally rectangular third intermediate portion and said proximal end, said trapezoidal fourth intermediate portion tapering in width from said generally rectangular third intermediate portion to said distal end. The first spreader further includes a proximal end extending proximally from said generally rectangular first intermediate portion and curving upwardly away therefrom. 
     The wheel is provided with a plurality of teeth along its periphery. A pawl, which is pivotally mounted on the wheel mounting bracket, is engageable with the teeth and is biased towards the teeth by a spring clip so that the pawl engages the teeth in a ratchet-type manner as the handles are pivoted away from one another. To pivot the handles back towards one another (once the device has been successfully used), one pivots the pawl away from the wheel, thereby releasing the pawl from engagement with the teeth. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of using said device to facilitate donning a ski boot or to facilitate removal of a ski boot from a wearer. 
     For purposes of the present specification and claims, it is to be understood that certain terms used herein, such as “on,” “over,” and “in front of,” when used to denote the relative positions of two or more components of the device, are used to denote such relative positions in a particular orientation and that, in a different orientation, the relationship of said components may be reversed or otherwise altered. 
     Additional objects, as well as features and advantages, of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments for practicing the invention. The embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are hereby incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts: 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a device adapted for use in donning a ski boot, said device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, the bracket member thereof not being shown to reveal components otherwise obscured thereby; 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the handle shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the spreader shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the wheel shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the bolts shown in FIG. 1 used to secure the top spreader to the wheel; 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the wheel mounting bracket shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the shoulder screw shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the nut shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the pawl shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the pin shown in FIG. 1; and 
     FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the clip shown in FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, there are shown various views of one embodiment of a device adapted for use in donning a ski boot, said device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and being represented generally by reference numeral  11 . 
     Device  11  comprises a pair of identical handles  13 - 1  and  13 - 2 , handles  13 - 1  and  13 - 2  facing away from one another in a mirror image orientation for reasons to become apparent below. Referring now to FIG. 5, handle  13 - 1  is shown by itself; it being understood that the description of handle  13 - 1  to follow applies to handle  13 - 2  as well, albeit in a mirror image orientation. Handle  13 - 1  is an elongated unitary structure, preferably made of a durable metal or a durable molded plastic. Handle  13 - 1  is shaped to include a flat, generally rectangular intermediate portion  14 - 1 , a flat, generally rectangular proximal end  15 - 1 , a flat, trapezoidal intermediate portion  16 - 1 , and a distal end  17 - 1 . Proximal end  15 - 1  is of reduced width as compared to intermediate portion  14 - 1 . Portion  16 - 1  is disposed between intermediate portion  14 - 1  and proximal end  15 - 1  and tapers in width from intermediate portion  14 - 1  to proximal end  15 - 1 . Distal end  17 - 1  is of intermediate width as compared to intermediate portion  14 - 1  and proximal end  15 - 1 . The sides  18 - 1  and  18 - 2  of distal end  17 - 1  are turned upwardly (or, in the case of handle  13 - 2 , downwardly) to facilitate the grasping of distal end  17 - 1  by a user, the remainder of handle  13 - 1  being coplanar. 
     Referring back now to FIGS. 1 through 4, device  11  further comprises a pair of identical spreaders  21 - 1  and  21 - 2 , spreaders  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  facing away from one another in a mirror image orientation for reasons to become apparent below. Referring now to FIG. 6, spreader  21 - 1  is shown by itself, it being understood that the description of spreader  21 - 1  to follow applies to spreader  21 - 2  as well, albeit in a mirror image orientation. Spreader  21 - 1  is an elongated unitary structure, preferably made of a durable metal or a durable molded plastic. Spreader  21 - 1  is shaped to include an elongated, flat, generally rectangular intermediate portion  23 - 1 , an upwardly bent (or, in the case of spreader  21 - 2 , downwardly bent), generally rectangular intermediate portion  25 - 1  extending distally from intermediate portion  23 - 1 , a flat, generally rectangular intermediate portion  27 - 1  extending distally from intermediate portion  25 - 1  and generally parallel to intermediate portion  23 - 1 , a flat, generally rectangular distal end  29 - 1 , distal end  29 - 1  being of reduced width as compared to intermediate portion  27 - 1 , a flat, trapezoidal intermediate portion  31 - 1 , portion  31 - 1  being disposed between intermediate portion  27 - 1  and proximal end  29 - 1  and tapering in width from intermediate portion  27 - 1  to distal end  29 - 1 , and a proximal end  33 - 1  extending proximally from intermediate portion  23 - 1  and curving upwardly (or, in the case of spreader  21 - 2 , downwardly) away therefrom. 
     Referring back now to FIGS. 1 through 4, device  11  further comprises means for coupling together handles  13 - 1  and  13 - 2  and spreaders  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  so that spreaders  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  may be pivoted away from one another in a ratchet-type manner. Said coupling means comprises, in the present embodiment, a wheel  51  and a wheel mounting bracket  61 . Wheel  51 , which is also shown separately in FIG. 7, is a unitary structure preferably made of a durable metal or a durable molded plastic. Wheel  51  is shaped to include a central annular portion  52  and a pair of off-center lateral extensions  53  and  55 , extensions  53  and  55  extending parallel to one another from opposite points around the periphery of annular portion  52 . Annular portion  52  is shaped to include a central transverse opening  54 , the purpose of which will be discussed below, and a plurality of teeth  56 , the purpose of which will also be discussed below, teeth  56  being located below extension  55  along a segment of the periphery of portion  52 . Handle  13 - 2  is fixedly secured (by an adhesive or other suitable means not shown) to the bottom surface of extension  53 , extension  53  having a recessed area  58  so that handle  13 - 2  lies flush with the remainder of extension  53 . Spreader  21 - 1  is fixedly secured by a pair of bolts  59  (one such bolt  59  being shown separately in FIG. 8) to the top surface of extension  55 , extension  55  having a recessed area  60  so that spreader  21 - 1  lies flush with the remainder of extension  55 . As can readily be appreciated, bolts  59  could be replaced with an adhesive or other suitable means. 
     Wheel mounting bracket  61  (which is shown separately in FIG. 9) is an elongated unitary structure, preferably made of a durable metal or durable molded plastic. Bracket  61  is shaped to include a distal portion  63 , a proximal portion  65  and an intermediate portion  67 , intermediate portion  67  interconnecting distal portion  63  and proximal portion  65 . Distal portion  63  and proximal portion  65  extend generally parallel to one another in different planes, with intermediate portion  67  extending downwardly from distal portion  63  to proximal portion  65 . Handle  13 - 1  is fixed (by an adhesive or other suitable means) to the top surface of distal portion  63 , distal portion  63  having a recessed area  69  on its top surface so that handle  13 - 1  lies flush with the remainder of distal portion  63 . Spreader  21 - 2  is fixedly secured by a pair of bolts  59  to the bottom surface of proximal portion  65 . As can readily be appreciated, bolts  59  could be replaced with an adhesive or other suitable means. A longitudinal slot  71 , which extends from distal portion  63  to proximal portion  65 , is provided in bracket  61 , wheel  51  being received in slot  71 . A first pair of transverse openings  73 - 1  and  73 - 2  are formed in bracket  61 , openings  73 - 1  and  73 - 2  communicating with slot  71  and being aligned with opening  54  of wheel  51 . A shoulder screw  75  (shown separately in FIG. 10) is inserted through opening  73 - 1 , opening  54  and opening  73 - 2 , respectively, and is secured in place with a nut  77  (shown separately in FIG.  11 ), screw  75  serving as an axle about which wheel  51  is permitted to rotate. 
     Said coupling means further comprises a pawl  81  (which is shown separately in FIG.  12 ). Pawl  81 , which is an elongated unitary structure, preferably made of a durable metal or durable molded plastic, is shaped to include a generally rectangular lower portion  83  and a hook-shaped upper portion  85 . Pawl  81  extends transversely through longitudinal slot  71  of bracket  61  and is pivotally mounted on a pin  87  (which is shown separately in FIG. 13) so that upper portion  85  of pawl  81  is adapted to engage teeth  56  of annular portion  52 . The aforementioned pivotal mounting of pawl  81  on pin  87  is achieved by insertion of pin  87  through a transverse opening  89  in pawl  81  and through a pair of transverse openings  91 - 1  and  91 - 2  provided in bracket  61 . 
     Said coupling means further comprises resilient means for biasing upper portion  85  of pawl  81  towards teeth  56  of annular portion  52 . In the present embodiment, said biasing means comprises a spring clip  95 . Clip  95 , which is an elongated unitary structure, preferably made of a resilient metal or resilient molded plastic, is shaped to include a proximal portion  97  and a distal portion  99 . Proximal portion  97 , which is generally flat and rectangular in shape, is sandwiched between the top surface of spreader  21 - 2  and the bottom surface of proximal portion  65  and is secured in place by bolts  59 . Distal portion  99  is hook-shaped and is adapted to engage upper portion  85  of pawl  81  in such a manner as to bias upper portion  85  distally towards teeth  56  of annular portion  52  for a ratchet-type action. 
     To use device  11  for the donning of a ski boot, one first rotates device  11  about 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis so that spreaders  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  are positioned side-by-side, as opposed to stacked (as shown in FIGS.  1  through  4 ). One then grasps handles  13 - 1  and  13 - 2  with one&#39;s hands and inserts spreaders  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  between the opposing cuff portions of the ski boot to be donned. Next, one pivots handles  13 - 1  and  13 - 2  away from one another until spreaders  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  have correspondingly been pivoted away from one another and have opened the ski boot sufficiently for the wearer&#39;s foot to be inserted thereinto. Because of the ratchet-type action of device  11 , even if one ceases to apply a pivoting force to handles  13 - 1  and  13 - 2 , spreaders  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  do not revert to their original orientation until desired. Once the ski boot has been donned and it is desirable to pivot spreaders  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  back towards one another, one simply pivots lower portion  83  of pawl  81  towards annular portion  52 , thereby releasing upper portion  85  of pawl  81  from teeth  56 , and pivots handles  13 - 1  and  13 - 2  back towards one another. 
     As can readily be appreciated, device  11  can be used both by a person wishing to don her own ski boot(s) or by a person wishing to help another person to don one or more ski boots. In addition, it should also be appreciated that device  11 , in addition to being used to don a ski boot, can also be used to open a ski boot to permit its removal from a wearer. Lastly, it should further be appreciated that device  11  is not limited to use in the donning or removal of ski boots and can be used to don or to remove other types of footwear. 
     The embodiments of the present invention recited herein are intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art will be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.