BOOT SCRAPER APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH TREKKING POLES

Abstract

A ski boot scraper device adapted for use with trekking poles. The ski boot scraper device provides a user the ability to scrape the underside of their shoes or boots clean to remove mud, snow, or other unwanted material adhered to the underside of the boot through the use of a scraper blade which is reconfigurable from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. In a stowed configuration, the scraper blade generally longitudinally aligned with a first pole, and in a deployed configuration the scraper blade is misaligned with (e.g., orthogonal to) the first pole, and configured to interconnect to a second pole to provide added support and stability for the process of scraping one's footwear upon the scraper blade.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a ski boot scraper device adapted for use with trekking poles. The ski boot scraper device provides a user the ability to scrape the underside of their shoes or boots clean to remove mud, snow, or other unwanted material adhered to the underside of the boot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a known problem associated with wearing shoes for outdoor use wherein unwanted material adheres to the bottom of the shoes. This problem extends to the use of footwear such as hiking boots, everyday shoes, and ski boots. The adherence of unwanted material to the bottom of the footwear can be inconvenient, problematic, and sometimes dangerous as related to the use of the footwear as intended or in certain environments.

For instance, the adherence of mud to hiking boots renders footwear tread useless as the voids are filled with mud. Thus, the mud reduces the traction one has when hiking or scrambling which can result in an increased chance of injury. Furthermore, the adherence of mud can result in the tracking of mud into an area, such as indoors, where mud is not wanted.

In the case of ski boots, for instance, the adherence of snow under a ski-boot can result in unsatisfactory interconnection with ski-bindings which can result in premature release of the boot from the ski-bindings. A premature release of ski-boots from ski-bindings can result in injury or death dependent upon the speed, terrain, and situation which a skier is in.

In each of the skiing and the hiking use-cases, the use of ski-poles or trekking poles (referred to collectively herein as “poles”) respectively are common. Thus, there is an identified need to provide a technology directed to scraping and cleaning the underside of outdoor footwear in conjunction with the use of poles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an identified aspect of the present invention to provide a device for scraping the underside of outdoor footwear to remove unwanted material which has adhered to the underside of the footwear through use in outdoor environments.

In certain embodiments, a scraper blade is provided which is interconnected to a first pole, wherein the scraper blade is configured to be deployed from the first pole to interconnect with a second pole to provide a stable structure wherein a user can scrape the underside of their footwear.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the inventions contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, this Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in this Summary, as well as in the attached drawings and the detailed description below, and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings, and the claims provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1—A side view of certain embodiments of the present invention comprising a first pole, a second pole, and a scraper blade extending therebetween

FIG. 2A—A side perspective view of certain embodiments comprising a first pole with a scraper blade in the stowed configuration

FIG. 2B—A side perspective view of certain embodiments comprising a first pole with a scraper blade in a partially deployed configuration

FIG. 2C—A side perspective view of certain embodiments of a first pole with a scraper blade in a deployed configuration

FIG. 3A—A front view of certain embodiments of the present invention comprising a first pole having a scraper blade interconnected thereto

FIG. 3B—A section view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A

FIG. 4—A side view of certain embodiments of a first pole with a scraper blade in a

deployed configuration

FIG. 5A—A side view of certain embodiments comprising a second pole

FIG. 5B—A front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A

FIG. 5C—A section view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B

FIG. 6A—An exploded side view of certain embodiments comprising a plug adapted for inserting within the pole for increased structural rigidity

FIG. 6B—A front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1 for instance, comprise a first pole 1100 comprising a scraper blade 1300 adapted for the removal of material from underneath a user's footwear, wherein the scraper blade 1300 is configured to interconnect with a second pole 1200 to provide added support and stability for the process of scraping one's footwear upon the scraper blade 1300.

Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a first pole 1100 having a scraper blade 1300 pivotally interconnected thereto wherein the scraper blade 1300 is configured to pivotally rotate about a pivot point 1330 wherein the scraper blade can be configured in a stowed configuration (FIG. 2A) wherein the scraper blade 1300 is aligned with the first pole 1100, preferably such that the scraper blade 1300 is parallel to the first pole 1100. When in a stowed configuration, a first side 1310 of the scraper blade faces outward from the first pole 1100. Furthermore, the scraper blade 1300 can be configured in a deployed configuration (FIG. 2C) wherein the scraper blade 1300 is misaligned with the first pole, such as orthogonally, to the first pole 1100 allow a user to scrape the bottom of their footwear on a second side 1320 of the scraper blade.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2A-FIG. 4 for instance, a first end 1311 of the scraper blade is pivotally interconnected with the first pole 1100 wherein the first end 1311 of the scraper blade is pivotally interconnected to the first pole 1100 within a recess 1150. The recess 1150 extends longitudinally along a medial portion of the first pole 1100 wherein the recess 1150 comprises a first end 1151, and the recess further comprises a second end 1152 located above the first end 1151 of the recess when the first pole 1100 is held in an upright orientation. The recess is configured to house the scraper blade 1300 partially or entirely therein when the scraper blade is in a stowed configuration. In certain embodiments, the scraper blade 1300 further comprises a second end 1322 wherein the second end 1322 comprises a hook form 1340 on the first side 1310 of the scraper blade. The hook form 1340 is configured to interconnect with a receiver 1400 of a second pole 1200 wherein the interconnection of the hook form 1340 to the receiver 1400 results in increased support and stability for the scraper blade 1300 for use in clearing material from underneath footwear.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 5B for instance, a second pole 1200 comprises a receiver configured to interconnect with the second end 1322 of the scraper blade. In certain embodiments the second pole 1200 comprises a slot 1250 adapted for receiving the hook form 1340. In certain embodiments, the slot 1250 further comprises a pin 1260 which traverses the width of the slot wherein the hook form 1340 is configured to catch and interconnect with the pin 1260. The interconnection of the hook form 1340 with the pin 1260 constrains the scraper blade 1300 to the second pole 1200 and to prevent the movement of the scraper blade 1300 downward while a user scrapes material from the underside of their footwear.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 4 for instance, the scraper blade 1300 comprises a flat blade as shown with the first side 1310 comprising a thin edge profile, and the second side 1320 comprising a thin edge profile. With a flat blade the thin edge profile of the second side 1320 provides scraping capabilities for removing material from the bottom of a user's footwear. In certain embodiments the scraper blade 1300 is configured to be fully contained within the recess 1150 when the scraper blade 1300 is in a stowed configuration.

While embodiments shown and described herein comprise a scraper blade 1300 having a thin edge profile, alternate scraper blade forms are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, in alternate embodiments (not shown), the scraper blade 1300 comprises a semi-cylindrical or wherein a cross-section of the scraper blade comprises a chord shape. In such alternate embodiments the first side 1310 of the scraper blade comprises a convex aspect, and the second side 1320 of the scraper blade comprises a concave aspect configured to receive the outer profile 1160 of the first pole 1100 therein. Furthermore, in certain embodiments the second side 1320 of the scraper blade comprises a first scraping element and a second scraping element for removing material from underneath a user's footwear. When the scraper blade is placed in a stowed configuration, the scraper blade is configured to receive the outer profile 1160 of the first pole therein, resulting in a low-profile form-factor in relation to the outer profile 1160 of the first pole.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 4 for instance, a handle 1500 is interconnected to the first side 1310 of the blade in proximity to the second end 1322 of the scraper blade. As shown, the handle 1500 is interconnected to the first side 1310 of the scraper blade in proximity to the second end 1322 of the scraper blade, but offset toward the first end 1311 of the scraper blade. The handle 1500 is configured to rotate to a position which extends radially outward from the first pole 1100, wherein a user can grasp the handle 1500 to transition the scraper blade 1300 between a stowed configuration (FIG. 2A) and deployed configuration (FIG. 2C). As shown in FIG. 2B, the scraper blade 1300 is between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration wherein the scraper blade 1300 is orthogonally oriented in relation to the first pole 1100.

In certain embodiments, to use the apparatus and system as described herein a user would pull on the handle 1500 which transitions the scraper blade 1300 rotatively from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. When in a deployed configuration, the hook form 1340 at the second end of the scraper blade is interconnected with the receiver 1400 of the second pole thereby constraining the scraper blade 1300 to the second pole 1200 and thereby constraining the first pole 1100 and the second pole 1200 to an offset distance equal to the length 1370 of the scraper blade. A user can then scrape the bottom of their footwear on the scraper blade prior to disengaging the scraper blade 1300 from the second pole 1200 and rotating the scraper blade 1300 to a stowed configuration.

In certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 6A-FIG. 6B for instance, a first pole 1100 (or second pole 1200 as desired) comprises a plug 1600 configured to be inserted within the hollow aspect of the first pole 1100 wherein the plug 1600 is configured to provide increased structural rigidity to the first pole 1100 in relation to a recess 1150 (or slot 1250) extending through an outer profile 1160 of the first pole. In certain embodiments the 1600 plug comprises a solid form, while alternate embodiments comprising a plug 1600 with hollow form are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In certain embodiments the plug 1600 is configured to be inserted through a first end 1110 of the pole and slid into place. In certain embodiments the plug 1600 comprises a slot 1650 which is configured to align with the recess 1150 (or slot 1250) of the first pole 1100 which it is slid into, thereby supporting the operation of the pole for carrying a scraper blade 1300 or a receiver for interconnection with the second end 1322 of a scraper blade.

In certain embodiments, the first pole 1100 comprises a first plug 1600 inserted therein, wherein a slot 1650 of the plug is adapted to align with the recess 1150 of the first pole, and wherein the first end 1311 of the scraper blade is configured to be pivotally interconnected with the plug 1600 and the first pole 1100 simultaneously.

In certain embodiments, the second pole 1200 comprises a second plug 1600 inserted therein, wherein a slot 1650 of the second plug is adapted to align with the slot 1250 of the second pole, and wherein the receiver (such as a pin) is interconnected to the second pole 1200 and the second plug 1600 simultaneously.

In certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 4 for instance, a first pole 1100 further comprises a blade lock 1700 configured to constrain the scraper blade 1300 to a stowed configuration. The blade lock 1700 comprises a cylindrical form, or otherwise hollow form, adapted to surround the first pole 1100 in proximity to the second end 1152 of the recess of the first pole. The blade lock 1700 is adapted to be slidably adjusted downward over a portion of the recess, such as the second end 1152 of the recess, thus blocking the scraper blade 1300 from being rotatively transitioned from a stowed configuration wherein the scraper blade 1300 is constrained to a stowed configuration. Furthermore, the blade lock 1700 is adapted to be slidably adjusted upward to allow the transition from a stowed configuration to a deployed orientation as desired.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the inventions described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.

Claims

1. A boot scraper system comprising: a first pole having a hollow form, and comprising a recess extending longitudinally along a medial portion of the first pole, wherein the recess comprises a first end, and wherein the recess comprises a second end located above the first end of the recess when the first pole is held in an upright orientation;a scraper blade comprising a first end which is pivotally interconnected within the recess in proximity to the first end of the recess, wherein in a stowed configuration the recess is adapted to contain the scraper blade therein, and wherein in a deployed configuration the scraper blade is configured to extend orthogonally outward from the first pole;the scraper blade further comprising a second end, the second end of the scraper blade comprising a hook form on a first side of the scraper blade;the first side of the scraper blade further comprising a handle offset toward the first end of the scraper blade from the hook form;a blade lock comprising a cylindrical form adapted to surround the first pole in proximity to the second end of the recess wherein the blade lock is adapted to slide downward to maintain the scraper blade in a stowed configuration, and wherein the blade lock is adapted to slide upward to allow transition of the scraper blade from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration;a second pole having a hollow form, and comprising a slot in a medial portion of the second pole, and the slot of the second pole comprising a pin therein;a first plug having a solid form adapted for insertion into the first pole, wherein the solid form comprises a recess which matches the recess of the first pole, wherein the recesses are configured to align when the first plug is inserted into the first pole, and wherein the first plug is adapted to increase structural integrity of the first pole; anda second plug having a solid form adapted for insertion into the second pole, wherein the solid form comprises a slot which matches the slot of the first pole, wherein the slots are configured to align when the second plug is inserted into the second pole, and wherein the second plug is adapted to increase structural integrity of the second pole;wherein when the first pole and the second pole are parallel to each other, the scraper blade is adapted to be rotatively adjusted downward from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration, wherein a hook of the scraper blade is adapted to interconnect with the pin of the second pole, andwherein a second side of the scraper blade is directed upward.

2. A boot scraper system comprising: a first pole comprising a scraper blade having a longitudinal form, including a first end which is pivotally interconnected to the first pole, wherein: in accordance with the scraper blade being in a stowed configuration, the longitudinal form of the scraper blade is aligned with the first pole, andin accordance with the scraper blade being in a deployed configuration, the scraper blade is misaligned with the first pole;the scraper blade further comprising a second end comprising an interconnecting feature, wherein, in accordance with the scraper blade being in the deployed configuration and the first pole is in an upright configuration, the interconnecting feature is configured to interconnect with a second pole which is in an upright configuration.

3. The boot scraper system of claim 2, wherein the interconnection feature is interconnected with a first side of the scraper blade.

4. The boot scraper system of claim 3, wherein when the scraper blade is in a deployed configuration, in accordance with the first pole being in an upright orientation, a second side of the scraper blade, different than the first side of the scraper blade, is directed upward.

5. The boot scraper system of claim 4, further comprising a handle interconnected to the first side of the scraper blade, wherein the handle is offset toward the first end of the scraper blade from the second end of the scraper blade.

6. The boot scraper system of claim 2, wherein the interconnecting feature comprises a hook form on a first side of the scraper blade.

7. The boot scraper system of claim 6, wherein the second pole comprises a pin which traverses a longitudinal aspect of the second pole, wherein the hook form is configured to interconnect with the pin of the second pole.

8. The boot scraper system of claim 7, wherein the scraper blade is configured to allow the scraper blade to be orthogonal to the longitudinal aspect of the first pole when the scraper blade is in the deployed configuration.

9. The boot scraper system of claim 6, wherein the hook form is offset toward the first end of the scraper blade from the second end of the scraper blade.

10. The boot scraper system of claim 9, wherein the scraper blade further comprises a handle interconnected to the first side of the scraper blade between the hook form and the first end of the scraper blade.

11. The boot scraper system of claim 2, wherein the first end of scraper blade is interconnected within a recess of the first pole which extends longitudinally along a medial portion of the first pole.

12. The boot scraper system of claim 11, wherein in accordance with the scraper blade being in a stowed configuration and the first pole being in an upright configuration, the second end of the scraper blade is located above the first end of the scraper blade.

13. The boot scraper system of claim 11, wherein in accordance with the scraper blade being in a stowed configuration, the recess is configured to house at least a first side of the scraper blade wherein a second side of the scraper blade is directed outward from the recess.

14. The boot scraper system of claim 11, further comprising a blade lock configured to constrain the scraper blade in the stowed configuration, wherein: in accordance with the blade lock being in a first configuration, and the scraper blade is in the stowed configuration, the scraper blade is locked in the stowed configuration, preventing reconfiguring the scraper blade to the deployed configuration; andin accordance with the blade lock being in a second configuration, the scraper blade is reconfigurable from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.

15. The boot scraper system of claim 14, wherein the blade lock is slidably adjustable along the first pole, wherein in the first configuration, the blade lock is configured to obstruct at least a portion of the recess, thus blocking the scraper blade from rotating from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.

16. The boot scraper system of claim 11, further comprising a first plug adapted for inserting within a hollow aspect of the first pole, wherein the scraper blade is interconnected to the first plug.

17. The boot scraper system of claim 16, wherein the first plug includes a slot configured to align with the recess of the first pole.

18. The boot scraper system of claim 16, further comprising a second plug adapted for inserting within a hollow aspect of the second pole, wherein the second plug is configured to interconnect with the second end of the scraper blade when the scraper blade is in a deployed configuration.