1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to a shoe horn and more particularly to a compact heel slide that uses surface treatment to aid in the putting on of a shoe.
2. State of the Art
Conventional shoe horns are made up of a rigid material, usually plastic or metal, with a bulky curved shape.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,607 describes a compact shoe horn of flexible material which is able to fit in a wallet. However this prior patent is aided by the planar shape of the device rather than surfacing. Therefore its configuration less resembles the card geometry of conventional marketing and transactional cards, such as a business card or a credit card.
The object of the invention is to aid in the putting on of shoes through surfacing. The said device is planar with two surfaces, one encouraging movement (smooth) and one resisting movement (rough). In the process of using the device to put on a shoe, the smooth side is against the heel of the foot and the rough side is against the top back interior of the shoe. The said device can have a compact geometry that resembles conventional cards that fit into a wallet, such as business cards, credit cards, or advertising cards.
In addition to the variations mentioned above and below, the system can be varied such that:
Patterns of protrusions are only illustrative. Patterns can be varied for efficiency, ascetics, or any other reason. Protrusions are not necessary if another means of resistance to movement is used.
It is possible that patterns can be created through a means similar to that of credit card making. In such case, it is possible that one side may have pocks, or indents.
Image or text printing can be within or on any side or edge of the device.
Magnetic strips can be within or on any side or edge of the device.
The invention is further explained to be:
Planar member with two sides, one side had a method to resist movement, such as ribbed or rubberized, or patterns of protrusions to increase friction.
Other side is smooth with minimal or no projections or surface treatment to resist movement
Ridged side is meant to engage back interior portion of foot covering (shoe, boot, moccasin) while smooth side allow for the heel of foot to slide into shoe.
It is understood that the preceding description is given merely by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention and that various modification may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention.