Patent Application
20220151329
The disclosure relates to a work shoe, in particular for use in leveling work and/or filling work and/or for aerating a lawn.
Work shoes of the type discussed have been known from the field for years and exist in various embodiments. For example, a shoe apparatus in the form of a plastic spiked sole is known from practice in the field of leveling or smoothing shoes. The known spiked shoe apparatus comprises a plastic plate provided with spikes as a spiked sole and is fastened to the existing footwear or to the shoe worn by the wearer of the shoe using straps.
The known spiked shoe apparatus is problematic in several respects. A serious disadvantage of said spiked shoe apparatus is the large amount of time initially required to connect or couple the shoe apparatus to the wearer's footwear using the straps. Furthermore, the shoe wearer/user always has the problem that, for deployment, the connection to be made between the shoe worn by the user and the spiked shoe apparatus is only moderately stable. The attachment of the spiked shoe apparatus using straps to the shoe or footwear worn has a tendency in particular to come loose. In particular, fastening the straps by means of hook and loop fasteners can only work when the hook and loop fasteners are as clean and as sound as possible.
In the common fields of deployment of the spiked shoe apparatus, in which, for example, screed, filling material, or similar materials are handled, it is hard to avoid rapid soiling, even when working with care. An unstable connection between the footwear and the spiked shoe apparatus associated with soiling can mean a considerable risk of injury for the wearer, as he no longer has a stable footing. Consequently, there is an unnecessary risk of accident for the wearer of the known spiked shoe apparatus; at least, however, the wearer of the spiked shoe apparatus regularly has to take into account and, if necessary, compensate for an unstable footing.
Furthermore, placing a knee to physically balance oneself or touching the fresh compound with a hand in the fresh filling material or leveling substance leads to unnecessary, costly, and time-consuming additional effort.
Furthermore, cleaning of the known spiked shoe apparatus is time-consuming and often does not produce satisfactory results. The connection system in particular suffers especially: either the connecting means—for coupling the footwear and the spiked shoe apparatus—are no longer properly clean since the dried-on substances can no longer be removed from the connecting means or straps, or thorough cleaning takes such a great toll on the connecting means that it significantly reduces the service life of the spiked shoe apparatus. Hook and loop fasteners or any plastic clasps wear very quickly here, as a result of which the entire spiked shoe apparatus must be quickly discarded or replaced. This is costly in the long run and is not in line with a desirable prevention of product waste.
The present disclosure is, therefore, directed to a work shoe of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that, with simple structural means, one or more disadvantages from the prior art are counteracted as far as possible, particularly with regard to as secure and stable a footing as possible during work use.
According to the disclosure, a work shoe is specified, in particular for use in leveling work and/or filling work and/or for aerating a lawn, wherein the work shoe is designed such that a wearer's foot can be introduced into the shoe via an opening and wherein the work shoe is provided with downwardly projecting spacer elements.
In the manner according to the disclosure, it was initially recognized that, with regard to a stable and secure grip or footing, when used at work it is of considerable advantage for the wearer if the work shoe has as compact and robust a design as possible. In a further manner according to the disclosure, it was recognized that the operation of complex closure and/or coupling mechanisms for attaching spiked soles to the wearer's existing footwear is particularly disadvantageous and cumbersome, in particular if a stable and secure footing is to be ensured when used at work. According to the disclosure, the work shoe is designed in such a way that a wearer's foot can be introduced into the work shoe via an opening such that the work shoe engages with the introduced foot of the wearer. The work shoe can thus be worn directly on an “unshod” foot of the wearer. This means that the wearer slips his foot, optionally wearing socks, into the work shoe and a contact is established between the foot and the inside of the work shoe. The work shoe is further provided with downwardly projecting spacer elements. In this case, the spacer elements are preferably aligned substantially perpendicularly to the underside of the work shoe so that a good footing can be achieved with the work shoe on the underlying surface to be walked on. In other words, the work shoe may have downwardly projecting spacer elements on its underside.
Consequently, a work shoe is specified which forms a particularly compact and stable unit so that as secure and stable a footing as possible is achieved for the wearer when used at work.
With respect to the expression “work shoe,” it should be noted that, in particular within the scope of the claims and preferably within the scope of the description, a work shoe is to be understood as a shoe which is worn at work. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the claimed teaching, a work shoe can thus be worn, for example, for leveling work and/or filling work, wherein the downwardly projecting spacer elements of the work shoe are particularly advantageous in order, for example, to walk on a freshly laid screed and/or if an applied leveling compound has to be aerated again. Due to the spacer elements provided in the work shoe, the wearer of the work shoe does not leave any “heavy” or “disturbing” footsteps in the floor material which is not yet set. It is also conceivable for the work shoe to be used to aerate a lawn.
The work shoe according to the disclosure and/or advantageous embodiments confidently address one or more problems from the prior art, such as, for example, the cumbersome putting on, the difficult cleaning of the work shoe after use and/or an unstable/insecure footing. The compact design of the work shoe, which can be designed as a unit, means that no cumbersome attachment of any spiked soles and/or of special expansion devices to the existing footwear has to be carried out and no complex closure device has to be operated. Rather, a complete spiked shoe is provided, whereby the work shoe can be put on or taken off easily and quickly.
The work shoe according to the disclosure and/or advantageous embodiments constitutes a compact system into which the wearer can easily slip, as conveniently as into a slipper. Once on, the work shoe is held on the foot in a permanently stable manner and can thus enable secure and targeted work. After use or once work is finished, the work shoe can be removed from the foot again just as effortlessly and quickly and, if necessary, can be easily cleaned. The work shoe is already ready for the next work use once it has been sprayed off briefly with the hose or dipped quickly into a bucket of water, then wiped off briefly.
Advantageously, the work shoe can comprise a lower section and an upper section, wherein the lower section is firmly or rigidly connected to the upper section. The upper section can substantially serve to receive the wearer's unshod foot. The lower section can substantially serve to fix and fasten the spacer elements. It is advantageously conceivable for the work shoe to be produced from different materials. The upper section could, for example, be made, at least partially, of a flexible material so that, with regard to ergonomics, a suitable design and/or fit of the receiving region for the wearer's foot that is to be received can be achieved. In contrast, the lower section of the work shoe could be made, at least in part, of a hard and stable material so that the spacer elements can be fixed in a suitable manner in the lower section of the work shoe, and a stable grip and footing of the shoe can be achieved. An enormous advantage of the work shoe is that there is a durable and/or firm connection between the upper section and the lower section. Not only does this save the wearer a significant amount of time compared to variants that must be attached in a cumbersome manner to the existing footwear, but at the same time, the wearer has a special tool for the specific application purpose to hand and can preserve his customary work footwear.
In order to achieve a firm connection, the upper section and the lower section could be glued together. It is also conceivable for the upper section and lower section to be screwed and/or riveted together. A compact work shoe which forms a unit can thus be produced.
In an advantageous embodiment, the upper section of the work shoe can be made at least partially of plastic, preferably of a flexible elastomer. Thus, a shoe which is comfortable for the wearer's foot to wear can be provided and at the same time is robust and easy to clean due to the material used to make the work shoe.
In an advantageous embodiment, the lower section of the work shoe can be made at least in part from a hard plastic and/or aluminum. The spacer elements can thus be stably and securely mounted or fixed in the lower section of the work shoe. Furthermore, the work shoe is thus is produced from a robust material which effortlessly withstands many work assignments. The work shoe is thus a sustainable product that not only saves working hours over the long term, but is also cost-efficient.
In a further advantageous manner, the lower section and/or the upper section of the work shoe may be constructed in multiple layers. It is thus possible to design the lower layers, in particular the lower section, to be correspondingly rigid and stable so that the spacer elements can be securely and firmly attached. The upper layers, in particular of the upper section, could be designed to be flexible instead in order to achieve a comfortable footing or to receive the wearer's foot as comfortably as possible.
In an advantageous embodiment, the lower section may comprise a base plate. The base plate may be rigid with regard to a stable footing. The base plate may be made of hard plastic or aluminum, for example.
Advantageously, the lower section and/or the upper section may be cast within the scope of one or more work steps. In this case, it is also conceivable for the lower section or the base plate to be embedded into the upper section, for example during casting.
The spacer elements may advantageously be fixed in the lower section and/or in the base plate. In particular, if the lower section and/or the base plate are made of hard plastic and/or of aluminum, the spacer element may be securely and firmly integrated into the work shoe.
In an advantageous embodiment, the spacer elements may be exchangeably fixed in the lower section and/or in the base plate. In this case, it is conceivable for the spacer elements to be mounted in the lower section of the work shoe or in the base plate by means of a click, latch, plug, clamping and/or screw mechanism. Depending on the intended application, the spacer elements may thus be replaced in an ingenious manner and the work shoe may thus be adapted accordingly. Consequently, the functioning of the work shoe may be variably adjusted in order to be optimally equipped and fitted with correspondingly suitable spacer elements depending on the underlying surface and project. For example, the length of the spacer elements for the work shoe can be adjusted in this way. Furthermore, any defective spacer elements can be replaced with new spacer elements.
In an advantageous embodiment, the spacer elements may have a visible length in the range of between 20 mm and 80 mm, preferably in the range of between 30 mm and 50 mm. In this context, it should be noted that visible length can be understood to mean the length of a spacer element by which the spacer element projects from the work shoe or from the underside of the lower section of the work shoe. Consequently, the spacer elements project from the work shoe by a length which may be in the range of between 20 mm and 80 mm. The work shoe can thus be used particularly effectively and well in leveling work and/or filling work. Spacer elements which project from the work shoe by a length in the range of between 30 mm and 50 mm are particularly well suited. This length is exceptionally suitable for use in leveling work and/or filling work, and at the same time work shoes with such spacer elements at this height provide a stable footing for the wearer of the work shoe.
The spacer elements may advantageously have a maximum width in the range of between 3 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 8 mm. Footsteps of the work shoe or the spacer elements in a floor material that has not yet set can thus be largely avoided and at the same time a stable footing on the underlying surface can be facilitated.
In an advantageous embodiment, the spacer elements may be cylindrical and/or conical. It is thus conceivable for the work shoe to have downwardly projecting spacer elements on its underside or on the underside of the lower section, which spacer elements are at least partially cylindrical. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the work shoe to have downwardly projecting spacer elements on its underside or on the underside of the lower section, which spacer elements are at least partially conical. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the work shoe to have downwardly projecting spacer elements on its underside or on the underside of the lower section, which spacer elements are initially cylindrical in a first region and are then conical in shape toward the end region of the spacer element, which serves to rest on the underlying surface. The spacer elements may advantageously have a diameter in the range of between 4 mm and 10 mm.
In an advantageous embodiment, it is thus conceivable for a spacer element to have a visible length of 35-36 mm. At the upper end of the spacer element there is an approximately 8 mm-long threaded rod (M8×8) for attachment in the lower section of the work shoe. The visible part of the spacer element may advantageously have a diameter of 6 mm.
Within the scope of a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable for a spacer element to have a visible length of 35-36 mm, wherein the spacer element tapers to a point at about 28 mm. At the upper end of the spacer element there is an approximately 8 mm-long threaded rod (M8×8) for attachment in the lower section of the work shoe. Before it tapers to a point, the visible part of the spacer element may advantageously have a diameter e.g., of 6 mm.
In a further advantageous manner, the spacer elements may comprise, preferably galvanized, steel pins. Thus, a robust and resilient profile of spacer elements on the underside of the work shoe or on the underside of the lower section of the work shoe may be achieved by simple means.
In an advantageous embodiment, the spacer elements may be designed to taper to a point at least in the end region of the spacer element. Fresh screed can thus be walked on without leaving disturbing footsteps. Furthermore, a correspondingly designed work shoe can also be used particularly advantageously for aerating the ground, in particular a lawn.
With regard to a secure and stable footing for the wearer of the work shoe, the spacer elements may each have the same visible length so that the undersides of the spacer elements serving to rest on the ground define a flat contact surface. This can be particularly advantageous for underlying surfaces which are to be walked on and are possibly uneven and to which a leveling compound that has not yet set has been applied.
In an advantageous embodiment, a safety element may be provided in the region of the upper section of the work shoe. The safety element may preferably be arranged in the upper and/or front region of the upper section of the work shoe so that the sensitive front region of the foot is protected. For example, a steel, plastic, and/or aluminum cap may be provided for this purpose. It is thereby conceivable for the safety element to be firmly integrated into the upper section of the work shoe. It is also conceivable for the safety element to be inserted into the upper section so as to be replaceable or removable. Consequently, occupational safety with the work shoe is significantly improved by the safety element. This aspect is particularly important for use on construction sites.
In an advantageous embodiment, the work shoe or the upper section of the work shoe may be designed to be open in the rear region or in the heel region. This makes it possible to slip quickly and easily into the work shoe.
In an advantageous embodiment, a heel strap may be provided, wherein the heel strap may be adjusted by means of a push button in such a way that a snug fit of the work shoe on the wearer's foot may be achieved. The work shoe may thus be optimally adapted to the wearer's foot via the push button in an ingenious manner. Once the work shoe is set to the correct size, putting on the work shoe virtually consists of just slipping it on.
In an advantageous embodiment, ventilation openings may be provided in the upper section of the work shoe. This ensures advantageous ventilation of the work shoe.
A work shoe according to the disclosure is usable for smoothing a floor, in particular a screed floor. When used for work appropriately, a secure and stable footing can thus be ensured through the use of the work shoe.
A work shoe according to the disclosure is also usable for aerating a lawn. When used for work appropriately, namely for aerating a lawn, a secure and stable footing can thus be ensured through the use of the work shoe.
Various options for advantageously designing and developing the teaching of the present disclosure exist. To this end, reference is made to the subsequent explanation of preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure based on the drawings. In connection with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure based on the drawings, generally preferred developments and further developments of the teaching are also explained.
The drawings show the following:
The upper section 3 of the work shoe 1 shown in
A wearer's foot can be introduced into the work shoe 1 via an opening 8 of the upper section 3. In this case, the opening 8 of the upper section 3 is designed such that the upper section 3 is designed to be open in the rear region or in the heel region. A heel strap 9 is provided in the rear region of the upper section 3. The heel strap 9 may be fixed to the upper section 3 by means of a push button 10 and corresponding fastening holes 11 and may be adjusted in such a way that a snug fit of the work shoe 1 on the foot of the wearer can be set.
Ventilation openings 12 are provided on the upper side of the upper section 3, in the front region of the work shoe 1. Air circulation into the interior of the upper section 3 or into the interior of the work shoe 1 can thus take place via the ventilation openings 12.
The upper section 3, which serves to receive an unshod foot, of the work shoe 1 shown in
The upper section 3′ of the work shoe 1′ shown in
A wearer's foot can be introduced into the work shoe 1′ via an opening 8′ of the upper section 3′. In this case, the opening 8′ of the upper section 3′ is designed such that the upper section 3′ is designed to be open in the rear region or in the heel region. A heel strap 9′ is provided in the rear region of the upper section 3′. The heel strap 9′ may be adjusted by means of a push button 10′ and corresponding fastening holes 11′ in such a way that a snug fit of the work shoe 1′ on the wearer's foot can be set. The foot introduced into the work shoe 1′ rests on the base inner side 7′ of the base region 6′ and is surrounded by the shaft region 5′.
With regard to other advantageous embodiments of the work shoe according to the disclosure, in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the general part of the description and also to the accompanying claims.
Finally, it is expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments described above of the work shoe according to the disclosure serve only to explain the claimed teaching but do not limit it to the exemplary embodiments.
The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2019 203 644.9 | Mar 2019 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/DE2020/200009 | 1/30/2020 | WO | 00 |
