GB2592347A

GB2592347A - Self-fastening device

Info

Publication number: GB2592347A
Application number: GB2000617.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barton Elliott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-15
Filing date: 2020-01-15
Publication date: 2021-09-01
Also published as: GB202000617D0

Abstract

A self-fastening device is suitable for footwear (99, Fig. 1) or clothing such as a belt. The device comprises an elongated fastening member 3, an electroactive element 13 for contracting the fastening member, an electric power supply 15, and a switch. The electroactive element may be an active polymer (EAP) adapted to contract and/or deform upon the passage of an electrical current though it. The fastening means may be on the front upper part of the shoe and the electroactive element may be activated upon the insertion of a user’s heel into the shoe, causing the tightening of the upper part to secure and conform with the user’s foot. The power source may be a battery that may be charged by haptic or solar energy, or by removal of the battery for re-charging. The battery may by linked to piezoelectric pad 16 in the sole of the shoe. The device may comprise a flexed printed circuit board (PCB). The electronic components may be integral with the sole and incorporated into an injection moulded heel counter with a silicone covering. The fastening member may comprise bands or strips and may be perforated.

Description

SELF-FASTENING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a self-fastening device, particularly but not exclusively for

Footwear. Background

As the average age of the population increases, there are numerous challenges that must be met. One of the key concerns is how to ensure independence is maintained. This is also an important factor for many who have a disability. The common element in both cases is the general lack of mobility, or control over mobility.

Many of the issues pertain to getting dressed and undressed. For the most part, this can be addressed by removing tricky fastening mechanisms from the clothing. However, there is are few equivalent solutions for putting on shoes. For example, those who have reduced mobility and/or dexterity, are unable to tie or fasten their own shoes. Indeed, it can frequently be a struggle to bend down far enough to fasten the shoes.

Self-fastening shoes in general have several benefits for different user groups. Not only do they increase the confidence of the user by providing them with continued independence, but they also prevent the user from having to bend down or struggle with intricate fastening means.

Prior Art

WO 2007 80 205 (RALUY) discloses a shoe including: a closure element which is mounted such that it can slide between an open position and a closed position in which it braces part of the upper; an actuation platform which is designed to be pressed by the user's heel in order to pivot between a raised open position and a closed position in which it is housed in a cavity in the heel of the shoe; and connection members for transmitting the movements from the actuation platform to the closure element. The shoe also includes elastic means for pushing the closure element, the actuation platform and the connection members into the respective open positions thereof. The invention further includes retaining means which are designed to retain the actuation platform in the closed position thereof against the force of the elastic means and release means which are designed to be actuated from the exterior of the shoe in order to release said retaining means.

US 2002 0 100 188 (JACQUES et al) discloses a shoe having at least one elongate shape memory alloy element and an electric circuit which, when energized will produce a tightening of the shoe upper around the foot of a wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the shoe is a golf shoe, and the circuit therein is energized by a switch in the heel that is turned on by the golfer clicking his heels together. Typically, the golfer does this prior to each important swing of a golf club. A battery contained in the shoe provides a power source to produce a current in the circuit that heats the shape memory alloy causing it to reduce its length providing the tightening of the shoe uppers.

US 6 032 387 (JOHNSON) discloses an automated tightening and loosening shoe comprising: a) a shoe with a sole, a heel, a toe, an upper connected to the sole and having, a lacing pad and a tongue fixed thereto; b) a plurality of polymer bands, each having inherent spring memory, crossing said tongue and connected to said lacing pad; and, c) a tightening mechanism located at said heel, said tightening mechanism including a cable which is connected to said plurality of polymer bands and which is advanceable in a tightening direction toward said heel, and said tightening mechanism also including means for advancing said cable in said tightening direction to thereby tighten said plurality of polymer bands about said tongue and thus tighten said shoe.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a self-fastening device for footwear or clothing, the device comprising: * an elongated fastening member attached to or attachable with at least one end of the footwear or clothing, * an electroactive element for contracting the fastening member, * an electric power supply and * a switch for activating the element to contract.

It can be envisaged that the self-fastening device is any item of clothing, undergarment or accessory, such as a belt. Usually it will be an item of footwear, but in the preferred embodiment it will be a shoe.

The fastening means may be of any flexible, conductive material such as a thennoreactive polymer. However it is preferable that it will be of electro-active polymer. In this way, the polymer will contract and/or deform upon the passage of electrical current through it.

Whilst it is conceivable that the fastening means could be on any external part of the device, such as the heel, preferably it will be on the front of the upper part. In this way, the contraction of the polymers will cause a tightening of an upper such that it conforms to the shape of a user's foot. In this way the polymers act like muscles and are used to tighten the shoe on the foot, minimising movement of it during use.

The device may comprise any standard battery or energy storage mechanism. Usually, this will be a lithium-ion battery. In some embodiments when the shoe is not in use the electro-active polymer is in a relaxed state and only when pressure is applied to the heel, it becomes "active" to tighten the shoe. Said pressure may activate the battery or generate electrical current.

It can be envisaged that the device comprises haptic technology, or solar energy harvesting or generation mechanisms that will charge the battery. The battery may be removable and capable of electrical connection for recharging. This could be done by an inductive coil for example. Alternatively, other electrical generation mechanisms can be incorporated including magnetic fields, longitudinal tubes or coils, and internal magnetic balls. Each of these would allow for the charge to be "topped-up", as well as for direct usage of generated electrical charge. Nonetheless it is preferable that the device will incorporate a piezoelectric pad in a sole of a shoe, thus generating an electrical charge. When in use (i.e. when walking or putting on the shoe), the foot exerts pressure on the pad that causes it to deform. This deformation exerts a mechanical strain that is subsequently converted into an electric current.

In some embodiments, a flexed printed circuit board (PCB) technology is incorporated.

It may be envisaged that all electronics are integral with the sole at the neutral axis of bending as this does not experience significant compression or tension when in use.

It is possible that the behaviour of the polymers is controlled by a separate controller, microchip or PCB that is in turn controlled by a switch or control. Said control may be located on the sole or upper part, and is preferably operable or accessible when the upper part is closed and/or by the users heel.

Normally, a separate switch or button is included that is in contact with an inner part of the shoe, for example the heel, so as to release the polymers when the foot is inserted or pulled out. This may be incorporated in the piezoelectric counter or a separate part. However, preferably the switch will be on the external surface of the shoe to allow the user to access it.

In some embodiments the footwear may be arranged such that the footwear is open at rest (so the user can place their foot into the footwear), is closed in use, and may be opened by an external control when the footwear is required to be removed.

In some such embodiments a heel counter may be injection moulded from a rigid plastic to give a solid base for the foot to be 'pulled into, thereby reducing slippage of the foot in the shoe as well as incorporating the piezo-electric generator and associated electronics. In other embodiments the counter comprises a silicone covering to allow comfortable displacement in generation.

Possibly, the device is configured to change from a contracted state or first position, to a second position or "released" state. In some embodiments the contracted state may be for entrance of a foot to the device.

In other embodiments the current passing through the fastening means is constant so as to keep the polymers, and as a result the upper, secured in place.

Usually the fastening means will be arranged in bands, strips or sections which may be arranged at least substantially across the upper part. Typically, the means will be either interwoven with or laid over the upper part. It is usual that they are electroactive polymeric cords. In the preferred embodiment there will be a single polymeric band transversely extending the upper that is secured on each side.

The upper may comprise a perforated polymer section which is configured to contract or release according to electric current.

The polymers may be thin and layered to give strength for example comprising a grid, perforated section or thin sheet. Such sheet may have differing weight or denier sections.

A series of electro-active polymer strips may extend around the front and/or top of the shoe within or without the upper. These polymeric strips may be discontinuous.

Some embodiments may be inspired by modem basketball sneakers. Some embodiments may be inspired by 'runner style sneakers. As such embodiments may be a 'low top' style, the device may only require one electroactive strip to secure the foot.

Further embodiments may be inspired by retro-style basketball sneakers, such that the device requires two separated electroactive lateral strips or bands to secure the foot. This may further comprise Velcro 0 (RTM) hook and loop portions to adjust tightness.

Brief Description of Figures

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: * Figure 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention; * Figure 2 is a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; * Figure 3 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; * Figure 4 is a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; * Figure 5 is an isometric sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and * Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic isometric view of the electroactive polymer and control and energy supply configuration in the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the drawings there is shown a shoe 99, having an upper 1 and a sole 2. The shoe has a band 3 comprised of three electro-active polymers 13 and is incorporated with, and attached to, the upper. The band extends across the upper, and is attached onto the opposite side from which it extends.

In order to help increase the longevity of the polymers, the band is covered in a protective and insulating, but pliant material. In this way, the band remains sufficiently flexible for use, whilst ensuring that the polymers are protected.

The upper 1 has a forefoot cover 5 and a tongue 4. The cover 5 is of soft flexible material to allow for comfortable flexibility during use. It extends upwards into a tongue that is used to assist with the insertion of the foot. As shown in Figure 2, the upper part also has a heel section (quarter) 8 that surrounds the collar 9 of the shoe. The collar itself is a hole in the upper part 1 that has the tongue 4.

A power source 15 is incorporated into the sole 2 of the shoe, and generates an electrical current that passes through the polymers in the band. Due to the material properties of the polymer, upon receipt of the current, it will deform and contract, thus tightening the band and "fastening" around the foot of the user.

The power source 15 is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and is integral with the sole of the shoe. It can be recharged upon either complete or partial discharge of the electrical supply. It can be charged by a piezoelectric transducer 16, or in other embodiments a charging port or inductive charging module may be integrated.

When in use, the transducer 16 converts the mechanical strain generated as a result of the pressure of the user's foot, into electrical energy. This is then stored within the battery 15 and used to contract the polymers 13. As the user walks, the transducer continues to harvest electrical energy with each strike of the foot.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the piezoelectric transducer 16 is located in the heel of the shoe and is formed with a convex top surface in a rubber or silicone seating 11, embedded in the midsole 6. It has resilient flexible printed terminals 18 that extend upwards on either side of the shoe, into three flex electroactive polymeric strands 13. These strands are then incorporated into and form the band 3.

A flexed printed circuit board (FPC) is moulded into a layer of the sole of the shoe and covered by a removable, insulating insole, 17.

The outsole of the shoe 7, as with most standard pieces of footwear, is of a relatively rigid material, having a deformable midsole 6 to provide cushioning for the user when in use.

The shoe is arranged so that it is "open" at rest in order to allow the user to insert or remove their foot, and is "closed" when in use so that the foot is secured in place.

The invention is not intended to be restricted to the above described embodiments. For example, a heel counter may be injection moulded from a rigid plastic to give a solid base for the foot to be "pulled" into, thereby reducing any slippage of the foot in the shoe as well as incorporating the piezoelectric generator and associated electronics.

In some embodiments the counter comprises a silicon covering to allow for comfortable displacement in use. In this way, the polymers may act like muscles and be used to tighten the shoe on the foot, minimising movement of the foot within the shoe.

Further, the self-fastening shoe should not be limited to a standard shoe per se. It can conceivably be adapted to function on alternative modes of footwear such as boots or sandals, or perhaps an item of clothing elsewhere on the body that may incorporate a fastening mechanism.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variations may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely in combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A self-fastening device for footwear or clothing, the device comprising: * an elongated fastening member attached to or attachable with at least one end to the footwear or clothing, * an electroactive element for contracting the fastening member, * an electric power supply and * a switch for activating the element to contract.
2. A self-fastening device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electroactive element is of active polymer adapted to contract and/or deform upon the passage of electrical current through it
3. A self-fastening device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a clothing belt.
4. A self-fastening device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a footwear fastener.
A self-fastening device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fastening means is on any external part of the device, typically a heel of the footwear.
6 A self-fastening device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fastening means is on a front of the upper part of the footwear, whereby contraction of the polymer causes a tightening of the upper part such that it conforms to the shape of a user's foot.
7 A self-fastening device as claimed in claim 4, claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the electroactive element is in relaxed state when the footwear is not in use and becomes active to tighten the footwear when pressure is applied to a heel.
8 A self-fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim, including a battery or energy storage mechanism, typically a lithium-ion battery.
9 A self-fastening device as claimed in claim 8, wherein: * the device includes haptic technology or solar energy harvesting or generation mechanisms for charging the battery or * the battery is removable for charging or adapted for electrical connection for recharging as by an inductive coil or * other electrical generation mechanisms are incorporated including magnetic fields, longitudinal tubes or coils, and internal magnetic balls or * the device includes a piezoelectric pad in a sole of the footwear for generating an electrical charge, whereby when the device is in use, a user's foot exerts pressure on the pad that causes it to deform exerting a mechanical strain that is converted into an electric current.
10. A self-fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim, including a flexed printed circuit board (PCB).S
11. A self-fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein electronics components are integral with the sole at the neutral axis of bending
12. A self-fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein behaviour of the electroactive element is controlled by a separate controller, microchip or PCB that is in turn controlled by a switch or control located on the sole or upper part, and preferably operable or accessible when the upper part is closed and/or by the user's heel.
13. A self-fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim, including a separate switch or button in contact with an inner part of the footwear, typically a heel, so as to release the polymers when the foot is inserted or pulled out, the separate switch being incorporated in a piezoelectric counter or a separate part or preferably the switch being on an external surface of the footwear to allow the user to access it.
14 A self-fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the footwear is arranged such that the footwear is open at rest (so the user can place their foot into the footwear), is closed in use, and may be opened by an external control when the footwear is required to be removed.
A self-fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim, including a heel counter injection moulded from a rigid plastic to give a solid base for the foot to be pulled into, thereby reducing slippage of the foot in the footwear as well as incorporating the piezo-electric generator and associated electronics.
16 A self-fastening device as claimed in any one of claims I to 14, wherein a counter comprises a silicone covering to allow comfortable displacement in generation.
17. A self-fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured to change from a contracted state or first position, to a second position or "released" state.
18 A self-fastening device as claimed in any one of claims I to 16, wherein current passing through the fastening means is arranged to be constant so as to keep the electroactive element, and as a result the upper, secured in place.
19 A self-fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fastening member is arranged in bands, strips or sections arranged at least substantially across the upper part, typically either interwoven with or laid over the upper part preferably as electroactive polymeric cords or a single polymeric band transversely extending over the upper part and secured on each side.A self-fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper part includes a perforated polymer section which is configured to contract or release according to electric current.21 A self-fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electroactive element is thin and layered to give strength typically comprising a grid, perforated section or thin sheet, the sheet possibly having differing weight or denier sections.