Universal Antislip Claw for Footwear

Abstract

Accidental falls are one of the principal causes of disability. The present invention relates generally to a device that may be fit in footwear to prevent injuries caused by slippery terrain. The device is provided with retractable spikes which penetrate the ice or slippery surface like a claw. The device also has an excenter system which allows adjustment of the spikes between two positions.

1 . A retractable antislip device embedded in a sole of footwear, the device comprising a toothed bar housed in a corresponding groove formed in the sole and movable through the groove from a first position in which it is completely retracted in the sole to a second position in which it protrudes therefrom, and an actuator for moving the toothed bar from the first to the second position and vice versa, the actuator being manually operable by a user, the actuator comprising a shaft pivotally housed in the sole perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the toothed bar, the shaft having an outer end formed with the device for rotating the shaft around its axis such that rotation of the shaft in either direction corresponds to movement of the toothed bar from the first to the second position and vice versa, wherein the actuator further comprises a sliding member integrally projecting from the toothed bar, slidingly housed in a corresponding seat formed in the sole, movable within the seat in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lying plane of the sole, the shaft having an inner end with a pin extending eccentrically therefrom and slidably engaging with a perimetrical slot formed in the sliding member. 
   
   
       2 . The antislip device set forth in  claim 1 , wherein an arc-shaped toothed bar is provided in the heel portion of the sole and at least a linear toothed bar is provided at a front portion of the sole. 
   
   
       3 . The antislip device set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the shaft extends radially within the sole from the sliding member to an outer edge of the sole, at which the outer end of the shaft is accessible by the user for affecting its axial rotation. 
   
   
       4 . The antislip device set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the device for rotating the shaft comprises a diametrical rib or a diametrical notch formed at the outer end of the shaft.