FOOTWEAR REMOVAL DEVICE

Abstract

A bootjack for removing footwear from a wearer is disclosed herein. The bootjack comprises a base member, an engagement member, and a support. The base member may have a top surface, a bottom surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a chamber defined in the bottom surface. The engagement member may have a yoked end configured to receive footwear. The engagement member may be pivotably coupled to the base member adjacent the distal end. The support may have a coupling end and a ground engagement end. The coupling end of the support may be pivotably coupled to the base member within the chamber. The bootjack may be selectively moveable between a work position and a storage position.

Claims

1. A footwear removal device for removing footwear from a wearer, the footwear removal device comprising: a base member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a proximal end, a distal end, a chamber defined in the bottom surface, and a stop surface positioned within the chamber; an engagement member having a yoked end configured to receive footwear, the engagement member pivotably coupled to the base member adjacent the distal end; a support having a coupling end and a ground engagement end, the coupling end of the support pivotably coupled to the base member within the chamber; wherein the footwear removal device is selectively moveable between a work position and a storage position; wherein in the work position the yoked end of the engagement member extends distally from the base member such that a top surface of the engagement member is substantially coplanar to the top surface of the base member, and the ground engagement end of the support extends out from the chamber of the base member; wherein in the work position, the stop surface is configured to abut the support and the stop member is angled relative the top surface of the base member in a range of from 30 to 80 degrees: wherein in the storage position a bottom surface of the engagement member is substantially juxtaposed with the bottom surface of the base member, and the support is contained within the chamber of the base member.

2. (canceled).

3. (canceled).

4. The footwear removal device of Claim 1, wherein: the stop surface is integrated into the base member and configured to resist counter-clockwise rotational movement of the support.

5. The footwear removal device of Claim 1, wherein: when the footwear removal device is in the work position, the support is angled relative the top surface of the base member in a range of from 30 to 80 degrees.

6. The footwear removal device of claim 1, wherein: the base member includes a thickness defined between the top surface and bottom surface, the engagement member includes a thickness defined between the top surface and bottom surface, the thickness of the base member and the thickness of the engagement member being substantially similar.

7. The footwear removal device of claim 6, wherein: when the footwear removal device is in the storage position, an overall thickness of the footwear removal device is in a range of from 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches.

8. The footwear removal device of claim 1, wherein: when the footwear removal device is in the storage position an overall width of the footwear removal device is in a range of from 1 inch to 7 inches and an overall length of the footwear removal device is in a range of from 1 inch to 7 inches.

9. The footwear removal device of claim 1, wherein: the yoked end of the engagement member includes first and second elongate members positioned on opposite sides of a saddle, wherein a heel of the footwear is configured to be received within the saddle.

10. The footwear removal device of claim 9, wherein: the first and second elongate members taper down such that a distal end of each elongate member is narrower than a proximal end of each elongate member.

11. The footwear removal device of claim 10, wherein: the saddle is wider between the distal ends of the first and second elongate members than between the proximal ends of the first and second elongate members.

12. The footwear removal device of claim 9, wherein: a bottom edge of the saddle is configured to resist movement of the heel of the footwear relative the footwear removal device.

13. The footwear removal device of claim 1, wherein: when the footwear removal device is in the work position, the footwear removal device is supported from a ground surface by the ground engagement end of the support and the bottom surface of the base member at the proximal end such that the footwear removal device is angled relative the ground surface.

14. The footwear removal device of claim 1, further comprising: one or more hinges coupling the base member to the engagement member; and a spring associated with the one or more hinges, the spring configured to bias the bottom surface of the engagement member away from the bottom surface of the base member.

15. The footwear removal device of claim 14, further comprising: one or more magnets associated with the base member and/or engagement member, the one or more magnets configured to removably couple the bottom surface of the base member to the bottom surface of the engagement member.

16. The footwear removal device of claim 15, wherein: when the footwear removal device is in the storage position, an attractive force of the one or more magnets is greater than the bias of the spring associated with the one or more hinges such that the bottom surface of the base member is removably coupled to the bottom surface of the engagement member.

17. The footwear removal device of claim 1, further comprising: a spring associated with the support, the spring configured to bias the ground engagement end of the support away from the chamber of the base member.

18. The footwear removal device of claim 17, further comprising: one or more magnets associated with the base member and/or engagement member, the one or more magnets configured to removably couple the bottom surface of the base member to the bottom surface of the engagement member.

19. The footwear removal device of claim 18, wherein: when the footwear removal device is in the storage position, an attractive force of the one or more magnets is greater than the bias of the spring associated with the support such that the bottom surface of the base member is removably coupled to the bottom surface of the engagement member.

20. A foldable footwear removal device for removing footwear from a wearer, the footwear removal device comprising: a base member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a chamber defined in the bottom surface; an engagement member having a yoked end configured to receive footwear, the engagement member pivotably coupled to the base member adjacent the distal end; a support pivotably coupled to the base member within the chamber; and wherein the engagement member is foldable relative the base member; wherein a range of the pivotable coupling of the support is from 30 to 80 degrees relative to the top surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a prior art cowboy boot.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear removal device in accordance with the present disclosure wherein the footwear removal device is in a work position.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the footwear removal device of FIG. 2 wherein the footwear removal device is in the work position.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the footwear removal device of FIG. 2 wherein the footwear removal device is in the work position.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the footwear removal device of FIG. 2 wherein the footwear removal device is in the work position.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a base member of the footwear removal device of FIG. 2.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of an engagement member of the footwear removal device of FIG. 2.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a support of the footwear removal device of FIG. 2.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the footwear removal device of FIG. 2 wherein the footwear removal device is in a storage position.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the footwear removal device of FIG. 2 wherein the footwear removal device is in a storage position.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the footwear removal device of FIG. 2 wherein the footwear removal device is in an intermediate position.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the footwear removal device of FIG. 2 wherein the footwear removal device is in an intermediate position.

[0040] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the footwear removal device of FIG. 2 wherein the footwear removal device is being used in association with a pair of cowboy boots.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more drawings of which are set forth therein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

[0042] Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in, or are obvious from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0043] The words connected, attached, joined, mounted, fastened, and the like should be interpreted to mean any manner of joining two objects including, but not limited to, the use of any fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pin and clevis, and the like allowing for a stationary, translatable, or pivotable relationship; welding of any kind such as traditional MIG welding, TIG welding, friction welding, brazing, soldering, ultrasonic welding, torch welding, inductive welding, and the like; using any resin, glue, epoxy, and the like; being integrally formed as a single part together; any mechanical fit such as a friction fit, interference fit, slidable fit, rotatable fit, pivotable fit, and the like; any combination thereof; and the like.

[0044] Unless specifically stated otherwise, any part of the apparatus of the present disclosure may be made of any appropriate or suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, any part of the apparatus of the present disclosure may be made using any applicable manufacturing method, such as, but not limited to 3D printing, injection molding, or the like.

[0045] To the extent that the term includes or including is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term or is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean A or B or both. When the applicants intend to indicate only A or B but not both then the term only A or B but not both will be employed. Thus, use of the term or herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms in or into are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean on or onto. Furthermore, to the extent the term connect is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only directly connected to, but also indirectly connected to such as connected through another component or multiple components.

[0046] Referring now to the figures, and specifically FIGS. 2-8, an optional embodiment of a footwear removal device is shown and generally referred to as number 200. The footwear removal device 200 may also be referred to herein as a foldable footwear removable device 200. The footwear removal device 200 may be configured to assist a wearer in removing footwear from the wearer's foot. While it is within the spirit and disclosure of the present disclosure for the footwear removal device 200 to remove any type of footwear, the footwear removal device 200 may be shown in FIG. 13 removing a cowboy boot 100. One of skill in the art will recognize that aspects of the present disclosure discussed in reference to cowboy boot 100 may also be applicable to footwear in general.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 1, cowboy boot 100 may comprise an upper 110 having a vamp 112 for receiving the foot of a wearer and a shaft 114 for receiving the lower leg or calf of the wearer. The vamp 112 may include a toe section 116 located at a forward end and a counter 118 located at a rear end. The wearer's foot may be positioned in the cowboy boot 100 such that the heel is received by the counter 118 and the toes are received by the toe section 116. The upper 110 may be fixed to a sole 120 below the vamp 112. The sole 120 may include a heel 122 generally positioned below the counter 118. The sole 120 may include a spur shelf 124 at an upper end of the heel 122. The spur shelf 124 may include a substantially flat surface configured to support a spur associated with the cowboy boot 100. One of skill in the art will recognize other types of footwear generally have the same or substantially similar elements.

[0048] The footwear removal device 200 may include a base member 210, an engagement member 300, and a support 400. The base member 210 may provide strength and support to the footwear removal device 200 and interconnect the components thereof, including the engagement member 300 and support 400.

[0049] The base member 210 may have a top surface 212, a bottom surface 214 located opposite the top surface 212, a proximal end 216, and a distal end 218 located opposite the proximal end 216. The disclosure herein may reference a proximal direction 202 and a distal direction 204. The proximal direction 202 may extend out from the proximal end 216 of the base member 210. The distal direction 204 may extend out from the distal end 218 of the base member 210. Thus circuit components may be referred to as extending in the proximal direction 202 (or proximally) or extending in the distal direction 204 (or distally) relative the base member 210.

[0050] A thickness 220 of the base member 210 may be defined between the top surface 212 and the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210. The thickness 220 of the base member 210 may be in a range of from 0.1 inches to 1 inch, preferably from 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches, and most preferably from 0.3 inches to 0.7 inches. The base member 210 may be generally rectangular in shape. Generally rectangular may refer to a rectangular outline that may have slight irregularities or non-linearities such as, for example, rounded corners or curved sides. In certain optional embodiments, the proximal end 216 of the base member 210 may be curved for aesthetic or other purposes. The top surface 212 may be substantially flat and solid. The bottom surface 214 may be substantially flat but include a plurality of recesses defined therein such as, for example, weight and/or material saving recesses. While the base member 210 in the exemplary embodiment may be generally rectangular, it is within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure for the base member 210 to have another shape. As shown in FIG. 10, the base member 210 may include a width 250 in a range of from 1 inch to 7 inches, preferably from 2 inches to 6 inches, and most preferably from 3 inches to 5 inches, and a length 260 in a range of from 1 inch to 7 inches, preferably from 2 inches to 6 inches, and most preferably from 3 inches to 5 inches.

[0051] The base member 210 may include a chamber 230 defined in the bottom surface 214. The chamber 230 may be located at a substantially central location of the bottom surface 214. The chamber 230 may be configured to house various components of the footwear removal device 200 such as, for example, the support 400. In certain optional embodiments, the chamber 230 may have a depth of more than half the thickness 220 of the base member 210. In other optional embodiments, the chamber 22 may have a depth that is equal to or less than half the thickness 220 of the base member 210.

[0052] The engagement member 300 may have a top surface 302, a bottom surface 304 located opposite the top surface 302, a yoked end 306, and a coupling end 308 located opposite the yoked end 306. The engagement member 300 may be pivotably coupled to the base member 210. More specifically, the coupling end 308 of the engagement member 300 may be pivotably coupled to the base member 210 adjacent the distal end 218 of the base member 210. A thickness 310 of the engagement member 300 may be defined between the top surface 302 and the bottom surface 304 of the engagement member 300. In certain optional embodiments, the thickness 220 of the base member 210 may be substantially similar to the thickness 310 of the engagement member 300. The thickness 310 of the engagement member 300 may be in a range of from 0.1 inches to 1 inch, preferably from 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches, and most preferably from 0.3 inches to 0.7 inches. As shown in FIG. 10, the engagement member 300 may include a width 350 in a range of from 1 inch to 7 inches, preferably from 2 inches to 6 inches, and most preferably from 3 inches to 5 inches, and a length 360 in a range of from 1 inch to 7 inches, preferably from 2 inches to 6 inches, and most preferably from 3 inches to 5 inches.

[0053] The yoked end 306 of the engagement member 300 may include first and second elongate members 312, 314. The first and second elongate members 312, 314 may be positioned on opposite sides of a saddle 316. The first and second elongate members 312, 314 may taper down as they extend in the distal direction 204 such that a distal end 318 of each elongate member 312, 314 is narrower in width than a proximal end 320 of each elongate member 312, 314. Accordingly, the saddle 316 may be wider between distal ends 318 of the first and second elongate members 312, 314 than between the proximal ends 320 of the first and second elongate members 312, 314.

[0054] The yoked end 306 may be configured to receive footwear therein. More specifically, the saddle 316 of the yoked end 306 may be configured to receive the heel 122 of the cowboy boot 100. A bottom edge 322 of the saddle 316 may be configured to resist movement of the heel 122 of the cowboy boot 100 relative the footwear removal device 200. The bottom edge 322 may be configured to engage the spur shelf 124 of the cowboy boot 100. In certain optional embodiments, the saddle 316 and/or bottom edge 322 may in include leather, suede, rubber, or the like to prevent scuffing of the cowboy boot 100 and/or to allow the footwear removal device 200 to better grip the cowboy boot 100.

[0055] The footwear removal device 200 may include one or more hinges 324 coupling the base member 210 to the engagement member 300. In certain optional embodiments, the one or more hinges 324 may include two hinges. A first side of the one or more hinges 324 may be coupled to the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210 and a second side of the one or more hinges 324 may be coupled to the bottom surface 304 of the engagement member 300. The one or more hinges 324 may be coupled to the base member 210 and engagement member 300 via screws. However, it is within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure for other types of fasteners to be used.

[0056] A spring may be associated with the one or more hinges 324. The spring may be configured to bias the bottom surface 304 of the engagement member 300 away from the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210. Thus, the spring may bias the engagement member 300 to rotate relative the base member 210.

[0057] The support 400 of the footwear removal device 200 may have a coupling end 402 and a ground engagement end 404. While the term ground engagement is used, it is within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure for the ground engagement end 404 to engage or be supported by any surface. The coupling end 402 of the support 400 may be pivotably coupled to the base member 210 within the chamber 230. Specifically, the support 400 may include a pair of cylindrical pins 406 extending out from opposite sides of the support 400 at the coupling end 402, as shown in FIG. 8. The pair of cylindrical pins 406 may be received within a pair of coupling blocks 408 of the base member 210. The pair of coupling blocks 408 may be positioned within the chamber 230 of the base member 210.

[0058] The footwear removal device 200 may further comprise a spring associated with the support 400, and more specifically associated with the pair of cylindrical pins 406. The spring may be configured to bias the ground engagement end 404 of the support 400 away from the chamber 230 of the base member 210. Thus, the spring may be configured to bias the support 400 such that the ground engagement end 404 of the support 400 extends out from the chamber 230. The spring may cause the support 400 to rotate about the pair of cylindrical pins 406.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, the base member 210 may include a stop surface 240 positioned within the chamber 230. The stop surface 240 may be integrated into the base member 210. In certain optional embodiments, the stop surface 240 may be angled relative the top surface 212 of the base member 210 in a range of from 30 to 80 degrees, preferably from 45 to 65 degrees, and most preferably from 50 to 60 degrees.

[0060] The stop surface 240 may be configured to abut the support 400 when the support 400 is rotated about the pair of cylindrical pins 406 relative the base member 210 such that the ground engagement end 404 of the support 400 extends out from the chamber 230. The stop surface 240 may be configured to resist counter-clockwise rotational movement of the support 400. Thus, the spring may cause the support 400 to rotate about the pair of cylindrical pins 406 until a portion of the support 400 contacts the stop surface 240. The stop surface 240 and/or support 400 may be configured such that when the support 400 contacts the stop surface 240, the support 400 sits flush against the stop surface 240. Thus, the support 400 may be angled relative the top surface 212 of the base member 210 in a range of from 30 to 80 degrees, preferably from 45 to 65 degrees, and most preferably from 50 to 60 degrees.

[0061] While exemplary sizes of the base member 210 and engagement member 300 are discussed herein, the footwear removal device 200 may be sized based on the footwear desired use. In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the footwear removal device 200 may be a smaller size for use with female footwear and a larger size for use with male footwear.

[0062] The footwear removal device 200 may be selectively moveable between a work position and a storage position. Thus, the footwear removal device 200 may be referred to as being foldable. When the footwear removal device 200 is in the work position, a wearer may be able to engage the footwear removal device 200 and remove footwear from the wearer's foot. The footwear removal device 200 is shown in the work position in FIGS. 2-5 and 13. When the footwear removal device 200 is in the storage position, the footwear removal device 200 may be optimized for transportation and storing. When the footwear removal device 200 is in the storage position, the footwear removal device 200 may have an overall thickness 470 in a range of from 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches, preferably from 0.7 inches to 1.3 inches, and most preferably from 0.9 inches to 1.1 inches. The footwear removal device 200 is shown in the storage position in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0063] In the work position, the yoked end 306 of the engagement member 300 may extend distally from the base member 210 such that the top surface 302 of the engagement member 300 is substantially coplanar to the top surface 212 of the base member 210. Substantially coplanar may refer to optional embodiments wherein the top surface 302 of the engagement member 300 is slightly angled relative to the top surface 212 of the base member 210. Thus, the base member 210 and engagement member 300 may be substantially aligned and extend from the proximal end 216 of the base member 210 to the yoked end 306 of the engagement member. The distal end 218 of the base member 210 may be positioned adjacent to the coupling end 308 of the engagement member 300. In certain optional embodiments, the distal end 218 of the base member 210 may not be parallel to the coupling end 308 of the engagement member 300 due to the positioning of the one or more hinges 324.

[0064] Further in the work position, the ground engagement end 404 of the support 400 may extend out from the chamber 230 of the base member 210 such that the ground engagement end 404 extends at least partially in the distal direction 204. More specifically, the ground engagement end 404 of the support 400 may extend at an angle relative the base member 210 in a range of from 30 to 80 degrees, preferably from 45 to 65 degrees, and most preferably from 50 to 60 degrees. Accordingly, the support 400 may be angled relative the top surface 212 of the base member 210 in a similar range. The stop surface 240 may be configured to abut at least a portion of the support 400 when the footwear removal device is in the work position. The support 400 may be biased by the spring such that the support 400 contacts the stop surface 240 of the base member 210.

[0065] When the footwear removal device 200 is in the work position, the footwear removal device 200 may be supported from a ground surface, or any other substantially flat surface, by the ground engagement end 404 of the support 400 and the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210 at the proximal end 216. As shown in FIG. 4, the footwear removal device 200 may be positioned such that an angle 460 defined between the top surfaces 212, 302 and the ground surface is in a range of from 5 to 35 degrees, preferably from 10 to 30 degrees, and most preferably from 15 to 25 degrees.

[0066] In the storage position, the bottom surface 304 of the engagement member 300 may be substantially juxtaposed with the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210. The distal end 218 of the base member 210 may be adjacent to the coupling end 308 of the engagement member 300. In certain optional embodiments, the distal end 218 of the base member 210 may be substantially parallel to the coupling end 308 of the engagement member 300. The proximal end 216 of the base member 210 may be adjacent to the yoked end 306 of the engagement member 300. The support 400 may be contained within the chamber 230 of the base member 210. The support 400 may be positioned such that the support 400 is substantially parallel to the top surfaces 212, 302 of the base member 210 and engagement member 300.

[0067] One or more magnets 450 may be associated with the base member 210 and/or the engagement member 300. In certain optional embodiments, the base member 210 may include a pair of magnets 450 positioned closer to the proximal end 216 of the base member 210 than to the distal end 218 of the base member 210. The pair of magnets 450 may be coupled to the base member 210 such that the magnets 450 are exposed on the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210. In certain optional embodiments, the engagement member 300 may include a pair of magnets 450 positioned closer to the yoked end 306 of the engagement member 300 than the coupling end 308 of the engagement member 300. The pair of magnets 450 may be coupled to the engagement member 300 such that the magnets 450 are exposed on the bottom surface 304 of the engagement member 300. The pair of magnets 450 coupled to the base member 210 may be configured to align with the pair of magnets 450 coupled to the engagement member 300 when the footwear removal device 200 is in the storage position.

[0068] The one or more magnets 450 may be configured to removably couple the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210 to the bottom surface 304 of the engagement member 300. In certain optional embodiments, each of the base member 210 and engagement member 300 may include one or more magnets 450 that are attracted to one another. In other optional embodiments, one of either the base member 210 and engagement member 300 may include one or more magnets 450, and the other member may simply include a metal surface for which the one or more magnets 450 are attracted.

[0069] When the footwear removal device 200 is in the storage position, an attractive force of the one or more magnets 450 may be greater than the bias of the spring associated with the one or more hinges 324 and/or the spring associated with the support 400 such that the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210 is removably coupled to the bottom surface 304 of the engagement member 300. Thus, the one or more magnets 450 may maintain the footwear removal device 200 in the storage position indefinitely by counteracting the bias created by the spring associated with the one or more hinges 324 and/or the spring associated with the support 400. In other optional embodiments, the footwear removal device 200 may include a latch or similar selective coupling configured to lock base member 210 to the engagement member 300. Thus, when the wearer wishes to move the footwear removal device 200 to the work position, the wearer may engage the latch to release the engagement member 300 from the base member 210. In other optional embodiments, the footwear removal device may include a latch or similar selective coupling configured to lock the support 400 to the base member 210. Thus, when the wearer wishes to move the footwear removal device 200 to the work position, the wearer may engage the latch to release the support 400 from the base member 210.

[0070] The footwear removal device 200 may be configured to assist a wearer in removing footwear, including cowboy boots 100, from the wearer's foot. The footwear removal device 200 may be selectively positioned in the storage position by the wearer. The wearer may store the footwear removal device 200 in a pant's pocket, bag, or other location.

[0071] The footwear removal device 200 may be held in the storage position by the one or more magnets 450. The attractive force of the one or more magnets 450 may be greater than the bias of the spring associated with the one or more hinges 324 and/or the spring associated with the support 400 such that the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210 is removably coupled to the bottom surface 304 of the engagement member 300.

[0072] The wearer may desire to move the footwear removal device 200 to the work position. The wearer may engage the base member 210 and/or the engagement member 300 such that the attractive force of the one or more magnets 450 is overcome and the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210 and the bottom surface 304 of the engagement member 300 at least partially separate.

[0073] In certain optional embodiments wherein the footwear removal device 200 includes the spring associated with one or more hinges 324, the bias of the spring associated with the one or more hinges 324 may cause the engagement member 300 to rotate relative the base member 210, as shown in FIG. 11. More specifically, the engagement member 300 may rotate such that the yoked end 306 of the engagement member 300 extends distally from the base member 210 and the top surface 302 of the engagement member 300 is substantially coplanar to the top surface 212 of the base member 210.

[0074] In certain optional embodiments wherein the footwear removal device 200 includes the spring associated with the support 400, the bias of the spring associated with the support 400 may cause the support 400 to rotate relative the base member 210. More specifically, the support 400 may rotate such that the ground engagement end 404 of the support 400 extends out from the chamber 230 of the base member 210 at least partially in the distal direction 204. As the support 400 rotates, the support may contact the engagement member 300 and cause the engagement member to rotate such that the yoked end 306 of the engagement member 300 extends distally from the base member 210 and the top surface 302 of the engagement member 300 is substantially coplanar to the top surface 212 of the base member 210, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0075] The footwear removal device 200 may then be positioned in the work position. The yoked end 306 of the engagement member 300 may extend distally from the base member 210 such that the top surface 302 of the engagement member 300 is substantially coplanar to the top surface 212 of the base member 210. The base member 210 and engagement member 300 may be substantially aligned and extend from the proximal end 216 of the base member 210 to the yoked end 306 of the engagement member. The ground engagement end 404 of the support 400 may extend out from the chamber 230 of the base member 210 such that the ground engagement end 404 extends at least partially in the distal direction 204. The support 400 may be biased by the spring associated with the support 400 such that the support 400 contacts the stop surface 240 of the base member 210.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 13, the wearer may place the footwear removal device 200 on a ground surface or any other flat surface. The footwear removal device 200 may be supported by the ground engagement end 404 of the support 400 and the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210 at the proximal end 216. The wearer may place a first foot on the top surface 212 of the base member 210. The wearer may position a second foot, and specifically the cowboy boot 100, in the yoked end 306 of the engagement member 300. The cowboy boot 100 may be positioned such that the counter 118 of the cowboy boot 100 is received within the saddle 316 of the yoked end 306 and the spur shelf 124 is positioned against the bottom edge 322 of the saddle 316. The user may apply pressure to the top surface 212 of the base member 210 with the first foot and pull their second foot upward. The yoked end 306 of the engagement member 300, and specifically the bottom edge 322 contacting the spur shelf 124, may prevent the cowboy boot 100 from moving upward with the second foot. Thus, the wearer may pull the second foot out from the cowboy boot 100. The wearer may a similar process to remove the cowboy boot 100 from the first foot.

[0077] When the wearer has removed the cowboy boots 100 from their feet, it may be desirable to place the footwear removal device 200 in the storage position such that the footwear removal device 200 may be put away. In certain optional embodiments, the wearer may rotate the support 400 such that the support 400 is contained within the chamber 230 of the base member 210. The wearer may then rotate the engagement member 300 such that the bottom surface 304 of the engagement member 300 may be substantially juxtaposed with the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210. In other optional embodiments, the wearer may only rotate the engagement member 300 such that the bottom surface 304 of the engagement member 300 may be substantially juxtaposed with the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210. As the engagement member 300 is rotated, the engagement member 300 may contact the support 400 and rotate the support 400 such that the support 400 is contained within the chamber 230 of the base member 210. The one or more magnets 450 may couple the bottom surface 214 of the base member 210 to the bottom surface 304 of the engagement member 300 such that the footwear removal device 200 remains in the storage position.

[0078] The footwear removal device 200 of the present disclosure may have several advantages. One such exemplary advantage may be that the footwear removal device 200 is portably and, when placed in the storage position, may be easily stored. A wearer may comfortably store the footwear removal device 200 a pant's pocket.

[0079] Thus, it is seen that the apparatus and methods of the present disclosure readily achieve the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While certain preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described for present purposes, numerous changes in the arrangement and construction of parts and steps may be made by those skilled in the art, which changes are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Each disclosed feature or embodiment may be combined with any of the other disclosed features or embodiments.