Patent Application
20090165337
The present invention relates to a removable device that fits a heel of a shoe, and increases the surface area of the heel to protect the heel from rough and abrasive or wet surfaces, and to enhance stability for the wearer.
Many styles of high-heeled shoes, for example the very elongated and tapering style of shoe known as, “stiletto” heels, have a very small weight-supporting surface area at the location of the lowest extremity of the heel portion of the high-heeled shoe (distal end) that contacts the ground, resulting in significant detriment to both the shoe and the wearer. For example, fatigue and discomfort in the ankle and foot often occur in the wearer of high-heeled shoes as a result of extra muscular effort required to stabilize the ankle and foot of the wearer to maintain balance during locomotion. Additionally, walking on an abrasive surface, such as subway grates, sidewalk cracks, red-brick sidewalks lawns, and cobblestone-paved roads or walkways often causes damage to the shoe. Such surfaces damage shoes, for example, immobilizing the heel and thereby separating a high heel from the shoe, resulting in destruction of the shoe, a potentially expensive item, and even by momentarily immobilizing the foot, such surfaces present potential injury to the wearer.
Further, soft surfaces such as grass, mud, and sod, are easily pierced by narrow heels, causing the foot to sink and abrading the decorative portion of the shoe.
To avoid the foregoing problems associated with wearing high-heeled shoes with small distal end areas of the heel, a wearer often carries a second pair of shoes with a different heel style, such as an athletic shoe or a sneaker, and changes shoes prior to and after walking on a rough terrain. This is inconvenient, however, because extra shoes are bulky accoutrements under formal circumstances, require a separate carrying container, and the process of changing shoes causes delay and/or inconvenience.
High-heeled shoes have been modified to allow attachments to connect to the sole of a shoe. See Robbins, U.S. patent application number 2006/0196082, published Feb. 28, 2006 which shows high heel shoes that are modified to accept a removable modular attachment. The shoe is fabricated or modified with grooves into which protrusions or clips of the modular attachment fit, attaching and detaching to the modified high-heeled shoe using a spring-loaded mechanism with gears, and requiring the grooves or protrusions in the shoe. The modular attachment extends to the full height of the heel, and covers the entire heel, or even the complete sole of the shoe. The bulky modular attachment alters the appearance of the shoe, and changes the design.
As certain styles and brands of shoe represent a significant financial investment, a permanent alteration of the appearance of the shoe can affect the value. A simple device that is lightweight, portable, and easily applied and removed, is needed to protect a high heel from abrasion and surfaces that might destroy the appearance and value.
Accordingly the present invention provides a device that attaches to the distal end of a high heel shoe to widen the heel area, thus protecting the appearance and integrity of the shoe on an abrasive surface, without altering the shoe itself.
An embodiment of the invention provides a device for increasing the surface area of the distal end of a heel of a shoe, the device including an anchor portion having a receptacle for receiving and releasably retaining the distal end of the heel of the shoe, and a planar base located beneath the anchor portion. The device is characterized in having a horizontal surface area of the planar base that functions as a platform for the anchor portion having the receptacle and for optional further components as well as functions to broaden the contact area of the shoe with the walking surface, so that this horizontal surface area provided by the device is greater than the horizontal surface area of the distal end of the heel, so that if the device is engaged or attached to the shoe, the device protects the heel from damage occurring upon contact with wet and/or abrasive walking surfaces, and stabilizes the heel during contact with uneven or porous surface, thereby improving the safety of the user of the device when negotiating such surfaces in high heeled shoes.
The terms, “distal”, “proximal”, and “dorsal” as used herein have their ordinary anatomical meaning, and refer to portions of the device herein and the interaction of the device and shoe, and components of the shoe, as they related to a central location of a user. “Distal” and “proximal” thus refer respectively to surfaces, ends or components of the device or shoe, that are further and closer, respectively, to the center of the user. Similarly, “dorsal” refers to surfaces, ends or components of the device or shoe that are located at a rear surface or component of the device or shoe, with respect to the wearer when wearing the device and shoe.
The device in a related embodiment includes a strap attached to a proximal or superior end of the device for securing the heel of the shoe within the receptacle. The strap is alternatively attached around the ankle of the user, or around the instep. In another related embodiment, a clamp is attached to the superior end of the device for securing the heel of the shoe within the receptacle.
The device secures the heel within the receptacle with at least one structure, in various related alternative embodiments, from the group of: a strap attached at a first end to the anchor portion, and having a second end which is a free end, the strap having a plurality of apertures, the device further having a peg that fits through the apertures, the peg located on an exterior surface of the receptacle; a strap including terminal loops, and the device having a tab located on the exterior of the receptacle, such that each loop fits over the tab; a strap including a buckle; a strap including a hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®); a strap including a snap fastener; a strap including a lifting dot fastener; a strap including an figure eight fastener; a strap including an elastic ring fastener; an elastic tube, for example, an elastic latticework tube, for example, the latticework includes polygonal cutouts or voids, or has slits arranged so that the tube is lattice-like so that when stretched it is elongated and adhesive.
In certain embodiments of the device the anchor portion has a plurality of upright gripping members extending from the platform of the superior surface of the planar base, or attached to the base, and protruding upward in a proximal direction from the base such that the gripping members form the receptacle for securing the heel. The gripping members secure the heel by at least one method selected from the group including: friction between the inner surfaces of the members and the outer lateral surfaces of the heel; compression by the gripping members the heel, the members being deformable and deformed by insertion of the heel; static electrical cling between the gripping members and at least one outer surface of the heel; establishment of a suction between at least one of the gripping members and at least one outer surface of the heel; and, adhesion of at least one upright member to at least one outer surface of the heel.
In another embodiment the anchor portion includes at least one sizing insert having an external lateral dimension and an interior dimension that conform to internal dimensions of the receptacle; the sizing insert has an approximately central cavity with internal dimensions and contours approximately conforming to the external dimensions and contours of the shoe heel.
An embodiment of the device has an anchor portion that is detachable from the planar base so that the planar base is replaceable with one of a plurality of alternative planar bases. Thus a device used with a very valuable pair of shoes can have a plurality of planar bases that are suitable for different conditions or walking surfaces. In an alternative embodiment, the anchor portion is permanently fixed to the planar base. Similarly, a planar base in another embodiment has a plurality of alternative anchor portions, or the anchor portion has a plurality of sizing inserts.
In certain embodiments the anchor portion has an internal dimension which in cross section has at least one geometric shape selected from at least one of the group of column, barrel, cylinder, disc, circular, oval, octagon, pentagon, rectangular, triangular, square, elliptical, and “D” shaped.
In another embodiment the planar base has a footprint which is at least one geometric shape selected from at least one of the group of disc, circular, oval, octagon, pentagon, rectangular, triangular, square, elliptical, and “D” shaped.
In one embodiment of the invention the device is made from at least one of a plurality of materials. In an alternative embodiment, the planar base and the receptacle are made of the same material. In another embodiment the planar base and the receptacle are made of multiple materials.
In a related embodiment the device is made of plastic. For example, the plastic is a polymer selected at least one of the group of polyurethane, polyurethane foam, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polystyrene, and polymethylpentene.
In an alternative embodiment the device is made of rubber. For example, the rubber is natural or synthetic. In one embodiment the rubber is silicone. In another embodiment the device is made of a metal. For example, the metal is a metal alloy.
In yet another embodiment the planar base is made from a paper-based product. For example, the paper-based product is selected from at least one of the group of cardboard, paperboard, fiberboard, and card stock.
In one embodiment the planar base has a diameter of at least about 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, or more. In certain embodiments the receptacle has a diameter of at least about 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm or more for receiving and releasably retaining the distal end of the heel of the shoe.
In another embodiment the planar base (including the anchor portion) is substantially flat, i.e., is wider (broader) than higher. The flat aspect renders the device easy to store, for example in a plastic bag, in a dress purse, or in a pocket of a jacket, or stole, or other wrap, and in a kit that has a carrying case for protecting the purse, pocket, stole from moisture and soil.
Thus, the height of the planar base is a fraction of the height of the heel, for example ½, ⅓, ¼, ⅕, ⅙ the height of the heel. For example, for a heel that is about 3 or 4 inches in height (at least about 6 cm, 8 cm, or 10 cm in height), the height of the planar base is less than about 1 cm, 2 cm, or less than about 3 cm. The diameter of the planar base, on the other hand, is at least about 4 mm, 8 mm, 1.2 cm, or at least about 1.6 cm or even at least about 3.2 cm in diameter. The device weighs less than about 8 oz, less than about 4 oz, or less than about 2 oz or even less than about one oz, or less than about 230 g, less than about 115 g, less than about 58 g or even less than about 30 g in weight.
In related embodiments the inferior surface (bottom) of the planar base that contacts the ground is textured to prevent the user from slipping, for example, is patterned, such as scored or ridged. In still another embodiment, the portion of the planar base that contacts the ground is serrated. Alternatively, the inferior surface of the planar base that contacts the ground is smooth.
In one embodiment the device is translucent, or even transparent, such that the style and color of the shoe is visible, and the device is colorless, or is slightly tinted. In an alternative embodiment the device is pigmented (colored), and opaque, or translucent. In certain embodiments the device is disposable, while in other embodiments it is reusable.
In an embodiment of the device the bottom layer of the planar base is malleable to conform to an uneven surface. In another embodiment of the device the planar base and the anchor portion comprise a water resistant material, while in another embodiment of the device the planar base and the anchor portion are water resistant.
Another embodiment of the invention herein provides a kit having a device for increasing surface area of a distal end of a heel of a shoe, the device comprising: an anchor portion having a receptacle for receiving and releasably retaining the distal end of the heel, and a planar base located beneath the anchor portion, wherein the horizontal surface area of the planar base is greater than the horizontal surface area of the distal end of the heel, wherein the device engages and retains the heel and protects the heel from damage occurring during walking upon contact of the heel with wet and abrasive surfaces, and the kit further comprising a carrying container. For example, the kit in various embodiments includes a plurality of at least one device component selected from the group of planar bases, receptacles, and sizing inserts. The kit in another embodiment further includes a cleaning cloth.
Another embodiment of the invention herein provides a method of protecting a heel of a high-heeled shoe from abrasion and moisture, the method comprising: contacting the heel with a device for increasing surface area of a distal end of the heel, the device comprising: an anchor portion having a receptacle for receiving and releasably retaining the distal end of the heel of the shoe, and a planar base located beneath the anchor portion, wherein the horizontal surface area of the planar base is greater than the horizontal surface area of the distal end of the heel; and engaging and reversibly retaining the heel and protecting the heel from damage during walking upon contact of the heel with wet and abrasive surfaces.
Currently commonly worn high heeled shoes, such as stiletto heels, are often characterized by having very little surface area of the base of the heel that contacts the ground. The distal end of the heel of a high heeled shoe may be as small as 25 mm2 (5 mm×5 mm) or even smaller, so that a woman having a weight of at least about 50 kg would exert more than about 200 kg/cm2 of force on the heel during each step. Thus, the large force on the small contact area causes instability, imbalance, fatigue, and/or risk of injury for the wearer. Further, this force and the narrow tapered shape of the heel causes the heel to penetrate a soft or uneven walking surface, such as grass, cobblestone, gravel, or a metallic grid such as a subway vent, and even soft macadam, degrading the decorative surface of the heel by abrasion and/or adhesion of unwanted particles. These types of processes adversely affect the appearance, value, and integrity of the decorative surface of the heel.
An embodiment of the device herein is an attachment that attaches to the distal or lower or inferior portion (distal relative to a central location of the wearer) of a heel to increase the surface area of the distal end of the heel portion of a high-heeled shoe. The device further increases the wearer's stability, comfort, and/or balance while traversing surfaces, thereby reducing risk, fatigue, or discomfort and/or protecting the heel from adverse surfaces. The device herein includes a planar portion 101 shown in
In related embodiments the shape and texture of the planar portion is specifically designed to be selected in a customized manner for surfaces commonly encountered by the user, i.e., lawns, city sidewalks, gardens as described herein. The anchor portion of the present invention is configurable to accept a plurality of different styles of the planar portion, providing the wearer with a choice of color and styles as well as textures of the inferior surface, each unit providing improved stability to the wearer, and protection for the high-heel. The superior surface of the planar base is contiguous with or attaches to the anchor portion, and also serves as a platform for additional components that serve to secure the device to the heel.
An embodiment of the device provided herein is a heel attachment for a shoe, the device being compact and easily and quickly attached and detached via a receptacle suitable for a high-heeled shoe without irreversibly altering the appearance or integrity of the shoe. The device anchors to the distal end of the heel portion of a high-heeled shoe, and increases the surface area by having a receptacle with a contiguous planar surface that attaches to the distal end of the heel.
The device is manufactured by any of standard conventional means, such as molding, injection molding and milling. The manufacture can be unitary molding, in which a mold for the entire device is filled with for example unpolymerized material which is then polymerized in the mold to obtain its final form, or can be molded in two parts which are later joined, a seam between the two halves is filled with epoxy, adhesive or fairing compound and the seam is optionally sanded to conform to the surrounding surface. The method of manufacture of the composite construction device further includes allowing the device to cure and once cured removing it from the mold.
The device is manufactured to have one of a variety of diameters of the planar surface that is related to the height of the heel or the weight of the wearer. The device as manufactured is characterized as being small and light so that it is easily carried in a compact carrier or carrying compartment, such as a purse, a compartment of a purse, or a pocket of a dinner jacket or stole. A kit is provided having also a container and optionally a cleaning cloth, so that upon removal and prior to storage, the device is wiped clean to avoid soiling the wearer's clothing.
When a wearer finds it necessary to walk across an adsorptive, permeable or abrasive walking surface, the device is easily attachable. The device has a weight that is light enough to be transported easily, for example the device is less than 8 oz, 6 oz, or 4 oz, or even 2 oz. The device in various embodiments is manufactured from water resistant material to protect it from wear and tear from contacting moist or wet surfaces, and in related embodiments is entirely water resistant or water proof. The devise contains no or essentially no highly technological mechanical mechanisms or moving parts and is manufactured inexpensively. Certain embodiments are intended to be disposable, and alternative embodiments are intended to be reused. Further, the device in various embodiments is manufactured and used to add ornamental value, for example, designed to match particular colors or textures such as seasonal colors (pastels; bright primary colors; earth tones), or to add to the glamour of a dress shoe for example by addition of decorative elements such as stones, sequins, glass or crystal.
Each of the entire device or the planar portion is quickly and easily removable from the shoe, and can be alternated by the wearer with other variously shaped, colored and designed planar portions, to accommodate specific physical and/or design needs. For example, a planar portion having a larger surface area is more suitable than a planar portion with a smaller surface area for walking on a lawn, a mud, or a soft tuft. For protection from rain or flooding, however, the size and shape of the planar portion is of less consideration than a smaller planar portion that is manufactured of a water resistant material. Thus, planar portions are designed in a plurality of shapes to increase stability in a variety of different terrains, or for the purposes of style.
In related embodiments, the bottom of the planar base is manufactured of a material to be malleable to conform to an uneven surface. The malleable layer can further stabilize and protect the heel from a non-uniform surface. Alternatively, the entire planar base is manufactured of a malleable material, having however sufficient support directly underneath the receptacle to withstand the force due to concentrated weight of the user during walking.
Additionally, for walking on a slippery surface such as ice, snow, or partially frozen mud the inferior surface of the planar portion is scored as shown in
The exemplary anchor portion shown in
In certain embodiments herein the planar-base of the device includes a material having the characteristics of substantial resistance and durability to withstand repeated physical wear, and possibly also to wear by electrical (for example due to current leaking from metal plates on a sidewalk) and/or thermal processes (exposure to summer heat in a car interior), as well as dimensional stability. The material is characterized by sufficient strength to support the pressure and weight exerted on a high heel by the ordinary force from walking by a wearer, as well as light enough to be easily transportable. The planar base includes in various embodiments a support layer inferior to (under) the anchor portion, for example the support layer is a malleable material, alternatively the support layer is adjacent to and superior to (above) a malleable material. Alternatively, the support layer is coextensive with or even substantially comprises the planar base.
In various embodiments the planar base and/or the support layer is manufactured from a plastic such as high-density polyethylene, polyaryletheretherketone, aromatic polyamide or polycarbonate, or from a lightweight metal such as aluminum. In certain embodiments, the device has a malleable material on the inferior surface of the planar base, and the support layer is coextensive or is substantially coextensive with the malleable material. Multiple layers are manufactured by addition of unpolymerized subsequent layers during the molding process, or by addition of fully polymerized materials using epoxy or other glue.
The receptacle in
The inner surface of the receptacle in certain embodiments is lined with a layer of smooth, flexible material, for example polyurethane, polyurethane foam, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polystyrene, and polymethylpentene. The smooth flexible material causes the distal end of the heel to be inserted and anchored within the anchor portion using a minimum of force, and the heel is similarly removed from the device when desired. The anchor portion is temporarily or permanently mounted within or affixed to the superior surface of the planar portion of the device.
The receptacle of the anchor portion in various embodiments includes a set of radial cuts at the superior or proximal end of the receptacle, or the receptacle is lined with a plurality of adjacent beads, the beads being arranged tangent to each other circumferentially, and attached to the inner wall of the receptacle. The receptacle having the lining or ring of beads or the surface with cuts is further made compressible as a result of the beads or cuts, such that the distal end of the heel is held in place in the receptacle, without damage to the exterior of the heel.
In alternative embodiments the distal end of the heel is secured within the receptacle with a clamp, clasp, ribbon, or strap that is additionally attached to the device, generally to the superior surface of the planar base, or to the anchor, or to the proximal (top) of the receptacle. For example, the strap or ribbon is decorative, and functions to affix the device to the ankle or upper surface of the instep of the foot. For example, the clamp or clasp is fixed to the superior surface of the planar portion of the device, and engages the portion of the heel to be secured within the cavity of the receptacle after insertion of the distal end of the shoe heel. Clamps and clasps suitable for use in the device can be chosen from any among a selection of ornamental and decorative elements well known to one of ordinary skill in design or manufacture of shoes, sandals, or, textiles, or from the fabrics used in construction of a shoe for the upper end of the shoe market.
Examples of a device having a clamp are show in
An alternative embodiment is shown in
An embodiment of the device anchor portion 1101 as shown in
A strap is used to secure the device in an embodiment seen in
An embodiment of the device shown in
In various alternative embodiments, a wall 1401 of the receptacle seen in
As shown in
An alternative embodiment of the device includes a receptacle 1501 extending proximally (upward) up from the superior surface of the planar base 101 and, as shown in
The device is manufactured of at least one material of the group of a metal, plastic, rubber, leather, wood, bone, paper, or other synthetic or natural materials, and in certain embodiments includes one or more high value materials such as metals, minerals or gem decorations, naturally occurring or synthetic, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments the device is manufactured in a plurality of colors and designs. The colors and designs can be matched to a specific shoe design or generic colors.
The device described herein is compact and therefore easier to transport and store than a second pair of shoes, or a bulky prior art device having a substantial mechanical attachment apparatus (See Robbins, U.S. patent application number 2006/0196082, published on Feb. 28, 2006) as it will have less weight and/or smaller size. The device is in various embodiments, inexpensive and easy to store, disposable, and even is easy to replace, providing a less bulky and less costly alternative to a second pair of shoes.
The invention having now been fully described, it is further exemplified by the following claims, which are exemplary only and are not to be construed as further limiting. The contents of all references cited are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/009,229 filed Dec. 27, 2007, inventors M. Cohen et al., and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61009229 | Dec 2007 | US |
