Patent Application
20220218069
The present invention relates generally to an innovative convertible high heel shoe design, that allows for the transformation of a high heeled shoe into a flat shoe, and vice versa, and more specifically to a shoe comprised of a removable stelo, a removable high heel attachment, and the corresponding attachment systems integrated into the base shoe sole.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, close to half of US women wear high heels regularly, even though 71% say that the shoes hurt their feet. Currently, the only solutions to stiletto associated pain are for women to either suffer through, take off their shoes and continue on barefoot, or to carry along an extra pair of shoes to change into. None of these methods allow for ultimate convenience or comfort.
Several prior attempts have been made to create convertible footwear as a solution to these problems. Previous designs include heels of an interchangeable nature (swapping out heels of one height for a heel of a lower height) using both clamp systems and click-on systems, heels that fold into the sole of the shoe creating a wedge, heels that slide into the sole on a slide track system, a screw-on heel, a heel with a system in place to adjust the high heel width, and others of a similar nature.
A need exists in the field of high-heeled footwear to maximize both comfort and practicality. This is embodied in the invention of transformable footwear—an convertible shoe that is both a high heel and a sandal. This way, wearers can adapt their footwear to meet their changing needs throughout the duration of wearing a pair of shoes.
The present disclosure describes a shoe including three parts: a removable stelo, a removable high heel attachment, and the corresponding attachment systems integrated into the base shoe sole. The removable high heel attachment may include a standard heel of any design, width and height that has a locking system comprising an interlocking post located at the heel base.
In one embodiment, the locking system attached to the heel base allows for the removable heel attachment to be inserted into a removable heel attachment platform at the heel of a flexible base shoe sole. The removable stelo is a rigid piece resembling the portion of the outsole of an elevated heeled shoe where the stelo support piece is integrated. The removable stelo may feature a connecting mechanism on the toebox end of the insert comprising a toebox interlock that connects at a corresponding toebox interlock receiver on the rear end of the toebox portion of the base shoe sole outsole. On the opposite end of the removable stelo—that faces the heel portion of the shoe—there may be a connecting mechanism that corresponds to locations on both the heel of the base shoe sole outsole and the removable heel insert.
An apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of a transformable high heel shoe is described and may include a toe box platform including a stelo receiver, a heel platform including an interlocking portion, a flexible sole element interposed between the toe box platform and the heel platform, a stelo including a rigid shank, a toe interlock, and a heel interlock, wherein the toe interlock is configured to removably interlock with the stelo receiver, and the heel interlock is configured to removably interlock with the interlocking portion, and wherein the stelo is configured to juxtapose with the flexible sole element providing a rigid support to the flexible sole element, and a removable heel removably coupleable to the heel platform at the interlocking portion.
A method of producing a shoe may include providing a toe box platform including a stelo receiver, providing a heel platform including an interlocking portion, providing a flexible sole element interposed between the toe box platform and the heel platform, providing a stelo including a rigid shank, a toe interlock, and a heel interlock, wherein the toe interlock is configured to removably interlock with the stelo receiver, and the heel interlock is configured to removably interlock with the interlocking portion, and wherein the stelo is configured to juxtapose with the flexible sole element providing a rigid support to the flexible sole element, and providing a removable heel removably coupleable to the heel platform at the interlocking portion.
A method of transforming a high heeled shoe to a flat shoe is described. The method may include retaining a toe box platform including a stelo receiver, retaining a heel platform including an interlocking portion, retaining a flexible sole element interposed between the toe box platform and the heel platform, removing a stelo including a rigid shank, a toe interlock, and a heel interlock, wherein the toe interlock is configured to removably interlock with the stelo receiver, and the heel interlock is configured to removably interlock with the interlocking portion, and wherein the stelo is configured to juxtapose with the flexible sole element providing a rigid support to the flexible sole element, and removing a removable heel from the heel platform at the interlocking portion.
In some examples of the shoe and method described above, the interlocking portion includes a puck coupled to the heel platform. In some examples of the shoe and method described above, the stelo receiver includes a forefoot pin oriented laterally at a proximal portion of the toe box platform. In some examples of the shoe and method described above, the toe interlock includes a notch configured to interlock with the forefoot pin at the stelo receiver.
In some examples of the shoe and method described above, the stelo is interposed between the removeable heel and the interlocking portion. In some examples of the shoe and method described above, the stelo and the removable heel are configured to remain together upon removal of the removable heel from the interlocking portion. In some examples of the shoe and method described above, the removable heel is configured to release from the interlocking portion by rotating the removable heel by at least fifteen degrees.
In some examples of the shoe and method described above, the stelo includes a leading edge rib configured to engage the interlocking portion. In some examples of the shoe and method described above, the stelo has a lateral curved profile. In some examples of the shoe and method described above, the stelo includes a post coaxial with an axis of rotation of the removable heel, wherein the removable heel includes a cylindrical cavity configured to receive the post.
In some examples of the shoe and method described above, the stelo includes the post, wherein the post includes a compressible distal end. In some examples of the shoe and method described above, the stelo includes a recurve.
Table 1 summarizes ranges and specifications for one example of a high heel shoe in accordance with the present disclosure.
The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
New transformable heel-to-flat footwear and the necessary elements for creation of such a product are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
The present disclosure utilizes the term “stelo” to refer to removable rigid sole support, or shank, including a shank, shankpiece, or shank spring that serves as the bridge between the heel and the ball of the shoe. A stelo may be built into the midsole to offer reinforcement to create the arch of the heel. The contour and design of the shank depends on the type of shoe and height of the heel. Its purpose is to maintain the shape or style of the shoe by preventing it from collapsing or distorting and providing elasticity to the design.
A stelo may serve the same purpose as a traditional shank. However, a stelo can be removed from the shoe, allowing the user to modify the shape, design, and function of the shoe especially relating to the adjustment of the heel height. The present disclosure describes the use of a stelo for a high heel shoe, but it may also be used for work boots, flats, men's dress shoes, bike shoes, bowling shoes, orthotic shoes, welted shoes, or any other shoe not listed with a heel piece.
The term “heel base” as used herein refers to the upper surface of a removable heel attachment present at the end of the high heel attachment opposite the “top piece,” with the “top piece” being the industry term for the bottom of the physical high heel that comes into contact with the ground when walking. Thus, the heel base is the end of the removable heel attachment that is directly beneath the “counter” of a standard high heel when fully assembled.
As shown, the flexible shoe sole element 105, the solid toebox base 110, the removable heel attachment platform 115, the removable stelo 120, and the removable heel attachment 125 are used to create the structure of a high heel shoe. In operation, the flexible shoe sole element 105 is coupled to the solid toebox base 110 and the removable heel attachment platform 115 to create the base shoe sole. The removable stelo 120 is inserted to provide the structural support needed in the raised high heel formation, and the removable heel attachment 125 is attached to create the completed high heel formation.
An convertible high heel is shown comprising of three novel parts: a removable stelo 120, a removable heel attachment 125, and the corresponding attachment systems integrated into the base. The removable stelo 120 is a rigid insert of any material that has a curvature resembling the shape of a standard high-heel shoe sole in the elevated heel position (generally “S”-shaped or curved, as viewed from the side so as to provide a concave portion 130 proximate to where the removable stelo 120 interfaces with the solid toebox base 110, and, optionally, a convex portion 135 proximate to where the removable stelo 120 interfaces with the removable heel attachment platform 115). The removable heel attachment 125 may be a high heel of any height, design, width, and material that contains the threaded post located at the heel base.
In accordance with the present embodiment of the high-heel shoe formation, the removable stelo 120 is attached by connecting the toebox interlock tabs into the toebox interlock slots. The removable sole support lock key will be connected to the corresponding receiving mechanism located on the solid heel portion of the removable sole support lock keyhole. When the heel interlocking mechanism is completely assembled, the interlocking mechanism will create an opening defined by the thread track created by threaded key arc section and the threaded keyhole section.
The removable heel attachment 125 is threadably coupled to the removable heel support attachment by threading the threaded post located on removable heel attachment 125 into the thread track of the opening created jointly by the threaded key arc section and the threaded keyhole section. In its final form, the removable heel attachment 125 attaches at the opening and at least partially covers and secures the removable sole support lock keyhole, preventing accidental removal of the removable heel attachment platform 115.
In operation of the flat shoe formation, the removable heel attachment 125 and the removable stelo 120 can be removed, allowing the flexible base shoe sole to be used autonomously. In practice, a user will generally begin with the shoe configured as a high heel, with the removable heel attachment platform 115 and the removable heel attachment 125 secured in place. When the user wishes to convert the shoe into a flat, the removable heel attachment 125 is rotated to disengage the thread track from the threaded post of the removable heel attachment 125. This disengagement results in the separation of the removable heel attachment 125 from the shoe and releases the removable sole support lock key from the removable sole support lock keyhole. The removable heel attachment platform 115 is then rotated away from the flexible base shoe sole, and the toebox interlock tabs are slid toward the rear of the shoe to disengage the toebox interlock tabs from the toebox interlock slots.
With the removal of the removable stelo 120, the stelo 120 no longer supports the shank of the shoe in a high heel configuration, and the flexible base shoe sole allows the removable heel attachment platform 115 to drop to the ground and serve as the heel of the shoe. The removable stelo 120 and the removable heel attachment 125 can then be stored away, with the shoe assuming the form of a flat. This process is reversed to convert the shoe from a flat into a high heel.
Optional add-ons to this product include, but are not limited to, a high heel wedge attachment of any height, width and material; a removable sole support attachment created in conjunction with a different connecting mechanism than the one previously described; a removable heel attachment 125 created in conjunction with a different connecting mechanism than the one previously described.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
The shoe sole element 105 may be an example of a flexible sole element interposed between the toe box platform and the heel platform. Shoe sole element 105 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The toebox base 110 may be an example of a toe box platform including a stelo receiver. In some examples, the stelo receiver includes a forefoot pin oriented laterally at a proximal portion of the toe box platform. Toebox base 110 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The attachment platform 115 may be an example of a heel platform including an interlocking portion. In some examples, the interlocking portion includes a puck coupled to the heel platform. Attachment platform 115 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The stelo 120 may include a rigid shank, a toe interlock, and a heel interlock, wherein the toe interlock is configured to removably interlock with the stelo receiver, and the heel interlock is configured to removably interlock with the interlocking portion, and wherein the stelo 120 is configured to juxtapose with the flexible sole element providing a rigid support to the flexible sole element.
In some examples, the toe interlock includes a notch configured to interlock with the forefoot pin at the stelo receiver. In some examples, the stelo 120 is interposed between the removeable heel and the interlocking portion. In some examples, the stelo 120 includes a leading edge rib configured to engage the interlocking portion. In some examples, the stelo 120 has a lateral curved profile.
In some examples, the stelo 120 includes a post coaxial with an axis of rotation of the removable heel, wherein the removable heel includes a cylindrical cavity configured to receive the post. In some examples, the stelo 120 includes the post, wherein the post includes a compressible distal end. In some examples, the stelo 120 includes a recurve. Stelo 120 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The heel attachment 125 may be an example of a removable heel removably coupleable to the heel platform at the interlocking portion. In some examples, the stelo 120 and the removable heel are configured to remain together upon removal of the removable heel from the interlocking portion. In some examples, the removable heel is configured to release from the interlocking portion by rotating the removable heel by at least fifteen degrees. Heel attachment 125 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
As shown, the flexible shoe sole element 205, the solid toebox base 210, the removable heel attachment platform 215, the removable stelo 220, and the removable heel attachment 225 are used to create the structure of a high heel shoe. In operation, the flexible shoe sole element 205 is coupled to the solid toebox base 210 and the removable heel attachment platform 215 to create the base shoe sole. The removable stelo 220 is inserted to provide the structural support needed in the raised high heel formation, and the removable heel attachment 225 is attached to create the completed high heel formation.
Shoe sole element 205 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
High heel shoe base 300 may include shoe sole element 305, toebox base 310, toebox interlock slots 315, attachment platform 320, stelo 325, toebox interlock tabs 330, sole support lock key 335, keyhole section 340, heel attachment 345, and post 350.
In the present embodiment, the removable stelo 325 contains a dual interlocking mechanism, with the removable sole support lock key 335 located at the heel end of the removable stelo 325 (where the removable stelo 325 interfaces with the removable heel attachment platform 320) that then connects into the corresponding mechanism at the heel of the removable sole support lock keyhole, and the toebox interlock tabs 330 located at the toebox end of the removable stelo 325 (where the removable stelo 325 interfaces with the solid toebox base 310) that then connects to the toebox interlock slots 315.
In other embodiments, the removable stelo 325 includes just one interlocking mechanism located on either end of the removable stelo 325, or any number of interlocking mechanisms located elsewhere on the removable stelo 325.
The toebox interlock tabs 330 of the aforementioned dual interlocking mechanism located on the removable stelo 325 is the mechanism located at the end interacting with the base shoe sole. In the present embodiment, this interlocking mechanism includes a locking mechanism located at the edge of the removable stelo 325 that then connects to the toebox interlock slots 315 located on the toebox portion of the solid toebox base 310. In other embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various interlocking mechanisms are suitable to achieve the objectives described herein. By way of example, the interlocking mechanism may be a tongue-and-groove interlocking mechanism in which the toebox interlock slots 315 includes a groove and the toebox interlock tabs 330 includes a tongue or tab that slides into the groove in order to constrain movement of the toebox interlock tabs 330 relative to the toebox interlock slots 315 to a single direction vector.
The removable sole support lock key 335 of the aforementioned dual interlocking mechanism located on the removable stelo 325 is the mechanism located at the end interacting with the removable heel attachment platform 320.
Shoe sole element 305 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Toebox interlock slots 315 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Stelo 325 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Heel attachment 345 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
High heel shoe base 400 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Shoe sole element 405 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Toebox interlock slots 415 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Sole support lock keyhole 425 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Stelo 435 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
High heel shoe base 500 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Shoe sole element 505 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The attachment platform 520 may be an example of a heel platform including an interlocking portion. Attachment platform 520 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Sole support lock keyhole 525 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Stelo 535 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Sole support lock keyhole 525 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
High heel shoe base 600 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Toebox base 605 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Sole support lock keyhole 615 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Stelo 625 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
High heel shoe base 700 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
In a present embodiment, an interlocking mechanism includes a locking mechanism located at the removable sole support lock key 730 of the removable stelo 720 that connects to a “keyhole” cavity in the removable sole support lock keyhole 710, with threads running along the threaded keyhole section 735. The threaded keyhole section 735 interlocks with threads in the threaded post when combined with a remaining portion of the thread track located at the threaded key arc section 715 adjacent to the removable sole support lock keyhole 710. The removable sole support lock key 730 is constrained by the removable sole support lock keyhole 710 to move relative to the removable sole support lock key 730 in the direction of a second direction vector, wherein the second direction vector is not parallel to the single direction vector. When the removable sole support lock key 730 and the removable sole support lock keyhole 710 are interlocked, and the thread tracks are aligned, the threaded post is threaded into the resulting threaded opening, and tightened in place.
This arrangement simultaneously secures the removable sole support lock key 730 to the removable sole support lock keyhole 710 and secures the removable heel attachment to the convertible high heel. In other embodiments, different connecting mechanism is at the location of the removable sole support lock key 730, the removable sole support lock keyhole 710 is replaced with a protrusion or a cavity, and the thread track created by threaded keyhole section 735 and the threaded key arc section 715 to interact with the threaded post is replaced by a singular autonomously operating thread track, multiple thread tracks in a different execution, or a different insertion mechanism altogether.
As shown, the removable heel attachment platform 705 also includes a portion of the removable sole support lock keyhole 710 for the removable sole support attachment with the corresponding heel locking mechanism located at the removable sole support insert. Other possible embodiments of the mechanism could include other formations of a threading track, and other locking systems besides threading including but not limited to slide tracks, slots, prong, click and push systems. In regards to other embodiments of the mechanism, the extrusion and insertion points of this mechanism can be executed in any foreseeable shape.
Attachment platform 705 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Stelo 720 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Sole support lock key 730 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
High heel shoe base 800 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
In the embodiment shown, the solid toebox base contains toebox interlock slots 805 along the back portion and interior corresponding to the toebox interlock tabs 815. In other embodiments of the invention, any type of connecting mechanism could be used at the juncture of the toebox interlock slots 805 and the toebox interlock tabs 815 including but not limited to slide tracks, prongs, and wedge-type insertions with the receptors and/or extrusions located on either portion of the mechanism and in any number.
Toebox interlock slots 805 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Toebox interlock tabs 815 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The threaded keyhole section 935 and threaded key arc section 920 form the finished thread track and are shown assembled to show how the disassembled removable heel attachment 940 and threaded post 945 integrate into the mechanism when fully assembled.
In the embodiment as shown, the interlocking mechanism includes the threaded post 945. The threaded post 945 is threaded into the thread track created by the removable sole support lock keyhole 915 and the threaded key arc section 920. Other embodiments of this locking mechanism may include different shape varieties pertaining to the mechanism located at the threaded post 945, other formations of a thread track other than the thread track created by the combination of the removable sole support lock keyhole 915 and the threaded key arc section 920, and other locking systems besides threading including but not limited to slide tracks, slots, prongs, and click and push systems.
Threading along the internal edge of this threaded key arc section 920 works in conjunction with the threading along the threaded keyhole section 935 to provide the complete thread track to allow for insertion of the removable heel attachment 940 as shown.
Toebox base 905 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Sole support lock keyhole 915 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Stelo 925 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Keyhole section 935 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Heel attachment 940 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
When all assembled as shown in the figure, the flexible shoe sole element 1005, the solid toebox base 1010, the removable heel attachment platform 1015, the removable sole support lock keyhole 1020, and the threaded key arc section 1025 combine to form the flexible base shoe sole 1000. In operation of the present embodiment of the flat shoe execution, this base shoe sole 1000 functions autonomously as a shoe sole itself.
The flexible base shoe sole 1000 as shown includes three elements, the first of which is a flexible shoe sole that runs the length of the flexible shoe sole element 1005. The flexible shoe sole element 1005 approximates the shape and flexibility of a standard flat shoe sole and can be included of any material, but will be flexible in nature. The flexible shoe sole element 1005 is attached to two solid pieces that in combination make up the flexible base shoe sole 1000. The first of these solid pieces is attached to the toebox portion of the solid toebox base 1010. The solid toebox base 1010 approximates the shape and flexibility of a standard shoe sole element 1005 located at the outsole portion of the toebox section of a shoe. The solid toebox base 1010 can be out of any suitable material and is solid in its execution.
The second solid piece that will make up the solid toebox base 1010 in its entirety will be attached to the heel portion of the shoe at the removable heel attachment platform 1015. It will resemble the shape of a standard flat shoe heel, and in one embodiment will contain an indented center section in an arc-shape that follows the shape of the outer edge of the heel.
Shoe sole element 1005 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Sole support lock keyhole 1020 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
When all assembled in conjunction as shown in the figure, the flexible shoe sole element 1105, the solid toebox base 1110, and the removable heel attachment platform 1115 combine to create the flexible base shoe sole 1100. In operation of the present embodiment of the flat shoe execution, this flexible base shoe sole 1100 functions itself as a shoe sole when the shoe is configured as a flat.
Shoe sole element 1105 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
In some examples, the heel attachment 1245 may be used as a fastener to attach the removable stelo 1225. The attachment platform 1210 (a.k.a. receiving component, or “puck”) may be co-molded with the shoe sole element 1220. The stelo 1225 and the heel attachment 1245 may be attached together to install and remove as a single unit. They may also be pulled apart and separated. For example, the heel attachment 1245 and stelo 1225 may be removed using a quarter turn clockwise and a pivot about the forefoot pin 1230. The angle of the stelo 1225 from around the forefoot pin 1230 may range from 15 degrees to 90 degrees. In some examples, a pivot of 35 degrees may be used to clear the forefoot pin 1230.
The stelo 1225 may be a removable shank, shankpiece, or shank spring that inserts into a slot between the midsole and a forefoot pin 1230 in the outsole and is secured in place when in an arched position. A hook on the toe box end of the shank curves around the forefoot pin 1230 to secure it in place.
The heel end of the stelo 1225 may have a snap-in plug onto which the detachable heel locks 1240. The stelo 1225 is the partial width and partial length of the shoe, running from the ball part of the sole to the center of the heel. The shape of the stelo 1225 may similar to a shoe shank, in that it follows the arch of the heeled shoe. The purpose of the stelo 1225 is to create an arch in the shoe and maintain the structure of the shoe when the detachable heel attachment 1245 is secured in place.
The shank is built into the midsole and runs the length of the shoe from heel to ball, corresponding to the medial and lateral arches. The shank or shanks may be attached in any of the following areas of the shoe: the toe box, the sole including the platform, ball, or midsole, the bridge or waist, the bottom filling, or the heel including the heel base, breast, and seat.
Attachment mechanism types for the stelo 1225 include but are not limited to a dual interlocking mechanism, twisting mechanism, slide tracks, wedge-type insertions with receptors or extrusions, slots, prong, click and push systems, or threading. The stelo 1225 can be made of wood, steel, carbon fiber, plastic, nylon, fiberglass, Kevlar, or any other material in any combination and ratio.
In some cases, the stelo 1225 may be the primary determinant of overall shoe stiffness. Thus, the stelo 1225 may be designed to be stiff enough and broad enough to add the required stability to the heeled shoe, but leave enough material in the shoe sole element 1220 such that the flat shoe is sufficiently stiff and stable. Stiffness of the stelo 1225 may be maximized by using a curved profile and central rib (running down the length or most of the length of the stelo, normal to the arc of the curved profile), and may be supported with additional ribs (e.g., parallel to the central rib).
Potential shapes for the stelo 1225 include but are not limited to a strip or ribbon of a plated material, that can feature ridges or curves that add strength. The stelo 1225 may have punched holes for eyelet attaching, pointed spurs for pressure attachment, or any other design enabling attachment to a shoe. The stelo 1225 design may be the full width of the shoe, partial width of the shoe, full length of the shoe, or partial length of the shoe in any variation and combination. In some examples, the contour of the stelo 1225 is determined by heel height.
Attachment of the heel, and avoiding inadvertent twist and potential removal, may be achieved using a number of features based on friction. Interference between the stelo 1225, heel lock 1240, and attachment platform 1210 cause friction between those parts and prevents rotation. Similarly, interference between shoe sole element 1220 and heel attachment 1245 compresses the shoe sole element 1220 and causes more significant friction.
A molded pin on the stelo 1225 that extends into the heel lock 1240 may offer some additional stability, but the primary function of this feature is to join the heel attachment 1245 and stelo 1225 such that they may be removed as a single part. In some cases, the shoe does not rely on this pin for structural stability. Rather, the stability and rigidity of the joint between the stelo 1225 and the heel attachment 1245 may be achieved by the contact between the top of the heel lock 1240 and the underside surface of the stelo 1225. These two parts may be sandwiched together by the attachment platform 1210. The overall diameter of the features in this ‘sandwich’ may be a significant factor in determining the stability of the high heel shoe 1200.
In some cases, plastics tend towards relieving such stresses over time. Thus, an extended nub may be provided on the stelo 1225 to momentarily interfere and ‘bump over’ a corresponding feature on the heel attachment 1245 (not shown).
Footbed 1205 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The attachment platform 1210 may be an example of a heel platform including an interlocking portion. In some examples, the interlocking portion includes a puck coupled to the heel platform. Attachment platform 1210 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Heel cap 1215 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The stelo 1225 may include a rigid shank, a toe interlock, and a heel interlock, wherein the toe interlock is configured to removably interlock with the stelo 1225 receiver, and the heel interlock is configured to removably interlock with the interlocking portion, and wherein the stelo 1225 is configured to juxtapose with the flexible sole element providing a rigid support to the flexible sole element.
In some examples, the toe interlock includes a notch configured to interlock with the forefoot pin 1230 at the stelo 1225 receiver. In some examples, the stelo 1225 is interposed between the removeable heel and the interlocking portion. In some examples, the stelo 1225 includes a leading edge rib configured to engage the interlocking portion. In some examples, the stelo 1225 has a lateral curved profile. In some examples, the stelo 1225 includes a post coaxial with an axis of rotation of the removable heel, wherein the removable heel includes a cylindrical cavity configured to receive the post. In some examples, the stelo 1225 includes the post, wherein the post includes a compressible distal end. In some examples, the stelo 1225 includes a recurve, e.g., an “S” shape. Stelo 1225 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Forefoot pin 1230 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Toebox base 1235 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The heel attachment 1245 may be an example of a removable heel removably coupleable to the heel platform at the interlocking portion. In some examples, the stelo 1225 and the removable heel are configured to remain together upon removal of the removable heel from the interlocking portion. In some examples, the removable heel is configured to release from the interlocking portion by rotating the removable heel by at least fifteen degrees. Heel attachment 1245 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Heel rod 1250 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Table 1, below, summarizes ranges and specifications for one example of a high heel shoe in accordance with the present disclosure.
Footbed 1305 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Shoe sole element 1315 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Stelo 1320 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Stelo 1405 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Heel attachment 1415 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Attachment platform 1505 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The stelo 1600 may include a rigid shank, a toe interlock, and a heel interlock, wherein the toe interlock is configured to removably interlock with the stelo 1600 receiver, and the heel interlock is configured to removably interlock with the interlocking portion, and wherein the stelo 1600 is configured to juxtapose with the flexible sole element providing a rigid support to the flexible sole element.
In some examples, the toe interlock includes a notch 1602 configured to interlock with the forefoot pin at the stelo 1600 receiver. In some examples, the stelo 1600 is interposed between the removeable heel and the interlocking portion at the opposite end of the stelo from the notch 1602. In some examples, the stelo 1600 includes a leading edge rib 1604 configured to engage the interlocking portion. In some examples, the stelo 1600 has a lateral curved profile. In some examples, the stelo 1600 includes a post 1606 (or pin) coaxial with an axis of rotation of the removable heel, wherein the removable heel includes a cylindrical cavity configured to receive the post. In some examples, the stelo 1600 includes the post 1606, wherein the post includes a compressible distal end. In some examples, the stelo 1600 includes a recurve.
In some examples, the interlocking portion includes a puck coupled to the heel platform. Attachment platform 1700 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The attachment platform, in accordance with the present example, includes the female half of a quarter turn cam lock fastener. A cylindrical opening in the attachment platform includes a pair of notches (of greater diameter than the cylindrical opening) that allow a pair of “ears” on a post of a male half of the quarter turn cam lock fastener.
In operation, once the post is inserted into the cylindrical opening, with the ears aligned with the notches, the heel is rotated a quarter turn, misaligning the ears, so that the post can no longer be removed from the cylindrical opening. At the same time, camming surfaces on the bottom surface of the ears cause the heel to be drawn tightly toward the attachment platform, so as to increase stability of the heel relative to the attachment platform, and to increase the force required to overcome friction to rotate the heel into a position where it can be removed (i.e., where the ears are aligned with the notches and the post can be removed from the cylindrical opening). As the heel is drawn tightly toward the attachment platform, the stelo is also secured between the heel and the attachment platform.
Heel lock 1800 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Heel lock 1900 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Heel rod 1910 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Attachment platform 2200 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Shoe sole element 2210 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Heel lock 2220 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The stelo 2215 is shown interlocking with the heel lock 2220, and the heel lock 2220 is shown interlocking with the attachment platform 2200.
This example illustrates an example heel connection mechanism that may provide a larger heel/mid-sole connection area. This embodiment does not rely on the shoe sole element 2300 for the connection, and may thus be easy to clean, strong and durable. In another similar embodiment (not shown), a heel lock has narrow tabs, more like a T-shape and less like wings. The heel lock extends up from the heel and passes through the stelo 2310. This embodiment may rely on the compression of the shoe sole element to maintain stability and strength.
Shoe sole element 2300 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Stelo 2310 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
This example illustrates an example of a simplified heel connection mechanism where the heel attachment 2415 platform 2405 and stelo 2410 may be removed or installed as a single unit. This embodiment enables heel wear to be hidden within the design, and may eliminate the need for a heel cap. The fasteners on the stelo 2410 may use a cam-lock style action to hold together. They are installed with a push and removed with a pull. In some examples, the fasteners on the stelo 2410 are unable to release until an inner cylinder on the heel attachment 2415 is pulled out.
Shoe sole element 2400 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
Stelo 2410 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element described with reference to
The post of the stelo 2410, described above, includes a cylindrical core with a compressible, expandable distal end. When the stelo is inserted in the the attachment mechanism, the compressible, expandable distal end frictionally engages with the attachment mechanism 2405. Additional travel allows the distal end to expand back to its relaxed state. When a cylindrical portion of the heel lock of the embodiment of
At step 2500, a system may provide a toe box platform including a stelo receiver. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to a toebox base as described with reference to
At step 2505, a system may provide a heel platform including an interlocking portion. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to an attachment platform as described with reference to
At step 2510, a system may provide a flexible sole element interposed between the toe box platform and the heel platform. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to a shoe sole element as described with reference to
At step 2515, a system may provide a stelo including a rigid shank, a toe interlock, and a heel interlock, wherein the toe interlock is configured to removably interlock with the stelo receiver, and the heel interlock is configured to removably interlock with the interlocking portion, and wherein the stelo is configured to juxtapose with the flexible sole element providing a rigid support to the flexible sole element. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to a stelo as described with reference to
At step 2520, a system may provide a removable heel removably coupleable to the heel platform at the interlocking portion. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to a heel attachment as described with reference to
At step 2600, a system may retain a toe box platform including a stelo receiver. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to a toebox base as described with reference to
At step 2605, a system may retain a heel platform including an interlocking portion. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to an attachment platform as described with reference to
At step 2610, a system may retain a flexible sole element interposed between the toe box platform and the heel platform. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to a shoe sole element as described with reference to
At step 2615, a system may remove a stelo including a rigid shank, a toe interlock, and a heel interlock, wherein the toe interlock is configured to removably interlock with the stelo receiver, and the heel interlock is configured to removably interlock with the interlocking portion, and wherein the stelo is configured to juxtapose with the flexible sole element providing a rigid support to the flexible sole element. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to a stelo as described with reference to
At step 2620, a system may remove a heel from the heel platform at the interlocking portion. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to a heel attachment as described with reference to
While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, examples and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/035,321, filed Jul. 13, 2018, for FULLY CONVERTIBLE HIGH HEEL-TO-FLAT SHOE, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/532,890, filed Jul. 14, 2017, for FULLY CONVERTIBLE HIGH HEEL-TO-FLAT SHOE, both of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62532890 | Jul 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16035321 | Jul 2018 | US |
| Child | 17708922 | US |
