Lock For Shoe With Interchangeable Heels

Abstract

A locking system for interchangeable shoes heels, each having an axial upper integral extension, includes a substantially horizontal system platform and thereabove an integral heel extension enclosure having opposing lateral sides including void spaces within the sides and internal therewith, to secure the axial extension of a heel to be selectably attached to a bottom rear of a shoe. The system also includes a pair of substantially horizontal and symmetric locking ramps, each having (i) a front and rear portion, the front portion of each ramp having a plurality of gear teeth opposing to, and interlockable with, each other; (ii) vertically disposed key receivers integral with the front portion of each locking ramp and proximal to the gear teeth; and (iii) the rear portion of each ramp moveable through the void spaces of a heel engagement structure engagement structure complemental to the heel extension enclosure, ends of the rear portions of the locking ramps normally biased in contact with each other.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of design and construction of shoes, more particularly, relating to the field of design and construction of locks required for use of interchangeable heels of shoes, particularly in women's shoes.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The heels of shoes, particularly high heels of women shoes, are extremely fragile and can be damaged easily. When the heel is damaged, it is often costly to have it repaired. Further, it is strenuous to walk long distances in high heels. Accordingly, many women, inclusive of businesswomen, prefer to use low heel shoes for walking and other activities and then only wear higher heel shoes during work hours to and wear a yet higher heel shoe for dancing in the nightclub scene. At present, the situation requires women to have often three sets of shoes. That is, a low pair of shoes for walking, a medium heel height for work, and a higher heel shoe for dancing and other social activities. The making of heels interchangeable is one way to solve this problem. However, because of the pressure and impact to which, particularly, dance type shoes are subject, the prior art, which consists of at least a dozen possible solutions to the problem of replaceable heel construction, does not result in a type of interchangeable shoe heel which is comfortable, durable and cost-effective. While the prior art offers various ideas on the subject of locks for use with shoes having interchangeable heels, none of the art offers a lock which is sufficiently thin (in a vertical direction), durable, and easy-to-use for the desired objective of obtaining shoes not simply of differing heel heights but also of differing heel designs and appearance, all of which may be selectably and reliably secured to the body of a shoe acceptable to the user. As such, the need for multiple, often dozens, of different pairs of high heel shoes is obviated by the invention set forth herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A locking system for interchangeable shoes heels, each having an axial upper integral extension, includes a substantially horizontal system platform and thereabove an integral heel extension enclosure having opposing lateral sides thereof including void spaces within said sides and internal therewith, to secure said axial extension of a heel to be selectably attached to a bottom rear of a shoe. The system also includes a pair of substantially horizontal and symmetric locking ramps, each having (i) a front and rear portion, the front portion of each ramp having a plurality of gear teeth opposing to, and interlockable with, each other; (ii) vertically disposed key receivers integral with said front portion of each locking ramp and proximal to said gear teeth; and (iii) said rear portion of each ramp moveable through said void spaces of a heel engagement structure engagement structure complemental to said heel extension enclosure, ends of said rear portions of said locking ramps normally biased in contact with each other. The inventive system yet further includes a gear axle within a forward portion of each locking ramp, defining a surface rotation of said ramps relative to each other, and facilitating selectable interlock of respective pluralities of opposing gear teeth of said locking ramps; and spring means connected in a leveraging relationship at a rear portion of one of said locking ramps, said means employing a fulcrum defined by said gear axle of said one locking ramps and its surface of rotation, of said one ramp. Also provided is a system enclosure above said system platform and said locking ramps, said enclosure including a top surface and lateral surfaces surrounding the system, a front surface of said integral heel extension including a recess proportioned for receipt of an end of a key which, upon turning thereof, engages said key receivers, incrementally urging said opposing gear teeth out of contact with each other, assisted by said spring means, releasing said heel extension of a shoe heel as the rear of said symmetric locking ramps are urged out of contact with the heel engagement structure by rotationally opposite direction movement of said key receivers.

It is an object of the invention to provide a lock for shoes having interchangeable heels.

It is a further object to provide a lock particularly adapted for the type and construction and use of heels of shoes, particularly women's shoes, in which the heels are intended to be interchangeable.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a lock which will facilitate the changing of heels respective to different heel heights while retaining the body of the basic shoe associated therewith.

The above and yet other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set forth Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of the Invention, and Claims appended herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the heel and locking mechanism associated therewith.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the image of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side and rear perspective view of the images of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the interior support member of a heel, the platform for the locking mechanism and the lock elements associated with the interchangeable heel.

FIG. 5 is rear elevational view of the image of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side and top perspective view of the interlock mechanism of the interchangeable heel.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the image of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom elevational view of the locking mechanism, its associated key, and key hole through which the key reaches the locking mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a view, similar to that of FIG. 8, however with the removal of side walls of the locking mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the elements of the lock shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the exploded view of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a three-quarters side view of the exploded view of FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the mechanism of FIG. 10 however also showing insertion of the key associated with the locking mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown an external view of the shoe heel 20, a heel extension engagement enclosure 22 and a key 24. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the shoe heel and heel engagement enclosure, however also showing a key hole 26 into which is selectably inserted a key 24, below top surface 30 of heel engagement enclosure 22. Further shown in FIGS. 1-3 is an interface 32 between enclosure 22 and heel 20, as is more fully described below.

With reference to FIGS. 4-7, there may be seen a post 31 which is proportioned to fit complementally within exterior heel 20 above-described, thereby providing structural integrity to the heel. Additionally, as may be seen in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, said interface 32 also constitutes a platform 34 from which integrally depends an integral heel extension 36 which, in a preferred embodiment, exhibits a triangular-like geometry (see top view of FIG. 7). In effect, the integral heel extension 36 of heel post 31 is selectably securable to and held within integral heel engagement enclosure 22 (see FIGS. 1-3). Integral heel extension 36, in addition to its triangular geometry, is characterized by void spaces 38. (See FIGS. 4 and 6). This structure is complemental to that of a heel extension receiver 47 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. That is, in the system, when assembled, receiver 47 slip-fits within heel extension 36, thus enhancing system stability.

In FIGS. 8-10 are views of the inventive locking system as it appears with platform interface surface 34 removed. In said figures may be seen a pair of substantially horizontal and symmetric locking ramps 41 and 43. Said ramps each include a forward and rear portions 44 and 46 respectively in which the front portions 44 of each ramp is characterized by pluralities 48 and 50 of opposing gear teeth which, when interdigitated, are interlockable with each other. See FIGS. 10 and 14. Each forward portion 44 of each locking ramp is also provided with a respective gear axle 52 and 54. See FIGS. 9 and 10. As such, each locking ramp is rotatable upon its respective gear axle and thus defines a surface of rotation for each ramp 41/43. Forward portion 44 of each locking ramp is further characterized by vertically disposed flat key receivers 56 and 58 which are in a plane at a slight angle relative to lower heel post 31 shown in FIGS. 4-6. Said key receivers 56 and 58 are proportioned for receipt of flat end 60 of key 24 such that, when distal end 62 (see FIG. 9) of key 24 is inserted into axial recess 64 behind keyhole 26 of enclosure 22 (see FIGS. 7 and 10), key 24 is then properly positioned so that key receivers 56/58 may be engaged by end 60 of the key, enabling rotation of key receivers 56 and 58 urging gear teeth 48/50 out of engagement with each other when key 24 is turned. This function is also facilitated by torsion spring 66 which is secured upon post 68 that is secured to platform 30 (see FIGS. 11 and 13). Thereby, end 70 of the torsion spring, which is secured near a rear portion 41 of locking ramp 40 will assist in the disengagement of gear teeth 48/50 from each other such that rear ends 45/46 of the locking ramps are able to disengage through void spaces 38 of the integral heel extension 36. When one wishes to disengage extension 36 from locking ramps 40 and 42, one simply turns key 24 in an opposite direction, the result of which is to cause locking ramp ends 45/46 out of the center area of integral heel extension 36, and through void spaces 38, whereupon the heel post 31 and its related structure as shown in FIG. 4-7 may be readily pulled downward and out of the heel extension receiver 47. See FIG. 13.

Detailed exploded views are shown in FIGS. 11-14. Therefrom may also be seen (FIGS. 11 and 13), the angulation of the above-described integral heel extension platform 34, enclosure 22, and symmetric locking ramps 41/43 relative to the axis of the heel. In said views, the complemental relationship to extension receiver 47 and heel extension 36 may also be seen.

While there has been shown and described above the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.

Claims

1. A locking system for interchangeable shoe heels, each having an axial upper integral extension thereof, the system comprising: a. a substantially horizontal system platform and thereabove an integral heel extension having opposing lateral sides thereof including void spaces within said sides and internal therewith, to secure said integral extension of a heel to be selectably attached to a bottom rear of a shoe;b. a pair of substantially horizontal and symmetric locking ramps, each having: i. a front and rear portion, the front portion of each ramp having a plurality of gear teeth opposing to, and interlocking with, each other;ii. vertically disposed key receivers integral with each of said front portions of each locking ramp and proximal to said gear teeth; andiii. said rear portion of each ramp moveable through said void spaces of a heel engagement structure complemental to said heel extension enclosure, ends of said rear portions of said locking ramps normally biased in contact with each other;c. a gear axle within a forward portion of each locking ramp, defining a surface of rotation of said ramps relative to each other, and facilitating selectable interlock of respective pluralities of opposing gear teeth of respective locking ramps;d. spring means connected in a leveraging relationship at a rear portion of one of said locking ramps, said means employing a fulcrum defined by said gear axle of said one locking ramps and its surface of rotation of said one ramp; ande. a system enclosure above said system platform and said locking ramps, said enclosure including a top surface and lateral exterior surfaces surrounding the system, a front surface of said heel extension including a recess proportioned for receipt of a key which, upon turning thereof, engages one of said key receivers, incrementally urging said opposing gear teeth out of contact with each other, assisted by said spring means, releasing said integral heel extension of the shoe heel as the rear portions of said symmetric locking ramps are urged out of contact with the heel engagement structure by rotationally opposite direction movement of said key receivers.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, in which said heel extension enclosure defines, in horizontal cross-section, a substantially trapezoidal geometry.

3. The system as recited in claim 1, in which a frontal position of said heel extension enclosure defines a recess complemental to a distal end of said key inserted into said system platform to define a bearing surface between said key and said recess.

4. The system as recited in claim 1, in which said spring means comprises a substantially vertically oriented torsion spring disposed upon a post secured to said upper surface of said system enclosure.

5. The system as recited in claim 4, in which said post depends downwardly from said upper surface.

6. The system as recited in claim 1, in which said system enclosure surrounds said locking ramps.

7. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a heel extension receiver depending integrally downwardly from an interior of said top surface of said system enclosure, said receiver proportioned for complemental receipt of said heel extension, said extension receiver including void spaces complemental to said void spaces of said integral heel extension.

8. A shoe and interchangeable heel system, wherein said interchangeable heels each have a locking mechanism incorporated therein permitting said interchangeable heels to be rigidly attached to said shoe, said shoe and interchangeable heel system comprising: a. a keyhole located on said interchangeable heel, said keyhole defining a particular shape;b. a key having a distal end to fit within said keyhole, where said key distal end has an associated shape to fit within said particular shape of said keyhole;wherein with said key fitting into said associated keyhole said locking mechanism may be actuated to release said interchangeable heel from said shoe.

9. The shoe and interchangeable heel system, as recited in claim 8, wherein said key is also a jewelry piece.

10. The shoe and interchangeable heel system, as recited in claim 9, wherein said key jewelry piece is a necklace pendant.

11. The shoe and interchangeable heel system, as recited in claim 9, wherein said key jewelry piece is a bracelet charm.

12. The shoe and interchangeable heel system, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is an alphanumeric character.

13. The shoe and interchangeable heel system, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a diamond shape.

14. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a heart shape.

15. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a star shape.

16. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a crown shape.

17. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a flower shape.

18. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a shape of a four-leaf clover.

19. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is an anchor shape.

20. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a martini glass shape.

21. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a tiger head.

22. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a cupcake.

23. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a skull and crossbones.

24. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a horseshoe.

25. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a horse bit.

26. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, are lips.

27. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a lipstick shape.

28. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is an ace of spades.

29. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, are wings.

30. The shoe having interchangeable heels, with an accompanying locking key, as recited in claim 8, wherein said particular shape of said keyhole and said key distal end, is a butterfly shape.