Patent Application
20190116931
The present invention relates to a shoe suitable for use with changeable heels as well as a sole component for such a shoe. The invention in particular relates to a women's shoe suitable for use with heels having different heights as well as a sole component and changeable heels for such a shoe. The sole component may comprise one or more mechanisms for adjusting the curvature in one or more sole portions.
High heels may cause significant inconveniences and even pain when wearing them for a long time. Wearing high heels leads, in particular, to an uneven strain on the foot since the forefoot carries a major part of the body weight. In the long run, this may lead to different deformations, for example fallen arches, flat feet or splayfeet. Furthermore, the ball of the foot is exposed to heavy load which may lead to wear of the big toe joint. Similarly, backache and shortening of the calf musculature are linked to wearing high heels.
Despite of this, high heels are highly popular and are often used, for example, to accentuate certain body regions by a certain posture or to look taller. However, high heels are often worn solely for certain occasions, and women often carry alternative shoes with them in order to change them when necessary, in particular in order to counteract the disadvantages described above.
Document EP-A1-2 074 900 discloses a shoe with an adaptable sole component and a changeable shoe heel. The heel comprises a pressure-generating element which is intended to act on a pressure-transferring element in the sole component and apply pressure in the direction of the toes. According to EP-A1-2 074 900, this leads to an upward bending of a middle sole portion.
The present invention has the object to provide improved shoes and sole components for which the heel may be changed, as well as improved heels for such shoes. Said object is achieved by the features of the claims. Preferred embodiments can be taken from the dependent claims.
The sole component according to the present invention may comprise a front, a middle and a rear sole portion. According to embodiments of the invention, said portions may substantially correspond to a portion of the ball of the foot or a forefoot, an arch or midfoot portion, and a foot's heel portion of the sole component, respectively. The sole component may comprise an insole, a liner and/or an outsole and may possibly be used instead of an insole. Liner, insole and outsole each may be formed as one piece or by several segments.
In the context of the present description, the term “longitudinal direction of the sole” preferably relates to the direction which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the foot from the foot's heel (“rear”) to the toes (“front”). For better explanation of the invention, the term “longitudinal direction of the sole” is also used in connection with heels which are not necessarily mounted to the sole component. The “longitudinal direction of the sole” in this case refers to the axis corresponding to the axis of coordinates which extends parallel to the floor plane along the longitudinal direction of the sole when the heel is mounted to the sole component.
One thought behind the invention is that the optimal geometry of the sole, in particular the sole's curvature in the region of the foot's ball and/or the heel, should vary depending on the height of the heel.
According to embodiments, the sole component of the present invention has a front, a middle and a rear sole portion as well as a mechanism (first mechanism) for adjusting the sole curvature in a transition region between the middle and the rear sole portion (first transition region). The mechanism preferably has a supporting element (first supporting element) which is provided or configured in such a way that it may be pushed away from the sole component in the region of the rear sole portion in order to reduce the sole component's curvature in the first transition region and/or that it may be pushed towards the sole component in the region of the rear sole portion in order to increase the sole component's curvature in the first transition region.
The mechanism, the supporting element and the transition region are referred to as “first” mechanism, “first” supporting element and “first” transition region. They may be provided independently of a “second” mechanism, which is described further below, or in combination therewith.
The first supporting element is preferably relatively rigid, whereas the sole component preferably is relatively flexible at least in the first transition region. The first supporting element is thus preferably more rigid than the sole component at least in the first transition region. The transition region may be configured in a more flexible way than the rear and/or the middle sole component. Alternatively or additionally, a joint and/or a hinge is provided in the first transition region so that the middle sole component may be rotated or inclined along an axis of rotation relative to the rear sole portion. The axis of rotation preferably extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sole. The rear sole part may be hingedly connected to the first supporting element and/or hingedly supported in the first supporting element, wherein the hinge may for example be provided at the front end region of the rear sole part.
The sole component may comprise a leaf spring which is firmly connected to the rear and middle sole part, in order to provide a defined curvature to the first transition region. This may be advantageous for example when using a hinge in the first transition region, in order to determine the position of the sole portions relative to one another in a neutral position of the first mechanism.
Preferably a front part of the first supporting element extends into the region of the middle sole portion and is at least partially firmly connected to the middle sole portion. According to embodiments of the invention, the front part of the supporting element is integrally formed with the middle sole portion.
A rear part of the first supporting element extending along the rear sole portion is preferably not fixed to the sole component or not connected to the sole component so that an angle and/or a distance between the rear part of the first supporting element and the rear sole portion is adjustable. When the front part of the supporting element is fixed to the middle sole portion or in case they are integrally formed, the adjustment of the angle and/or of the distance preferably leads to an adjustment of the angle between the rear and the middle sole portion and thus to an adjustment of the curvature in the first transition region. Preferably, the reduction of the angle and/or of the distance between the rear part of the first supporting element and the rear sole portion leads to an increased curvature. An enlargement of the angle and/or of the distance preferably leads to a reduction of the curvature. Preferably, the supporting element is loose from the rear sole portion along its entire rear end region. The rear end region preferably extends below the rear sole portion.
When amending the sole curvature in the first transition region, the first supporting element preferably retains its shape substantially or completely. Hence, the angle between the rear end region of the supporting element and the middle sole portion preferably remains substantially or completely constant when changing the sole curvature in the first transition region.
Depending on the point of view, the rear sole portion and/or the first supporting element may be configured in such a way that the rear sole portion may be pushed away from the first supporting element and/or the first supporting element may be pushed away from the rear sole part. Here, the rear part of the supporting element may be pushed away from the rear sole portion for example by means of a wedge-shaped structure at the heel which is slid between the supporting element and the rear sole portion. For this purpose, the rear end of the supporting element may be spaced apart from the rear sole portion in the neutral position (i.e. without heel).
According to an embodiment of the invention, the first supporting element comprises a projection. The projection preferably extends away from the supporting element laterally or downwards. According to embodiments of the invention, the projection provides at least one surface which substantially extends transversally to the longitudinal direction of the sole. The normal vector of said surface, which points away from the projection, preferably points forward in the longitudinal direction of the sole and upwards in the longitudinal direction of the heel so that the surface extends obliquely to the surface of the rear sole portion and in the longitudinal direction of the sole towards the front extends away from the plane of the rear sole portion. The projection may be used for adjusting the first mechanism and/or for fixing a heel to the rear sole portion.
According to further embodiments of the invention, which may be combined with the embodiments above, the first supporting element is provided or configured such that it extends away from the sole component in the region of the rear sole portion in the neutral state of the first mechanism. The distance between the supporting element and the rear sole portion preferably increases rearwards in the longitudinal direction of the sole. In this case, the rear part of the supporting element may be pushed against the rear sole portion, for example by means of the heel.
Along the middle sole portion, the first supporting element preferably has a substantially flat and elongate configuration. The supporting element may comprise a cutout in the rear part, through which elements of the second mechanism, which is described further below, may extend.
The first supporting element may be configured as a rail, which extends along the middle sole portion and is firmly connected thereto. The rail may comprise first holes for receiving a first axis, via which the rear sole portion is hingedly connected to the first supporting element and/or second holes for receiving a second axis, via which the front sole portion is hingedly connected to the first supporting element. The rail may substantially be made of flat steel which is arranged perpendicular to the middle sole portion. It is also possible to use a plurality of (preferably two) rails, which preferably extend substantially parallel or have a slightly tapering configuration in the sole's longitudinal direction towards the rear. The rails may be connected by means of pins. Elements of the second mechanism, elements of a fixture for the heel and/or elements of a donning aid for the heel, which are described further below, may be arranged between the rails.
The one or more rails may be configured such that they may be inserted from the lower side of the middle sole portion into the middle sole portion. In this case, they preferably may be secured by means of a counterpart, which may be inserted from the upper side of the middle sole portion into the middle sole portion. Said counterpart may be a flat plate which is arranged substantially parallel to the middle sole portion, wherein the one or more rails may comprise cutouts for receiving the plate. The plate may be optionally fixed to the middle sole portion, for example by means of screws, adhesion, welding, snapping or similar techniques.
The rear part of the first supporting element may taper along its course in the longitudinal direction of the sole towards the rear. In this context, the rear part of the first supporting element may become narrower in one or more directions. Thus, it can taper in one or more views of the sole component, for example in a view from below and/or in a view from the side. In case the first supporting element is formed by a plurality of rails, the rear part may be tapering in that the rails are converging at least along the rear part. Due to such a shape, a free-from-play fixation of different heels to the sole component may be achieved despite manufacturing tolerances of the sole component and/or the heels.
According to embodiments of the invention, the sole component comprises a front, a middle and a rear sole portion, wherein the sole component has a mechanism (second mechanism) for adjusting the curvature of the sole in a transition region (second transition region) between the front and the middle sole portion. The mechanism preferably comprises a slidable and/rotatable supporting element (second supporting element) which is provided or configured such that a sliding movement and/or rotation of the supporting element causes a change of the curvature of the sole in the transition region. Thus, the sliding movement and/or rotation of the supporting element preferably causes a change of the angle between the front sole portion and the middle sole portion.
The second mechanism and/or the second supporting element is preferably integrated into the sole component and/or into a shoe sole comprising the sole component.
The mechanism, the supporting element and the transition region are referred to as “second” mechanism, “second” supporting element and “second” transition region, although, they may be provided independent of the “first” mechanism, which is described above, or in combination therewith.
In the second transition region, the sole component is preferably more flexible than the second supporting element. Thus, it is preferred that the second transition region substantially corresponds to the shape which is predetermined by the second supporting element. Optionally, the second transition region may be provided with a hinge and/or be configured more flexibly than the front, middle and/or rear sole portion. In this case, the front sole portion preferably may be rotated relative to the middle sole portion along an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation preferably extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sole. The front sole portion may for example be hingedly connected to the first supporting element and/or hingedly positioned in the first supporting element.
For the first and/or second supporting element, materials such as steel, metals, metal alloys, plastics, composite materials and the like may be used. Hence, for example V2A steel plate or V2A steel may be used for the first supporting element, however, other materials which are sufficiently stable and corrosion-resistant may be used as well. The second supporting element is preferably made of an elastic material which is substantially not plastically deformed due to the bending of the sole when walking and is nevertheless sufficiently stable. For example, a spring steel or other alloys having similar properties may be used.
The sole component may comprise a second leaf spring which is firmly connected to the middle and the front sole portion in order to provide a defined curvature to the second transition region. This may for example be advantageous when using a hinge in the second transition region in order to define a neutral position of the second mechanism.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the second supporting element is slidable and provided or configured such that it may be moved along the longitudinal direction of the sole from a first position which causes a first sole curvature in the second transition region into a second position which causes a second sole curvature in the second transition region. Here, the first sole curvature is different from the second sole curvature.
The second supporting element is preferably configured as an elongate supporting sheet. The supporting element is preferably slid as a whole from the first into the second position.
In the region of the middle sole portion, the second supporting element preferably is, at least in sections, guided in a guide (for example a rail) which is firmly connected to the sole component, in particular to the middle sole portion. Here, according to embodiments of the invention, it is preferred that the second supporting element is guided in a rail and/or in the sole (for example in the sole component), at least along a front region of the middle sole portion, in such a way that buckling or bending of the second supporting element is prevented in said region.
In the first position, the second supporting element does preferably not extend into the front sole portion. Thus, in this case, the sole curvature in the second transition region preferably corresponds to the manufacturing curvature of the sole component or the sole. When the supporting element is moved into the second position, it preferably extends into the second transition region and more preferably into the front sole portion. Since it is guided along the second transition region and/or along the front sole portion (for example by means of a rail or in an opening of the sole component), the transition region and/or the front sole portion substantially corresponds to the shape of the supporting element. In the second position the shape of the supporting element preferably defines the curvature of the second transition region.
As far as the sole is manufactured with a great curvature in the transition region (manufactured as high heel), a supporting element with smaller curvature or a substantially straight supporting element may be used in order to reduce the curvature in the second transition region when putting on a flatter heel. However, when the sole component is manufactured with a smaller curvature in the second transition region (manufactured as flat shoe), said curvature may be increased by a more strongly curved supporting element when a higher heel should be used.
According to embodiments of the invention, the second mechanism further comprises a moving device which is provided or configured such that the second supporting element is slidable when putting the heel on and when taking the heel off. The moving device preferably comprises a transmission link which extends from the rear sole portion to the second supporting element. The transmission link is preferably firmly connected to the second supporting element so that an adjustment of the moving device causes the movement of the supporting element from the first position into the second position.
The transmission link is preferably bendable. This is for example advantageous when also the curvature in the first transition region is adjustable (for example by means of a first mechanism).
According to embodiments of the invention, the moving device may be configured as a Bowden mechanism, wherein the transmission link is formed by a Bowden cable which extends within a Bowden cable sleeve. Near the rear end of the Bowden cable an actuator (for example a block) may be provided which may interact with changeable heels in order to allow for a movement of the moving device when putting the heel on and/or when taking the heel off. The actuator is preferably firmly connected to the Bowden cable. The Bowden cable sleeve may be fixed to the sole component and/or to the first supporting element. The Bowden mechanism may extend through the cutout of the first supporting element.
According to a further embodiment of the second mechanism, the second supporting element is rotatable. It is provided or configured such that it may be in a first angular position which causes a first sole curvature in the second transition region and a second angular position which causes a second sole curvature in the second transition region. Here, the first sole curvature is different from the second sole curvature and is preferably smaller.
The second supporting element may be provided such that the active rotation of the second supporting element by a user (which may be effected by further mechanical means) leads to a change in the sole curvature in the second transition region. The second supporting element may thus serve as an active element which causes a certain arrangement and/or angular position of the middle sole portion relative to the front sole portion. The middle and/or the front sole portion may be configured as passive elements.
In this embodiment, the supporting element is preferably elongate and more preferably configured as a shaft. The shaft's profile may be round or oval (for example circular), however, basically may have any cross-sectional shape (for example also angular or polygonal). The shaft may comprise a curved and/or angled portion.
The second supporting element and/or the shaft preferably extends from the rear sole portion via the middle sole portion up into the second transition region and more preferred into the front sole portion. Preferably, it is rotatably supported in a mounting arrangement at least in the region of the middle sole portion and/or the rear sole portion. Therefore, for example one or a plurality of sleeves (for example brass tubes) may be used, which are preferably firmly connected to the corresponding sole portion and/or the first supporting element (for example by adhesion, welding, brazing, etc). Alternatively or additionally the support in a corresponding opening of the middle sole portion is also possible. Preferably, also an axial movement of the second supporting element in the longitudinal direction of the sole is prevented by the mounting arrangement. The second supporting element may extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the sole at least in the middle sole portion.
In the front end portion, the second supporting element preferably has a first curved and/or angled portion which comprises a predetermined, defined curvature. Said first portion is preferably at least partially located in the second transition region. Said first portion can substantially or completely keep its shape when the second supporting element is rotated. The curvature and/or angular deflection of the first portion preferably remains substantially or completely constant when the second supporting element is rotated.
A front end portion of the supporting element, which preferably is straight, may follow the first curved portion. The front end portion may be movably received at the front sole portion. Preferably, the front end portion is received in an opening in the region of the front sole portion, which allows a movement of the end portion in the plane of the front sole portion (horizontal). Since the second supporting element is rotatably mounted along the middle sole portion and curved or angled along the transition region, the rotation of the second supporting element preferably leads to a rotation of the front end portion in the opening. Here, the second supporting element or its front end portion possibly extends further into the front sole portion in the longitudinal direction of the sole when the second supporting element adopts the second angular position. An opening of the front sole portion here also means an opening that is provided in a further element which is firmly connected to the front sole portion.
The projection of the first curved portion onto a projection plane extending along the axis of rotation of the supporting element and being perpendicular to the plane of the front sole portion preferably comprises a first curvature when the supporting element adopts the first angular position. Since the supporting element is rotatably supported along the middle sole portion, the front sole portion follows the end portion so that the projection of the curvature of the supporting element determines the angle between the front and the middle sole portion and/or the curvature in the second transition region. The curvature in the transition region may thus substantially correspond to the projection of the curvature of the supporting element.
The curved portion of the second supporting element preferably spans an imaginary plane of curvature in which also the radius of curvature lies. Rotating the second supporting element preferably causes a rotation of the plane of curvature. According to embodiments of the invention, the plane of curvature is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the front sole portion when the second supporting element is rotated into the second angular position.
The second mechanism according to this embodiment preferably allows a continuous adjustment of the sole curvature in the second transition region by setting arbitrary angular positions.
The second supporting element may be configured such that it is rotated by attachment and/or removal of a heel. Hence, a correct sole curvature for the corresponding heel (i.e. in particular for the corresponding height of the heel) may automatically be achieved in the second transition region by attaching and/or removing a heel (which is usually fixed in the rear sole region).
The second supporting element of the sole component according to the present invention may optionally comprise a crank by means of which the supporting element may be rotated. The crank is preferably provided in the region of the rear sole portion and may be rotated depending on the heel type and/or the heel height. The crank may be provided by a sleeve (for example a brass tube) that is slid over the rear end portion of the second supporting element and then bend along with it.
According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the crank is provided such that the second supporting element is rotated when attaching and/or removing a heel.
Alternatively or additionally, the second mechanism may be provided with a gear to rotate the second supporting element. Said gear may for example be configured as worm gear, in which case the supporting element is preferably provided with a screw thread and is rotated via an axially movable sleeve. Furthermore, the gear may also be configured as gear drive or rack and pinion gear.
Alternatively or additionally, the second supporting element may comprise a second curved and/or angled portion in its rear end region, which has a predetermined, defined curvature. Said second portion preferably lies at least partially in the first transition region. The second portion may substantially or completely keep its shape during the rotation of the second supporting element. The curvature and/or angular deflection of the second portion remains preferably substantially or completely constant during the rotation of the second supporting element.
A rear end portion of the second supporting element which may for example be straight, may follow the second curved portion. The rear end portion may be movably received at the rear sole portion. The rear end portion is preferably received in the region of the rear sole portion in an opening, which allows a movement of the rear end portion in the plane of the rear sole portion (for example horizontal). When the second supporting element is rotatably mounted along the middle sole portion and curved or angled along the first transition region, the change in sole curvature in the first transition region and/or the change of the angle between the rear sole portion and the middle sole portion preferably leads to the rotation of the second supporting element, which again may lead to a rotation of the front end portion, which leads to a change in sole curvature in the second transition region. The second supporting element and/or its rear end portion possibly extends further into the rear sole portion in the longitudinal direction of the sole when the second supporting element adopts the second angular position. The opening in the rear sole portion and/or the second supporting element may be configured such that the adjustment of the angle between the rear sole portion and the middle sole portion and/or the adjustment of the sole curvature in the first transition region leads to the rotation of the second supporting element when attaching and/or removing a heel. Hence, for example by correctly adjusting the first transition region for the particular heel, a correct adjustment of the second transition region for the corresponding heel may be achieved automatically and/or simultaneously. An opening of the rear sole portion does also mean an opening that is provided in a further element which is firmly connected to the rear sole portion.
The first supporting element may extend above the second supporting element, at least along segments thereof. The second supporting element may extend through a cutout in the first supporting element. Alternatively or additionally the second supporting element may extend substantially parallel to the first supporting element along the middle sole portion, preferably between two first supporting elements which are substantially parallel or slightly tapering. The second supporting element may extend under a counterpart for securing the rails of the first supporting element.
The second supporting element may be formed by a plurality of elements (for example a plurality of separate elements), which may each be configured in accordance with the above description. In particular, it is possible to form the second supporting element by two or more shafts, in order to make the sole component more stable. Both shafts may comprise a first curved portion and/or a second curved portion according to the above description, wherein in each case a corresponding front end portion may be arranged in an opening of the front sole portion and/or a rear end portion in an opening of the rear sole portion. Said two or more shafts may be arranged directly adjacent to each other and/or touch each other, which provides for a particularly space-saving arrangement. The shafts may be arranged in a common opening of the front, middle and/or rear sole portion. The two or more shafts may all be arranged substantially in one plane which extends parallel to the front, middle and/or rear sole portion.
The invention further relates to a sole component with one or more fixtures for changeable heels. The fixture may be provided in combination with one or more of the above described mechanisms.
The sole component according to the present invention comprises, in the region of the rear sole portion, preferably one or more fixtures for fixing different heels. The fixture may be provided for example at the rear sole portion or at the first supporting element. The fixture may comprise one or more projections. The projection's profile is preferably provided and/or configured such that it may engage with a recess of the heel and thus prevents the heel from falling off of when the shoe is lifted. Suitable profiles include, i.a., dovetail profiles, T profiles and L profiles, in which context the skilled person will notice that a plurality of different designs is possible.
According to embodiments of the invention, the fixture is preferably configured such that a relative movement between the heel and the sole component is required for fixing the heel on the sole component, said relative movement having at least one directional component in the longitudinal direction of the sole. According to embodiments of the invention, this may cause the adjustment of the second supporting element.
According to a first option, the fixture is provided such that the heel may be slid onto the sole component substantially in the longitudinal direction of the sole. The projections of the sole component and/or the grooves of the heel are preferably configured such that the heel may be slid onto the sole component from the rear to the front along the longitudinal direction of the sole. For this purpose the projection may extend, for example, substantially in the longitudinal direction of the sole. The projection preferably extends substantially parallel to the plane of the rear sole portion.
According to embodiments of the option, the projection may have a tapering shape (in one or more views) and be for example substantially trapezoidal. In this case, the projection may be provided by the rear end region of the first supporting element, but also by a separate component.
According to a second option, the fixture may be configured such that when the heel is exposed to load, for example, along the (vertical) longitudinal axis of the heel upon treading and/or standing, the fixation is reinforced. For this purpose, the projection of the fixture is provided and/or configured such that a self-reinforcing positive lock is provided when attaching the heel. The projection, in particular the profile of the projection, which is provided to engage with a recess of the heel, for this purpose preferably extends along a first imaginary straight line which forms an angle with the rear sole portion of 89°>θ>1°, preferably 70°>θ>20°. The angle preferably lies within a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the rear sole portion and extends along the longitudinal direction of the heel. The profile of the projection thus preferably extends in a direction comprising at least one component in the longitudinal direction of the heel. Preferably, along the rear sole portion, in the longitudinal direction of the sole from the rear to the front, the profile extends away from the rear sole portion.
In a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sole, the profile is preferably broader than a part of the projection that is located thereover and connects the profile with the rear sole portion.
According to embodiments of the second option, the projection may have a substantially triangular or trapezoidal shape, wherein the distance between the lower edge of the projection and the rear sole portion preferably increases towards the front in the longitudinal direction of the sole.
The invention further relates to changeable heels which may be provided in combination with the above described sole components or as separate components. Hence, the sole component according to the present invention may be provided with one or more changeable heels (for example as a set). Preferably, one changeable heel may be slid onto the sole component in the region of the rear sole portion and fixed thereto at a time.
In accordance with the first fixture option, the heels according to the present invention may comprise a groove at their upper side. Said groove preferably has a contour that is formed in correspondence with the profile of the projection. The profile and the groove are preferably configured such that they may engage in order to prevent the heel from falling off when the shoe is lifted. The groove may extend parallel to the upper side and in the longitudinal direction of the sole. It is preferably open towards the front in the longitudinal direction of the sole so that the heel may be slid onto the rear sole portion in the longitudinal direction of the sole towards the front.
In accordance with the second fixture option, the changeable heels according to the present invention may comprise a groove or a recess that extends from the upper side of the heel into the heel along a second imaginary straight line. The second imaginary straight line preferably extends at an angle of 1°<η<89° preferably 20°<η<70° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the heel, wherein the straight line preferably lies in a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the heel and to the longitudinal direction of the sole. The second imaginary straight line preferably coincides with the first imaginary straight line, when the heel is mounted to the sole.
Along the second imaginary straight line, the recess preferably comprises a contour that is formed in correspondence with the profile of the fixture. The profile of the fixture may thus preferably be slid into the heel along the contour.
The contour is preferably configured such that the recess provides a plane which may interact with the profile, in order to prevent the heel from falling off (for example when lifting the shoe). The plane preferably extends rearwards/upwards along the longitudinal direction of the sole and is transverse and thus oblique relative to the longitudinal direction of the heel. The normal vector of the plane, which points into the clearance of the cutout, is thus preferably directed rearwards in the longitudinal direction of the sole and downwards in the longitudinal direction of the heel. The normal vector is preferably perpendicular to the second imaginary straight line. In a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sole, the contour is preferably broader than the part of the recess that is located thereover.
The recess preferably provides a stop which the projection of the fixture may abut when the heel is completely slid onto the rear sole portion. The stop is preferably provided at a front end region of the recess. Said front end region may be a front wall at the end of the recess.
The recess preferably lies within the heel and is open only at its upper side. The remaining outer surfaces of the heel are preferably not penetrated by the recess.
The heel is preferably slid onto the shoe along the second imaginary straight line. The projection of the fixture is thus pushed into the corresponding recess of the heel when loading the heel in the direction of the degree of freedom (direction in which the heel is pushed on). Also in this case a locking system may be provided at the shoe and/or the heel, which however has to absorb only low forces. The locking may thus for example be carried out not only mechanically but also by means of magnets. The heel furthermore does not comprise any openings on the side. This improves the appearance and prevents the recess from becoming dirty.
As can be recognized by the skilled person, the above described fixtures may also be provided by corresponding projections at the heel and recesses in the sole component. Hence, also the use of one or more projections at the heel, which interact with one or more recesses in the sole components as described above, is taken into consideration as an alternative or in combination with the above described embodiments.
According to embodiments of the invention, the heel is configured such that an adjustment of the first mechanism is achieved by fixing the heel to the sole component.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the heel may comprise a recess or opening at its upper side and/or front side for receiving the first supporting element. The recess is preferably elongate. The depth of the recess varies depending on the height of the heel so that the rear part of the first supporting element is pushed against the rear sole portion to a greater or lesser extent when the heel is fixed to the sole component.
According to a further embodiment, the heel may comprise a cutout or opening which extends from the upper side and/or the front side of the heel rearwards in the longitudinal direction of the sole and downwards in the longitudinal direction of the heel into the heel and which is open towards the front in the longitudinal direction of the sole. The opening is preferably provided such that it receives the rear part of the first supporting element when the heel is fixed to the sole component. Thus, the opening preferably has an entrance opening which is open towards the front. The recess or opening may extend, depending on the height of the heel, with a different angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the heel.
The opening may taper starting from its entrance opening and, for example, may narrow (e.g., continuously) in the inserting direction of the rear part of the first supporting element. The opening may for example be configured such that it narrows and/or tapers in a first sectional plane which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the heel and the longitudinal direction of the sole. Alternatively or additionally, the opening may be configured such that it narrows and/or tapers in a second sectional plane that is perpendicular to the first sectional plane and extends in the inserting direction of the rear part of the first supporting element. The opening may taper substantially linearly (for example at an angle of 2° to 70°, 5° to 40°, 5° to 15° or approximately 10°), alternatively or additionally, the opening may comprise also a plurality of portions which taper and/or are curved to a different degree.
The opening and a face of the upper side of the heel preferably form a structure which is substantially wedge-shaped. The face of the upper side of the heel, which forms the wedge-shaped structure, may abut on a first abutment surface for the sole component, when the heel is mounted to the sole component. The face of the upper side of the heel which forms the wedge-shaped structure together with the opening, may be provided as a bottom of a U-shaped recess, wherein the recess is preferably provided at the upper side of the heel.
The wedge-shaped structure is preferably provided and/or configured such that it is pushed between the first supporting element and the rear sole portion when the heel is slid forwards onto the sole component in the sole's longitudinal direction. The tapering front end of the wedge-shaped structure is thus preferably substantially directed forwards in the longitudinal direction of the sole. The opening preferably receives the rear end of the first supporting element. Thus, the embodiment allows pushing the first supporting element away from the rear sole component when the heel is slid forwards onto the sole component in the longitudinal direction of the sole. Alternatively or additionally, the wedge-shaped structure may interact with a projection or a rail of the first supporting element.
The opening may at least be partially arranged in a projecting structure which projects upwards from the heel's upper side in the heel's longitudinal direction and/or forwards in the sole's longitudinal direction. The projecting structure may comprise an upper inclination (for example an upper inclined surface) which is arranged at an angle ω of 20° to 70°, 30° to 60° or 40° to 50° relative to the face of the heel's upper side that forms the wedge-shaped structure together with the opening. The projecting structure may be arranged in the U-shaped recess wherein the angle ω may be configured between the upper inclination and the bottom of the recess.
The projecting structure may provide an end stop surface which may be substantially parallel (for example at a deviation of at most ±1°, at most ±5° or at most ±10°) relative to the face of the heel's upper side, which forms the wedge-shaped structure together with the opening. The upper inclination and/or the end stop surface may be configured such that they come into contact with the sole component when fixing the heel to the sole component. According to embodiments of the invention, the projecting structure may have a substantially T-shaped configuration in a top view of the heel, wherein a projecting ridge which preferably forms the leg of the T-shape may extend rearwards from the inclined surface in the sole's longitudinal direction (for example to the hook of a locking mechanism which is described in detail further below). The bottom of the T-shaped structure may be arranged completely within the U-shaped recess. The projecting structure may comprise a right and/or left horn at the right and/or the left tip of the T-shape, which may project further than a middle region of the T-shape. The right and/or left horn may each comprise one end stop surface. The projecting structure may be recessed between the horns and may comprise for example a substantially rectangular recess.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, which is particularly advantageous when the heel is slid rearwards onto the sole component in the longitudinal direction of the sole, the heel may comprise an opening which extends into the heel from the upper side of the heel forwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction. The opening is preferably provided such that it receives the projection of the supporting element when the heel is slid onto the rear sole portion. Depending on the height of the heel, the opening may be configured steeper or less steep.
The opening preferably provides at least one surface which extends transversely to the heel's longitudinal direction. Preferably, the normal vector of the surface which points into the clearance of the opening, is directed rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction.
In a sectional plane extending parallel to the sole's longitudinal direction and parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction through the opening, the heel preferably comprises, according to this embodiment, a substantially wedge-shaped structure, wherein the tapering front end of the wedge-shaped structure is directed substantially rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction.
The opening may be provided as part of a recess for the second fixture option which is described above.
According to embodiments of the invention, the heel may further comprise a recess which is provided for receiving the pressed-down rear part of the supporting element.
According to embodiments of the invention, the heel is configured such that an adjustment of the second mechanism is achieved when fixing the heel to the shoe. For this purpose, the heel preferably comprises a recess which is provided and/or configured such that it interacts with an element of the second mechanism when fixing the heel or, depending on the heel's height, an interaction is prevented. Depending on the heel's height, the recess may thus also be configured such that the element of the second mechanism finds room in the recess and is not contacted when attaching the heel.
According to an embodiment, the recess has a contour which is provided and/or configured such that it interacts with a gear of the second mechanism. The recess may, for example, comprise a screw thread and/or a threaded sleeve for engaging with a thread of the second supporting element so that, when sliding the heel along the supporting element, the thread is rotated (worm gear). When a slidable threaded sleeve is provided on the supporting element, the recess may be configured such that it receives and slides the threaded sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, the recess may comprise a contour in the form of a toothed rack that is provided and/or configured such that a pinion that interacts with the supporting element is rotated when fixing the heel to the shoe.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the recess has a contour which is provided and/or configured such that the crank of the second supporting element may be adjusted when sliding the heel onto the shoe. The recess may have the shape of a groove which narrows, rotates and/or winds along the direction in which the heel is moved relative to the rear sole portion for fixation.
The recess may have, for example, one or more surfaces which extend along the direction of fixation and are, at least along segments thereof, oblique to a plane which is spanned by the heel's longitudinal direction and the sole's longitudinal direction. Thus, the surface is oblique relative to the heel's longitudinal direction in a cross-section which extends parallel to the heel's longitudinal axis and transversely to the sole's longitudinal direction. Preferably, each different angle causes a certain rotation of the crank when attaching the heel. Preferably, a plurality of surfaces having different angles or a curved surface are/is provided so that the angle is gradually changed. Alternatively or additionally, the depth of the recess diminishes in the sole's longitudinal direction (for example rearwards), wherein the angle may remain substantially constant in this case. The inclined surface may be provided by a lateral surface of the recess.
Alternatively or additionally, the groove may rotate (for example along the groove's longitudinal direction and/or the sole's longitudinal direction). In different cross-sections that extend parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction, the groove preferably has different angles relative to the heel's longitudinal direction. The groove may, for example, have a first angle relative to the heel's longitudinal direction in a first cross-section, and a second angle relative to the heel's longitudinal direction in a second cross-section, wherein the second angle is preferably larger than the first angle and the second cross-section is preferably further away from an entrance opening of the groove through which the crank may enter the groove than the first cross-section. In the region of the entrance opening, the groove may extend substantially parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction.
The cutout is preferably open towards the front side of the heel and/or to the upper side of the heel.
Optionally, the groove is wider in the region of the entrance opening through which the crank enters the groove and/or symmetrical relative to the heel's longitudinal direction so that the heel may be slid on for different initial positions of the crank.
The recess may thus be provided such that it interacts with the crank when fixing the heel to the shoe, in order to adjust the angular position of the supporting element.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the heel is designed such that, when it is fixed to the sole component, the angle between the rear sole portion and the middle sole portion is adjusted such that a correct adjustment of the second supporting element (for example a rotation corresponding to the heel's height) is achieved. This is particularly advantageous for embodiments in which the second supporting element comprises a second curved and/or angled portion in the rear end region as described above, which is movably received at and/or in the rear sole portion. By adjusting the first transition region, the heel simultaneously leads to a correct rotation of the second supporting element.
The heel and/or the sole component may further comprise a locking system which locks the heel when a defined position is reached. This is, in particular, a position which is reached when the heel is completely slid onto the rear sole portion. Depending on the configuration of the first and/or the second mechanism of the sole component and/or the fixation of the heel to the sole component, the locking system may be configured such that it counteracts a rearward and/or forward movement of the mounted heel in the sole's longitudinal direction and/or a downward movement in the heel's longitudinal direction.
For the purpose of locking, the heel may comprise an interlocking element at its upper side, which may for example be configured in the shape of a projection, a hook and/or a snap-in lug. When fixing the heel to the sole component, the interlocking element preferably engages with a recess of the sole component, which is preferably provided at the rear sole portion. An undercut, with which the interlocking element engages, may be provided in the recess of the sole component. Alternatively or additionally, the sole component (in particular the rear sole portion) may comprise an interlocking element (for example a projection, a hook, a ratchet and/or a snap-in lug) which engages with a recess of the heel (for example a recess at the upper side of the heel).
The interlocking element preferably provides, in particular when it is configured as a hook, an undercut for locking the heel at the sole component. The undercut may for example provide a clearance which is opened towards the front or the rear in the sole's longitudinal direction.
Furthermore, the interlocking element, in particular when it is configured as a hook, may provide an inclined surface preferably provided at the side of the interlocking element which faces away from the undercut and/or is opposite the undercut. The inclined surface is thus preferably arranged at the rear side of the hook when the undercut provides a clearance which is opened towards the front and at the front side of the hook when the clearance is opened towards the rear. The inclined surface of the hook may be arranged at an angle γ of 90° to 150°, 91° to 120° or 95° to 110° relative to the upper side of the heel. If a recess is provided at the upper side of the heel, in which the sole component (in particular the rear sole portion) is received, the angle γ may be provided between the bottom of the recess and the inclined surface.
The recess for receiving the interlocking element at the sole component may comprise a deflectable and/or movable locking element which is moved when inserting the interlocking element and engages with the undercut of the interlocking element when the heel is completely slid onto the sole component. Preferably, the locking element is pushed forwards or rearwards by the interlocking element in the sole's longitudinal direction when the heel is slid onto the sole component. The locking element may for example be coupled with one more springs (for example one or more coil springs), which are elastically deformed when inserting the interlocking element into the receiving portion. The locking element may for example be provided by a cylindrical or prism-shaped body, which is preferably hollow. For example, a hollow little tube may be used. The locking element may be made of a different material than the rear sole portion, for example metal.
According to embodiments of the invention, the rear sole portion may provide a first, second and/or third abutment surface for the heel (preferably for the upper side of the heel). Optionally, a fourth abutment surface may additionally be provided. The first abutment surface is preferably configured such that it abuts the bottom of the recess at the upper side of the heel when the heel is mounted to the sole component. The second abutment surface is preferably arranged at an angle λ of 10° to 60°, 20° to 40° or 25° to 35° relative to the first abutment surface. Preferably, it is contiguous with the first abutment surface or is provided adjacent thereto. The third abutment surface is preferably arranged substantially parallel to the first abutment surface, but not in the same plane, wherein the third abutment surface is arranged preferably adjacent to the second abutment surface and/or connected to the first abutment surface via the second abutment surface. The fourth abutment surface is provided preferably substantially parallel to the first abutment surface. Preferably, it is not arranged in the same plane as the first abutment surface, but closer thereto than the third abutment surface. The fourth abutment surface may extend around the first, the second and/or the third abutment surface in a U-shaped manner. The heels according to the present invention may, therefore, be configured at their upper sides such that they contact the first, second, third and/or fourth surface in the fixed state. Hence, the bottom of the recess at the upper side of the heel may abut the first abutment surface, the upper inclination the second abutment surface, and/or the end stop surface the third abutment surface. The angle λ may be 180° minus the angle ω.
The recess for receiving the interlocking element may comprise a wall, which is arranged at an angle π relative to the first abutment surface. The angle π may be 60° to 140°, 80° to 120° or 91° to 110° and preferably amounts to between 180° minus the angle γ of the interlocking element (angle between the bottom of the recess and the inclined surface). Said wall may be a rear wall of the receiving portion to which the inclined surface of the interlocking element abuts when the heel is mounted to the sole component. The angular dimensions of the angles π and λ may be different.
The sole component and/or the heel may further comprise a mechanism for releasing the locking system, for example when the heel should be taken off from the sole component. The mechanism preferably allows an elastic deflection of the interlocking element and/or the locking element, so that the undercut of the interlocking element and the locking element may be decoupled and/or released from each other.
The mechanism for releasing the interlocking system may for example comprise an actuation element which provides an interface for the user. Said actuation element may for example be a lever which is mechanically coupled to the locking element so that the actuation of the lever leads to a movement of the locking element. The lever may for example be rotatably mounted to the sole component (for example at the middle sole portion). The locking element may be connected to the actuation element (for example the lever) via one or more strings (for example nylon strings) or wires. When actuating the actuation element (for example by swivelling the lever), preferably a tensile force is applied on the strings which leads to a movement of the locking element. If the actuation element is configured as a hollow body, a string or a wire is guided preferably from the actuation element through the hollow body and subsequently back to the actuation element.
According to embodiments of the invention, the locking system may be reversed. The interlocking element (for example the hook, the ratchet or the snap-in lug) may be provided for example at the sole component (for example at the rear sole portion) and the receiving portion for the interlocking element may be provided at the heel.
The heel and/or the sole component may further provide a donning aid. By means of the donning aid the heel may preferably be retained and/or provided at the sole component, before the heel is locked at the sole component by the locking system. The donning aid thus preferably allows a preliminary fixation of the heel at the sole component.
The heel is preferably retained and/or provided at the sole component by the donning aid in such a way that the heel is locked when the sole component (in particular the rear sole portion) is loaded with weight. Due to the donning aid, the heel may thus first be put onto the donning aid (for example by using both hands), wherein the shoe may subsequently—preferably without the heel falling off—be put on the ground and loaded (for example by the wearer's weight) in order to lock the heel to the sole component with the locking system.
The donning aid according to the present invention may be provided at the sole component by means of a cantilevered arm (which may also be referred to as cantilever), which preferably extends rearwards from the middle sole portion in the sole's longitudinal direction and/or is provided below the rear sole portion. Preferably, the arm provides a latching or snap-fit mechanism, by which the heel is retained when the heel is put onto the donning aid. For this purpose, the rear end region of the arm may for example comprise a locking protrusion which engages with a corresponding recess of the heel. Alternatively or additionally, the arm may comprise a recess for a projection provided at the heel. It is also possible to provide the cantilevered arm at the heel and a corresponding opening for the cantilevered arm at the sole component.
The recess or the projection of the donning aid at the heel is preferably provided inside the heel, for example such that it is not visible from the outside. When the heel comprises an opening for receiving the rear part of the first supporting element when the heel is fixed at the sole component (see above), the recess or the projection may be provided in said opening, for example at the end of the opening which is farthest away from the entrance opening. The recess or the projection preferably form an undercut into which the locking protrusion or the recess at the cantilevered arm may engage. The undercut may for example be provided at the (upper) ceiling of the opening.
The cantilevered arm is preferably configured such that it is elastically deflected when the heel is put onto the sole component and/or onto the donning aid and snaps into the undercut when reaching it. This prevents an accidental removal and/or detachment of the heel before it is ultimately locked. Preferably, the cantilevered arm is deflected downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction when the heel is put on. Thereby it may be achieved that the arm presses the heel against the rear sole portion after snapping into the undercut, which makes an accidental removal and/or detachment of the heel even more difficult.
According to embodiments of the invention, the cantilevered arm may be coupled with the first supporting element or be formed by the first supporting element. However, the cantilevered arm is preferably movable with respect to the rear end of the first supporting element. When the first supporting element is formed by two or more rails (see above), the cantilevered arm may be configured between and/or along two of said rails.
The sole component and/or the heel may further comprise a mechanism for releasing the donning aid. Said mechanism is preferably configured such that it pushes the cantilevered arm (in particular its locking protrusion and/or recess) out of the undercut which is provided at or in the heel, so that the heel may be removed from the sole component (in particular from the cantilevered arm and/or from the rear end region of the first supporting element). The mechanism for releasing the donning aid preferably allows an elastic downwards deflection of the cantilevered arm in the heel's longitudinal direction.
The mechanism for releasing the donning aid may for example be provided as knob or lever at the heel, by means of which the cantilevered arm may be pushed out of the undercut at the heel.
The mechanism for releasing the donning aid may alternatively or additionally be configured at the sole component. Here, the cantilevered arm is preferably deflected via a knob or lever which may be operated by the user. For this purpose, for example one or more levers that are pivotally mounted about a first fulcrum may be arranged at the sole component. The first end of the crank/s may engage with the cantilevered arm whereas the second end of the lever/s serves as user interface or is connected to a user interface. The first fulcrum is preferably arranged between the first and the second end and/or in the middle sole portion.
The user interface may be configured as a lever or tab which may preferably be grasped at one end with the hand and interact at its opposite other end with the pivotally mounted levers and deflect the cantilevered arm via said levers. Here, the user interface may also be mounted at a second fulcrum, which is provided between its ends. When a mechanism for releasing the locking system as well as a mechanism for releasing the donning aid is provided at a sole component according to the invention, the actuation element of the mechanism for releasing the locking system and the user interface of the mechanism for releasing the donning aid may be configured as a single element that fulfils both functions (for example as a lever or knob).
The pivotally-mounted levers may have a curved shape, wherein the first end may extend substantially along the rear end portion of the first supporting element and the second end may extend substantially along the middle sole portion. The first rotation axis around the first fulcrum and/or second rotation axis around the second fulcrum may substantially extend in the plane of the middle sole portion (in particular transverse to the sole's longitudinal direction and/or transverse to the heel's longitudinal direction).
The first fulcrum and/or the second fulcrum may, according to the invention, be provided by the first supporting element, for example in that the pivotally-mounted lever(s) and/or the user interface are attached to the first supporting element via pins. When the first supporting element is formed by two or more rails (see above), the pivotally-mounted lever(s) may be arranged between and/or along two of said rails.
The mechanism for releasing the donning aid may further be configured such that after releasing the cantilevered arm is prevented from again snapping into the undercut. For this purpose, the cantilevered arm may for example be locked in its deflected position. Alternatively or additionally, the opening of the heel, into which the cantilevered arm is inserted, may comprise an inclination which leads to a sliding movement of the heel in the sole's longitudinal direction when the donning aid is released (i.e. preferably when the cantilevered arm is deflected). Thus, the cantilevered arm may preferably no longer engage with the undercut of the heel. In particular, the opening in the heel may be configured such that the heel is moved rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction due to the downwards deflection of the cantilevered arm. The cantilevered arm then preferably abuts the upper ceiling of the opening in the heel after the donning aid is released, without being able to engage with the undercut again. When the mechanism for releasing the donning aid deflects the cantilevered arm upwards (for example since the undercut is provided at the bottom of the opening), the cantilevered arm may subsequently abut the ceiling of the opening, without being able to engage with the undercut again. Preferably, the heel may subsequently be removed from the sole component, for example rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction. The inclination may for example be arranged at an angle of 5° to 85°, 20° to 70° or 30° to 60° relative to the heel's longitudinal direction (depending on the embodiment in a clockwise direction or in a counter-clockwise direction).
According to embodiments, the invention relates to a set with heels of different heights, wherein the heels of different heights are configured such that their fixation to the shoes described above leads to different adjustments of the first and/or second mechanism.
According to embodiments of the invention, the sole component according to the invention may comprise one or more of the mechanisms described above for adjusting the curvature in the first transition region and/or one or more of the mechanisms described above for adjusting the sole's curvature in the second transition region. When in one of the transition regions no mechanism is provided, the sole component may for example be configured so flexible in said transition region that it deforms due to the weight of the wearer.
The invention further relates to shoes having one of the described sole components and/or one of the described heels.
The described mechanisms, sole components and heels may each be provided separately or in any combination and set.
The rear sole portion, the middle sole portion and/or the front sole portion may be made of polyamide (for example PA12). For the production (also for production in series) of the rear sole portion, the middle sole portion and/or the front sole portion for example rapid prototyping may be used.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are exemplarily described in the following by reference to the Figures. The Figures are merely schematic illustrations which often do not show other (optional) structures in order to illustrate certain aspects. Different aspects of the invention which are shown in different Figures, may, however, also be provided in a single sole component, heel or shoe according to the invention. In this context, common reference signs may indicate equivalent, similar, comparable or equal components in the shown embodiments. Different embodiments or modifications of the invention may be indicated by apostrophes.
The shown embodiments may be modified in many ways within the scope of the claims. The disclosure of the Figures is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. It has to be noted that the features of the above described embodiments may be combined in a single embodiment. Embodiments of the invention may, depending on the configuration, thus comprise all or only a few of the above-mentioned features.
As shown in
The inventive shoes and sole components may be used with multiple different systems for heel fixation.
The groove 32 extends parallel to the upper side 35 an in the longitudinal direction of the sole. The groove is open towards the front in the sole's longitudinal direction so that the heel 30 can be slid onto the rear sole portion 4 in the direction of arrow D (forwards in the longitudinal direction of the sole). The heel and/or shoe can further comprise a locking system (not shown) that locks the heel when it reaches a predefined position. The locking system preferably counteracts a movement of the fixed heel in a rearward direction. Different locking systems are further specified below.
The profile 22′ extends in an inclined manner with respect to the plane E of the rear sole portion 4 and preferably away from the plane E in a downward and forward direction. When looking at the rear sole portion from the side (see
The recess 31′ preferably comprises a substantially consistent contour 32′ along a second imaginary line or straight line H, which is configured in accordance with the profile 22′ of the fixture 20′. The contour 32′ extends along the second imaginary straight line H which preferably extends in angle of 20°<η<70° with respect to the heel's longitudinal axis F, when the heel 30′ is viewed from the side (see
As is further shown in
The recess 31′ is preferably located inside the heel 30′ and is solely open towards the upper side 35′. When the heel 30′ is slid onto the rear sole portion 4, the recess 31′ preferably provides a stop 33′ at its front end portion (e.g. at a front wall), to which the projection of the fixture 21′ may abut when the heel is fully slid onto the rear sole portion. When the rear sole portion 4 is subsequently exposed to load downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction F (e.g. by the wearer's weight), a self-reinforcing positive lock occurs.
The rear sole portion 4 and/or the heel can further comprise a locking which may, for instance, be mechanical or magnetical. By way of example, the rear sole portion 4 may comprise a projection which is provided and/or configured such that it engages with a recess in the upper side 35′ of the heel 30′ or abuts on a front side of the heel when the heel is fully attached. Alternatively or additionally, a projection may also be provided or configured at the upper side 35′ such that it engages with a recess that is provided at the bottom side of the rear sole portion 4.
The mechanism 100 comprises a supporting element 114. Said supporting element 114 is more rigid than a first transition region A, wherein the flexibility of the sole component may, for example, result from the materials used or from the use of a joint in the first transition region. The sole component may comprise a first hinge in the first transition region A and a second hinge in the second transition region B. The first hinge may extend along the first transition region A and the second joint along the second transition region B.
The supporting element 114 extends along the rear sole portion 4 and the middle sole portion 5. Along the middle sole portion 5, the supporting element 114 is fixedly connected to the sole component 3 at least along segments thereof. The supporting element 114 may comprise a substantially flat, elongate structure in this region.
A rear part 115 of the supporting element 114 extends along the rear sole portion 4, but is not connected and/or fixed to the rear sole portion 4. The distance between the rear sole portion 4 and the rear part 115, in particular the angle therebetween, may thus be varied, as shown in
Depending on the embodiment, the inventive heels may be configured such that the supporting element 114 is pushed towards the rear sole portion or away from it when mounting the heel. According to an embodiment shown from the side and in a cross-section along the sole's longitudinal direction in
Furthermore, the heel 30″ may be configured for use with one of the above-described fixation systems 20, 20′ and in particular for use with the fixation system 20. Thus, the heel 30″ may, for example, comprise one or more of the above-described grooves 32.
According to a modification, the heels of
Likewise, the opening 43″ may be configured such that it tapers at an angle ε from the entrance opening 44″ in the inserting direction E in a second sectional plane that is transverse to the first sectional plane and parallel to the inserting direction E (see
In the modification of the first supporting element 114 according to
The rails 114A and 114B provide a first hinge 601 via which the rear sole portion 4 is movably attached to the rails 114A, 114B, and a second joint 602 via which the front sole portion 6 is movably attached to the rails 114A, 114B. For this purpose, the rails 114A and 114B may each comprise a first hole for receiving an axis of the first hinge 601 and a second hole for receiving an axis of the second hinge 602.
In the shown embodiment the rails 114A and 114B are arranged in a substantially parallel or slightly tapering configuration. For use with the heels of
As shown in
According to embodiments of the invention, the projection 117′ corresponds to the projection 21′ of the fixture 20′ described above with respect to
Alternatively, the projection 117′ may be provided in combination with an additional fixture, such as the fixture 20′ of
The middle sole portion 4 may comprise a recess 8 for receiving the rear part of the supporting element 114′.
In
The heels 30′″ of
In a sectional view along the sole's longitudinal direction (see
The structure 46′″ is preferably wedge-shaped, wherein the tapering end of the wedge-shaped structure is directed rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction. Depending on the height of the heel, the opening 47′″ may be configured steeper (7A to 7D) or less steep (
In other words, in a sectional view along the sole's longitudinal direction, the heels 30′″ comprise at least one surface 49′″ formed by the opening 47′″. The surface 49′″ extends in an inclined direction with respect to the heel's longitudinal direction F, wherein the normal vector O of the surface 49′″, which is directed into the clearance of the opening 47′″, points rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction.
As can be taken from a comparison of the cross-sections shown in
Depending on their height, the heels 30′″ may further comprise a recess 37′″ for receiving the pressed down rear part of the supporting element 114′ (see
Apart from one or more recesses 31′″ for the projection 117′ of the supporting element 114′, the heels 30′″ may also comprise one or more recesses 31′″ for an additional fixture (e.g., a fixture 20′) which, for example, may be provided directly at the rear sole portion.
Regardless of the embodiment of the first mechanism, the claimed sole components and/or heels may be provided with a locking system for locking different kinds of heels to the sole component. For this purpose, a projection is preferably provided on the heel or the sole component, wherein a recess or cutout into which said projection engages is provided on the other one of these two elements (i.e. on the sole component or heel).
A first embodiment of a locking system 500 according to the present invention is schematically shown in
As can be further taken from
The recess 501′ may further comprise a wall 507′ being arranged at an angle r with respect to the first abutment surface 511′ and providing an abutment surface for the inclined surface 504′ of the hook 502′. Angle r may thus have an angular measure of 180° minus angle γ between the upper side 35″ and the inclined surface 504′ of the hook 502′. Due to the abutment of heel 30″ on the second abutment surface 512′ via the upper inclination 48A″ and the abutment on the wall 507′ via the inclined surface 504′ of the hook 502′, a substantially play-free connection may be achieved between the heel 30″ and the rear sole portion 4. For this purpose, angles λ and π preferably have different measures.
In addition, an abutment surface 514′ may be provided at the rear sole part 4. Said abutment surface 514′ may extend substantially parallel to the first abutment surface 511′, but is preferably not arranged in the same plane. The fourth abutment surface 514′ may extend in U-shape around the first abutment surface 511′, the second abutment surface 512′ and/or the third abutment surface 513′.
As illustrated in the schematic sequence of
The locking element 521′ may be moved against the force of the springs 523′ via the mechanism 530′ until the locking element 521′ is moved out of the recess 506′ (see
The mechanism 530′ comprises an actuation element 531′ which can be grasped by the user and thus provides an interface for the user. In the exemplary embodiment of
The actuation element 531′ is mechanically coupled to the locking element 521′. In the exemplary embodiment of
With reference again to
The mechanism 300 comprises a slidable supporting element 302 which may be slid along the sole's longitudinal direction from a first position (
In the transition region B the sole component 3 is preferably more flexible than the supporting element 302. The transition region B may, for example, comprise a joint (see, e.g.,
In the first position (
When the supporting element is slid into the second position (
As further shown in
According to the depicted embodiment of the invention, the second mechanism further comprises a Bowden mechanism 310 with a Bowden cable 312 and a Bowden cable sleeve 314. The Bowden cable 312 extends from the rear sole portion 4 to the supporting element 302 and is fixedly connected therewith. Hence, movement of the Bowden cable results in movement of the supporting element 302. The supporting element 302 may thus be moved between the first and second position through actuation of the transmission link (Bowden cable).
Preferably, the transmission link is actuated during attachment and/or removal of the heel. For this purpose, an actuator 316 is provided at the rear end of the Bowden cable 312, which interacts with changeable heels to allow adjustment of the moving device during attachment and/or removal of the heel. The actuator 316 is fixedly connected to the Bowden cable 312.
The Bowden cable sleeve 314 may be fixed to the sole component 3 and/or to the first supporting element 114, wherein the Bowden mechanism may extend through the cutout of the first supporting element (see
The second mechanism of
As shown in
On the other hand, the recess 360′ of the heel 330′ shown in
The mechanism 400 comprises a rotatable supporting element 402 which is configured as an elongate shaft in the illustrated example. The supporting element 402 extends from the middle sole portion 5 into the transition region B and preferably also into the front sole portion 6 and/or the rear sole portion 4.
In the front end portion the second supporting element 402 comprises a curved portion 403 that has a predetermined, defined curvature and extends at least in the transition region B. A front end portion 404 of the supporting element 402 may follow the curved portion 403. Preferably, said front end portion is received in a recess 407 in the region of the front sole portion 6, which allows for a movement of the end portion 404 in the plane of the front sole portion 6.
The supporting element 402 is rotatably mounted in the region of the middle sole portion 5 and/or the rear sole portion 4. During rotation of the supporting element 402 from a first angular position (
The curved portion 403 of the supporting element 402 preferably spans an imaginary plane of curvature in which also the radius of curvature is located. Said plane of curvature may be perpendicular to the plane of the front sole portion 6 when the supporting element 402 is rotated into the second angular position (see
The rotation of the supporting element 402 further causes the front end portion 404 to project into the recess 401 to a varying extent.
The supporting element 402 may further comprise a crank 416 by means of which the supporting element is rotated. The crank 416 is preferably provided in the region of the rear sole portion 4.
By way of example,
As is further shown in
According to an embodiment, the recess 360, 360″ comprises a surface 361, 361″ for adjusting the crank 416, said surface 361, 361″ being inclined with respect to the heel's longitudinal direction F in a cross-section of the heel that extends parallel to the heel's longitudinal axis and is traverse to the sole's longitudinal direction (
According to a further embodiment shown in
Preferably, the groove 360, 360″ winds gradually in the sole's longitudinal direction and forms different angles relative to the heel's longitudinal axis in different cross-sections that extend parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction. The groove 360 extends, for example, substantially parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction F (see
The second supporting element 402′ of
By means of a second supporting element 402′ according to
Consequently, by adjusting the sole curvature and/or the angle in the first transition region A, the mechanism of
In the embodiment shown in
As further shown in
The heel 30″ comprises an opening 720 for receiving the cantilevered arm 710, wherein said opening 720 may optionally correspond to the opening 43″ for the receiving the rear part 115 of the first supporting element (see
In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
As further shown in
Moreover, the donning aid 700 may be configured such that the cantilevered arm 710 is prevented from snapping into the undercut 721 again after being released. For this purpose, an inclination 725 and/or 726 may be provided in the opening 720 and/or on the cantilevered arm 710 (see
The invention therefore discloses improved mechanisms which, irrespective of the heel height of a changeable heel, ensure ideal adjustment of the sole shape. Furthermore, improved fixtures are disclosed which allow for easy and safe fixation of changeable heels to the sole of a shoe. Hence, the shoes according to the present invention may be adapted depending on the situation, whereby the user is provided with a fully functional shoe irrespective of the heel height.
In addition, the heel's changeability allows for a customized design, e.g., of its shape and color.
As far as the term “substantially” has been used, also the embodiments which fully provide the respective feature are encompassed.
The invention particularly refers to the following aspects:
Aspect 1a: Sole component (3) according to aspect 1, wherein the supporting element may be pushed away from the sole component (3) in the region of rear sole portion (4) in order to reduce the curvature of the sole component (3) in the transition region (A) and/or wherein the supporting element may be pushed towards the sole component (3) in the region of the sole portion (4) in order to increase the curvature of the sole component (3) in the transition region (A).
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2012 213 809.9 | Aug 2012 | DE | national |
This Application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/419,292, filed on 3 Feb. 2015, which issued on 29 May 2018 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,980,533, which is a Section 371 National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/EP2013/066339, filed 8 Aug. 2013 and published as WO 2014/020175 A1 on 6 Feb. 2014, in German, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14419292 | Feb 2015 | US |
| Child | 15991264 | US |
