US20180084866A1 - Heel pad having a malleable member and method of use - Google Patents
Heel pad having a malleable member and method of use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180084866A1 US20180084866A1 US15/566,162 US201615566162A US2018084866A1 US 20180084866 A1 US20180084866 A1 US 20180084866A1 US 201615566162 A US201615566162 A US 201615566162A US 2018084866 A1 US2018084866 A1 US 2018084866A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- heel
- heel pad
- shoe
- pad
- pliable body
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B19/00—Shoe-shaped inserts; Inserts covering the instep
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/28—Devices to put in shoes in order to prevent slipping at the heel or to prevent abrading the stockings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/08—Footwear characterised by the material made of metal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/14—Footwear characterised by the material made of plastics
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
- A43B23/028—Resilient uppers, e.g. shock absorbing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
- A43B23/028—Resilient uppers, e.g. shock absorbing
- A43B23/0285—Resilient uppers, e.g. shock absorbing filled with a non-compressible fluid, e.g. gel or water
Definitions
- insert pads are known for use with shoes. Many of the known insert pads are used underneath a wearer's foot for absorbing shock or odors.
- an insert pad is placed along a top surface of a sole of a shoe. This allows for a wearer to comfortably place his/her foot over the insert pad.
- a known solution to these irritation and chafing problems is a heel pad.
- the heel pad is positioned within a heel section of a shoe.
- the heel pad is typically a narrow-shaped pad that is positioned along an inner surface of the heel counter of the shoe.
- the heel pad provides a comfortable fit between a wearer's heel and the shoe thus limiting friction between the wearer's heel and the shoe. This can result in less irritation and chafing on the wearer's heel (thus eliminating the formation of blisters and calluses).
- the heel pad includes a gel substance for comfortably fitting around a wearer's heel.
- the gel heel pad typically includes an adhesive strip for anchoring the gel heel pad along the inner surface of the heel counter of the shoe.
- Another example heel pad includes a urethane material (e.g., Poron® urethane macroporous material available from Rogers Corporation of Rogers, Conn.) for providing a comfortable fit around the wearer's heel. Similar to the gel heel pad, this urethane heel pad includes an adhesive strip for anchoring the urethane heel pad to the inner surface of the heel counter of the shoe.
- a urethane material e.g., Poron® urethane macroporous material available from Rogers Corporation of Rogers, Conn.
- the known heel pads experience some shortcomings.
- the known heel pads do not stay firmly in the heel counters of shoes.
- the adhesive strip of each known heel pad does not provide adequate adhesion with respect to anchoring the heel pads in the shoes. This is the result of the adhesive strips losing their adhesion properties over time and in some cases shortly after first use.
- the known heel pads tend to shift position during use or the heel pads detach completely from the heel counters of shoes.
- known heel pads due to their typically narrow shape, known heel pads do not provide adequate amount of coverage to protect the entire heel of a wearer's foot. Also, the narrow shape of known heel pads translates into less cushioning material being incorporated within the heel pads.
- the present invention heel pad includes a malleable member that allows the heel pad to adequately maintain its position within a heel section of a shoe.
- the malleable member functions to anchor the heel pad directly to the shoe such that the heel pad securely maintains its position in the shoe.
- the present invention heel pad uses the malleable member to affix itself to an outer surface of the heel section of the shoe for fastening the heel pad in place.
- the present invention heel pad is configured to provide adequate coverage for protecting the entire heel area of a wearer's foot.
- the invention features a heel pad for placement within a shoe.
- the heel pad includes a pliable body, a filler element contained within the pliable body, and a malleable member fastened within the pliable body and extending along at least part of a length of the pliable body.
- the malleable member is typically fastened to the pliable body with stitching.
- the malleable member includes a metal material.
- the malleable member includes metal material inserted within a fabric covering.
- the pliable body has a shape configured to fit the hack of a wearer's heel.
- the pliable body is constructed from a fabric sheet.
- the filler element typically includes a material having soft, flexible, and moldable properties.
- the filler element can include a polyester pile, beads, foam, multiple sheets of polyester, microfiber, or gel.
- a shoe side of the pliable body is mounted to an inner surface of a heel section of the shoe such that the heel pad is integrated with the heel section of the shoe.
- a shoe side of the pliable body is releasable attached to an inner surface of a heel section of the shoe using a fastener such that the heel pad is attached and detached from the heel section of the shoe.
- the invention features an article of footwear that includes a shoe having an insole coupled to a heel section.
- the article of footwear includes a heel pad positioned in the heel section of the shoe.
- the heel pad has a pliable body, a filler element contained within the pliable body, and a malleable member fastened within the pliable body and extending along at least part of a length of the pliable body.
- the malleable member is bent to fold a longitudinal end of the pliable body along an upper edge of the heel section of the shoe and affix the end of the pliable body to an outer surface of the heel section of the shoe.
- the article of footwear includes an extender heel pad.
- the extender heel pad can include a pliable body having a filler element therein.
- the pliable body of the extender heel pad has a generally hemispherical shape.
- the extender heel pad is positioned along part of a foot side of the heel pad.
- the extender heel pad is mounted to part of the foot side of the heel pad and a shoe side of the heel pad is mounted to an inner surface of the heel section of the shoe such that the heel pad and extender heel pad are integrated with the heel section of the shoe.
- the extender heel pad is mounted to part of the foot side of the heel pad and a shoe side of the heel pad is mounted to an inner surface of the heel section of the shoe such that the extender heel pad is attached and detached from the heel pad and the heel pad is attached and detached from the inner surface of the heel section of the shoe.
- the invention features a method of using a heel pad for a shoe.
- the method includes providing the heel pad having a pliable body, a filler element contained within the pliable body, and a malleable member fastened within the pliable body and extending along at least part of a length of the pliable body.
- the heel pad is positioned along an inner surface of a heel section of the shoe.
- a longitudinal end of the heel pad is folded along an upper edge of the heel section of the shoe.
- the folded longitudinal end of the heel pad is affixed to an outer surface of the heel section of the shoe.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heel pad
- FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view along an A-A axis of the heel pad of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view along the A-A axis of the heel pad of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views along the A-A axis of the heel pad of FIG. 1 without and with a filler element according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a malleable member according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the malleable member according to another embodiment
- FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the malleable member according to another embodiment
- FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a fabric covering for the malleable member
- FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the fabric covering of FIG. 5A wrapped around portions of the malleable member of FIG. 4A ;
- FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of the heel pad positioned in a high heeled shoe
- FIG. 6B is a partial side perspective view of the heel pad positioned in the high heeled shoe of FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 6C is a back perspective view of the heel pad positioned in the high heeled shoe of FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an extender heel pad
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the extender heel pad of FIG. 7 along the B-B axis:
- FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the heel pad and extender heel pad positioned in the high heeled shoe of FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the heel pad having a fastener for attaching the heel pad within a low heeled shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a wrapped heel pad using a fastener to attach the heel pad within a sling back shoe according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of the unwrapped heel pad of FIG. 11 having a hook fastener section;
- FIG. 12B is a back perspective view of the unwrapped heel pad of FIG. 11 having a loop fastener section;
- FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a process of using the heel pad according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, the singular forms of the articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms: includes, comprises, including and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Further, it will be understood that when an element, including component or subsystem, is referred to and/or shown as being connected or coupled to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a heel pad 10 .
- the heel pad 10 is placed within a shoe for protecting a wearer's ankle or heel from abrasion and discomfort (typically caused by friction between the wearer's heel and the inside surface of the shoe).
- the heel pad 10 can be sized to fit a variety of different shoes as appreciated by one of skill in the art. For example, in one embodiment the heel pad 10 is sized to fit a high heeled shoe and in another embodiment the heel pad 10 is sized to fit a low heeled shoe.
- the heel pad 10 has a length stretching from a first end 18 to a second end 20 that can he increased or decreased to fit a variety of different shoes as appreciated by one of skill in the art. Relative to an average heel pad length, the heel pad length is designed to be shorter for the low heeled shoe whereas the heel pad length is designed to be longer for the high heeled shoe. For example, the heel pad 10 has a relatively long and narrow shape for the high heeled shoe whereas the heel pad 10 has a relatively short and wide shape to accommodate the low heeled shoe. In examples, the heel pad 10 has a total length (from the first end 18 to the second end 20 and measured at max length of shape) between about 9 cm and about 12 cm.
- the heel pad 10 has a total width (from a first side 15 to a second side 17 and measured at max width of shape) between about 6 cm and about 10 cm that extends in parallel with an A-A axis.
- the heel pad 10 can be designed with other measurements as appreciated by one of skill n the art in order to accommodate other shoe types,
- the heel pad 10 includes a foot side 14 for receiving the heel of a wearer's foot.
- the heel pad 10 includes a shoe side 16 for placement against an inside surface of a shoe.
- the heel pad 10 includes a pliable body 12 forming a shape of the heel pad 10 .
- the pliable body 12 is shaped to fit the back of a wearer's heel.
- the pliable body 12 tapers at the first end 18 to fit the back of the wearer's heel.
- the pliable body 12 has a generally ovoid shape.
- the pliable body 12 has a triangular shape, polygonal shape, or other shape as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the pliable body 12 can be constructed from a variety of materials.
- the pliable body 12 can be constructed from one or more layers of cotton, soft leather, suede, micro suede, neoprene, polyester, or other materials as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the materials can be white in color as illustrated.
- materials may be selected such that the color of the pliable body 12 matches and blends in with the color of the shoe.
- materials may be selected to produce a pattern and/or an image on the pliable body 12 . Materials may be selected to produce other colors and/or designs for the pliable body 12 as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate two cross-section embodiments of the heel pad 10 . Both cross-sections are viewed along the A-A line of FIG. 1 .
- the pliable body 12 is constructed from two fabric layers 12 A, 12 B. Each fabric layer 12 A/ 12 B is folded on two opposing sides (first side 15 and second side 17 ). As shown, the upper fabric layer 12 A is folded over itself at the first side 15 and folded over itself at the second side 17 . Similarly, the lower fabric layer 12 B is folded over itself at the first side 15 and folded over itself at the second side 17 .
- the fabric layers 12 A, 12 B are stitched together at these folded sides using body stitching 23 (e.g., fabric stitching). In particular, the folded sides of the upper fabric layer 12 A are stitched directly to the folded sides of the lower fabric layer 12 B forming a seam along the body stitching 23 .
- the upper fabric layer 12 A is the foot side 14 of the pliable body 12 and the lower fabric layer 12 B is the shoe side 16 of the pliable body 12 .
- the pliably, body 12 can be constructed from a single fabric sheet.
- the heel pad 10 includes a filler element 22 contained within the pliable body 12 (i.e., between the upper fabric layer 12 A and the lower fabric layer 12 B).
- the filler element 22 typically includes a material that generally has soft, flexible, and moldable properties.
- the filler element 22 can include a polyester pile, beads, than), multiple sheets of polyester, microfiber, gel, foam, feathers, silk, linen, rubber, synthetic plastic, or other materials as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the heel pad 10 includes a malleable member 24 .
- the malleable member 24 is fastened within the pliable body 12 and extends along at least part of the length of the pliable body 12 as well as at least part of the width of the pliable body 12 .
- the malleable member 24 is fastened to the pliable body 12 by using member stitching 25 (e.g., plastic stitching).
- FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment where the heel pad 10 includes one malleable member 24 extending along the width (between the first side 15 and the second side 17 ) of the pliable body 12 .
- Member stitching 25 is used to fasten the malleable member 24 proximate to the lower fabric layer 12 B of the pliable body 12 .
- the heel pad includes two malleable members 24 that each separately extend along part of the width of the pliable body 12 .
- Separate member stitching 25 is used to fasten the two malleable members 24 proximate to the lower fabric layer 12 B of the pliable body 12 .
- the malleable member 24 is constructed of a material having “malleable” properties. “Malleable” properties include the ability to hammer or press the material permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking the material.
- the “malleable” properties typically relate to metals that can be permanently bent and twisted into a variety of shapes without breaking. Examples of “malleable” metals can include gold, silver, aluminum, copper, tin, lead, zinc, iron, and other related alloys.
- a material having “malleable” properties is able to be bent into one shape such that the material maintains this shape until a new force is applied to bend the material into a different shape.
- the “malleable” material can be bent permanently into a first shape and then bent permanently into a second shape different from the first shape.
- the term “malleable” and particularly the terms “malleable member” are to be interpreted throughout the specification based on this definition of “malleable” properties.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate cross-sections of the heel pad 10 according to another embodiment. Similar to FIGS. 2A-2B , the heel pad 10 includes the pliable body 12 constructed from two fabric layers 12 A, 12 B. The heel pad 10 is shown without the filler element 22 ( FIG. 3A ) and with the filler element 22 ( FIG. 3B ). In the FIG. 3B example, the filler element 22 is polyester pile. The heel pad 10 also includes the malleable member 24 according to another example.
- this example malleable member 24 includes multiple components forming a specific arrangement.
- the malleable member 24 is composed of two metal plates 24 A and metal wiring 24 B.
- the metal plates 24 A are tied to one another by the metal wiring 24 B forming the malleable member 24 .
- This malleable member 24 i.e., metal plates 24 A and metal wiring 24 B
- the metal wiring 24 B can be welded, soldered, brazed, riveted (e.g., using needles through wiring and plates), or glued to the two metal plates 24 A.
- FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate other embodiments of the malleable member 24 .
- the malleable member 24 is in the form of one metal plate 24 A.
- each metal plate 24 A i.e., each malleable member 24
- the two metal plates 24 A can be held together by metal wiring 24 B that is tied to the two metal plates 24 A as illustrated in FIG. 3A .
- the combined two metal plates 24 A with metal wiring 24 B form the malleable member 24 .
- This malleable member 24 is stitched to the pliable body 12 using member stitching 25 .
- the malleable member 24 includes five metal plates 24 A held together by metal wiring 24 B.
- Four of the five metal plates 24 A are clipped together to form a generally rectangular shape.
- each metal plate 24 A is clipped onto an end of a different metal plate 24 A.
- the four metal plates 24 A are clipped to one another to form the rectangular shape.
- the four metal plates 24 A can be further welded, soldered, brazed, riveted, or glued to one another to form the rectangular shape.
- One metal plate 24 A is clipped across the center of the rectangular shape such that this metal plate 24 A is perpendicular to the length of the rectangular shape.
- This central metal plate 24 A can be further welded, soldered, brazed, riveted, or glued to the other metal plates 24 A.
- the malleable member 24 includes metal wiring 24 B that crosses the length of the rectangular shape as well as across the width of the rectangular shape.
- a first pair of metal wiring 24 B is tied (e.g., with a knot) and fastened on the metal plate 24 A forming a vertical side of the rectangular shape and then tied and fastened to the metal plate 24 A forming an opposite vertical side of the rectangular shape.
- a second pair and a third pair of metal wiring 24 B are tied and fastened on the metal plate 24 A forming a horizontal side of the rectangular shape and then tied and fastened to the metal plate 24 A forming an opposite horizontal side of the rectangular shape.
- the metal wiring 24 B provides additional support in holding the metal plates 24 A to one another.
- FIG. 4C depicts the same malleable member 24 illustrated in FIG. 4B except metal wiring 24 B is welded to the metal plates 24 A and other metal wiring 24 B.
- the metal wiring 24 B can be soldered, brazed, riveted, or glued to the other metal wiring 24 B and the metal plates 24 A.
- the malleable member 24 can include additional metal clips for holding the metal plates 24 A to one another.
- the additional metal clips can be attached or clamped to the ends of the metal plates 24 for providing further support in keeping the metal plates 24 A together.
- the metal plates 24 A described above can include aluminum, copper, or another metal or metal alloy that has “malleable” properties as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the metal wiring 24 B can include aluminum, copper, or another metal or metal alloy that has “malleable” properties as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the metal plates 24 A and metal wiring 24 B can vary in terms of type, size, and thickness as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- FIG. 5A illustrates a fabric covering 44 for the metal plates 24 A (i.e., malleable members 24 ) of FIG. 4A .
- the fabric covering 44 includes multiple strands.
- the fabric covering 44 can include cotton material having a feathery texture.
- the fabric covering 44 can include other materials for providing properties of a soft fabric surface as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- FIG. 5B illustrates the metal plates 24 A (i.e., malleable members 24 ) inserted within the fabric covering 44 .
- the fabric covering 44 is wrapped around portions of the metal plates 24 A.
- the fabric covering 44 provides a soft external surface around portions of the metal plates 24 A. This provides additional comfort to a wearer that uses the heel pad 10 .
- the fabric covering 44 can be used to cover the malleable member 24 illustrated in FIG. 4B or the malleable member 24 illustrated in FIG. 4C .
- FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate use of the heel pad 10 in a high heeled shoe 34 .
- the high heeled shoe 34 includes an insole 28 coupled between a heel section 46 and a toebox 38 .
- the heel section 46 includes a heel 36 attached below the heel counter 26 .
- the heel pad 10 is positioned along an inner surface of the heel counter 26 .
- the heel pad 10 may be used with casual shoes, sneakers, boots, sports shoes, ice skates, cross trainer shoes, cleats, ski hoots, sandals, flats, or other shoes as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the malleable member 24 allows the heel pad 10 to be bent or folded in different configurations. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C , the heel pad 10 is folded over the heel counter 26 . In particular, the first end 18 of the heel pad 10 is positioned along the inner surface of the heel counter 26 and the second end 20 (i.e., longitudinal end) of the heel pad 10 is folded along an upper edge of the heel counter 26 . The second end 20 of the heel pad 10 is affixed to an outer surface of the heel counter 26 of the high heeled shoe 34 .
- FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate different views (front view, side view, and back view) of the heel pad 10 positioned in and folded over the heel counter 26 .
- a portion of the heel pad 10 that folds along the upper edge of the heel counter 26 has a length between about 2 cm and about 3 cm.
- the heel pad 10 can be supplemented with an extender heel pad 30 .
- the additional extender heel pad 30 expands the coverage area and length of the heel pad 10 . This results in an extension of the length of coverage for padding the wearer's heel which is particularly useful with high heeled shoes 34 .
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the extender heel pad 30 and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along a B-B axis of the extender heel pad 30 .
- the extender heel pad 30 includes an extender pliable body 32 having an extender filler element 33 therein.
- the extender pliable body 32 has a generally hemispherical shape.
- the extender pliable body 32 has a triangular shape, polygonal shape, or other shape as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the extender pliable body 32 is constructed of two fabric layers 32 A, 32 B. Each fabric layer 32 A/ 32 B is folded over itself on two opposing sides. The fabric layers 32 A, 32 B are stitched together at these folded sides using body stitching 23 (e.g., fabric stitching). In particular, the folded sides of the upper fabric layer 32 A are stitched directly to the folded sides of the lower fabric layer 32 B forming a seam along the body stitching 23 .
- the extender pliable body 32 may be constructed from a single fabric sheet as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the extender pliable body 32 can be constructed from a variety of materials.
- the extender pliable body 32 can be constructed from one or more layers of cotton, soft leather, suede, micro suede, neoprene, polyester, or other materials as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the extender heel pad 30 includes an extender filler element 33 contained within the extender pliable body 32 (i.e., between the upper fabric layer 32 A and the lower fabric layer 32 B).
- the extender filler element 33 typically includes a material that generally has soft, flexible, and moldable properties.
- the extender filler element 33 can include a polyester pile, beads, foam, multiple sheets of polyester, microfiber, gel, foam, feathers, silk, linen, rubber, synthetic plastic, or other materials as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the extender heel pad 30 is positioned over the heel pad 10 .
- the heel pad 10 is affixed or hooked onto the heel counter 26 of the high heeled shoe 34 .
- the extender heel pad 30 is positioned along part of the foot side 14 of the heel pad 10 . Placing the extender heel pad 30 over the heel pad 10 provides additional padding and extends the length of the heel pad 10 for the high heeled shoe 34 .
- the heel pad 10 is positioned over the extender heel pad 30 .
- the extender heel pad 30 is positioned alone the inner surface of the heel counter 26 .
- the shoe side 16 of the heel pad 10 is positioned along part of the extender heel pad 30 .
- the heel pad 10 is affixed or hooked onto the heel counter 26 (i.e., folded along the upper edge of the heel counter 26 ).
- the extender heel pad 30 can have various dimensions.
- the extender heel pad 30 has a width W (perpendicular to B-B and measured at max width of hemispherical shape) between about 6 cm and about 9 cm.
- the extender heel pad 30 has a length (along B-B and measured at max length of hemispherical shape) between about 5 cm and about 7 cm. Other length and width measurements may be used for the extender heel pad 30 as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the heel pad 10 can include a fastener for attaching the heel pad 10 within a shoe (e.g., high heeled shoe or low heeled shoe).
- the fastener provides additional support in maintaining the heel pad 10 within the shoe (i.e., assist in keeping the heel pad 10 in place).
- the shoe side 16 of the heel pad 10 is releasably attached to the inner surface of the heel counter 26 of the high heeled shoe 34 using the fastener such that the heel pad 10 is attached and detached from the heel counter 26 of the high heeled shoe 34 .
- the heel pad 10 utilizes a hook and loop type of fastener for attaching the heel pad 10 within a low heeled shoe 35 .
- the heel pad 10 can also utilize this hook and loop type of fastener with the high heeled shoe 34 .
- the shoe side 16 of the heel pad 10 includes a hook fastener section 40 A which releasably attaches to or detaches from a loop fastener section 40 B on the inner surface of the heel counter 26 of the shoe 34 , 35 .
- the heel pad 10 can be adhered into the shoe 34 , 35 using a different fastener 40 such as an adhesive strip (e.g., peel and stick type of adhesive).
- an adhesive strip e.g., peel and stick type of adhesive
- the adhesive strip is placed on the shoe side 16 of the heel pad 10 and the heel pad 10 is attached to the heel counter 26 using the adhesive strip.
- one adhesive strip is placed on the shoe side 16 of the heel pad 10 and a complementary adhesive strip is placed on the inner surface of the heel counter 26 .
- the heel pad 10 is attached to the heel counter 26 using these complementary adhesive strips.
- the heel pad 10 can use other fastening means such as sewing, tacking, riveting, button fasteners, magnetic fasteners, or other adhesive mechanisms for providing additional support in attaching the heel pad 10 into the heel counter 26 as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the heel pad 10 is integrated with the shoe 34 , 35 .
- the shoe side 16 of the heel pad 10 is mounted to the inner surface of the heel counter 26 of the shoe 34 , 35 such that the heel pad 10 is integrated with the heel counter 26 .
- the pliable body 12 of the heel pad 10 can be constructed from a layer of the same material as the inner surface of the heel counter 26 .
- the pliable body 12 is constructed of a material that is different from the inner surface of the heel counter 26 .
- the extender heel pad 30 is mounted to the heel pad 10 using a fastener.
- the extender heel pad 30 can include a hook fastener section 40 A that is mounted to a loop fastener section 40 B on the foot side 14 of the heel pad 10 .
- the extender heel pad 30 can use other fastening means such as adhesive, sewing, tacking, or riveting for attaching the extender heel pad 30 to the heel pad 10 as appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the combination of the extender heel pad 30 and the heel pad 10 are integrated with the high heeled shoe 34 or the low heeled shoe 35 .
- the extender heel pad 30 is mounted to part of the foot side 14 of the heel pad 10 and the shoe side 16 of the heel pad 10 is mounted to the inner surface of the heel counter 26 such that the heel pad 10 and extender heel pad 30 are integrated with the heel counter 26 of the high heeled shoe 34 or low heeled shoe 35 .
- the pliable body 12 of the heel pad 10 and the pliable body 32 of the extender heel pad 30 can be constructed from a layer of the same material as the inner surface of the heel counter 26 .
- the pliable bodies 12 , 32 are constructed of a material that is different from the inner surface of the heel counter 26 ,
- FIG. 11 illustrates an example embodiment of the heel pad 10 in use with a slingback shoe 42 .
- the slingback shoe 42 is a woman's type of shoe characterized by a heel strap 27 that crosses behind the heel of the wearer's foot.
- the heel strap 27 completely encircles the wearer's heel.
- the slingback shoe 42 can encompass casual and dressy shoes with a range of heel heights.
- the heel pad 10 is wrapped around the heel strap 27 of the slingback shoe 42 .
- This wrapped form of the heel pad 10 provides comfort to the wearer's heel by eliminating frictional contact between the wearer's heel and the heel strap 27 .
- the heel pad 10 is attached to the heel strap 27 and the heel pad 10 attaches to itself in order to wrap around the heel strap 27 .
- the heel pad 10 includes a fastener (either a hook fastener section 40 A or a loop fastener section 40 B) centrally located on the shoe side 16 of the heel pad 10 .
- This centrally located fastener on the heel pad 10 is affixed to a fastener (either a hook fastener section 40 A or a loop fastener section 40 B) on the outer surface of the heel strap 27 .
- the centrally located fastener on the heel pad 10 is a hook fastener section 40 A that can be affixed to a loop fastener section 40 B on the outer surface of the heel strap 27 . This allows for the heel pad 10 to be mounted to the heel strap 27 .
- the heel pad 10 of FIG. 11 further includes two fastener sections 40 A, 40 B for attaching to itself.
- the heel pad 10 includes a hook fastener section 40 A on the shoe side 16 of the pliable body 12 near the first end 18 (as illustrated in FIG. 12A ).
- the heel pad 10 includes a loop fastener section 40 B on the foot side 14 of the pliable body 12 near the second end 20 (as illustrated in FIG. 12B ).
- the hook fastener section 40 A i.e., first end 18 of the shoe side 16
- the loop fastener section 40 B i.e, second end 20 of the foot side 14
- the heel pad 10 provides a distinct ornamental design by itself. Also, the figures illustrate the heel pad 10 as providing a distinct ornamental design when mounted within the shoe 34 , 35 , 42 or integrated with the shoe 34 , 35 , 42 .
- FIG. 13 illustrates a preferred operation or use of the heel pad 10 .
- a user provides the heel pad 10 as described above.
- the user positions the heel pad 10 along an inner surface of a heel section 46 (e.g., heel counter 26 or heel strap 27 ) of the shoe 34 , 35 , 42 (step 102 ).
- the heel pad 10 includes a fastener (hook and loop, adhesive strips, etc.) for releasably attaching the heel pad 10 to the inner surface of the heel section 46 .
- step 104 the user folds a longitudinal end (i.e., second end 20 ) of the heel pad 10 along an upper edge of the heel section 46 (e.g., heel counter 26 or heel strap 27 ) of the shoe 34 , 35 , 42 .
- the user affixes the folded longitudinal end (i.e., second end 20 ) of the heel pad 10 to an outer surface of the heel section 46 (e.g., heel counter 26 or heel strap 27 ) of the shoe 34 , 35 , 42 (step 106 ),
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/148,942, filed on Apr. 17, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- A variety of insert pads are known for use with shoes. Many of the known insert pads are used underneath a wearer's foot for absorbing shock or odors.
- Typically, an insert pad is placed along a top surface of a sole of a shoe. This allows for a wearer to comfortably place his/her foot over the insert pad.
- While known insert pads resolve shock and odor problems, they do not necessarily solve other shoe related problems such as irritation and chafing to a wearer's foot (particularly the heel of the foot). There are certain types of shoes that tend to cause this irritation and chafing such as dress shoes, athletic shoes, and high heeled shoes. For example, a high-heeled shoe tends to cause irritation to the wearer's foot due to a heel of the shoe digging in and rubbing against the wearer's heel.
- A known solution to these irritation and chafing problems is a heel pad. The heel pad is positioned within a heel section of a shoe. In particular, the heel pad is typically a narrow-shaped pad that is positioned along an inner surface of the heel counter of the shoe. The heel pad provides a comfortable fit between a wearer's heel and the shoe thus limiting friction between the wearer's heel and the shoe. This can result in less irritation and chafing on the wearer's heel (thus eliminating the formation of blisters and calluses).
- In one example, the heel pad includes a gel substance for comfortably fitting around a wearer's heel. The gel heel pad typically includes an adhesive strip for anchoring the gel heel pad along the inner surface of the heel counter of the shoe.
- Another example heel pad includes a urethane material (e.g., Poron® urethane macroporous material available from Rogers Corporation of Rogers, Conn.) for providing a comfortable fit around the wearer's heel. Similar to the gel heel pad, this urethane heel pad includes an adhesive strip for anchoring the urethane heel pad to the inner surface of the heel counter of the shoe.
- The known heel pads experience some shortcomings. For example, the known heel pads do not stay firmly in the heel counters of shoes. In particular, the adhesive strip of each known heel pad does not provide adequate adhesion with respect to anchoring the heel pads in the shoes. This is the result of the adhesive strips losing their adhesion properties over time and in some cases shortly after first use. Thus, the known heel pads tend to shift position during use or the heel pads detach completely from the heel counters of shoes. In addition, due to their typically narrow shape, known heel pads do not provide adequate amount of coverage to protect the entire heel of a wearer's foot. Also, the narrow shape of known heel pads translates into less cushioning material being incorporated within the heel pads.
- The present invention is directed toward further solutions to address these needs, in addition to having other desirable characteristics. Specifically, the present invention heel pad includes a malleable member that allows the heel pad to adequately maintain its position within a heel section of a shoe. In particular, the malleable member functions to anchor the heel pad directly to the shoe such that the heel pad securely maintains its position in the shoe. In one example, the present invention heel pad uses the malleable member to affix itself to an outer surface of the heel section of the shoe for fastening the heel pad in place. Furthermore, the present invention heel pad is configured to provide adequate coverage for protecting the entire heel area of a wearer's foot.
- In general, according to one aspect, the invention features a heel pad for placement within a shoe. The heel pad includes a pliable body, a filler element contained within the pliable body, and a malleable member fastened within the pliable body and extending along at least part of a length of the pliable body.
- The malleable member is typically fastened to the pliable body with stitching. In one example, the malleable member includes a metal material. In another example, the malleable member includes metal material inserted within a fabric covering.
- The pliable body has a shape configured to fit the hack of a wearer's heel. In one example, the pliable body is constructed from a fabric sheet.
- The filler element typically includes a material having soft, flexible, and moldable properties. The filler element can include a polyester pile, beads, foam, multiple sheets of polyester, microfiber, or gel.
- In one embodiment, a shoe side of the pliable body is mounted to an inner surface of a heel section of the shoe such that the heel pad is integrated with the heel section of the shoe. In another embodiment, a shoe side of the pliable body is releasable attached to an inner surface of a heel section of the shoe using a fastener such that the heel pad is attached and detached from the heel section of the shoe.
- In general, according to another aspect, the invention features an article of footwear that includes a shoe having an insole coupled to a heel section. The article of footwear includes a heel pad positioned in the heel section of the shoe. The heel pad has a pliable body, a filler element contained within the pliable body, and a malleable member fastened within the pliable body and extending along at least part of a length of the pliable body. The malleable member is bent to fold a longitudinal end of the pliable body along an upper edge of the heel section of the shoe and affix the end of the pliable body to an outer surface of the heel section of the shoe.
- In one embodiment, the article of footwear includes an extender heel pad. The extender heel pad can include a pliable body having a filler element therein. In one example, the pliable body of the extender heel pad has a generally hemispherical shape. The extender heel pad is positioned along part of a foot side of the heel pad.
- In one embodiment, the extender heel pad is mounted to part of the foot side of the heel pad and a shoe side of the heel pad is mounted to an inner surface of the heel section of the shoe such that the heel pad and extender heel pad are integrated with the heel section of the shoe. In another embodiment, the extender heel pad is mounted to part of the foot side of the heel pad and a shoe side of the heel pad is mounted to an inner surface of the heel section of the shoe such that the extender heel pad is attached and detached from the heel pad and the heel pad is attached and detached from the inner surface of the heel section of the shoe.
- In general, according to another aspect, the invention features a method of using a heel pad for a shoe. The method includes providing the heel pad having a pliable body, a filler element contained within the pliable body, and a malleable member fastened within the pliable body and extending along at least part of a length of the pliable body. The heel pad is positioned along an inner surface of a heel section of the shoe. A longitudinal end of the heel pad is folded along an upper edge of the heel section of the shoe. The folded longitudinal end of the heel pad is affixed to an outer surface of the heel section of the shoe.
- The above and other features of the invention including various novel details of construction and combinations of parts, and other advantages, will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular method and device embodying the invention are shown by way of illustration and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.
- In the accompanying drawings, reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; emphasis has instead been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Of the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heel pad; -
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view along an A-A axis of the heel pad ofFIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view along the A-A axis of the heel pad ofFIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views along the A-A axis of the heel pad ofFIG. 1 without and with a filler element according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a malleable member according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the malleable member according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the malleable member according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a fabric covering for the malleable member; -
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the fabric covering ofFIG. 5A wrapped around portions of the malleable member ofFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of the heel pad positioned in a high heeled shoe; -
FIG. 6B is a partial side perspective view of the heel pad positioned in the high heeled shoe ofFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 6C is a back perspective view of the heel pad positioned in the high heeled shoe ofFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an extender heel pad; -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the extender heel pad ofFIG. 7 along the B-B axis: -
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the heel pad and extender heel pad positioned in the high heeled shoe ofFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the heel pad having a fastener for attaching the heel pad within a low heeled shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a wrapped heel pad using a fastener to attach the heel pad within a sling back shoe according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of the unwrapped heel pad ofFIG. 11 having a hook fastener section; -
FIG. 12B is a back perspective view of the unwrapped heel pad ofFIG. 11 having a loop fastener section; and -
FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a process of using the heel pad according to an embodiment of the present invention. - The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, he embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
- As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, the singular forms of the articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms: includes, comprises, including and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Further, it will be understood that when an element, including component or subsystem, is referred to and/or shown as being connected or coupled to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present.
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FIG. 1 illustrates aheel pad 10. Theheel pad 10 is placed within a shoe for protecting a wearer's ankle or heel from abrasion and discomfort (typically caused by friction between the wearer's heel and the inside surface of the shoe). - The
heel pad 10 can be sized to fit a variety of different shoes as appreciated by one of skill in the art. For example, in one embodiment theheel pad 10 is sized to fit a high heeled shoe and in another embodiment theheel pad 10 is sized to fit a low heeled shoe. - The
heel pad 10 has a length stretching from afirst end 18 to asecond end 20 that can he increased or decreased to fit a variety of different shoes as appreciated by one of skill in the art. Relative to an average heel pad length, the heel pad length is designed to be shorter for the low heeled shoe whereas the heel pad length is designed to be longer for the high heeled shoe. For example, theheel pad 10 has a relatively long and narrow shape for the high heeled shoe whereas theheel pad 10 has a relatively short and wide shape to accommodate the low heeled shoe. In examples, theheel pad 10 has a total length (from thefirst end 18 to thesecond end 20 and measured at max length of shape) between about 9 cm and about 12 cm. Theheel pad 10 has a total width (from afirst side 15 to asecond side 17 and measured at max width of shape) between about 6 cm and about 10 cm that extends in parallel with an A-A axis. Theheel pad 10 can be designed with other measurements as appreciated by one of skill n the art in order to accommodate other shoe types, - The
heel pad 10 includes afoot side 14 for receiving the heel of a wearer's foot. Theheel pad 10 includes ashoe side 16 for placement against an inside surface of a shoe. - The
heel pad 10 includes apliable body 12 forming a shape of theheel pad 10. Thepliable body 12 is shaped to fit the back of a wearer's heel. In particular, thepliable body 12 tapers at thefirst end 18 to fit the back of the wearer's heel. Thepliable body 12 has a generally ovoid shape. In other examples, thepliable body 12 has a triangular shape, polygonal shape, or other shape as appreciated by one of skill in the art. - The
pliable body 12 can be constructed from a variety of materials. For example, thepliable body 12 can be constructed from one or more layers of cotton, soft leather, suede, micro suede, neoprene, polyester, or other materials as appreciated by one of skill in the art. The materials can be white in color as illustrated. In one embodiment, materials may be selected such that the color of thepliable body 12 matches and blends in with the color of the shoe. In still another embodiment, materials may be selected to produce a pattern and/or an image on thepliable body 12. Materials may be selected to produce other colors and/or designs for thepliable body 12 as appreciated by one of skill in the art. -
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate two cross-section embodiments of theheel pad 10. Both cross-sections are viewed along the A-A line ofFIG. 1 . - As illustrated in the cross-sections, the
pliable body 12 is constructed from twofabric layers fabric layer 12A/12B is folded on two opposing sides (first side 15 and second side 17). As shown, theupper fabric layer 12A is folded over itself at thefirst side 15 and folded over itself at thesecond side 17. Similarly, thelower fabric layer 12B is folded over itself at thefirst side 15 and folded over itself at thesecond side 17. The fabric layers 12A, 12B are stitched together at these folded sides using body stitching 23 (e.g., fabric stitching). In particular, the folded sides of theupper fabric layer 12A are stitched directly to the folded sides of thelower fabric layer 12B forming a seam along thebody stitching 23. Theupper fabric layer 12A is thefoot side 14 of thepliable body 12 and thelower fabric layer 12B is theshoe side 16 of thepliable body 12. - In another example, the pliably,
body 12 can be constructed from a single fabric sheet. - The
heel pad 10 includes afiller element 22 contained within the pliable body 12 (i.e., between theupper fabric layer 12A and thelower fabric layer 12B). Thefiller element 22 typically includes a material that generally has soft, flexible, and moldable properties. For example, thefiller element 22 can include a polyester pile, beads, than), multiple sheets of polyester, microfiber, gel, foam, feathers, silk, linen, rubber, synthetic plastic, or other materials as appreciated by one of skill in the art. - The
heel pad 10 includes amalleable member 24. Themalleable member 24 is fastened within thepliable body 12 and extends along at least part of the length of thepliable body 12 as well as at least part of the width of thepliable body 12. InFIGS. 2A and 2B , themalleable member 24 is fastened to thepliable body 12 by using member stitching 25 (e.g., plastic stitching). -
FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment where theheel pad 10 includes onemalleable member 24 extending along the width (between thefirst side 15 and the second side 17) of thepliable body 12.Member stitching 25 is used to fasten themalleable member 24 proximate to thelower fabric layer 12B of thepliable body 12. - In
FIG. 2B , the heel pad includes twomalleable members 24 that each separately extend along part of the width of thepliable body 12.Separate member stitching 25 is used to fasten the twomalleable members 24 proximate to thelower fabric layer 12B of thepliable body 12. - The
malleable member 24 is constructed of a material having “malleable” properties. “Malleable” properties include the ability to hammer or press the material permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking the material. The “malleable” properties typically relate to metals that can be permanently bent and twisted into a variety of shapes without breaking. Examples of “malleable” metals can include gold, silver, aluminum, copper, tin, lead, zinc, iron, and other related alloys. A material having “malleable” properties is able to be bent into one shape such that the material maintains this shape until a new force is applied to bend the material into a different shape. Thus, for example, the “malleable” material can be bent permanently into a first shape and then bent permanently into a second shape different from the first shape. The term “malleable” and particularly the terms “malleable member” are to be interpreted throughout the specification based on this definition of “malleable” properties. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate cross-sections of theheel pad 10 according to another embodiment. Similar toFIGS. 2A-2B , theheel pad 10 includes thepliable body 12 constructed from twofabric layers heel pad 10 is shown without the filler element 22 (FIG. 3A ) and with the filler element 22 (FIG. 3B ). In theFIG. 3B example, thefiller element 22 is polyester pile. Theheel pad 10 also includes themalleable member 24 according to another example. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 3A and 3B , this examplemalleable member 24 includes multiple components forming a specific arrangement. Themalleable member 24 is composed of twometal plates 24A andmetal wiring 24B. Themetal plates 24A are tied to one another by themetal wiring 24B forming themalleable member 24. This malleable member 24 (i.e.,metal plates 24A andmetal wiring 24B) is fastened to thepliable body 12 with themember stitching 25. In other examples, themetal wiring 24B can be welded, soldered, brazed, riveted (e.g., using needles through wiring and plates), or glued to the twometal plates 24A. -
FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate other embodiments of themalleable member 24. - In
FIG. 4A , themalleable member 24 is in the form of onemetal plate 24A. In this example, eachmetal plate 24A (i.e., each malleable member 24) is separately stitched to thepliable body 12 usingmember stitching 25 as illustrated inFIG. 2B . In another example, the twometal plates 24A can be held together bymetal wiring 24B that is tied to the twometal plates 24A as illustrated inFIG. 3A . The combined twometal plates 24A withmetal wiring 24B form themalleable member 24. Thismalleable member 24 is stitched to thepliable body 12 usingmember stitching 25. - In
FIG. 4B , themalleable member 24 includes fivemetal plates 24A held together bymetal wiring 24B. Four of the fivemetal plates 24A are clipped together to form a generally rectangular shape. In particular, eachmetal plate 24A is clipped onto an end of adifferent metal plate 24A. The fourmetal plates 24A are clipped to one another to form the rectangular shape. The fourmetal plates 24A can be further welded, soldered, brazed, riveted, or glued to one another to form the rectangular shape. Onemetal plate 24A is clipped across the center of the rectangular shape such that thismetal plate 24A is perpendicular to the length of the rectangular shape. Thiscentral metal plate 24A can be further welded, soldered, brazed, riveted, or glued to theother metal plates 24A. As illustrated inFIG. 4B , themalleable member 24 includesmetal wiring 24B that crosses the length of the rectangular shape as well as across the width of the rectangular shape. In this example, a first pair ofmetal wiring 24B is tied (e.g., with a knot) and fastened on themetal plate 24A forming a vertical side of the rectangular shape and then tied and fastened to themetal plate 24A forming an opposite vertical side of the rectangular shape. A second pair and a third pair ofmetal wiring 24B are tied and fastened on themetal plate 24A forming a horizontal side of the rectangular shape and then tied and fastened to themetal plate 24A forming an opposite horizontal side of the rectangular shape. Themetal wiring 24B provides additional support in holding themetal plates 24A to one another. -
FIG. 4C depicts the samemalleable member 24 illustrated inFIG. 4B exceptmetal wiring 24B is welded to themetal plates 24A andother metal wiring 24B. As appreciated by one of skill in the art, themetal wiring 24B can be soldered, brazed, riveted, or glued to theother metal wiring 24B and themetal plates 24A. - The
malleable member 24 can include additional metal clips for holding themetal plates 24A to one another. For example embodiments includingmultiple metal plates 24A, the additional metal clips can be attached or clamped to the ends of themetal plates 24 for providing further support in keeping themetal plates 24A together. - The
metal plates 24A described above can include aluminum, copper, or another metal or metal alloy that has “malleable” properties as appreciated by one of skill in the art. Themetal wiring 24B can include aluminum, copper, or another metal or metal alloy that has “malleable” properties as appreciated by one of skill in the art. In general, themetal plates 24A andmetal wiring 24B can vary in terms of type, size, and thickness as appreciated by one of skill in the art. -
FIG. 5A illustrates a fabric covering 44 for themetal plates 24A (i.e., malleable members 24) ofFIG. 4A . The fabric covering 44 includes multiple strands. The fabric covering 44 can include cotton material having a feathery texture. The fabric covering 44 can include other materials for providing properties of a soft fabric surface as appreciated by one of skill in the art. -
FIG. 5B illustrates themetal plates 24A (i.e., malleable members 24) inserted within the fabric covering 44. In particular, the fabric covering 44 is wrapped around portions of themetal plates 24A. The fabric covering 44 provides a soft external surface around portions of themetal plates 24A. This provides additional comfort to a wearer that uses theheel pad 10. - In other examples, the fabric covering 44 can be used to cover the
malleable member 24 illustrated inFIG. 4B or themalleable member 24 illustrated inFIG. 4C . -
FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate use of theheel pad 10 in a high heeledshoe 34. The high heeledshoe 34 includes aninsole 28 coupled between aheel section 46 and atoebox 38. Theheel section 46 includes aheel 36 attached below theheel counter 26. Theheel pad 10 is positioned along an inner surface of theheel counter 26. In addition to the high heeledshoe 34, theheel pad 10 may be used with casual shoes, sneakers, boots, sports shoes, ice skates, cross trainer shoes, cleats, ski hoots, sandals, flats, or other shoes as appreciated by one of skill in the art. - The
malleable member 24 allows theheel pad 10 to be bent or folded in different configurations. As illustrated inFIGS. 6A-6C , theheel pad 10 is folded over theheel counter 26. In particular, thefirst end 18 of theheel pad 10 is positioned along the inner surface of theheel counter 26 and the second end 20 (i.e., longitudinal end) of theheel pad 10 is folded along an upper edge of theheel counter 26. Thesecond end 20 of theheel pad 10 is affixed to an outer surface of theheel counter 26 of the high heeledshoe 34. -
FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate different views (front view, side view, and back view) of theheel pad 10 positioned in and folded over theheel counter 26. In one example, a portion of theheel pad 10 that folds along the upper edge of theheel counter 26 has a length between about 2 cm and about 3 cm. - The
heel pad 10 can be supplemented with anextender heel pad 30. The additionalextender heel pad 30 expands the coverage area and length of theheel pad 10. This results in an extension of the length of coverage for padding the wearer's heel which is particularly useful with high heeled shoes 34. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of theextender heel pad 30 andFIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along a B-B axis of theextender heel pad 30. As shown, theextender heel pad 30 includes an extenderpliable body 32 having anextender filler element 33 therein. In this example, the extenderpliable body 32 has a generally hemispherical shape. In other examples, the extenderpliable body 32 has a triangular shape, polygonal shape, or other shape as appreciated by one of skill in the art. - Similar to the
heel pad 10, the extenderpliable body 32 is constructed of twofabric layers fabric layer 32A/32B is folded over itself on two opposing sides. The fabric layers 32A, 32B are stitched together at these folded sides using body stitching 23 (e.g., fabric stitching). In particular, the folded sides of theupper fabric layer 32A are stitched directly to the folded sides of thelower fabric layer 32B forming a seam along thebody stitching 23. In another example, the extenderpliable body 32 may be constructed from a single fabric sheet as appreciated by one of skill in the art. - The extender
pliable body 32 can be constructed from a variety of materials. For example, the extenderpliable body 32 can be constructed from one or more layers of cotton, soft leather, suede, micro suede, neoprene, polyester, or other materials as appreciated by one of skill in the art. - The
extender heel pad 30 includes anextender filler element 33 contained within the extender pliable body 32 (i.e., between theupper fabric layer 32A and thelower fabric layer 32B). Theextender filler element 33 typically includes a material that generally has soft, flexible, and moldable properties. For example, theextender filler element 33 can include a polyester pile, beads, foam, multiple sheets of polyester, microfiber, gel, foam, feathers, silk, linen, rubber, synthetic plastic, or other materials as appreciated by one of skill in the art. - In use, as illustrated in
FIG. 9 , theextender heel pad 30 is positioned over theheel pad 10. For example, theheel pad 10 is affixed or hooked onto theheel counter 26 of the high heeledshoe 34. Theextender heel pad 30 is positioned along part of thefoot side 14 of theheel pad 10. Placing theextender heel pad 30 over theheel pad 10 provides additional padding and extends the length of theheel pad 10 for the high heeledshoe 34. - In another example, the
heel pad 10 is positioned over theextender heel pad 30. In this example, theextender heel pad 30 is positioned alone the inner surface of theheel counter 26. Then, theshoe side 16 of theheel pad 10 is positioned along part of theextender heel pad 30. Theheel pad 10 is affixed or hooked onto the heel counter 26 (i.e., folded along the upper edge of the heel counter 26). - The
extender heel pad 30 can have various dimensions. In one example, theextender heel pad 30 has a width W (perpendicular to B-B and measured at max width of hemispherical shape) between about 6 cm and about 9 cm. In this same example, theextender heel pad 30 has a length (along B-B and measured at max length of hemispherical shape) between about 5 cm and about 7 cm. Other length and width measurements may be used for theextender heel pad 30 as appreciated by one of skill in the art. - The
heel pad 10 can include a fastener for attaching theheel pad 10 within a shoe (e.g., high heeled shoe or low heeled shoe). The fastener provides additional support in maintaining theheel pad 10 within the shoe (i.e., assist in keeping theheel pad 10 in place). For example, theshoe side 16 of theheel pad 10 is releasably attached to the inner surface of theheel counter 26 of the high heeledshoe 34 using the fastener such that theheel pad 10 is attached and detached from theheel counter 26 of the high heeledshoe 34. - In
FIG. 10 , theheel pad 10 utilizes a hook and loop type of fastener for attaching theheel pad 10 within a lowheeled shoe 35. Theheel pad 10 can also utilize this hook and loop type of fastener with the high heeledshoe 34. In particular, theshoe side 16 of theheel pad 10 includes ahook fastener section 40A which releasably attaches to or detaches from aloop fastener section 40B on the inner surface of theheel counter 26 of theshoe - The
heel pad 10 can be adhered into theshoe shoe side 16 of theheel pad 10 and theheel pad 10 is attached to theheel counter 26 using the adhesive strip. In another example, one adhesive strip is placed on theshoe side 16 of theheel pad 10 and a complementary adhesive strip is placed on the inner surface of theheel counter 26. Theheel pad 10 is attached to theheel counter 26 using these complementary adhesive strips. - The
heel pad 10 can use other fastening means such as sewing, tacking, riveting, button fasteners, magnetic fasteners, or other adhesive mechanisms for providing additional support in attaching theheel pad 10 into theheel counter 26 as appreciated by one of skill in the art. - In one example, the
heel pad 10 is integrated with theshoe shoe side 16 of theheel pad 10 is mounted to the inner surface of theheel counter 26 of theshoe heel pad 10 is integrated with theheel counter 26. For this integrated example, thepliable body 12 of theheel pad 10 can be constructed from a layer of the same material as the inner surface of theheel counter 26. In another example, thepliable body 12 is constructed of a material that is different from the inner surface of theheel counter 26. - In another example, the
extender heel pad 30 is mounted to theheel pad 10 using a fastener. For example, theextender heel pad 30 can include ahook fastener section 40A that is mounted to aloop fastener section 40B on thefoot side 14 of theheel pad 10. Theextender heel pad 30 can use other fastening means such as adhesive, sewing, tacking, or riveting for attaching theextender heel pad 30 to theheel pad 10 as appreciated by one of skill in the art. - In a further example, the combination of the
extender heel pad 30 and theheel pad 10 are integrated with the high heeledshoe 34 or the lowheeled shoe 35. In this integrated example, theextender heel pad 30 is mounted to part of thefoot side 14 of theheel pad 10 and theshoe side 16 of theheel pad 10 is mounted to the inner surface of theheel counter 26 such that theheel pad 10 andextender heel pad 30 are integrated with theheel counter 26 of the high heeledshoe 34 or lowheeled shoe 35. Thepliable body 12 of theheel pad 10 and thepliable body 32 of theextender heel pad 30 can be constructed from a layer of the same material as the inner surface of theheel counter 26. In another example, thepliable bodies heel counter 26, -
FIG. 11 illustrates an example embodiment of theheel pad 10 in use with aslingback shoe 42. Theslingback shoe 42 is a woman's type of shoe characterized by aheel strap 27 that crosses behind the heel of the wearer's foot. Theheel strap 27 completely encircles the wearer's heel. Theslingback shoe 42 can encompass casual and dressy shoes with a range of heel heights. - In use, as illustrated in
FIG. 11 , theheel pad 10 is wrapped around theheel strap 27 of theslingback shoe 42. This wrapped form of theheel pad 10 provides comfort to the wearer's heel by eliminating frictional contact between the wearer's heel and theheel strap 27. - For this embodiment, the
heel pad 10 is attached to theheel strap 27 and theheel pad 10 attaches to itself in order to wrap around theheel strap 27. Theheel pad 10 includes a fastener (either ahook fastener section 40A or aloop fastener section 40B) centrally located on theshoe side 16 of theheel pad 10. This centrally located fastener on theheel pad 10 is affixed to a fastener (either ahook fastener section 40A or aloop fastener section 40B) on the outer surface of theheel strap 27. For example, the centrally located fastener on theheel pad 10 is ahook fastener section 40A that can be affixed to aloop fastener section 40B on the outer surface of theheel strap 27. This allows for theheel pad 10 to be mounted to theheel strap 27. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 12A-12B , theheel pad 10 ofFIG. 11 further includes twofastener sections heel pad 10 includes ahook fastener section 40A on theshoe side 16 of thepliable body 12 near the first end 18 (as illustrated inFIG. 12A ). Theheel pad 10 includes aloop fastener section 40B on thefoot side 14 of thepliable body 12 near the second end 20 (as illustrated inFIG. 12B ). While theheel pad 10 is affixed to theheel strap 27, thehook fastener section 40A (i.e.,first end 18 of the shoe side 16) is affixed to theloop fastener section 40B (i.e,second end 20 of the foot side 14) such that theheel pad 10 is wrapped around theheel strap 27 as illustrated inFIG. 11 . - As shown in
FIGS. 1-12B , theheel pad 10 provides a distinct ornamental design by itself. Also, the figures illustrate theheel pad 10 as providing a distinct ornamental design when mounted within theshoe shoe -
FIG. 13 illustrates a preferred operation or use of theheel pad 10. Instep 100, a user provides theheel pad 10 as described above. The user positions theheel pad 10 along an inner surface of a heel section 46 (e.g., heel counter 26 or heel strap 27) of theshoe heel pad 10 includes a fastener (hook and loop, adhesive strips, etc.) for releasably attaching theheel pad 10 to the inner surface of theheel section 46. Instep 104, the user folds a longitudinal end (i.e., second end 20) of theheel pad 10 along an upper edge of the heel section 46 (e.g., heel counter 26 or heel strap 27) of theshoe heel pad 10 to an outer surface of the heel section 46 (e.g., heel counter 26 or heel strap 27) of theshoe - While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/566,162 US20180084866A1 (en) | 2015-04-17 | 2016-04-08 | Heel pad having a malleable member and method of use |
US29/641,710 USD888395S1 (en) | 2016-04-08 | 2018-03-23 | Heel pad for a shoe |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201562148942P | 2015-04-17 | 2015-04-17 | |
US15/566,162 US20180084866A1 (en) | 2015-04-17 | 2016-04-08 | Heel pad having a malleable member and method of use |
PCT/US2016/026606 WO2016168072A1 (en) | 2015-04-17 | 2016-04-08 | Heel pad having a malleable member and method of use |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/US2016/026606 A-371-Of-International WO2016168072A1 (en) | 2015-04-17 | 2016-04-08 | Heel pad having a malleable member and method of use |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US29/641,710 Continuation-In-Part USD888395S1 (en) | 1991-07-25 | 2018-03-23 | Heel pad for a shoe |
US15/934,459 Continuation-In-Part US10548371B2 (en) | 1991-07-25 | 2018-03-23 | Heel pad having a malleable member and method of use |
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Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20180084866A1 true US20180084866A1 (en) | 2018-03-29 |
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Family Applications (1)
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US15/566,162 Abandoned US20180084866A1 (en) | 2015-04-17 | 2016-04-08 | Heel pad having a malleable member and method of use |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20180084866A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2982929A1 (en) |
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Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20190365050A1 (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2019-12-05 | Qingfeng Ma | Heel liner preventing heel rubbing and sliding |
USD888395S1 (en) * | 2016-04-08 | 2020-06-30 | Intricate Forte, Inc. | Heel pad for a shoe |
US20200260814A1 (en) * | 2016-01-04 | 2020-08-20 | Dino BALLARINO | An insole or upper for footwear |
USD928489S1 (en) | 2017-10-12 | 2021-08-24 | Intricate Forte, Inc. | Heel pad for a shoe |
USD953718S1 (en) | 1991-07-25 | 2022-06-07 | Intricate Forte, Inc. | Heel pad for a shoe |
US11388954B2 (en) | 2015-04-17 | 2022-07-19 | Intricate Forte, Inc. | Heel pad having a malleable member and method of use |
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US20190365050A1 (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2019-12-05 | Qingfeng Ma | Heel liner preventing heel rubbing and sliding |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2982929A1 (en) | 2016-10-20 |
WO2016168072A1 (en) | 2016-10-20 |
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