EP2790544A2 - Heel for a women's shoe with a high heel - Google Patents

Heel for a women's shoe with a high heel

Info

Publication number
EP2790544A2
EP2790544A2 EP12820915.2A EP12820915A EP2790544A2 EP 2790544 A2 EP2790544 A2 EP 2790544A2 EP 12820915 A EP12820915 A EP 12820915A EP 2790544 A2 EP2790544 A2 EP 2790544A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
main structure
heel
upper portion
reinforcement pin
slit
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP12820915.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2790544B1 (en
Inventor
Stefano Roccella
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tuscany Services Srl
Original Assignee
Tuscany Services Srl
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tuscany Services Srl filed Critical Tuscany Services Srl
Publication of EP2790544A2 publication Critical patent/EP2790544A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2790544B1 publication Critical patent/EP2790544B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
    • A43B21/24—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the constructive form
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
    • A43B21/24—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B21/26—Resilient heels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
    • A43B21/02—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the material
    • A43B21/025—Metal
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
    • A43B21/02—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the material
    • A43B21/20—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the material plastics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
    • A43B21/24—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B21/30—Heels with metal springs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a heel for a women' s shoe with a high heel (i.e. a heel having a height greater than 5 cm) .
  • the elastic body may be constituted by a metal spring (for example as described in patent application FR2235655A1) , or can be constituted by a "soft" element in plastic material (as for example described in patent application DE8316581U1) .
  • this known solution has several drawbacks as it requires a number of additional components, leading to significant complication at the level of the production process and is applicable only to a limited type of heels .
  • the patent application FR1002135A1 describes a women's shoe provided with a heel wherein a plurality of horizontal slits which confer to the heel a certain vertical elasticity are formed; however, the solution described in this patent application does not allow to obtain an optimum walking comfort since the user clearly notices a "transverse instability" (i.e. perpendicular to the walking direction).
  • the purpose of the present invention is to provide a heel for a women's shoe with a high heel that is free from the drawbacks described above and, at the same time, is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.
  • a heel for a women' s shoe with a high heel as defined in the appended claims is provided.
  • Figure 1 schematically illustrates a women' s shoe with a high heel provided with a heel made in accordance with the present invention
  • Figures 2 and 3 are two different perspective views of the heel of Figure 1;
  • Figures 4, 5 and 6 are respectively a right side view, a rear view, and a left side view of the heel of Figure 1;
  • Figure 7 is a view on an enlarged scale of a detail of Figure 5 ;
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view and vertical section of an alternative embodiment of the heel of Figure 1;
  • Figure 9 is a view on an enlarged scale of a detail of Figure 8 made according to an alternative embodiment
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the heel of Figure 1;
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the heel of Figure 1; • Figure 12 is a rear view of the heel of Figure 11;
  • Figure 13 is a perspective and vertical section view of the heel of Figure 12;
  • Figures 14 and 15 are two different perspective views of a further embodiment of the heel of Figure 1;
  • Figure 16 is a view on an enlarged scale of a detail of Figure 15;
  • Figure 17 is a perspective and vertical section view of a further embodiment of the heel of Figure 1;
  • Figure 18 is a perspective view of a reinforcement pin of the heel of Figure 17;
  • Figure 19 is a view on an enlarged scale of a detail of Figure 17;
  • Figure 20 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the heel of Figure 1;
  • Figure 21 is a rear view of the heel of Figure 20;
  • Figure 22 is a perspective and vertical section view of the heel of Figure 20;
  • Figure 23 is a view on an enlarged scale of a detail of Figure 22;
  • Figure 24 is a perspective and vertical section view of a variant of the heel of Figure 20;
  • Figure 25 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the heel of Figure 1;
  • Figure ' 26 is a rear view of the heel of Figure 25;
  • Figure 27 is a perspective and vertical section view of the heel of Figure 25;
  • Figure 28 is a view on an enlarged scale of a detail of Figure 27.
  • Figure 29 schematically illustrates a different women's shoe with a high heel provided with a heel obtained in accordance with the present invention.
  • number 1 indicates as a whole a high heel women's shoe provided with a heel 2.
  • the heel 2 has a height greater than 5 cm.
  • the heel 2 comprises a main structure 3 with an oblong shape which extends along a vertical axis 4.
  • the main structure 3 in correspondence with a lower base 5 is adapted to rest on the ground and in correspondence of an upper base 6 opposite to the lower base 5 is adapted to be fitted to a sole 7 of the shoe 1. - .
  • the main heel structure 3 comprises two slits 8 which are horizontally- oriented (i.e. are perpendicular to the vertical axis 4) and are arranged vertically offset (i.e. at a certain vertical distance from one another) .
  • Each slit 8 extends from side to side through the main structure 3 along a longitudinal direction 9 (i.e. parallel to the walking direction), and is blind along a transverse direction 10 (i.e. perpendicular to the walking direction and therefore to the longitudinal direction 9) starting from an inner portion of the main structure 3 and ending in correspondence of a side 11 of the main structure 3.
  • the main heel structure 3 comprises two slits 12 which are horizontally oriented (i.e.
  • Each slit 12 extends from side to side through the main structure 3 along the longitudinal direction 9, and is blind along the transverse direction 10 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 9 starting from an inner portion of the main structure 3 and ending in correspondence of a side 13 of the main structure 3 opposite to the side 11.
  • the slits 8 are vertically alternated with the slits 12, i.e. a slit 8 is vertically followed and/or preceded by a slit 12.
  • a slit 8 is vertically followed and/or preceded by a slit 12.
  • two slits 8 to two slits 12 vertically alternated to one another are provided; according to different embodiments the number of slits 8 and/or 12 can be different (for example there may be only one slit 8 and only one slit 12, only one slit 8 and two slits 12 may be present, two slits 8 and three slits 12 may be present, three slits 8 and three slits 12 may be present ... ) .
  • each slit 8 and 12 involve along the transverse direction 10 more than half of the main structure 3.
  • the slits 8 and 12 reduce the vertical stiffness of the main structure 3 and therefore give the main structure 3 a vertical elasticity.
  • the number and the size of the slits 8 and 12 must be chosen as a compromise between structural strength (which cannot be too little) and the deformation capacity (i.e. the elasticity).
  • the thickness of the slits 8 and 12 is generally between 0.5 and 4 mm. Thanks to the presence of the slits 8 and 12, the main structure 3 of the heel 2 acts integrally as a compression spring so that if the vertical load exceeds a limit value, as can occur during walking, the "coils" of the "spring” are vertically compacted one upon the other preserving the main structure 3 from breaking.
  • the pattern of the slits 8 and 12 is important in order to avoid (or at least restrict) the lateral deflection of the main structure 3 of the heel 2.
  • an even total number of slits 8 and 12 i.e. a symmetrical pattern with respect to the longitudinal plane, i.e. parallel to the longitudinal direction 9, of the main structure 3 is preferred as it avoids the onset of unwanted spurious bending.
  • the main structure 3 of the heel 2 can be made of many materials.
  • the main structure 3 of the heel 2 can be made of plastic material (ABS or a thermoplastic technopolymer eventually loaded with glass fibers) that is normally injection molded already in the final, shape, or the main structure 3 of the heel 2 can be made of metallic material (typically aluminum for its lightness) that - is normally solid machined by removal of material.
  • a reinforcement pin 14 (shown in Figure 8) that is made of a highly resistant material (for example steel) and is inserted inside the main structure 3 wherein it also fulfills the function of supporting the heel layer.
  • the reinforcement pin 14 is used when the main structure 3 of the heel 2 is made of low resistance plastic material.
  • the heel 2 comprises the reinforcement pin 14, which has a cylindrical shape, extending coaxially with the vertical axis 4, and is inserted inside a cylindrical seat 15 which is centrally obtained in the main structure 3.
  • the reinforcement pin 14 is integral, i.e. rigidly fitted (e.g. glued) , to a lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 arranged under the slits 8 and 12 and is slidably mounted with respect to an upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 arranged above the slits 8 and 12.
  • the reinforcement pin 14 in a central portion 18 of the main structure 3 arranged in correspondence of the slits 8 and 12 (i.e. arranged between the lower portion 16 and the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3) the reinforcement pin 14 has an external dimension smaller than the inner dimension of the seat 15 so as to avoid touching the wall of the seat 15. In particular, in correspondence of the central portion 18 of the main structure 3 the reinforcement pin 14 locally presents a reduction of the outer diameter.
  • the seat 15 in correspondence of the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 the seat 15 is internally lined with an antifriction bushing 19 which externally is integral (e.g. by gluing) with the main structure 3 and internally houses in a sliding manner the reinforcement pin 14.
  • the presence of the antifriction bushing 19 allows to ensure a better sliding of the reinforcement pin 14 with respect to the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 even in the presence of temporary deformations of the upper portion 17 (that are possible as a result of mechanical stresses generated by walking) .
  • each slit 8 or 12 ends with a cylindrical surface that is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction 9; said cylindrical surface allows to avoid the presence of sharp edges inside the slit 8 or 12 thereby improving the fatigue strength.
  • the cylindrical surface has a diameter that is larger than the vertical dimension of the slit 8 - or 12; and this solution is usable if the slits 8 and 12 are obtained by machining from solid with a tool which provides material removal .
  • each slit 8 or 12 the cylindrical surface has a diameter equal to the vertical dimension of the slit 8 or 12; this solution is preferable if the slits 8 and 12 are directly obtained by way of an injection molding of the main structure 3 since it avoids the formation of undercuts.
  • the main structure 3 comprises a through hole 20, which extends from side to side through the main structure 3 along the longitudinal direction 10 and is arranged in a central position in correspondence of the slits 8 and 12 (i.e. in correspondence of the central portion 18 of the main structure 3) .
  • the through hole 20 has an elongated cross section having the larger dimension oriented vertically (i.e. parallel to the vertical axis 4) .
  • each half-structure 3a and 3b comprises at least one slit 8 and at least one slit 12, and in one half-structure 3a/3b the slit 8 is vertically- aligned with the slit 12 of the other half-structure 3b/3a and the slit 12 is vertically aligned with the slit 8 of the other half-structure 3b/3a.
  • the material used for the embodiment shown in Figures 14- 16 is preferably a material of the metal type which allows to obtain the sufficient mechanical strength even in the presence of very reduced transverse thicknesses .
  • At least part of the slits 8 and 12 can be filled with the viscoelastic material (or a material that exhibits an intermediate rheological behavior comprised between "purely viscous materials” and “elastic materials”) to give a damping effect favoring comfortable walking.
  • each slit 8 or 12 ends with a cylindrical surface that is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction 9, with . a diameter preferably greater than the vertical dimension of the slit 8 or 12.
  • the slits 8 and 12 (which confer a vertical elasticity) are transferred by the main structure 3 of the heel 2 to the reinforcement pin 1 .
  • the reinforcement pin 14 comprises an upper portion 21 that is integral (for example by gluing or mechanical coupling) to the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3, a lower portion 22 that is integral (for example by gluing or mechanical coupling) to the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3, and an intermediate portion 23, that connects without gaps, the lower portion 22 to the upper portion 21 and has a vertical elasticity thanks to the presence of the slits 8 and 12.
  • the intermediate portion 23 of the reinforcement pin 14 comprises the slits 8 and 12, which confer a vertical elasticity to the intermediate portion 23 and have the structural characteristics described above.
  • the reinforcement pin 14 comprises the upper portion 21 which is mechanically connected (in particular integral to) the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3, the lower portion 22 which is integral to the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3, and elastic means which present a vertical elasticity and are coupled to the reinforcement pin 14 to connect with a vertical elasticity the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 to the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3.
  • the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 is integral to the upper portion 21 of the reinforcement pin 14, and the reinforcement pin 14 comprises the intermediate portion 23 which connects without gaps, the lower portion 22 to the upper portion 21 and integrates in its inside the elastic means.
  • Said elastic means are constituted by the slits 8 and 12 which are formed in the intermediate portion 23 of the reinforcement pin 14.
  • the main structure 3 can be made of traditional plastic material (e.g. ABS) , while the reinforcement pin 14 can be made of special steel.
  • the damping effect is therefore obtained by structurally unloading the main structure 3 (or, alternatively, the reinforcement pin 14) by way of the slits 8 and 12 which reduce the vertical stiffness amplifying at the same time the possibilities of movement.
  • the reinforcement pin 14 comprises the upper portion 21 which is mechanically connected (in particular in a sliding manner) to the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3, the lower portion 22 that is integral to the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3, and elastic means which present a vertical elasticity and are coupled to the reinforcement pin 14 to connect with a vertical elasticity - the upper portion 17 of main structure 3 to the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3.
  • the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 is vertically slidable with respect to the upper portion 21 of the reinforcement pin 14, and the elastic "means are constituted by at least one spring 24 (preferably, but not necessarily, a disk spring) which is interposed between the reinforcement pin 14 and an abutment wall 25 of the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3. It is important to note that by changing the number of springs 24 used, with an equally applied maximum force, the damping effect is modified by increasing or decreasing the vertical displacement of the heel 2.
  • the abutment wall 25 of the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 is constituted by a metal assembly bushing 26 which is integral to the upper portion 17 and is placed immediately below the insole assembly.
  • a fixing plate 27 is normally provided which is locked at the top of the reinforcement pin 14, leaning against the assembly bushing 26, and prevents the reinforcement pin 14 from sliding off and rotating upon.
  • the fixing plate 27 is locked at the top of the reinforcement pin 14 by means of a screw (not shown) which engages a threaded hole 28 formed through the upper portion 21 of the reinforcement pin 14.
  • the spring 24 is compressed between the abutment wall 25 of the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 and an annular shoulder 29 of the reinforcement pin 14; said annular shoulder 29 is obtained by way of tapering (thinning) of the reinforcement pin head 14.
  • the seat 15 in correspondence to the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 the seat 15 is internally lined by at least an antifriction bushing 19 which externally is integral to the main structure 3 and internally houses in a sliding manner the reinforcement pin 14.
  • the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 is separated from the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 by way of a through cut 30 which completely separates the two portions 16 and 17 without any point of contact between the two portions 16 and 17 themselves (exactly as also happens in the embodiment shown in Figures 17-19) .
  • the reinforcement pin 14 has two diameter variations so as to ensure the necessary structural strength consistently with the final thinning of the heel 2.
  • the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 is formed in one piece (i.e. is monolithic) with the reinforcement pin 14; in other words, the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 constitutes an extension of the lower portion 22 of the reinforcement pin 14. From another, and perfectly equivalent, point of view, the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 is integrated in the lower portion 22 of the reinforcement pin 14.
  • This variant allows to reduce the assembly costs, because it is no longer necessary to couple the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 to the lower portion 22 of the reinforcement pin 14 making, at the same time, the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 integral to the lower portion 22 of the reinforcement pin 14.
  • the reinforcement pin 14 (integrating the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3) is made of high strength structural material (aluminum or steel) , while the remaining part of the main structure 3 is made of non- structural plastic material (typically ABS) .
  • This feature the reinforcement pin 14 that integrates the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3) shown in Figure 24 can also be used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in Figures 17-19.
  • the embodiment shown in Figures 25-28 constitutes an evolution of the embodiment shown in Figures 8-9 and 11-13; in this embodiment shown in Figures 25-28, the main structure 3 of the heel 2 presents the slits 8 and 12, while the reinforcement pin 14 is coupled to a series of disk springs 24 fully matching the conformation of the reinforcement pin 14 shown in Figures 20-24.
  • the main structure 3 presents three slits 8 and 12 vertically alternated to one another (in particular two slits 12 and one slit 8 vertically alternated between the two slits 8) ; said slits 8 and 12 have the structural characteristics described above and therefore for their detailed description reference is made to what has already been said above.
  • the reinforcement pin 14 coupled to the series of disk springs 24 is completely analogous to the reinforcement pin 14 shown in Figures 20-24 and previously described and therefore for its detailed description reference is made to what has already been said above.
  • the heel 2 described above has numerous advantages.
  • the heel 2 described above has an optimal vertical elasticity that allows to reduce the negative stresses on the foot and on the leg of the user of the shoe 1 without penalizing, at the same time, walking which remains "natural" (i.e. the user's walking is not disturbed or otherwise adversely affected by the elasticity conferred by the vertical slits 8 and 12) .
  • This result is obtained thanks to the presence of slits 8 and 12 of different type and alternated to one another that allow to offer adequate resistance also to transverse loads.
  • the heel 2 described above is applicable to any type of shoe 1 without significant constructive complications; for example, in Figure 29 a heel for a- women's shoe with a high heel is shown which is provided with a heel 2 of the type described above and is completely different with respect to the shoe 1 shown in Figure 1.
  • the manufacturing process to obtain the heel 2 described above is particularly simple and quick and thus economical.
  • the main structure 3 to adapt to the external conditions thanks to its intrinsic morphological constitutive characteristics and without the addition of additional components.
  • the possible use of the reinforcement pin 14 does not particularly complicate the manufacturing process since the reinforcement pins are already normally present in many heels for women shoes with high heels.
  • the advantages of the present invention are particularly evident in a high heel, i.e. when the heel 2 has a height greater than 5 cm.
  • the present invention is advantageously applied to a heel 2 for a women' s shoe 1 with a high heel, which heel 2 has a height greater than 5 cm.

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  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

Heel (2) for a women's shoe (1) with a high heel; the heel (2) has a main structure (3) provided with.- at least a first slit (8) which is horizontally oriented, extends from side to side through the main structure (3) along a longitudinal direction (9), and is blind along a transverse direction (10) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (9) starting from an inner portion of the main structure (3) and ending in correspondence to a first side (11) of the main structure (3); and at least a second slit (12) which is horizontally oriented, extends from side to side through the main structure (3) along the longitudinal direction (9), and is blind along the transverse direction (10) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (9) starting from an inner portion of the main structure (3) and ending in correspondence to a second side (13) of the main structure (3) that is opposite to the first side (11).

Description

"HEEL FOR A WOMEN'S SHOE WITH A HIGH HEEL
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a heel for a women' s shoe with a high heel (i.e. a heel having a height greater than 5 cm) .
PRIOR ART
To increase the comfort of a women' s shoe with a high heel (i.e. to reduce the mechanical stresses to which the foot is subjected during walking with a women's shoe with a high heel) , it was proposed to make the heel vertically elastic (i.e. it was proposed to introduce a vertically directed elasticity into a heel) .
To make the heel vertically elastic it was proposed to divide the heel into an upper portion and a lower portion which can vertically move with respect to one another and to interpose between the two portions an elastic body that establishes a mechanical connection between the two portions themselves; the elastic body may be constituted by a metal spring (for example as described in patent application FR2235655A1) , or can be constituted by a "soft" element in plastic material (as for example described in patent application DE8316581U1) . However, this known solution has several drawbacks as it requires a number of additional components, leading to significant complication at the level of the production process and is applicable only to a limited type of heels .
The patent application FR1002135A1 describes a women's shoe provided with a heel wherein a plurality of horizontal slits which confer to the heel a certain vertical elasticity are formed; however, the solution described in this patent application does not allow to obtain an optimum walking comfort since the user clearly notices a "transverse instability" (i.e. perpendicular to the walking direction).
The patent applications CH212632A, GB238134A and FR1247874A1 describe a women's shoe provided with a heel, wherein, in the outer surface a plurality of horizontal grooves are formed which have a shallow depth (practically no more than one or two millimeters) and are "U" shaped to embrace the entire outer surface; however, the solutions described in these patent applications do not allow the heel to confer an adequate vertical elasticity.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a heel for a women's shoe with a high heel that is free from the drawbacks described above and, at the same time, is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.
In accordance with the present invention, a heel for a women' s shoe with a high heel as defined in the appended claims is provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate certain non- limiting embodiments, wherein:
• Figure 1 schematically illustrates a women' s shoe with a high heel provided with a heel made in accordance with the present invention;
• Figures 2 and 3 are two different perspective views of the heel of Figure 1;
• Figures 4, 5 and 6 are respectively a right side view, a rear view, and a left side view of the heel of Figure 1;
• Figure 7 is a view on an enlarged scale of a detail of Figure 5 ;
• Figure 8 is a perspective view and vertical section of an alternative embodiment of the heel of Figure 1;
• Figure 9 is a view on an enlarged scale of a detail of Figure 8 made according to an alternative embodiment;
• Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the heel of Figure 1;
• Figure 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the heel of Figure 1; • Figure 12 is a rear view of the heel of Figure 11;
• Figure 13 is a perspective and vertical section view of the heel of Figure 12;
• Figures 14 and 15 are two different perspective views of a further embodiment of the heel of Figure 1;
• Figure 16 is a view on an enlarged scale of a detail of Figure 15;
• Figure 17 is a perspective and vertical section view of a further embodiment of the heel of Figure 1;
• Figure 18 is a perspective view of a reinforcement pin of the heel of Figure 17;
• Figure 19 is a view on an enlarged scale of a detail of Figure 17;
• Figure 20 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the heel of Figure 1;
• Figure 21 is a rear view of the heel of Figure 20;
• Figure 22 is a perspective and vertical section view of the heel of Figure 20;
• Figure 23 is a view on an enlarged scale of a detail of Figure 22;
• Figure 24 is a perspective and vertical section view of a variant of the heel of Figure 20;
• Figure 25 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the heel of Figure 1;
• Figure' 26 is a rear view of the heel of Figure 25;
• Figure 27 is a perspective and vertical section view of the heel of Figure 25;
• Figure 28 is a view on an enlarged scale of a detail of Figure 27; and
• Figure 29 schematically illustrates a different women's shoe with a high heel provided with a heel obtained in accordance with the present invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
In Figure 1, number 1 indicates as a whole a high heel women's shoe provided with a heel 2. Preferably, the heel 2 has a height greater than 5 cm. According to that shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the heel 2 comprises a main structure 3 with an oblong shape which extends along a vertical axis 4. The main structure 3 in correspondence with a lower base 5 is adapted to rest on the ground and in correspondence of an upper base 6 opposite to the lower base 5 is adapted to be fitted to a sole 7 of the shoe 1. - .
According to that shown in. Figures 2-7, the main heel structure 3 comprises two slits 8 which are horizontally- oriented (i.e. are perpendicular to the vertical axis 4) and are arranged vertically offset (i.e. at a certain vertical distance from one another) . Each slit 8 extends from side to side through the main structure 3 along a longitudinal direction 9 (i.e. parallel to the walking direction), and is blind along a transverse direction 10 (i.e. perpendicular to the walking direction and therefore to the longitudinal direction 9) starting from an inner portion of the main structure 3 and ending in correspondence of a side 11 of the main structure 3. Furthermore, the main heel structure 3 comprises two slits 12 which are horizontally oriented (i.e. are perpendicular to the vertical axis 4) and are arranged vertically offset (i.e. at a certain vertical distance from one another) . Each slit 12 extends from side to side through the main structure 3 along the longitudinal direction 9, and is blind along the transverse direction 10 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 9 starting from an inner portion of the main structure 3 and ending in correspondence of a side 13 of the main structure 3 opposite to the side 11.
Preferably, the slits 8 are vertically alternated with the slits 12, i.e. a slit 8 is vertically followed and/or preceded by a slit 12. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-7, two slits 8 to two slits 12 vertically alternated to one another are provided; according to different embodiments the number of slits 8 and/or 12 can be different (for example there may be only one slit 8 and only one slit 12, only one slit 8 and two slits 12 may be present, two slits 8 and three slits 12 may be present, three slits 8 and three slits 12 may be present ... ) .
According to a preferred embodiment, each slit 8 and 12 involve along the transverse direction 10 more than half of the main structure 3.
The slits 8 and 12 reduce the vertical stiffness of the main structure 3 and therefore give the main structure 3 a vertical elasticity. Obviously the number and the size of the slits 8 and 12 must be chosen as a compromise between structural strength (which cannot be too little) and the deformation capacity (i.e. the elasticity). By way of example, the thickness of the slits 8 and 12 is generally between 0.5 and 4 mm. Thanks to the presence of the slits 8 and 12, the main structure 3 of the heel 2 acts integrally as a compression spring so that if the vertical load exceeds a limit value, as can occur during walking, the "coils" of the "spring" are vertically compacted one upon the other preserving the main structure 3 from breaking. The pattern of the slits 8 and 12 is important in order to avoid (or at least restrict) the lateral deflection of the main structure 3 of the heel 2. Generally, an even total number of slits 8 and 12 (i.e. a symmetrical pattern with respect to the longitudinal plane, i.e. parallel to the longitudinal direction 9, of the main structure 3) is preferred as it avoids the onset of unwanted spurious bending.
The main structure 3 of the heel 2 can be made of many materials. By way of example, the main structure 3 of the heel 2 can be made of plastic material (ABS or a thermoplastic technopolymer eventually loaded with glass fibers) that is normally injection molded already in the final, shape, or the main structure 3 of the heel 2 can be made of metallic material (typically aluminum for its lightness) that - is normally solid machined by removal of material.
Depending on the material used to obtain the main structure 3 of the heel 2, to further increase the structural strength of the main structure 3 to transverse loads (i.e. directed along the transverse direction 10) it is possible to provide a reinforcement pin 14 (shown in Figure 8) that is made of a highly resistant material (for example steel) and is inserted inside the main structure 3 wherein it also fulfills the function of supporting the heel layer. Preferably, the reinforcement pin 14 is used when the main structure 3 of the heel 2 is made of low resistance plastic material.
According to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the heel 2 comprises the reinforcement pin 14, which has a cylindrical shape, extending coaxially with the vertical axis 4, and is inserted inside a cylindrical seat 15 which is centrally obtained in the main structure 3. According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement pin 14 is integral, i.e. rigidly fitted (e.g. glued) , to a lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 arranged under the slits 8 and 12 and is slidably mounted with respect to an upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 arranged above the slits 8 and 12.
Preferably, in a central portion 18 of the main structure 3 arranged in correspondence of the slits 8 and 12 (i.e. arranged between the lower portion 16 and the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3) the reinforcement pin 14 has an external dimension smaller than the inner dimension of the seat 15 so as to avoid touching the wall of the seat 15. In particular, in correspondence of the central portion 18 of the main structure 3 the reinforcement pin 14 locally presents a reduction of the outer diameter.
According to the embodiment shown in Figure 9, in correspondence of the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 the seat 15 is internally lined with an antifriction bushing 19 which externally is integral (e.g. by gluing) with the main structure 3 and internally houses in a sliding manner the reinforcement pin 14. The presence of the antifriction bushing 19 allows to ensure a better sliding of the reinforcement pin 14 with respect to the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 even in the presence of temporary deformations of the upper portion 17 (that are possible as a result of mechanical stresses generated by walking) .
According to the embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 12, inside the main structure 3 each slit 8 or 12 ends with a cylindrical surface that is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction 9; said cylindrical surface allows to avoid the presence of sharp edges inside the slit 8 or 12 thereby improving the fatigue strength. According to the variant shown in Figure 10, in each slit 8 or 12 the cylindrical surface has a diameter that is larger than the vertical dimension of the slit 8 - or 12; and this solution is usable if the slits 8 and 12 are obtained by machining from solid with a tool which provides material removal . According to the variant shown in Figure 12, in each slit 8 or 12 the cylindrical surface has a diameter equal to the vertical dimension of the slit 8 or 12; this solution is preferable if the slits 8 and 12 are directly obtained by way of an injection molding of the main structure 3 since it avoids the formation of undercuts.
According to the embodiment shown in Figures 11-13, only one slit 8 and only one slit 12 are provided, and the reinforcement pin 14 is provided slidably coupled to an antifriction bushing 19 which externally is integral with the main structure 3 in correspondence to the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3.
According to the embodiment shown in Figures 14-16, the main structure 3 comprises a through hole 20, which extends from side to side through the main structure 3 along the longitudinal direction 10 and is arranged in a central position in correspondence of the slits 8 and 12 (i.e. in correspondence of the central portion 18 of the main structure 3) . Preferably, the through hole 20 has an elongated cross section having the larger dimension oriented vertically (i.e. parallel to the vertical axis 4) .
The through hole 20 vertically divides the main structure 3 into two half-structures 3a and 3b (or into two columns 3a and 3b) which are parallel to each other and face each other. According to a preferred embodiment, each half-structure 3a and 3b comprises at least one slit 8 and at least one slit 12, and in one half-structure 3a/3b the slit 8 is vertically- aligned with the slit 12 of the other half-structure 3b/3a and the slit 12 is vertically aligned with the slit 8 of the other half-structure 3b/3a.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 14-16, it is possible to use' ah odd number of slits 8 and 12, as the alternation of slits 8 and 12 into two half-structures 3a and 3b otherwise confers to the main structure 3 as a whole an adequate symmetry with respect to a longitudinal plane (i.e. a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction 9) . It is important to note that the transverse stresses (i.e. directed along the transverse axis 10) tend to open the slits 8 and 12 of one half-structure 3a/3b but to close the slits 8 and 12 of the other half-structure 3b/3a, which by compacting, ensure an adequate mechanical seal; instead the longitudinal stresses (i.e. directed along the longitudinal direction 9) are supported by the vertical compaction of the coils of the half- structure 3a or 3b subject to compression.
The material used for the embodiment shown in Figures 14- 16 is preferably a material of the metal type which allows to obtain the sufficient mechanical strength even in the presence of very reduced transverse thicknesses .
According to a possible embodiment, at least part of the slits 8 and 12 (i.e. all the slits 8 and 12 or only some of the slits 8 and 12) can be filled with the viscoelastic material (or a material that exhibits an intermediate rheological behavior comprised between "purely viscous materials" and "elastic materials") to give a damping effect favoring comfortable walking.
According to a further embodiment each slit 8 or 12 ends with a cylindrical surface that is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction 9, with . a diameter preferably greater than the vertical dimension of the slit 8 or 12.
In' the embodiment shown in Figures 17-19, the slits 8 and 12 (which confer a vertical elasticity) are transferred by the main structure 3 of the heel 2 to the reinforcement pin 1 . In this embodiment, the reinforcement pin 14 comprises an upper portion 21 that is integral (for example by gluing or mechanical coupling) to the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3, a lower portion 22 that is integral (for example by gluing or mechanical coupling) to the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3, and an intermediate portion 23, that connects without gaps, the lower portion 22 to the upper portion 21 and has a vertical elasticity thanks to the presence of the slits 8 and 12. The intermediate portion 23 of the reinforcement pin 14 comprises the slits 8 and 12, which confer a vertical elasticity to the intermediate portion 23 and have the structural characteristics described above.
In essence, in the embodiment shown in Figures 17-19 the reinforcement pin 14 comprises the upper portion 21 which is mechanically connected (in particular integral to) the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3, the lower portion 22 which is integral to the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3, and elastic means which present a vertical elasticity and are coupled to the reinforcement pin 14 to connect with a vertical elasticity the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 to the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3. In this embodiment, the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 is integral to the upper portion 21 of the reinforcement pin 14, and the reinforcement pin 14 comprises the intermediate portion 23 which connects without gaps, the lower portion 22 to the upper portion 21 and integrates in its inside the elastic means. Said elastic means are constituted by the slits 8 and 12 which are formed in the intermediate portion 23 of the reinforcement pin 14.
When the reinforcement pin 14 is used, the main structure 3 can be made of traditional plastic material (e.g. ABS) , while the reinforcement pin 14 can be made of special steel.
In the heel 2 so far described, in its various embodiments the damping effect is therefore obtained by structurally unloading the main structure 3 (or, alternatively, the reinforcement pin 14) by way of the slits 8 and 12 which reduce the vertical stiffness amplifying at the same time the possibilities of movement.
In alternative embodiments shown in Figures 20-24, the reinforcement pin 14 comprises the upper portion 21 which is mechanically connected (in particular in a sliding manner) to the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3, the lower portion 22 that is integral to the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3, and elastic means which present a vertical elasticity and are coupled to the reinforcement pin 14 to connect with a vertical elasticity - the upper portion 17 of main structure 3 to the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3. In these embodiments, the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 is vertically slidable with respect to the upper portion 21 of the reinforcement pin 14, and the elastic "means are constituted by at least one spring 24 (preferably, but not necessarily, a disk spring) which is interposed between the reinforcement pin 14 and an abutment wall 25 of the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3. It is important to note that by changing the number of springs 24 used, with an equally applied maximum force, the damping effect is modified by increasing or decreasing the vertical displacement of the heel 2.
Preferably, the abutment wall 25 of the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 is constituted by a metal assembly bushing 26 which is integral to the upper portion 17 and is placed immediately below the insole assembly. A fixing plate 27 is normally provided which is locked at the top of the reinforcement pin 14, leaning against the assembly bushing 26, and prevents the reinforcement pin 14 from sliding off and rotating upon. For example, the fixing plate 27 is locked at the top of the reinforcement pin 14 by means of a screw (not shown) which engages a threaded hole 28 formed through the upper portion 21 of the reinforcement pin 14.
According to a preferred embodiment, the spring 24 is compressed between the abutment wall 25 of the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 and an annular shoulder 29 of the reinforcement pin 14; said annular shoulder 29 is obtained by way of tapering (thinning) of the reinforcement pin head 14.
According to a preferred embodiment, in correspondence to the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 the seat 15 is internally lined by at least an antifriction bushing 19 which externally is integral to the main structure 3 and internally houses in a sliding manner the reinforcement pin 14.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 20-24, the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 is separated from the upper portion 17 of the main structure 3 by way of a through cut 30 which completely separates the two portions 16 and 17 without any point of contact between the two portions 16 and 17 themselves (exactly as also happens in the embodiment shown in Figures 17-19) .
In the embodiments shown in Figures 20-23, the reinforcement pin 14 has two diameter variations so as to ensure the necessary structural strength consistently with the final thinning of the heel 2.
In the variant shown in Figure 24, the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 is formed in one piece (i.e. is monolithic) with the reinforcement pin 14; in other words, the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 constitutes an extension of the lower portion 22 of the reinforcement pin 14. From another, and perfectly equivalent, point of view, the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 is integrated in the lower portion 22 of the reinforcement pin 14. This variant allows to reduce the assembly costs, because it is no longer necessary to couple the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 to the lower portion 22 of the reinforcement pin 14 making, at the same time, the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3 integral to the lower portion 22 of the reinforcement pin 14. Obviously, the reinforcement pin 14 (integrating the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3) is made of high strength structural material (aluminum or steel) , while the remaining part of the main structure 3 is made of non- structural plastic material (typically ABS) . This feature (the reinforcement pin 14 that integrates the lower portion 16 of the main structure 3) shown in Figure 24 can also be used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in Figures 17-19.
The embodiment shown in Figures 25-28 constitutes an evolution of the embodiment shown in Figures 8-9 and 11-13; in this embodiment shown in Figures 25-28, the main structure 3 of the heel 2 presents the slits 8 and 12, while the reinforcement pin 14 is coupled to a series of disk springs 24 fully matching the conformation of the reinforcement pin 14 shown in Figures 20-24. The main structure 3 presents three slits 8 and 12 vertically alternated to one another (in particular two slits 12 and one slit 8 vertically alternated between the two slits 8) ; said slits 8 and 12 have the structural characteristics described above and therefore for their detailed description reference is made to what has already been said above. The reinforcement pin 14 coupled to the series of disk springs 24 is completely analogous to the reinforcement pin 14 shown in Figures 20-24 and previously described and therefore for its detailed description reference is made to what has already been said above.
The heel 2 described above has numerous advantages.
In the first place, the heel 2 described above has an optimal vertical elasticity that allows to reduce the negative stresses on the foot and on the leg of the user of the shoe 1 without penalizing, at the same time, walking which remains "natural" (i.e. the user's walking is not disturbed or otherwise adversely affected by the elasticity conferred by the vertical slits 8 and 12) . This result is obtained thanks to the presence of slits 8 and 12 of different type and alternated to one another that allow to offer adequate resistance also to transverse loads.
In addition, the heel 2 described above is applicable to any type of shoe 1 without significant constructive complications; for example, in Figure 29 a heel for a- women's shoe with a high heel is shown which is provided with a heel 2 of the type described above and is completely different with respect to the shoe 1 shown in Figure 1.
Finally, the manufacturing process to obtain the heel 2 described above is particularly simple and quick and thus economical. In particular, in the heel 2 described above is the main structure 3 to adapt to the external conditions thanks to its intrinsic morphological constitutive characteristics and without the addition of additional components. The possible use of the reinforcement pin 14 does not particularly complicate the manufacturing process since the reinforcement pins are already normally present in many heels for women shoes with high heels.
The advantages of the present invention are particularly evident in a high heel, i.e. when the heel 2 has a height greater than 5 cm. Thus, the present invention is advantageously applied to a heel 2 for a women' s shoe 1 with a high heel, which heel 2 has a height greater than 5 cm.

Claims

1) A heel (2) for a women's shoe (1) with a high heel; the heel (2) comprises:
a main structure (3) with an oblong shape, which, in correspondence to a lower base (5) , is suited to rest on the ground and in correspondence to an upper base (6) that is opposite to the lower base (5) , is suited to be fitted to a sole (7) of the shoe (1) ;
at least a first slit (8) which is horizontally oriented, extends from side to side through the main structure (3) along a longitudinal direction (9) , and is blind along a transverse direction (10) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (9) thus originating from an inner portion of the main structure (3) and ending in correspondence to a first side (11) of the main structure (3) ; and
at least a second slit (12) which is horizontally- oriented, extends from side to side through the main structure (3) along the longitudinal direction (9), and is blind along the transverse direction (10) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (9) , thus originating from an inner portion of the main structure (3) and ending in correspondence to a second side (13) of the main structure (3) that is opposite to the first side (11) ;
the heel (2) is characterized in that:
each slit (8, 12) involves along the transverse direction (10) more than half of the main structure (3) ; and
each first slit (8) is vertically misaligned with respect to the second slits (12) .
2) The heel (2) according to claim 1, wherein:
there are at least two first slits (8) and/or at least two second slits (12) ; and
the first slits (8) are vertically alternated with the second slits (12) .
3) The heel (2) according to claim 1 or 2 and comprising a reinforcement pin (14) , which is inserted inside a seat (15) which is centrally obtained in the main structure (3) .
4) The heel (2) according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcement pin (14) is integral to, i.e. rigidly fitted, to a lower portion (16) of the main structure (3) arranged under the slits (8, 12) and is mounted so as to slide with respect to an upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) arranged above the slits (8, 12) .
5) The heel (2) according to claim 4, wherein, in correspondence to the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) , the seat (15) is internally lined with an antifriction bushing (19) , which is externally integral to the main structure (3) and internally houses, in a sliding manner, the reinforcement pin (14) .
6) The heel (2) according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein, in a central portion (18) of the main structure (3) arranged in correspondence of the slits (8, 12), the reinforcement pin (14) presents an outer dimension that is smaller than the inner dimension of the seat (15) so as to avoid touching the wall of the seat (15) .
7) The heel (2) according to claim 6, wherein the reinforcement pin (14) comprises an upper portion (21) which is mechanically connected to an upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) , a lower portion (22) which is integral to a lower portion (16) of the main structure (3), and elastic means which present a vertical elasticity and are coupled to the reinforcement pin (14) to connect with a vertical elasticity the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) to the lower portion (16) of the main structure (3) .
8) The heel (2) according to claim 7, wherein:
the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) is vertically slidable with respect to the upper portion (21) of the reinforcement pin (14) ; and
the elastic means are constituted by at least one spring (24) which is interposed between the reinforcement pin (14) and an abutment wall (25) of the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) .
9) The heel (2) according to claim 8, wherein the abutment wall (25) of the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) is constituted by an assembly bushing (26) integral to the upper metal portion (17) .
10) The heel (2) according to claim 9 and comprising a fixing plate (27) which is locked at the top of the reinforcement pin (14) , rests against the assembly bushing (26), and prevents the reinforcement pin (14) from slipping off and rotating upon.
11) The heel (2) according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the spring (24) is compressed between the abutment wall (25) of the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) and an annular shoulder (29) of the reinforcement pin (14) .
12) The heel (2) according to any of the claims from 7 to
11, wherein the spring (24) is a disk spring (24) .
13) The heel (2) according to any of the claims from 7 to
12, wherein, in correspondence to the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) , the seat (15) is internally lined by at least an antifriction bushing (19) which is externally integral to the main structure (3) and internally houses, in a sliding manner, the reinforcement pin (14) .
14) The heel (2) according to any of the claims from 1 to
13, wherein the main structure (3) comprises a through hole (20) , which extends from side to side through the main structure (3) along the longitudinal direction (9) and is arranged in a central position in correspondence of the slits (8, 12) .
15) The heel (2) according to claim 9, wherein the through hole (20) presents an oblong transverse section having the longer sides that are vertically oriented.
16) The heel (2) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: the through hole (20) vertically divides the main structure (3) into two half-structures (3a, 3b) which are parallel to each other and face each other;
each half-structure (3'a, 3b) comprises at least one first slit (8) and at least one second slit (12); and in one half -structure (3a; 3b) , the first slit (8) is vertically aligned with the second slit (12) of the other half -structure (3b; 3a) and the second slit (12) is vertically aligned with the first slit (8) the other half -structure (3b; 3a) .
17) The heel (2) according to any of the claims from 1 to 16, wherein inside the main structure (3) each slit (8, 12) ends with a cylindrical surface that is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction (9) .
18) The heel (2) according to claim 17, wherein in each slit (8, 12), the cylindrical surface presents a diameter that is larger than the vertical dimension of the slit.
19) The heel (2) according to any of the claims from 1 to 18, wherein at least part of the slits (8, 12) are filled with viscoelastic material.
20) The heel (2) for a women's shoe (1) with a high heel; the heel (2) comprises:
a main structure (3) with an oblong shape, which, in correspondence to a lower base (5) , is suited to rest on the ground and, in correspondence to an upper base (6) that is opposite to the lower base (5) , is suited to be fitted to a sole (7) of the shoe (1) and is divided into a lower portion (16) and an upper portion (17) , which vertically slide with respect to one another; and
a reinforcement pin (14) that is inserted inside a seat
(15) centrally obtained in the main structure (3) ;
the heel (2) is characterized in that the reinforcement pin (14) comprises an upper portion (21) which is mechanically connected to the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3), a lower portion (22) , which is integral to the lower portion
(16) of the main structure (3) , and elastic means which present a vertical elasticity and are coupled to the reinforcement pin (14) to connect with a vertical elasticity the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) to the lower portion (16) of the main structure (3) .
21) The heel (2) according to claim 20, wherein: the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) is integral to the upper portion (21) of the reinforcement pin (14) ; and
the reinforcement pin (14) comprises an intermediate portion (23), which connects, without gaps, the lower portion (22) to the upper portion (21) and integrates elastic means in its inside.
22) The heel (2) according to claim 21, wherein the intermediate portion (23) of the reinforcement pin (14) comprises:
at least a first slit (8) which is horizontally oriented, extends from side to side through the main structure (3) along a longitudinal direction (9) , and is blind along a transverse direction (10) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (9) thus originating from an inner portion of the main structure (3) and ending in correspondence to a first side (11) of the main structure (3) ; and
at least a second slit (12) which is horizontally oriented, extends from side to side through the main structure (3) along the longitudinal direction (9) , and is blind along the transverse direction (10) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (9) , thus originating from an inner portion of the main structure (3) and ending in correspondence to a second side (13) of the main structure (3) that is opposite to the first side (11).
23) The heel (2) according to claim 22, wherein each first slit (8) is vertically misaligned with respect to the second slits (12) .
24) The heel (2) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein: there are at least two first slits (8) and/or at least two second slits (12) ; and
the first slits (8) are vertically alternated with the second slits (12) .
25) The heel (2) according to claim 22, 23 or 24, wherein each slit (8, 12) involves, along the transverse direction (10) more than half of the main structure (3) . 26) The heel (2) according to any of claims from 22 to
25, wherein in a central portion (18) of the main structure (3) arranged in correspondence of the slits (8, 12), the reinforcement pin (14) presents an outer dimension smaller than the inner dimension of the seat (15) so as to avoid touching the wall of the seat (15) .
27) The heel (2) according to any of claims from 22 to
26, wherein inside the intermediate portion (23) of the reinforcement pin (14) each slit (8, 12) ends with a cylindrical surface which is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction (9) .
28) The heel (2) according to claim 27, wherein in each slit (8, 12) the cylindrical surface has a diameter that is larger than the vertical dimension of the slit.
29) The heel (2) according to any of claims from 22 to 28, wherein at least part of the slits (8, 12) are filled with viscoelastic material.
30) The heel (2) according to claim 20, wherein:
the upper portion (17). of the main structure (3) is vertically slidable with respect to the upper portion (21) of the reinforcement pin (14) ; and
the elastic means are constituted by at least one spring (24) which is interposed between the reinforcement pin (14) and an abutment wall (25) of the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) .
31) The heel (2) according to claim 30, wherein the abutment wall (25) of the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) is constituted by a metal assembly bushing (26) integral to the upper portion (17) .
32) The heel (2) according to claim 31 and comprising a fixing plate (27) that is locked at the top of the reinforcement pin (14) , leans against the assembly bushing (26) , and prevents the reinforcement pin (14) from slipping off and rotating upon.
33) The heel (2) according to claim 32, wherein the fixing plate (27) is locked at the top of the reinforcement pin (14) by way of a screw which engages in a threaded hole (28) formed through the upper portion (21 ) of the reinforcement pin (14) .
34) The heel (2) according to any of claims from 30 to
33, wherein the spring (24) is compressed between the abutment wall (25) of the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) and an annular shoulder (29) of the reinforcement pin- (14) .
35) The heel (2) according to any of claims from 30 to
34, wherein the spring (24) is a disk spring (24).
36) The heel (2) according to any of claims from 30 to
35, wherein, in correspondence to the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) , the seat (15) is internally lined by at least one antifriction bushing (19) which is externally integral to the main structure (3) and internally houses in a sliding manner the reinforcement pin (14).
37) The heel (2) according to any of claims from 20 to
36, wherein the lower portion (16) of the main structure (3) is separated from the upper portion (17) of the main structure (3) by way of a through cut (30) that completely separates the two portions (16, 17) without any point of contact between the two portions (16, 17) themselves.
38) The heel (2) according to any of claims from 20 to
37, wherein the lower portion (22) of the reinforcement pin (14) is obtained in one piece with the lower portion (16) of the main structure (3) and therefore integrates the lower portion (16) of the main structure (3) .
EP12820915.2A 2011-12-14 2012-12-14 Heel for a women's shoe with a high heel Active EP2790544B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000712A ITBO20110712A1 (en) 2011-12-14 2011-12-14 HEEL FOR FEMALE SHOE HIGH HEEL
PCT/IB2012/057355 WO2013088417A2 (en) 2011-12-14 2012-12-14 Heel for a women's shoe with a high heel

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2790544A2 true EP2790544A2 (en) 2014-10-22
EP2790544B1 EP2790544B1 (en) 2019-01-23

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US (1) US20140325879A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2790544B1 (en)
CN (1) CN104302200B (en)
CA (1) CA2859317A1 (en)
IN (1) IN2014CN04435A (en)
IT (1) ITBO20110712A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2629856C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2013088417A2 (en)

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USD883638S1 (en) 2017-12-29 2020-05-12 Centripetal LLC Shoe heel
USD888382S1 (en) * 2018-05-11 2020-06-30 iRi in NY Inc. Shoe outsole

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Publication number Publication date
CN104302200A (en) 2015-01-21
RU2014128605A (en) 2016-02-10
CA2859317A1 (en) 2013-06-20
ITBO20110712A1 (en) 2013-06-15
US20140325879A1 (en) 2014-11-06
EP2790544B1 (en) 2019-01-23
RU2629856C2 (en) 2017-09-04
CN104302200B (en) 2017-06-06
IN2014CN04435A (en) 2015-09-04
WO2013088417A3 (en) 2014-02-06
WO2013088417A2 (en) 2013-06-20

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