GB2528661A

GB2528661A - Changeable, removable, and sliding heels

Info

Publication number: GB2528661A
Application number: GB1413191.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chukwuemeka Okwudili Nnene
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-25
Filing date: 2014-07-25
Publication date: 2016-02-03
Also published as: GB201413191D0

Abstract

A modified sole 1 that includes grooves 3 on the expanded portion 2 for insertion of a sliding base platform 4 to which a heel 5 is attached. There are locking mechanisms 6, 7, 8 to secure the heel firmly to the sole once slotted in. A band 6 encircles the heel and is secured to the pins 7, 9.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Changeable, Removable and Sliding Heels

Background-

Changeable, Removable and Sliding Heels This invention relates to shoes with sliding, removable, exchangeable and reversible heels on a shoe with a specially designed heel and sole to accommodate a sliding mechanism Shoes especially ladies shoes are an important and often expensive part of the wardrobe. There are shoes for different occasions each with different types of heel which may variably provide height, stability, fashionable appeal or comfort.

Some shoes are extremely popular with their owners in terms of fit and comfort at the forefoot but have heels that can only be tolerated for a short period of time. The provision of a removable or exchangeable heel allows the wearer to preserve the life of their beloved shoe by exchanging a heel that is uncomfortable with use to a more forgiving one. Observation of ladies in social event reveals that ladies may start an event with high heels but may have to remove the shoes after a while due to discomfort. Removable heels would solve this if they can be exchanged for something more comfortable. A sliding heel mechanism allows the same heel to be used in different positions along the sole of the shoe thus altering the posItion on the foot and easing the pressure in particular areas thus changing the design of the shoe and walking stance of the user.

Statement of Invention

The present Invention proposes a shoe with the use of a heel made of a strong, firm but flexible material for the sole which has grooves within it permit the heel to be slid backwards or forwards on the sole. Within the sole there is a firm locking mechanism that holds the heel in the appropriate position and a measurement facility! marking that allows reproducible positioning. There is also a means for covering the entry and exit grooves at the back of the shoe to protect the mechanism from ingress of dirt or dust.

The heel portion of the shoe may need to be bulkier and thicker to accommodate the sliding mechanism. /

Advantages The heels will be fashionable and will be able to be made in a manner consistent with contemporary available shoe designs They will be as comfortable and ergonomic as existing designs but will have the advantage of versatility in use by changing the heel.

They will offer the user the ability to make a special statement for example by re-positioning or reversing the heel to create a different type of footwear with the same shoe.

They will allow the user to prolong the life of a favoured pair of shoes by permitting easy exchange of the heel which is a part of a shoe that frequently wears out.

Introduction to drawings

An example of the invention will now be described by reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1: Shows an example of the changeable, reversible and sliding heel from the undersurface.

Figure 2: Shows an example of the changeable1 reversible and sliding heel from the side view (above) and examples of the posterior view (below) with grooves in the expanded portion..

Figure 3: Shows the posterior view of alternative examples of the changeable, reversible and sliding heel with a grooved configuration for the heel. A-Simple vertical grooves; B-1.-shaped grooves Figure 4: Shows the posterior view of alternative examples of the changeable, reversible and sliding heel with a slotted configuration for the heel. A-Wide T slot; B simple horizontal slot C-narrow 1-slot.

Figure 5: Shows a sketch of an example of the changeable, reversible and sliding heel with a slotted configuration for the heel and how it would look attached to a shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The heel consists ala firm sole as in Fig 1 which could be made of any appropriate standard contemporary material e.g plastic, fibreglass, metal, wood etc with an area of expanded thickness with reinforcement in the heel portion to allow a sliding and locking mechanism. This area will extend from the back of the heel towards the instep. Grooves/troughs are cut into this expanded portion and these will permit the platform and runners for the baseplate which carries the heel to slide in. The stability of the heel mechanism within the sole Is provided by a good fit between the grooves and the sliding platform. Locking pins can be provided for further stability to hold the heel firmly to the sole and final anchorage can be achieved by means of a flexible metal plate that lies over the back of the sliding grooves and the attached heel thus preventing it from slipping backwards. There may be need to provide a small hole at the back of the heel platform to enable insertion of a small hook which can be used for extracting the heel with its baseplate and platform.

Key to Figures 1. Sole of the shoe 2. Expanded portion of the sole 3. Slot! groove for removable heel to slide into sole-.

4. Platform! base for removable heel 5. Area of heel 6. Lateral strap to secure heel to sole 7. Bolt to secure heel to sole.

8. Hole to aid in sliding heel out. Can also be used for a securing bolt.

9. Hole for securing bolt.

Claims

CLAIMSFirst Claim 1. A sole with a removable heel that can side backwards from the sole and allow exchange-The expanded posterior portion of the sole possesses grooves or slots to provide stability.

Dependant Claim
2. A modified sole according to claim one which has an expanded portion with vertical or L-shaped grooves in it to allow a heel mounted on a baseplate to slide in and out.
3. A modified sole according to claim one which has an expanded portion with horizontal slotted grooves in it to allow a heel mounted on a baseplate to slide in and out.
4. A modified sole according to claim one which has an expanded portion with grooves or slots in it to allow a heel mounted on a Daseplate to slide in and out with a locking mechanism to prevent the heel from coming loose.
5. A modified sole according to claim one which has an expanded portion with grooves or slots in it to allow a heel mounted on a baseplate to slide in and out with a posterior strap to help secure the heel to the sole.
6. A modified sole according to claim one which has an expanded portion with grooves or slots in It to allow a heel mounted on a baseplate to slide in and out with a hole, groove or slot to permit easy removal of the heel.