GB2529895A

GB2529895A - Convertible high heel shoe

Info

Publication number: GB2529895A
Application number: GB1415824.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Samuel Mark Wilkinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-09-08
Filing date: 2014-09-08
Publication date: 2016-03-09
Also published as: GB201415824D0

Abstract

A shoe comprises an insole having a toe portion 24, a heel portion 5 and an arch support 5 and a convertible heel 4 comprising an upper heel component (3, figure 2) attached to the insole, said upper heel component comprising an extrusion (17, figure 11) on a lower face, two lower heel components (2, 7, figure 2) that when fitted together comprise a recess (29, figure 11) for receiving the extrusion and a compressive resistance band (12) positioned around the extrusion that when compressed allows the lower heel components to pivot relative to the upper heel component from a primary position wherein the lower heel components are in substantial alignment with the upper heel component to create a high heel and a secondary position wherein the lower heel components underlie an arch portion of the insole to create a low heel, and wherein the convertible heel further comprises a lock comprising a plurality of notches (10, 11) for holding the heel in each of the primary and secondary positions.

Description

Title: Convertible High Heel Shoes

Background of the Product

On social occasions, a typical attire includes high heeled footwear. This is due to the anatomical and psychological boosts which they provide the wearer; the high heel causing the centre of mass to shift forward causing pelvic tilt to realign the spine resulting in firmer muscle groups. As a result of the muscles being firmer the wearer feels more confident. However the practical application of said footwear is not desirable, be it the manoeuvrability that has been restricted due to lessened contact with the floor or the pain caused by the increased pressure on the medial and intermediate cuneiform. The resulting use of which causes the wearer to either change shoes to more comfortable shoes or to remove them and walk barefoot. This causes the problem, or at least inconvenience of carrying additional shoes with them or risk hurting their bare feet on the floor.

Another situation that high heel shoes cause a problem is for the business women / commuter. For travelling to their place of work commuters will often wear more comfortable shoes and change them before or as they reach their work. The high heel does provide a professional appearance but does not offer the comfort the commuter desires to and from work. The inconvenience of this is the same as the social occasions, as they are required to carry two pairs of shoes. It has also been proven that driving in high heels results in a higher probability of an accident occurring due to contact with the pedals being lessened.

A further situation (albeit not the last) is the holiday maker flying to another country. High heel shoes are of a highly irregular shape and are difficult to fit in the travellers luggage. This is extent the traveller is limited to the shoes that they could take with them. The restriction of choice of footwear can result in the wearer not having the desirable shoes to suit the attire they are wearing. The travelling itself shows similar issues as the commuting problems.

The use of high heels results in several ailments occurring, most of which have been shown that they are more likely to occur the more prevalent the use of high heels shoes are; such examples of these ailments include (but are not exclusively) hammertoe, ingrown toenails, corns and bunions. By providing a convenient alternative these ailments are less likely to occur.

Multiple patents for a solution have been submitted to patent offices worldwide. A large proportion of these have utilised specific joining techniques such as dovetails to achieve the desired result. An example of this is; worldwide patent W02013180771 to Speck Design. All the designs that have removable sections are not suitable for use as they still require the wearer to carry something with them; furthermore they are more likely to secondary heel as opposed to a shoe due to the size of it.

Furthermore the locking mechanism used to secure the construction together was not practical, and may require the use of tools such as screwdrivers to release the mechanism.

Patent U58322053 (B2) to Handel et aI. shows the most desirable design due to its self-contained nature. As a resuft this design has been used to form the business Camileon Heds. The design does provide the transferable positions and does maintain the high heel appearance; the design is still not highy desirable to the market due to the heel support shalt being exposed when the heel is in the low position. The mechanics ako seem to be overly conipUcated. The mechanics of the shoe need to be concealed or incorporated as a design feature.

The main issue Found within the designs was provide sufficient structural integrity once the heel has been divided into upper and lower sections. The designs that did prove to be strong enough failed in appearance and! or durability. It was subsequently found that separating the heel into upper and lower heel created a dramatic weak point, it was therefore important that the two components interact as much as possible whilst still convertible. Failure to do so would result in the heel shearing in half.

The mechanisms involved within the designs needed to have no tolerances so that the heel would be as tightly fitted together. The use of a compressive and restrictive ring to encourage the two components to fit together is also required as this also aids in the heel construction being tight, whilst at the same time the all the mechanics needing to be hidden or incorporated as a design feature and the invention appearing as a shoe in both high and low positions.

Therefore, a need exists for a shoe that can convert from high to ow positions and vice versa, whilst at the same time being convenient and easy to use without the use of tools. Furthermore the invention needs to be aesthetically pleasing and appear as close to a standard high heel and low heel shoe as possible (in the relevant position). It needs to be structurally strong enough to withstand pressures exerted through standard and extreme use to mimic the structural stability found within standard high heels and it is required of the invention to be self-contained with no additional or removable parts therein.

Statement of Invention

The invention is designed to overcome the deficiencies stated in the background above. It is a product that provides a convertible high heel shoe for women which allows the wearer the option of two different heights.

It is another object of the patent that the invention provides a convertible high heel shoe which is convenient and easy to use, without the use of tools or additional equipment.

Further to this the invention is a self-contained unit with no additional and/ or removable components.

It is a further object that the shoe be aesthetically pleasing, and maintains its shoe appearance in both positions with mechanisms either concealed within the design or incorporated as a design feature in both positions.

Even further to this, it is the object of the invention to provide a shoe that is strong, secure and stable enough to ensure that the heel does not shear which may cause the wearer harm.

In accordance with the figures provided, demonstrates features and advantages of the invention. It is a shoe comprising of an insole with a toe portion, a heel section and arch support located inbetween them.

A three part heel has two lower heel blocks attached to the upper heel component which has a circular angled cross-section allowing pivotal action about the axis therein. The lower heel components are attached around extrusions on the upper heel which allows minimal vertical movement and no horizontal movement, but permitting pivotal action once the locking mechanism is disengaged. An additional heel component covers the faces of the heel that would come into contact with the ground in both positions. Designated notches on the extrusion on the upper heel and their corresponding counter-parts on the lower heels results in a strong structure with no movement (when the two are engaged). The dimensions and positioning of the notches allow the construction to be secure in only the designated positions. A ring comprising of a compressive, resistant material is positioned around the extrusion and within the construction to force the notches to remain in their required positions. When pressure is exerted onto the construction, the ring is not effected and all pressure is channelled through the heel and supporting structure. The locking notches are disengaged by retracting the lower heel away from the upper heel. The lower heel is then rotated around the angled pivot axis until the notches have realigned with desired position. In the primary (or high) position the heel is underlies the heel of the wearer. In this position the heel cover acts as a lift found in all standard high heel designs. In the secondary (or low) position the lower heel is located underneath the arch support of the shoe and parallel with ground. In this position the heel cover acts a protective layer similar to standard shoe sole. The supportive structure runs through both upper and lower heel components and is divided at the pivot plane. The two faces of the supportive structure are resting against one and other once the locking mechanism is engaged and separate with their corresponding heel component. The angles used in the invention are dependent on the angle of the insole and the height of the overall heel; and the angles used within the current invention are an embodiment of this.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof with conjunction to the drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

For the purposes of illustrating the invention, the accompanying drawings present the embodiment that is presently shown; under the understanding that the invention is not intended to be limited to the exact configurations shown.

FIG 1. Is the side elevation view of the heel shown in its primary or high position; and FIG 2. Is the back perspective thereof; and FIG 3. Is a side three dimensional view of the heel in its primary position; and FIG 4. Is the side elevation view of the heel shown in its secondary or low position; and FIG S. Is the back perspective thereof; and FIG 6. Is a side three dimensional view of the heel in its secondary position; and FIG. 7 Is a cross section view of the heel in the secondary position taken through the line 9-9 on FIG. 5, this drawing has the support structures 15,16 hidden for the purposes of viewing otherwise hidden detail; and FIG. 8 Is a cross section view of the heel in the secondary position taken through the line 9-9 on FIG. 5; and FIG. 9 Is a cross section view of the heel in the primary position taken through the line 8-8 on FIG. 2, this drawing has the support structures 15,16 hidden for the purposes of viewing otherwise hidden detail; and FIG. lOis a cross section view of the heel in the primary position taken through the line 8-8 on FIG. 2; and FIG. 11; Is an exploded view of the heel showing components within the invention showing some indication as to their assembly; and FIG. 12; similar to FIG 11 but better showcasing the features within the locking mechanism; and FIG. 13; shows a partially exploded configuration of the primary position with lower heel side piece 7 hidden as well as has the support structures 15,16; and FIG. 14; shows the heel in the primary position with locking mechanism disengaged, able to pivoted into the secondary position, the lower support rod 15 has been hidden; and FIG. 15; is a side elevation view of the heel constructed in accordance of the principles of the invention, shown in its primary position.

Detailed Description

With reference now to the drawings in detail wherein lies reference numerals have used throughout the various figures to designated specific elements, there is shown in FIG. 15 a convertible high heel shoe construction in accordance to the principles of the invention and designated as 4.

The convertible shoe 4 of the invention includes an insole 23 with a toe portion 24, a heel portion S and an insole with arch support 25 situated between the toe and heel portions. A convertible heel 4 is secured to the insoles heel portionS. The heel is to be secured to the insole by various methods used within the industry. The insole 23 can be of many shapes and angles as will be apparent to those within the industry. The core of the invention is the convertible heel 4.

The convertible heel 4 includes a lower heel 6 which comprises of two lower heel pieces 2,7 which are secured around extrusions on the upper heel piece 3 about the pivotal axis 17 with a ring comprising of compressive, restrictive material to be described in more detail hereinafter. The lower heel components 2,7 are open at the top to allow the extrusion in the upper heel to fit. The tolerances of which are to be as minimal as possible to reduce instability within the heel 4.

Also include is a heel cover 1 which is attached to the side of the lower heel components 18. The lower heel components 6 can be pivoted relative to the extrusions on the upper heel 17 between the primary position shown in FIG. land the secondary position shown in FIG. 4. This procedure can be reversed so it can convert from the secondary position to the primary position also. Within FIG. 1 the convertible heel 4 underlies the heel portion of the insole S so that the bottom of the heel cover 26 is parallel with the ground and the alignment of the heel components 3,6 are seamless. Within the secondary position shown in FIG. 4 the lower heel 6 underlies the arch support 25 and the front of the heel cover 27 is now parallel to the ground. The upper heel 3 as well as the two lower heel pieces 2, 7 are preferably made of lightweight molded material.

The extrusions on the upper heel 3 consists of an angled circular cross section to allow pivotal movement 17. Minor extrusions upon this piece forms the primary locking mechanism 10. The compressive ring resides around the extrusion on the upper heel 17 and is tangent to the extrusion, and the lower heel components 2, 7 are attached around this so that the ring sits in the designated cavity 28, beneath the lip 21 on the lower heel 6. The recess 29 in the lower heel components 2, 7 are to be as minimal as possible, but enough to allow the compressive ring to operate as required.

These are kept to a minimal to reduce instability within the heel 4.

In order to prevent excessive damage to the lower heel components 2, 7 and the ground, the heel cover 1 acts as a protective barrier between the two. The heel cover lisa replaceable component that performs the role of high heel lift in the primary position and sole in the secondary and is a replaceable component made of a wear-resistant material and secured to lower heel components 2, 7 thereof and can be secured by any known means.

For the purposes of securing the heel configuration 4, locking positions 10, 11 are strategically positioned on the desired surfaces as well as their corresponding apertures 19, 20 on the other related pieces. These locking mechanism must be position and dimensioned so that alignment can be achieved in both positions. The locking mechanism is secured in place by the use of a compressive ring 12. These prevent undesirable pivotal action unless disengaged as shown in FIG. 14.

The locking mechanism 10, 11 only permit the lower heel 6 to be retracted at the required angle once any pressure exerted on the piece has been alleviated. When the lock is engaged the extrusions on the upper heel fit with the recess 29 in the lower heel 6 as these two shapes are essentially complimentary to one and other. To disengage the locking mechanism the lower heel 6 must retracted from the upper heel piece 3 (but not removed). The lower heel 6 can then be pivoted about the extrusion on the upper heel piece 3, about the pivot axis 17. During the pivotal movement, the locking notches 10, 11 are incapable of locking again until realignment has been achieved. Whilst the lower heel 6 is retracted the compressive ring 12 is compacted 22. Once the lower heel has achieved the new configuration alignment the compacted compressive ring 22 forces the locking mechanism 10, 11 back into the corresponding positions 19, 20. The same in reverse is true for realignment in the original configuration.

As shown in FIG 8, 10 supportive fixtures 15, 16 are imbedded within the corresponding components. The two pieces are angled so the ends are flush with the surface that houses them. The supportive structure cannot twist or be moved independently and are secured in place by any known means. The lower supportive fixture 15 moves with the lower heel 6. FIG 7 and 9 show the channel in which this supportive structure is housed 13, 14.

The angles used within the heel 4 are to be responsive to the insole and shoe making last used and be altered accordingly. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the core attributes thereof and reference should be made to the claims rather than the specifications, indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims The invention claimed is: 1. In a shoe comprising of an insole with a toe portion, a heel portion and an arch support situated between the afore mentioned heel and toe portions, the alteration consisting of a convertible heel comprising of: a upper heel component attached to the insole of said shoe insole, said upper heel having extrusions on the lower face that have an angled circular cross section and required extrusions and cuts for corresponding counterparts and notches forming; two lower heel components which attach around the extrusions on said upper heel component which possess recesses in them for said extrusions on said upper heel with the lower heel components having the corresponding counter notches for the said extrusions and cuts; the extrusions and cuts on the said upper and lower heel components forming the lock for the shoe in either configuration preventing rotational movement of said lower heel about the pivot axis on the said extrusions on said upper heel; said extrusion on the upper heel component having a compressive resistant band around itself and residing in the recess not occupied by said upper heel extrusion within said lower heel, said ring securing the locking configuration in place in either configuration and said ring is compressed to allow said lower heel component to be pivoted around the extrusions on said upper heel; the dimensions and angles of said upper and lower heel components are relative to insole used; said upper and lower heel components possessing apertures within themselves to allow supportive fixtures to be inserted and adequate space within the recess of said lower heel components to allow depression of said compressive ring, disengagement of any locking features and pivot action around the extrusion on said upper heel so that said lower heel components can be moved between a primary position wherein said lower heel underlies the heel portion of the insole and is in substantial alignment with said upper heel component a creating a high heel and a secondary position wherein said lower heel components underlie said arch support resulting in a low heel.
2. The invention with accordance to claim 1 wherein locking notches and cuts are positioned opposite to one and other causing said lower heel to be secured in the designated locking positions and providing the desired results.
3. The invention with accordance to claim 1 wherein the bottom and front faces of said lower heel components have a covering that acts as a lift in the primary configuration and protective layer in the secondary position.
4. The invention according to claim 3 wherein said heel covering is essentially L-shaped.
5. The invention according to claim 3 wherein said heel covering is removable to said lower heel components for the purpose of replacement when worn out and is attached to said lower components by any known means.
6. The invention with accordance to claim 1 wherein said lower heel components are open faced with a slight lip on the top face that acts as part of said recess and does not interfere with said extrusion on said upper heel component.
7. The invention with accordance to claim 3 wherein bottom of said heel covering is parallel with the ground in the primary configuration and wherein front face of said heel covering is parallel with the ground in the secondary configuration.
8. The invention with accordance to claim 7 wherein said heel covering is in contact with the ground when parallel with it.