WO2013006869A1 - Dispositif pour chaussure à talon haut - Google Patents

Dispositif pour chaussure à talon haut Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013006869A1
WO2013006869A1 PCT/US2012/050804 US2012050804W WO2013006869A1 WO 2013006869 A1 WO2013006869 A1 WO 2013006869A1 US 2012050804 W US2012050804 W US 2012050804W WO 2013006869 A1 WO2013006869 A1 WO 2013006869A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
encapsulated gel
shoe
encapsulated
rigid
slope
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/050804
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ori Rosenbaum
Andrew FURIA
Original Assignee
Auri Footwear, Inc.
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 Auri Footwear, Inc. filed Critical Auri Footwear, Inc.
Publication of WO2013006869A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013006869A1/fr

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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
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/18—Resilient soles
    • A43B13/189—Resilient soles filled with a non-compressible fluid, e.g. gel, water
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/1425—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the ball of the foot, i.e. the joint between the first metatarsal and first phalange

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device, method, and/or system for alleviating pressure, soreness, or pain to a person's foot resulting from the person wearing a high-heeled shoe.
  • high-heels A woman's high-heeled shoe, commonly known as “high-heels” or just “heels", is a vital part of any woman's shoe collection.
  • Traditional high-heels are virtually the only accepted form of footwear for a woman attending a formal or professional event.
  • high-heels have evolved and become more popular as a fashion statement, "pumps”, “stilettos”, “wedges”, and other types of casual high-heeled shoes have also achieved significant success in the marketplace.
  • high-heeled shoes In contrast to flat-soled shoes such as sneakers or sandals where the weight of a woman's body is spread out over the entire foot, high-heeled shoes require that a woman carry more or most of her weight on the balls of her foot, thereby focusing significant pressure on the front area of the foot. For example, for flat, non-high-heeled shoes, less than 50% of the person's weight is distributed over the balls of the person's foot. However, for high-heeled shoes having at least a two-inch heel, over 70% of the person's weight may be borne by the balls of the person's foot, which is an increase of over 20%.
  • Such discomfort may be further exacerbated as a result of the height of the heels, which elevate the person in the heel or calcaneus area of the foot. As heel height increases, the percentage of a person's weight borne by the balls of the foot also increases.
  • the medical issues that may arise from wearing high-heels are not limited to pain in the front area of the foot, but may extend to other areas of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and even the person's back.
  • high-heels may significantly alter a person's natural stance, posture, and/or gait.
  • flat-heeled shoes such as sneakers allow greater flexibility and movement so that the wearer can pronate her feet.
  • high-heels are designed to increase a woman's height by slanting the foot forward and down while elevating the heel away from the ground, high-heels that are too flexible and unsupported may pose a risk of injury. Accordingly, a rigid structure may be beneficial to reduce foot, ankle, and other injuries. Because aesthetic appeal is typically the primary driving factor in the sale of high- heeled shoes, any advancement in high-heeled shoes must be designed with aesthetic appeal in mind.
  • Devices, methods, and systems discussed herein relate to a high-heeled shoe and more particularly, for providing improved comfort and/or to alleviate foot pain related to the wearing of a high-heeled shoe.
  • a high-heeled shoe may include an insole or a top outer layer and a bottom rigid structure.
  • the bottom rigid structure may include a front portion, a mid portion and an end portion.
  • the front portion of the bottom rigid structure may include a cavity or cut-out portion for insertion of an encapsulated member.
  • the encapsulated member When the shoe is worn, the encapsulated member may expand laterally in response to an introduction of pressure on a top surface of the encapsulated member thereby dispersing pressure on the balls of the foot.
  • a high-heeled shoe comprising: a bottom rigid, non-flexible structure having a ball portion located on a first geometric plane having a first slope, a mid portion located on a second geometric plane having a second slope greater than the first slope, and a heel portion located on a third geometric plane having a slope between the first slope and the second slope, the bottom rigid structure defining a cavity in the ball portion, the ball portion having a bottom surface for contacting a ground surface whereby the bottom rigid, non-flexible structure and an encapsulated gel being concurrently molded to form a portion of the shoe; a heel attached to the heel portion of the bottom rigid structure; the encapsulated gel located in the ball portion of the shoe; and a top layer covering the encapsulated gel and for contacting and supporting a foot of a human whereby the top layer may be molded to form around the bottom rigid layer and the encapsulated gel.
  • the encapsulated gel comprises an enlarged bottom surface with a continuous flange
  • the high heeled shoe further comprises a foam layer between a top surface of the cavity and the enlarged bottom surface of the encapsulated gel.
  • a surface area of the top surface of the encapsulated gel is smaller than a surface area of the enlarged bottom surface of the encapsulated gel.
  • each wall forming the cavity of the ball portion is rigid.
  • the encapsulated gel further includes an indented divider.
  • the continuous flange of the encapsulated gel is at least one-eighth of an inch wide.
  • the continuous flange of the encapsulated gel is substantially flat and has a uniform thickness about the entire perimeter of the continuous flange.
  • the continuous flange of the encapsulated gel creates a gap between a top surface of the encapsulated gel and each wall forming the cavity.
  • a rigid border surrounding the perimeter of the encapsulated gel is at least three-sixteenth of an inch thick. In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the encapsulated gel is filled with a viscous fluid.
  • a high-heeled shoe comprising: a top rigid structure having a ball portion located on a first geometric plane having a first slope, a mid portion located on a second geometric plane having a second slope greater than the first slope, and a heel portion located on a third geometric plane having a slope between the first slope and the second slope, the top rigid structure for contacting and supporting a foot of a human, the top rigid structure further having an embedded cavity in the ball portion; a bottom structure coupled to the top rigid layer, the bottom structure having a flexible membrane and an attached heel stake; and an encapsulated gel located in the cavity of the ball portion of the top rigid structure whereby the encapsulated gel and the top rigid structure and the bottom structure are co-molded at the same time to ensure proper fitment of the encapsulated gel within the top rigid structure and the bottom structure.
  • the encapsulated gel comprises an enlarged bottom surface with a continuous flange, and wherein each wall forming the cavity of the front portion of the top rigid structure is non-compliant.
  • the continuous flange of the encapsulated gel is at least one-eighth of an inch wide.
  • the continuous flange of the encapsulated gel is substantially flat and has a uniform thickness about the entire perimeter of the continuous flange.
  • the continuous flange of the encapsulated gel creates a gap between a top surface of the encapsulated gel and each wall forming the cavity.
  • a rigid border surrounding the perimeter of the encapsulated gel is at least three-sixteenth of an inch thick. In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the encapsulated gel is filled with a viscous fluid.
  • a high-heeled boot comprising : a bottom rigid base having a ball portion located on a first geometric plane having a first slope, a mid portion located on a second geometric plane having a second slope greater than the first slope, and a heel portion located on a third geometric plane, the bottom rigid base defining a cavity in the ball portion, the ball portion having a bottom surface for contacting a ground surface; a heel attached to the heel portion of the bottom rigid structure, the heel being at least one and a half inches in length; an encapsulated gel located in the cavity of the ball portion; and a top flexible membrane spanning at least the ball portion and the mid portion, the top flexible membrane for contacting and supporting a foot of a human; and a memory foam coupled to the top flexible membrane, the memory foam for cushioning the foot of the human.
  • the encapsulated gel includes a continuous flange, and further wherein a surface area of the top surface of the encapsulated gel is smaller than a surface area of the enlarged bottom surface of the encapsulated gel.
  • the continuous flange of the encapsulated gel is substantially flat and has a uniform thickness about the entire perimeter of the continuous flange and further wherein the continuous flange of the encapsulated gel creates a gap between a top surface of the encapsulated gel and each of the one or more side walls forming the cavity.
  • the cavity for the encapsulated member may be configured to contact one side of a foam layer, while the other side of the foam layer contacts a bottom surface of the encapsulated member.
  • the foam layer may separate the surface of the cavity from a surface of the encapsulated member.
  • a high-heeled shoe may include a top rigid structure and a bottom layer.
  • the top rigid structure may be shaped to have a raised end portion, a sloped mid portion and a substantially flat front portion.
  • the top rigid structure may further include an embedded encapsulated member located within a cut-out or cavity of the top rigid structure.
  • the bottom layer may include a flexible flat portion and a heel portion attached to a heel stake. The bottom layer may be attached to the top rigid structure such that the flexible flat portion may take the shape of the top rigid structure.
  • FIG. 1A illustrates a high-heeled shoe in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. IB illustrates a deconstructed high-heeled shoe of FIG. 1A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein
  • FIG. IC illustrates a further deconstructed high-heeled shoe of FIGS. 1A and IB in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. ID illustrates an exploded view of the high-heeled shoe of FIGS. 1A, IB and IC in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. IE illustrates a side view of the high-heeled shoe of FIGS. 1A, IB, IC and ID in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an encapsulated member in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of an encapsulated member in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein
  • FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of an encapsulated member in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 3A illustrates a high heeled shoe in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 3B illustrates a deconstructed high-heeled shoe of FIG. 3 A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 3C illustrates a further deconstructed high-heeled shoe of FIGS. 3 A and 3B in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 3D illustrates an exploded view of the high-heeled shoe of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein
  • FIG. 3E illustrates a side view of the high-heeled shoe of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a high-heeled shoe in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 4B illustrates a first component of a deconstructed high-heeled shoe of FIG. 4A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 4C illustrates a second component of a deconstructed high-heeled shoe of FIG. 4A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 4D illustrates an exploded view of the high-heeled shoe of FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 4E illustrates a side view of the high-heeled shoe of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 5A illustrates a high-heeled shoe in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the high-heeled shoe of FIG. 5A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a high-heeled shoe showing the different geometric planes therein in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the terms “front portion”, “mid portion” and “end portion” are used to describe different portions of the shoe.
  • the front portion may correspond to the area of the shoe which contacts or corresponds with the "ball of the foot” or an area between the arch and the end of the toes—which may or might not include the toes themselves.
  • the mid portion may correspond to the area of the shoe which contacts or corresponds with an arch of the foot.
  • the end portion may correspond to the area of the shoe which contacts or corresponds with a heel of the foot.
  • front portion may be used interchangeably with “ball portion” and “mid portion” which may be used interchangeably with “arch portion” and “end portion” which may be used interchangeably with “heel portion”.
  • rigid includes, but is not limited to, different degrees of rigidity from semi-rigid (e.g., a durometer of 80) to very rigid (e.g., a durometer of 1 15), but preferably is within a durometer range of between about 80-115, and more preferably is within a durometer range of between about 90- 105.
  • FIG. 1A illustrates a platform high-heeled shoe 100 with a front portion 105, a mid portion 1 10, an end portion 115 and a heel portion 120. Other portions of the shoe that hold the foot to the shoe (e.g., shoe straps) have been omitted for clarity. While the shoe 100 is illustrated to have a heel length of over two inches, the heel length may vary. The heel length may be defined as the difference between the height of the heel raised above the ground and the height of the toes raised above the ground. As the heel length increases, the slope of the mid portion 110 and the end portion 115 may also increase.
  • FIG. IB illustrates a deconstructed view of the shoe 100.
  • the shoe 100 may include a top outer layer 130 which may be a flat, thin platform for the foot to rest upon.
  • the top outer layer 130 may include a front portion 135 for placement of the toes and the balls of the foot, a mid portion 140 for placement of the arch or "middle" of the foot, and an end portion 145 for placement of the heel of the foot.
  • the top outer layer 130 may be attached on top of a bottom rigid structure 150 when the shoe 100 is fully constructed.
  • the bottom rigid structure 150 may include a front portion 155, a mid portion 160, and an end portion 165 which correspond directly and may be in physical contact with the front portion 135, the mid portion 140, and the end portion 145 of the top outer layer 130, respectively.
  • the bottom rigid structure 150 may include a rigid base 175 constructed out of a hard polymer or plastic and may be configured to support and withstand several hundred pounds of human weight without breaking.
  • the rigid base 175 may be non-flexible (e.g., not capable of bending).
  • the rigid base 175 may span the front portion 155, the mid portion 160 and the end portion 165 of the bottom rigid structure 150.
  • An encapsulated member 170 may be inserted into the rigid base 175.
  • the rigid base 175 may be configured to form a continuous, rigid border around the edges of the encapsulated member 170.
  • the rigid base 175 may form a border of at least three- sixteenth of an inch, but the border may increase to over half an inch in some embodiments.
  • the border might not be uniform in width surrounding the encapsulated member 170.
  • the border may be formed by cutting out a portion of the rigid base 175 or forming the rigid base 175 with a cavity for the encapsulated member 170. In this manner, the encapsulated member 170 may be held in place and localized only in the front portion 155 of the bottom rigid structure 150.
  • an outer layer 180 may surround the outside edges of the rigid base 175.
  • several holes 185 and 190 may be drilled or formed into the rigid base 175 which may allow the shoe 100 to minimally flex, thereby preventing the shoe 100 from cracking when a large amount of pressure is exerted on the shoe 100 by the wearer's weight.
  • the holes 185 and 190 may be differently sized, and may range from 2-3 millimeters to 5-6 millimeters in diameter.
  • the holes 185 and 190 may be drilled in the mid portion 160 and the end portion 165 and may be orthogonal to the surface upon which the shoe 100 is resting. As the mid portion 160 and the end portion 165 may be sloped, the holes 185 and 190 may be non-orthogonal to the mid portion 160 and the end portion 165.
  • FIG. 1C illustrates a further deconstructed view of the bottom rigid structure 150 of the shoe 100.
  • the encapsulated member 170 has been removed to better illustrate the cavity 197.
  • an optional thin foam layer 195 is shown in the cavity 197.
  • the cavity 197 may be formed by a continuous smooth wall substantially similar in shape as the thin foam layer 195 and the encapsulated member 170.
  • the cavity 197 may have a depth slightly less than the thickness of a combination of the thin foam layer 195 and the encapsulated member 170.
  • the top of the encapsulated member 170 may protrude out of the cavity 197. Accordingly, when the top layer 130 is affixed to the bottom rigid structure 150, the encapsulated member 170 may slightly bulge and press into the top layer 130.
  • FIG. ID illustrates an exploded view of the shoe 100.
  • the top outer layer 130 may cover the bottom rigid structure 150 when the encapsulated member 170 is inserted into the cavity 197 of the bottom rigid structure 150.
  • FIG. IE illustrates a side view of the shoe 100 with a cross sectional view of the front portion 155.
  • the encapsulated member 170 may be located in and/or fixed to one or more walls of the bottom rigid structure 150 forrning the cavity 197.
  • the top of the encapsulated member 170 may protrude out of the cavity 197.
  • FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the encapsulated member 200, as isolated from the shoe 100. In the absence of an encapsulated member 200, pressure caused by walking on a high- heeled shoe is mostly re-absorbed by the balls of the foot since the structure of a high-heeled shoe is typically rigid and non-compliant, even if other layers or materials are included to cushion the foot.
  • the inclusion of the encapsulated member 200 operates to disperse pressure placed on the foot.
  • the encapsulated member 200 may be constructed of an elastic membrane (e.g., a plastic) infused with a viscous fluid or gel.
  • the encapsulated member 200 may be filled with air, water and/or any other appropriate substance. While any non-rigid substance may be utilized, a gel may be preferred.
  • FIG. 2B when a force is exerted on the filled portion 230 of the encapsulated member 200 (e.g., by a person stepping on the shoe), lateral displacement of the substance within the filled portion 230 may result. In so doing, the encapsulated member 200 enlarges the point of pressure on the balls of the foot.
  • Pressure caused by walking on the high-heeled shoe is thereby dispersed over a larger area (i.e., over the surface area of the encapsulated member 200) instead of being focused and directed on one small point.
  • the foot may feel reduced pressure and the wearer may be able to walk a longer duration before feeling any discomfort.
  • the encapsulated member 200 does not suffer from increased internal pressure resulting from too large of a surface area.
  • the encapsulated member 200 may be asymmetrically formed.
  • the encapsulated member 200 may be configured to be symmetrical and may be a geometric (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, etc.) or a non-geometric shape (e.g., shaped to rriimic the footprint of a typical foot).
  • the encapsulated member 200 may have an enlarged flat base 205 including a continuous flange portion 225 about the perimeter.
  • the continuous flange portion 225 is about one-eighths of an inch wide. However, any width (e.g., between one- sixteenth of an inch to a half of an inch) may be possible. As viewed in FIG.
  • the continuous flange portion 225 is relatively thin compared to the actual thickness of the filled portion 230.
  • the continuous flange portion 225 may function to create a space between the encapsulated member 200 and the cavity in which the encapsulated member 200 sits. This space allows the encapsulated member 200 to laterally expand without leaking or otherwise losing efficacy when pressure is exerted on a top surface of the encapsulated member 200.
  • the continuous flange portion 225 may also serve to ensure that the encapsulated member 200 is fixed to one position and does not move about the cavity (e.g., cavity 197). An optional adhesive may be used to further fix the encapsulated member 200 to the cavity 197.
  • the encapsulated member 200 may further include a top portion 210 and a bottom portion 215 separated by an indented portion 220.
  • the encapsulated member 200 may have a flat base without any flanges (not shown). In other words, the surface area of the top surface and the surface area of the bottom surface may be equal.
  • FIG. 2C is a side view of the encapsulated member 200.
  • the height of the indented divider 220 is shown to be approximately half the height of the other filled portions 230, other height ratios are possible. In one embodiment, the ratio of the height of the indented divider 220 to the height of the other filled portions 230 may decrease proportionally as the height of the heel increases.
  • the indented portion 220 may allow for a portion of an attached layer to protrude into the indented portion 220, thereby reducing slippage and increasing the effectiveness of the encapsulated member 200. In one embodiment, the indented portion 220 may be removed or omitted resulting in an encapsulated member 200 having a continuous volume of gel.
  • FIG. 3A illustrates a classic high-heeled shoe 300 with a front portion 305, a mid portion 310, an end portion 315, and a heel stake 320.
  • the mid portion 310 may be raised off the ground by the heel stake 320, the latter of which may vary in height.
  • Other portions of the shoe 300 which may hold the foot to the shoe e.g., shoe straps have been omitted for clarity.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates a deconstructed view of the shoe 300.
  • the shoe 300 may include a top outer layer 330 which may be configured to rest upon a bottom structure 350.
  • the top outer layer 330 may include a front portion 335 for placement of the toes and the balls of the foot, a , mid portion 340 for placement of the arch or "middle" of the foot, and an end portion 345 for placement of the heel of the foot.
  • the top outer layer 330 may be attached on top of the bottom structure 350 when the shoe 300 is fully constructed.
  • the bottom structure 350 may include a front portion 355, a mid portion 360, and an end portion 365 which correspond directly and may be in physical contact with the front portion 335, the mid portion 340, and the end portion 345 of the top outer layer 330, respectively.
  • the bottom structure 350 may include a thick, rigid base 375 at the front portion 355.
  • the rigid base 375 may include a front lip 380 about the perimeter of the front portion 355.
  • the front lip 380 may be configured to hold the front portion 335 of the top outer layer 330 in place when the shoe 300 is fully constructed.
  • the rigid base 375 may also include a cavity towards the center of the rigid base 375 for holding the encapsulated member 370.
  • the rigid base 375 may be constructed out of a hard polymer or plastic and may be configured to support and withstand several hundred pounds of human weight without breaking.
  • the rigid base 375 may be configured to form a continuous, rigid border around the edges of the encapsulated member 370.
  • the rigid base 375 may form a border of at least three-sixteenth of an inch, but the border may increase to over half an inch in some embodiments.
  • the border might not be uniform in width surrounding the encapsulated member 370.
  • the border may be formed by cutting out a portion of the rigid base 375 or forming the rigid base 375 with a cavity for the encapsulated member 370.
  • the encapsulated member 370 may be held in place and localized in the front portion 355 of the bottom structure 350.
  • Attached to the rigid base 375 is the mid portion 360.
  • the mid portion 360 may be a thin, flexible structure for supporting the mid portion 340 of the top outer layer 330.
  • the mid portion 360 may be a thin piece of wood.
  • Attached to the mid portion 360 is the end portion 365 of the bottom structure 350.
  • the heel stake 320 may be attached towards the center of the end portion 365 and raise the foot off the ground.
  • FIG. 3C illustrates a further deconstructed view of the bottom structure 350 of shoe
  • encapsulated member 370 may be the encapsulated member 200 as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C.
  • FIG. 3D illustrates an exploded view of the shoe 300. As shown, the top outer layer 330 may cover the bottom structure 350 when encapsulated member 370 is inserted into the cavity 397 of the bottom structure 350.
  • FIG. 3E illustrates a side view of the shoe 300 with a cross sectional view of the front portion 355.
  • the encapsulated member 370 may be located in and/or fixed to one or more walls of the bottom rigid structure 350 forming the cavity 397. As shown, the top of the encapsulated member 370 may protrude out of the cavity 397.
  • a high-heeled shoe 400 is illustrated with a front portion 405, a mid portion 410, an end portion 415, and a heel stake 420.
  • the mid portion 410 may be raised off the ground by the heel stake 420, the latter of which may vary in height.
  • Other portions of the shoe that hold the foot to the shoe e.g., shoe straps have been omitted for clarity.
  • FIG. 4B is a deconstructed view of the shoe 400, and in particular, the top rigid layer 430 of the shoe 400.
  • the top rigid layer 430 may sit on top of (and be attached to) bottom liner layer 450 of FIG. 4C.
  • the top rigid layer 430 may include a front portion 435 for placement of the toes and the balls of the foot, a mid portion 440 for placement of the arch or "middle" of the foot, and an end portion 445 for placement of the heel of the foot.
  • the structure of the top rigid layer 430 may be flat at the front portion 435 and slope upwards when moving from the front portion 435 to the end portion 445.
  • the top rigid layer 430 may be a polymer wrapped with a soft vinyl or leather outer surface.
  • the top rigid layer 430 may also include an encapsulated member 470 (e.g., encapsulated member 200) embedded inside of the front portion 435 of the top rigid layer 430. While not shown, the encapsulated member 470 may sit within a cavity (e.g., similarly to encapsulated member 170 and 370). As shown by the dotted border, the encapsulated member 470 may be located within a central portion of the front portion 435, and may be surrounded laterally and underneath by a rigid structure having a durometer rating higher than the encapsulated member 470. In addition, the encapsulated member 470 may be covered with soft vinyl or leather.
  • encapsulated member 470 e.g., encapsulated member 200
  • FIG. 4C illustrates the bottom liner layer 450.
  • the bottom liner layer 450 may include a flexible portion 455, a rigid portion 460, and a heel stake 420.
  • the flexible portion 455 may be thin and constructed out of a dense foam or elastic polymer.
  • the flexible portion 455 may correspond with and span the front portion 435 of the top rigid layer 430 and the mid portion 440 of the top rigid layer 430.
  • the flexible portion 455 may also be attached to the heel stake 420 in a tapered manner alongside a flat length of the heel stake 420.
  • the flexible portion 455 may be configured to take the shape of the top rigid layer 430 when attached to the top rigid layer 430 and further support the attachment of the heel stake 420 to the end portion 445 of the top rigid layer 430.
  • FIG. 4D illustrates an exploded view of the shoe of FIGS. 4A-4C.
  • top rigid layer 430 may include an encapsulated member 470 embedded within a top layer and a bottom rigid layer 495 fixed to or sitting within a cavity 497 of the bottom rigid layer 495.
  • the top rigid layer 430 may be attached to the heel stake 420 and the flexible portion 455.
  • FIG. 4E illustrates a side view of the shoe 400 with a cross sectional view of the front portion 455.
  • the encapsulated member 470 may be located in and/or fixed to one or more walls of the top rigid layer 430 forming the cavity 497.
  • Fig. 4D illustrates a top rigid layer 430 that includes an encapsulated member 470 embedded within the top layer and a bottom rigid layer 495 fixed to or sitting within a cavity 497 of the bottom rigid layer 495
  • the encapsulated member 470 may be constructed within the shoe 400 during shoe construction.
  • the shoe 400 may be co-molded, thereby providing a bottom rigid layer 495 and a top rigid layer 430 utilizing a first material 411 and the encapsulated member 470 may be co-molded at the same time with the use of a second material 414 to construct the shoe 400.
  • the shoe 400 may have a pour and mold construction technique.
  • the bottom rigid layer 495 may be poured into a mold, followed by the encapsulated member 470 poured into a subsequent mold (not shown).
  • the top rigid layer 430 may then be poured and molded to surround the encapsulated member 470 and the bottom rigid layer 495.
  • FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a high-heeled boot 500 having a front portion 505, a mid portion 510, an end portion 515, and a heel stake 520.
  • FIG. 5B illustrates a close-up, cross-sectional view of a front portion 505 of the high-heeled boot 500 of FIG. 5A.
  • the insole of the front portion 505 may include a first lining layer 530 followed by a foam layer 535, and then a rigid structural layer 575 with an encapsulated member 570.
  • the first lining layer 530 may be configured to be a thin upper membrane configured to contact the foot (or sock).
  • the membrane may be any suitable material including suede, vinyl, leather, and the like.
  • the foam 535 may be configured to take the form of the user's foot when pressure from the foot is transferred to the foam 535 (e.g., "memory" foam).
  • the rigid structural layer 575 may be similar to the rigid base 175 or 375 and may include a cavity for the encapsulated member 570. As the layers of material between the foot and the encapsulated member 570 are all compliant and relatively thin, the pressure (and force) from the foot is still transferred to the encapsulated member 570 for dispersal.
  • Fig. 5D illustrates a first lining layer 530 followed by a foam layer 535, that includes an encapsulated member 570 embedded within the top layer and a rigid structural layer 575 fixed to or sitting within a cavity 497 of the rigid structural layer 575
  • the encapsulated member 570 may be constructed within the shoe 400 during shoe construction.
  • the shoe 500 may be co- molded, thereby providing a rigid structural member 570 utilizing a first material 411 and the encapsulated member 570 may be co-molded at the same time with the use of a second material 414 to construct the shoe 500.
  • the shoe 500 may have a pour and mold construction technique.
  • the rigid structural layer 575 may be poured into a mold, surrounding and completely enclosing the encapsulated member 570 poured into a separate mold (not shown). Upon cooling and mold extraction, the encapsulated member 570 is completely surrounded by the rigid structural layer 575.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a high-heeled shoe 600 showing the different geometric planes therein in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. The geometric planes illustrated with respect to the shoe 600 may be applicable to any high heeled shoe discussed herein.
  • the shoe 600 may be divided into a front or "balls" portion 605 being defined by or lying along a first plane 655, a mid or arch portion 610 being defined by or lying along a second plane 660 and an end or heel portion 615 being defined by or lying along a third plane 665.
  • the first plane 655 may lie along a substantially flat surface of the front portion 605 and have a slope of zero or close to zero.
  • the second plane 660 may lie along a substantially flat surface of the mid portion 610 and have a slope greater than the slope of the first plane 655.
  • the angle created between the first plane 655 and the second plane 660 is between 90 degrees and 150 degrees, but preferably between 115 degrees and 135 degrees.
  • the third plane 665 may lie along a substantial flat surface of the end portion 615 and may have a slope equal to or less than the second plane 660. As shown, the three planes, 655, 660 and 665 may all be non-parallel. However, in some embodiments, planes 655 and 665 may be parallel to one another. Regardless, the distance between the intersection points of the planes 655 and 665 and axis 670 is at least one inch. However, preferably, the distance between the intersection points is one and a half inches or greater.

Abstract

Cette invention concerne des dispositifs, des procédés et des systèmes relatifs aux chaussures à talons hauts, et plus particulièrement le confort apporté à l'utilisateur de chaussures à talons hauts, ou le soulagement de la douleur causée par le port de talons hauts. Une chaussure à talon haut peut par exemple comprendre une semelle intérieure ou un feuillet externe supérieur et une structure rigide inférieure. La structure rigide inférieure peut comporter une portion avant, une potion intermédiaire et une portion arrière. La portion avant de la structure rigide inférieure peut comprendre une cavité ou une découpe pour l'insertion d'un gel encapsulé. Lorsque l'utilisateur porte la chaussure, le gel encapsulé peut se répandre latéralement en réponse à la pression exercée sur la face supérieure du gel, répartissant ainsi la pression sur la pointe des pieds.
PCT/US2012/050804 2011-03-07 2012-08-14 Dispositif pour chaussure à talon haut WO2013006869A1 (fr)

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US13/042,354 US20120227291A1 (en) 2011-03-07 2011-03-07 High-heeled foot apparel
US13/042,354 2011-07-03

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WO2013006869A1 true WO2013006869A1 (fr) 2013-01-10

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CN105795586A (zh) * 2016-01-15 2016-07-27 可汉有限责任公司 具有位于鞋跟构件内的垫片的鞋
CN110367639A (zh) * 2014-08-06 2019-10-25 耐克创新有限合伙公司 具有带弧形底侧腔插入件的中底的鞋具

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