U.S. patent application number 11/697735 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for replaceable heel system.
Invention is credited to Alvaro Z. Gallegos.
Application Number | 20080034620 11/697735 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39049122 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080034620 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gallegos; Alvaro Z. |
February 14, 2008 |
REPLACEABLE HEEL SYSTEM
Abstract
The specification and drawing figures disclose, describe and
claim replaceable heel system for footwear that includes a
plurality of heel bodies. The heel bodies are interchangeably and
demountably connectable to footwear. In at least one of the
embodiments, the plurality of heel bodies is demountably
connectable to an integral contoured rigid orthotic plate that is
removably insertable in the footwear for distributing forces
longitudinally and laterally during use of the footwear. A
compressible spring is positionable in the plurality of heel bodies
to relieve pain during use of the footwear. In another embodiment
opposing pressure connectable and detachable members are provided
to demountably connect the heel bodies to the footwear. In an
alternative embodiment a flared plug and hollow receptacle are
provided to demountably connect the heel bodies to the
footwear.
Inventors: |
Gallegos; Alvaro Z.;
(Albuquerque, NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF RAY R. REGAN, P.A.
P.O. BOX 1442
CORRALES
NM
87048
US
|
Family ID: |
39049122 |
Appl. No.: |
11/697735 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11463694 |
Aug 10, 2006 |
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11697735 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/36R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 21/42 20130101;
A43B 21/30 20130101; A43B 13/37 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/36.R |
International
Class: |
A43B 21/42 20060101
A43B021/42 |
Claims
1. A replaceable heel system for footwear, comprising: an integral
contoured rigid orthotic plate extending from a region adjacent to
a plurality of human toes to a region adjacent to a human heel
adapted for insertion into at least an upper of footwear, wherein
the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate is formed with a
leading end, a trailing end, a top surface, and a lower surface; a
substantially inelastic housing integrally formed on the lower
surface of the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate adjacent the
trailing end of the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate and
adapted to removably engage a replaceable heel; a plurality of
substantially inelastic replaceable heels formed with a chamber for
removably holding at least one compressible spring adapted to
relieve pain during use of the footwear; a lock-and-release device
disengageably connectable to the plurality of substantially
inelastic replaceable heels; a compressible plunger insertable in
the plurality of substantially inelastic replaceable heels adapted
to provide resilient support during use of the footwear; and a
resilient pad replaceably mountable on the top surface of the
integral contoured rigid orthotic plate adapted to cushion a foot
during use of the footwear.
2. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 1,
wherein the substantially inelastic housing further comprises a
bore adapted to receive one end of the at least one compressible
spring.
3. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 1,
wherein the plunger is formed with a neck adapted to engage the
other end of the at least one compressible spring.
4. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 1,
wherein the substantially inelastic housing further comprises
grooves in the outer surface of the housing adapted to reduce the
weight of the footwear, to provide for slidable engagement of the
substantially inelastic housing and the plurality of substantially
inelastic replaceable heels, and to maintain rigidity of support
between the substantially inelastic housing and the substantially
inelastic replaceable heels.
5. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 1,
wherein the lock-and-release device includes an aperture formed in
the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate.
6. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 5,
wherein the lock-and-release device includes an opening formed in
the plurality of substantially inelastic replaceable heels.
7. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 6,
wherein the lock-and-release device further comprises a lever
formed with a lip flexibly extending from the aperture formed in
the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate adapted to engage the
opening formed in the substantially inelastic replaceable heels for
removably attaching the plurality of replaceable heels on the
footwear.
8. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 1,
wherein the lock-and-release device further comprises a lever
formed with a lip flexibly mountable on the substantially inelastic
housing adapted to engage the opening formed in the plurality of
substantially inelastic replaceable heels for repositionably
attaching a replaceable heel on the footwear.
9. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 1,
wherein the plurality of replaceable heels further comprises an
orifice adapted to slidably extend and retract a portion of the
compressible plunger.
10. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 1,
wherein the plurality of replaceable heels does not include a
compressible spring.
11. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear,
comprising: a plurality of variably dimensioned heel bodies; an
orthotic plate insertable in the footwear for distributing forces
longitudinally and laterally during use of the footwear; a housing
attached to the orthotic plate adapted to hold the plurality of
variably dimensioned heel bodies; means for demountably connecting
the plurality of heel bodies to the housing; and means positionable
in the housing and in the plurality of variably dimensioned heel
bodies for relieving pain during use of the footwear.
12. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear as
recited in claim 11, further comprising a resilient pad replaceably
mountable on the orthotic plate for cushioning a foot during use of
the footwear.
13. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear as
recited in claim 12, wherein the plurality of variably dimensioned
heel bodies, the orthotic plate, and the housing are made from
material selected from the group of materials consisting of one or
more resins, plastic, metal, rigid rubber, metal alloys, and/or
vinyl.
14. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear as
recited in claim 13, wherein the means for demountably connecting
the plurality of variably dimensioned heel bodies to the housing
includes an aperture formed in the orthotic plate.
15. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear as
recited in claim 14, wherein the means for demountably connecting
the plurality of heel bodies to the housing includes an opening
formed in the plurality of variably dimensioned heel bodies.
16. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear as
recited in claim 15, wherein the means for demountably connecting
the plurality of heel bodies to the housing includes a lever formed
with a lip flexibly extending from the aperture formed in the
orthotic plate adapted to engage the opening formed in the
plurality of variably dimensional bodies for repositionably
attaching the plurality of variably dimensioned heel bodies on the
footwear.
17. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear as
recited in claim 11, wherein the means for demountably connecting
the plurality of variably dimensioned heel bodies to the housing
includes a lever formed with a lip flexibly mountable on the
housing adapted to engage the opening formed in the plurality of
variably dimensioned heel bodies.
18. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear as
recited in claim 11, wherein the means positionable in the housing
and in the plurality of variably dimensioned heel bodies includes a
compressible coiled spring that compresses on application of
pressure during use but regains original shape when pressure is
released.
19. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear as
recited in claim 18, wherein the means positionable in the housing
and in the plurality of variably dimensioned heel bodies includes a
plunger slidably installed in the plurality of variably dimensioned
heel bodies and in one end of the compressible coiled spring.
20. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear as
recited in claim 11, wherein the means positionable in the housing
and in the plurality of variably dimensioned heel bodies does not
include a compressible coiled spring.
21. A method of making footwear with replaceable heels, comprising
the steps of: selecting a first material for shaping an integral
contoured rigid orthotic plate for substantially enveloped
insertion in the footwear; manipulating the material to form the
integral contoured rigid orthotic plate; including a resilient pad
replaceably mountable on the integral contoured rigid orthotic
plate adapted to cushion the foot of a user during use of the
footwear; installing a housing on the integral contoured rigid
orthotic plate for holding the replaceable heels; choosing a second
material to form a plurality of replaceable heels; forming from the
second material a plurality of replaceable heels removably
connectable to the housing; locating a lock-and-release device in
the housing and in the plurality of replaceable heels for
demountably connecting the plurality of replaceable heels to the
housing; and inserting a slidably adjustable plunger in the
replaceable heels.
22. A method of making footwear with replaceable heels as recited
in claim 21, wherein the step of selecting a material for shaping
the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate includes the substeps
of: selecting at least one or more resins, plastic, metal, rigid
rubber, metal alloys, and/or vinyl as the material; and shaping the
material to contour the shape of a foot.
23. A method of making footwear with replaceable heels as recited
in claim 22, wherein the step of installing a housing on the
integral contoured rigid orthotic plate includes the substeps of:
selecting a substantially inelastic material for integrally forming
the housing on the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate; shaping
the substantially inelastic material into the housing; fitting the
housing with a chamber that includes a column adapted to receive
one end of the compressible spring suspension system; and attaching
the housing to the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate.
24. Footwear having a plurality of replaceable heels, comprising: a
contoured rigid orthotic plate integrally formed with a housing
adapted for insertion into the footwear; a resilient pad
replaceably mountable on the contoured rigid orthotic plate adapted
to cushion a foot during use of the footwear; a substantially
inelastic housing attachable to the contoured rigid orthotic plate
adapted to demountably hold a replaceable heel; and opposing
pressure connectable and detachable members mounted on the
plurality of replaceable heels and on the inelastic housing adapted
to demountably connect the plurality of replaceable heels to the
footwear.
25. Footwear with a plurality of replaceable heels as recited in
claim 24, wherein the housing further comprises a hollow passage
adapted to dispose one end of a compressible spring.
26. Footwear with a plurality of replaceable heels as recited in
claim 25, wherein the replaceable heels further comprise a cavity
adapted to receive the other end of the compressible spring.
27. Footwear with a plurality of replaceable heels as recited in
claim 24, wherein the plurality of replaceable heels is
substantially compressible.
28. Footwear with a plurality of replaceable heels as recited in
claim 24, wherein the opposing pressure connectable and detachable
members are made from material selected from the group of materials
consisting of hook and loop type fasteners including
Velcro.RTM..
29. Interchangeable heels for footwear, comprising: a plurality of
heel bodies; at least one flared plug formed with an edge mountable
on the heel of the footwear; a substantially hollow receptacle
insertable into the heels having an inner surface dimensioned for
slidable engagement by the flared plug; and a plurality of
peripherally mounted protrusions extending from the inner surface
of the receptacle toward the longitudinal axis of the substantially
hollow receptacle adapted to removably connect the at least one
flared plug and the substantially hollow receptacle.
30. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear as
recited in claim 29, wherein the at least one flared plug is
removably connectable to the substantially hollow receptacle by
application of pressure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part from a co-pending
application, Ser. No. 11/463,694, entitled FOOTWEAR WITH TWO-PLATE
SYSTEM filed on Aug. 10, 2006 by the sole inventor named in this
document. The specification of the pending application is
incorporated by reference into this document.
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0002] The apparatus and method disclosed and claimed in this
document pertains generally to footwear. More particularly, the new
and useful replaceable heel system disclosed and claimed in this
document allows a footwear user to interchangeably replace heels on
footwear for aesthetic, functional, pain relief and other reasons
as and when desired. The replaceable heels included in the
replaceable heel system disclosed, illustrated, and claimed in this
document are useful for adjusting the height of footwear, while
continuing to provide a range of functionalities such as pain
relief during use of the footwear.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The evolution of the structure and design of shoes through
the centuries has been and continues to be profound. Sandals were
the most common footwear in early civilizations. Although footwear
approximating a shoe began emerging in 1600 B.C., as late as 1850
A.D. most shoes were made on straight lasts (meaning that there was
no difference between the right and left shoe). A "last" is the
shaped block, usually made from wood, around which a shoe
traditionally was designed and made. By 1892, the first
rubber-soled shoes (called "plimsolls") were manufactured in the
United States. When vulcanization was discovered and patented by
Charles Goodyear, rubber soled shoes became even more popular.
These were followed by "sneakers" manufactured by U.S. Rubber using
brand KEDS.RTM. in 1917. Beginning in 1958, an international demand
arose for athletic shoes. Invention as a product of continuous
research has progressed at an incredible pace.
[0004] For the longest time, shoes were merely functional; the
primary objective was to protect feet. The idea of reducing or
eliminating pain by redesigning footwear was a long time coming.
More recently, for many people the appearance of footwear became as
important as function.
[0005] Studies show, however, that over 90 percent of people have
different sized feet. A continual frustration has been the absence
of a standard shoe size system. The problems, therefore, of fitting
shoes to feet of a user often are multifactorial. Asymmetry and
anatomical variation among feet provides significant challenges for
people seeking to provide an ideal fit.
[0006] Until recently, however, few shoes addressed the problem of
pain associated with walking, exercising, moving, or hiking,
despite the fact that many people are unable to stand, move about,
walk, or work in footwear generally available. Shoes were not
designed to provide pain relief sufficient to enable users to walk
and work. Many limitations that existed in the industry in
connection with providing pain relief were overcome for countless
people by the present inventor, Alvaro Z. Gallegos, by providing
what is referred to generally as footwear that includes at least
one compressible spring suspension system, such as the coil spring
disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,079 issued on Jul. 25,
1995 to Gallegos, and in U.S. Design Pat. No. 434,548 issued Dec.
5, 2000 to Gallegos, and further protected under the
internationally renown trademarks and service marks for the brand
Z-COIL.RTM..
[0007] Additional contributions to the art by the same inventor are
disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,630 issued on Oct. 26,
1999; U.S. Pat. No. 7,111,416 issued Sep. 26, 2006; and in
application Ser. No. 11/146,841 filed Jun. 7, 2005 (for which a
notice of allowance issued on Dec. 27, 2006); and published
application US 2007/0006487 dated Jan. 11, 2007, regarding
application Ser. No. 11/463,694 filed on Aug. 10, 2006. The patents
and patent applications identified in this document are referred to
collectively in this document as the "Prior Patents and
Applications."
[0008] Commercial embodiments of footwear based on the Prior
Patents and Applications now contribute to relieving pain by
providing in one or more embodiments, among other features
disclosed and claimed in the Prior Patents and Applications, at
least one spring, such as a coil spring, that provides superior
support and high energy return. The spring, or coil spring
(collectively, "spring") disposed adjacent to a human heel and the
heel of footwear, prevents bottoming out during compression during
movement of a user. Commercial embodiments of footwear based on the
Prior Patents and Applications also provide a stable and
comparatively inexpensive footwear that incorporate and provides
shock absorption and energy return during use of the footwear.
Other commercial embodiments of footwear based on the Prior Patents
and Applications also provide one or more midsoles, or plates, with
cushioning extending from the metatarsal area of a user to the
rearmost portion of footwear, and extending across the width of the
user's foot, thus supporting the entire foot between the metatarsal
area and the rear portion of the foot. The result is strong,
comfortable, and stable support for the user's foot.
[0009] The replaceable heel system disclosed and claimed in this
document makes further contributions to the art by providing a
variety of useful embodiments of replaceable heels for
footwear.
[0010] Problems solved by the replaceable heel system include at
least providing a user the ability to extend the life of a shoe by
replacing one replaceable heel with another replaceable heel. In at
least one embodiment, the replaceable heel system is provided with
a rigid orthotic plate to cup or hold a human heel in place during
use, thus distinguishing the replaceable heel system from other
footwear in the industry. A typical foot includes twenty-six bones.
Bones are fragile. There is little distance between bones.
Accordingly, a foot needs considerable support from footwear not
only for use and functionality, but to relieve pain during use. The
best support is rigid rather than flexible. Bones of a foot exposed
to considerable impact and pressure during use are supported by a
combination of a rigid orthotic plate and cushioning.
[0011] The result is an orthotic plate that distributes weight of
the user both longitudinally and laterally that provides cushioning
for a foot. Currently available orthotic inserts are malleable,
soft, and consequently offer little or no support.
SUMMARY
[0012] The replaceable heel system includes a plurality of heel
bodies. Means are provided to attach and detach the plurality of
heel bodies to footwear that is adapted to hold the plurality of
heel bodies. The heel bodies are demountably connectable to
footwear. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of heel bodies
is connectable to an orthotic plate that is removably insertable in
the footwear for distributing forces longitudinally and laterally
during use of the footwear. In addition, in at least one embodiment
a compressible spring suspension system is provided that is
positionable in the plurality of heel bodies to relieve pain during
use of the footwear. However, use of a compressible spring
suspension system in connection with the replaceable heel system is
not a limitation of the replaceable heel system, as illustrated and
claimed in this document.
[0013] It will become apparent to one skilled in the art that the
claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the
apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus,
combine to result in a number of unexpected advantages and
utilities. The structure and co-operation of structure of the
replaceable heel system will become apparent to those skilled in
the art when read in conjunction with the following description,
drawing figures, and appended claims.
[0014] The foregoing has outlined broadly the more important
features of the invention to better understand the detailed
description that follows, and to better understand the
contributions to the art. The replaceable heel system is not
limited in application to the details of construction, or to the
arrangements of the components, provided in the following
description or drawing figures, but is capable of other
embodiments, and of being practiced and carried out in various
ways.
[0015] The phraseology and terminology employed in this disclosure
are for purposes of description, and therefore should not be
regarded as limiting. As those skilled in the art will appreciate,
the conception on which this disclosure is based readily may be
used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and
systems. The claims, therefore, include equivalent
constructions.
[0016] Further, the abstract associated with this disclosure is
intended neither to define the replaceable heel system, which is
measured by the claims, nor intended to limit the scope of the
claims.
[0017] The novel features of the replaceable heel system are best
understood from the accompanying drawing, considered in connection
with the accompanying description of the drawing, in which similar
reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0018] FIG. 1A of the drawing is an exploded perspective view of a
embodiment of a replaceable heel system illustrating use of a
compressible spring suspension system as optional;
[0019] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of a replaceable heel system also illustrating use of a
compressible spring suspension system as optional;
[0020] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of one of the replaceable
heels of the replaceable heel system shown in FIG. 1B in greater
detail;
[0021] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a human foot with an
orthotic positioned below the human foot;
[0022] FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the assembled components of
the replaceable heel system shown in FIG. 1A illustrating use of a
compressible spring suspension system as optional;
[0023] FIG. 1F is side cross-sectional view of the assembled
components of the replaceable heel system shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C
illustrating use of a compressible spring suspension system as
optional;
[0024] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of a replaceable heel system illustrating use of a
compressible spring suspension system as optional;
[0025] FIG. 2B is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the
replaceable heel system illustrated in FIG. 2A illustrating use of
a compressible spring suspension system as optional;
[0026] FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of another embodiment of
a replaceable heel system; and
[0027] FIG. 3B is an exploded side perspective view of the
replaceable heel system illustrated in FIG. 3A.
[0028] In the detailed description to follow, to the extent that
the numerical designations in the drawing figures include lower
case letters such as "a,b" such designations include multiple
references, and the letter "n" in lower case such as "a-n" is
intended to express a number of repetitions of the element
designated by that numerical reference and subscripts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Definitions
[0029] As used in this document, the term "footwear" means, in
general, a durable covering made for covering the human foot, to
include at least shoes, athletic shoes, boots, chopines, and
platforms.
[0030] The term "compressible spring suspension system" means at
least the apparatus that includes the coil spring as shown and
claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,079 issued on Jul. 25, 1995 to
Gallegos, and in U.S. Design Pat. No. 434,548 issued Dec. 5, 2000
to Gallegos, and may include one or more leaf springs.
[0031] The term "replaceable," as in the term "replaceable heel,"
means to substitute one heel for another, indicating that each such
replaceable heel is demountably attachable to, and detachable from,
footwear, allowing a user to change at least one replaceable heel
for another replaceable heel.
[0032] Because the unmodified term "heel" may have at least two
different meanings, as used in this document the term "replaceable
heel," means a structure removably attachable to footwear adjacent
the back of a shoe or sole of footwear, whereas the term "human
heel" as used in this document means the part of a human foot below
the ankle and behind the arch.
[0033] The terms "integral" and "integrally formed" as used in this
document means a method of manufacture and assembly that includes
"monolithic" and "unitary," and is intended to be broad enough to
not be limited to "one piece," but sufficiently broad enough to
embrace construction of the unit by means of, for example, uniting
laminations or pieces of material by any means for fastening,
including, but not limited to, interconnecting the component pieces
by welding and/or connectors such as rivets or screws. The term
"integral," therefore, is intended to be broad enough to include
any means of manufacture that maintains parts in a fixed
relationship as a single unit, whether or not originally formed as
a single unit, so as to work together as a single complete piece or
unit, and be incapable of being easily dismantled without affecting
the integrity of the piece or unit.
[0034] The term "upper" means the top most part of footwear such as
a shoe and, depending on type and style, may include components
such as the toe cap, vamp, tongue, quarters, and back. The term
"vamp" means the front of the footwear normally covering the tops
of the toes and foot. The term "quarters" generally describes the
sides of an upper joining onto the vamp at the front, and meeting
each other at the back of the heel.
Description
[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-3B, a replaceable heel system is
provided that in its broadest context includes a plurality of
replaceable heels and/or heel bodies. Means are provided to attach
the plurality of replaceable heels to footwear that is adapted to
demountably hold the plurality of heel bodies. In at least one
embodiment, the plurality of heel bodies is connectable to an
orthotic plate removably insertable in the footwear for
distributing forces longitudinally and laterally during use of the
footwear. In at least one other embodiment, a compressible spring
suspension system is provided that is positionable in the plurality
of replaceable heels to relieve impact pain during use of the
footwear. However, use of a compressible spring suspension system
in connection with the replaceable heel system is not a limitation
of the replaceable heel system, as illustrated and claimed in this
document.
[0036] More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated by
cross-reference between FIGS. 1A-1F, a replaceable heel system 10
is illustrated that includes an integral contoured rigid orthotic
plate 12. The integral contoured rigid orthotic plate 12 extends
from a region adjacent to a plurality of human toes 14 to a region
adjacent to a human heel 16 as perhaps best shown in by
cross-reference between FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1D. The integral
contoured rigid orthotic plate 12 preferably is made from material
selected from the group of materials consisting of one or more
resins, plastic, metal, rigid rubber, metal alloys, and/or
vinyl.
[0037] As also shown by cross reference between FIGS. 1A-1F, the
integral contoured rigid orthotic plate 12 is insertable in at
least an upper 18 of footwear 20, as shown in FIG. 1F. The integral
contoured rigid orthotic plate 12 is formed with a leading end 22,
a trailing end 24, a top surface 26, and a lower surface 28, as
illustrated by cross-reference between FIGS. 1A-1F. As indicated,
the orthotic plate 12 is rigid. Rigidity of the integral contoured
rigid orthotic plate contributes to independently supporting each
foot of a user during use, which has been proven to help reduce or
eliminate pain experienced by those who wear footwear constructed
of conventional materials and manufactured in conventional ways.
Except as improved by the Prior Patents and Applications identified
in this document, conventional footwear is composed of soft,
resilient materials that create the illusion of comfort, but fail
to address pain relief afforded by the footwear disclosed,
illustrated and claimed in the Prior Patents and Applications, and
in this document.
[0038] As also shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 1A-1F, a
substantially inelastic housing 30 is included. The substantially
inelastic housing 30a,b is integrally formed and mounted on the
lower surface 28 of the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate 12.
The substantially inelastic housing 30 is positioned adjacent the
trailing end 24 of the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate 12.
The substantially inelastic housing 30a,b is formed and designed to
be removably engageable with a replaceable heel 32a-n.
[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the substantially
inelastic housing 30 includes a plurality of grooves 34. As shown,
plurality of the grooves 34 is provided to achieve at least the
following mechanical advantages: the plurality of grooves 34 in the
exterior surface 36 of the housing 30a is adapted to reduce the
weight of the footwear 20, to provide for slidable engagement of
the substantially inelastic housing 30a with the plurality of
substantially inelastic replaceable heels 32a-n, while maintaining
rigidity of support between the substantially inelastic housing 30a
and the substantially inelastic replaceable heels 32a-n. The
substantially inelastic housing 30a also includes a bore 38. In an
embodiment in which a compressible spring 40 is desired, bore 38 is
provided to receive at least one end of a compressible spring 40.
As indicated by broken lines for illustrating compressible spring
40, however, use of a compressible spring in connection with the
replaceable heel system 10 is not a limitation of the replaceable
heel system 10, as illustrated and claimed in this document.
[0040] In addition, in the embodiments shown by cross-reference
between FIGS. 1A, 1C, 1E, and 1F, the replaceable heel system 10
includes a lock-and-release device 42. The lock-and-release device
42 is mounted on the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate 12.
The lock-and-release device 42 is included to provide for removable
attachment of the plurality of the replaceable heels 32a-n to the
substantially inelastic housing 30. More specifically, the
lock-and-release device 42 includes at least one aperture 44 formed
in the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate 12.
[0041] In one embodiment, the lock-and-release device 42 includes
an opening 46 formed in the plurality of substantially inelastic
replaceable heels 32a-n. The shape and configuration of opening 46
is not a material feature of replaceable heel system 10. The
lock-and-release device 42 further comprises a lever 48. The lever
48 includes a lip 50. The lever 48 flexibly extends from the
aperture 44 formed in the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate
12. The lever 48, in combination with the lip 50, is adapted to
retractably engage the opening 46 formed in the substantially
inelastic replaceable heels 32a-n for removably attaching the
plurality of replaceable heels 32a-n on footwear 20.
[0042] In another embodiment, shown perhaps best by cross-reference
between FIGS. 1A-1B, the lever 48 and lip 50 of the
lock-and-release device 42 are mountable on the substantially
inelastic housing 30 to engage the opening 46 formed in the
plurality of replaceable heels 32a-n to repositionably attach a
replaceable heel 32a-n on footwear 20.
[0043] A compressible plunger 52 also is provided as illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-1B. The compressible plunger 52 is insertable in the
plurality of replaceable heels 32a-n, and in combination with
compressible spring 40, provides resilient support during use of
the footwear 20. The compressible plunger 52 is formed with a neck
54 adapted to engage one end of the compressible spring 40. In
addition, an orifice 56 is provided. Orifice 56 is provided in
replacable heels 32a-n. The orifice 56 is adapted to slidably
extend and retract a portion of the compressible plunger 52 as
shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1F. As indicated by broken lines for
illustrating compressible spring 40, as well for orifice 56,
however, use of a compressible spring in connection with the
replaceable heel system 10 is not a limitation of the replaceable
heel system 10, as illustrated and claimed in this document.
[0044] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1F, a resilient pad 58 is
included. The resilient pad 58 is replaceably mountable on the top
surface 26 of the integral contoured rigid orthotic plate 12. The
resilient pad 58 provides cushion to a user's foot 60 during use of
the footwear 20. The resilient pad 58 may be made of a variety of
materials, especially foamed materials which have elastic or
rebounding properties, such as materials comprised of silicon,
neoprene, natural rubber foams, synthetic rubber foams and
polyurethane, polyether and polyester foams, neoprene, Vinyl
Nitrile, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Polyethylene (PE), ethel
vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene propylene terpolymer (EPT),
EPT/PE/Butyl Rubber, Neoprene/EPT/SBR, epichlorohydrin (ECH), and
nitrile (NBR) or a combination thereof or other cushioning
materials known or used by one skilled in the art. The density and
cell characteristics of the padding of the foam material are
believed to be not material features in terms of providing the
appropriate cushioning and rebound characteristics for cushioning,
and may vary depending upon the type of activity of footwear in
question.
[0045] The resilient pad 58 may have low to medium density to
enhance deformability of the resilient pad 58. A low-density
padding comprises material within the range of about 0.08
g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.50 g/cm.sup.3 An even more preferred range of
densities for padding is material between about 0.1 g/cm.sup.3 to
0.30 g/cm.sup.3.
[0046] The resilient pad 58 also may be constructed of a
closed-cell foam material, having a density in the range of about
0.08 g/cm.sup.3 to 0.50 g/cm.sup.3, or of other suitable densities
known to one skilled in the art. Alternatively, open-cell foam
material, having a density in the range of about 0.08 g/cm.sup.3 to
0.40 g/cm.sup.3 may be used, or of other suitable densities known
to one skilled in the art.
[0047] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B illustrates one
of a plurality of replaceable heels 102. The footwear 100 with a
plurality of replaceable heels 102 includes a contoured rigid
orthotic plate 104 integrally formed with a housing 106 adapted for
insertion into the footwear 100. In addition, a resilient pad 108
is replaceably mountable on the contoured rigid orthotic plate 104
to cushion a foot 60 during use of the footwear 100.
[0048] A substantially inelastic housing 110 is included.
Substantially inelastic housing 110 is defined by the distance
D.sup.1 in FIG. 2A. The substantially inelastic housing 110
includes a plate 112 adapted to receive one end of a compressible
spring 114. The housing 106 is attachable to the contoured rigid
orthotic plate 104 to removably hold one of a plurality of
replaceable heels 102. In addition, at least one compressible
spring 114 is provided. The at least one compressible spring 114 is
removable positionable in the housing 106 and in the plurality of
replaceable heels 102. As indicated by broken lines for
illustrating compressible spring 114, however, use of a
compressible spring 114 in connection with the replaceable heel
system 10 is not a limitation of the replaceable heel system 10, as
illustrated and claimed in this document. A cavity 116 formed to
receive the other end of the at least one compressible spring 114
is formed in the plurality of replaceable heels 102.
[0049] In the embodiment shown by cross-reference between FIGS.
2A-2B, opposing pressure-connectable and detachable members 118a,b
are provided. The opposing pressure connectable and detachable
members 118a,b are mounted on a plurality of replaceable heels 102
and on housing 106 to demountably connect the plurality of
replaceable heels 102 to footwear 100. The opposing
pressure-connectable and detachable members 118 A,B are made from
material selected from the group of materials consisting of
hook-and-loop type fasteners such as Velcro.RTM..
[0050] Another embodiment of a replaceable heel system is
illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B. As shown, a system for interchangeably
replacing heels 200 on footwear 202 is shown. As shown, the system
for interchangeably replacing heels 200 on footwear 202 includes a
plurality of heel bodies 204. The one of a plurality of heel bodies
204 shown may be made of any material.
[0051] At least one flared plug 206 is provided. The at least one
flared plug 206 is formed with an edge 208. As shown, the flared
plug 206 is mountable in a duct 210 formed in the plurality of heel
bodies 204 of the footwear 202. Material used to manufacture the at
least one flared plug 206 is not a material consideration in the
disclosure of this document, but preferably is formed from a
plastic or resin material.
[0052] In addition, a substantially hollow receptacle 210 is
included. The substantially hollow receptacle 210 is formed in the
plurality of heel bodies 204 of the footwear 202. The substantially
hollow receptacle 210 is formed with an inner surface 212. The
inner surface 212 is dimensioned for slidable engagement with the
flared plug 206 and compressible engagement with edge 208.
[0053] A plurality of peripherally mounted protrusions 214 is
included. The plurality of peripherally mounted protrusions 214 is
formed on the inner surface 212 of the hollow receptacle 210, and
extends toward the longitudinal axis of the substantially hollow
receptacle 210. Each of the peripherally mounted protrusions 214 is
provided to perform the mechanical advantage of removably
connecting the flared plug 206 and the substantially hollow
receptacle 210. More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B,
in operation the at least one flared plug 206 is removably
connectable to the substantially hollow receptacle 210 by
application of pressure by the user of the footwear by applying
hand pressure on the replaceable heel bodies 204 so as to direct
the substantially hollow receptacle 210 against the flared plug
206.
[0054] Claim elements and steps in this document have been numbered
solely as an aid in understanding the description. The numbering is
not intended to, and should not be considered as intending to,
indicate the ordering of elements and steps in the claims. In
addition, the replaceable heel systems shown in drawing FIGS. 1A
through 3B shows at least one embodiment that is not intended to be
exclusive, but merely illustrative of the disclosed
embodiments.
[0055] Means-plus-function clauses in the claims are intended to
cover the structures described as performing the recited function
that include not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent
structures. Thus, although a nail and screw may not be structural
equivalents, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.
* * * * *