U.S. patent application number 12/018358 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-09 for replaceable heel system.
Invention is credited to Alvaro Z. Gallegos.
Application Number | 20080244931 12/018358 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39825683 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080244931 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gallegos; Alvaro Z. |
October 9, 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. A rigid orthotic plate that is
positionably insertable in the footwear for distributing forces
longitudinally and laterally during use of the footwear. In one
aspect, 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 aspect 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: |
39825683 |
Appl. No.: |
12/018358 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11697735 |
Apr 8, 2007 |
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12018358 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/100 ;
36/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 1/0081 20130101;
A43B 21/42 20130101; A43B 21/30 20130101; A43B 13/37 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/100 ;
36/42 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/24 20060101
A43B003/24; A43B 21/36 20060101 A43B021/36 |
Claims
1. A replaceable heel system for footwear, comprising: a rigid
contoured orthotic plate adapted to support a foot by distributing
variable forces associated with weight and walking both
longitudinally and laterally during wearing of the footwear; means
for disposing the rigid contoured orthotic plate in the footwear; a
plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heel
bodies not installed on the footwear or on the rigid contoured
orthotic plate as substantially permanent integral components; and
means for interchangeably mounting to and demounting from the
footwear the plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally
different heel bodies.
2. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 1,
further comprising a resilient pad replaceably mountable on the top
surface of the rigid contoured orthotic plate adapted to cushion a
foot during use of the footwear.
3. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 1,
wherein the plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally
different heel bodies and the rigid contoured orthotic plate 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.
4. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 1,
wherein the means for interchangeably mounting to and demounting
from the footwear the plurality of substantially inelastic
dimensionally different heel bodies requires no tool.
5. A replaceable heel system for footwear as recited in claim 1,
wherein the means for interchangeably mounting to and demounting
from the footwear the plurality of substantially inelastic
dimensionally different heel bodies further comprises one or more
dimensionally different compressible coiled springs that compress
on application of pressure during use but regain original shape as
forces and pressures vary during use to relieve pain to the user
during wearing of the footwear.
6. Footwear having a plurality of replaceable heels, comprising: a
rigid orthotic plate adapted to support a foot during use of the
footwear; a substantially inelastic housing integrally formed on
the lower surface of the rigid orthotic plate adjacent the trailing
end of the rigid orthotic plate; a plurality of substantially
inelastic dimensionally different heels formed with a chamber for
removably holding at least one compressible spring adapted to
relieve pain during use of the footwear; a plurality of
dimensionally different compressible springs interchangeably
insertable into the chamber of the plurality of substantially
inelastic dimensionally different heels; a lock-and-release device
formed in the substantially inelastic housing formed with a
flexible lever that protrudes through a first opening in the
plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels
adapted to lock the plurality of substantially inelastic
dimensionally different heels on the substantially inelastic
housing and to release the plurality of substantially inelastic
dimensionally different heels from the substantially inelastic
housing; a compressible plunger insertable through an orifice of
the plurality of substantially inelastic replaceable heels adapted
to provide resilient support during use of the footwear; and a
resilient pad mountable on the top surface of the rigid orthotic
plate adapted to cushion a foot during use of the footwear.
7. Footwear having a plurality of replaceable heels as recited in
claim 6, wherein the substantially inelastic housing further
comprises a bore adapted to receive one end of the plurality of
dimensionally different compressible springs.
8. Footwear having a plurality of replaceable heels as recited in
claim 7, wherein the compressible plunger is formed with a neck
adapted to engage at least one other end of the plurality of
dimensionally different compressible springs.
9. Footwear having a plurality of replaceable heels as recited in
claim 8, wherein the substantially inelastic housing further
comprises grooves in the outer surface of the substantially
inelastic housing adapted to reduce the weight of the footwear, to
provide for slidable engagement between the substantially inelastic
housing and the plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally
different replaceable heels, and to maintain rigidity of support
between the substantially inelastic housing and the substantially
inelastic dimensionally different replaceable heels.
10. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear,
comprising: a rigid orthotic plate adapted to support a foot during
use of the footwear; a substantially inelastic housing integrally
formed on the lower surface of the rigid orthotic plate positioned
substantially beneath a human heel during use of the footwear; a
plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels
formed with a chamber for removably holding at least one
compressible spring adapted to relieve pain during use of the
footwear; a plurality of dimensionally different compressible
springs interchangeably insertable into the chamber of the
plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels;
a lock-and-release device formed in and extending from the rigid
orthotic plate that is shaped and dimensioned to lock the plurality
of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels on the
substantially inelastic housing and to release the plurality of
substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels from the
substantially inelastic housing, wherein the lock-and-release
device further comprises a flexible lever formed with a lip that
extends through a second opening formed in the plurality of
substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels, the flexible
lever being operable by a user of the footwear to lock and release
the plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different
heels to and from the footwear; and a compressible plunger
insertable through an orifice of the plurality of substantially
inelastic dimensionally different replaceable heels adapted to
provide resilient support during use of the footwear.
11. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear as
recited in claim 10, wherein the lock-and-release device includes
an aperture formed in the integral contoured rigid orthotic
plate.
12. A system for interchangeably replacing heels on footwear as
recited in claim 10, further comprising a resilient pad mountable
on the top surface of the rigid orthotic plate adapted to cushion a
foot during use of the footwear.
13. Replaceable heels for footwear, comprising: a contoured rigid
orthotic plate adapted for insertion into the footwear; a
substantially inelastic housing attachable to the footwear adapted
to demountably hold a replaceable heel; and opposing pressure
connectable and detachable dimensionally different members mounted
on the plurality of replaceable heels and on the substantially
inelastic housing adapted to demountably connect to, and disconnect
from, the plurality of replaceable heels and the footwear.
14. Replaceable heels for footwear as recited in claim 13, further
comprising a resilient pad replaceably mountable on the contoured
rigid orthotic plate adapted to cushion a foot during use of the
footwear.
15. Replaceable heels for footwear as recited in claim 14, wherein
the substantially inelastic housing further comprises a hollow
passage adapted to dispose one end of a compressible spring.
16. Replaceable heels for footwear as recited in claim 15, wherein
the replaceable heels further comprise a cavity adapted to receive
the other end of the compressible spring.
17. Replaceable heels for footwear as recited in claim 16, 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..
18. Interchangeable heels for footwear, comprising: a plurality of
dimensionally different heel bodies; at least one flared plug
formed with an edge, said plug mountable on the footwear; a
substantially hollow receptacle formed in the plurality of
dimensionally different heel bodies having an inner surface
dimensioned for slidable engagement by the flared plug; and at
least one peripherally mounted protrusion extending from the inner
surface of the substantially hollow receptacle toward the
longitudinal axis of the substantially hollow receptacle adapted to
removably engage the edge formed on the flared plug and connect the
at least one flared plug and the substantially hollow receptacle of
the plurality of dimensionally different heel bodies.
19. Interchangeable heels for footwear as recited in claim 18,
wherein the at least one flared plug is connectable to the
substantially hollow receptacle by application of pressure.
20. Interchangeable heels for footwear as recited in claim 18,
wherein the at least one flared plug is removable from the
substantially hollow receptacle by exerting force to pull the
interchangeable heels from the footwear.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part from a co-pending
application Ser. No. 11/697,735 filed Apr. 8, 2007 entitled
REPLACEABLE HEEL SYSTEM, 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 methods disclosed and claimed in this
document pertain generally to footwear. More particularly, the new
and useful replaceable heel systems 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. Inventions related to footwear as a
product of continuous research has progressed at an incredible
pace.
[0004] For a long 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 also has become as
important as function.
[0005] Studies show, however, that over 90 percent of people have
different sized feet. Continual frustration has arisen due to 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 the footwear that is 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,
mounted on a rigid orthotic plate, with or without 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 a 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 best supported,
therefore, by a combination of a rigid orthotic plate and
associated cushioning. The result is an orthotic plate that
distributes weight of the user both longitudinally and laterally
that provides cushioning for a foot. Alternative currently
available orthotic inserts are malleable, soft, and consequently
offer little or no support.
SUMMARY
[0011] The replaceable heel system includes a plurality of
substantially inelastic dimensionally different heel bodies. The
dimensionally different heel bodies are demountably connectable to
the footwear. Means are provided to attach and detach the plurality
of heel bodies to footwear that is adapted to hold the plurality of
heel bodies. A substantially rigid orthotic plate is removably
insertable in or disposable on the footwear for distributing forces
longitudinally and laterally during use of the footwear. A
resilient pad is provided. The resilient pad is mountable on the
top surface of the rigid orthotic plate adapted to cushion a foot
during use of the footwear.
[0012] In addition, in at least one aspect of the replaceable heel
system, a plurality of dimensionally different compressible springs
is provided that is positioned in the plurality of heel bodies and
footwear to relieve pain to the user during use of the footwear. In
all aspects of the replaceable heel system, the means for
interchangeably mounting to and demounting from the footwear the
plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heel
bodies does not require a separate tool by the user.
[0013] In another aspect of the replaceable heel system, the rigid
orthotic plate is contoured to accommodate the shape of a user's
foot. A lock-and-release device is provided to lock the plurality
of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels on a
substantially inelastic housing and to release the plurality of
substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels from the
substantially inelastic housing. The lock-and-release device is
formed in the substantially inelastic housing. It includes a lever
that protrudes through a first opening in the plurality of
substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels to allow a
user to lock the plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally
different heels on the substantially inelastic housing and to
release the plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally
different heels from the substantially inelastic housing. In
addition, a compressible plunger is provided. The compressible
plunger is inserted through an orifice formed in the plurality of
replaceable heels to provide resilient support during use of the
footwear.
[0014] In still another aspect of the replaceable heel system, the
lock-and-release device is formed not in a replaceable heel, but in
the rigid orthotic plate that is shaped and dimensioned to lock the
plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels
on the substantially inelastic housing and to release the plurality
of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels from the
substantially inelastic housing. The lock-and-release device also
includes a flexible lever formed with a lip. The lip of the
flexible lever extends through a second opening formed in the
plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels.
It is operable by the user of the footwear to lock and release the
plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels
from the footwear.
[0015] In yet another aspect of the replaceable heel system,
opposing pressure connectable and detachable dimensionally
different members are provided. The members are mounted on the
plurality of replaceable heels and on a substantially inelastic
housing adapted to demountably connect to, and disconnect from, the
plurality of replaceable heels and the footwear. The substantially
inelastic housing further comprises a hollow passage adapted to
dispose one end of a compressible spring. The replaceable heels
further comprise a cavity adapted to receive the other end of the
compressible spring. 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..
[0016] In another aspect of the replaceable heel system, at least
one flared plug is provided. The flared plug is formed with an
edge. The plug is mountable on the footwear. In addition, a hollow
receptacle is formed in the plurality of heels. The hollow
receptacle has an inner surface dimensioned for slidable engagement
by the flared plug. In addition, at least one peripherally mounted
protrusion extends from the inner surface of the substantially
hollow 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 to grasp on
contact the peripherally mounted protrusion so as to connect the
heel body to the footwear.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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
[0022] FIG. 1A of the drawing is an exploded perspective view of
one aspect of a replaceable heel system illustrating use of a
compressible spring suspension system as optional;
[0023] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of another aspect of
a replaceable heel system also illustrating use of a compressible
spring suspension system;
[0024] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of one of the replaceable
heels of the replaceable heel system shown in FIG. 1B in greater
detail;
[0025] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a human foot with a solid
orthotic positioned below the human foot, and showing in phantom an
alternative aperture as illustrated in FIG. 1B;
[0026] 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;
[0027] 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;
[0028] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of another aspect of
a replaceable heel system illustrating use of a compressible spring
suspension system as optional;
[0029] FIG. 2B is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the
replaceable heel system illustrated in FIG. 2A;
[0030] FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of another aspect of a
replaceable heel system; and
[0031] FIG. 3B is an exploded side perspective view of the
replaceable heel system illustrated in FIG. 3A.
[0032] 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
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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
[0039] 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. The replaceable heel system
includes a plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally
different heel bodies. The dimensionally different heel bodies are
demountably connectable to the footwear. Means are provided to
attach and detach the plurality of heel bodies to footwear that is
adapted to hold the plurality of heel bodies. A substantially rigid
orthotic plate is removably insertable in or disposable on the
footwear for distributing forces longitudinally and laterally
during use of the footwear. A resilient pad is provided. The
resilient pad is mountable on the top surface of the rigid orthotic
plate adapted to cushion a foot during use of the footwear.
[0040] In addition, in at least one aspect of the replaceable heel
system, a plurality of dimensionally different compressible springs
is provided that is positioned in the plurality of heel bodies and
footwear to relieve pain to the user during use of the footwear. In
all aspects of the replaceable heel system, the means for
interchangeably mounting to and demounting from the footwear the
plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heel
bodies does not require a separate tool by the user.
[0041] In another aspect of the replaceable heel system, the rigid
orthotic plate is contoured to accommodate the shape of a user's
foot. A lock-and-release device is provided to lock the plurality
of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels on a
substantially inelastic housing and to release the plurality of
substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels from the
substantially inelastic housing. The lock-and-release device is
formed in the substantially inelastic housing. It includes a lever
that protrudes through a first opening in the plurality of
substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels to allow a
user to lock the plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally
different heels on the substantially inelastic housing and to
release the plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally
different heels from the substantially inelastic housing. In
addition, a compressible plunger is provided. The compressible
plunger is inserted through an orifice formed in the plurality of
replaceable heels to provide resilient support during use of the
footwear.
[0042] In yet another aspect of the replaceable heel system, the
lock-and-release device is formed not in a replaceable heel, but in
the rigid orthotic plate that is shaped and dimensioned to lock the
plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels
on the substantially inelastic housing and to release the plurality
of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels from the
substantially inelastic housing. The lock-and-release device also
includes a flexible lever formed with a lip. The lip of the
flexible lever extends through a second opening formed in the
plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels.
It is operable by the user of the footwear to lock and release the
plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels
from the footwear.
[0043] In another aspect of the replaceable heel system, opposing
pressure connectable and detachable dimensionally different members
are provided. The members are mounted on the plurality of
replaceable heels and on a substantially inelastic housing adapted
to demountably connect to, and disconnect from, the plurality of
replaceable heels and the footwear. The substantially inelastic
housing further comprises a hollow passage adapted to dispose one
end of a compressible spring. The replaceable heels further
comprise a cavity adapted to receive the other end of the
compressible spring. 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..
[0044] In another aspect of the replaceable heel system, at least
one flared plug is provided. The flared plug is formed with an
edge. The plug is mountable on the footwear. In addition, a hollow
receptacle is formed in the plurality of heels. The hollow
receptacle has an inner surface dimensioned for slidable engagement
by the flared plug. In addition, at least one peripherally mounted
protrusion extends from the inner surface of the substantially
hollow 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 to grasp on
contact the peripherally mounted protrusion so as to connect the
heel body to the footwear.
[0045] More specifically, in the aspect illustrated by
cross-reference between FIGS. 1A-1F, a replaceable heel system 10
is illustrated that includes a contoured rigid orthotic plate 12.
As shown, the contoured rigid orthotic is an integral contoured
rigid orthotic. 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 FIG.
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.
[0046] 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 by cross-reference
between FIGS. 1A-1B. The contoured rigid orthotic is illustrated in
another aspect in FIG. 1F. The 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, 1B-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 without a rigid orthotic. 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.
[0047] As also shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 1A-1C and
1E-1F, a substantially inelastic housing 30 is included. In one
aspect, 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 30a is positioned adjacent the trailing end 24 of the
integral contoured rigid orthotic plate 12. In another aspect, the
substantially inelastic housing 30b as illustrated in FIG. 1B is
located substantially beneath a human heel 16. The substantially
inelastic housing 30a,b is formed and designed to be removably
engageable with a replaceable heel 32a-n.
[0048] In the aspect shown in FIG. 1A, the substantially inelastic
housing 30a includes a plurality of grooves 34. As shown, the
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 the
aspect illustrated in FIG. 1A, bore 38 is adapted for insertion of
one of a plurality of dimensionally different compressible springs
40. As indicated by broken lines for illustrating compressible
spring 40, use of a compressible spring 40 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, as the
substantially inelastic replaceable heels 32a-n may be attached to
housing 30a-n without deployment of a plurality of dimensionally
different compressible springs 40.
[0049] In addition, as illustrated by cross-reference between FIGS.
1A, 1B, and 1E-1F, the replaceable heel system 10 includes a
lock-and-release device 42. 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.
[0050] In one aspect of the replaceable heel system 10, as
illustrated in FIG. 1A, the lock-and-release device 42 is provided
to lock the plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally
different heels 32a-n on a substantially inelastic housing 30a, and
to release the plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally
different heels 32a-n from the substantially inelastic housing 30a.
The lock-and-release device 42 is formed in the substantially
inelastic housing 30a. It includes a flexible lever 48 and lip 50
that protrudes through a first opening 46 in the plurality of
substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels 32a-n to
allow a user to lock the plurality of substantially inelastic
dimensionally different heels 32a-n on the substantially inelastic
housing 30a, and to release the plurality of substantially
inelastic dimensionally different heels 32a-n from the
substantially inelastic housing 30a by applying pressure on the lip
50 which displaces the flexible lever 48 away from aperture 44 in
the direction of the trailing end 24 of the contoured rigid
orthotic plate 12, allowing the plurality of substantially
inelastic dimensionally different heels 32a-n to be locked on or
release from the substantially inelastic housing 30a. In addition,
a compressible plunger 52 is provided. The compressible plunger 52
is inserted through an orifice 56 formed in the plurality of
substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels 32a-n to
provide additional resilient support during use of the footwear
20a.
[0051] In another aspect of the replaceable heel system 10, as
illustrated in FIG. 1B-1C, the lock-and-release device 42b is
formed not in one of the plurality of substantially inelastic
dimensionally different heels 32b, but in the contoured rigid
orthotic plate 12. The lock-and-release device 42b is shaped and
dimensioned to lock the plurality of substantially inelastic
dimensionally different heels 32b-n on the substantially inelastic
housing 30b and to release the plurality of substantially inelastic
dimensionally different heels 32b-n from the substantially
inelastic housing 30b. The lock-and-release device 42b includes a
flexible lever 48' formed with a lip 50'. The lip 50' of the
flexible lever 48' extends through a second opening 46c-d formed in
the plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally different
heels 32b-n. Flexible lever 48' formed with a lip 50' is operable
by the user of the footwear 20 to lock and release the plurality of
substantially inelastic dimensionally different heels 32b-n from
the footwear 20 by applying pressure on the lip 50' which displaces
the flexible lever 48' away from aperture 46c-d in the direction of
the trailing end 24 of the contoured rigid orthotic plate 12,
allowing the plurality of substantially inelastic dimensionally
different heels 32b-n to be locked on or release from the
substantially inelastic housing 30b. In addition, a compressible
plunger 52 is provided. The compressible plunger 52' is inserted
through an orifice 56a'-b' formed in the plurality of substantially
inelastic dimensionally different heels 32a-n to provide additional
resilient support during use of the footwear 20b.
[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, the compressible plunger 52
is formed with a neck 54 adapted to engage one end of the
compressible spring 40. 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.
[0053] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and 1F, a resilient pad
58a-c is included. The resilient pad 58a-c is replaceably mountable
on the top surface 26 of the rigid orthotic plate 12a-c. The
resilient pad 58a-c provides cushion to a user's foot 60 during use
of the footwear 20. The resilient pad 58a-c may be made of a
variety of materials, including foamed materials that 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.
[0054] The resilient pad 58a-c 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.
[0055] The resilient pad 58a-c 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.
[0056] In another aspect, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B and ID,
footwear 100 with a plurality of replaceable heels 102a-n includes
a contoured rigid orthotic plate 104 integrally formed with a
housing 106. 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.
[0057] Substantially inelastic housing 106 is defined by the
distance D.sup.1 in FIG. 2A. The substantially inelastic housing
106 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. The at least one compressible
spring 114 is removably positionable in the housing 106 and in the
plurality of replaceable heels 102a-n. 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 this aspect of the replaceable
heel system 10 as illustrated and claimed in this document. A
cavity 116 is formed in replaceable heels 102a-n to receive the
other end of the at least one compressible spring 114.
[0058] In the aspect 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 118a,b are made from material selected from the
group of materials consisting of hook-and-loop type fasteners such
as Velcro.RTM..
[0059] Another aspect 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 plurality of heel bodies 204 may
be made of any material.
[0060] 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 substantially hollow receptacle 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. 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
* * * * *