Transformable Shoe Having A Sole That Allows Different Height Heels To Be Detached And Attached Easily

Abstract

A shoe assembly includes a front sole section, a rear sole section, a heel, and a hinge. The front sole section has a front sole section rear edge. The rear sole section includes a rear sole section front edge, a shank, and a release button. The heel may be removably attached to the shank and may be released from a locked position by the release button. The hinge connects the front sole section and the rear sole section. The hinge is perpendicular to a rear sole section axis.

Description

[0001] This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/064,580, filed Oct. 28, 2013, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/583,386, filed Aug. 20, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/200,923, filed on Dec. 5, 2008, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/719,134, filed Oct. 26, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/791,611, filed Mar. 15, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to shoes generally and, more particularly, to a transformable shoe having a sole that allows different height heels to be detached and/or attached easily.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Shoes as conventionally manufactured cannot transform into shoes with varying heel heights or no heel at all. The reason for this problem is the current manufacturing process. Currently high heels are permanently attached to the sole of the shoe. The heels cannot be removed unless they are broken away from the sole. A shoe with a broken high heel is unwearable for any walking distance.

[0004] Conversely shoes without heels or flat style shoes cannot be transformed into high heel or any other heel height. Currently the manufacturing process does not allow for shoes to be transformed into any style shoe other then what they are. The walking motion of high heel shoes is different than the walking motion of flat style shoes. The walking motion of high heel shoes involves putting more weight on the ball of the foot and toes. The toe portion of the shoe comes in contact with the floor surface at the same time as the heel. The downward pressure of the person's weight is thrust down on the ball and toes of the foot.

[0005] High heel shoes can only be worn for a limited time due to this said downward pressure on the ball and toes of the foot. A person can only wear high heel shoes for only so many hours. After a time, discomfort sets in. The downward pressure on the ball and toes of the foot cause this discomfort. The person either has to stop walking or take off the high heel shoes. After the person cannot wear the high heel shoes, they have either the choice of changing shoes or removing them and going barefoot.

[0006] Also, it is difficult for a person to wear high heel shoes on a bus, or a train, walking across a parking lot, getting in and out of a car, up and down staircases, on a slippery floor, outdoors in the rain or snow, etc. The surface area that comes in contact with the floor or ground of a high heel shoe is very small. The high heel surface area combined with the toe area of the shoe is very small as compared with that of a flat style shoe. Also when walking the downward pressure of the weight on the high heel can be very unstable on a slippery, wet, icy, uneven, or hilly surface. Wearing high heels on any of these surfaces can be very difficult or even dangerous.

[0007] A high heel is used by people for certain occasions, and a flat style shoe is used for other occasions. When a person goes out to a formal affair, they will need to wear high heel shoes. Formal affairs include weddings, concerts, dates, etc. The formal occasions usually include dancing. Women love to dance in high heels. Then, later that night their feet hurt and they cannot continue to wear the high heel shoes. The high heel shoes are taken off because of the discomfort. At the end of a night of dancing you see a lot of women walking around barefoot. The problem being a person has to carry two sets of shoes or walk around barefoot carrying the shoes.

[0008] Flat style shoes are worn on other occasions. These other occasions usually involve a lot of walking or time spent on ones feet. These other occasions can include work, school, shopping, strolling, etc. The walking motion in a flat style shoe involves making an initial contact of the walking surface with the heel. The heel hits the floor or ground first. The weight is then transferred to the toe portion of the shoe as each step is taken. This is a more natural motion of walking than that of a high heel shoe.

[0009] Arch support is required in the normal walking motion within the shoe. This occurs in a normal foot between the ball of the foot and the end of the heel area. There is an arch in a foot that must be supported. In conventional shoe design there is a raised arch in the sole of the shoe to support this natural arch in the foot. A high heel must absorb the downward weight of the person. When standing or walking in high heels the person's weight is concentrated on the central part of the heel and the ball of the foot.

[0010] High heel shoes can be worn for only a limited amount of time, but are required at certain occasions. Flat style shoes can be worn for a much longer period of time and are worn for other occasions. The problem with conventional shoes is that a person needs two pairs of shoes and this is not always the case. An example of this situation is a person is at work wearing their flat style shoes and receives an invitation to go to a formal affair that requires high heel shoes. The person needs to go home or shopping to obtain a pair of high heel shoes.

[0011] It would be desirable to have a transformable shoe having a sole that allows different height heels to be detached and/or attached easily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention concerns a shoe assembly including a front sole section, a rear sole section, a heel, and a hinge. The front sole section has a front sole section rear edge. The rear sole section includes a rear sole section front edge, a shank, and a release button. The heel may be removably attached to the shank and may be released from a locked position by the release button. The hinge connects the front sole section and the rear sole section. The hinge is perpendicular to a rear sole section axis.

[0013] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention include providing a transformable shoe having a sole that allows different height heels to be detached or attached easily that may (i) include a shank configured to interlock with a heel being attached, (ii) form a truss with a support rod securing a heel that has been attached, (iii) change angle to orient to different height heels, (iv) provide a quick release mechanism that facilitates heel changes, (v) be implemented as a customizable shoe kit, and/or (vi) provide a wearer with a shoe that can change heel height.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims and drawings in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the sole with the high heel attached;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the sole with the high heel attached;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the sole with the high heel attached;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the sole with the high heel detached;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the sole with the flat heel detached;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the sole with the flat heel attached;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the sole with the flat heel attached rotated to a flat position;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a sectional view in the longitudinal direction with the high heel attached;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a view of the person wearing the transformable shoe with the high heel attached;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a view of the person wearing the transformable shoe with the heel detached;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the sole with the mid-heel attached;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the sole with a full body in the flat heel position;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the sole with a full body in the high heel position;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a top detail section view of the high heel being attached;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a top detail section view of the high heel fully inserted;

[0030] FIG. 16 is a top detail section view of the button being inserted;

[0031] FIG. 17 is a top detail section view of the button being removed;

[0032] FIG. 18 is a top detail section view of the button fully removed;

[0033] FIG. 19 is a top detail section view of the heel being pushed out of the shank;

[0034] FIG. 20 is a top detail section view of an alternate button;

[0035] FIG. 21 is a top detail section view of a button on the opposite side;

[0036] FIG. 22 is a 3D view of the rear sole with the high heel being attached;

[0037] FIG. 23 is a 3D view of the rear sole with a transparent high heel being attached;

[0038] FIG. 24 is a 3D view of the rear sole with the button being inserted;

[0039] FIG. 25 is a top detail section view of an alternate button connection method #1;

[0040] FIG. 26 is a top detail section view of an alternate button connection method #1;

[0041] FIG. 27 is a top detail section view of an alternate button connection method #1;

[0042] FIG. 28 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #1;

[0043] FIG. 29 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #1;

[0044] FIG. 30 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #1;

[0045] FIG. 31 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #1;

[0046] FIG. 32 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #1;

[0047] FIG. 33 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #2;

[0048] FIG. 34 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #2;

[0049] FIG. 35 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #2;

[0050] FIG. 36 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #2;

[0051] FIG. 37 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #2;

[0052] FIG. 38 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #3;

[0053] FIG. 39 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #3;

[0054] FIG. 40 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #3;

[0055] FIG. 41 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #4;

[0056] FIG. 42 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #5;

[0057] FIG. 43 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #6;

[0058] FIG. 44 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #6;

[0059] FIG. 45 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #6;

[0060] FIG. 46 is a top detail section view of alternate button connection method #6;

[0061] FIG. 47 is a sectional view of the a high heel with a high heel post configured to engage a button rod as illustrated in FIGS. 43 through 46;

[0062] FIG. 48 is a sectional view showing the high heel of FIG. 47 in a locked position;

[0063] FIG. 49 is sectional view showing a low heel with a low heel post configured to engage a button rod as illustrated in FIGS. 43 through 46;

[0064] FIG. 50 is a sectional view of a full body shoe with the low heel of FIG. 49;

[0065] FIG. 51 is a sectional view of a full body shoe with the high heel of FIG. 48.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0066] The present invention was developed as a result of research into the problem associated with making shoes with heels that can be detached and/or replaced with heels of different heights. Embodiments of the present invention can also function as a flat style shoe when no heel is attached to the sole. The present invention provides a transformable shoe that provides the wearer with a combination of shoe styles. In one example, the present invention may be embodied in a customizable shoe kit that provides interchangeable heels with two or more heel heights. The shoe can transform from a high heel shoe to a flat style shoe or somewhere in between. This is accomplished by providing a sole that can change angles to accommodate for different height heels. The sole comprises a front toe section and a rear sole section. The two sections can be connected with a hinge. The hinge allows the rear sole section to rotate to accommodate for different height heels.

[0067] The design of the sole of the invention solves the problem of discomfort present in current high heel shoes. In conventional high heel shoes, the sole from front to rear is a rigid frame. Embodiments of the present invention provide a hinge in the sole that provides some flexibility. The flexibility in the sole can reduce discomfort by balancing forces from the toes to counteract instability in the heel area and reduce the wobbling situation that exists in a rigid sole.

[0068] In the current method of construction of a high heel shoe the central part of the heel contains a post. The post is attached to a steel shank embedded in the sole of the shoe. The shank can be made of a flexible metal or other strong material. The shank can be flexible enough to assume the flat position of the sole and still be strong enough to provide the necessary strength within the sole to absorb the downward force from the weight of a person. The heel post generally comprises a rigid material and rigidly couples to the shank through a mortise and tenon like connection. In various embodiments, the heel post includes a notch configured to lock the heel post into the shank. The heel post may formed (e.g., through casting, machining, forging, etc.) using various metals, plastics, or other appropriate material that provides strength and rigidity. In various embodiments, a portion of the heel post slides into a slot in the shank and is locked in position by a release mechanism. The heel post extends down from the sole to the bottom of the heel. The heel is centered around this post. The post is usually a metal material. However, other equivalent materials may used accordingly to meet the design criteria of a particular implementation.

[0069] Also, there is a geometric distance from the ball of the foot to the heel. This geometric distance remains constant whether the shoe is in the flat style position or it is in the high heel position. The sole rotates and changes angle from the flat configuration to the high heel configuration and the distance from the ball of the foot to the heel does not change.

[0070] A significant comfort advantage over the conventional high heel shoes is the stability provided by the hinged connection between the front sole and the rear sole. This allows balancing forces from the front toe section to be applied to aid in controlling instability within the shoe when the high heel is attached. In one example, the hinged connection can be formed using a live hinge. For example, a flexible material may be used to connect the front sole and the rear sole.

[0071] The walking motion while wearing high heels is different than flat style shoes. The normal walking motion of wearing flat style shoes consists of the heel comes in contact with the floor or ground first. Than the persons weight is transferred to the arch of the foot and then finally the toes. The walking motion while wearing high heel shoes is different. The high heel comes in contact with the floor or ground and the same time as the toe section.

[0072] Embodiments of the present invention generally provide for replaceable heels of different heights or styles. The person can easily detach the high heel (e.g., by pushing or pulling a release button) and replace the high heel with a mid height heel or low height heel, and vice versa. The person can also detach the heel and transform the shoe into a flat style shoe. The heels can be stored easily, (e.g., in the person's purse). Wearing a flat style shoe provides the wearer with more comfort and the walking motion is more natural. The person can easily transform the flat style shoes by attaching the high heel back onto the sole of the shoe.

[0073] Embodiments of the present invention may also provide for a fashion statement. The ability to replace heels can easily change the wardrobe. An example of this is replacing a black color high heel with a red color high heel to match the person's red purse. Replacement heels can also be different shapes or styles. An example of this is a cocktail waitress can replace her high heel with a high heel that is a "martini" glass.

[0074] The height of the high heel can be of any height. The hinge can rotate to any angle to accommodate for the desired heel height. If an extremely high heel height is required, the rotation of the hinge might not be enough to accommodate for this. In this case a platform of a desired height can be added to the front toe section of the sole to accommodate for a higher heel height.

[0075] The shoe frames and heels in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can be transformed from a walking shoe, having a low heel height, to a shoe having a higher heel height, conveniently and rapidly. A high heel that is detachable and replaceable. In addition, the shape of the shoe frame can be changed to increase the comfort of the wearer depending on the height of the heel chosen.

[0076] The shoe frame as described below is independent of the final appearance of the shoe which can vary according to the dictates of the shoe designer. The high strength shoe elements described herein are meant to be covered with standard liners, cushion materials, uppers, sole coverings and heel coverings, which can be made of various materials known to those skilled in the art such as leather, various man made materials and resins, fabric and the like. The transformable heel can be made of metal or other high strength material, which may be covered with leather, plastic, fabric and the like, or can be made of other materials. The basic structure of the shoe frame in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is independent of the size, shape, type and materials which provide the final appearance of the shoe.

[0077] The present invention generally provides for a sole with two sections connected with a hinge that can rotate and change angles to accommodate different heel heights. The hinge described in the following drawings is a preferred method. The hinge can be accomplished by other methods other than the ones described below. The hinge can be a separate piece and attached to the sole. The sole can also be implemented with a live hinge (e.g., one continuous piece of flexible material capable of change angles).

[0078] Heels of varying heights may be attached and detached to a shank in the sole of the shoe. The drawings are illustrative of a preferred embodiment of attachment and detachment of the heel to the sole. However, other methods of attachment, such as sliding into grooves, clipping, or snapping are envisioned.

[0079] The toe portion of the sole and the heel portion of the transformable shoe sole of the invention can be constructed in a variety of methods. Generally each portion of the sole can be constructed in one piece or layers of materials plied together. It can be made of an injection molded polymer or other synthetic material. The two piece sole may have a hinge type joint in the metatarsal region. This is the approximate location of where the ball of the foot of a person will be engaging. The hinge joint may have a built-in defined range of motion or may have an infinite amount of rotation. Contacting surfaces of the hinge may be texturized, for example, to cause some limited restriction to flexion and extension, and also to act as a shock absorber. Other ways of adjusting the angle of the individual portions of the shoe sole will suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, and are meant to be included herein.

[0080] It will be apparent that the shoe designer has a wide choice among the various embodiments shown here in both the shoe sole elements and the heel elements, depending on the ultimate design of the shoe, and the relative heights of the high heel and the low heel versions. The shoe frame and heel as described above are not meant to be limited to the details described herein, but many variations thereof will be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, the shoe frame can be made of additional portions so as to allow for greater variation of the contour of the sole and the relative positions of the arch with respect to the heel and toe portions of the shoe, thereby providing for a wide variation in design.

[0081] The detachable heel can, as an option, contain a sturdy pin in its interior to provide for structural support when weight is applied by the person stepping down on the sole of the shoe. The relative positions of the sole portions can be adjusted to allow for variations in the height and shape of the extended heel to be employed. Embodiments of a shoe frame and heel in accordance with the present invention may include, but are not limited to, the following parts: [0082] SHOE 100 [0083] FRONT SOLE 101 [0084] REAR SOLE 102 [0085] HINGE 103 [0086] SHOE FULL BODY 104 [0087] SHOE STRAP 105 [0088] SHOE BODY 106 [0089] SHOE ELASTIC 107 [0090] LIVING HINGE 108 [0091] HIGH HEEL 110 [0092] HIGH HEEL POST 111 [0093] HEEL BOTTOM 112 [0094] HEEL POST HOLE 113 [0095] HEEL POST THREADS (OPTIONAL) 114 [0096] HEEL POST RAMP 115 [0097] HEEL POST NOTCH 116 [0098] HEEL POST TANG 117 [0099] LOW (FLAT) HEEL 120 [0100] LOW (FLAT) HEEL POST 121 [0101] MID HEEL 130 [0102] MID HEEL POST 131 [0103] BUTTON 140 [0104] BUTTON ROD 141 [0105] BUTTON THREADS 142 [0106] ALTERNATE BUTTON 143 [0107] BUTTON SPRING 144 [0108] BUTTON RAMP 145 [0109] SHANK 150 [0110] SHANK SLOT 151 [0111] SHANK THREADS 152 [0112] SHANK SPRING 153 [0113] SHANK CLIP 154 [0114] SHANK HOLE 155 The button 140, button rod 141, button threads 142, button spring 144, and button ramp 145 may be used in various combinations to implement a latching mechanism configured to manually and/or automatically lock the heel posts (111, 121, 131, etc.) to the shank 150 when the respective heel is slid onto the shank slot 151.

[0115] Referring to FIG., 1 an elevation view is shown. The hinge 103 is connected both to the front sole 101 and to the rear sole 102. The hinge 103 has been rotated. A high heel 110 is shown attached to the rear sole 102. The shoe 100 is shown in the high heel configuration. The person has inserted their foot into the shoe 100 and is secured by the strap 105.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 2, a section view is shown. The hinge 103 is connected both to the front sole 101 and to the rear sole 102. The hinge 103 has been rotated to the high heel position. A high heel 110 is shown attached to the rear sole 102. The person has inserted their foot into the shoe 100 and is secured by the strap 105.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 3, a section view is shown. The hinge 103 has been rotated to the high heel position. A high heel 110 is shown attached to the rear sole 102. The person has inserted their foot into the shoe 100 and is secured by the strap 105.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 4, another section view is shown. The person has removed the heel post 111 from the shank 150. The shank springs 153 has been extended and pushed the high heel 110. The heel post 111 has been removed from the shank 151.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 5, a section view is shown. The person is inserting the low heel 120. The low heel post 121 is being inserting into the shank slot 151.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 6, a section view is shown. The person has inserted the low heel 120 into the shoe 100. The low heel post 121 has been inserted into the shank slot 151. The shank springs 153 have been compressed against the shank 150. The button 140 has been rotated and is in the locked position.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 7, a section view is shown. The low heel 120 has been fully pushed into the shank slot 151. The person has put the weight on the foot and the flat heel 120 is on the ground and the hinge 103 has been rotated to the flat position.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 8, a section view in a longitudinal direction is shown. The shoe 100 is in the high heel position. The high heel 110 is attached to the rear sole 102. The high heel post 111 is inserted into the shank slot 151. The button 140 has been rotated and is in the locked position.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 9, a view of a person wearing the shoe 100 in the high heel position is shown. The high heel 110 is attached to the shoe 100. The low heel 120 is carried in a storage unit (e.g., within a purse of the person).

[0124] Referring to FIG. 10, a view of a person wearing the shoe 100 in the flat heel position is shown. The person has detached the high heel 110. The detached low heel 120 is shown placed in the storage unit of the person.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 11, a section view is shown. The mid heel 130 has been inserted. The mid heel post 131 has been fully pushed into the shank slot 151. The shank springs 153 have been compressed against the shank 150. The button 140 has been rotated and is in the locked into the heel post hole 113. The person is wearing the shoe 100 in the mid heel position.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 12, a section view is shown. The low heel 120 has been inserted. The shoe 100 is of the full body 104 top. The shoe elastic 107 stretched to all allow the shoe full body 104 to change shape to the flat heel position.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 13, a section view is shown. The high heel 110 has been inserted. The shoe 100 is of full body 104 top. The shoe elastic 107 connects the body top with the rear body top. The shoe elastic 107 allows the full body top 104 to change shape to the high heel position.

Heel Attachment:

[0128] Referring to FIG. 14, a detail section top view is shown. The high heel 110 is being inserted. The high heel post 111 is being slid in the shank slot 151. The shank springs 153 are beginning to be compressed against the shank 150.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 15, a detail section top view is shown. The high heel post ill has been fully inserted into the shank slot 151. The shank springs 153 are fully compressed against the shank 150. The button 140 is in the out position.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 16, a detail section top view is shown. The button 140 has been rotated to the locked position. The button threads 142 have been engaged with shank threads 152 and also the heel post threads 152.

Heel Removal:

[0131] Referring to FIG. 17, a detail section top view is shown. The view of the button 140 is being rotated. The button threads 142 are being unthreaded along the shank threads 152 and also the heel post threads 152. The button rod 141 is exiting the heel post hole 113.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 18, a detail section top view is shown. The button 140 has been fully rotated to the out position. The button threads 142 have been unthreaded along the shank threads 152. The button rod 141 has exited the high heel post hole 113.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 19, a detail section top view is shown. The high heel 110 is unlocked. The shank springs 153 are decompressing and pushing the heel post 111 out the shank slot 151.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 20, a top section top view is shown. The alternate button 143 is attached to the button rod 141. The button 143 can be replaced with different alternate buttons 143.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 21, a top section top view is shown. The button 140 is attached to the button rod 141 on the opposite side of the shoe 100. It can be placed on either side of the shoe 100.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 22, a 3D view is shown. The high heel 110 is being inserted into the shank slot 151. The button 140 is in the out position.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 23, a 3D view is shown. The high heel 110 is being inserted into the shank slot 151. The high heel 110 is transparent showing the heel post 111.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 24, a 3D top view is shown. The button 140 is being screwed into the shank 150. The shank 150 is shown transparent.

Alternate Connection Method #1:

Heel Attachment:

[0139] Referring to FIG. 25, a detail section top view is shown. The high heel 110 is being pushed into the shank slot 151. The shank springs 153 are being compressed against the shank 150. The button 140 is in the in position.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 26, a detail section top view is shown. The high heel 110 is being pushed into the shank slot 151. The heel post ramp 115 is engaging the button ramp 145. The button 140 is still in the out position.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 27, a detail section top view is shown. The heel post ramp 115 has pushed the button ramp 145 fully into the shank hole 155. The button spring 144 has been compressed against the rear sole 102. The button rod 141 has been removed from the heel post notch 116.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 28, a detail section top view is shown. The button spring 144 has decompressed and pushed the button rod 141 into the heel post notch 116. This will lock the heel 110 into the shank 150.

Heel Removal:

[0143] Referring to FIG. 29, a detail section top view is shown. The button 140 is has been pulled to the out position. This action removes the button rod 141 has been removed from the heel post notch 116.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 30, a detail section top view is shown. The shank springs 153 begin to decompress and push the high heel post 111 out of the shank slot 151.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 31, a detail section top view is shown. The button spring 144 decompress and push the button rod 141 back into the shank slot 151. The heel 110 has been removed.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 32, a detail section top view is shown. The low heel 120 is being inserted. The low heel post 121 is being slid into the shank slot 151. The shank springs 153 will be compressed against the shank 150.

Alternate Connection Method #2:

Heel Attachment:

[0147] Referring to FIG. 33, a detail section top view is shown. The high heel 110 is being pushed into the shank slot 151. The shank springs 153 are being compressed against the shank 150. The heel tang is entering the shank slot 151. The button 140 is in the out position.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 34, a detail section top view is shown. The front edge of the heel post tang 115 is being pushed against the shank clip 154. This bends the heel post tang 115 away from the shank clip 154 into the shank slot 151. The button 140 is still in the out position.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 35, a detail section top view is shown. When the heel post 151 is pushed in fully the heel post notch 116 is lined up with the shank clip 154. The heel post tang 117 snaps back to its original position. The heel post notch 116 will engage with the shank clip 154. This will lock the heel 110 into the shank 150.

Heel Removal:

[0150] Referring to FIG. 36, a detail section top view is shown. The button 140 is pushed in. The button 140 engages the heel post tang 115. The heel post tang 115 is bent into the shank slot 151. This action disengages the heel post notch 116 from the shank clip 154. The high heel 110 is unlocked from the shank 150.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 37, a detail section top view is shown. The shank springs 153 begin to decompress and push the heel post 111 out of the shank slot 151.

Alternate Connection Method #3:

[0152] Referring to FIG. 38, a detail section view is shown. The button 140 screwed into the heel post 111. The button threads 142 screw into the post threads 114 in the bottom of the heel post 111. This locks the high heel 110 into the sole rear 102.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 39, a detail section view is shown. The button threads 142 have been unscrewed from the post threads 114.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 40, a detail section view is shown. The high heel 110 is now free and is being removed from the shank slot 151.

Alternate Connection Method #4:

[0155] Referring to FIG. 41, a detail section top view is shown. The heel post 111 has been slid into the shank slot 151. The button 140 slides from right to left. This action inserts the button rod 141 into the heel post notch 116. This locks the high heel 110 into the shank 150.

Alternate Connection Method #5:

[0156] Referring to FIG. 42, a detail section view is shown. The button 140 is pushed in. This engages another piece and pushes it down because of a ramp. This action disengages it from the heel post notch 116. The heel post 111 is unlocked. The high heel 110 can now be slid out of the shank slot 151.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 43, a detail section top view is shown. The high heel 110 is being inserted. The high heel post 111 is being slid in the shank slot 151. The shank springs 153 are beginning to be compressed against the shank 150. The button Rod 141 is in the locked position.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 44, a detail section top view is shown. The high heel post 111 is being inserted into the shank slot 151. The shank springs 153 are being compressed against the shank 150. The heel post ramp 115 is engaging the button ramp 145. This action will push the button rod 141 to the right.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 45, a detail section top view is shown. The high heel post 111 has been fully inserted into the shank slot 151. The shank springs 153 are fully compressed against the shank 150. The button Rod 141 is in the unlocked position. The button spring 144 has been full compressed.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 46, a detail section top view is shown. The button spring 144 has decompressed and has pushed the button rod 141. The button ramp 145 has been inserted into the heel post notch 116. This locks the high heel 110.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 47, a sectional view of the a high heel with a high heel post configured to engage the button rod 141 as illustrated in FIGS. 43 through 46 is shown.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 48, a sectional view showing the high heel of FIG. 47 locked into the shank 150 is shown.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 49, a sectional view is shown showing the shoe of FIG. 48 with the high heel replaced by a low heel with a low heel post configured to engage the button rod 141 as illustrated in FIGS. 43 through 46. The front and rear soles of the shoes illustrated in FIGS. 48 and 49 are part of a single piece of material. The sole material includes a flexible area forming a living hinge 108, which allows the sole to change angles when heels are exchanged.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 50, a sectional view of a full body shoe with the low heel of FIG. 49 is shown.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 51, a sectional view of a full body shoe with the high heel of FIG. 48 is shown.

[0166] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 43 through 51, the button rod, shank, and heel post configuration enable the heels to be switched (exchanged) without removing the shoe. Thus, the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 43 through 51 may also be applied to shoes and boots which include lacings.

[0167] The term dress shoes include a wide variety of shoes, e.g., opera pumps to high fashion shoes. Dress shoes can have a wide range of heel heights and shapes, from a modest 2 inch heel to a 4 or 5 inch stiletto heel. The higher the heel, the more difficult the shoes are to walk in for extended periods and distances than flat heeled shoes, and they slow down the walker. Thus it has become the norm for people to wear low heeled walking shoes to and from work, and then to change shoes when they reach their place of business or the club for dancing. This necessitates someone carrying high heel shoes along with a pair of flat walking shoes back and forth, or maintaining an extensive shoe wardrobe at the workplace.

[0168] In one example, a shoe may be built with a two piece sole capable of changing angles to allow for the attachment of different size heels could be produced. The shoe may serve as a flat style shoe with a low heel, along with heels of various heights. Such a shoe may be worn comfortably as a flat style shoe and then easily transformed into a high heel or other height heel shoes. Conversely, a high heel shoe may easily be transformed back into a mid-height heel, or a flat style shoe again.

[0169] The high heels or mid range heels that have been detached may be stored in the persons purse or other storage device. Other advantages of the replacement heel may include, but are not limited to:

[0170] 1. The heel can also be replaced with a different heel of a different style or color. In the field of footwear, a need has been recognized for a more economical way to match the footwear to the person's wardrobe than having one or more pairs of shoes for each suit, dress, or casual outfit that a person may own. For example, red heels to match a red purse.

[0171] 2. Replacement heels can be used to replace broken heels. High heels are sometimes easily broken when stepping off a curb or something similar. Replacing a heel is more economical than replacing a pair of shoes.

[0172] 3. Replacement heels of various height heels. If a person is at an occasion that requires a midrange heel, it can easily be replaced with just that.

[0173] 4. The heel can be replaced with a custom shape heel. Heels can be of different designs and shapes and can be easily attached to the shoe. An example of this would be a cocktail waitress can be wearing a set of heels that look like a "martini glass".

[0174] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A shoe assembly comprising: a front sole section having a front sole section rear edge; a rear sole section comprising a rear sole section front edge, a shank, and a release button; a heel removably attached to said shank, wherein said heel is released from a locked position by said release button; and a hinge connecting said front sole section and said rear sole section, wherein said hinge is perpendicular to a rear sole section axis.

2. The shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein: said rear sole section further comprises a rear sole section rear edge, said rear sole section axis extending from approximately a midpoint of said rear sole section rear edge to approximately a midpoint of said rear sole section front edge, and said shank extending from front to rear along said rear sole section axis.

3. The shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein said shank includes: a rear edge; side edges; a slot that is accessible through said rear edge; a hole passing through at least one of said side edges perpendicular to said slot; and a latching mechanism passing through said hole and attached to said release button, wherein said latching mechanism is configured to automatically lock said heel to said shank when said heel is slid onto said shank.

4. The shoe assembly of claim 3, wherein: said heel comprises a heel post configured to removably attach said heel to said shank when said heel post is slid into said slot and engages said latching mechanism.

5. The shoe assembly of claim 4, wherein said heel post comprises a rigid material and is configured to rigidly engage said shank when slid into said slot.

6. The shoe assembly of claim 5 wherein: said latching mechanism comprises a threaded rod configured to engage threads in said hole and said heel post.

7. The shoe assembly of claim 6, wherein said latching mechanism is configured to release said heel when said release button is rotated.

8. The shoe assembly of claim 4, wherein said latching mechanism is configured to release said heel when said release button is pressed.

9. The shoe assembly of claim 4, wherein said latching mechanism is configured to release said heel when said release button is pulled.

10. A customizable shoe kit comprising: a shoe assembly including (i) a front sole section having a front sole section rear edge, (ii) a rear sole section comprising a rear sole section front edge, a shank, and a release button, and (iii) a hinge connecting said front sole section and said rear sole section, wherein said hinge is perpendicular to said rear sole section axis; and a plurality of heels, each of said plurality of heels removably attachable to said shank, wherein when a particular one of said plurality of heels is attached to said shank, the particular one of said plurality of heels is released from a locked position by said release button.

11. A method of attaching each of a plurality of heels to a shoe, said method comprising: providing a shoe having a shank that includes a rear edge, side edges, a slot that is accessible through said rear edge, a hole passing through at least one of said side edges perpendicular to said slot, and a latching mechanism passing through said hole and attached to a release button; and providing said plurality of heels, each heel comprising a heel post configured to removably attach said heel to said shank when said heel post is slid into said slot and engages said latching mechanism, wherein said latching mechanism is configured to automatically lock said heel to said shank when said heel is slid onto said shank and said release button is configured to disengage said latching mechanism.