U.S. patent application number 15/004734 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-27 for apparatus and related methods for securing the heel of a foot within footwear.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jessica Liu. Invention is credited to Jessica Liu.
Application Number | 20170208901 15/004734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59359799 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170208901 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu; Jessica |
July 27, 2017 |
APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS FOR SECURING THE HEEL OF A FOOT
WITHIN FOOTWEAR
Abstract
A device for directly securing the heel of the foot of a wearer
to the interior of a rear heel cap of a shoe. The device can
include a first portion for adhering directly to the skin of the
heel of the wearer's foot. The device can include a second portion
for adhering directly to the material of the interior heel of the
shoe. The device can be particularly useful in connection with
shoes leaving the upper portion of the foot exposed without
securing straps and having high heels. The device is subject to a
shear force between the first and second portions when worn as
opposed to a tensile force more commonly exhibited when a base of
an implement is attached to the sole of a shoe.
Inventors: |
Liu; Jessica; (Newport
Coast, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Liu; Jessica |
Newport Coast |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59359799 |
Appl. No.: |
15/004734 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 1/0081 20130101;
A43B 23/28 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/28 20060101
A43B023/28 |
Claims
1. A device for securing a heel portion of the heel of the wearer's
foot to a heel cap of footwear, comprising: a foot attaching
portion including: a first attaching surface of the foot attaching
portion having an adhesive for adhering the foot attaching portion
directly to the heel of a person's foot; and a second mating
surface of the foot attaching portion including a first
mechanically interlocking surface; a shoe attaching portion
including; a first attaching surface of the shoe attaching portion
having an adhesive for adhering the shoe attaching portion directly
to the interior of a heel cap of a shoe; and a second mating
surface of the shoe attaching portion including a second
mechanically interlocking surface.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first attaching
surface of the foot attaching portion is configured to attach
directly to the skin of the heel of the wearer using bio-compatible
adhesive.
3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
mechanically interlocking surfaces each include a hook and/or loop
mechanically interlocking surface.
4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the second mating surface
of the shoe attaching portion includes a fabric material.
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the fabric material
includes a knit fabric material.
6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the first mating surface
of the foot attaching portion includes a plurality of rough or hook
features for mating with the knit fabric surface of the first
mating surface.
7. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device includes a
portion defined by a bean shaped outer perimeter.
8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the shoe attaching
portion is bean shaped and the foot attaching portion is
rectangular shaped.
9. A device according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the device
is less than 5 millimeters.
10. A device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the device
is defined by a profile of a rear heel cap of a shoe to which the
device is to be attached and is less than 1.5 inches.
11. A shoe comprising the device according to claim 1, wherein the
shoe attaching portion of the device is attached directly to a heel
cap of a rear portion of the shoe when worn by the wearer.
12. A kit of devices for securing a heel cap of a shoe to a heel of
a foot of a wearer of the shoe, comprising a shoe attaching portion
sized, shaped and configured to adhere directly to the interior of
a heel cap of a shoe upper; a foot attaching portion sized, shaped
and configured to adhere directly to the heel of the foot of the
wearer, wherein: the shoe attaching portion has a shoe attaching
surface and a mating surface; the foot attaching portion has a foot
attaching surface and a mating surface; and the mating surface of
the shoe attaching portion is configured to mate with the mating
surface of the foot attaching portion to directly mechanically
secure the heel of the foot to the heel cap of the shoe.
13. A kit of devices for securing the heel cap of the shoe to the
heel of the foot of the wearer according to claim 12, further
comprising a plurality of the foot attaching portions for removable
replacement to the heel of the wearer's foot.
14. A kit of devices for securing the heel cap of the shoe to the
heel of the foot of the wearer according to claim 12, wherein the
shoe attaching portion includes an adhesive for more permanent
adhesion directly to the interior of a heel cap of a shoe upper as
compared to the permanency of direct adhesion of the foot attaching
portion adhered directly to the heel of the foot of the wearer.
15. A kit of devices for securing the heel cap of the shoe to the
heel of the foot of the wearer according to claim 12, wherein the
shoe attaching portion is subject to a shear force relative to the
foot attaching portion during use.
16. A kit of devices for securing the heel cap of the shoe to the
heel of the foot of the wearer according to claim 15, wherein the
shoe attaching devices are designed to be disposed over the rear
portion of the heel of the wearer during use so as to be oriented
substantially vertically with respect to a sole of the shoe when
worn.
17. A method of manufacturing a device for directly securing a heel
of a foot of a wearer to an interior heel cap of a shoe upper,
comprising: selecting a bio-compatible adhesive for adhering a foot
attaching portion of the device directly to the heel of the foot of
the wearer; selecting an adhesive for adhering a shoe attaching
portion of the device directly to the interior surface of a heel
cap of the shoe; manufacturing the foot attaching portion
including: a first surface of the foot attaching portion having the
bio-compatible adhesive for adhering the foot attaching portion
directly to the heel of the wearer's foot; and a second mating
surface of the foot attaching portion including a first
mechanically interlocking surface; a shoe attaching portion
including; a first surface of the shoe attaching portion having the
adhesive for adhering the shoe attaching portion directly to the
interior of the heel cap of the shoe; and a second mating surface
of the shoe attaching portion including a second mechanically
interlocking surface.
18. A method of manufacturing a device according to claim 17,
further comprising: selecting the first and second interlocking
surfaces based on a shear force applied thereto when the shoe and
device is worn by the wearer.
19. A method of manufacturing a device according to claim 18,
wherein the shear force includes a sliding force of the heel of the
foot against the interior of the heel cap of the shoe.
20. A method of manufacturing a device according to claim 17,
wherein the first and second interlocking surfaces include hook and
loop features.
21. A method of manufacturing according to claim 17, wherein the
first and second interlocking surfaces include a fabric
material.
22. A method of manufacturing according to claim 17, further
comprising consideration of the shape of the heel of the foot to
create a bean shaped device that extends over the top of the heel
and around the sides of the heel.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Fashion is a popular style or practice, and the fashion
industry has long been a cultural mainstay in the United States,
with women's footwear occupying a significant share of that
industry. The shoe is considered to be a key component in any
woman's ensemble. The prominence of the high-heeled shoe as a
favored sartorial choice dates back to the sixteenth century, and
specifically, the high-heeled pump has become one of the most
popular and well-known styles of women's footwear. Whether in the
social scene or in the workplace, the high-heeled pump is a
ubiquitous style preferred by many women for its sleek profile, its
classic appearance, and its ease in getting onto the foot. This
ease is owed primarily to the fact that the traditional pump-style
shoe lacks a cover over much of the top of the foot (or any other
foot-securing mechanism, such as an ankle strap), allowing the
wearer to simply slip her foot into the shoe and go. This lack of
upper foot coverage presents a problem for many women, however.
Because there is no upper foot coverage to hold the foot in place,
women often find that the backs of their feet will slip out of the
pumps when walking. This problem becomes more pronounced as the
height of the heel increases, as the incline of the shoe's heel
causes the foot to slide forward in the pump, leaving a gap between
the wearer's foot and the shoe and further enabling slippage. This
is uncomfortable and dangerous for the wearer, who can easily
stumble and fall when the back of her foot will not stay securely
in the shoe.
[0002] Traditionally, footwear companies and after-market footwear
accessories have focused solely on the comfort of footwear. The
comfort of footwear relates to the footwear "fitting" the shape and
size of the wearer's foot. For example, a wearer's foot might be
relatively wide, long, thick, thin, or have particularly
non-uniform shape as to its length, width and/or thickness. These
attributes of the wearer's foot might be particularly unusual such
that a footwear manufacturer cannot accurately manufacture footwear
for the general public on a large scale that sufficiently fit the
feet of the wide variety of the shoe wearing public.
[0003] Dr. Scholl's, for example, is a well-known footwear and foot
care company. The company was started in Chicago by a podiatrist in
1906. The original company expanded globally to design and patent
over 1000 foot care products, and became a member of the Fortune
500 in 1971. William Scholl died in 1968. And, more recently, in
2014 the brand was bought by Aurelius AG in all markets except
North and Latin America. Many of Dr. Scholl's products aim to treat
and prevent a number of foot conditions such as blisters, arch
pain, and ball of foot pain. Dr. Scholl's offers a number of shoe
inserts and insoles, designed to provide additional cushioning
inside the shoe.
[0004] Another example is the R.G. Barry Corporation. The R.G.
Barry Corporation was founded in 1945 in a Columbus, Ohio area
basement. According to their current website, the R.G. Barry
Corporation operates as the leading manufacturer and marketer of
comfort footwear. Controlling nearly 40 percent of the U.S. slipper
market, the firm became well known for brands such as Angel
Treads--the first foam-cushioned, washable slipper.
[0005] As previously mentioned, many of the shoes made and/or
accessorized by these companies relate to the comfort of the
footwear "fitting" the size and shape of the wearer's foot as well
as providing sufficient cushion thereto. Moreover, many of the
comfort-related work shoes and boots that these companies focus on
relate to long-standing day-to-day retail, hospital, and
construction related shoe and boot comfort.
[0006] Other previous footwear innovations have included a fastener
for securing the base of the wearer's foot to the bottom of the
shoe. In some instances, these fasteners have been used in
connection with specially designed socks in connection with
specially designed shoes or implements to prevent these socks from
falling into the shoe. When these socks fall into the shoe they can
cause unintended discomfort therein due to the "bunching" of the
sock within the shoe.
[0007] And, other previous implements have been used that are
visually unflattering to the wearer, awkward to use, and/or quite
simply not fashionably practical in the sense of being able to be
used with women's modern high-heeled and contemporary fashion shoe
designs in mind.
[0008] An example is Ginger Straps (www.gingerstraps.com). These
are ankle straps that can be attached to a high-heeled pump. One
problem with this design is that it materially alters the original
look of the shoe. Thus, a "modified" external appearance is made
beyond that of the shoe that is noticed by those viewing the
footwear. This may ultimately defeat the purpose of the high-heeled
pump, which is traditionally known for its minimalist style,
particularly along the shoe's upper.
[0009] Similarly, another example is called Sassy Strapps
(www.sassystrapps.com) which are essentially elastic bands that are
worn around both the foot and the high-heeled pump. Again, one
problem associated with this design is that it also materially
alters the original look of the shoe as previously discussed
regarding Ginger Straps.
[0010] For an even more traditional example, FIGS. 1A and 1B
illustrate a traditional shoe 8 including a separable fastener
device 10 as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,333. The separable
fastener device 10 is used to secure a removable foot support
device, in the form of an arch support 12 as shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B within the shoe 8. The arch support 12 can be replaced with a
metatarsal support, a heel lift, etc. at another internal portion
of the shoe as shown in the '333 patent.
[0011] The separable fastener device 10 has first and second
engaging elements 18 and 20, respectively. First engaging element
18 is affixed to the arch support 12 and the second engaging
element 20 is affixed to an internal portion of shoe 8. First and
second engaging elements 18 and 20, respectively, include mating
surfaces 22 and 24 that releasably engage one another when pressed
together to secure the foot support devices 18 from slipping within
the shoe 8. These support devices may be removed by pulling on the
foot support device thereby disengaging mating surfaces 22 and
24.
[0012] A similar more current design includes Sticky Shoes
(www.stickyshoes.com), which is essentially double-sided adhesive
tape that sticks to the insole of the pump and adheres directly to
the bottom of the feet. Soles of the feet are prone to sweating,
however, and as sweat accumulates, this causes the adhesive quality
to deteriorate. Thus, the functionality of these "Sticky Shoes"
deteriorates over time and due to the sweat associated with the
placement of the proposed solution.
[0013] As a second more traditional example, U.S. Patent
Publication 2006/0248748 illustrates a footwear combination
including a sock and lightweight shoe, and means for releasably
attaching the two together. Similar to the previous example, the
attaching means connects the sock and shoe together forming a
stable, unitary outer covering which can be applied to and removed
from the foot of the wearer in combination. The sock resembles a
conventional above the ankle, ankle-cut, footie sock, tube sock, or
the like. The shoe resembles a conventional closed-toe slipper
including a shoe upper and sole. As shown, however, these devices
and implements would be substantially impractical, useless, or
non-functional for the purpose of securing the heel of the wearer
of a modern high-heeled shoe in-place, for example.
[0014] The structure of a shoe can be divided into two parts: an
upper and lower (or bottom part) as shown in FIG. 2. Sections of
the upper are made up of the vamp, quarter, toebox, throat, insole
board, and topline. The sections of the lower shoe consist of an
outsole, shank and heel. Uppers are made in a variety of different
materials, both natural and synthetic. The vamp covers the top
(dorsum) of the foot (includes the tongue piece). Quarters are the
complete upper part of the shoe behind the vamp line covering the
sides and back part of the shoe. The top edge of the sides and back
of the quarter describes the topline. In athletic shoes the topline
is usually padded and referred to as a collar.
[0015] Insole (inner sole) is a layer of material between the
outsole (and midsole) and the sole of the foot inside the shoe. The
insole covers the joint between the upper and the sole in most
methods of construction and provides attachment for the upper, toe
box linings and welting. This provides a platform upon which the
foot can operate and separates the upper from the lower. The insole
board is necessary in shoes that are constructed using cemented or
welt techniques because it is the attachment for upper and lower
components. The majority of insole boards are made of cellulose and
are treated with additives to inhibit bacterial growth. Athletic
footwear will often have a sockliner, a piece of material placed
over the top of the insole board (glued in position or
removable).
[0016] The outsole is the outer most sole of the shoe, which is
directly exposed to abrasion and wear. Traditionally made from a
variety of materials, the outsole is constructed in different
thickness and degrees of flexibility. Ideal soling materials must
be waterproof, durable and possess a coefficient of friction high
enough to prevent slipping. Leather has poor gripping capabilities
and synthetic polymers are much preferred. There are also an
infinite variety of surface designs. Extra grip properties can be
incorporated in the form of a distinctive sole pattern with
well-defined ridges.
[0017] The shank bridges between the heel breast and the ball
tread. The shankpiece or shank spring can be made from wood, metal,
fiberglass or plastic and consists of a piece approximately 10 cm
long and 1.5 cm wide. The shank spring lies within the bridge or
waist of the shoe, i.e. between heel and ball corresponding to the
medial and lateral arches.
[0018] The heel is the raised component under the rear of the shoe.
Heels consist of a variety of shapes, heights, and materials and
are made of a series of raised platforms or a hollowed section. The
part of the heel next to sole is usually shaped to fit the heel,
this is called the heel seat or heel base. The heel breast
describes front face of the heel. The ground contact section is
called the top piece. Heels raise the rear of the shoe above the
ground. A shoe without a heel or midsole wedge may be completely
flat. When the heel section sits lower than the forefoot the style
is called a `negative heel`.
[0019] As used herein, the portion of the upper above the heel is
called the heel cap. Part of this heel cap is accentuated by the
Stiffener in FIG. 2. This heel cap encapsulates the heel of the
foot securing the heel of the foot within the rear of the shoe.
[0020] Welt refers to the strip of material which joins the upper
to the sole. Most shoes will be bonded by Goodyear-welted
construction. Some shoes use an imitation welt stitched around the
top flat edge of the sole for decorative purposes, but it is not a
functional part of the shoe.
[0021] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to
embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in
environments such as those described above. Rather, this background
is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where
some embodiments described herein may be practiced.
SUMMARY
[0022] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject
matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the
scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0023] A device is disclosed for securing the heel of a wearer's
foot to, or within, a heel cap of footwear. The device can include
a foot attaching portion and a shoe attaching portion. The foot
attaching portion can include a first attaching side, or surface,
of the foot attaching portion having an adhesive for adhering the
foot attaching portion directly to the heel of a person's foot. The
foot attaching portion can include a second mating side (or
surface) of the foot attaching portion including a first
mechanically interlocking surface. The shoe attaching portion can
include a first attaching side (or surface) of the shoe attaching
portion having an adhesive for adhering the shoe attaching portion
directly to the interior of a heel cap of a shoe. The shoe
attaching portion can include a second mating side (or surface) of
the shoe attaching portion including a second mechanically
interlocking surface.
[0024] The first attaching side (or surface) of the foot attaching
portion can be configured to attach directly to the skin of the
heel of the wearer using bio-compatible adhesive. The first and
second mechanically interlocking surfaces can each include a hook
and/or loop mechanically interlocking surface. The second mating
surface of the shoe attaching portion can include a fabric (or
fibrous) material. The second mating surface of the shoe can
include a knit material.
[0025] The first mating surface of the foot attaching portion can
include a plurality of rough or hook features for mating with the
fabric material of the second mating surface. The device can be
defined by a bean shaped outer perimeter. A thickness of the device
can be less than 5 millimeters. And, a height of the device can be
defined by a profile of a rear heel cap of a shoe to which the
device is to be attached and is less than 1.5 inches.
[0026] Shoes are disclosed that include the attaching device, or a
portion thereof, wherein the shoe attaching portion of the device
is attached directly to a heel cap of a rear portion of the shoe
when worn by the wearer.
[0027] A kit of devices is disclosed for securing a heel cap of a
shoe to a heel of a foot of a wearer of the shoe. The kit can
include a shoe attaching portion sized, shaped and configured to
adhere directly to the interior of a heel cap of a shoe upper. The
kit can include a foot attaching portion sized, shaped and
configured to adhere directly to the heel of the foot of the
wearer. The kit can include multiple foot attaching portions for
replacement or multiple uses and attachment directly to the heel of
the foot of the wearer of the shoe. The kit can include the shoe
attaching portion which has a shoe attaching side (or surface) and
a mating side (or surface). The kit can include the foot attaching
portion that has a foot attaching side (or surface) and a mating
side (or surface). The mating side (or surface) of the shoe
attaching portion can be configured to mate with the mating side
(or surface) of the foot attaching portion to directly mechanically
secure the heel of the foot to the heel cap of the shoe.
[0028] The shoe attaching portion can include an adhesive for
relatively more permanent adhesion directly to the interior of a
heel cap of a shoe upper as opposed to the permanency of direct
adhesion of the foot attaching portion adhered directly to the heel
of the foot of the wearer. The shoe attaching portion is subject to
a shear force relative to the foot attaching portion during use and
the shoe attaching devices are designed to be disposed over the
rear portion of the heel of the wearer during use so as to be
oriented substantially vertically with respect to a sole of the
shoe when worn.
[0029] A method of manufacturing a device for directly securing a
heel of a foot of a wearer to an interior heel cap of a shoe upper
is disclosed. The method of manufacture can include selecting a
bio-compatible adhesive for adhering a foot attaching portion of
the device directly to the heel of the foot of the wearer. The
method of manufacture can include selecting an adhesive for
adhering a shoe attaching portion of the device directly to the
interior surface of a heel cap of the shoe. The method of
manufacture can include manufacturing the foot attaching portion
including manufacturing a first side (or surface) of the foot
attaching portion having the bio-compatible adhesive for adhering
the foot attaching portion directly to the heel of the wearer's
foot. The method of manufacture can include manufacturing a second
mating side (or surface) of the foot attaching portion including a
first mechanically interlocking surface.
[0030] The method of manufacture can include manufacturing a shoe
attaching portion. The method of manufacturing the shoe attaching
portion can include manufacturing a first side (or surface) of the
shoe attaching portion having the adhesive for adhering the shoe
attaching portion directly to the interior of the heel cap of the
shoe. The method of manufacture can further include manufacturing a
second mating side (or surface) of the shoe attaching portion
including a second mechanically interlocking surface.
[0031] The method of manufacture can include selecting the first
and second interlocking surfaces based on a shear force applied
thereto when the shoe and device are worn by the wearer. The method
of manufacture can include consideration of the shear force which
includes a sliding force of the heel of the foot against the
interior of the heel cap of the shoe.
[0032] The method of manufacture can include selecting and
manufacturing the mating surfaces. The mating surfaces can be a
hook and loop mating surfaces. The mating surfaces can include a
less secure engagement selected based on the compressive forces due
to the engagement of the heel of the foot within the rear heel cap
of the shoe. The mating surface can include a fabric material.
[0033] The method of manufacture can consider of the shape of the
heel of the foot to create a bean shaped device that extends over
the top of the heel and around the sides of the heel. The method of
manufacture can consider zones with various parameters and designs
based on the zones of the manufactured devices.
[0034] The inventions include methods of use of the devices. The
methods of use can include attaching a first portion directly to
the heel of a foot, attaching a second portion directly within a
heel cap of a shoe. The method of use can include inserting the
foot within the shoe such that the first portion attached to the
heel of the foot mates directly with the second portion attached
directly within the heel cap of the shoe so as to secure the rear
surface skin of the heel of the foot directly to the interior
surface of the rear of the heel cap of the shoe so as to prevent
the heel from slipping out of the shoe.
[0035] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, or may be learned by
the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the
invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments
and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
These and other features of the present invention will become more
fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,
or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] To further clarify the above and other advantages and
features of the present invention, a more particular description of
the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope. The invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0037] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a traditional shoe including a
separable fastener device as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,316,333;
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates the structure of a conventional shoe;
[0039] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a heel attachment implant
device;
[0040] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate a shoe attaching portion of
a heel securing device for attaching directly to a heel cap of a
shoe;
[0041] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate a foot attaching portion of
a heel securing device for attaching directly to the heel of a foot
of a wearer of the shoe;
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates the mating of the foot attaching device
and the shoe attaching device and related shear forces applied
thereto during wear thereof;
[0043] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example of a shoe securing
device;
[0044] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate dimensions of the bean
shaped shoe securing device along with various variations of force
and characteristic zones and disposed along a length and width of
the dimensions of the device;
[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates a shoe attaching or foot attaching
portion including a ridge; and
[0046] FIG. 10 illustrates a bean-shaped show attaching portion
including a ridge.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE FIGURES
[0047] There is a need to more reliably secure a wearer's heel
within footwear. This need is of particular importance with regards
to high-heeled women's shoes, in particular those that leave the
top of the foot exposed without any foot-securing mechanism, such
as an ankle strap. This need goes beyond those arrangements
previously discussed that simply provide cushioning comfort for the
foot, secure the base of the foot to the sole of the shoe, or
prevent a sock from bunching within the shoe. And, this need goes
well beyond shaping the interior of the shoe by providing arch and
foot base implements to secure a person's foot within a common
fitted shoe, boot, clog, or sandal. In fact, some embodiments of
this invention are directed to instances where a sock, hosiery, or
stocking, are not worn. Therefore, in such instances direct
securement of the wearer's heel to the shoe may be required without
the use of a sock, stocking or intervening material other than the
securing device itself.
[0048] Rather, women wearing fashionable high heeled footwear need
a solution relevant to their frequent use of these high heeled
footwear. These solutions relate to both their visually appreciable
fashion desires, but also to the safety concerns that go
hand-in-hand with women's footwear. The balance between their
desires to wear fashionable footwear also requires a practical
solution to the safety and shortcomings required to reliably secure
the heel of the wearer's foot within these high heeled shoes.
[0049] Thus, several innovative embodiments disclosed hereinafter
by the inventor include subtle, fashionably practical, and superior
footwear implements. Although not limited thereto, several
embodiments illustrated include superior apparatus, products,
features thereof, and related methods with particular advantages
and utility in the women's fashion footwear industry as compared to
the previously discussed options. As such, a discussion of various
examples are made with reference to the figures and include a
discussion of the various advantages and improvements discovered by
the inventor of this patent application during personal use and
continuous design improvements thereof.
[0050] Important to several embodiments disclosed herein is an
affordable, subtle, and practical solution to the various downfalls
just discussed that also does not intrude on the fashion aspects of
high heels presented by many current fashion footwear designs. The
appeal of the traditional pump is that the entire top of the foot,
starting at the toe-box, is exposed. Thus, some current products
that propose putting an after-market strap across the top of the
foot to hold the foot in place detract from the original clean-cut
style and appeal of the traditional pump. Consistent therewith,
several of the embodiments disclosed herein relate to an implement
that directly and releasably secures the heel of the wearer's foot
directly to the rear heel cap of a high heeled shoe worn
thereby.
[0051] Various securement implements disclosed herein can be
advantageously low-profile and conform to both the heel of the
wearer's foot as well as the interior of the heel cap of the
footwear applied thereto. As a result, and benefit thereof, the
implement can be used virtually unnoticed by others when the
footwear is worn, thereby avoiding distraction away from the
footwear itself. Using the implement to secure the wearer's heel to
the heel cap of the footwear also simultaneously and subtly
supplies the functionality of its purpose to retain the heel of the
wearer securely within the heel cap of the shoe upper. Additional
advantages and unique features will be understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art after a review of the following
disclosure and as clearly set forth in the appended claims.
[0052] Wearing shoes with relatively high heels, and which also
lack upper foot coverage or restraining straps, often results in
the wearer having a relatively hard time walking in those shoes. In
fact, the relative difficulty of walking may be proportional to the
height of the shoe heel, as the increased incline causes the feet
to slide further forward, and the heels of the wearer's feet tend
to slip out of the shoes as she walks.
[0053] Various embodiments disclosed herein are intended to solve a
heel slippage problem that presents itself in women's shoes that
leave the top of the foot exposed from the toe box up, and that
consist of no other fastening mechanism to keep the foot in place,
such as a strap. Thus, as such, the securement devices disclosed
herein and set forth in the claims can also be regarded as the only
securement device that supplements that of the original shoe.
[0054] Pumps, wedges, and even certain flats can all be included
within this description and the various securement devices are not
limited to a particular kind, type or application of shoe, of
course. Certain problems in high-heels are emphasized and of
particular importance to some embodiments because the problem is
more exaggerated in heels due to the incline of the shoe and the
resulting sliding of the foot. However, because the upper portion
of the foot is exposed in some women's flat shoes, heel slippage
can be a problem with flats as well.
[0055] Often, women cannot comfortably wear high-heels that lack
upper foot coverage because the heels of their feet (i.e. the foot
heels) tend to slip out of the back of the shoe. There is a large
variety of shoes available for women. High-heeled footwear is
footwear that raises the heels, typically 2 inches (5 cm) or more
above the toes, commonly worn by women in the workplace and for
social occasions. Variants include kitten heels (typically 11/2-2
inches high) and stiletto heels (with a very narrow heel post) and
wedge heels (with a wedge-shaped sole rather than a heel post).
Mules are shoes or slippers with no fitting around the heel (i.e.
they are backless without a heel cap). Slingbacks are shoes which
are secured by a strap behind the heel, rather than over the top of
the foot. Ballet flats, known in the UK as ballerinas, ballet pumps
or skimmers, are shoes with a very low heel and a relatively short
vamp, exposing much of the instep. They are popular for
warm-weather wear, and may be seen as more comfortable than shoes
with a higher heel. Court shoes, known in the United States as
pumps, are typically high-heeled, slip-on dress shoes.
[0056] A high-heeled shoe positions the heel of the wearer's foot
significantly higher than the wearer's toes. As mentioned, women
cannot comfortably wear these high-heeled shoes (specifically,
those which lack upper foot coverage and have no foot-securing
straps) because the heels of their feet tend to slip out. Usually,
this leaves women with two options: (1) they must make a conscious
effort while walking to push their feet back towards the rear of
their shoe with each step to keep the heel of their foot secured
therein; or, (2) they must "scrunch" their toes and try to use the
balls of their feet to grip the bottom of the shoe with each step.
Both options are extremely tiring with the latter, in particular,
often causing foot cramps. These options also cannot be comfortably
sustained over a long term. As a result, women's feet continue to
slip out of the heel of the shoe with each step due to the inherent
design limitations perpetuated as the height of the heels of
women's high-heel shoes increase.
[0057] In addition to the discomfort associated with the
aforementioned, there are also audible and visual issues associated
with such discomfort and disengagement of the heel of the shoe from
the heel of the woman's foot. For example, a result of having the
back of a wearer's foot come lose from the heel of the shoe results
in a loud and disruptive noise as the person walks. This loud,
disruptive, and extremely unflattering noise can make a "slapping"
noise often associated with the use of sandals (e.g. the rightly
termed "flip-flops").
[0058] In addition to the audible nuisance to others (and
associated wearer embarrassment) caused by the disengagement and
reengagement noise of the shoe, there are also physical dangers
associated with this unreliable lack of securement of the
high-heeled shoe to the wearer's feet. For example, when the heel
of the wearer's foot becomes disengaged from the heel of the shoe,
the heel of the wearer is no longer supported by the shoe as
intended. In addition, after the wearer's heel is lost from its
proper position within the shoe their heel may not reenter the shoe
to the correct re-position therein. These dangerous situations of
first losing the shoe's critical supporting purpose, and then the
second risk of inaccurate replacement of the heel of the wearer's
foot back into the shoe place particular risk to the wearer of the
shoe as she walks.
[0059] This walking risk often also results in falls, ankle
injuries, and unstable foot and joint support. Thus, there are
physical risks associated with particularity to women's high-heeled
shoes for both the woman wearing the shoes, as well as those around
her. And, these physical dangers are increased because women spend
more time wearing these types of shoes as more contemporary fashion
tends to emphasize the look associated therewith.
[0060] The problem with the height of the heels of women's shoes
previously discussed is further exacerbated by individual anatomy
of the particular wearer. Many women have what is termed a "narrow
heel," meaning that the back of their heel is narrower than
"normal" in relation to the forefoot. This makes it even easier for
the back of the foot to slip out of the heel cap of a shoe.
[0061] High heeled shoes with increasingly thin and high heels
(i.e., stilettos) have become particularly in vogue. Moreover, the
length at which women stand and walk in these thin and high heels
has also increased.
[0062] Wearing high heels is often counter to practical and
ergonomic benefits. Various reasons for wearing high-heels and
pumps include: to change the angle of the foot with respect to the
lower leg, which accentuates the appearance of calves; change the
wearer's posture, requiring a more upright carriage and altering
the gait; make the wearer appear taller; make the legs appear
longer; make the foot appear smaller; make the toes appear shorter;
make the arches of the feet higher and better defined. These
high-heels may also offer practical benefits for people of short
stature in terms of improving access and using items, e.g. sitting
upright with feet on floor instead of suspended, reaching items on
shelves, etc.
[0063] Thus, many of the problems associated with wearing high
heels are dependent on their height, the width of the wearer's own
heel, and duration of use. Other factors include external
environment factors such as the surface upon which the high heels
are walked upon as well as weather conditions.
[0064] According to high-fashion shoe websites like Jimmy Choo and
Gucci, a "low heel" is considered less than 2.5 inches (6.4
centimeters), while heels between 2.5 and 3.5 inches (6.4 and 8.9
cm) are considered "mid heels", and anything over that is
considered a "high heel". The apparel industry would appear to take
a simpler view; the term "high heels" covers heels ranging from 2
to 5 inches (5.1 to 12.7 cm) or more. Extremely high-heeled shoes,
such as those exceeding 6 inches (15 cm), strictly speaking, are no
longer considered apparel but rather something akin to "jewelry for
the feet". They are worn for display or the enjoyment of the
wearer.
[0065] Today, high heels are typically worn, with heights varying
from a kitten heel of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) to a stiletto heel (or
spike heel) of 5 inches (13 cm) or more. Extremely high-heeled
shoes, such as those higher than 6 inches (15 cm), are normally
worn only for aesthetic reasons and are not considered
practical.
[0066] According to several embodiments disclosed herein a heel
attachment implement is disclosed. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
heel attachment implement (300A and 300B) can include two portions,
a first patch 300A for attaching to the heel cap 320 of the shoe
330, and a second patch 300B for attaching directly to the heel 310
of the wearer's foot 340.
[0067] The portion of the first patch 300A for attaching to the
heel cap 320 of the shoe 330 can include a first adhesive that is
preselected and designed to attach the first patch 300A to the
material of the heel cap 320 of the shoe 330. The portion of the
second patch 300B for attaching directly to the heel 310 of the
wearer's foot 340 can be preselected and designed to attach
directly to the skin of the wearer's foot 340. One side of the
first patch 300A and one side of second patch 300B are designed to
mechanically mate together (termed collectively as mechanically
mating sides) and affix the adhesively attached heel cap 320 of the
shoe 330 to the adhesively attached heel 310 of the foot 340 of the
wearer of the shoe 330. These mechanically mating surfaces are
discussed in further detail below with reference to sides 400B and
500B of FIGS. 4C and 5A, for example.
[0068] Referring still to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the heel attachment
device 300 can include the first shoe attaching patch 300A and the
second foot attaching patch 300B. These portions 300A and 300B may
be flexible and referred to as a "patch" or may flexibly conform to
the exterior heel 310 of the foot 340 and the interior heel cap 320
of the shoe 330 respectively. As discussed in further detail below,
the first shoe attaching portion 300A can include a first side for
attaching to the shoe 330. The first "side" can include a surface
(or sub-surface) thereon or multiple surfaces within the side for
performing the function referenced to a "side" however. The second
foot attaching portion 300B has a first side configured for
attaching to the heel 310 of the wearer's foot 340. Opposing sides
of the shoe patch 300A and the foot patch 300B mate and increase a
mechanical attachment of the foot 340 to the shoe 330 based on the
mechanical connection there between.
[0069] Importantly, the portion of the foot 340 to which the
mechanical attachment is increased is the heel 310 of the foot 340
and the portion of the shoe 330 to which the mechanical attachment
is increased is the rear and upper heel cap 320 of the shoe 330.
The upper heel cap 320 of the shoe 330 is a portion of the shoe 330
that encases the heel 310 of the foot 340 when worn. The encasement
of the heel 310 by the cap 320 extends entirely around the curved
dome of the heel 310 of the foot 340 from above the heel 310 just
below the ankle to below the heel 310 of the foot 340 meeting the
sole of the shoe 330. Thus, the heel cap 320 of the shoe 330 to
which the mechanical heel attachment means 300 extends fully
encompasses the dome of the heel 310 of the foot 340.
[0070] As disclosed herein the shoe attachment device can include a
first shoe attaching portion and a second foot attaching portion as
means for attaching the heel of the foot to the heel cap of the
shoe. Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, a first shoe attaching
portion 400 of the attachment device is illustrated. This first
portion 400 of the shoe attaching device includes a first surface
400A and a second surface 400B. The first surface 400A of the first
shoe attaching portion 400 of the attachment device is configured
to attach to the interior of the shoe. The interior portion of the
shoe to which this first surface 400A of the shoe attaching portion
400 of the attachment device is configured to attach can include
the heel cap of the shoe. The heel cap of the shoe is a rearward
disposed portion of the shoe that extends over the heel of the foot
from above the heel of the foot down to the sole of the shoe as
illustrated in FIG. 3A. The heel cap of the shoe can extend around
the heel of the foot from a left side of the heel of the foot to a
right side of the heel of the foot. The heel of the foot is
substantially curved from a left side of the heel to a right side
of the heel of the foot.
[0071] Common shoes often come in sizes 5 to 11, for example, in
whole & half sizes, plus whole sizes 12 to 14. There is
approximately 1/4'' difference between widths, so a Medium width is
1/4'' wider than an `A` and 1/2'' wider than a Narrow (AA). There
is approximately 1/6'' between size increments, so a size 9 is
1/6'' longer than an 8.5 and 1/3'' longer than a size 8. From an
end of a heel to a tip of the longest toe for women's shoe sizes
5-10.5 can be between about 8.7 inches and 10.5 inches. The width
of a women's shoe size 5-10.5 can be between about 3.2 and 4.3
inches at the widest portion on average. Therefore, the width of an
average woman's heel can be between about one and 2.5 inches in
width.
[0072] The circumference of a closed curve or circular object is
the linear distance around its edge. The circumference of a heel
relates to the length of a curve (e.g. roughly a half circle), and
can be calculated if the diameter (i.e. the heel width) and/or
radius of the curve is known, and relates to Pi as C=Pi*diameter.
As such, the ratio of such curve and line dimensions are described
and calculated by one another herein.
[0073] Referring still to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the first shoe
attaching portion 400 of the attachment device includes a second
side 400B for engaging a second foot attaching portion (see 500 of
FIGS. 5A-C discussed below) of the attachment device. The second
side 400B of the first shoe attaching portion 400 of the attachment
device can include an engagement surface. The engagement surface of
the second side 400B of the shoe attaching portion 400 of the
attachment device can include a first mating engagement surface
characteristic as discussed in further detail later.
[0074] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4C, the shoe attaching portion 400
can be defined by a height (H) and a width (W). The height (H) and
width (W) can be defined by a shoe size to which the first shoe
attaching portion is configured to attach. The height (H) and width
(W) of the interior of the shoe cap of the applicable shoe can also
define the height (H) and width (W) of the first shoe attaching
portion 400 and predetermine the size thereof. For example, in the
instance where the associated shoe is of a relatively low profile,
the height (H) of the shoe attaching portion 400 may be relatively
small as opposed to a shoe attaching portion 400 associated with a
shoe of a relatively large, or high, heel cap profile. Thus, a
height (H) and/or width (W) dimension may be directly proportional
to a shoe size according to a defined increment distance (H/W) per
shoe size.
[0075] The width (W) of the shoe attaching portion 400 can also be
inversely proportional to the height (H) of the shoe attaching
portion, and vice versa, to regain an overall shoe attaching and/or
foot mating surface area. For example, where the shoe to which the
shoe attaching portion 400 is to be attached is relatively small in
height, the width (W) of the shoe attaching portion 400 can be
relatively increased to increase an overall shoe attaching surface
area of the shoe attaching portion 400. Thus, according to a shoe
attaching surface area criteria, the height (H) of the shoe
attaching portion 400 can be determined by the available height
within the heel cap of the applicable shoe for attachment. Based on
this available interior space available for attachment, the width
(W) of the shoe attaching portion 400 can be determined based on an
overall desired shoe attaching surface area desired.
[0076] Thus, if the height (H) of the shoe attaching portion 400 is
reduced by 25%, the width (W) of the shoe attaching portion 400 can
be increased by an amount corresponding to the reduction in overall
shoe attaching surface area of the shoe attaching portion 400. The
shoe attaching portion 400 can be prefabricated to fit the interior
of a particular shoe or shoe sizes, or the shoe attaching portion
400 can be offered in a kit of various heights (Hs) and widths (Ws)
to fit variously available shoes.
[0077] Shoes may also include various non-uniform interior designs
of stitching and/or assembled components that can also be
considered when designing the shoe attaching portion 400. These
interior features can be used to determine an optimal, or custom,
height and width thereof. For example, the shoe may include a
particularly low topline and the first shoe attaching portion 400
may be designed to fit within a perimeter of the topline design of
the associated shoe above the shoe sole. In fact, the shoe
attaching device and/or the shoe attaching portion 400 can be made
"custom" to the particular shoe. The shoe may also include a
particular sole which may extend up the sidewalls of the shoe upper
beyond a sole base of the shoe and into a bottom perimeter of the
heel cap. Thus, with particular regard to high-end fashion shoes
with a particular interior shoe design in the area of the shoe heel
cap portion of the rear of the shoe, not only the size, width, and
height of the interior of the shoe may be considered when designing
the first shoe attaching portion of the attachment device, but also
the interior stitching and particular shoe compartment design can
also be considered when fashioning a custom shoe attachment portion
400 of the shoe attachment device.
[0078] The shoe attaching surface 400A of the shoe attaching
portion 400 can include an adhesive. The adhesive of the shoe
attaching surface 400A of the shoe attaching portion 400 can be
designed and preselected based on a material of the interior of the
applicable, or associated, shoe. The adhesive of the shoe attaching
surface 400A of the shoe attachment portion 400 can take into
consideration the material of the interior of the shoe. The
adhesive of the shoe attaching surface 400A of the shoe attachment
portion 400 can also take into consideration the permanency of
attachment to the interior of the shoe. And, the adhesive of the
shoe attaching surface 400A of the shoe attaching portion 400 can
also take into consideration a removability (or lack of
removability) of the shoe attaching portion 400 to the interior of
the shoe.
[0079] The adhesive of the shoe attaching surface 400A can include
an epoxy, polyurethane, polyimide, or silicone adhesive, for
example. The adhesive of the shoe attaching portion 400 can include
a pressure sensitive adhesive with a very low modulus elastomer
which deforms easily under small pressures, permitting them to be
used with wet surfaces. Thus, in additional embodiments, an in-use
shoe attaching device can be deployed when the shoe is currently
worn and an attribute of the adhesive is particularly tailored to
attaching to wet materials. When the substrate and adhesive are
brought into contact, van der Waals forces are sufficient to
maintain the contact and can provide relatively durable bonds for
relatively subtle loaded applications. And, certain degradations of
adhesion needs can be supplied to provide a relatively larger or
smaller adhesion of the shoe adhering portion thereto.
[0080] The pressure sensitive adhesive on the first surface 400A of
the shoe attaching portion 400 can be formed as a tape or label,
although it can also come in the form of double-sided foam tape.
The thickness of the structure can be varied as the desired
subtlety or cushioning aspects thereof are optimized. As the name
implies, certain adhesives become relatively more liquid when
heated and then cool into a more solid polymer state. This
temperature relation of the adhesion within the shoe can be
predetermined such that the adhesive of the shoe attaching portion
can be increased upon adhesion and "set" as the temperature is
decreased. And the cure "time" can also be predetermined depending
on the application aspects.
[0081] This increased adhesion can be associated with a body
temperature in that the adhesion temperature can be defined as
above the body temperature of a human body (i.e. the foot). Thus, a
hair blow dryer, or other heating device, can be used to "set" the
shoe attaching portion 400 via its adhesive to the shoe then as it
cools from this elevated temperature, the adhesive bond between the
shoe attaching portion and the interior of the shoe more
permanently cures.
[0082] Other adhesives can be used to secure the shoe securing
portion 400 which may be induced by exposure to ultraviolet light,
or may be catalyzed by certain materials such as water (e.g. sweat)
which are ubiquitous on many surfaces of an interior of a shoe
during wear.
[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, a foot attaching
portion 500 of the attachment device includes a first surface 500A
and a second surface 500B. The foot attaching portion 500 of the
shoe attachment device includes the first surface 500A for
attaching to the wearer's foot and a second surface 500B for
attaching to the second surface 400B of the shoe attaching portion
400. The first surface 500A of the foot attaching portion 500 can
include a biocompatible adhesive selected to adhere to the skin of
the heel of the wearer's foot. Some example applications of types
of biocompatible adhesives include medical adhesives, baby diaper
adhesives, and athletic skin adhering adhesives as well as
adhesives used for costumes, wigs, prosthetics, and cosmetics.
[0084] The foot attaching portion 500 can have a multilayer
structure, or single-layer structure. The biocompatible adhesive of
the first surface 500A can have a coefficient of adhesion in
contact with the skin, which is less than the coefficient of
adhesion in contact with the outer layer 500B so as to allow
repeated application/separation without an unpleasant sensation of
pain when detached from the skin. According to other alternative
embodiments the foot attaching portion 500 may also be attached to
worn stocking, or hosiery, by means of adhesive, irreversible
fasteners such as stitches, or by means of reversible fastenings
such as Velcro connections which are able to allow removal and
replacement of the foot attaching portion in the event of a
reduction in the adhesion coefficient. However, according various
preferred embodiments, the biocompatible adhesive on the first
surface 500A of the foot attaching portion 500 is used to secure
the foot attaching portion 500 directly to the foot of the
wearer.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 5A, the second side 500B of the foot
securing portion 500 of the shoe attachment device includes a
surface 500B for releasably engaging the second surface 400B of the
shoe attaching portion 400 of FIG. 4C. The foot attaching portion
500 can be defined by a height (H) and width (W) of the foot
attaching portion 500 of the shoe attachment device (e.g. including
400 and 500). The foot attaching portion 500 can be sized with a
height (H) and width (W) consistent to the shoe attaching portion
400. The foot attaching portion 500 can also have a height (H) and
width (W) that is different than the shoe attaching portion 400.
For example, the size of the foot attaching portion 500 may be
relatively constrained by the limitations of the interior of the
shoe, and therefore, may have a height (H) larger than the shoe
attaching portion 400. The shoe attaching portion 400 may, however,
also have a height (H) smaller than the shoe attaching portion 500
so as to be of a lower profile upon the foot of the wearer when the
wearer is not wearing the shoe.
[0086] The height (H) of the foot attaching portion 500 may also be
smaller than the shoe attaching portion 400 as the foot may not
always be disposed within the shoe at the same relative height
aligned position. Thus, the likelihood of having an exact alignment
of the foot attaching portion 500 with the shoe attaching portion
400 may not be always the case. By sizing the shoe attaching
portion 400 larger than the foot attaching portion 500 but with a
sufficient contact surface tolerance (e.g. as non-limiting examples
+/-25% to 50% in increments of 5%) of the foot attaching portion
500, with the shoe attaching portion 400, the engagement surface
area required to maintain a securement between the foot and the
interior of the heel cap of the shoe can be maintained.
[0087] Thus, according to some non-limiting embodiments, the foot
attaching portion 500 may be approximately between 75% of, or half
of, the height (H) of the shoe attaching portion 400 so as to
ensure that at least the height (H) of the heel attachment portion
appropriately mates and engages with the shoe attachment portion
according to predetermined design criteria discussed herein.
[0088] Referring with more particularity to FIGS. 4B and 5B, cross
sectional views of the shoe attaching portion 400 of FIGS. 4A and
4C, and the foot attaching portion 500 of FIGS. 5A and 5C, are
shown, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4B, the shoe attaching
portion 400 includes the first shoe attaching surface 400A and the
second mating surface 400B. And, as shown in FIG. 5B, the foot
attaching portion 500 includes the foot attaching surface 500A for
attaching to the heel of the foot and the foot attaching portion
includes an opposing mating surface 500B for mating with the mating
surface 400B of the shoe attaching portion 400. As previously
discussed, the foot attaching portion 500 is defined by a height
(H) and width (W) and the shoe attaching portion 400 is defined by
a height (H) and (W) as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 4B, the shoe attaching portion 400 is
defined by a thickness (T). And, as shown in FIG. 5B, the foot
attaching portion 500 is defined by a thickness (T). The thickness
(T) of the shoe attaching portion 400 can be relatively thicker
than the thickness (T) of the foot attaching portion 500 so as to
provide a level of cushion, yet leaving the cushion within the shoe
as opposed to extending from the heel of the wearer. According to
one preferred embodiment, however, the thickness (T) of the shoe
attaching portion 400 and the foot attaching portion 500 are as
thin as possible (e.g. less than 1 millimeter collectively when
mated). In some embodiments a foam backing is used for the shoe
attaching portion that is 2 millimeters thick, plus an additional
thin ridge across the center that is an additional 2 millimeters
thick. Thus, the thinness or thickness may also be considered a
composite or non-uniform thickness that may vary gradually, or
according to a step change in thickness (or other dimension)
transition. This thinness (or thickness) of the shoe attaching
portion 400 can be less than one millimeter and the thinness of the
foot attaching portion 500 can also be less than one millimeter.
The thickness (T) of the shoe attaching portion 400 may be twice as
thick, however, as the thickness (T) of the foot attaching portion
500 so as to allow for not only cushion, but also, vertical shear
"play" (herein referred to as "shear cushion") there between (or
shear resiliency) as is discussed below with reference to FIG.
6.
[0090] Importantly, due to the position of the shoe attaching
portion 400 within the heel cap of the shoe, the shoe attachment
device is subject to shear forces as opposed to a tensile (or
"breaking" or "unzipping") force. Shear force includes a force
acting on a substance in a direction generally perpendicular to the
extension (e.g. thickness) of the substance. Shear forces often
result in shear strain and a level of shear resiliency as a result.
Referring to FIG. 6, the shear force 600 between the shoe attaching
portion 400 and the foot attaching portion 500 is illustrated. The
shear force 600 is force generally perpendicular to the thickness
(T) of the foot attaching portion 500 and the shoe attaching
portion 400. The shear force 600 is also generally parallel to the
vertical direction of height (H) of the foot attaching portion 500
and the height (H) of the heel attaching portion 400. The shear
force 600 is also generally perpendicular to the width (W) of the
shoe attaching device including the shoe attaching portion 400 and
foot attaching portion 500.
[0091] The shear force 600 is due to the direction of force
required to detach (kinetically) the foot attaching portion 500
from the shoe attaching portion 400. For example, when the shoe is
attached to the foot by the shoe attachment mechanism, the wearer
subjects the shoe attachment to forces of detachment generally
perpendicular to the extension of thickness of the foot attachment
portion 500 and generally perpendicular to the thickness of
extension of the shoe attachment portion 400. These mating surfaces
of the foot attachment portion 500 and shoe attachment portion 400
must be detached via a shear force 600 during use as opposed to
detachment via a tensile force of pulling the shoe attaching
portion 400 directly away in an opposite direction from the foot
attaching portion 500. As such, the shear force of disengagement
between the mating surfaces 400B and 500B of the foot attaching
portion 500 and the shoe attaching portion 400 is much different as
shown in FIG. 6 as opposed to other previous devices disposed on
the sole of the shoe and base (bottom) of the wearer's foot as
discussed in the Background section of this document.
[0092] The shear disengagement force 600 can result in overall
increased and reliable securement between the foot engagement
portion 500 and the shoe engagement portion 400, however the
opposite design consideration may also be exploited according to
some of the inventor's embodiments.
[0093] For example, whereas the more traditional foot-to-shoe
securement methods may have required a highly tensile stable and
secure connection between the sole of the shoe and the bottom of
the wearer's foot, here the securement of the mating surfaces of
the foot securing portion 500 and the shoe securing portion 400 may
not be required to be as strong, and may be desirably designed and
manufactured to be less so according to certain embodiments. And,
according to certain embodiments, a predetermined level of shear
resiliency, shear cushioning, and/or shear slipping may be
tolerated for the sake of comfort and/or repositioning of the
wearer's foot relative to the shoe, for example.
[0094] To illustrate, according to some embodiments, the mating
surfaces of the foot securing portion 500 and the shoe securing
portion 400 can include a hook and loop mating mechanism of
opposing mating surfaces 400B and 500B. Such mating surfaces in
some embodiments of the disclosure herein result in a relatively
secure mechanical mating of opposing portions of the foot securing
device. The mating surface 500B of the foot securing portion 500
can include the hook portion of the mating surface and the mating
surface 400B of the shoe securing portion 400 can include the loop
portion of the mating interlocking mechanism. And in some
embodiments, the mating surface 400B of the shoe securing portion
400 can include the hook portion of the mating surface and the
mating surface of the foot securing portion 500 can include the
loop portion of the interlocking mechanism. According to some
embodiments, the loop portion of the mechanism is preferred to be
disposed on the shoe attaching portion 400 as this portion is
disposed opposite to the foot and is considered relatively more
comfortable than the hook portion where the mating surfaces do not
entirely overlap.
[0095] However, according to several embodiments, the mating
surface(s) of the foot attaching portion 500 and/or the shoe
attaching portion 400 can include only a rough fabric, felt-like,
fibrous, or textured surface so as to increase engagement and
relative movement of the foot attaching portion and the shoe
attaching portion. The surface can include a brushed loop or other
stronger gripping surface as well as the repositioning aspects of
reseating the shoes against the foot. The material(s) can also be
selected as to the material--for example a wool or cotton material
or a woven, fabric, fibrous, knit, loose-fit, compacted, or
non-woven aspect thereof. Other examples include Veltex, YKK,
Aplix, Velcro, Eastex, Halco, and other brand names of materials
engaging materials.
[0096] A knit material is a preferred fabric material, and a
preferred fibrous material, in several embodiments. For example,
the second mating surface of the shoe can include a knit material
which is not the same as a woven material. Rather, a knit material
is a preferred material to a woven material which have important
differences in several of the disclosed embodiments. In knit
fabric, one continuous yarn is looped repeatedly to create what
looks like tiny rows of braids. In woven fabric, multiple yarns
cross each other at right angles to form the grain, like a basket.
One reason for using a knit material is that the visible grain
running in one direction allows for the hooks on the foot attaching
portion to "catch" along the grain.
[0097] According to one particularly advantageous embodiment, the
mating surface 500B of the foot attaching portion 500 can include
very small hook-shaped interlocking features and the mating surface
400B of the shoe attaching portion 400 can include a fabric
material. The fabric material of the mating surface 400B of the
shoe attaching portion 400 can be selectively relatively soft so as
to increase comfort against the skin of the wearer should the foot
attaching portion 500 and the shoe attaching portion 400 become
de-aligned and the fabric material of the mating surface 400B of
the shoe attaching portion 400 directly engage the skin of the heel
of the foot of the wearer.
[0098] Thus, in such embodiments as shown in FIG. 6, the
substantially vertical positions of the mating surface 500B of the
heel attaching portion 500 with the mating surface 400B of the shoe
attaching portion 400 allows for not only the different shear force
of disengagement there between but also enables less abrasive
mechanically engaging surfaces as opposed to the more traditional
hook-loop mechanisms used. And, as such, the shoe attachment
devices according to such embodiments may be worn for a longer
tolerable duration with increased comfort.
[0099] According to certain embodiments, the foot attaching portion
500 can be skin colored so as to be less visibly discernable when
the shoe is not worn. Similarly, the color of the shoe attaching
portion 400 can more closely correspond to the color of the shoe so
as to not be as visually discernable when the shoe is not being
worn. However, the color of the foot attaching portion 500 and the
color of the shoe attaching portion 400 can also be selected so as
to provide a color of indication, source, or counterfeit. The
optical indication of the color of the shoe attaching portion 400
and the foot attaching portion 500 can indicate a source or
manufacturer of the shoe or shoe attaching device according to the
embodiments disclosed herein. The optical indicia provided by the
color of the shoe attaching portions 400 can also be used to
specify which shoe the foot attaching portion 500 corresponds with.
For example, a particular foot attaching portion 500 of the shoe
attaching mechanism may correspond with a particular set of shoes
having a corresponding set of shoe attaching portions 400 attached
thereto. In such embodiments, a particular height or width or
thickness, or other shape aspect, of the foot attaching portion 500
may coincide with a particular set of shoes having a particular set
of the attaching portions 400 attached thereto. Moreover, an age of
the shoe or shoe attaching mechanism 400 may be associated with the
color of the shoe attaching mechanism 400 or a portion thereof.
[0100] According to several embodiments, the shape of the shoe
attaching mechanism can be selected for functional, ornamental,
source designating, and/or aesthetic reasons. The various shapes
imparted thereto can be, or include, a square shape, a rectangular
shape, oval or elliptical shape, multiple pieces, a triangular
shape, a V-shape, or other shape as viewed perpendicular to a width
and height of the shoe attaching device.
[0101] According to some preferred embodiments, the shape of a shoe
attaching device 700 can be "bean" shaped as shown in FIGS. 7A and
7B. As previously discussed, however, the foot attaching portion(s)
can include a small rectangular strip. However, in such embodiments
the shoe attaching portion can be bean-shaped. Thus, the shapes
discussed herein may apply to only one side, but not the other. The
shape of the perimeter of the different portions can be different;
such as substantially linear as opposed to curved over at least a
portion thereof. For example, one part, or side, of the device can
be bean-shaped and the other side, or part, of the device can be
rectangular, and vice versa. In such embodiments, the bean shape
can improve functional aspects of the shoe attaching device.
[0102] As such, the inventor of this application has found certain
functional advantages to a bean shaped shoe attachment device 700
as opposed to the previously discussed designs. In addition to
advantages of curved edges for purposes of preventing snagging and
promoting comfort, the bean shape also more closely extends over
the top of the dome shape of the heel 310 of the foot 340 and down
around the sides of the heel 310 of the foot 340. That is, when
looking at a profile of a heel 310 as shown in the case of the shoe
330 and the foot 340 in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the heel 310 is not
entirely vertical. And, this lack of straightness of the heel 310
is used as a functional advantage of the bean-shaped shoe
securement device 700 according to various embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0103] As the bean-shaped shoe attachment device 700 extends over
the top of the heel 310 and down opposing sides of the heel 310,
the design not only exhibits securement via the shear forces (as
opposed to tensile forces) but also exhibits compressive forces
against the device 700 itself as the foot 340 is pressed there
against the interior of the heel cap 320 during the walking motion
of the wearer. This force of compression of the heel 310 of the
foot 340 against the upper interior portion of the heel cap 320 of
the shoe 330 where a central portion of the heel 310 and heel cap
320 securing mechanism 700 is located concentrates the pressure and
securement characteristics at that location.
[0104] Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C an illustration of the
bean shaped shoe attachment mechanism 700 is shown. In this design,
the shoe attachment portion 700A is shown in FIG. 8A and the foot
attachment portion 700B is shown in FIG. 8C. Again, these shapes
can be curved, and/or linear in aspects thereof. The relative
position of the shoe attachment portions 700 relative to the heel
of the foot is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8B
as it relates to the vertical force of the foot against the
interior of the heel cap of the shoe.
[0105] FIG. 8C also illustrates different locations of the shoe
attachment device that can be selectively varied in construction,
mechanical attachment features, and/or adhesive attributes. The
different zones (or surfaces within a side/portion) of the shoe
attachment portions can also be illustrated for purposes of the
different forces applied thereto by the shoe against the foot. The
different zones can also be applied to a rectangular embodiment
including a similarly situated center, left, and right (top,
middle, and bottom) zone as well. And, the device can be divided
into quadrants with a top-left, and so forth, quadrant of device
attributes.
[0106] As shown, the bean-shaped design can be defined by a width
(W) and a height (H). The width (W) and height (H) of the bean
shape can be defined by a "most wide" width D1 of the absolute
extremes of the sides of the device 700 as the sides are defined by
curves. Similarly, the height (H) of the device can be defined by
the absolute largest height distance (D2+D3) as the top and bottom
edges of the bean shaped implement are also defined by curves. The
bottom of the bean shaped device can be defined by a concave curve
C1 and the top of the bean shaped device can be defined by a convex
curve C2. The sides of the bean shaped device can be defined by
right and left convex curves as shown.
[0107] The bean shape can accommodate the shape of the heel of the
wearer as previously discussed. For example, the concave portion C1
of the bean shape can extend over a center portion of the dome
shaped heel of the wearer and the sides of the device can extend
over the sides of the heel when worn within a shoe.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 8B, the shear forces applied to the device
700 can be converted to compressive forces near a top of the device
700 extending over a top of the curved cross sectional shape of the
heel. This compression force at this location can increase the
mechanical attachment attributes at that location. As shown, the
bottom of the heel can curve toward the front of the foot and the
force at this location between the foot attaching portion of the
shoe attachment device and the shoe attaching portion of the shoe
attachment device may be considered to be a tensile "breaking"
force as opposed to the shear force in the middle and compression
force near the top of the shoe attaching device.
[0109] A shown in FIG. 8C, there can be different Zones 1-3 of the
shoe attaching portion 700A and/or foot attaching portion 700B of
the shoe attaching device 700. These Zones 1-3 can relate to the
relative forces exhibited by the force of the heel of the foot
against the interior of the heel cap of the shoe, for example as
illustrated by FIG. 8B.
[0110] These forces of Zones 1-3 may be a result of the particular
shape of the heel of the foot and the shape of the heel cap of a
shoe for a particular wearer. Particular aspects of the shoe
attachment device 700 may be varied from Zone-to-Zone. These Zones
1-3 can define the position of the heel, locations of compressive
forces, locations of shear forces, and so forth as previously
discussed. These Zones 1-3 may be defined by a curvature or ellipse
as shown. A first Zone 1 can relate to a central zone over the
center of the heel. A second Zone 2 can be considered a relatively
left zone and a third Zone 3 can be considered a relatively right
zone. The first Zone 1 can be associated with a magnitude of
detachment force or a magnitude of required attachment force to
retain the heel of the foot within the shoe. As such, the
attachment force associated with the mating surfaces of the foot
attaching portion 700B can be relatively higher than the attachment
force associated with the mating surfaces adjacent thereto.
[0111] The adhesive properties of the adhesive attaching the foot
attaching portion to the skin of the heel of the foot of the wearer
can be higher at the adjacent Zones 2 and 3 as opposed to the first
more central Zone 1 so as to more securely attach the sides of the
heel attaching portion 700B to the foot as opposed to the center
thereof. As such, the center Zone 1 is allowed to move more
liberally relative to the heel while retaining the shoe attached to
the foot of the wearer. Thus, according to various embodiments, the
shoe attaching device 700 can include a bean-shape with foot and
shoe attaching adhesive extending uniformly, or non-uniformly
across a width and/or height thereof. Moreover, the non-uniform
distribution of the adhesive, shape, thickness and/or cushioning
aspects of the foot and/or shoe attaching portions 700A and 700B
may vary according to discrete locations and/or attribute/shape
transitions or may more gradually change from location-to-location
or Zone-to-Zone.
[0112] Referring to FIG. 9, a shoe attaching or foot attaching
portion 900 can include an appending feature that extends outwards
from mating surface thereof. The appending feature can include a
horizontal ridge 910. The horizontal ridge can extend partially or
entirely across a width of a mating side of the shoe attaching or
foot attaching portion 900. In some embodiments, the portion is the
shoe attaching portion such that the horizontal ridge 910 is
stationary with respect to the shoe, yet is a mechanical engaging
non-uniform surface feature that engages the mating surface of the
foot attaching portion.
[0113] The portion 900 can also include non-uniform features 920
extending across the width of the portion 900. These non-uniform
feature 920 can be spaced horizontal ridges across the width of the
portion 900 and can vary in extent and thickness of the ridge 920
across the width or more proximate to the edges of the portion
900.
[0114] One purpose of the horizontal ridge 910 is to help keep the
wearer's heel in place and can be an additional measure to the
mating surfaces previously discussed, which, when combined with the
interlocking mechanism, helps keep the heel secure inside the shoe.
It also helps by bringing the back of the foot that much closer
into contact with the heel cap, without making the entire foot
attaching portion so thick so as to create undesirable bulk inside
the heel cap.
[0115] A width, or greatest dimension, of the shoe attaching or
foot attaching portion 900 can be between 2 and 3 inches with
increments there between of 0.1 inch, for example; and, the height
thereof can be between about 0.5 and 1.5 inches. According to one
design, the width is about 2.5 inches. The height can be between
about 0.75 and 1.25 inches, for example, in increments of 0.1 inch.
The size can be supplied or cut (e.g. etch)-able to a preferred or
indicated increment. The opposing portion 900 of the shoe or foot
attachment device can be about 1.5 inches in width and about 0.33
inches in height. Similarly, the width and height can vary in 0.1
or 0.05 increments. In one example, the foot attaching portion is
about two millimeters thick at the thinnest portion, and
approximately four millimeters thick at the thickest portion (due
to a raised ridge running in an arch horizontally across the foot
attaching portion as illustrated in FIG. 9).
[0116] For example, referring to FIG. 10, according to a preferred
embodiment, a ridge 1010 runs along a shoe attaching portion 1000,
not the foot attaching portion. The ridge 1010 can also be curved
according to the "bean shape" of the perimeter of the shoe portion
1000 and has a width. The width of the ridge 1010 can change along
its length according to the bean shape and be relatively narrower
(not shown) toward ends of the ridge 1010 as compared to a center
of the portion of the ridge 1010. The width of the ridge 1010 can
be half or less of the height of the shoe attaching portion 1000,
for example.
[0117] The thickness of the foot attaching or shoe attaching
portion(s) can be about 5 millimeters thick or less. The thickness
may be relatively thicker near a center Zone, for example. The
friction and shear strength between the foot attaching and shoe
attaching portions substantially prevent the back of the foot from
slipping out of the shoe.
[0118] When hook tape is used the low profile of the preferable
hook tape goes on the back of the foot using a skin-specific
adhesive. The hook tape measures about 1.5 inches wide and 0.5
inches high.
[0119] Thus, as disclosed herein, the problem associated with
comfortably wearing high-heel pumps, in particular, due to the
heels of the feet slipping out may be addressed. The correct
seating of the foot within the shoe can be improved as well as the
safety and embarrassing aspects of the foot slipping out of the
shoe addressed.
[0120] While the various devices disclosed herein include a foot
attaching portion and a shoe attaching portion, various of the
teachings are applicable to single layer attaching devices with
double sided adhesive layers. Moreover, additional layers and
portions may be included in between such portions and/or adjacent
thereto. For example, the various Zones, sides, or ends whether
above or below those disclosed can further be employed according to
the teachings disclosed herein. Further, other shapes are
anticipated such as an up-side-down U shape with rounded corners.
And the edges as seen from a cross-sectional view may also be
rounded or softened.
[0121] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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