WO1996013995A1

WO1996013995A1 - Shoe accessory

Info

Publication number: WO1996013995A1
Application number: PCT/NL1995/000380
Authority: WO
Inventors: Isaac Yeshurun
Original assignee: Knowhow Licensing & Know-How Transfer B.V.
Priority date: 1994-11-07
Filing date: 1995-11-07
Publication date: 1996-05-17
Also published as: IL111548A0; AU3882395A

Abstract

A shoe accessory comprising an externally mounted shock absorbing heel apparatus including a shock absorbing heel element (60) and an attachment apparatus (64, 66, 68) for removable attachment of the heel element to a shoe (70).

Description

Shoe accessory

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to shoes and shoe accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A great variety of running shoes are known in the art. The following U.S. Patents are believed to be representative of the state of the art: 4,999,932; 4,887,367; 4,856;208; 4,763,426; 4,610,099, 4,546,555; 4,446,634; 4,397,104; 4,319,412 and 4,217,707.

A review of the prior art indicates that shock absorbing shoe constructions are well known, including air cushions of various designs. Constructions in which the back of the foot is raised relative to the front of the foot are also known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a shoe construction, suitable for walking and/or running, which represents a radical departure from the prior art. There are three general types of embodiments of the present invention. The first is an externally mounted shock absorbing accessory, the second is a shoe constructed with a shock absorbing accessory, and the third as a shoe constructed with a stowable and selectably deployable shock absorbing accessory.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a shoe accessory comprising externally mounted shock absorbing heel apparatus including a shock absorbing heel element and attachment apparatus for removable attachment of the heel element to a shoe.

Throughout the disclosure and claims, the term "heel" does not refer only to the portion of the foot known as the heel, but rather also may include portions of the foot forward of the heel.

Preferably, the externally mounted heel appara¬ tus comprises a resiliently compressible heel element.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a high- heeled running shoe comprising a foot enclosing portion and a resilient and shock absorbing sole and heel portion defining a foot support surface which in the absence of the application of compressive force thereto is inclined from the horizontal.

Preferably, the resilient heel portion com¬ prises a resiliently compressible heel element.

The angle of inclination may be such that the shoe is not practically useful for ordinary walking.

The resiliently compressible heel element may comprise a fluid cushion, employing air or a liquid. Alternatively, or additionally, it may comprise solid resilient material. Alternatively, or additionally, it may comprise at least one hollow element with a com¬ pressed fluid therein. Alternatively, or additionally, it may comprise springs of various types.

Preferably, the resiliency of the heel element is adjustable.

Preferably, the heel element defines an engage¬ ment surface which is different in size than the portion of the foot support surface which overlies it.

The attachment apparatus may be of any suitable design and construction and may include straps and/or buckles for attachment of the heel element to a shoe. It may include flaps attached to the heel. Alternatively, the attachment apparatus may be clampable to a shoe.

The attachment apparatus can be used with ordinary shoes having no special provisions for attach¬ ment of the externally mounted heel apparatus. Alterna¬ tively, the attachment apparatus may be configured to be used with shoes that have special attachment arrange¬ ments, such as swallow-tail recesses in the shoe heel, VELCRO R strips and other attachment devices.

The resiliently compressible heel element is preferably compressible a significant amount of its non- compressed height. In accordance with a preferred embodi¬ ment of the present invention, the resiliently compressi¬ ble heel element is compressible by an amount equal to at least 25% of its non-compressed height. Preferably, the resiliently compressible heel element is compressible by an amount equal to approximately 50% of its compressed height.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodi¬ ment of the present invention, the resiliently compressi¬ ble shock absorbing heel element is stowable in the heel portion and deployable from the heel portion. The foot support surface is generally horizontal when the heel element is stowed and inclined from the horizontal when the heel element is deployed. Preferably, the resiliently compressible shock absorbing heel element is detachable and replaceable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed de¬ scription, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

Figs. 1A and IB are respective pictorial and side view illustrations of a shoe constructed and opera¬ tive in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a pictorial illustration of a shoe and an externally mounted heel apparatus therefor, con¬ structed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E and 3F are simplified sectional illustrations, generally taken along lines III

III in Fig. 2, showing various alternative variations of a heel element useful in either of the embodiments of

Figs. 1 and 2;

Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate, in respective disas¬ sembled and assembled arrangement, a shoe and an exter¬ nally mounted heel apparatus therefor, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate, in respective disas¬ sembled and assembled arrangement, a shoe and an exter¬ nally mounted heel apparatus therefor, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 illustrate, in a disassembled arrange¬ ment, a shoe and an externally mounted heel apparatus therefor, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present inven¬ tion;

Figs. 9 and 10 each illustrate an externally mounted heel apparatus, constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate respectively an externally mounted heel apparatus constructed and opera¬ tive in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the invention and the mode of mounting thereof on a specially configured shoe;

Figs. 13A and 13B are respective simplified pictorial and side view illustrations of an externally mounted heel apparatus, constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 14 is a simplified illustration of the mode of mounting the externally mounted heel apparatus of Figs. 13A and 13B on a shoe;

Fig. 15 is a simplified illustration of an externally mounted heel apparatus, constructed and opera¬ tive in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 16 is a simplified illustration of an externally mounted heel apparatus, constructed and opera¬ tive in accordance with still another preferred embodi¬ ment of the present invention;

Figs. 17 and 18 illustrate respectively an externally mounted heel apparatus constructed and opera¬ tive in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the invention and the mode of mounting thereof on a shoe;

Figs. 19 and 20 are side view illustrations of a built-in heel apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention in respective stowed and deployed orientations;

Fig. 21 is a side view illustration of an alternative embodiment of the built-in heel apparatus of Figs. 19 and 20;

Figs. 22 and 23 are side view illustrations showing a shoe having an externally mounted heel appara¬ tus in respective uncompressed and compressed operative orientations; and

Figs. 24 and 25 are side view illustrations showing a shoe having the externally mounted heel appara¬ tus of Figs. 22 and 23, in respective uncompressed and compressed operative orientations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to Figs. 1A and IB which are pictorial illustrations of a shoe constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shoe may be of generally conventional construction except as to its heel portion 10, which as seen is preferably of exaggerated height, such that the sole of the shoe is pitched forward, that is, the hindfoot is raised with respect to the forefoot.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heel portion is a shock ab¬ sorbing heel and is made of a resilient shock absorbing material, such as plastic in various forms or rubber. Alternatively, as will be described hereinbelow in great¬ er detail, the shock absorbing qualities of the heel portion may be provided by incorporation therein of mechanical or fluid springs of various constructions.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an ordinary shoe, such as a conven¬ tional, generally flat shoe 20, as shown in Fig. 2 may have removably attached thereto a shoe appliance or accessory 22, one example of which is shown in Fig. 2. As seen in Fig. 2, the accessory comprises a shock absorbing heel portion 24, which may be removably attached to the shoe by means of straps 26, the ends of which may be provided with various fasteners such as Velcro R. The straps are wrapped and attached around the ankle of a user, thereby securely attaching the shoe accessory 22 to the shoe 20.

As noted above, various types of heel portion constructions may be provided. A few examples are shown in Figs. 3A - 3F. Fig. 3A shows a heel portion 30 filled with a multiplicity of macaroni-like, hollow resilient tubes 32.

Fig. 3B shows a heel portion 34 filled with a multiplicity of resilient elastomer cushions 36. Elastom¬ er cushions 36 may be solid or hollow with compressed air therein. Alternatively, elastomer cushions 36 may be user inflatable via a fluid valve, such as a tire-type valve. Elastomer cushions 36 may be formed inside heel portion 34. Alternatively, heel portion 34 may be formed with suitable apertures which allow the user himself to re¬ place or insert elastomer cushions 36 into heel portion 34. The user may thus choose an appropriate set of elas¬ tomer cushions having certain desired properties, such as resiliency. In the case of an inflatable elastomer cush¬ ion, the user may vary the degree of inflation in order to adjust the resiliency of the cushion.

Fig. 3C shows a heel portion 38 filled with a solid resilient material 40, such as rubber or plastic in various types, forms and densities.

Figs. 3D and 3E illustrate selectably inflata¬ ble heel portions 42 and 44 respectively. In Fig. 3D, the heel portion includes a needle valve arrangement 46, while in Fig. 3E, the heel portion includes a tire-type valve apparatus 48. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the inflatable heel portions 42 and 44 are inflatable within the physical dimensional outline of the sole of the shoe. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the inflatable heel portions 42 and 44 are inflatable beyond the physical dimensional outline of the sole of the shoe. This is in contrast with prior art inflatable soles which can only inflate within the confines of the dimensional outline of the sole.

Fig. 3F illustrates an embodiment wherein a heel portion 50 includes a plurality of springs 52. It is appreciated that in all of the embodiments shown in Figs. 3A - 3F, the resiliency and shock absorbing characteris¬ tics of the heel portions may be adjustable.

Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate a further alternative embodiment of a removably mounted shock absorbing shoe accessory. In this embodiment, a shoe accessory 60 com¬ prises a heel portion 62 and a plurality of upstanding engagement elements 64, each of which comprises a fasten- er 66 preferably adjacent the top thereof, such as one part of a Velcro R fastening apparatus, the other parts 68 of which are fixed to corresponding locations on a shoe 70.

Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate a further alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing shoe accessory. In this embodiment, a shoe accessory 80 comprises a heel portion 82 and a peripheral upstanding engagement element 84, an interior portion of which may be attached to the' periph¬ ery of a shoe heel 86 by adhesive or any other permanent or removable attachment mechanism or material. Alterna¬ tively, element 84 may be constructed of an elastic material which stretches and adheres to the periphery of the shoe heel 86.

Fig. 8 illustrates a shock absorbing shoe accessory 90, which may be similar to accessory 60 but also includes an upstanding element 92 which is arranged to be mounted forward of the shoe heel 94. Fig. 9 illus¬ trates a shock absorbing shoe accessory 9.6, which may be similar to accessory 90 but wherein a forwardly tapering element 98 is arranged to be mounted forward of the shoe heel.

Fig. 10 illustrates a shock absorbing shoe accessory 100, which may be similar to accessory 60 but includes hook type engagement elements 102 each situated at the end of an elastic strap 104. The shoe accessory 100 attaches to a shoe by pulling engagement elements 102 upward and hooking them on the upper edges of the portion of the shoe adjacent the ankles.

Reference is now made to Figs. 11 and 12 which illustrate a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 11, a shoe accessory 110 includes a heel portion 112 having formed on a top sur¬ face thereof a plurality of elongate, upstanding gener¬ ally T-shaped engagement elements 114. Fig. 12 illus¬ trates how the engagement elements 114 slidably or other¬ wise fit into corresponding slots 116 specially formed in the heel of a shoe 118. It is appreciated that the en¬ gagement elements 114 fit tightly in slots 116 such that the shoe accessory 110 is securely attached to the shoe.

Reference is now made to Figs. 13A and 13B which illustrate yet a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. As seen in Fig. 13A, a shoe acces¬ sory 200 includes a heel portion 202 and a pair of brack¬ et clamps 204 and 206.

Bracket clamp 204 includes a transverse portion 208 with a threaded hole 210 at an end 212 thereof. Bracket clamp 204 also includes a clamp post 214, gener¬ ally perpendicular to transverse portion 208. Attached to an end 216 of clamp post 214 is a grasping portion 218, preferably provided with one or more prongs 220.

Bracket clamp 206 includes a transverse channel portion 222 and a clamp post 224, generally perpendicular to transverse channel portion 222. Attached to an end 226 of clamp post 224 is a grasping portion 228, preferably provided with one or more prongs 230, one of which may be seen in Fig. 13B.

An elongate thumbscrew 232 preferably passes through an aperture 234 formed in clamp post 224 and threadably engages with threaded hole 210, as seen in Fig. 13B. Preferably a first snap ring 236 and a second snap ring 238, located on opposite sides of clamp post 224, rotatably attach thumbscrew 232 to clamp post 224.

Bracket clamp 204 is preferably fixedly embed¬ ded in heel portion 202, whereas bracket clamp 206 is preferably slidably mounted in a channel 240 formed in heel portion 202.

Reference is now made to Fig. 14 which illus¬ trates the attachment of shoe accessory 200 to a heel 242 of a shoe. Tightening thumbscrew 232 causes prongs 220 and 230 to prick heel 242 and grasping portions 218 and 228 to be pressed against heel 242, thereby fixedly attaching shoe accessory 200 to the shoe.

Bracket clamps 204 and 206 of shoe accessory 200 are typically constructed of a strong plastic or metal. Fig. 15 illustrates another shoe accessory 250, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, which is substan¬ tially identical to shoe accessory 200. Shoe accessory 250, as distinct from shoe accessory 200, is preferably constructed of a strong plastic or metal.

Reference is now made to Fig. 16 which illus¬ trates a shoe accessory 260, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. Shoe accessory 260 comprises a generally flat plate 262, from opposite ends of which protrude a pair of clamping tabs 264 and 266. A thumbscrew 268 threadably engages a threaded hole 270 on clamping tab 264. Clamping tab 266 is preferably provided with a pair of prongs 272.

Plate 262 is preferably molded in a heel por¬ tion 274. Plate 262 is preferably constructed of a strong plastic or metal, and typically may have a plurality of holes 276 which may aid in fixedly molding plate 262 in heel portion 274.

It is appreciated that tightening thumbscrew 268 causes prongs 272 and an end 278 of thumbscrew 268 to press against opposite sides of a heel of a shoe (not shown), thereby securely fastening shoe accessory 260 to the shoe.

Reference is now made to Fig. 17 which illus¬ trates a shoe accessory 280, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. Shoe accessory 280 is constructed of a wire or rod, preferably of a strong plastic or metal, bent or shaped to form two opposing pairs of prongs 282, and two opposing clamping portions 284. Clamping portions 284 may be resiliently displaced towards each other by the turn¬ ing action of a thumbscrew 286 which threadably engages two nut plates 288, each fixedly attached to the clamping portions 284.

As seen in Fig. 18, tightening thumbscrew 286 causes clamping portions 284 and prongs 282 to be dis¬ placed inwards and press against a heel 290 of a shoe, thereby fixedly attaching shoe accessory 280 to the shoe.

Reference is now made to Figs. 19 and 20 which illustrate a built-in heel apparatus 120 constructed and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The built-in heel apparatus 120 is stowed in the heel portion of a shoe 122. A deploying device 124 is provided on the heel portion for deploying the heel apparatus 120. The shoe 122 may be worn and used with the heel apparatus 120 stowed therein. If the shoe 122 is desired to be used with the heel apparatus 120 deployed, the deploying device 124 is actuated to release the heel apparatus 120 from the heel portion of the shoe 122. The heel apparatus 120 is preferably provided with an air valve 126 for inflation. The heel apparatus 120 is stowed back into the heel portion of the shoe 122 by bleeding air therefrom preferably via the air valve 126 and pushing the heel apparatus 120 bach into the heel portion of the shoe 122 and closing therein preferably by means of the deploying device 124.

Alternatively, the heel apparatus 120 may comprise a gas spring which is deflated in the stowed position. Actuation of the deploying device 124 simulta¬ neously releases the heel apparatus from the heel portion of the shoe 122 and actuates the gas spring which in¬ flates the heel apparatus 120. The heel apparatus 120 is stowed back into the heel portion of the shoe 122 by pushing the heel apparatus 120 back into the heel portion of the shoe 122 and closing therein preferably by means of the deploying device 124.

Reference is now made to Fig. 21 which illus¬ trates another embodiment of the shoe 122 shown in Figs. 19 and 20. In this embodiment, a heel apparatus 130 is of generally hollow construction. After deployment of the heel apparatus 130, a shock absorbing element 132 is inserted therein. Preferably the shock absorbing element 132 and the heel apparatus 130 are provided with attach¬ ment devices, such as a Velcro R fastening apparatus, in order to affix the shock absorbing element 132 inside the heel apparatus 130 during usage.

In a preferred embodiment of the present inven¬ tion, the built-in heel apparatus of Figs. 19 - 21 is preferably detachable from the shoe and replaceable.

Reference is now made to Figs. 22 - 25, which illustrate the compressibility of a resiliently ompress- ible heel element 140 which is constructed in accordance with any of the previously described shoe accessories, and for illustration purposes, is shown employing the mounting mechanism described hereinabove in connection with Figs. 11 and 12.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the resiliently compressible heel element 140 is compressible by an amount equal to at least 25% of its non-compressed height. Preferably, the resiliently compressible heel element 140. is compressible by an amount equal to approximately 50% of its compressed height.

A light 142 may be provided in the heel element 140 which illuminates upon compression of the heel ele¬ ment 140, as is known in the prior art. However, the larger compressive displacement of the heel element 140 allows the use of simpler and more efficient power gener¬ ating devices than are generally used in the art.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. It is further appreciated that the various features of the invention described hereinabove may be combined in any suitable combination. It is additionally appreciated that the invention is adaptable for any type of shoe and heel. Accordingly, the present invention is defined by the claims which follow:

Claims

C L A I M S

1. A shoe accessory comprising an externally mounted heel apparatus including a heel element and an attachment apparatus for removable attachment of the heel element to a shoe.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein the externally mounted heel apparatus comprises a shock absorbing, resiliently compressible heel element.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 and wherein said resiliently compressible heel element comprises at least one fluid cushion.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 and wherein said heel element comprises at least one mechanical spring.

5. Apparatus according to claim 2 and wherein said heel element comprises a solid resilient material.

6. Apparatus according to claim 2 and wherein said heel element comprises at least one hollow element with a compressed fluid therein.

7. Apparatus according to claim 2 and wherein said resiliently compressible heel element comprises at least one user insertable elastomer cushion.

8. Apparatus according to claim 2 and wherein said heel element has adjustable resiliency.

9. Apparatus according to claim 3 and wherein the resiliency of the fluid cushion is adjustable by means of a fluid valve.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said attachment apparatus includes at least one of straps and buckles for attachment of the heel element to a shoe.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said attachment apparatus includes flexible flaps for the attachment of the heel element to a shoe.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said attachment apparatus is clampable to a shoe.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said attachment apparatus comprises a portion which butts against a forward portion of a heel of a shoe.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said attachment apparatus comprises a portion which butts against a rearward portion of a heel of a shoe.

15. Apparatus according to claim 1.and wherein said attachment apparatus is suitable for use with ordinary shoes having no special provisions for attachment of the externally mounted heel apparatus.

16. Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said attachment apparatus is configured to be used with shoes that have attachment arrangements.

17. A high-heeled running shoe comprising a foot enclosing portion and a resilient sole and heel portion defining a foot support surface which in the absence of the application of compressive force thereto is inclined from the horizontal.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 and wherein said resilient heel portion comprises a resiliently compressible, shock absorbing heel element.

19. Apparatus according to claim 17 and wherein the foot support surface is inclined such that said shoe is not practically useful for ordinary walking.

20. Apparatus according to claim 18 and wherein said resiliently compressible heel element comprises at least one fluid cushion.

21. Apparatus according to claim 18 and" wherein said heel element comprises at least one mechanical spring.

22. Apparatus according to claim 18 and wherein said heel element comprises a solid resilient material.

23. Apparatus according to claim 18 and wherein said heel element comprises at least one hollow element with a compressed fluid therein.

24. Apparatus according to claim 18 and wherein said resiliently compressible heel element comprises at least one user insertable elastomer cushion.

25. Apparatus according to claim 18 and wherein said heel element has adjustable resiliency.

26. Apparatus according to claim 20 and wherein the resiliency of the fluid cushion is adjustable by means of a fluid valve.

27. Apparatus according to claim 17 and wherein a portion of said foot support surface overlies an engage¬ ment surface, said engagement surface being different in size than said portion of the foot support surface which overlies it.

28. Apparatus according to claim 18 and wherein said heel element is compressible by an amount equal to at least 25% of its non-compressed height.

29. Apparatus according claim 18 and wherein said resiliently compressible heel element is compressible by an amount equal to approximately 50% of its non-com¬ pressed height.

30. A shoe comprising a foot support surface and a resiliently compressible shock absorbing heel element which is stowable in a heel portion of the shoe and deployable from said heel portion, said foot support surface being generally horizontal when said heel element is stowed and being inclined from the horizontal when said heel element is deployed.

31. Apparatus according to claim 30 and wherein said resiliently compressible heel element comprises at least one fluid cushion.

32. Apparatus according to claim 30 and wherein said heel element comprises at least one mechanical spring.

33. Apparatus according to claim 30 and wherein said heel element has adjustable resiliency.

34. Apparatus according to claim 31 and wherein the resiliency of the fluid cushion is adjustable by means of a fluid valve.

35. Apparatus according to claim 30 and wherein said heel element comprises an engagement surface which is different in size than the portion of the foot support surface which overlies it.

36. Apparatus according to claim 30 and wherein said resiliently compressible shock absorbing heel ele¬ ment is detachable and replaceable.