Patent ID: 6450509
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: A43B,A63C

Abstract:
An apparatus for use on a surface, the apparatus operable to wear on one's foot to transition from a walking state or a running state to a heel rolling state, and then to a heel braking state, the apparatus comprising:a footwear having a front, a back, an upper part, and a sole, the sole includes: a forefoot portion to engage the surface while in the walking state and the running state, the forefoot portion inoperable for rolling, an arch portion, a bottom surface, and a heel portion with an opening formed in the bottom surface of the heel portion of the sole; an axle having a first segment and a second segment; and at least one wheel rotatably mounted on the axle between the first segment of the axle and the second segment of the axle, the axle frictionally retained at the first segment of the axle and the second segment of axle to prevent rotation of the axle, wherein the at least one wheel rotatably mounted on the axle includes a first portion, a second portion, and is positioned such that the first portion of the wheel resides within the opening formed in the bottom surface of the heel portion of the sole of the footwear and such that the second portion of the wheel resides below the opening formed in the bottom surface of the heel portion of the sole of the footwear and below a lowest point of the bottom surface of the heel portion of the sole of the footwear, wherein the at least one wheel is located only in the heel portion and the at least one wheel is the only wheel on the bottom surface of the sole, and whereby the apparatus is operable to allow one to transition from the walking state or the running state to the heel rolling state where the at least one wheel rotatably mounted on the axle contacts the surface to roll, and then to the heel braking state where a portion of the heel portion of the sole contacts the surface.