Patent ID: 6739602
Filing Date: 2004-05-25
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, the apparatus comprising:a footwear having a front, a back, an upper part, and a sole, the sole includes: a forefoot portion operable to engage the surface while in the walking state and the running state, the forefoot portion inoperable to roll on the surface while in the walking state and the running state, an arch portion, and a heel portion with an opening formed in the heel portion of the sole, wherein the opening is formed in a bottom surface of the heel portion of the sole and extends from the bottom surface of the heel portion of the sole into the sole towards a top surface of the sole; an axle having a first portion and a second portion; and a wheel rotatably mounted on the axle between the first portion of the axle and the second portion of the axle wherein the wheel rotatably mounted on the axle includes a first portion, a second portion and is coupled to the apparatus such that the first portion of the wheel resides within the opening formed in the sole of the footwear and such that the second portion of the wheel resides below the opening formed in the heel portion of the sole of the footwear wherein the apparatus is operable to allow one to transition from the walking state or the running state to the heel rolling state where the wheel rotatably mounted on the axle contacts the surface to roll.