Patent ID: 6764082
Filing Date: 2004-07-20
Classification: A43B,A63C

Abstract:
A shoe defining a normal walking direction and comprisinga sole defining a heel region and a forward region, the forward region positioned beneath toes and at least part of a ball of a foot received within the shoe and having a lower surface exposed across the forward region to engage a supporting surface for walking thereon; and a roller secured to the sole, the roller disposed rearward of the forward region and extending below a lowermost extent of the heel region, the roller mounted to rotate about an axle defining a primary axis of rotation extending at an angle of between about zero and 45 degrees to the walking direction, as viewed from above the shoe, the axle secured to the sole through a compliant mount that allows tilting of the axle with respect to the sole to vary direction of travel while rolling upon the roller, the roller positioned so as to enable rolling sideways along a support surface as a mode of personal locomotion.