Patent Publication Number: US-2023138799-A1

Title: An Interchangeable Heel Device for a Shoe and Method

Description:
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/864,880, filed May 1, 2020, is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates in general to interchangeable heel devices for shoes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Until now, all interchangeable heels have been complex and expensive to produce. Currently available interchangeable heels have bulky and complex mechanisms that may interfere with good shoe design and structure or invite malfunction over time. 
     The present inventor recognized that it would be desirable to allow the heels of shoes to be easily changed for other shoe heels onto the same shoe body, for any of several reasons, including but not limited to fashion, comfort, health and thriftiness. The present inventor recognized the need for an interchangeable heel device that is simpler, more secure, and less costly to manufacture. The present inventor recognized the need for an interchangeable heel device that could be mass-produced economically and would not necessarily be limited to hand-made boutique women&#39;s shoes. 
     The present inventor recognized that providing an interchangeable heel is important because many women have multiple activities during a single day, where it is impracticable to carry the variety of shoes socially required/desired. Many women cannot tolerate fashionable high heels for long periods of time, especially as they grow older. Further, it is common for a woman&#39;s feet to have been severely damaged from wearing traditional heeled shoes, limiting her activities, which may lead to obesity and other health issues, in addition to orthopedic issues. 
     The present inventor recognized the need for a device that enabled a user to carry optional or changeable heels on the user&#39;s person that could fit into nearly any pocket or handbag, to change out in seconds, making practicable fashion, comfort or better health as needed. 
     The present inventor recognized that an interchangeable heel is a desirable option for men&#39;s shoes because some men also have fashion or health requirements or desires similar to women as described above. Men also may want a more fashionable look for certain non-business activities. 
     The present inventor recognized the need for a device that could also be helpfully incorporated into dressy shoes for older children, especially girls, whose sensible parents don&#39;t want their fragile, developing feet in high heels all day when participating in, say, a family wedding. 
     It is common for the heel to be the first part of a shoe to wear unevenly, causing the user orthopedic issues or other joint pain, as well as possible tripping hazards. The present inventor recognized that shoes with a detachable heel could be sold with at least two pairs of heels. Further, the present inventor recognized the detachable heels would allow spare or extra heels to be readily available and sold separately at a later date. The present inventor recognized that a shoe with detachable heels enables a consumer to purchase identical heels (for a second “lease on life” for favorite shoes by new heels) or different height heels (“flats” and “high heels” for example) or different colors or styles for the same shoe. This would allow more fashion choices from the same high-quality shoe body, by offering an assortment of less-expensive heels. The present inventor recognized that a detachable or interchangeable heel shoe could allow users to make their own unique heel design on a 3-D printer. 
     The present inventor recognized that an interchangeable heel device could easily accommodate individuals with certain orthopedic issues, such as different length legs, by use of a shim or wedge between the body of the shoe and the heel, available either from a manufacturer or produced from a 3-D printer. The present inventor recognized the need for an interchangeable heel device to allow self-treatment of certain conditions without the need to use shoe insert on the insole which might compromise the shoe&#39;s fit and/or support. Such an interchangeable heel device could enable patients to access a wider variety of non-prescription shoe styles. 
     The present inventor recognized the need for an interchangeable heel device that is durable, simple to clean if ever required, compact and low-profile to simplify shoe design. The present inventor further recognized the need for a design that is discrete and out-of-sight when worn. The present inventor recognized the need for an interchangeable heel device that accommodates or comprises shims or wedges that could be helpful to alleviate orthopedic issues without compromising shoe fit or support, such as might be encountered when using inserts for use on top of the insole. The present inventor recognized the need of for an interchangeable heel device that can accommodate fashion options such as heels containing colored liquids, sparkles, LED lights, or other designs, if desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An interchangeable heel device for a shoe is disclosed. The interchangeable heel device provides a shoe with an interchangeable heel. Therefore, a shoe with an interchangeable heel is also disclosed. 
     In some embodiments, the interchangeable heel device comprises an upper heel block, a detachable heel, and a key. The key is in a top of the detachable heel or in a bottom of the upper heel block and a receiving recess is in the other of the detachable heel or upper heel block. The upper heel block is located in a heel area of a shoe below an insole of the shoe. The key is releasably engageable with the receiving recess. 
     The key has a first key side an opposite a second key side. The first and second key sides each have a key first engagement portion, a key second engagement portion, and a key non-engagement recess between the key first engagement portion and the key second engagement portion. 
     The receiving recess has a perimeter. The perimeter has a first receiving side opposite a second receiving side. The first and second receiving sides each have a receiving first engagement portion, a receiving second engagement portion, and a receiving non-engagement recess between the receiving first engagement portion and the receiving second engagement portion. 
     The key is movable within the receiving recess between a released position and an engaged position. In the engaged position each key first engagement portion is engaged with one of the receiving first engagement portions and each key second engagement portions is engaged with one of the receiving second engagement portions to join the key to the perimeter and the heel to the sole. In the released position, each key first engagement portion is aligned with one of the receiving non-engagement recesses. Then the key is removable from the receiving recess and the heel is removable from the shoe. 
     Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a shoe having an interchangeable heel device of the invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a bottom perspective view of the shoe and interchangeable heel device of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a front perspective view of a lower heel block, and key of the interchangeable heel device of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a top perspective view of the lower heel block and key of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is a rear perspective view of the lower heel block and key of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  6    is a bottom side perspective view of an upper heel block and key opening of the interchangeable heel device of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a bottom side perspective view of an upper heel block and key opening of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8    is a top view of the key of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  9    is a bottom view of a second embodiment top heel block and key opening of the invention. 
         FIG.  10    is a top view of the key of  FIG.  8    and the key opening of  FIG.  9    with the key shown in a first position. 
         FIG.  11    is a top view of the key of  FIG.  8    in the key opening of  FIG.  9    with the key shown in a second engaged position. 
         FIG.  12    is a rear section view of the key and key opening taken along  12 - 12  of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  13    is a front view of the heel of the shoe of  FIG.  1    with a spring recess. 
         FIG.  14    is a front view of a key and heel used with a shim. 
         FIG.  15    is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a shoe having a second embodiment interchangeable heel device of the invention. 
         FIG.  16    is a rear perspective view of the heel and key of the interchangeable heel device of  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  17    is a bottom side perspective view of the sole and key opening of the interchangeable heel device of  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  18    is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a shoe having a third embodiment interchangeable heel device of the invention. 
         FIG.  19    is a bottom perspective view of an upper heel block of the interchangeable heel device of  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  20    is a bottom perspective view of an upper heel block of the interchangeable heel device of  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  21    is a perspective view of a stop of the interchangeable heel device of  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  22    is a front of an upper heel block of the interchangeable heel device of  FIG.  18    with certain parts not shown. 
         FIG.  23    is an exploded perspective view of the stop of  FIG.  21   . 
         FIG.  24    is a rear perspective view of the stop of  FIG.  21   . 
         FIG.  25    is a top view of the lower heel block of the interchangeable heel device of  FIG.  18   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For the purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a plural understanding of the present invention. While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this description describes and the drawings show specific embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
       FIG.  1    shows a portion of a shoe  10  comprising a interchangeable heel device  12 . The device  12  comprises an upper heel block  14 , a lower heel block  16 , and a stop  18 . The device  12  removably attaches a heel  22  to a sole  26  or upper heel portion  24  of the shoe  10 . The sole  26  may comprise an insole  25 , which may be for contact with a user&#39;s foot. 
     In some embodiments, the stop  18  is exterior of a front  28  of the heel  22  under the mid-sole  35  of the sole  26 . In some embodiments, the stop  18  is integrated within a recess  30  of the heel at the front  28 . The recess is large enough to allow vertical movement of the stop  18  in and out of the stop home opening  32  of the upper heel block  14 . 
       FIG.  3    shows the lower heel block  16 . The lower heel block comprises a base  34 . In some embodiments the base  34  is flat. In some embodiments the base  34  comprises a slight curve or is otherwise not flat. The base  34  comprises a front notch  36  for the stop  18  to pass through. Projections  42 ,  44  are provided on opposite sides of the notch  36 . Extending from the base is a key  38 . 
     The key  38  comprises a front end  46 , and back end  48 , a first side  50 , and a second side  52 . The front end  42  is narrower than the back  48  end. The first and second sides converge toward each other from the backend to the front end. This provides the key with a wedge-shape having a truncated back end  48 . 
     The first side comprises a first indent  54  between a forward portion  56  and a rearward portion  58 . The second side comprises a second indent  60  between a forward portion  62  and a rearward portion  64 . The first and second indents can be curved, semi-circular, quadrilateral, or other shape. 
     The first side  50  comprises a first sidewall  66  and the second side  52  comprises a second sidewall  68 . The sidewalls  66 ,  68  converge as they extend from a top  70  of the key to the base  34 . In some embodiments, each sidewall  66 ,  68  is angled to provide an angle  61  ( FIG.  12   ) between 80 degrees and 45 degrees, inclusive, from the adjacent floor of the base  34 , but other angles can be used. In some embodiments, the sidewalls at the indents  54 ,  60  are converging. In some embodiments, the sidewalls at the indents  54 ,  60  are not converging while the adjacent forward and rearward portions  52 ,  58 ,  62 ,  64  of the sidewalls are converging. 
     The front end  46  comprises a front wall  72  and the back end  48  comprises a back wall  74 . In some embodiments, the front wall and back wall converge as they extend from the top  70  of the key to the base  34 . In some embodiments, the front wall and the back wall are angled to provide an angle between 80 degrees and 45 degrees, inclusive, between the respective front wall or back wall and the adjacent surface of the base  34 , but other angles can be used. 
       FIGS.  6  and  7    shows the upper heel block  14 . The heel block  14  comprises a receiving recess or key opening  80 . The opening  80  comprises a perimeter comprising a front end  82 , a rear end  84 , a first side  88 , and a second side  86 . In some embodiments, the recess  80  has a wedge-shape from a front end  82  with a truncated rear end  84 . The receiving recess  80  comprises the stop home opening  32  as shown in  FIG.  6    at the front end  82 . 
     In some embodiments, the device  12  comprises the receiving recess or key opening  80  in the sole  26 , rather than in an upper heel block. 
     The first side  88  comprises a first indent  100 . The first indent  100  is between a forward portion  96  and a rearward portion  98 . The second side  86  comprises a second indent  94 . The second indent  94  is between a forward portion  90  and a rearward portion  92 . 
     The first side  88  comprises a first sidewall  102  and the second side  86  comprises a second sidewall  104 . The sidewalls  102 ,  104  converge as they extend from a top  106  of the opening  80  to a bottom  108  of the heel block  14 . In some embodiments, each sidewall  102 ,  104  has an angle  101  ( FIG.  12   ) that is complementary and configured to mate with the angle of the side wall  66 ,  68  of the key  38 , as shown in  FIG.  12    in a dovetail engagement. In some embodiments, each sidewall  102 ,  104 , is angled to provide an angle of between 80 degrees and 45 degrees, inclusive, between the respective sidewall and the adjacent surface of the bottom  108 , but other angles can be used. In some embodiments, the sidewalls at the indents  94 ,  100  are converging. In some embodiments, the sidewalls at the indents  94 ,  100  are not converging while the adjacent forward and rearward portions  90 ,  92 ,  96 ,  98  of the sidewalls are converging. 
     The front end  82  comprises a front wall  110  and the rear end  84  comprises a back wall  112 . In some embodiments, the front wall and back wall converge as they extend from a top  106  of the opening  80  to the bottom  108  of the heel block  14 . The front wall  110  and the back  112  wall each comprise an angle that is complementary and configured to mate with the angle of the front wall  72  and back wall  74 , respectively, of the key  38  in a dovetail engagement. In some embodiments, the front wall  110  and the back wall  112  are each angled to provide an angle of between 80 degrees and 45 degrees, inclusive, between the respective sidewall and adjacent surface of the bottom  108 , but other angles can be used. 
       FIG.  9    shows a second embodiment upper heel block  115 , which is the same as heel block  16  except for the shape of the forward portions  118 ,  120 . The sidewalls  114 ,  116  have forward portions  118 ,  120  that comprise a forward protrusions  122 ,  124  creating forward recesses  126 ,  128 . The forward recesses  126 ,  128  are configured to receive forward portions  52 ,  62  of the key  38  as shown in  FIG.  10   . In the embodiment of heel block  16 , the forward portions  90 ,  96  of the heel block  16  are spaced apart sufficiently to allow the forward portions  52 ,  62  of the key to be received between the forward portions  90 ,  96 . 
     To engage the key  38  with the upper heel block  14 ,  115 , the key is positioned so that the forward portions  52 ,  62  are below the forward recesses  126 ,  128  in the case of heel block  115  or the forward portions  90 ,  96  in the case of heel block  16 . The key is further positioned so that the rearward portions  58 ,  64  are positioned below the recessed areas  130 ,  132  formed by the indents  94 ,  100  of the upper heel block  14 ,  115 . This also causes the portions  118 ,  120  to be aligned with the spaces allowed by the indents  54 ,  60  of the key. Then the key is moved upward in the direction A ( FIG.  1   ) so that the key is received in the key opening  80 ,  81 . 
     Then the key is moved backward in the direction C ( FIG.  11   ) to a locked or engaged position where there is a dove-tail engagement between the sidewall  66  of rearward portion  58  of the key and side wall  102  of the rearward portion  98  of the upper heel block  14 ,  115 , and a dove-tail engagement between the sidewall  68  of the rearward portion  64  of the key and the sidewall  104  of the rearward portion  92  of the upper heel block  14 ,  115 . There will also be a dove-tail engagement between the sidewall  66  of the forward portion  56  of the key and the sidewall  104  of the forward portion  120 ,  96  of the heel block  115 ,  16 , and a dove-tail engagement between the sidewall  68  of the forward portion  62  of the key and the sidewall  104  of the forward portion  118 ,  90  of the heel block  115 ,  16 . Further, the indents  54 ,  60  of the key may be aligned with the respective indents  100 ,  94  of the heel blocks  115 ,  16  when in the engaged position as shown in  FIG.  11   . 
       FIG.  12    shows a cross-section view of the dovetail engagement between the key  38  and the heel block  115 ,  14  at portions  56 ,  62 ,  118 ,  120 . The engagement at portions  58 , 64 ,  92 ,  98  is also a dovetail engagement providing a view thereof similar to that of  FIG.  12   . In some embodiments, at least the portions  65 ,  62 ,  68 ,  64  of the key may be considered a tenon that engage with the sidewall portions  94 ,  98 ,  90 ,  94 ,  118 ,  120 , which may be considered a mortise. 
     When the key is in the engaged position shown in  FIG.  11   , the stop  18  may be inserted into an stop home opening  129  at the front of the key opening  80 ,  81  and adjacent the front  46  of the key to prevent all or substantial movement of the key in the forward direction D ( FIG.  11   ) and to keep the key securely engaged with the upper heel block  14 ,  115 . 
       FIG.  13    shows that the stop  18  may be spring biased to the extended/engaged position. A spring  138  may be placed between a bottom  139  of the stop  18  and a bottom  132  of the recess  30  in the heel  22 . The spring  138  biases the stop  18  to an engaged position in the stop opening  129  at the front of the key opening  80 ,  81  and adjacent the front  46  of the key to prevent all or substantial movement of the key in the forward direction D ( FIG.  11   ) and to keep the key securely engaged with the upper heel block  14 ,  115 . The stop  18  may be provided with a handle or protrusion  136  that provides a place for a user to pull the stop down from the engaged position to a disengaged position so that the key  38  can be removed from the heel block  14 ,  115 . 
     When the stop is withdrawn or removed from the stop opening, the key maybe be moved forward in the direction D until the key is in the position shown in  FIG.  10    and then its may be moved downward in the direction B ( FIG.  1   ) to remove the key from the heel block  14 ,  115  and to remove the heel  22  from the shoe  10 . 
     In some embodiments the key  38  is integrated with the heel  22  and extends from the heel  22  with or without a base  34 . In some embodiments, the key opening  80 ,  81  is formed on the bottom of the sole  26  or upper heel portion  24  with or without a heel block  14 ,  115 . 
     The key and or the lower heel block  16 ,  156  can be attached or formed on a variety of heels, such as high heels, low heels, flat heels, no-rise heels, Stellato heels, etc. so that a variety of heels can be interchangeably used with the same shoe. 
       FIG.  14    shows the use of a shim  37  between the lower heel block  16  and the heel  22 . In some embodiments multiple shims are used to achieve the desire height. In some embodiments, the shims could be wedges having a taller height at one end of the wedge as compared to another end of the wedge. Wedges or shims could be appropriate where more or less heel height is desired in one shoe for one foot than the other shoe/foot. The wedges or shims could be appropriate to finely adjust the desired heel height in both shoes. The shims and the lower heel block  16  can be joined to the heel  22  with fasteners such as screws  39  or an adhesive or other fastener. The lower heel block can be joined to the shim or wedge and the wedge or shim can be joined to the top of the heel  22 . The heel block  14  can be joined to the sole  26  or the heel portion  24  with adhesive or other fastener. 
       FIGS.  15  to  17    shows a shoe  10  with a second embodiment interchangeable heel device  140  comprising heel  144  and the key opening  80  in the sole  142 . The sole  142  is the same as sole  26  except that the sole  142  comprises the receiving recess or key opening  80 . Therefore, the shoe  10  of  FIG.  15    does not have an upper heel block. The heel  144  is the same as lower heel block  16  except that heel  144  is shown having a taller height in the figures. The heel  144  comprises the key  38 . The heel  144  is removably connected to the bottom of the sole  142  by engaging the key  38  in the key opening  80 , as described above regarding device  12 . 
       FIGS.  18  to  25    show a shoe  10  with a third embodiment interchangeable heel device  152  comprising an upper heel block  154 , a lower heel block  156 , and a stop  158 . The device  152  removably attaches a heel  160  to the upper heel portion  162  or the sole  164  of the shoe  10 . The sole  164  may comprise an insole on the top, such as positioned as shown for insole  25  on sole  26 , which may be for contact with a user&#39;s foot. 
     The upper heel block  154  comprises a key  38 , which is the same as key  38  of lower heel block  16 , yet the key  38  is located on the upper heel block  154 , rather than the lower heel block  16  of device  12 . The lower heel block  156  comprises a receiving recess or key opening  80  ( FIG.  22   ). The key opening  80  is the same as key opening  80  upper heel block  14 , yet opening  80  is located in the top of lower heel block  156 , rather than in upper heel block  14  of device  12 . The key  38  and key opening  80  of device  152  are inverted from the positions of the key  38  and key opening  80  in device  12 . In some embodiments, the key opening  81  is used in lower heel block  156  in place of key opening  80 . 
     The stop  158  is mounted in a stop housing  164  in the upper heel block  154 . The stop is moveable between a released position shown in  FIG.  20    and an engaged position shown in  FIG.  19   . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  21 ,  23 , and  24   , the stop  158  comprises a pull arm  170 , a middle arm  172 , and an engaging arm  174 . The pull arm  170  is pivotally connected to the middle arm  172  at a first pin  176 . The first pin  176  extends through a first transverse aperture  177   a  in the upper arm and a first transverse aperture  177   b  in the middle arm at a top  208  of the middle arm. The middle arm  172  is pivotally connected to the engaging arm  174  at a second pin  178 . A top  208  of the middle arm  172  is received in a bottom opening  210  of the pull arm  170 . Therefore, the middle arm is pivotal at least partially within the bottom opening of the pull arm. The opening  210  in the bottom is bounded by sidewalls  212 ,  214  on opposite transverse sides and by a front wall  216 . The opening  210  is open to the bottom and open to a lower back  218  of the pull arm. 
     A back  220  of the pull arm comprises a recess  222 . Within the recess is magnetically attracted material  224 . The magnetically attracted material  224  is material that is attracted by a magnet. In some embodiments, the material  224  is a ferromagnetic material. In some embodiments the material  224  is in the form of a block or a disk. 
     The second pin  178  extends through a second transverse aperture  179   a  and a third transverse aperture  179   b  in the engaging arm  174  and a second transverse aperture  179   c  at a bottom  226  of the middle arm  172 . The second transverse aperture  179   a  and a third transverse aperture  179   b  are axially aligned as shown in  FIG.  23   . The middle arm  172  is received an opening  228  of the engaging arm  174 . The opening  228  is bounded on opposite transverse sides by sidewalls  230 ,  232 . Each of the sidewalls  230 ,  232  have angled walls  234 ,  236  that terminate at a top wall  238 ,  240 , respectively. The second transverse aperture  179   a  extends through sidewall  230  and the third transverse aperture  179   b  extends through sidewall  232 . Each of the sidewalls  230 ,  232  join to the cross portion  235  as shown in  FIG.  23   . 
     The pull arm  170  is pivotally connected to the upper heel block by a third pin  180  that extends through the pull arm  170 . The pull arm  170  is mounted to the upper heel block by the third pin  180 . The third pin extends transversely through a third transverse aperture  181  in the pull arm. In some embodiments, the third transverse aperture  181  is horizontally aligned with the first transverse aperture  177  when in the position shown in  FIG.  21   . The third pin  180  is located in a third transverse aperture  184  and in an opposite fourth transverse aperture at  186  extending within the upper heel block from opposite sides of the pull arm housing  182  in the upper heel block. The broken line circles in  FIGS.  18 ,  19 , and  20    show the position of one end of the third pin  180 . However, usually, the pin  180  will not be visible on the sides  154   a,    154   b  of the upper heel block. 
     The back wall  186  of the housing  182  comprises a back recess  187  containing a magnet  188 . The top of the housing  182  comprises a finger opening  190  for accessing the top  192  of the pull arm  170 . In some embodiments, the top of the pull arm  170  comprises a grip recess  194 . 
     When the stop  158  is in the engaged position shown in  FIGS.  18  and  19   , the engaged arm extend through a lower aperture  196  and below a base  198  of the upper heel block. The key  38  extend below the base  198  as shown in  FIGS.  19  and  20   . The lower aperture  196  and the engaging arm  174 , when in the engaged position, are adjacent to the front wall  72  of the key  38 . In some embodiments, the engaging arm  174  is in surface-to-surface contact or close proximity with the front wall  72  of the key  38  when the stop is in the engaged position. 
     When the stop  158  is in the released position shown in  FIG.  20   , the bottom wall  202  of the engaging arm  174  is positioned at or above the base  198 , thereby allowing the upper heel bock to move relative to the lower heel block and the key  38  to move within the key opening  80 . When the stop is in the released position the key can be moved to the front end  82  of the key opening  80 . The movement of the key to the front of the key opening can be achieved by moving the lower heel block  156  rearward in the direction F ( FIG.  18   ), or moving the upper heel block (and shoe) forward in the direction E, or both. Then the lower heel block  156  is moved down in the direction M and or the upper heel block (and shoe) is moved upward in the direction L away from the lower heel block. Therefore, the heel  160  is removed from the shoe. 
     To move the stop from the engaged position to the released position, a user places his or her finger into the finger opening  190  and in contact with the top  192  of the pull arm  170  or into the grip recess  194 . Then the user pulls the pull arm forward and down in the direction G of  FIG.  20   . When the user pulls the pull arm forward, the pull arm pivots forward about the third pin  180 . The forward pivot about the third pin  180  lifts upward in the direction J of  FIGS.  20  and  21    the first pivot pin, the middle arm  172 , and the engaging arm  174 . 
     Therefore, the movement of the pull arm forward and down in the direction G causes the engaging arm  174  to move upward in the direction J toward and to the retracted position shown in  FIG.  20    where the bottom  202  of the engaging arm is flush with or above the base  198  of the upper heel block  154 . 
     When the stop is in the released position shown in  FIG.  20   , the angled walls  236 ,  234  of the engaging arm will be contacting or in close proximity with the bottom walls  212 ,  214  of the pull arm  170 , respectively. In some embodiments, when the stop is in the released position shown in  FIG.  20   , the angled walls  236 ,  234  of the engaging arm will be parallel or substantially parallel to bottom walls  212 ,  214  of the pull arm  170 , respectively. When the stop is in the engaged position, the bottom walls  212 ,  214  are in close proximity to the tops  240 ,  238  as shown in  FIG.  21     
     To move the stop from the released position to the engaged position, a user pushes the pull arm up and back in the direction H of  FIG.  20   . When the user pushes the pull arm back, the pull arm pivots backward about the third pin  180 . The backward pivot about the third pin  180  pushes downward in the direction K of  FIGS.  20  and  21    the first pivot pin, the middle arm  172 , and the engaging arm  174 . This pushing of the engaging arm  174 , lowers the engaging arm  174 . Therefore, the movement of the pull arm upward and backward in the direction H causes the engaging arm  174  to move in the direction K toward and to the engaged position shown in  FIG.  19    where the engaging arm extends below the base  198  of the upper heel block  154 . 
     The magnet  188  in the housing  182  draws and holds the magnetically attracted material  224  of the pull arm  170  to the magnet  188 , and therefore the pull arm  170  and the stop  158  to and in the engaged position. In some embodiments, the position of the magnet  188  and the magnetically attracted material  224  is reversed so that the magnet is located in the pull arm  170  and the magnetically attracted material  224  is located in the housing  182 . 
     To engage the key  38  of upper heel block  154  with the lower heel block  156  and to join the heel  160  to the upper heel block  154  (and shoe), the key and/or lower heel block  156  is/are positioned so that the forward portions  52 ,  62  are below the forward portions  90 ,  96  (or recesses  126 ,  128  in the case of key opening  81  used in heel block  156 ) of heel block  156 . The key  38  and/or key opening  80  is/are further positioned so that the rearward portions  58 ,  64  are positioned below the recessed areas  130 ,  132  formed by the indents  94 ,  100  of the key opening  80  of the lower heel block  154 . This also causes the portions at  104 ,  88  (or  118 ,  120  in the case of key opening  81  used in heel block  156 ) to be aligned with the spaces allowed by the indents  54 ,  60  of the key. Then the lower heel block  156  is moved upward in the direction L ( FIG.  18   ) so that the key  38  is received in the key opening  80 , the key and key opening having a position relative to each other that is the same or similar to that shown of the key and key opening in  FIG.  10   . 
     Then the lower heel block  156  and key opening  80  are moved, by the user, backward in the direction F ( FIG.  18   ) to a locked or engaged position where there is a dove-tail engagement between the sidewall  66  of rearward portion  58  of the key  38  and side wall  102  of the rearward portion  98  of the lower heel block  156 , and a dove-tail engagement between the sidewall  68  of the rearward portion  64  of the key  38  and the sidewall  104  of the rearward portion  92  of the key opening  80  in the lower heel block  154 . There will also be a dove-tail engagement between the sidewall  66  of the forward portion  56  of the key  38  and the sidewall  102  of the forward portion  96 ,  120  of the lower heel block  156 , and a dove-tail engagement between the sidewall  68  of the forward portion  62  of the key  38  and the sidewall  104  of the forward portion  90 , 118  of the key opening  80  of the lower heel block  154 . Further, the indents  54 ,  60  of the key  38  may be aligned with the respective indents  100 ,  94  of the heel block  156  when in the engaged position relative to the key opening, such as shown in  FIG.  11    with key  38  and key recess  81 . 
     When the key is in the engaged position relative to the key opening  80 , the stop  158  moved to the engaged position shown in  FIG.  19    into a stop home opening  32  ( 129  in the case key opening  81  is used in lower heel block  154 ) at the front of the key opening  80  and adjacent the front  72  of the key  38  to prevent all or substantial movement of the key  38  in the forward direction E ( FIG.  18   ) and to keep the key  38  securely engaged with the lower heel block  156  and the lower heel block securely engaged with the upper heel block  154 . The key  38 , the stop  158 , the key opening  80  in lower heel block  154  will each have a position relative to each other that is the same or similar to that shown of the key, the stop, and key opening in  FIG.  11   . The key  38  is secured against further rearward movement in the direction F by contact between the back end  48  of the key and the back wall  112  of the key opening  80 . 
     When the stop  158  is moved to the released position shown in  FIG.  20   , the lower heel block  154  maybe be moved forward in the direction E until the key  38  is in the same position as shown in  FIG.  10    regarding key  38  and key opening  81 , and then the lower heel block  154  and the heel  160  may be moved downward in the direction M ( FIG.  18   ) to remove the lower heel block  156  and the key opening  80  from the key  38  and to remove the heel  160  from the shoe  10 . 
     In some embodiment, the heel blocks  14 ,  16 ,  154 ,  156 , heel  144 , the sole or heel block about the key opening  80 , and key  38  can be made of a dense plastic, rubber, ABS or nylon type material, and/or metal, either cast or machined or combination of techniques. Metal could also be used. In some embodiment, all or a portion of the device  12 ,  140   152  and/or the sole  26  of the shoe  10  could be made using 3-D printer technology. 
     In some embodiments, the device  12 ,  140 ,  152  and the shoe  10  does not require the user to remove the shoe from his or her foot in order to detach and change heels, since the stop  18  is located conveniently on an outside surface of the shoe, on the vertical surface of the heel closest to the ball of the foot. The user can will push the stop to the released position toward the bottom of the heel, emptying the area that allows the key to disengage. The user can then bump the heel gently in the forward direction to disengage the key from the key opening and the heel is off. Reversing this procedure will install the desired heel to the shoe. 
     The device  12 ,  140 ,  152  can accomplish the purpose of great reliability and stability connecting the shoe heel to the shoe body, simply and economically. The great ease of engaging and disengaging this device  12 ,  140 ,  152  accomplishes the benefits of practicality of comfort, health and fashion versatility within modern lifestyle constraints. The device  12 ,  140 ,  152  allow detachable heels that can be interchangeably used with a shoe, such as the shoe  10 . 
     While the shoe  10  of  FIG.  2    is shown as an open toes sandal style shoe, but other styles of shoes, including close toed shoes and boots, may comprise the interchangeable heel device  12 ,  140 ,  152 . 
     From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be affected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. For example, one or more component embodiments may be combined, modified, removed, or supplemented to form further embodiments within the scope of the invention. Further, steps could be added or removed from the processes described. Therefore, other embodiments and implementations are within the scope of the invention.  21