Patent Publication Number: US-2009217553-A1

Title: Shoe heel support device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a shoe heel support device for providing a supporting platform to a heel of a shoe, such as providing support for a stemmed or high heel, particularly useful for preventing or inhibiting the heel from sinking into a surface when the shoe is being worn. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is well known that there is a large number of different types of footwear, including shoes that cater for different functions and fashions. Women&#39;s shoes, in particular, are often equipped with a raised or high heel. In many instances, the design of the heel is such that the heel is relatively narrow in width, with the heel essentially consisting of an elongate stem. An example of this is the known stiletto heel. However, there are many other different types of heel designs that generally consist of a stemmed shape or configuration. 
     A problem that may be encountered by a person wearing shoes with such a heel is that the heel may sink into the ground that is being walked upon. This is a particular problem when the ground is soft, such as sand or grass. In these instances, it can become difficult for the person to walk upon such a surface, as the heel must often be pulled out of the ground with each step. A similar problem can be encountered when the ground is relatively unstable, such as when walking on a gravel road or path. In such an event, the narrow stem structure of the heel can sink in between rocks or pebbles that make up the ground. This may lead to general instability for the person walking thereon, thereby increasing the possibility of injury by, for example, falling and spraining or twisting an ankle. In addition, in such circumstances, there is also the capacity for causing damage to the shoe, in particular the heel. The likelihood of damage to the shoe is greater for those shoes that are manufactured from delicate materials, such as suede or fine fabrics. Unfortunately, it is often the case that such shoes are most often the most expensive to buy and their subsequent repair or replacement may come at significant expense to their owner. 
     Similar safety and shoe maintenance problems can also be encountered when high heeled shoes are worn whilst walking upon a surface that has numerous or significant gaps, for example, upon planks of a decking surface. 
     The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages and problems that may be encountered whilst wearing raised or high heeled shoes, particularly whilst standing or walking upon surfaces that are soft, unstable or generally uneven. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a shoe heel support device, the support device having an attachment means for attaching the device to a heel of a shoe and a ground contacting surface, wherein a generally downwards force applied by a wearer of the shoe to a base of the shoe heel is distributed over an area that is greater than that of a surface area of the base of the shoe heel. 
     Preferably, the attachment means includes a recess, the recess being arranged to receive at least a portion of the heel of the shoe and to retain the heel therein. 
     Further preferably, the recess of the attachment means has a hollow shaft extending upwardly and continuously from the recess, so that the shaft and recess together form a bore to receive the heel. This offers a particular advantage in those instances where the shoe heel is stemmed or elongate. In this manner, the bore is better enabled to receive an elongate stem of the heel and retain the stem therein. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the recess has a tapered or narrowed portion at a lowermost end, adjacent an upper surface of the base portion. The tapered or narrowed portion advantageously acts to constrict movement of the heel once received in the recess, and assists in retaining the heel therein. 
     It is particularly preferred that at least part of an inner surface of the recess, including the narrowed portion, is lined with a resilient and non-abrasive material, having the ability to provide grip upon sides of the heel, such as silicone, without causing frictional damage to sides of the heel. 
     In a preferred embodiment, at least part of the inner surface of the recess is lined with or is comprised of a heat-deformable material, such as a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer, which is solid in an unheated state and malleable in a heated state. This advantageously enables the creation of a custom-fit plug within the recess to better facilitate the ability of the attachment means to grip and retain the heel. 
     An additional discrete quantity of the heat deformable, thermoplastic or thermoset material may optionally be provided, to add to the material present within the recess, to further assist in the creation of the advantageous custom-fit plug about the heel. The additional amount of material is particularly useful in instances where the heel is smaller relative to the inner dimensions of the recess. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective of a preferred embodiment of a shoe heel support device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a side cross-section of the shoe heel support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a side cross-section of an alternative embodiment of a shoe heel support device in accordance with the present invention, having a shape adapted for use with shorter shoe heels; 
         FIG. 2   c  is a side cross-section of a further embodiment of a shoe heel support device in accordance with the present invention, including a sole portion; 
         FIG. 2   d  is a side cross-section of a further embodiment of a shoe heel support device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side cross-section of the shoe heel device of  FIG. 2   b,  including a sole portion; 
         FIG. 4  is a side cross-section of the shoe heel device of  FIG. 3 , further including a plurality of protrusions extending downwardly from the sole portion; 
         FIG. 5  is a side cross-section of a further embodiment of a shoe heel device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side cross-section of an embodiment of the shoe heel device with an alternative attachment means; 
         FIG. 7   a  is a side cross-section of the device showing application of a deformable compound to provide a custom-fit plug for a heel of narrow width; 
         FIG. 7   b  is a side-cross section of the device showing application of the deformable compound to provide a custom-fit plug for an irregular shaped heel; 
         FIG. 8   a  is a side view of a removable protective sleeve for the device; and 
         FIG. 8   b  is a side view of the protective sleeve of  FIG. 8   a  in place upon the device. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the Figures, there is shown a shoe heel support device  10  for use with a heel  11  of a shoe, for providing greater stability for a wearer of the shoe in use, such as by preventing or inhibiting the heel  11  from sinking into a surface. The device  10  is particularly suited for use with a stemmed or elongate heel of a high heel shoe. However, embodiments of the device  10  are also described, for use with shorter shoe heels. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2   a  to  2   e,  the device  10  comprises a base portion  12  with an attachment means  14  for removably fastening the device  10  onto the shoe heel  11 . The base portion  12  has a ground contacting surface  16  at a lowermost portion of the base portion  12 . The contacting of the surface  16  with the ground acts to distribute the force that is applied to a base of the shoe heel  11  by a wearer of the shoe, over a surface area that is greater than the surface area of the base of the heel  11 . By distributing the force over a greater area, the base portion  12  effectively provides a stabilising platform for the heel  11  and can thereby act to minimise the amount the heel  11  sinks into the ground, particularly when the ground is soft or unstable. 
     In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the base portion  12  comprises a generally circular platform, with a lowermost surface defining the ground contacting surface  16 . However, the base portion  12  may be provided in any shape that will provide adequate contacting between the lower surface  16  and the ground so as to disperse the downwards force as applied to the heel over a greater surface area than the surface area of the base of the heel. For example, a further preferred shape of the base portion  12  is a substantially U-shaped platform, with the bottom of the U being disposed towards a rear of the shoe. 
     Alternatively, it is also within the scope of the invention that the base portion  12  and ground contacting portion  16  be provided in further desired shapes, or having patterns or a design thereupon. An example of this is the provision of the ground contacting portion  16  in the shape of a promotional logo, or having a company brand embossed or imprinted upon the surface. 
     In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the ground contacting surface  16  comprises the entire surface area of the lowermost surface of the base portion  12 . However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the ground contacting surface  16  need not necessarily be a solid surface. Rather, it need only have sufficient contact points with the ground so as to be able to distribute the downward force applied to the heel by the wearer over a surface area that is greater than the base of the heel. For example, the ground contacting surface  16  may be comprised of a number of relatively small surface areas, arranged in a pattern or configuration that is able to distribute the force over a greater surface area than the surface area of the base of the shoe heel. 
     The base portion  12  is preferably constructed from a resilient material, having high impact resistance and preferably some flexibility, such as a hard resin, ethyl vinyl acetate or polyurethane. However, the base portion  12  and the majority or totality of the device  10  may be comprised of any suitable material, such as any hard plastic or rubber. Further preferably, the base portion  12  is translucent or transparent so as to minimise any visual detraction from the aesthetic of the shoe itself. However, the base portion  12  and device  10  in its entirety may optionally be provided in any colour, such as a colour that matches the colour or material of the shoe. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1  through to  5 , the attachment means  14  includes a recess  21  extending downwardly into the base portion  12  from an upper surface  18  thereof. The recess  21  is preferably disposed centrally to the base portion  12 . The recess  21  has an opening  23  adjacent the upper surface  18  that is arranged to receive the stem of the heel  11 . As such, the opening  23  and recess  21  are preferably of a shape and configuration that is comparable to and thus able to accommodate the size and shape of the heel  11  stem being received. That is, the shape of the opening  23  and recess  21  can be varied between different and discrete units of the device  10  so as to accommodate different types of heel stems. 
     The shape and configuration of the recess  21  may also be varied to better accommodate variation in heel shape and configuration. Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   c  to  2   d,  it will be seen that the recess  21  of the attachment means  14  is upwardly elongate, to accommodate a heel with an elongate stem. In these embodiments, the recess  21  further includes a hollow shaft  20  extending upwardly from the upper surface  18  of the base portion  12 . The hollow shaft  20  is provided with an internal bore  21 , which is arranged to receive a length of the heel stem substantially in the manner described above. Preferably, the shaft  20  is integrally moulded with the base portion  12 . It is also preferred that an upper end  38  of the shaft  20  be rounded, to minimise any possible contact damage where the upper end  38  meets the shoe once the device  10  is attached. 
     In  FIG. 2   b,  there is shown an embodiment of the device  10  where the recess  21  of the attachment means  14  is suited for receiving a heel having a shorter length. In this embodiment, there is no requirement for a shaft  20 , as the height of the recess  21  is sufficient to support and retain a lower heel therein. 
     In any of the abovementioned embodiments, it is particularly preferred that the recess  21  has a tapered or narrowed portion  24  at a lowermost end, adjacent the upper surface  18  of the base portion  12 . The narrowed portion  24  is provided to better enable the recess  21  to more readily accommodate heel stems of differing widths or diameter, whilst still being able to grip and thereby secure the device  10  thereon. In this manner, the narrowed portion  24  constricts movement of the heel stem within the recess  21  to grip the base of the heel and provide a stable grip on the base of the heel so as to retain the heel therein. 
     It is also particularly preferred that an inner surface of the recess  21  and, where applicable, the shaft  20 , is at least partially comprised of or at least partially lined with a material  22  that is non-abrasive and has the ability to provide grip sides of the heel or heel stem. A non-limiting example of such a material is silicone. Lining the inner surface of the recess  21  and/or shaft  20  with such a material  22  offers the advantage whereby the heel is not damaged by frictional interaction with the inner surface of the recess  21  or shaft  20 , yet the heel is gripped within the recess  21  so as to retain therein. This is particularly advantageous in instances where the device  10  is fitted onto shoes manufactured from delicate materials, such as silk or suede. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b,  there is shown a particularly preferred embodiment, where at least part of the inner surface of the recess  21 , including the narrowed portion  24 , is comprised of a heat deformable material  36 , such as a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The material  36  has properties which enables it to be softened with the application of moderate heat, and is solid, preferably slightly flexible, in an unheated state. In this manner, the material  36  may be softened by, for example, placing the device into a body of hot or near-boiling water. 
     The material  36  is thus advantageously able to form a custom-fit plug around the heel  11  by taking an exact impression of the heel  11  once the heel  11  is appropriately placed into the recess  21  and pressing into the material  36 . The shape of the custom-fit plug is maintained by the material  36  upon cooling. 
     This material  36  may also be provided as a separate and additional component to the device  10 , to be used if necessary. In the event where there is inadequate material  36  present within the recess  21  to retain the heel  11  firmly therein, the additional material  36  may be inserted into the recess  21  prior to heating of the material  36  and introduction of the heel  11  into the recess  21 . The additional material  36  adheres to the material  36  already present within the recess  21  so the combined amount is able to form the custom-fit plug about the heel  11 . This is particularly useful in those instances where the dimensions of the heel  11  are significantly smaller than the inner dimensions of the recess  21 . 
     Although the aforementioned is a preferred attachment means  14 , it should be understood that the attachment means  14  may be any mechanism or arrangement that is able to securely yet removably fasten the device  10  to the heel  11  of a shoe. For example, referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown an alternative embodiment of the device  10 , having an attachment means  14  comprising a spike  32 , extending generally upwardly within the recess  21 . The spike  32  has a pointed tip  34 , arranged to pierce the base of the heel  11  upon appropriate placement of the heel  11  into the recess  21 . 
     The spike  32  attachment means  14  is particularly useful in those instances where the recess  21  is relatively shallow. The provision of a shallow recess  21 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , is particularly adapted for use with shoes having a heel  11  for which greater stability or protection is desired, but which does not have a relatively great length. That is, in those instances where the heel  11  is not particularly high. 
     It is also within the scope of the present invention that the device  10  in any of the forms as hereinbefore described, be provided with additional features for adapting the device  10  for use upon different grounds and terrain. For example, to accommodate the wearing of the shoe whilst standing or walking upon surfaces composed substantially of particulate matter, such as gravel, woodchips or pebbles, the base portion  12  is further provided with a sole portion  26 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The sole portion  26  is layered upon the lowermost surface of the base portion  12  and is effectively the ground contacting surface  16 . Preferably, the sole  26  is comprised of rubber padding, hard rubber or other similar material, in order to provide some gripping property between the device  10  and the ground. The sole  26  may optionally have a tread so as to increase the ability of the device  10  to grip the ground. 
     The sole portion  26  or the ground contacting surface  16  of the base portion  12  may also be provided with a plurality of downwardly extending protrusions  28 . The protrusions  28  may be in the form of metal spikes or rubber nodules and are provided to assist the device  10  to grip upon slippery surfaces, such as polished floors or even on icy surfaces. 
     In a further embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5 , the ground contacting surface  16  of the base portion  12  is concave, forming a generally inverted cup  30 . The inverted cup  30  configuration is particularly adapted for use when walking upon sandy or other similar surfaces comprised of fine particulate matter. Upon walking on such surfaces, the cup  30  fits over and partially into the particulate matter and the particulate matter fills into the cup  30 . In this way, the particulate matter is captured within the cup  30 , thereby forming a cushion of the material so as to provide support for the heel  11  to which the device  10  is fastened. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b,  there is shown a protective sleeve  40 , adapted to be fitted over the ground contacting surface  16  and at least part of the base portion  12  of the device  10 . The sleeve  40  is provided to enable the basic device  10 , as shown in, for example,  FIGS. 2   a  to  2   c,  to be safely worn whilst walking upon a greater variety of surfaces. For example, the sleeve  40 , which is preferably comprised from a firm yet deformable rubber, can be provided with tread or downwardly extending protrusions, to afford greater grip upon the surface when worn in use. 
     The sleeve  40  is provided in any suitable deformable material, so that sides of the sleeve  40  can be squeezed together to enable the device  10  to fit into an upper opening  42  of the sleeve  40 . The sleeve  40  is thus arranged to be fitted over an outer surface of the base portion  12 , as shown in  FIG. 8   b.    
     The sleeve  40  may be provided in any suitable shape and configuration to appropriately fit a particular shape of device  10 . It will be seen, particularly from  FIGS. 2   a  to  2   d,  that the overall shape and configuration of the device  10  may be varied. For example, the device  10  as shown in  FIG. 2   a  has a base portion  12  with an upwardly curving upper surface  18  and a rounded outer edge. In  FIGS. 2   b  and  2   c,  the outer surface slopes upwardly in a generally linear fashion. In  FIG. 2   d,  the upper surface  18  of the base portion  12  has a gentle slope towards the shaft  20 . Such modifications in the design, shape and configuration of the device  10  can be made for aesthetic or functional purposes, such as to provide reinforcement and strength to the base portion  12 , and are considered to be non-limiting and within the scope of the present invention. 
     In use, the device  10  is fastened onto the heel  11  of a shoe by engagement with the attachment means  14 . In the embodiment shown in the Figures, this engagement entails the stem of the heel  11  being inserted into the recess  21  and/or shaft  20  of the attachment means  14  so that the base of the heel  11  is adjacent the base portion  12 . 
     When appropriate for the particular circumstances, the material  36  is softened by heat, prior to introduction of the heel  11  into the recess  21 . An additional amount of material  36  may be inserted into the recess  21  if required. The device  10  is then placed on a firm surface and the heel  11  introduced into the recess  21 . The heel  11  is firmly pushed into the material  36  to form an impression of the heel  11  in the material  36 . The material  36  is then cooled, optionally by running under cool water, so as to set the material  36  in this shape. The heel  11  may be removed from the recess  21  prior to cooling the material  36 . 
     It will be appreciated that the provision of, and manner of use of the material  36  in forming a custom-fit plug for the heel  11  is such that the shape of the material  36  may be customized, as applicable, for different heels  11  of varying sizes and dimensions. This is facilitated by alternate heating and cooling of the material  36  as required. 
     In the embodiment having the upwardly extending spike  32 , the heel  11  is impaled upon the spike  32  so as to firmly attach the device  10  thereto. 
     The device  10  is thus suitably fastened onto the heel  11  in a manner that is sufficiently secure to allow the person wearing the shoe to walk without the device  10  falling off or becoming loose. 
     If the surface being walked upon requires, the protective sleeve  40  may be placed over the ground contacting surface  16  and base portion  12  in the manner described above. 
     When the surface being walked upon becomes amenable for walking upon in high heeled shoes without any added support or stability, the device  10  may no longer be required. In this event, the device  10  may be removed from the heel of the shoe by simply grasping the base portion  12  or shaft  20  and pulling the attachment away and off from the heel  11 . 
     Modifications and variations of the aforementioned invention, as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     It should also be understood that comprises/comprising and grammatical variations thereof, when used in this specification and the accompanying claims, are to be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof, but are not limited so as to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.