Abstract:
Provided is a shoe heel engagement system and method of using the same to secure a user-heel-shoe interface and prevent unintended slipping and discomfort. The heel engagement system includes an elastomeric molded system having a plurality of projecting bumpers and stress concentration geometry features. The geometry stress concentration features may be linear or curved and may have multiple profiles. The geometry stress concentration features are arranged at least transverse to a heel arrangement, and may optionally be aligned with a heel arrangement and in arcuate form relative to heel or a foot-heel curvature improved security and shoe comfort that allow for easy bending-without buckling to fit the inner shape of a shoe. The geometry stress concentration features allow for easy air flow, moisture flow, and easy installation and adaption to the foot-shoe geometry.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority from U.S. Prov. App. Ser. No. 62/146,683 filed Apr. 13, 2105 and U.S. Prov. App. Ser. No. 62/080,155 filed Nov. 14, 2015, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION 
       [0002]    
       FIG. 8 
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Technical Field 
         [0004]    The present disclosure relates to a shoe heel engagement support system and method for using the same. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a shoe heel engagement bumper that securely engages a wearer&#39;s foot and which reduces the tendency of a wearer&#39;s foot to slide outwardly relative to a heel in a shoe during use. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    The related art involves a series of elastomeric inner sticky tapes that are secured to the inner portion of a shoe-heel. Such inner tapes are uniformly thin and when curved may tend to buckle and cause chafing and later shoe irritation. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved shoe heel engagement system and method for using the same. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an improved heal securing system containing a number of geometric stress concentration regions to aid in folding and adapting to the inner geometry of a shoe heel. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, a shoe insert or heel engaging support system for use in a shoe, comprising may include a heel backing portion generally transverse to a heel securement portion. Each heel backing portion may be constructed from an elastomeric material having a modulus of elasticity for user comfort. At least one stress concentration geometry may be included along one of said heel backing portion and said heel securement portion. During an assembly with said shoe, said stress concentration geometry allowing an easy bending and fitting of said heel engagement system with said shoe. 
         [0010]    In a further embodiment, a shoe insert may include a support member, which may include a central portion; a first lateral portion extending away from the central portion; a second lateral portion opposite the first lateral portion extending away from the central portion; and a tongue portion. The support member may have a thickness of less than 3 millimeters. A contact member may at least partially extending across the central portion, the first lateral portion, and the second lateral portion. The contact member has a thickness greater than the thickness of the support member. 
         [0011]    In a further embodiment, a kit may include the above described shoe inserts, as well as, devices and/or tools (e.g., adhesive) for securing the shoe inserts to a shoe. 
         [0012]    The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shoe insert; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the shoe insert of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the shoe insert of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the shoe insert of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is another top view of the shoe insert of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an end view of the shoe insert of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the shoe insert of  FIG. 1  positioned in a shoe; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is another perspective view of the shoe insert of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shoe insert; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 13-14  are end views of the shoe insert of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is another top view of the shoe insert of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is another bottom view of the shoe insert of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is another end view of the shoe insert of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the shoe insert of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 19-23  are further perspective views of the shoe insert of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 24-32  are perspective views of the shoe insert of  FIG. 9  positioned in a shoe; 
           [0029]      FIG. 33  is a partial sectional illustration view of a conventional raised shoe and foot assembly noting the conventional arrangement containing the provided shoe heel engagement system; 
           [0030]      FIG. 34  is a partial sectional illustration view of a conventional raised shoe and foot assembly showing the tending and urging forces that act upon a user&#39;s foot and shoe; 
           [0031]      FIG. 35  is a plan elevation view of a shoe heel engagement system; 
           [0032]      FIG. 36  is a side view along section  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 37  is an in position illustration of the shoe heel engagement system; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 38  is a see-through view of a kit including one or more shoe heel engagement systems and tools for securing the system to a shoe. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. The word ‘couple’ and similar terms do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through intermediate elements or devices. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope in any manner. It will also be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and that elements may be differently positioned, or otherwise noted as in the appended claims without requirements of the written description being required thereto. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a shoe insert  10  has a central or back portion  14 , first and second lateral or side portions  18 ,  22  positioned on either side of the back portion  14 , and a tongue  26  extending away from the back portion  14  to a tongue end  28 . The back portion  14  and side portions  18 ,  22  define a top edge  24 , and the back portion  14 , side portions  18 ,  22 , and tongue  26  together define a support member of the insert  10  with a first surface  30  and an opposing back surface  34  (see also  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). A contact member in the form of a bulbous rim or ridge  40  extends across the back portion  14  and side portions  18 ,  22  on the first surface  30  at or adjacent to the top edge  24 , and comprises an interior portion  52  and an exterior portion  56  that together define a contact surface  60 . In some embodiments, the ridge  40  may only partially extend across the back portion  14 . A plurality of equally or unequally spaced recesses  48  in the exterior portion  56  reveals the interior portion  52 . In other embodiments, the ridge  40  comprises an exterior portion  52 . In other embodiments, the ridge  40  comprises an exterior portion  56  without an interior portion  52  and thus, without recesses  48 . In yet another embodiment, the ridge  40  comprises a continuous exterior portion  56  that varies in height or depth along the top edge, e.g., the ridge  40  may be thicker along the side portions  18 ,  22 , and gradually or abruptly thinner along the back portion  14 . 
         [0037]    The back portion  14 , in one embodiment, measures about 3.5 cm in height, as shown in  FIG. 4 , and together with the side portions  18 ,  22  measures about 10.5 cm in width. In other embodiments, the back portion  14  can measure approximately 2 to 5 cm in height and between approximately 8 and 15 cm in width with the side portions  18 ,  22 . The overall height, i.e., the tongue  26  together with the back portion  14 , can range from approximately 3.5 inches to 4.25 inches. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the tongue  26  is approximately 1.25 inches in width near the back portion  14 , and approximately 1.75 inches in width at its widest point near the tongue end  28 . In other embodiments, the tongue  26  may have widths between approximately 1 inch and approximately 2 inches near the back portion  14  and widths between approximately 1.5 inches and approximately 3 inches at the widest portion bear the tongue end  28 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the tongue  26  is about 3 inches long but can range from approximately 2 inches to approximately 4 inches in other embodiments. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , respectively, the ridge  40  is approximately 1 cm in height with a thickness of approximately 1 cm. In other embodiments, the ridge  40  can extend between approximately 0.5 cm and 1.5 cm in height and/or thickness. The spaced recesses  48  each have a width of about 0.15 cm and are spaced approximately 1 cm apart, but the width can range from approximately 0.075 to 0.3 cm and the spaced recesses  48  can be spaced closer together or farther apart than illustrated, and in some embodiments are not equally spaced. Referring also to  FIG. 6 , the back portion  14 , side portions  18 ,  22 , and tongue  26  have a thickness of no more than about 1 mm but in other embodiments the thickness can range, for example, from approximately 0.75 mm to approximately 3 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the back portion  14 , side portions  18 ,  22 , and tongue  26  is uniform. 
         [0038]    The insert  10 , including the back portion  14 , side portions  18 ,  22 , tongue  26 , and ridge  40 , is integrally formed as one piece from plastic, preferably a clear plastic gel such as silicone, in a molding operation. In additional embodiments, one or more components of the insert  10  can be formed separately and/or from another flexible material such as foam or soft rubber. The material of the insert  10  is chosen such that the insert  10  is bendable and may fold to crease upon itself (see  FIG. 2 ), effectively delineating the back portion  14  from the tongue  26 . In an embodiment with a specially constructed interior portion  52  and exterior portion  56 , the interior portion may be made of a less flexible material such as hard rubber, while the exterior portion  56  of the ridge could be formed with a softer material such as silicone or another plastic. 
         [0039]    A layer of adhesive is deposited on the back surface  34  such that the insert  10  is removably securable to another surface, such as the inside of a shoe. Alternatively, the adhesive may form a more permanent bond between the back surface  34  and the other surface. In other embodiments an adhesive is applied separately to the back surface  34  immediately prior to use. In yet other embodiments, another type of coupling or attachment mechanism on the second surface  34  may be used for coupling the insert  10  to an adjacent surface. The layer of adhesive or other attachment mechanism may exist on the entirety of the second surface  34  or on only select portions of the second surface  34 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , and also to  FIGS. 10-23 , another embodiment of a shoe insert  160  is illustrated, with similar numbers having similar reference numerals and functions as in  FIGS. 1-8 . In the shoe insert  160 , a contact member in the form of a series of raised portions or nubs  164  extends across the back portion  14  and side portions  18 ,  22  on the first surface  30  at or adjacent to the top edge  24  in lieu of the previously described ridge  40 . In the alternative embodiments, the nubs  164  only partially extend across the back portion  14  or may not extend across the back portion  14  at all such that no nubs  164  are present on the contact member at or near the back portion  14 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , the nubs  164  are approximately 7 mm in height but can range from about 5 mm to about 10 mm in height, and in some embodiments may have a uniform or varying height across the contact member, e.g., the height of the nubs  164  may generally increase in a direction defined from the back portion  14  to the side portions  18 ,  22 . Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 20 , the nubs  164  across the back portion  14  may be substantially lower in height that the nubs  164  of the side portions  18 ,  22 . Further, the width of the nubs  164  may generally increase in the direction defined from the back portion  14  to the side portions  18 ,  22 . The nubs  164  may also form a variety of shapes relative to the back portion  14  and side portions  18 ,  22 . As examples, the nubs  164  can be of a rectangular or elliptical shape and may vary in shape across portions  14 ,  18 , and  22 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 20 , the top surface of the nubs  164  may also be tapered inward towards the center of the back portion  14 . Other tapers are also possible, and the nubs  164  on the side portions  18 ,  22  may in some embodiments be tapered. Various combinations of nub heights, widths, shapes, and spacing across the contact member are of course contemplated for the insert  160 . In other embodiments, the nubs  164  are not wholly separate but instead comprise a continuous single piece on each of the side portions  18 ,  22 , with nubs  164  of equal or varying height separated by channels or recesses. 
         [0041]    The nubs  164  are separated from each other by equal or unequal spaces  168 . The spaces  168  reveal the associated back portion  14  and side portions  18 ,  22 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 7, 8, and 24-32  illustrate an embodiment of a respective shoe insert  10 ,  160  operatively positioned within a shoe  120 . The shoe  120  has a cavity, an outer edge  128  arranged around the periphery of the cavity  124 , and a defined inner surface  140  having a heel portion and a bottom portion. The insert  10 ,  160  is configured for insertion into the cavity  124  and to substantially conform to the inner surface  140 . 
         [0043]    To position the insert  10  or he insert  160 , a user squeezes the side portions  18 ,  22  together with the second surface  34  facing the inner surface  140  of the shoe  120 . Specifically, the back portion  14  is arranged to abut the heel portion of the inner surface  140  of the shoe  120 , with the side portions  18 ,  22  extending laterally from the heel portion. Bending or folding the insert  10 ,  160  permits the tongue  26  to be situated against the bottom portion of the inner surface  140  and pressed into place. The contact member, whether in the form of the ridge  40  or the nubs  164 , is seated against the outer edge  128  near the heel of the shoe  120  and, as shown in  FIG. 7 , may protrude from the outer edge  128  (approximately 4 to 8 mm), or may be positioned flush with the outer edge  128 , as shown in  FIGS. 24-27 . Once the insert  10 ,  160  is in place, the adhesive of the second surface  34  (which may be applied thereon) in contact with the inner surface  140  maintains the insert  10 ,  160  in position. 
         [0044]    With the insert  10 ,  160  in position, a shoe occupant places her foot in the shoe  120 , contacting the first surface  30  and further pressing the second surface  34  against the inner surface  140  of the shoe  120 . This compression releases any air trapped between the insert  10 ,  160  and the inner surface  140  and also acts to more securely join the adhesive or other attachment mechanism to the inner surface  140 . During a walking stride, as the occupant lifts her foot, the ridge  40  (or the nubs  164 ) interacts/interact with a portion of her heel to maintain the foot securely within the cavity  124  of the shoe  120 . 
         [0045]    The inserts  10  and  160  are especially beneficial for maintaining foot position in high-heeled shoes, as they take up minimal space within the cavity  124  and therefore do not urge the foot uncomfortably forward into the shoe  120 . With respect to the insert  160 , the presence of a thicker ridge  40  or nubs  164  at the lateral portions  18 ,  22  and a thinner ridge  40  or smaller or absent nubs  164  near the back portion  14  may be particularly effective in maintaining a desired foot placement within the cavity  124 . Although illustrated with a high-heeled shoe, the insert  10 ,  160  is not so limited in its application and could be used with any type of shoe (e.g., a men&#39;s dress shoe, as shown in  FIGS. 28-32 ). 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIGS. 33 and 34 , a show insert or heel engagement system  240  is positioned within a convention shoe  200  having a toe box portion  221 , a foot access rim  222 , an inner foot bed  223  a bottom tread portion  224  on the fore-foot and heel tread portion  225  on a heel  226 . As noted there is an arch portion  227  that allows a user&#39;s foot to be urged-forward and inwardly during a use, and then allow the heel cup portion  228  to slide relative to foot  282  ( FIG. 2 ). This motion along motion direction  280  (front and back) also causes a slippage along direction  78  of heel cup portion  228  (up and down). As shown in  FIG. 33 , the proposed heel engagement system  240  is positioned in heel cup portion  228  and urged to confirm to the inner geometry of shoe  200 . It is noted that the heel cup portion  228  may additionally have a bottom rounded portion (see in  FIG. 33 ) that is concave for receiving the rounded portion of a heel. This front and back motion is particularly concerning where a foot may not be sized well to the shoe  200  (e.g., too small or undersized so that the shoe is too large). 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIGS. 35 to 37 , a heel engagement system  240  contains a generally two portion arrangement with a heel backing portion  250  spanning the sides of the heel in a cross-wise manner and a heel securement portion  251 . According to the embodiment noted, there are a number of cushion bumper members  252  that project relative to the general profile, an adhesive backing  253 , and a backing layer  254  for adhesive sticking to the heel cup form  228  in a shoe. The system  240  is constructed from any suitable elastomeric material, including but not limited to a silicone based material, LDPE, MDPE, and otherwise. Positioned along heel portion  251  are a number of stress-concentration locations  260  formed as a series of grooves having both optionally different profiles (U-or-V-or-box-bottom shaped) and different arrangements (linear-or-curved). 
         [0048]    It will be understood that each stress-concentration location  260  is a reduction in the thickness of the heel engagement system  240  so as to provide a number of advantages. These advantages include, but are not limited to, operating as air-flow channels, as moisture-escape channels, as heel-gripping-aids with additional surface texture, and as concentrations of bending-stress so as to allow heel engagement system  240  to bend and flex relative to the heel cup portion  228  and any back-formation and concavity for heel-receipt and while flexing to not bunch up and provide a non-smooth profile despite different curvature radii needed to smoothly secure the heel engagement system  240  into the shoe  200 . 
         [0049]    As will be noted in  FIG. 35 , particular stress-concentration locations  260   a  are positioned on either side of a user&#39;s heel linear access (aligned with markings for section  35 - 35 ) and the center line of shoe  200 , to allow rapid curvature about a heel axis. Similarly, additional locations  260   b  are closely aligned with the heel axis and shoe center for tight curvature about a user&#39;s Achilles tendon. These types of geometries  260   a,    260   b  allow what we will call a vertical-axis curvature easing. Additionally bending geometries/stress concentrators  260   c,  etc. are positioned along the length of bottom portion  251  to allow the tight horizontal-axis curvature noted in  FIG. 37  to meet the inner curvature of a shoe without buckling and bunching. Additionally, curved bending geometries/stress concentrators  260   d,  etc. that allows the heel-cup bottom portion of heel engagement system  240  to provide a concavity on a foot bed without bunching. Stress concentrators  260   d,  allow a depression to form at the bottom heel-cup portion to provide additional comfort. 
         [0050]    During a use herein, a user will test and position the heel engagement system  240  and make any cuttings or trimmings to a general macro-shape and size. Thereafter, the user will urge the system  240  (with backer  254  attached) into heel cup position  228  for further testing. Thereafter, backer  254  is removed, exposing glue layer  253  and system  240  is placed within position and smoothed outwardly. 
         [0051]    As a result, following installation, the geometries/stress concentrators  260   a,    260   b,    260   c,  or  260   d  may all serve to aid in air flow, moisture flow, gripping, and smooth securing of a heel and a shoe geometry interface. 
         [0052]    A kit  300 , as shown in  FIG. 38 , may include one or more shoe inserts (e.g., insert(s)  10 ,  240 ) of varying shapes, sizes, and/or configurations, as well as, additional adhesive, if needed. For example, a glue applicator, tube or stick  302   a  which may facilitate dispensing an adhesive and/or adhesive tape  302   b  may be included should additional adhesive be needed or desired. 
         [0053]    Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. 
         [0054]    It is additionally noted that the proposed system  240  may be provided in kits or multiple-packages for use with two or more shoes. 
         [0055]    Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.