Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    N/A 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    N/A 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The invention relates to shoes, more specifically to a mechanism wherein a low heel shoe converts into a stable shoe structure with a higher heel wherein the shoe&#39;s heel can be removed or replaced to change the style or comfort of the shoe. 
         [0005]    2. Discussion of the Background 
         [0006]    It is well known that women enjoy the use of high-heeled shoes. High-heeled shoes represent a number of benefits for women, including style, increased height and improved posture. Women tend to feel more confident and poised when wearing high-heeled shoes. High-heeled shoes are considered to add style and elegance to a woman&#39;s outfit and are a staple of modern fashion. 
         [0007]    Despite the many benefits, high-heeled shoes have proven detrimental to women&#39;s health. The use of heels is often painful, resulting in blisters, calluses and corns. Their use has also been linked to long-term problems such as foot pain, back pain, varicosity, edema, and infertility. High-heeled shoes concentrate the entire weight of the body on the ball of the foot, which often results in painful conditions such as metatarsalgia. When wearing high-heeled shoes, the shape of the foot conforms to a shape which counters the natural functionality of the foot, creating odd pressure points and often resulting in permanent damage. High-heeled shoes can create difficulties when walking, resulting in injuries such as sprained ankles. 
         [0008]    For occasions that require that women dress elegantly and/or professionally, modern women tend to prefer the use of high-heeled shoes. However, it is possible that high-heeled shoes will not be suitable for certain moments of a particular day. For example, a woman may prefer high-heeled shoes for the office, in order to look elegant and professional during meetings or when receiving clients. However, if the same woman walks to work, the woman may prefer the use of flats or shoes with smaller heels to avoid a painful walk. In this case, the woman would have to use two separate pairs of shoes in the same day. This creates the inconvenience of having to carry the additional pair of shoes or having to keep additional pairs of shoes in different places. There is also the added cost of purchasing more than one pair of shoes. 
         [0009]    Several shoes had been created to provide interchangeable heels, however most of the interchangeable shoes structures, more particularly in women shoes failed to provide an interchangeable stable structure easy to assemble without compromising the style. 
         [0010]    Further a woman may also prefer to change the style of a particular shoe. For example, a woman may prefer “stiletto” type heels that match the color of the shoe&#39;s upper for a formal occasion. For a more casual occasion, a woman may prefer the same shoe, but with thicker, cork wedges. Also, a woman may prefer to use an all black shoe for the office, but may decide to add color to the outfit by changing to a colored heel for a social activity after work. 
         [0011]    There is a need for shoes that can be adjusted for the changing needs of a woman during a particular day while providing a stable structure easy to assemble. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In light of the above shortcomings of the methods available to adjust the height of women&#39;s shoes, the present invention discloses a replaceable heel mechanism that is used to adjust the height of women&#39;s shoes. The mechanism comprises a shoe sole, a removable heel comprising a heel connector and an interchangeable heel, and a locking key to secure the removable heel to the shoe sole. The present invention is useful for adjusting the comfort or style of a particular pair of shoes during the course of a day. 
         [0013]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe that can be worn with or without the removable heel. 
         [0014]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism wherein a removable heel can be easily attached or removed. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a more stable removable heel wherein the arrangement of part assists the shoe structure to withstand several unwanted movement. 
         [0016]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism wherein a heel can be easily removed and replaced with a heel with different style. 
         [0017]    To enable a better understanding of the objectives and features of the present invention, a brief description of the drawing below will be followed with a detailed description of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1B  is a view of the preferred embodiment of the invention assembled. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the shoe sole of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the foresole of the preferred invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the foresole of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the foresole of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the midsole of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the midsole of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the midsole of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the hindsole of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the hindsole of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the hindsole of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a front view of the heel connector of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the heel connector of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the heel connector of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the interchangeable heel of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the interchangeable heel of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is an isometric view of the interchangeable heel of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view of a screw. 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  is an isometric view of the removable heel assembly of the preferred embodiment, 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  is an isometric view of the locking key of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  is a top view of the locking key of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  is an isometric view of the locking key nut of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 23  is top view of the locking key screw of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 24  is an isometric view of the locking key nut of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 25  vectors force distribution for the preferred embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0044]    The present invention discloses the preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the embodiment can be made of different materials, wherein the material selection depends on the type of shoes, the weather in which the shoes will most likely be used, the size of the shoes and the cost. 
         [0045]      FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  show the present invention as it is assembled. The present invention comprises a shoe sole  1 , a removable heel R, a locking key  4  and a shoe upper  5 . The removable heel R comprises a heel connector  2  and an interchangeable heel  3  wherein said removable heel is mechanically connected to said shoe sole  1  in order to convert a low heel shoe in to a high heel shoe. As illustrated in  FIG. 1B  the shoe upper  5  is attached to the shoe sole an it may be anything from a few thin straps to totally enclosing the foot. 
         [0046]      FIG. 2  shows an isometric view of the assembled shoe sole  1 . It has to be understood that the shoe upper  5  is not showed in order to clearly show the shoe sole  1 . The shoe sole  1  comprises an adjustable platform on the bottom of the shoe. The platform comprises three separate flat sections, named foresole  11 , midsole  12  and hindsole  13 . The sections are mechanically attached and are fixed to the bottom of the shoe. 
         [0047]      FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  show the foresole  11  component of the preferred embodiment of the invention. The foresole  11  comprises a flat elongated component with at least one even edge  111 . The foresole&#39;s even edge  111  comprises a fixing means to attach the part to another part that allows rotational motion. The fixing means of the preferred embodiment comprises several semi-circular protrusions  112  along the even edge  111 , each comprising a hole  113 . Several spaces  114  or clear areas having a pre-determinated are interpose between each semi-circular protrusion  112  in order to separates each semi-circular protrusion  112  from each other. The holes  113  at the semi-circular protrusions  112  are centrally aligned in order to be easily mechanically coupled to the midsole  12 . The geometry of the remaining edges of the foresole  11  depends on the style of the shoe and the shoe upper  5 . The foresole  11  supports the forefoot, which comprises the ball of the foot and the toes. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  show different views of the midsole  12  of the preferred embodiment of the invention. The midsole  12  comprises a flat elongated body with a first short edge  121 , second short edge  122  and a middle body, such as a rectangular component, which extends across the length of the shoe. The midsole  12  comprises a first short edge  121  and a second short edge  122 , opposite to one another, and a middle body between said first short edge and said second short edge define by a first long edge  123  and a second long edge  124 . In the instant case the angles between the first short edge  121  and the first long edge  123 , the first long edge  123  and the second short edge  122 , the second short edge  122  and the second long  124 ; and the second long edge  124  and the first short edge  121  are all right angles. The first short edge  121  and the second short edge  122  are equipped with a first short edge attaching mechanism and a second short edge attaching mechanism respectively to attach the midsole to another part allowing rotational motion at the midsole edges. Similar to foresole attaching mechanisms, the first short edge attaching mechanism and a second short edge attaching mechanism of the preferred embodiment comprises semi-circular protrusions  126  along their length, each semi-circular protrusion  126  comprising a hole  127 . Several spaces  128  of a pre-determinated width separate each semi-circular protrusion  126  from the next semi-circular protrusion  126 . The holes  127  in the semi-circular protrusions  126  are centrally aligned. The position of the semi-circular protrusions  126  of the first short edge  121  of the midsole  12  coincides with the spaces  114  between the semi-circular protrusions  112  of the foresole  11 . The position of the semi-circular protrusions  126  of the second short edge  121  of the midsole  12  coincides with the position of the semi-circular protrusions  126  of the first short edge  121 . The midsole  12  lies below the arch of the foot, and provides support to the midfoot. The width of the midsole  12  corresponds to the width of the foresole  11 . The length of the midsole  12  depends on the style and size of the shoe. 
         [0049]    Further the midsole  12  comprises a first attaching mean, such as a orifice  129 , positioned at the middle body inside a groove. In the instant case the preferred embodiment of the orifice  129  comprises inner threads. The groove is deep enough to enclose the attaching mean avoiding it contact with the floor. 
         [0050]      FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  show different views of the hindsole  13  component of the preferred embodiment of the invention. The hindsole  13  elongated body comprises a foundation  131 , a spacer  132  and a brim  133 . The hindsole  13  supports the hindfoot, which comprises the heel of the foot. 
         [0051]    The foundation  131  comprises a flat elongated component with at least one rounded edge  1311  and at least one foundation even edge  1312 . The foundation  131  comprises a attaching means at said foundation even edge  1312  to attach the hindsole to another part, such as the midsole, allowing rotational motion at the mechanically connection between the hindsole and the midsole. The attaching means of the preferred embodiment comprises several semi-circular protrusions  1313  along the even edge  1312 , each comprising a hole  1314 . A space  1315  of the equal or greater width than the semi-circular protrusion  1313  separates each semi-circular protrusion  1313  from the next semi-circular protrusion  1313 . The holes  1314  in the semi-circular protrusions  1313  are centrally aligned. The size and position of the semi-circular protrusions  1313  of the foundation  131  depends on the size and position of the semi-circular protrusions  126  of the second short edge  122  of the midsole  12 . The position of the semi-circular protrusions  1313  of the even edge  1312  of the foundation  131  coincides with the spaces  128  between the semi-circular protrusions  126  of the second short edge  122  of the midsole  12 . The semi-circular protrusions  1313  of the hindsole  13  must fit between the semi-circular protrusions  126  of the second short edge  122  of the midsole  12 . The center of the holes  1313  of the semi-circular protrusions  13  must fit be aligned with the holes  127  of the semi-circular protrusions  126  of the midsole  12 . Although the geometry of the foundation  131  may vary slightly depending on the style of the shoe, the shape of the foundation  131  will most likely comprise a semi-circular geometry. 
         [0052]    Further the spacer  132  comprises a second flat component with geometry similar to the geometry of the foundation  131 . Like the foundation  131 , the spacer  132  comprises at least one spacer even edge  1321 . The length, radius and overall dimensions of the spacer  132  is smaller than the dimensions of the foundation  131 . The spacer  132  is integrally made or attached to the foundation  131  by a fixing means such as glue, nails, or screws and extends from the foundation  131  toward the brim  133 . 
         [0053]    The brim  133  comprises a third flat component with geometry similar to the geometry of the foundation  131 . Like the foundation  131 , the brim  133  comprises at least one brim even edge  1331 . In the instant case the length, radius and overall dimensions of the brim  131  are smaller than the dimensions of the foundation  131 , but greater that the dimensions of the spacer  132 . The brim  133  is integrally made or attached to the spacer  132  by a fixing means such as glue, nails, or screws. 
         [0054]    The foundation even edge  1312  of the foundation  131  is aligned with the spacer even edge  1321  and the brim even edge  1331 . When assembled, the hindsole  13  comprises a part with at least one even edge, at least one rounded edge, several semi-circular protrusions  1313  and a groove created by the differences in dimension of the foundation  131 , the spacer  132  and the brim  133 . 
         [0055]    The foresole even edge  111  is mechanically attached to a first short edge  121  of the midsole  12 . The semi-circular protrusions  126  of the first short edge  121  of the midsole  12  are positioned in the spaces  114  between the semi-circular protrusions  112  of the foresole  11 . The holes  113  of the semi-circular protrusions  112  of the foresole  11  are centrally aligned with the holes  127  of the semi-circular protrusions  126  of the first short edge  121  of the midsole  12 . A first pin is inserted through the holes  113 ,  127 , keeping the foresole  11  attached to the midsole  12 . The foresole  11  and the midsole  12  is able to move with respect to one another about the axis of the first pin. Alternatively, the parts can be manufactured without the semi-circular protrusions  112 ,  126  and attached to each other by a fixing means such as hinges. 
         [0056]    The foresole even edge  111  of the hindsole  13  is mechanically attached to a second short edge  121  of the midsole  12 . The semi-circular protrusions  126  of the second short edge  122  of the midsole  12  is positioned in the spaces  1315  between the semi-circular protrusions of the foundation  131  of the hindsole  13 . The holes  1314  of the semi-circular protrusions  1313  of the foundation  131  of the hindsole  13  is centrally aligned with the holes  127  of the semi-circular protrusions  126  of the second short edge  122  of the midsole  12 . A second pin is inserted through the holes  1314 ,  127  of the semi-circular protrusions  1313 ,  126 , keeping the hindsole  13  attached to the midsole  12 . The hindsole  13  and the midsole  12  is able to move with respect to one another about the axis of the pin. Alternatively, the parts can be manufactured without the semi-circular protrusions  126 ,  1313  and attached to each other by a fixing means such as hinges. 
         [0057]    When assembled, the shoe sole  1  comprises an elongated mechanism with two points of inflection. The upper side of the shoe sole  1  comprises the inner section of the shoe. The upper side of the shoe sole  1  is covered with a soft material in order to provide comfort for the user. The bottom side of the shoe sole  1  may be covered with a non-slip material, such as rubber. 
         [0058]      FIG. 12 ,  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14  show different views of the removable heel R, more particularly the heel connector  2  component of the preferred embodiment of the invention. The heel connector  2  comprises an elongated flat portion with a geometry that matches the geometry and dimensions of the hindsole  13 . The heel connector  2  comprises at least one heel connector even edge  21 , and at least one rounded heel connector edge  22 . The heel connector  2  also comprises a raised rim  23  extending upwards throughout the entire perimeter of the geometry, with exception of the heel connector even edge  21 . The raised rim  23  has an extended rim  24  facing the inner portion of the heel connector  2 . The length of the extended rim  23  must be less than the difference between the brim  133  and the spacer  132  of the hindsole  13 . 
         [0059]    The extended rim  24  of the heel connector  2  slides between the foundation  131  and the brim  133  of the hindsole  13 , keeping the hindsole  13  and the heel connector  2  attached to one another. Further the heel connector comprises a heel attaching mean  25 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 15 ,  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17  show different views of the interchangeable heel  3  of the preferred embodiment of the invention. The interchangeable heel  3  comprises an elongated component comprising an angled proximal end  31  and a distal end  32 . The geometry of the angled proximal end  31  of the interchangeable heel  3  resembles the geometry of the heel connector  2 . The angle of the angled proximal end  31  depends on the difference in height between the foresole  11  and the hindsole  13 , that is, the angle depends on the overall length of the interchangeable heel  3 . The cross-sectional geometry of the interchangeable heel  3  can vary throughout the length, for example the elongated body may have a constant cross-sectional area throughout its length, or a variable cross-sectional area, with greater width at the angled proximal end  31  and a smaller geometry at the distal end  32 . Other geometries can also be found, including wedges that extends all the way towards the foresole  11 , covering the entire area below the shoe sole  1 . Each interchangeable heel  3  comprises a hole  34  at a pre-determinated position wherein said position is directly related to the position of the orifice  129  in the midsole  12 , wherein said orifice  129  coincides with the height of the hole  34  in the interchangeable heel  3 . 
         [0061]    Further the interchangeable heel  3  comprises a hole  33  aligned in accordance with the heel attaching mean  25 . The hole  33  on the interchangeable heel  3  comprises an inner thread placed in a position such that the holes  25 ,  33  such as a screw  35  is inserted through the hole  25  in the heel connector  2  and is held in place by the inner thread in the hole  33  in the interchangeable heel  3 , holding the heel connector  2  and the interchangeable heel  3  in place. An example of the screw  35  is shown in  FIG. 18 .  FIG. 19  shows an isometric view of the assembly for the removable heel R composed by the heel connector  2  and the interchangeable heel  3 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 20 ,  FIG. 21 ,  FIG. 22  and  FIG. 23  show different views of the locking key  4  component of the preferred embodiment of the invention. The locking key  4  mechanically attaches the interchangeable heel  3  to the midsole  12  wherein said locking key comprises an elongated body with a first locking key attachment, such as a bolt with a first threaded distal end  47 . The locking key  4  is meant to be inserted into the hole  34  of the interchangeable heel  3  and fix inside the orifice  129  of the midsole  12 . The locking key  4  further comprises a second threaded distal end  46 , wherein said second threaded distal end is fixed at said interchangeable heel  3 . Providing two threaded distal ends at said locking key  4  assists with the assembling process of the interchangeable heel  3  for a stable structure. It is important to understand that a nut may be included in a first recess  48  at the interchangeable heel  3 , as shown in  FIG. 24 , wherein said recess support a nut which is fixed to said interchangeable heel. The shape of the recess  48  assists with the assembling process by holding the nut  44  in position. 
         [0063]    When in use, the bottom surface of the foresole  11  rests flat above the floor. The midsole  12  is attached to the foresole  11  and is positioned at an angle with respect to the floor. The angle between the floor and the midsole  12  depends on the height of the interchangeable heel  3 . The hindsole  13  is attached to the midsole  12 , and is also positioned at an angle with respect to the floor. The angle between the hindsole  13  and the floor is less than the angle between the midsole  12  and the floor. The heel connector  2  and the interchangeable heel  3  are attached by a fixing means, such as a screw  34 . The heel connector  2  slides into the groove between the foundation  131  and the brim  133  of the hindsole  13 . When correctly assembled, the distal end  32  of the interchangeable heel  3  comes into contact with the floor. 
         [0064]    The locking key  4  is positioned in parallel with respect to a line that connects the distal end  32  of the interchangeable heel  3  and the foresole  11 . When in use, the bottom surface of the foresole  11  and the distal end  32  of the interchangeable heel  3  comes into contact with the floor. The user inserts her feet into the shoe, with the ball of the foot resting on the upper surface of the foresole  11  and the heels resting on the upper surface of the hindsole  13 . The user&#39;s weight is distributed between the ball of the foot and the interchangeable heel. The position of the locking key  4  lies between both pressure points and distributes the user&#39;s weight more evenly among the different areas of the shoe. 
         [0065]    The heel connector  2  principally restricts vertical movement between the shoe sole  1  and the interchangeable heel  3 . The locking key  4  principally restrict horizontal motion between the interchangeable heel  3  and the shoe sole  1 , completing the structure. However due to the positioning of the locking key with respect to the heel connector a more stable structure is acquired. For example, as shown in  FIG. 25 , the resulting force due to the person&#39;s weight wearing the removable heel  3  is distributed over the whole structure providing a more stable structure. The triangular shape created due to the arrangement of parts, such as having at least approximately a 90 degrees angle between the interchangeable heel  3  and the midsole  12  increases the supporting force of the shoe structure when using a removable heel R. Further the locking key  4  avoids the unwanted rotational motion of the interchangeable heel  3  and simultaneously the unwanted distance displacement of the midsole  12  with respect to the interchangeable heel  3 . The present structure arrangement provides a stronger support for the ankle due to the connection, more particularly to the connection of the interchangeable heel  3  with the midsole  12 . 
         [0066]    Alternatively, the shoe can be worn without the heel connector  2  or the interchangeable heel  3 . The locking key  4  is removed and the heel connector  2  slides from behind the hindsole  13 . The attacing means that attach the foresole  11  to the midsole  12  and the midsole  12  to the hindsole  13  allows the rotational motion of each part, therefore the angles between the foresole  11  and the midsole  12  and the midsole  12  and the hindsole  13  can be adjusted. The shoe sole  1  is adjusted such that the brim  133  of the hindsole  13  comes into contact with the floor. 
         [0067]    The interchangeable heel  3  may vary is style and shape different style with an easy assembling procedure such as removing or disconnecting the heel connector attaching mean  25  from the heel attaching mean  33 . The screw  35  is removed, separating the interchangeable heel  3  from the heel connector  2 . A different interchangeable heel  3  is attached to the heel connector  2  and the screw  35  is replaced. The heel connector  2  slides onto the hindsole  13 , and the locking key  4  is inserted through the hole  34  of the interchangeable heel and into the orifice  129  of the midsole  12  to complete the structure. 
         [0068]    Further the interchangeable heel  3  can be replaced with a interchangeable heel  3  with a different height. For this feature, the midsole  12  must comprise more than one orifice  129  and additional locking keys  4  with different lengths will be needed. The position of each orifice  129  depends on the height of the interchangeable heel  3 . The screw  35  is removed, separating the interchangeable heel  3  from the heel connector  2 . A different interchangeable heel  3  is attached to the heel connector  2  and the screw  35  is replaced. The heel connector  2  slides onto the hindsole  13 , and the locking key  4  is inserted through the hole  34  of the interchangeable heel  2  and into the correct orifice  129  of the midsole  12  to complete the structure. When inserted into the correct orifice  129 , the locking key  4  will be positioned parallel to the floor. 
         [0069]    The shoe upper comprises all materials above the shoe sole. The shoe upper depends on the style of the shoe. The shoe upper can comprise straps to attach the show sole to the foot, or can comprise a more elaborated covering to protect the foot. The material used for the upper can also vary depending on the style of the shoe and the weather it is used in. 
         [0070]    In summary of the previous sections, the invention presented here is structurally innovative, presents advantages not available at the moment with existing shoes, complies with all new patent application requirements and is hereby lawfully submitted to the patent bureau for review and the granting of the commensurate patent rights. 
         [0071]    While the invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention after considering this specification together with the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, all such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by this invention as defined in the following claims and their legal equivalents. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if any, are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. 
         [0072]    All of the patents, patent applications, and publications recited herein, and in the Declaration attached hereto, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein, All, or substantially all, the components disclosed in such patents may be used in the embodiments of the present invention, as well as equivalents thereof. The details in the patents, patent applications, and publications incorporated by reference herein may be considered to be incorporable at applicant&#39;s option, into the claims during prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patentable distinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art.

Technology Category: 1