FOOTWEAR WITH HEEL LIFT

Abstract

Footwear includes a sole, an upper secured to the sole for covering a portion of a foot of a wearer, and a heel. The heel includes a heel base secured to and downwardly extending from a rearward end of the sole and a heel lift located at a bottom of the heel base. The heel lift includes a bottom surface and a bevel is formed at the bottom surface and at a rear end of the heel lift so that the wearer has a normal or near normal stride. A top surface of the heel lift has a step so that a rear portion of the top surface is raised above a forward portion of the top surface and the wear life of the heel lift is not reduced by the provision of the bevel and the weight of the footwear is not substantially increased.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention generally relates to footwear and, more particularly, to footwear having a heel with a heel lift.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain types of footwear such as, for example, western boots, roper boots, work boots and the like have evolved over time to meet very specific usage requirements. For example, the heel of a western boot is specifically designed for horseback riding. The heel is shaped for insertion and retention in a stirrup along with other needs. While these boots may be effective for the uses they are specifically designed for, they can have disadvantages when otherwise used. For example, while western boots are very effective for horse back riding they are much less effective for normal walking. A traditional western boot can alter a person's stride as the wearer's foot slaps rather than rolls down to the ground. This is particularly a problem because the visual style of western boots is very popular among many people who never wear them during horseback riding.

There have been many attempts to provide western boots and the like which provide the wearer with a normal or near normal stride when walking. These attempts, however, not very effective, reduce the wear life of the boot heel, and/or adversely affect the traditional aesthetics of the footwear. Accordingly, there is a need for footwear having an improved heel with heel lift.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed are footwear that overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art described above. Disclosed is footwear comprising, in combination, a sole, an upper secured to the sole for covering a portion of a foot of a wearer, and a heel. The heel includes a heel base secured to and downwardly extending from a rearward end of the sole and a heel lift located at a bottom of the heel base. The heel lift includes a bottom surface and a bevel is formed at the bottom surface and at a rear end of the heel lift. A thickness of the heel lift at a rear end of the heel lift is at least equal to a thickness of the heel lift at a forward end of the heel lift.

Also disclosed is footwear comprising, in combination, a sole, an upper secured to the sole for covering a portion of a foot of a wearer, and a heel. The heel includes a heel base secured to and downwardly extending from a rearward end of the sole and a heel lift located at a bottom of the heel base. A top surface of the heel lift has a step so that a rear portion of the top surface is raised above a forward portion of the top surface.

Also disclosed is footwear comprising, in combination, a sole, an upper secured to the sole for covering a portion of a foot of a wearer, and a heel. The heel includes a heel base secured to and downwardly extending from a rearward end of the sole and a heel lift located at a bottom of the heel base. The heel lift includes a bottom surface and a bevel is formed at the bottom surface and at a rear end of the heel lift. A top surface of the heel lift has a step so that a rear portion of the top surface is raised above a forward portion of the top surface.

From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology and art of footwear. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for a normal stride of the wearer without affecting wear life and/or desired aesthetics. Additional features and advantages of various preferred embodiments will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of footwear having a heel according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the footwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is cross section view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is cross section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is cross section view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a fragmented rear elevational view of the heel of FIGS. 1 to 5; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmented front elevational view of the heel of FIGS. 1 to 6.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the footwear as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes of the various components, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustration. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the footwear illustrated in the drawings. In general, up or upward generally refers to an upward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 and down or downward generally refers to a downward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1. Also in general, front or forward generally refers to a direction toward the right within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 and rear or rearward generally refers to a direction toward the left within the plain of the paper in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology, that many uses and design variations are possible for the footwear disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of various alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the invention with regard to a roper-style boot. Other embodiments of the present invention suitable for other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. For example, the present invention is suitable for other types of footwear having heels with heel lifts such as, for example, western-style boots, work boots, and the like.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 7 show footwear in the form of a boot 10 constructed according to the present invention. The illustrated boot 10 is adapted for use on a right foot but it is noted that a similar but mirror image boot adapted for the left foot is used in conjunction with the illustrated boot 10 for form a pair of the boots 10. The illustrated boot 10 includes a sole 12 having a heel 14 at its rearward end to form the bottom of the boot 10 and an upper or quarter 16 extending upward from the sole 12 to cover the wearer's foot and a portion of their lower leg. The illustrated upper 16 includes a vamp 18 which covers the top and front portion of the wearer's foot, a counter 20 that encloses the heel and rear portion of the wearer's foot and is secured to the rear end of the vamp 18, and a shaft 22 which fits around the lower shin of the wearer and is secured to the top of the vamp and counter 18, 20. The illustrated upper 16 is secured to the sole 12 with a welted construction where the upper 16 is stitched to the sole 12 using a welt 24. The welt 24 is a strip of leather or synthetic material which extends about the periphery of the upper 16 at the interface with the sole 12. The vamp and counter 18, are stitched to the welt 24 and the welt 24 is in turn stitched to the sole 12. It is noted that upper 16 can alternatively be secured to the sole 12 using any other suitable construction such as, for example, a cemented construction where the upper 16 is glued to the sole 12 with adhesive.

The illustrated sole 12 includes an outsole 26 forming an exterior bottom surface for the sole 12, an insole (not visible) located above the outsole 26 and forming an upper interior surface of the sole 12, and a shank (not visible) forming an arch support within the sole 12. The outsole 26 is the outermost portion of the sole 12 of the boot 10 and along with the heel 14 forms the bottom surface of which is exposed to wear. The illustrated outsole 26 is molded of synthetic material but can alternatively can comprise any other suitable material such as, for example, leather and the like. The insole can be attached directly to the boot upper 16 and/or welt 24 or it can be removable and/or replaceable. The insole can form the upper most surface on the inside of the bottom of the boot or it can be covered with a sock lining of suitable material. A midsole can alternatively be provided between the outsole 26 and the insole. The midsole can be molded of synthetic material or can alternatively can comprise any other suitable material. The midsole is designed to provide the boot 10 with desired characteristics of cushioning, support, and/or flexibility. The shank forms the arch support which supports the arch of the wearer's food and can comprise steel, fiber, wood, and/or plastic. It is noted that the sole 12 can alternatively have any other suitable construction within the scope of the present invention.

The illustrated upper 16 includes the vamp 18, the counter 20, and the shaft 22. The illustrated shaft 22 comprises forward and rearward portions 22a, 22b that together form a cylindrical shape that encircles the lower portion of the wearer's leg. The shaft 22 also has an upper edge which forms an upper opening through which the wearer's foot enters the boot 10. The illustrated shaft 22 includes pull tabs or loops 28 located near the upper edge on opposed lateral sides of the shaft 22 which allow for ease in pulling on the boot 10 by putting fingers through the tabs 28. Alternatively, pull holes or “mule ears” and the like can alternatively and/or additionally be utilized. The illustrated vamp 18 and shaft 22 are continuous in that they are “unlaced”. That is, they are not provided with any type openings which are selectively closed by fasteners such as laces, zippers, buttons, hooks and the like to tighten the vamp 18 and/or shaft 22 to secure the footwear to the user. The illustrated components 18, 20, 22 of the upper 16 comprise leather such as, for example, cowhide, pigskin, horsehide, kangaroo skin, and the like but any other suitable material can alternatively be utilized such as, for example exotic leathers or skins, synthetic materials, and the like.

The illustrated components 18, 20, 22 of the upper 16 are secured together by stitching but any other suitable means can alternatively be utilized. The illustrated vamp and counter 18, are secured together at substantially vertical stitched seams 30 on opposed lateral sides of the upper 16. The illustrated portions 22a, 22b of the shaft 22 are secured together at substantially vertical stitched seams 32 on opposed lateral sides of the upper 16 which are aligned with the seams 30 of the vamp and counter 18, 20 such that they appear to be vertical extensions thereof. The illustrated shaft 22 is secured to the vamp and counter 18, 20 with generally horizontal stitched seams 34 at the interfaces. It is noted that the upper 16 can also comprise a lining within its interior. The lining typically comprises pigskin, glove leathers, a heavy twilled cotton or linen fabric, and the like. Additionally, the lining can comprise synthetics such as, for example, Gortex, Sympatex, and the like to provide waterproof and/or sweat dissipating characteristics to the boot 10. It is also noted that the upper 16 can alternatively have any other suitable construction such as, for example, the shaft could be eliminated.

The illustrated heel 14 includes a heel body or base 36 secured to and downwardly extending from a rearward end of the sole 12 and a heel cap or lift 38 located at and covering a bottom surface 40 of the heel base 36. The illustrated heel base 36 has a vertically extending and rearward-facing rear surface 42, a vertically-extending and forward-facing front surface 44, and vertically-extending and laterally facing side surfaces 46 which connect lateral edges of the rear and front surfaces 42, 44. The illustrated front surface 44 is generally planar and the illustrated rear and side surfaces 42, 46 are generally curved and combine to generally form a U-shape in horizontal planes (best seen in FIG. 2). It is noted that the heel base 36 can alternatively have any other suitable shape such as, for example, square and the like. The illustrated heel base 36 has a generally horizontal upper surface 48 that is sized and shaped to cooperate with the outsole 26. The heel base 36 can be secured to the outsole 26 in any suitable manner such as, for example, fasteners, adhesive, and/or the like. The bottom surface 40 is sized and shaped to cooperate with the heel lift 38 as described in more detail herein below.

The heel base 36 can be formed by a solid body of any suitable material such as, for example, plastic and/or the like. The heel base 36 can also be formed by layers of material vertically stacked one upon the other. The layers can comprise any suitable material such as, for example, leather and/or the like and can be secured together in any suitable manner such as, for example, fasteners, adhesive, and/or the like.

The illustrated heel lift 38 is located at and covers the a bottom surface 40 of the heel base 36 to provide a generally slip-resistant surface. The illustrated heel lift is sized and shaped to cooperate with the heel base 36. The illustrated heel lift 38 has a vertically extending and rearward-facing rear surface 50, a vertically-extending and forward-facing front surface 52, and vertically-extending and laterally facing side surfaces 54 which connect lateral edges of the rear and front surfaces 50, 52. The illustrated front surface 52 is generally planar to form a downward extension of the front surface 44 of the heel base 36. The illustrated rear and side surfaces 50, 54 are generally curved and combine to generally form a U-shape in horizontal planes (best seen in FIG. 2) to form a downward extension of the rear and side surfaces 42, 46 of the heel base 36. It is noted that the heel lift 38 can alternatively have any other suitable shape such as, for example, square and the like. The illustrated heel lift 38 has a generally horizontal bottom surface 56 which is sized and shaped to engage the ground as the wearer walks. The illustrated bottom surface 56 is provided with a downward facing groove 57 to improve performance of the heel lift. The illustrated groove 57 is generally U-shaped and extending from the front surface 52 so that it generally matches and is spaced inward from the rear and side surfaces 50, 54. It is noted that the bottom source can alternatively have any other suitable form.

A rearward-facing bevel 58 is formed at the bottom surface 56 at a rear end of the heel lift 38 to eliminate what would otherwise be a generally sharp edge 60 (shown in dashed line in FIG. 3) formed at the intersection of the rear and bottom surfaces 50, 56 so that the wearer has a normal or near normal stride. Elimination of the rear edge 60 enable the boot to roll rather than slap as the wearer walks. The illustrated bevel 58 is curved when viewed in the lateral direction but it is noted that the bevel 58 can alternatively have any other suitable shape such as, for example, angled or inclined. The bevel 58 preferably has a height in the vertical direction which is equal to about 50% to 100% of the height of the heel lift 38 at the forward end of the heel lift 38 and is more preferably about 75% of the height of the heel lift 38 at the forward end of the heel lift 38. It is noted, however, that the bevel 58 can have any suitable height. The illustrated bevel 58 has a length in the forward/rearward direction that is greater than its height in the vertical direction. The bevel 58 preferably has a length in the forward/rearward direction which is equal to about 150% to 250% of the height of the bevel 58 and is more preferably about 200% of the height of the bevel 58. It is noted, however, that the bevel 58 can have any suitable length. The illustrated bevel 58 has a width in the lateral direction which extends for the entire width of the heel lift 38. It is noted, however, that the bevel 58 can have any suitable width. It is noted that the illustrated heel lift 38 does not have bevels 58 at its lateral sides or its forward end.

The illustrated heel lift 38 has a top surface 62 that is sized and shaped to cooperate with the heel base 36 and is opposed to the bottom surface 56. The top surface 62 engages and is secured to the bottom surface 40 of the heel base 36. The heel lift 38 preferably covers the entire bottom surface of the heel base 36. The illustrated top surface 62 has a laterally-extending step 64 which divides the top surface into forward and rearward portions so that the rear portion of the top surface 62 is raised higher than the forward portion of the top surface 62. The raised rear portion enables a thickness of the heel lift 38 at the rear end of the heel lift 38 be equal to or greater than a thickness of the heel lift 38 at the forward end of the heel lift 38. Thus, the presence of the bevel 58 does not adversely affect the wear life of the heel lift 38 without increasing the thickness of the entire heel lift 38 which would adversely affect the weight and/or performance of the heel 14. Note that the step 64 is preferably located near the forward end of the bevel 58 so that the amount of material added by the step is minimized. The illustrated step 64 is angled or inclined upward in the rearward direction but it is noted that the step 64 can alternatively have any other suitable shape such as, for example, vertical, curved, and the like. It is also noted that the step 58 can include a plurality of substeps. The step 64 preferably has a height in the vertical direction which is equal to about 50% to 100% of the height of the heel lift 38 at the forward end of the heel lift 38 so that it compensates for the loss of material due to the bevel 58 and is more preferably about 75% of the height of the heel lift 38 at the forward end of the heel lift 38 so that it compensates for the loss of material due to the bevel 58. It is noted, however, that the step 64 can have any suitable height. The illustrated step has a width in the lateral direction which extends for the entire width of the heel lift 38. It is noted, however, that the bevel 58 can have any suitable width. The heel lift 38 preferably comprises rubber or the like but can alternatively comprise any other suitable material. It is noted that the heel lift 38 is preferably formed of a different material or materials than the heel base 36 so that the performance characteristics of each can be optimized.

The illustrated bottom surface 40 of the heel base 36 is shaped to closely conform to the top surface 62 of the heel lift 38 so that the heel lift 38 can be rigidly secured thereto. The illustrated heel lift 38 is secured to the heel base 36 with vertically extending nails 66. It is noted, however, that the heel lift 38 can alternatively be secured to heel base 36 in any other suitable manner such as, for example, other fasteners, adhesive, and/or the like.

Any of the features or attributes of the above the above described embodiments and variations can be used in combination with any of the other features and attributes of the above described embodiments and variations as desired.

It is apparent from the forgoing disclosure and detailed description that the present invention is effective to enable the wearer of the footwear to have a normal stride wear the foot rolls rather than slaps without adversely effecting affecting other performance characteristics or aesthetics of the footwear such as, for example, wear life and weight.

From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, it is also apparent that various modifications, additions and other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. Footwear comprising, in combination:

a sole;

an upper secured to the sole for covering a portion of a foot of a wearer; and

a heel including a heel base secured to and downwardly extending from a rearward end of the sole and a heel lift located at a bottom of the heel base;

wherein the heel lift includes a bottom surface and a bevel is formed at the bottom surface and at a rear end of the heel lift; and

wherein a thickness of the heel lift at the rear end of the heel lift is at least equal to a thickness of the heel lift at a forward end of the heel lift.

2. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the upper includes a shaft for covering a portion of a lower leg of the wearer.

3. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the heel lift and the heel base comprise different materials.

4. The footwear according to claim 3, wherein the heel lift comprises rubber.

5. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the bevel is curved.

6. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein a top surface of the heel lift has a step so that a rear portion of the top surface is raised above a forward portion of the top surface.

7. The footwear according to claim 6, wherein the step is angled.

8. The footwear according to claim 7, wherein the step is angled upward in a rear direction.

9. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the bevel is not formed between the side surface and the bottom surface at lateral sides of the heel lift.

10. Footwear comprising, in combination:

a sole;

an upper secured to the sole for covering a portion of a foot of a wearer; and

a heel including a heel base secured to and downwardly extending from a rearward end of the sole and a heel lift located at a bottom of the heel base; and

wherein a top surface of the heel lift has a step so that a rear portion of the top surface is raised above a forward portion of the top surface.

11. The footwear according to claim 10, wherein the upper includes a shaft for covering a portion of a lower leg of the wearer.

12. The footwear according to claim 10, wherein the heel lift and the heel base comprise different materials.

13. The footwear according to claim 12, wherein the heel lift comprises rubber.

14. The footwear according to claim 10, wherein the heel lift includes a bottom surface and a bevel is formed at the bottom surface and at a rear end of the heel lift.

15. The footwear according to claim 14, wherein the bevel is curved.

16. The footwear according to claim 14, wherein a thickness of the heel lift at the rear end of the heel lift is at least equal to a thickness of the heel lift at a forward end of the heel lift.

17. The footwear according to claim 14, wherein the bevel is not formed between the side surface and the bottom surface at lateral sides of the heel lift.

18. The footwear according to claim 10, wherein the step is angled.

19. The footwear according to claim 18, wherein the step is angled upward in a rear direction.

20. Footwear comprising, in combination:

a sole;

an upper secured to the sole for covering a portion of a foot of a wearer; and

a heel including a heel base secured to and downwardly extending from a rearward end of the sole and a heel lift located at a bottom of the heel base;

wherein the heel lift includes a bottom surface and a bevel is formed at the bottom surface and at a rear end of the heel lift; and

wherein a top surface of the heel lift has a step so that a rear portion of the top surface is raised above a forward portion of the top surface.