HEEL LOCK

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel method for protecting and preserving the life of a shoe. The invention preserves the heel section by preventing typical degradation caused by repeated compression of the heel section by allowing the user to insert his or her foot into the rear of the shoe.

Description

BACKGROUND

A. Field of the Disclosure

The present invention relates to footwear, particularly children's footwear, having a detachable heel portion that hinges on the forward portion of the shoe creating a ‘door-like’ character element that allows the user to slide his or her foot into the shoe from the rear, as opposed to a traditional shoe which requires foot entry through an opening on the top of the shoe, preserving the heel portion of the shoe.

B. Background

Every year, adults spend millions of dollars on shoes for themselves and their children. Individuals purchase new shoes for a number of reasons, including but not limited to, outgrowing a previous pair, purchasing a new style, purchasing shoes for a special occasion or event, or simply because the old pair have worn out. With respect to the last issue, one recurring theme that every shoe owner has faced is the rapid deterioration of the heel portion of the shoe. This typically occurs over the course of the life of the shoe each and every time the person puts on or removes his or her shoe. This repeated action constantly requires that the person press the heel of his or her foot on the back of the shoe in an attempt to safely secure the shoe on his or her foot, compressing the heel section of the shoe repeatedly. Over the course of several weeks and months, the heel of the shoe has undergone dozens of compressions, leading to the deformation of the heel. Not only does this alter the look of the shoe and increase the wear and tear, it also becomes uncomfortable to the person, forcing them to purchase another pair of shoes.

The Heel Lock Design not only preserves the shape of the heel and shoe, it prevents the painful heel scrub that comes with the deformation of the heel, extending the life of a pair of shoes exponentially. Additionally, neuropath victims could access a fit within his or her shoe whereas without this feature, the pain may make wearing shoes impossible. The Heel Lock Design accompanies the naturally shape of the foot, and allows the user to comfortably slide his or her foot into the rear shoe without affecting the heel while also providing the same tight comfortable fit of traditional shoes.

SUMMARY

The problems described above are addressed by the Heel Lock Design described in this disclosure, although it is to be understood that not all such problems will be solved by every embodiment of the shoe.

An aspect of the invention is a shoe comprising: (a) a sole; (b) a detachable heel; (c) an upper portion; (d) a securing component; and (e) a connecting component; wherein the user opens the detachable heel by unlocking the securing component and the detachable heel rotates along the X-axis via the connecting component. This opening allows the user to insert his or her foot snuggly into the shoe without deforming the heel. The user can then close the heel portion of the shoe to return the shoe to its normal configuration by locking the securing component.

The foregoing presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: A side view of the shoe depicting the medial portion of the shoe.

FIG. 2: A side view of the shoe depicting the lateral portion of the shoe.

FIG. 3: an overhead view of the shoe depicting the shoe in the “locked” stage.

FIG. 4: an overhead view of the shoe depicting the shoe in the “open” stage.

FIG. 5: an overhead view of the shoe depicting the shoe in the “open” stage with a user inserting his or her foot into the shoe.

FIG. 6: an overhead view of the shoe depicting the shoe in the transitioning from the “open” state to the “closed” stage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Definitions

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of this disclosure. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity or clarity.

It will be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another when the apparatus is right side up.

The terms “first” and “second” are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

With reference to the use of the words “comprise” or “comprises” or “comprising” in the foregoing description and/or in the following claims, unless the context requires otherwise, those words are used on the basis and clear understanding that they are to be interpreted inclusively, rather than exclusively, and that each of those words is to be so interpreted in construing the foregoing description and the following claims.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that, in addition to the recited elements, what is claimed may also contain other elements (steps, structures, ingredients, components, etc.) that do not adversely affect the operability of what is claimed for its intended purpose as stated in this disclosure. Importantly, this term excludes such other elements that adversely affect the operability of what is claimed for its intended purpose as stated in this disclosure, even if such other elements might enhance the operability of what is claimed for some other purpose.

The terms “about” and “approximately” shall generally mean an acceptable degree of error or variation for the quantity measured given the nature or precision of the measurements. Typical, exemplary degrees of error or variation are within 20 percent (%), preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of a given value or range of values. Numerical quantities given herein are approximate unless stated otherwise, meaning that the term “about” or “approximately” can be inferred when not expressly stated.

The term “medial” refers to the inner side of a user's foot, commonly referred to as a user's “instep”. Additionally, the term “lateral” refers to the outer side of a user's foot, e.g. on user's left foot, the term “lateral” would describe the left side of his or her foot. This is also known as the “outstep”.

B. Heel Lock Shoe

A Heel Lock Shoe is provided. The shoe allows an individual to place his or her foot into a shoe without any incidental compression of the heel. The user first unlocks the securing component and rotates the detachable heel toward the medial portion of the shoe. At that moment the shoe is accessible through the opening created by removing or rotating the heel, allowing the user to easily slide his or her foot into the shoe. Once the user's foot is comfortably placed inside the shoe, the user will rotate the detachable heel in the opposite direction and secure the securing component.

PROPHETIC EXAMPLE

The preferred embodiment of the disclosed device 1 is comprised of a three shoe components: a sole 2, a heel 4 and an upper portion 3 of the shoe. On the claimed shoe, instead of a rigid heel section, commonly found on most shoes, the heel 4 is detachable so as to allow the user to insert his or her foot and preserve the shape of the heel 4. Despite being detachable, the heel 4, while in its locked position, covers the user's foot from the sole 2 to the height desired by the shoe manufacture. The sole 2 is made of a material such as rubber or the like and runs the length of the bottom of the shoe. Likewise, the upper portion 3 of the shoe 1, too, is designed or configured subject to the specification of the manufacturer's desire. The upper portion 3 may be comprised of the following elements, including, but not limited to, a medial 7 and lateral 8 section, a tongue 13, a toe section 12, shoe strings 14, and a detachable heel 4.

The heel portion 4, while in the “locked” position takes on the shape and appearance of an apparatus designed to secure the user's foot in the heel portion with the ability to detach from the lateral section 8 of the upper portion 3 of the shoe 1. The portion of the heel 4 that is detachable takes on a substantially U-shape with a medial end 10 and a lateral end 9. While in the “locked” position, the lateral end 9 is attached to the lateral portion 8 via a detachable securing component 5. The securing component 5 may be in the form a Velcro strap, a snap lock, snap buttons, or the like, so long as the component 5 secures the lateral portion 8 to the lateral end 9 of the heel 4 and the user can manually detach the component 5.

The lateral end 9 is detachable from the lateral portion 8 of the upper section 3 while the medial end 10 is permanently affixed to the medial section 7 of the upper portion 3, allowing the user to open the heel 4 in the fashion of a door along the hinges. This feature is accomplished by first securing the heel portion 4 to the medial section 7 of the upper portion 3 of the shoe 1 with a connecting component 6. The connecting component 6 functions as a connecting device that permanently affixes the heel 4 to the upper portion 3 of the shoe 1. This prevents the user from misplacing the heel 4. The connecting component 6 may be in the form of a hinge, or simply a material or device capable of allowing the heel portion 4 to rotate along the vertical axis of the meeting point between the medial end 10 of the heel portion 4 and the medial portion 7 of the upper section 3. In alternative embodiments, the heel portion 4 may be detachable on both the lateral end 9 and medial end 10 creating a fully detachable heel 4.

Once the individual is ready to place the shoe 1 on his or her foot, first, he or she must manually unlock the securing component 5. Once the individual unlocks the securing component 5, he or she must open the heel portion 4 by rotating the heel portion 4 along the meeting point of the medial end 10 of the heel portion 4 and the medial section 7 of the upper portion 3 of the shoe. Once the opening 11 is large enough for the user, the user may insert his or her foot into the shoe 1 until snuggly fit. Once the user has fully inserted his or her foot, he or she must rotate the heel portion 4 along the vertical axis of the meeting point between the medial end 10 and the medial section 7 of the upper portion 3 of the shoe 1 until the lateral end 9 of the heel 4 meets the lateral section 8 of the upper portion 3 of the shoe 1. Once the lateral section 8 of the upper portion 3 of the shoe 1 meets the lateral end 9 of the heel portion 4, the user may lock the securing component 5.

It should be noted that the securing component 5 and connecting component 6 may be located on either the lateral 8 or medial 7 end so long as opposite end is permanently affixed to allow rotation.

C. Conclusions

It is to be understood that any given elements of the disclosed embodiments of the invention may be embodied in a single structure, a single step, a single substance, or the like. Similarly, a given element of the disclosed embodiment may be embodied in multiple structures, steps, substances, or the like.

The foregoing description illustrates and describes the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only certain embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings disclosed, but, as mentioned above, it is to be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the teachings as expressed herein, commensurate with the skill and/or knowledge of a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain certain best modes known of practicing the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the teachings of the present disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with the various modifications required by the particular applications or uses. Accordingly, the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the exact embodiments and examples disclosed herein. Any section headings herein are provided only for consistency with the suggestions of 37 C.F.R. § 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational queues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set forth herein.

Claims

1. A shoe wherein the individual may insert his or her foot into the shoe from the rear of the shoe, comprising: a sole, an upper portion, a detachable heel, a connecting component, and a securing component;

wherein the upper portion has a lateral section and a medial section;

wherein the detachable heel has a lateral end and a medial end.

2. A shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral end of the detachable heel is connected to the lateral section of the upper portion via the connecting component.

3. A shoe as claimed in claim 2, wherein the medial end of the detachable heel connects to the medial section of upper portion via the securing component.

4. A shoe as claim in claim 3, wherein the detachable heel rotates along the meeting point of the lateral end of the detachable heel and the lateral section of the upper portion to create an opening.

5. A shoe as claimed in claim 4, wherein the user may insert his or her foot into the opening.

6. A shoe as claimed in claim 5, wherein, the detachable heel rotates until the medial end of detachable heel meets the medial section of the upper portion of the shoe and is secured by the securing component.

7. A shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medial end of the detachable heel is connected to the medial section of the upper portion via the connecting component.

8. A shoe as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lateral end of the detachable heel connects to the lateral section of upper portion via the securing component.

9. A shoe as claim in claim 8, wherein the detachable heel rotates along the meeting point of the medial end of the detachable heel and the medial section of the upper portion to create an opening.

10. A shoe as claimed in claim 9, wherein the user may insert his or her foot into the opening.

11. A shoe as claimed in claim 10, wherein, the detachable heel rotates until the lateral end of detachable heel meets the lateral section of the upper portion of the shoe and is secured by the securing component.

12. A method for securing an individual's foot within a shoe wherein an individual inserts his or her foot into the shoe from the rear of the shoe, comprising:

a sole, an upper portion, a detachable heel, a connecting component, and a securing component;

wherein the upper portion has a lateral section and a medial section;

wherein the detachable heel has a lateral end and a medial end.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lateral end of the detachable heel is connected to the lateral section of the upper portion via the connecting component.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the medial end of the detachable heel connects to the medial section of upper portion via the securing component.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the user detaches the medial end of the heel from the medial section of the upper portion by disconnecting the securing component to create an opening.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the user inserts his or her foot into the opening.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the user reconnects the medial end of the heel to the medial section of the upper portion by reconnecting the securing component to secure the user's foot.