Modular heel assembly for high heel shoes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a removable modular heel assembly that is attached to a high heel shoe, which shoe may be adapted to accept the assembly, and which assembly is designed to increase the surface area of the heel or shoe to enhance stability, comfort, and / or balance for the wearer.

Description

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001] This patent application is related to, and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 651,492, converted from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 068,233 filed 1 Mar. 2005, and U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60 / 714,051 filed 2 Sep. 2005, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to modular heel assemblies for high heel shoes and to high heel shoes. More particularly, the invention relates, for example, to a removable modular heel assembly that fits against a high heel shoe that may, for example, be adapted to accept the assembly, and which may be further designed to increase the surface area of the heel and enhance stability for the wearer. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Many versions of high heel shoes, for example stiletto heels, have small surface areas where the heel portion of the high heel sho...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a removable modular heel assembly for high heel shoes that increases stability. The assembly includes a spring-loaded hook attached to the shoe and a modular heel attachment that fits into the hook. The modular attachment can be a spring-loaded hook, screw threads, a snap-on attachment, or a wedge that slides into place. The attachment means can include protrusions and a pressure-activated clip to hold the attachment in place. The invention also provides a high heel shoe that can accept a removable modular attachment to increase the area of the shoe where the heel contacts the ground."

Problems solved by technology

This results in significant disadvantages for the wearer.

For example, fatigue and discomfort in the ankle and foot often occur from the extra effort required to stabilize the wearer's ankle and foot in a high heel shoe with a small surface area.

In addition, traversing anything other than smooth, level surfaces presents perils for the wearers of high heel shoes with a small heel surface area.

Subway grates, sidewalk cracks and cobblestone walkways are just some of the surfaces that these high heel wearers can not traverse easily, or perhaps safely, if at all.

Often, these rough surfaces damage the heel of the shoe, and the wearer may suffer a fall or risk injury.

This is inconvenient, however, because the extra pair of shoes may be heavy and use space that could hold other items, and because changing shoes causes unnecessary delay, expense, or inconvenience.

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