Comfort Heel for Heeled Shoes

Abstract

A shoe shock absorbing and support system that is able to cushion the impact of a heel striking a surface to reduce injury and fatigue and to compensate for uneven surfaces while minimizing injury to the wearer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cushion layer formed of a soft, shock-absorption material is incorporated into the heel. The present invention also provides a multiple layer contour system that provides stability and cushioning without greatly increasing the thickness of the inner sole of the shoe.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 11 / 457,454 filed on Jul. 13, 2006 which is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 09 / 894,516 filed on Jun. 27, 2001 which claims priority from provisional application 60 / 214,086, filed on Jun. 27, 2000.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This application relates to the field of heeled shoes, and particularly to the field of providing comfort and stability in heeled shoes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The use of heeled shoes, and particularly shoes with high-heels, are prevalent in today's fashion. Typically, high-heeled fashion shoes are designed so that the heel of the foot wearing the shoe is higher than the toes. The heel of the shoe is typically formed of a hard plastic. The heel often is tapered so that the point of impact between the heel and surface is relatively small in cross-sectional area. Thus, the foot and body of the user of such shoes are subject to impressive forces when the heel strikes the ground. This...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The present invention used in heeled fashion shoes provides a heel sub-assembly and / or a shoe heel that is able to cushion the impact of a heel striking a surface and lengthen the onset rate of impact as the heel first strikes. Thus, injury and fatigue is reduced from the use of heeled shoes, particularly with high-heeled shoes. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention enables the shoe to maintain lateral stability and compensate for uneven surfaces and on both even and uneven surfaces to minimize fatigue and injury to the wearer.

[0010]In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cushion layer formed of a soft, shock-absorption material is incorporated into the heel between the tread and hard heel structure. The cushion layer provides greater shock absorption in the areas receiving the most impact from the heel striking a surface, namely the back edge of the heel that first strikes the ground. The heel cushion layer entirely contacts the ground as the entire foot touches the ground. The heel cushion at this point has cushioning yet is able to move only minimally laterally thus providing more support than cushioning

[0012]In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shoe design provides greatly increased cushioning through the body of the foot while maintaining stability to the wearer. The support section of the shoe from the heel to the ball of the foot is made of a polymer that is much thinner and stronger than typical shoe midsoles. This allows more room in the shoe construction for a thicker cushioning layer providing more cushioning so that the overall aesthetic look of the shoe is not affected and comfort is greatly increased.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, the foot and body of the user of such shoes are subject to impressive forces when the heel strikes the ground.

This repeated, high-energy impact causes discomfort, not only in the heel of the foot, but also transferred throughout the body of the user of such shoes.

Additionally, since the heel is elevated, the impact forces the foot forward in the shoe, jamming the toes against the front of the shoe to cause further discomfort.

This rapid onset-rate does not allow time for the ankle, foot and leg muscles to adapt to the impact.

This causes muscle and foot surface fatigue and increases vulnerability to twisting an ankle or other injuries.

The use of heeled shoes on uneven surfaces causes additional discomfort and danger.

Even if the ankle is not twisted, the surrounding muscles and ligaments are fatigued in trying to prevent the ankle from twisting or rolling.

Another problem with existing high-heeled shoes is foot fatigue resulting from the elevated stance.

This constant muscle contraction thus results in fatigue and cramping of the foot.

These and other problems are the result of the use of hard plastic heels as well as other types of heels in most heeled shoes.

There have been attempts in the past to address these problems, but these attempts have not been successful at providing a heeled shoe that reduces the shock from the impact of the heel and surface while maintaining the lateral stability of the shoe.

However, none of these patents disclose any apparatus for maintaining lateral stability while providing increased shock absorption or any feature that will allow compensation for uneven surfaces.

In many designs, increasing cushioning in heels with a small profile results in the heel becoming less stable since movement of the cushioning elements occurs over the entire heel.

This design allows the heel to compress laterally and does not provide lateral stability or support for uneven surfaces.

Another problem that occurs with prior shoe designs is the lack of cushioning in the inner soles of the shoes, particularly in fashionable shoe designs.

However, in order to maintain the style and look of the shoe, and avoid the shoe sole body becoming thick in appearance, very little cushioning is provided.

Also, in those shoes that attempt to provide additional cushioning, the stability of the shoe is often lost.

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