Adjustable footwear sole construction and related methods of use

Abstract

A footwear construction including a sole and an adjustable heel element selectively rotatable about an axis of rotation to configure the heel element in a fitness mode or a stability mode. The heel element can include a ground contacting surface having a first performance contour and a second, different performance contour. In the fitness mode, the first performance contour is positioned rearward of the second performance contour to provide a rolling / rocking motion when the heel region of the footwear engages a walking surface in a gait cycle. In the stability mode, the second performance contour is positioned rearward of the first performance contour to provide a stable impact when the heel region engages a walking surface. The footwear can include an actuator to enable the heel element to rotate and locking elements to hold the heel element in a fixed rotational position. A related method of use also is provided.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly, to a sole construction that is adjustable, and related methods of manufacture and use.[0002]Recently emphasis has been placed on footwear that assists in better working the muscles of the wearer, improving the gait of the wearer and burning extra calories by wearing such footwear. Such footwear are generally designed to be worn while the wearer engages in a fitness activity, such as walking, running, or a sport.[0003]Certain manufacturers have refined the soles of footwear to accomplish the above objectives. For example, some manufacturers offer a sole including a curved heel that provides a “rolling” effect, which trains a wearer's body to maintain its natural balance by working the wearer's leg muscles and core. This sole generally includes a wedge that is constructed from a soft, squishy material, and is positioned under the heel of a wearer in a fixed position that is adapted to en...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]In still another embodiment, the adjustable heel element can be selectively configurable in one of multiple modes, such as a fitness mode or a stability mode. When the adjustable heel element is configured in the fitness mode, the first end is located rearward of the second end, with the first performance contour oriented so that it engages the ground upon heel strike in a wearer's natural gait cycle. In the fitness mode, a user wearing the footwear experiences a degree of instability and / or impaired movement as the foot begins and / or transitions through the gait cycle, which the user can overcome or compensate with increased muscle recruitment. In turn, this increased muscle recruitment can tone the recruited muscles, which otherwise might not have been used during the cycle, or simply might have been used to a lesser degree.

[0013]In still yet another embodiment, when the adjustable heel element is configured in the stability mode, the second end is located rearward of the first end, with the second performance contour generally oriented so that it engages the ground upon heel strike in the natural gait cycle of the wearer. In the stability mode, the second end and second performance contour can provide the user with a feeling of stability, much like a “normal” shoe, particularly upon initial heel strike at the beginning of the gait cycle. This increased stability can make the user feel more confident in their footing, so that they react and use muscles more like they would with a normal shoe.

[0016]In still a further embodiment, the adjustable heel element and the support element can include or be joined with locking elements. These locking elements can be configured to interlock with one another when the adjustable heel element is in at least one of different modes, for example, a fitness mode and a stability mode. The locking elements can provide additional securement to prevent or impair inadvertent reorientation, such as rotation, of the adjustable heel element while the footwear is in use.

[0017]In still yet a further embodiment, the adjustable heel element can include a support element and a different adjustment assembly including a biasing element that urges the remainder of the adjustable heel element toward the sole. The biasing element can be in the form of a spring, for example a coil spring, that is compressed under force between an attachment plate and a wall or the rim support element. A fastener can extend from the attachment plate to another portion of the adjustable heel element, for example an anchor element. The spring can push the attachment plate away from the wall, which in turn draws the anchor element toward the remainder of the sole. Because the anchor element attaches to the fastener and the remainder of the adjustable heel element, the remainder of the adjustable heel element also is drawn toward the remainder of the sole element and / or the support element to provide additional securement and to prevent or impair reorientation of the heel element.

[0018]The footwear described herein provides a simple and efficient mechanism that enables a wearer to convert the footwear between different modes having different performance characteristics depending on the wearer's preferences. For example, rotation of the adjustable heel element can permit a sole to be converted from a fitness mode when a wearer desires to engage in a particular fitness activity or otherwise tone their muscles, to a stability mode when a wearer desires more stable performance from the footwear, or simply is finished with the fitness activity. Because the adjustable heel element can be adjusted by varying its orientation, the wearer need not carry around two or more pairs of shoes should the wearer desire to engage in a variety of activities.

Problems solved by technology

With its resilient, compressible curved shape, the wedge apparently simulates uneven terrain typically found in nature, thereby creating a natural instability to which the wearer's muscles respond with intuitive, small movements that compensate for the instability.

While the above wedge shoes can train a wearer's body to maintain its natural balance and can work various muscle groups harder, the shoes take time to become accustomed to, and may be unsuitable when a wearer desires more traditional footwear when traversing uneven terrain, or other terrain that is unsuitable for a easily compressible, low density and / or unstable curved heel.

While this construction provides a way to replace worn out portions of footwear, it can sometimes be difficult to operate the pins.

Moreover, the mechanism and other features that provide the cushioning within the heel element can be overly complicated, costly and time consuming to assemble.

Images