Shoe With Retractable Heel

Abstract

A show that is operable to be converted between a low heel design and a high heel design. The shoe includes an upper operable to receive a human foot having an integrated sole. The sole includes a heel portion having a cavity therein. A retractable heel is movably mounted to the heel portion and is operable to be disposed within the cavity in its first position and extended outward therefrom in its first position. A slot is journaled through the heel portion extending into the cavity. A rod is operably coupled to the heel having a portion extending outward from the slot for engagement by a user. A brace is operably connected to the rod and assists in maintaining the retractable heel in its extended position. A pair of magnets are present so as to releasably secure the retractable heel within the cavity.

Description

PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C Section 119(e) & 37 C.F.R. Section 1.78 [0001]This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled: Shoe with Retractable Heel, Application No. 61 / 712,918, filed Oct. 12, 2012, in the name of Elsa Salinas, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to footwear, more specifically but not by way of limitation a shoe having a retractable heel to allow the shoe to be converted between a high heel design and a flat heel design.BACKGROUND[0003]The fashion industry is a multi-billion dollar a year industry. Items such as clothing and accessories are purchased by millions of consumers every day. One particular fashion item that accounts for billions in sales every year is shoes. There are thousands of different styles of shoes that are utilized by consumers for specific purposes. From tennis shoes to sandals, numer...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe having a retractable heel that includes a sole having a non-slip surface and is lightweight.

Problems solved by technology

One problem with the high-heel shoe is that while it is fashionable the high-heel shoe is uncomfortable to wear after several hours.

This creates a cumbersome burden for the women as they must utilize a purse or a similar item that is sufficient in size in order to accommodate a pair of shoes therein.

These types of purses are typically not desirable to carry to specific events making the toting of another pair of shoes inconvenient.

Another issue with high-heel shoes is that many designs are generally fragile in nature.

Whether the break occurs from uneven pavement or another cause, once one of the heels has been damaged the pair of shoes becomes unwearable.

If the woman does not have a spare pare of shoes with her at the time of damage to the high-heel shoe this can be quite an inconvenience.

A third issue with high-heel shoe designs is that they are difficult to drive a vehicle while wearing.

As some heels are high-heel shoe designs are several inches in height this can make interfacing with the gas and brake pedals of a car very difficult.

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