Heelpiece stabiliser and shoe comprising such heel stabiliser

Abstract

The invention relates to a heel stabilizer (1) comprising a housing (2) having an inner surface (3) and an outer surface (4), the styles of the inner surface (3) and the outer surface (4) being substantially matched to each other, and a holding device for holding the foot of a user inside the shoe, the holding device comprising at least one holding element (5) constrained to the housing (2) on the side of the inner surface (3), wherein, if the outer surface (4) is oriented from bottom to top in the arrangement of the heel stabilizer in use, the housing (2) has an arched profile with a convex-concave pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to the technical field of shoes, and more particularly to a heel stabilizer / counter for a shoe and a shoe including the aforementioned heel stabilizer. Background Art

[0002] Today, a reinforcing element known as a heel stabilizer is widely used, which is applied to the back of certain footwear items in the contact area between the shoe and the heel bone of the user's foot.

[0003] For example, document EP 643 931B1 describes a shoe including a heel stabilizer provided with a pad received in a specific cavity, where the pad is capable of plastic deformation in order to adapt to the user's heel during the first use.

[0004] The technical solution of EP 643 931B1 has some drawbacks, including high costs due to the characteristics of the pad, which is made of an open-cell material impregnated with a "bouncing mastic" contained in a solvent, and then the solvent is evaporated. In addition, although the pad maintains a certain elastic deformation ability, after plastic deformation, the final shape it presents does not follow the changes in the shape and volume that the foot may present during the day. For example, consider the increase in the volume of the foot towards the end of a working day or under specific psychophysical conditions (such as due to water retention).

[0005] Document CN 108968234 A describes a heel stabilizer including a support base for placement between the sole and insole of a shoe in use, two left and right side portions extending from the support base, and a rear portion extending from the two side portions.

[0006] The heel stabilizer of CN 108968234 A is not without drawbacks, because although it has a contour that helps the user's foot enter the shoe, it does not equally help to keep the foot in the shoe and make it stable. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a shoe heel stabilizer having technical features capable of overcoming one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0008] According to the present invention, the above problem is solved by a heel stabilizer that includes a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, and holding means for holding the user's foot within the shoe, wherein the holding means includes at least one holding element that is constrained to the housing on the side of the inner surface, and wherein the housing has an arched profile with a convex-concave pattern if in the arrangement of the heel stabilizer in use, in the direction from bottom to top of the outer surface.

[0009] In practice, since the aforementioned housing is intended to wrap around the user's heel, it includes a closed rear portion and an open front portion, and in particular helps the foot to enter the shoe including the aforementioned heel stabilizer, especially due to the aforementioned arched profile with a convex-concave pattern, wherein the aforementioned inner surface and the aforementioned outer surface have substantially the same pattern, and the aforementioned at least one substantially soft holding element prevents the user's foot from undesirably "slipping out" of the shoe, i.e., inadvertently coming out of the shoe.

[0010] The above expression "wherein the aforementioned inner surface and the aforementioned outer surface have substantially the same pattern" means that the convex portion of the inner surface matches the corresponding concave portion of the outer surface, and the concave portion of the inner surface matches the corresponding convex portion of the outer surface, and vice versa.

[0011] Preferably, the aforementioned housing includes a first half-shell or intermediate half-shell that is placed at the so-called inner foot of the user in use, a second half-shell or side half-shell that is placed at the so-called outer foot of the user in use, and a top portion that extends from the two first half-shells and the second half-shell, wherein the geometric locus formed by the inflection points of the aforementioned arched profile defines the boundary between the aforementioned top portion and the aforementioned first half-shell and the second half-shell.

[0012] Preferably, according to the above outer surface, the height ratio between the concave portion and the convex portion defined by the geometric locus formed by the inflection points of the aforementioned housing, i.e., the height ratio between the aforementioned top portion and the aforementioned first half-shell or the second half-shell, is between about 25:75 and about 35:65.

[0013] Preferably, the aforementioned housing further includes a base that extends substantially at a right angle from the aforementioned first half-shell and the aforementioned second half-shell and is constrained to the other side of the first half-shell and the second half-shell relative to the aforementioned top portion, and the base is preferably made integrally with them and is used for connection to the insole or sole if any.

[0014] Preferably, one or more notches are provided in the aforementioned base, and the notch allows the aforementioned housing to better adapt to the desired shoe size by slightly deforming. In fact, one or more notches create a region with a certain degree of deformability / softness in their vicinity, or at least a region that is structurally softer than the base without notches. However, this does not affect the firmness of the aforementioned base or the overall firmness of the housing.

[0015] Preferably, the thickness of the aforementioned housing varies between approximately 1.6 millimeters at the maximum thickness point and approximately 0.5 millimeters at the minimum thickness point. The maximum thickness point is basically at the maximum width point of the housing (from one side to the other), and the minimum thickness point matches the thickness of the aforementioned base (if any). The minimum thickness point other than the base is approximately 0.6 millimeters at the free outer periphery of the aforementioned top portion.

[0016] Preferably, the aforementioned base includes end portions whose width decreases towards the corresponding ends. In practice, the end portions can be defined as tapered portions, and their width gradually decreases from a maximum value (which varies between approximately 8 millimeters and approximately 14 millimeters, depending on the size of the shoe to which the heel stabilizer is adapted) to a minimum value at the aforementioned ends.

[0017] Preferably, the length by which the tapered end portions extend is between approximately 20% and approximately 50% of the longitudinal length of the heel stabilizer, where the longitudinal length is defined as the direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the user's foot.

[0018] According to the present invention, the above-mentioned convex-concave pattern of the contour of the above-mentioned housing may have a relatively obvious convex "degree" / concave "degree", which is defined by the magnitude of the angle θ. The angle θ is preferably between 2° and 30°, more preferably between 15° and 25°. The above-mentioned angle θ is determined by a line V' that is tangent to the above-mentioned outer surface of the housing and perpendicular to the horizontal support plane of the user's foot, and is defined by a line V" that is tangent to the above-mentioned top portion of the housing at its upper end, that is, at the upper end of the free outer periphery of the top portion of the housing.

[0019] According to the present invention and the above content, according to the known art, the above-mentioned housing is preferably made by injection molding, for example, made of polyamide (PA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or polypropylene (PP).

[0020] Preferably, the hardness of the aforementioned housing is between approximately 70 Shore A hardness and approximately 90 Shore A hardness, corresponding to approximately 22 Shore D hardness and approximately 39 Shore D hardness respectively.

[0021] As described above, the above-mentioned arched profile of the shell is advantageous because it helps the user's foot to enter the shoe including the above-mentioned heel stabilizer by providing a larger entry space for the foot. In addition, it allows the foot to be easily guided to its correct position within the shoe itself. Furthermore, the shape of the shell profile is adapted to deform substantially like a leaf spring: once the insertion of the foot is completed, during compression, i.e., the elastic force accumulated during the insertion of the foot is released, thus promoting the stretching of the shoe, especially its upper, and therefore also promoting the optimal wrapping of the shoe itself around the foot.

[0022] Regarding the aforementioned at least one retaining element, it should be said that it is a damping element made of a material that is substantially softer than the aforementioned shell, and it preferably has elasticity or viscoelasticity.

[0023] Preferably, the aforementioned at least one retaining element is a corresponding at least one padding or a corresponding at least one coating.

[0024] Preferably, when having elasticity, the aforementioned at least one retaining element is a padding made of a polymer foam (such as polyurethane (PU) foam), or the aforementioned at least one padding may include an envelope containing a fluid (preferably a gel) made of a polymer material (such as polyurethane (PU)). In these cases, the hardness of the padding measured by an Asker C-type durometer is preferably between about 15 and about 45, while the density of the aforementioned foam is preferably between about 0.1 and about 0.45 g / cm 3 between.

[0025] Preferably, when having viscoelasticity, the aforementioned at least one retaining element is a padding or a covering layer made of a so-called memory foam material, which is exactly a material with viscous characteristics and low elasticity, usually derived from polyurethane. In these cases, the hardness of the padding or coating measured by an Asker C-type durometer is preferably between about 15 and about 45, while its density is preferably between about 0.1 and about 0.45 g / cm 3 between.

[0026] The use of memory foam material is particularly advantageous because it deforms when it comes into contact with the user's foot and then substantially returns to its initial shape and comfortably wraps the foot while keeping the foot in the proper position within the shoe, i.e., preventing it from "slipping out". In particular, due to the viscoelasticity of the memory foam material, it does not immediately elastically deform as in the case of elastic materials such as HR (high resilience) foam, 3D fabric, etc. Therefore, for forces with a component from bottom to top (where "top" and "bottom" refer to the arrangement of the heel stabilizer of the present invention when used within the shoe), it is very difficult, if not impossible, for the user's foot to slip out.

[0027] Basically, a memory foam material, which is essentially a foam, conforms perfectly to the shape of the foot in contact with it and has a slower recovery time than an elastic material to return to its original shape.

[0028] Preferably, the shape of the at least one pad may be substantially oval, ovoid, leaf-shaped, circular, elongated, and moreover, there is no particular limitation on its maximum size. However, considering the surface of the pad facing the user's foot during use, the minimum size that makes its manufacture feasible and suitable for this purpose is about 0.5 cm. 2 A pad having a three-lobed shape can also be provided, which essentially has three branches, respectively upward from the ground, toward the outside of the foot, and toward the inside of the foot. However, it should be noted that the number of pads can be any number required.

[0029] Preferably, also on the aforementioned inner surface of the housing, the at least one pad is arranged in the maximum convexity region of the aforementioned inner surface and / or across at least a part of the aforementioned geometric locus.

[0030] The arrangement of the at least one pad across at least a part of the aforementioned geometric locus is advantageous because it eliminates (if not greatly reduces) the possibility of the pad moving over time from its initial position under the pressure of repeated friction with the foot, which especially occurs during the stages of inserting and removing the foot from the shoe.

[0031] Preferably, in the case of two pads, the first pad is arranged at the aforementioned first half-housing, and the second pad is arranged at the aforementioned second half-housing. Advantageously, in the latter case, through the appropriate design of the pads themselves, the two pads provide support to the user's heel at the middle position and the side position to utilize the anatomical structure of the heel, which is different at the outside and inside of the foot and at the rear end of the heel.

[0032] According to the present invention and the above, at least one pad of the above type can also be provided, which extends beyond the outer peripheral edge of the above housing. In the latter case, the pad not only serves as a device for holding the user's foot in the correct position after inserting it into the shoe, but also provides comfort and support at the shoe opening, i.e., at the shoe collar, not only limited to the heel, and in practice may surround the ankle up to the height of the ankle bone of the foot.

[0033] In this regard, the portion of the at least one pad protruding from the aforementioned housing, i.e., the portion extending beyond the aforementioned outer peripheral edge of the housing, can be determined based on the need to provide soft support at the shoe collar according to known techniques.

[0034] According to the present invention, the at least one pad may extend to the free outer periphery of the top portion, or it may be spaced apart from the free outer periphery of the top portion by a predetermined section, such as 5 millimeters, depending on, for example, specific molding requirements or manufacturing requirements of the heel stabilizer of the present invention or the footwear incorporating the heel stabilizer.

[0035] Preferably, the at least one pad does not extend over the entire height of the heel stabilizer of the present invention, i.e., does not extend over the entire vertical extent of the heel stabilizer - where "vertical" relates to the arrangement of the heel stabilizer in use, and preferably does not extend to the lower edge of the half-shell, i.e., does not extend to the boundary with the aforementioned base (if any).

[0036] Preferably, according to a ratio between 10:90 and 90:10, more preferably between 30:70 and 70:30, still more preferably between 40:60 and 60:40, and still more preferably equal to a ratio of approximately 50:50, the at least one pad extends vertically above and below the geometric locus formed by the inflection point.

[0037] As described above, the at least one pad is constrained to the housing, for example, by gluing. Additionally, according to an embodiment variant, the at least one pad may be manufactured first and then loaded into a mold in which the housing is manufactured by injection, and the housing binds or constrains the pad to itself. In this case, the at least one pad is substantially co-molded with the housing. In any case, according to the present invention, the housing and the at least one pad form an integral structure. Generally, the structure formed by the housing and the at least one holding element is integral, and the same is true for the structure including the housing and the at least one coating.

[0038] In this regard, when the at least one holding element consists of the at least one memory foam coating, unless otherwise specified, the above description for the at least one memory foam pad still applies.

[0039] Preferably, the at least one coating extends substantially over the entire inner surface of the housing.

[0040] Preferably, the thickness of the at least one coating is between 1 millimeter and 20 millimeters, more preferably between 5 millimeters and 15 millimeters, and even more preferably between 7 millimeters and 12 millimeters.

[0041] According to the present invention, the heel stabilizer of the present invention may further include one or more additional coatings, such as a second coating, which contacts the at least one coating or the first coating described above and has a smaller distribution range than the latter. In fact, in the case where the second coating is provided, it extends over a part of the at least one coating described above, and the statements made above regarding the at least one coating apply to the height or thickness of the second coating described above and its material. This advantageously results in a local increase in the total thickness of the at least one retaining element, which helps to hold the foot.

[0042] Basically, according to the present invention, the at least one retaining element described above is advantageous because once the foot is inserted into a shoe including the heel stabilizer of the present invention, it helps to hold it in place by reducing or suppressing the relative movement between the foot and the shoe, which would otherwise cause blisters. In addition, since the at least one retaining element described above is made of a relatively soft and elastic or viscoelastic material, it does not impede the entry of the foot into the shoe because, due to these properties, it can reduce its size during the entry of the foot and then return to its initial size, which allows it to hold the foot in place. Finally, it can be said that the at least one retaining element described above does not undergo plastic deformation.

[0043] Preferably, the retaining means described above includes a covering layer made of a material selected from the group consisting of fabric, leather, non-woven fabric, and knitted fabric, wherein the covering layer is constrained to the other side of the at least one retaining element with respect to the housing described above.

[0044] Preferably, the retaining means described above includes at least one clamping element, which is constrained to the covering layer and is adapted to generate a frictional force greater than the frictional force generated by the covering layer, wherein, preferably, the at least one clamping element can be made of fabric, non-woven fabric, or polymeric material, preferably made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or silicone resin.

[0045] Specifically, when the at least one clamping element (also referred to as a holding element) is made of a polymeric material, it is constrained to the opposite side of the aforementioned covering layer with respect to the at least one holding element, while when the at least one clamping element is made of fabric or non-woven fabric, depending on their characteristics, it can be constrained to the opposite side of the aforementioned covering layer with respect to the at least one holding element, or it can be constrained to the aforementioned covering layer and in contact with the at least one holding element. In the latter case, the clamping element, preferably with a width between 10 mm and 50 mm, is in practice arranged between two non-continuous covering portions, near the central axis of the heel stabilizer, and has a relatively high resistance to foot slippage in a first direction (the direction in which the foot is guided away from the shoe), while having a relatively low resistance to foot slippage in a second direction opposite to the aforementioned first direction (the direction in which the foot is guided into the shoe). Such a fabric is called a "cat's tongue lining" and can be purchased on the market, for example, from the supplier Liangyuan Shoe Materials Co., Ltd. in Houjie Town, Dongguan, China, under the name Elastic Velvet LYU-20118.

[0046] In any case, the at least one clamping element is preferably joined to the aforementioned covering layer by casting, co-molding, transfer, ultrasonic, stitching or other known techniques for this purpose. In practice, the at least one clamping element is manufactured such that it only partially covers (e.g., according to one or more stripes or dots) the covering layer or the holding element, so that although additional holding elements are formed to hold the foot in place within the shoe, it does not impede the insertion of the foot due to excessive friction.

[0047] When there is the at least one clamping element, the at least one holding element preferably has a damping function substantially but not exclusively, since an elastic and non-viscoelastic pad that elastically deforms almost instantaneously under stress is preferred. However, according to the present invention, a viscoelastic pad or coating can even be used together with the at least one clamping element, just as an elastic pad can be used even in the absence of the at least one clamping element.

[0048] Preferably, the heel stabilizer of the present invention includes at least one rib made in relief or bas-relief on the aforementioned housing. It is also possible to provide both relief ribs and bas-relief ribs.

[0049] When there is the at least one rib made in relief, it is arranged on the aforementioned outer surface of the housing, and its maximum thickness is between about 0.5 mm and about 3.5 mm, preferably about 2 mm. As described above, this maximum thickness is added to the local thickness of the half-housing and / or the top portion.

[0050] When the at least one rib is made in the form of a bas-relief, it can be provided on the aforementioned outer surface or the aforementioned inner surface, or bas-relief ribs can be provided on both the outer surface and the inner surface, with a maximum depth of about 0.5 mm, this depth being subtracted from the local thickness of the aforementioned half-shell and / or the top part.

[0051] The maximum thickness and the maximum depth are as described above, because preferably, the at least one rib extends with a relief or bas-relief form that varies along its length, especially being smaller at the end portions relative to its remaining intermediate part and tapering to zero at the ends.

[0052] Thus, the at least one rib can cause a local increase in the thickness of the aforementioned shell, thereby increasing the resistance section, or it can cause a local decrease in the thickness of the aforementioned shell, thereby reducing the resistance section.

[0053] In practice, the heel stabilizer of the present invention or a part thereof can be made harder in the first case (relief rib), while in the second case (bas-relief rib) it can be made less hard. This allows the hardness of the heel stabilizer to be changed, thus changing its greater or lesser resistance to foot movement, as well as its greater or lesser support during foot insertion, while only limiting its thickness variation at one or more rib portions. The above is advantageous because it allows the thickness of the half-shell and the top part to remain substantially constant over a large area, thus optimizing the molding process in order to prevent or limit material stagnation, limit the extent of relatively thick areas that could potentially cause abnormal material shrinkage leading to deformation of the heel stabilizer, and limit the total weight of the heel stabilizer. Advantageously, existing molds can also be modified relatively inexpensively in order to insert ribs later, without having to manufacture new molds.

[0054] This is partly due to the fact that, according to the present invention, in order to avoid damaging the shoe to which the heel stabilizer of the present invention is adapted, or other elements of the same heel stabilizer for combination with the aforementioned shell, the at least one rib does not have sharp edges. Moreover, the absence of sharp edges improves the aforementioned injection molding process.

[0055] Preferably, the at least one rib has a continuous configuration, i.e., without interruption. Advantageously, this allows preventing sudden / steep changes in the overall flexural stiffness of the aforementioned shell as well as the overall flexural stiffness of the heel stabilizer of the present invention.

[0056] Preferably, the at least one rib extends from the lower edge of the aforementioned half-shell to the free outer perimeter of the aforementioned top part, or extends until a predetermined distance between 0.5 mm and 5 mm from the free outer perimeter of the top part. However, the possibility of providing at least one rib of the aforementioned type that extends uninterruptedly from the aforementioned first half-shell to the aforementioned second half-shell is not excluded.

[0057] Preferably, the heel stabilizer of the present invention includes 1 to 5 ribs of the aforementioned type, all of which extend at least partially on the aforementioned first half-shell, and / or 1 to 5 ribs of the following type, all of which extend at least partially on the aforementioned second half-shell. These embodiments provide a high degree of comfort and stability for the user's foot. Therefore, according to the present invention, a plurality of ribs that extend at least partially on the first half-shell and different numbers of ribs that extend at least partially on the second half-shell can be provided.

[0058] For example, a shell can be provided that has three relief ribs on the first half-shell (the middle half-shell or the inner half-shell) and two relief ribs on the second half-shell (the side half-shell or the outer half-shell). Therefore, the stiffness of the outer half-shell is lower than that of the inner half-shell. The advantage of the heel stabilizer having the above-described type of construction is that it more naturally follows the movement of the foot. In fact, during the phase of lifting the foot off the ground, by pushing the outer side of the foot during the starting process, the weight gradually transfers from the heel to the toes. Therefore, it is useful to follow the movement of the foot towards the outer side rather than braking - which would occur in the case of excessive stiffness. On the contrary, during the landing phase, it is important to prevent excessive pronation of the foot. Therefore, in order to provide sufficient support for the foot, a greater stiffness towards the inner side of the foot is preferred. As will be better understood below, in order to adjust the flexural stiffness of the aforementioned shell, the heel stabilizer of the present invention can be provided with at least one through-hole extending on the shell itself, as an alternative or supplement to the aforementioned at least one rib.

[0059] Preferably, the aforementioned at least one rib has an "S" shape or an arched shape, preferably a "C" shape or a "U" shape, and may have a branched profile.

[0060] When the aforementioned at least one rib has a substantially "S" shaped profile, it basically has two adjacent segments, namely a first concave segment (the upper segment) and a second convex segment (the lower segment).

[0061] In particular, preferably, the aforementioned first segment of the aforementioned at least one rib shows a concave surface / concave side facing the aforementioned closed rear part of the shell, and thus shows a convex surface / convex side facing the aforementioned open front part of the shell, while the aforementioned second segment of the aforementioned at least one rib shows a convex surface facing the aforementioned closed rear part of the shell, and thus shows a concave surface facing the aforementioned open front part of the shell.

[0062] Preferably, the aforementioned second segment extends along approximately 2 / 3 of the total length of the aforementioned at least one rib, and the aforementioned first segment extends along approximately 1 / 3 of the total length of the aforementioned at least one rib.

[0063] It should be noted that the stiffness of a single "C"-shaped rib is less than that of a single "S"-shaped rib because, at the maximum possible number of (turning) points - i.e., two for a "C"-shaped rib and three for an "S"-shaped rib - the bending or torsional moment across the rib is the same. The former has two resisting sections, while the latter has three resisting sections. Therefore, under the same stress, a single "C"-shaped rib allows for a greater deformation than a single "S"-shaped rib.

[0064] Preferably, the radius of curvature of the aforementioned at least one "S"-shaped rib is between about 2 millimeters and about 20 millimeters. It should be noted that a larger value of the aforementioned radius of curvature corresponds to a smoother concave / convex surface, while a smaller value indicates a steeper transition from concave to convex, and vice versa. In any case, even for ribs having an arch-like "C" or "U" shape profile, possibly with branches, the above radius of curvature values are preferred. In this regard, the arch-like pattern of the aforementioned at least one rib is advantageous because it not only provides greater or lesser flexural stiffness depending on the situation, but also allows for better elastic recovery after compressive stress acts on the aforementioned housing during foot insertion and / or during the use of a shoe incorporating the heel stabilizer of the present invention.

[0065] As described above, the pattern of the aforementioned at least one rib can also be of a branched type, especially arch-shaped with branches. The advantage is to prevent a sudden change in flexural stiffness, which may be caused by ribs that are mutually continuous and independent, i.e., non-branched ribs. In the context of the present invention, the branched pattern of the aforementioned at least one rib should be understood as an arch-shaped rib section that extends between and connects at least two rib sections, and these two rib sections are either straight or arch-shaped themselves.

[0066] For the arch-shaped (with branches if necessary) pattern, the aforementioned at least one rib and preferably the aforementioned arch section extend uninterruptedly from the aforementioned first half housing to the aforementioned second half housing. In this case, the elastic recovery of the aforementioned housing is mainly due to the (multiple) half-arches of the aforementioned at least one rib. When subjected to compressive stress, the ends of the half-arches tend to approach each other, thus accumulating elastic energy, which is then released at the end of the stress. Here, the half-arch is basically understood as the arch-shaped rib section of the rib that extends only on one half housing and extends across the two half housings.

[0067] In any case, according to the present invention, the aforementioned at least one rib can be positioned in the most suitable manner according to the stress with which it interacts. During the stage of inserting the foot into the shoe, this stress mainly has a vertical direction relative to the plane of the supporting foot, while during the normal use of the shoe, there are also components orthogonal to the surface of the housing and / or parallel to the longitudinal extension direction of the shoe.

[0068] Finally, "S"-shaped or arched ribs (such as "C"-shaped or "U"-shaped) are advantageous because they allow the stresses acting on the aforementioned housing to be divided into normal and tangential components, thus preventing dangerous stress accumulation that would lead to elastic instability. In addition, some elastic recovery can be utilized.

[0069] Generally, for the same range / area, width, and thickness, "S"-shaped ribs have greater overall stiffness than two arched (such as "C"-shaped or "U"-shaped) ribs placed closely together and rotated 180° relative to each other because the latter have a total of four free ends compared to the two free ends of the "S" shape. Therefore, they exhibit greater deformation under the same stress. Thus, simply by acting on the shape of the ribs, different stiffnesses can be obtained for the same hardness material used for the aforementioned housing and the same thickness of the housing.

[0070] Finally, regarding the aforementioned at least one rib, it can be said that an "S"-shaped rib means an "S" shape pattern, regardless of the orientation of the rib, and thus looks more like, for example, "2". In addition, an "S"-shaped rib also refers to a rib having a so-called serpentine pattern.

[0071] Preferably, the aforementioned housing is provided with one or more through-holes to locally reduce the flexural stiffness as needed.

[0072] Preferably, the aforementioned housing is provided with one or more blind holes and / or one or more through-holes for accommodating the aforementioned at least one gasket or a part thereof.

[0073] Preferably, the aforementioned at least one gasket includes one or more fasteners on the side facing the aforementioned inner surface of the housing, and the fasteners are adapted to engage at least a part of the aforementioned one or more blind holes and / or the aforementioned one or more through-holes.

[0074] One or more fasteners make the constraint between the gasket and the housing more stable, while increasing the shock-absorbing function because the gasket has a larger resistance cross-section at the one or more fasteners. In addition, one or more fasteners provide a gasket with a considerable degree without affecting the stiffness of the housing and thus protecting it from excessive deformation.

[0075] Preferably, the ratio of the surface of the aforementioned one or more fasteners to the surface of the aforementioned at least one gasket is between 1:20 and 1:1.5, more preferably between 1:10 and 1:2, when using a heel stabilizer and the gasket faces the user's foot.

[0076] According to a variant embodiment, a gasket having substantially the same dimensions as the through-hole but a thickness greater than the thickness of the local housing may also be provided so as to protrude from the through-hole on the inner surface side. In this case, the difference between the gasket thickness and the housing thickness is preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. In this regard, a gasket and a corresponding through-hole have been referred to here, but it should be understood that the same applies to the case of a heel stabilizer including more than one gasket and more than one through-hole.

[0077] As described above, one or more through-holes may be provided in the housing to accommodate a gasket or a part thereof, such as to accommodate the at least one fastening member, and / or through-holes may be provided to reduce the bending stiffness, for example, in the case where the thickness of the housing cannot be reduced due to the material used or the prior art. In addition, the advantage of through-holes is that they reduce the total weight of the housing, thereby reducing the total weight of the heel stabilizer of the present invention and reducing the cost, since they reduce the amount of material used. In addition, air and water vapor can pass through the through-holes, thereby providing improved breathability to the shoe adapted with the heel stabilizer of the present invention, even at the heel, an area that is not typically considered to achieve this feature.

[0078] Preferably, the shape of the through-hole is substantially circular or oval, having a circular profile in any case, with the largest possible radius of curvature, because, considering the relative stiffness of the housing, sharp edges or small radii of curvature are preferably avoided, since at these points, the stress acting on the housing will reach very high peaks, locally exceeding the strength of the housing material itself, resulting in its damage or even rupture.

[0079] Therefore, preferably, the radius of curvature of the through-hole is substantially constant.

[0080] According to the present invention, ribs of the aforementioned type, in particular arched ribs in relief provided on the housing, may surround the through-holes provided on the same housing. Advantageously, in this case, the ribs not only provide stiffness and elastic recovery to the housing, but also help to strengthen the periphery of the through-holes.

[0081] The heel stabilizer of the present invention can be used in various footwear items, most of which have a closed heel / counter that substantially wraps the entire heel of the user's foot.

[0082] The heel stabilizer of the present invention is also advantageous because it allows the shoe to be worn on the foot without having to loosen the closing means of the shoe, such as shoelaces, laces, straps, buckles, etc. In fact, it can only be adjusted once during the first use. In fact, when inserting the foot into the shoe, the main purpose of the heel stabilizer of the present invention is to properly guide the foot while providing support throughout the insertion phase and preventing the rear part of the shoe from collapsing. In fact, the collapse of the rear part of the shoe makes the insertion of the foot more difficult rather than easier. In fact, in this case, some of the forces exerted by the user in the action of inserting the foot into the shoe are consumed by the local deformation (collapse) of the shoe. In addition, in the long run, this deformation exerts a considerable pressure on the materials used for shoe-making, resulting in wrinkles, creases and overall wear. On the contrary, due to its robustness and special shell shape, the heel stabilizer of the present invention provides sufficient support for the foot during the insertion phase while facilitating the insertion phase itself.

[0083] Therefore, based on the above and the present invention, the above problem is also solved by a shoe comprising an upper and a heel stabilizer of the aforementioned type combined with the aforementioned upper, wherein, preferably, the aforementioned shoe comprises a lining and the aforementioned heel stabilizer is provided between the aforementioned upper and the aforementioned lining. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] With the aid of the drawings, further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of some preferred but non-exclusive embodiments, which are shown by way of example and not limitation, wherein:

[0085] - Figure 1 A perspective view schematically shows a heel stabilizer for a shoe according to the present invention, the heel stabilizer comprising a shell and holding means for holding the user's foot in the shoe;

[0086] - Figure 2 A side view schematically shows Figure 1 of the heel stabilizer;

[0087] - Figure 3 A rear view schematically shows Figure 1 of the heel stabilizer;

[0088] - Figure 4 A perspective view schematically shows a heel stabilizer according to a variant embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 as shown;

[0089] - Figure 5 A partial side view schematically shows a heel stabilizer according to a variant embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 as shown;

[0090] - Figure 5aSchematically shows, according to another variant embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 A partial side view of the shown rear stabilizer with a following component;

[0091] - Figure 6 Shows the Figure 5 Shown rear stabilizer related to the user's foot;

[0092] - Figures 7 to 15 Schematically shows, according to multiple variant embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 Multiple side views of the shown rear stabilizer;

[0093] - Figure 16 Schematically shows, according to a variant embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the shown rear stabilizer;

[0094] - Figure 17 Schematically shows, according to a variant embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 Details of the shown rear stabilizer, particularly a top view of the aforementioned housing;

[0095] - Figure 18 Schematically shows, partially in dashed lines, a shoe according to the present invention, including Figure 1 The shown rear stabilizer;

[0096] - Figure 19 Schematically shows, according to the present invention, Figure 17 A bottom view of the housing that is combined with the upper and insole of the shoe. Detailed description of the specific implementation

[0097] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , according to the present invention, the reference numeral 1 generally represents a rear stabilizer for a shoe.

[0098] The rear stabilizer 1 mainly includes a housing 2 having an inner surface 3 and an outer surface 4, and a holding device for holding the user's foot in the shoe, wherein the holding device includes at least one holding element 5 that is constrained to the side of the inner surface 3 of the housing 2.

[0099] Specifically, according to the present invention, in the arrangement of the rear stabilizer 1 when used in a shoe, in the direction from the bottom to the top of the aforementioned outer surface 4, the housing 2 is characterized by having an arched profile with a convex-concave pattern.

[0100] In practice, since the shell 2 is designed to wrap around the user's heel, it includes a closed rear part 2a and an open front part 2b. In particular, it facilitates the insertion of the foot into a shoe incorporating the heel stabilizer of the present invention, especially because of the aforementioned convex-concave patterned arched profile, wherein the inner surface 3 and the outer surface 4 have substantially the same pattern, and the aforementioned at least one retaining element 5 - which is substantially soft - prevents the user's foot from undesirably "slipping out" of the shoe, i.e., inadvertently coming out of the shoe.

[0101] The shell 2 - wherein the convex part of the inner surface 3 matches the corresponding concave part of the outer surface 4, and the concave part of the inner surface 3 matches the corresponding convex part of the outer surface 4, and vice versa - substantially comprises: a first half-shell 6 or middle half-shell, which is placed at the so-called inner foot of the user during use; a second half-shell 7 or side half-shell, which is placed at the so-called outer foot of the user during use; and a top part 8 extending from the first half-shell 6 and the second half-shell 7, wherein the geometric locus formed by the (several) inflection points of the aforementioned arched profile defines the boundary between the top part 8 and the aforementioned first half-shell 6 and second half-shell 7.

[0102] Specifically, along the outer surface 4, the preferred ratio between the height of the concave part defined by the aforementioned geometric locus formed by the inflection points of the shell 2 and the height of the convex part, i.e., the height ratio of the top part 8 to the first half-shell 6 or the second half-shell 7, is between approximately 25:75 and approximately 35:65.

[0103] Referring again to the shell 2, it should be said that preferably, the thickness of the shell 2 is approximately 1.6 mm at the maximum thickness position (substantially the position of the maximum width of the shell - i.e., from one side to the other), and approximately 0.6 mm at the free outer peripheral edge 9 of the top part 8.

[0104] The shell 2, preferably made by injection molding from polyamide (PA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or polypropylene (PP), preferably has a hardness between approximately 70 Shore A and approximately 90 Shore A, corresponding approximately to approximately 22 Shore D and approximately 39 Shore D, respectively.

[0105] According to the present invention, the heel stabilizer of the present invention preferably includes at least one rib made in relief or bas-relief on the aforementioned shell, without excluding the possibility that both relief ribs and bas-relief ribs are provided.

[0106] When the aforementioned at least one rib is made in relief, it is arranged on the aforementioned outer surface of the shell, as aforementioned Figures 1 to 3As shown in the example where the housing 2 is provided with two ribs 10 for each half - housing, the maximum thickness of the ribs 10 is between about 0.5 mm and about 3.5 mm, preferably about 2 mm, which will be added to the local thickness of the above - mentioned half - housing and / or the top part.

[0107] When at least one of the aforementioned ribs is made in the form of a bas - relief, it can be provided on the aforementioned outer surface or the aforementioned inner surface, or bas - relief ribs can be provided on both the outer surface and the inner surface of the housing, with a preferred maximum depth of about 0.5 mm, and this depth will be subtracted from the local thickness of the above - mentioned half - housing and / or the top part.

[0108] The maximum thickness has been specified above because preferably the ribs 10 extend in the form of a relief - but this also applies to the maximum depth of the bas - relief ribs. The relief varies along their extension length, especially being smaller at the end portions 10a of the ribs 10 than at the remaining intermediate portions 10b, and gradually becoming zero at the aforementioned ends.

[0109] Thus, the ribs can cause a local increase in the thickness of the housing 2, thereby increasing the resistance cross - section, or they can cause a local decrease in the thickness of the housing 2, thereby reducing the resistance cross - section.

[0110] In practice, in the case where at least one of the aforementioned ribs is made in the form of a relief, the present invention can be made into a stiffer heel stabilizer or a part thereof, or in the case where one of the aforementioned ribs is made in the form of a bas - relief, it can be made into a less stiff heel stabilizer or a part thereof. This allows the hardness of the heel stabilizer to be changed, thus changing its resistance to foot movement and its support during foot insertion, while limiting the thickness change to the ribs or only at multiple ribs. This is advantageous because it allows the thickness of the half - housing and the top part to remain substantially constant over a large area of the housing, thus optimizing the molding process to prevent or limit material stagnation, limiting the extent of relatively thick regions that may potentially cause abnormal material shrinkage leading to deformation of the heel stabilizer, and limiting the total weight of the heel stabilizer. Advantageously, it is also possible to relatively inexpensively modify existing molds to insert ribs at a later time without having to manufacture new molds. This is partly due to the fact that, according to the present invention, in order to avoid damaging the shoe in which the heel stabilizer of the present invention is to be used or other elements of the same heel stabilizer to be combined with the aforementioned housing, at least one of the aforementioned ribs has no sharp edges. In addition, the absence of sharp edges improves the aforementioned injection molding process.

[0111] Still referring to at least one of the aforementioned ribs, according to Figures 1 to 3 the example in, it should be added that it has a continuous form, i.e., without interruption. Advantageously, this allows preventing a sudden change in the overall flexural rigidity of the aforementioned housing and the overall flexural rigidity of the heel stabilizer of the present invention.

[0112] With regard to the ribs 10, it can also be noted that they extend from the lower edge 11 of the half shell to a predetermined distance from the free peripheral edge 9, which distance is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, however, the possibility of providing one or more ribs extending to the free peripheral edge 9 of the aforementioned top portion is not excluded, just as the possibility of providing at least one rib of the aforementioned type extending uninterruptedly from the first half shell to the second half shell is not excluded, as will be seen more clearly below.

[0113] Still according to the above Figures 1 - 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , it is added that the ribs 10 have an “S”-shaped profile, so that each has two adjacent sections, in particular a first section 12 or an upper section and a second section 13 or a lower section.

[0114] Specifically, the first section 12 shows the concave surface / concave side of the closed rear part 2a facing the shell 2, and therefore shows the convex surface / convex side of the open / open front part 2b facing the shell 2, while the second section 13 shows the convex surface / convex side of the closed rear part 2a facing the shell 2, and therefore shows the concave surface / concave side of the open front part 2b facing the shell 2, wherein, preferably, the second section 13 extends along approximately 2 / 3 of the total length of the corresponding rib 10, and the first section 12 extends along approximately 1 / 3 of the total length of the corresponding rib 10.

[0115] According to the invention, the aforementioned at least one rib, and therefore also the "S"-shaped rib 10, has a radius of curvature between about 2 mm and about 20 mm. It should be noted that larger values ​​of the aforementioned radius of curvature correspond to smoother concavities / convexities, while smaller values ​​represent steeper transitions from concavity to convexity and vice versa.

[0116] In general, it can be said that preferred embodiments of the heel counter according to the invention include 1 to 5 ribs of the above-described type, all of which extend at least partially on the above-described first half-shell; and / or include 1 to 5 ribs as described below, all of which extend at least partially on the above-described second half-shell, and these embodiments provide a high degree of comfort and stability for the user's foot. Thus, according to the invention, a plurality of ribs extending at least partially on the first half-shell and a different number of ribs extending at least partially on the second half-shell can be provided.

[0117] Referring again to the aforementioned at least one rib, it should be said that, as an alternative or in addition to the aforementioned essentially "S"-shaped profile, an arched profile may be provided, for example an essentially "C"-shaped or "U"-shaped profile - in the latter two cases a substantially "staple"-shaped profile, with branches if desired, and the aforementioned contents - and not only those concerning the aforementioned radius of curvature - apply in particular to such a profile, unless otherwise indicated.

[0118] In this regard, the arched pattern of the at least one rib described above is advantageous because it not only provides greater or lesser flexural rigidity as the case may be, but also allows for better elastic recovery after compressive stress acts on the aforementioned housing during foot insertion and / or during use of the shoe incorporating the heel stabilizer of the present invention.

[0119] In Figures 7 - 15 the example of

[0120] Specifically, Figure 15 the example in Figure 12 and Figure 14 shows a housing 2 provided with ribs of the above - mentioned type (possibly with branches), all of which are always denoted by 10.

[0121] In this regard, it should be noted that a single arched rib with a "C" - shaped profile is less rigid than a single "S" - shaped rib because the bending or torsional moment across the rib is the same at the maximum possible number of points - i.e., two for a "C" - shaped rib and three for an "S" - shaped rib - and the former has two resisting segments while the latter has three resisting segments. Thus, under the same stress, a single "C" - shaped rib allows for greater deformation than a single "S" - shaped rib.

[0122] As described above, the profile or pattern of the at least one rib described above can also be of the branched type, in particular arched and branched, which has the advantage of preventing sudden changes in flexural rigidity that could be caused by the case of ribs that are consecutive and independent of each other.

[0123] From Figure 12 and Figure 14 the examples, it can be seen that in the context of the present invention, the branched - type profile or pattern of the at least one rib means that the arched segments of the rib, denoted by 10c and 10d respectively, extend and connect between at least two rib segments, which are either straight or arched themselves and are denoted by 10e and 10f respectively.

[0124] It should also be noted that in the case of an arched and branched profile or pattern, the arched segment can extend uninterruptedly from one half - housing to the other half - housing, such as Figure 12 the arched segment 10c shown in the example of

[0125] For non - branched ribs, it is also possible to provide the length of the at least one rib from the aforementioned first half - housing to the aforementioned second half - housing, as shown in the example of Figure 13 where the housing 2 includes three arched ribs 10 extending from one half - housing to the other half - housing.

[0126] In these cases, the elastic recovery of the shell is essentially due to the (multiple) semi-arches of the arched ribs, which, when subjected to compressive stress, have ends that tend to approach each other, thus accumulating elastic energy that is released as soon as the stress ends. The semi-arches are essentially understood as arched rib segments that extend only on one half-shell and, if necessary, on the top part, and the rib extends on both half-shells and, if necessary, on the top part.

[0127] In any case, according to the present invention, the at least one rib described above can be positioned in the most suitable manner according to the stress with which it interacts. During the stage of inserting the foot into the shoe, this stress mainly has a vertical direction with respect to the plane supporting the foot, while during the normal use of the shoe, there are also components orthogonal to the surface of the shell and / or parallel to the longitudinal extension direction of the shoe.

[0128] Ultimately, "S"-shaped or arched ribs, such as "C"-shaped or "U"-shaped ribs, are advantageous because they allow the stress acting on the shell to be divided into normal and tangential components, thus preventing dangerous stress accumulation that would lead to elastic instability of the shell. In addition, they allow some elastic recovery to be utilized.

[0129] Furthermore, generally speaking, it can be said that for the same extension (length), width, and thickness or depth, an "S"-shaped rib has greater overall stiffness than two arched "C" or "U"-shaped ribs placed closely together and rotated 180° relative to each other, because the latter have a total of four free ends compared to the two free ends of the "S" shape, and thus they exhibit greater deformation under the same stress. In this way, simply by acting on the shape of the rib, different stiffnesses can be obtained for the same hardness of the material used to manufacture the shell and the same thickness of the shell.

[0130] According to the present invention, as an alternative or supplement to the at least one rib described above, in order to locally adjust the flexural stiffness of the shell, the heel stabilizer of the present invention can be provided with at least one through-hole extending on the same shell, as Figure 10 shown in the example, where the shell 2 not only includes a rib 10 with an "S" profile but is also provided with a plurality of through-holes 14.

[0131] In addition, according to the present invention, on the aforementioned shell, one or more through-holes and / or one or more blind holes can be provided to (possibly partially) accommodate the at least one holding element 5, as Figure 16 shown in the example, where the heel stabilizer of the present invention, denoted by 100, includes a shell 2 provided with through-holes 14 and blind holes 15.

[0132] Specifically, the holding element 5 is substantially a damping element, made of a material softer than that of the housing 2, preferably having elasticity or viscoelasticity, and according to the invention, it advantageously takes the form of at least one corresponding gasket, as shown in the foregoing Figures 1 - 3 and Figure 16 as shown in the examples of Figure 5 and Figure 6 , or the form of at least one corresponding coating or first coating, as shown in the examples of

[0133] According to the invention, the foregoing holding element may include more than one coating. For example, it may include a second coating 5a that contacts the foregoing at least one coating, i.e., contacts the first coating, as shown in the example of Figure 5a . In this case, the second coating 5a has a smaller distribution range than the first coating because it only extends over a part of the first coating, and what has been described for the foregoing at least one coating, i.e., for the foregoing first coating, applies to the thickness and material of the second coating. The smaller distribution range of the second coating than the first coating advantageously allows the total thickness of the foregoing at least one holding element 5 to increase locally, thus facilitating the holding of the foot.

[0134] In particular, when the holding element 5 is elastic, it is a gasket made of polymer foam (such as polyurethane (PU) foam), or the gasket may include an envelope made of polymer material (such as polyurethane (PU)) that contains a fluid, preferably a gel. In these cases, the hardness of the holding element 5 and the hardness of the foregoing gasket, measured by an Asker C-type durometer, are preferably between about 15 and about 45, while the density of the foregoing foam is preferably between about 0.1 and about 0.45 g / cm 3 .

[0135] When having viscoelasticity, the foregoing at least one holding element may be a gasket or coating that extends over the entire inner surface 3 of the housing 2 and is made of a so-called memory foam material, which is exactly a material with viscous characteristics and low elasticity, usually from polyurethane. In these cases, the hardness of the gasket or coating, measured by an Asker C-type durometer, is preferably between about 15 and about 45, while its density is preferably between about 0.1 and about 0.45 g / cm 3 .

[0136] The use of memory foam material is particularly advantageous because it deforms when in contact with the user's foot and then substantially returns to its initial shape and comfortably wraps the foot while keeping the foot in the proper position within the shoe, i.e., preventing it from "slipping out". In particular, due to the viscoelasticity of the memory foam material, it does not elastically deform immediately as in the case of elastic materials such as HR (high resilience) foam, 3D fabric, etc. Therefore, for a force with a bottom-up component (where "top" and "bottom" refer to the arrangement of the heel stabilizer of the present invention when used within the shoe), it is difficult, if not impossible, for the user's foot to slip out.

[0137] Generally, the memory foam material, which is substantially a foam, conforms exactly to the shape of the foot with which it comes into contact and has a slower recovery time to return to its original shape than elastic materials.

[0138] Regarding at least one of the foregoing pads, it should be added that it can be substantially oval, ovoid, leaf-shaped, circular, elongated, and there is no particular limitation on its maximum size. However, considering the surface of the pad itself facing the user's foot during use, the minimum size that helps to make its manufacture feasible and suitable for the purpose is about 0.5 cm 2 。

[0139] According to the present invention, also at the inner surface 3 of the housing 2, the holding element 5 in the form of a pad is preferably but not exclusively arranged in the maximum convexity region of the inner surface 3 and / or across at least a part of the foregoing geometric locus, as Figures 1 - 3 shown in the example.

[0140] In particular, the holding element 5 in the form of a pad extends vertically above and below the geometric locus formed by the foregoing inflection points according to a ratio preferably between 10:90 and 90:10, more preferably between 30:70 and 70:30, still more preferably between 40:60 and 60:40, and even more preferably equal to about 50:50.

[0141] The arrangement of the foregoing pad across at least a part of the foregoing geometric locus is advantageous because it eliminates (if not greatly reduces) the possibility of the pad moving over time from its initial position under the pressure of repeated friction with the foot, which particularly occurs during the stages of inserting and removing the foot from the shoe.

[0142] However, a heel stabilizer according to the invention with more than one cushion can also be provided, for example two cushions. In this case, preferably, the first cushion is arranged at the aforementioned first half-shell, and the second cushion is arranged at the aforementioned second half-shell. This embodiment is not shown in the examples of the drawings. Advantageously, through appropriate design of the cushions themselves, the two cushions provide support to the user's heel in the middle position and the lateral position, in order to utilize the anatomical structure of the heel, which is different at the outer side and the inner side of the foot and at the rear end portion of the heel.

[0143] According to the invention and as described above, at least one retaining element 5 in the form of a cushion can also be provided, which extends beyond the outer peripheral edge 16 of the housing 2, as Figure 4 shown in the example of, where the heel stabilizer of the invention is designated by 101. In this case, the cushion not only serves as a device for holding the user's foot in the correct position after insertion into the shoe, but also provides comfort and support at the shoe opening, i.e., at the shoe collar, and is not limited to the heel only. In fact, it also surrounds the ankle, possibly up to the height of the ankle bone of the foot. In this regard, the portion of the cushion that protrudes from the aforementioned housing, i.e., the cushion portion that extends beyond the outer peripheral edge 16 of the housing 2, can be determined according to known techniques based on the need to provide soft support at the shoe collar of the shoe.

[0144] According to the invention, generally speaking, it can be said that the aforementioned at least one retaining element in the form of a cushion can extend to the aforementioned free outer peripheral edge of the top portion, or it can be spaced apart from the aforementioned free outer peripheral edge of the top portion by a predetermined section, for example 5 millimeters, depending on the specific molding requirements or the manufacturing requirements of the heel stabilizer of the invention or the shoe incorporating the heel stabilizer.

[0145] Preferably, the aforementioned at least one retaining element in the form of a cushion does not extend over the entire height of the heel stabilizer of the invention, that is to say, it does not extend over the entire vertical extent of the heel stabilizer and thus does not extend over the entire vertical extent of the aforementioned housing, where "vertical" relates to the arrangement of the heel stabilizer during use. In fact, the aforementioned at least one retaining element in the form of a cushion preferably does not extend to the lower edge of the aforementioned half-shell.

[0146] According to the present invention, a retaining element 5 in the form of a gasket is constrained to the housing 2, for example, by gluing. However, the possibility of co - molding the gasket with the housing is not excluded. In any case, it should be said that the housing 2 and the aforementioned at least one retaining element 5 - whether in the form of a gasket or a coating - form an integral structure. In this regard, if possible, in order to make the aforementioned integral structure more stable, the aforementioned at least one retaining element - whether in the form of a gasket or a coating - may include one or more fasteners on the side facing the inner surface of the housing, which are adapted to engage at least a part of the aforementioned one or more through - holes and / or the aforementioned one or more blind - holes that may be provided on the housing, as shown in the examples Figure 16 as shown.

[0147] Specifically, in Figure 16 the example of, the heel stabilizer of the present invention is shown to have a retaining element 5 in the form of a gasket, which includes a fastener 17 of the aforementioned type that engages a blind - hole 15 provided on the housing 2.

[0148] It should be added that the ratio of the surface of the aforementioned one or more fasteners that is opposite to the surface of the aforementioned at least one gasket - the surface that faces the user's foot when the heel stabilizer of the present invention is in use - to the surface of the gasket is preferably between 1:20 and 1:1.5, more preferably between 1:10 and 1:2.

[0149] In any case, according to an embodiment variant of the present invention, a retaining element in the form of a gasket can also be provided, which has substantially the same dimensions as the corresponding through - hole, but a thickness greater than the local housing thickness, so as to protrude from the aforementioned through - hole on the inner - surface side of the housing. In this case, the difference between the gasket thickness and the housing thickness is preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

[0150] It should also be noted that the shape of the through - hole is substantially circular or oval, having a preferably constant and as large as possible radius of curvature and a circular profile, because considering the relative stiffness of the housing, sharp edges or small radii of curvature are preferably avoided.

[0151] In this regard, according to an embodiment variant of the present invention, a heel stabilizer can be provided, which has a housing with at least one arched rib in relief form, which surrounds the corresponding through - hole provided on the same housing, thereby providing stiffness and elastic recovery to the housing and strengthening the periphery of the through - hole.

[0152] In summary, one or more through-holes can be provided in the housing of the heel stabilizer to accommodate a retaining element in the form of a gasket or a part thereof; to reduce the flexural rigidity of the housing; to reduce the total weight of the housing and thus also the cost of the heel stabilizer; and for better breathability, especially at the heel, the heel stabilizer of the present invention is suitable for such shoes.

[0153] According to the present invention, it should be added that, preferably, the aforementioned retaining means further includes a covering layer made of a material selected from the group consisting of fabric, leather, non-woven fabric, and knitted fabric, wherein the aforementioned covering layer (not shown in the example of the drawings) is constrained to the other side of the aforementioned at least one retaining element relative to the aforementioned housing.

[0154] Furthermore, preferably, the aforementioned retaining means includes at least one clamping element that is constrained to the aforementioned covering layer and is adapted to generate a frictional force greater than the frictional force generated by the aforementioned covering layer. Preferably, the aforementioned at least one clamping element (not shown in the example of the drawings) can be made of fabric, non-woven fabric, or polymeric material, preferably made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or silicone resin.

[0155] In this regard, it should be added that when the aforementioned at least one clamping element is made of polymeric material, it is constrained to the other side of the covering layer relative to the retaining element, while when the aforementioned at least one clamping element is made of fabric or non-woven fabric, depending on their characteristics, it can be constrained to the other side of the aforementioned covering layer relative to the retaining element, or it can be constrained to the aforementioned covering layer and in contact with the retaining element. In this second case, a clamping element with a width preferably between 10 mm and 50 mm is provided between two non-continuous covering portions, near the central axis of the heel stabilizer of the present invention, and has a greater resistance to foot sliding in a first direction (the direction of guiding the foot out of the shoe), while having a smaller resistance to foot sliding in a second direction opposite to the aforementioned first direction (the direction of guiding the foot into the shoe). Such a fabric is called a "cat's tongue lining". In any case, the aforementioned at least one clamping element is preferably combined with the aforementioned covering layer by casting, co-molding, transfer, ultrasonic, stitching, or other known techniques for this purpose.

[0156] In practice, for example, according to one or more stripes or dots, the clamping element is manufactured to only partially cover the aforementioned retaining element or the aforementioned covering layer, so as not to become an obstacle to foot insertion due to excessive friction, while forming an additional retaining element to hold the foot in the shoe.

[0157] According to an embodiment variant of the present invention, the heel stabilizer of the present invention may include a housing of the aforementioned type, which further includes a base, as Figure 17 shown in the example.

[0158] Specifically, Figure 17 a housing 200 is shown that is very similar to the housing 2 shown above, except that it does not include ribs and it includes a base 18 that extends substantially at a right angle from the first half housing 6 and the second half housing 7, and the base 18 is constrained to the other side relative to the top end portion 8.

[0159] In any case, the (optionally present) base 18 can be provided in a ribless housing as shown in the foregoing examples in Figure 17 or in a ribbed housing.

[0160] The base 18 is preferably made integral with the first half housing 6 and the second half housing 7 and is used for connection to an insole or sole.

[0161] It should be added that the base 18 is preferably provided with one or more notches that allow the housing to better fit the required shoe size by slightly deforming, as shown in Figure 17 where the base 18 is shown with a notch 19.

[0162] In fact, the notch 19 and generally these notches (if there are more) create regions with a certain flexibility in their vicinity, or at least regions that are structurally more flexible than the base without notches. However, these regions do not affect the overall robustness of the base or the housing.

[0163] The base 18 is preferably 0.5 mm thick and thus, if any, is the thinnest part of the housing except for the regions determined by the blind holes or embossed ribs of the foregoing type of the same housing.

[0164] In addition, the base 18 preferably includes an end portion 20 whose width decreases towards the corresponding end 21. In practice, the end portion 20 can be defined as tapered, and its width gradually decreases from a maximum value (which varies from about 8 mm to about 14 mm depending on the size of the shoe to which the heel stabilizer is to be adapted) to a minimum value at the foregoing end 21.

[0165] It should be noted that preferably, the tapered end portion 20 extends between about 20% and about 50% of the longitudinal extent of the housing 200, where the longitudinal extent is substantially parallel to the direction of the longitudinal extent of the user's foot.

[0166] The tapered end portion 20 is particularly advantageous in a shoe structure including an insole S connected to an upper assembly T through a seam C, as shown in the example of Figure 19 where the seam C extends along an edge substantially located at the lower contour of the shoe last used for shoe making (e.g., a "Strobel" seam).

[0167] In fact, the tapered end 20 allows the seam C to gradually deflect inwards - that is, towards the axis of symmetry of the insole S at the so-called "heel counter" - without a sharp turn, and this axis of symmetry corresponds to a substantially semi-circular portion extending around the user's heel. In this way, in order to form the seam C, the base of the shell does not have to be perforated, which is a dangerous operation and in some cases can cause the base itself to break.

[0168] Generally speaking, it can be said that in any case the aforementioned optional base of the shell is preferably omitted in the smaller sizes in order to have more space available for manufacturing the aforementioned seam.

[0169] Regarding the height of the aforementioned shell, and more generally regarding the height of the heel stabilizer according to the invention, it can be said that it is calculated by adding three main heights respectively denoted by h1, h2 and h3. In the Figure 6 example, a horizontal line O located on the support plane of the foot P and a vertical line V arranged at 90° with respect to the aforementioned support plane and tangent to the maximum rear projection of the user's foot P, which maximum rear projection is substantially at the heel bone, are also shown.

[0170] The height h2 extends from the point of tangency of the vertical line V with the aforementioned foot projection P to the intersection of the vertical line V with the horizontal line O: this height h2 is approximately 1 / 3 of the height of the heel stabilizer of the present invention.

[0171] The height h3 extending from the aforementioned point of tangency to the top portion of the shell 2 of the heel stabilizer is approximately 2 / 3 of the height of the heel stabilizer.

[0172] The height h1 is the sum of the thickness of the aforementioned base (if any) and the thickness of the element (e.g., a last insole (or a strobel insole) and an insock) between the base and the user's foot P.

[0173] Regarding the aforementioned convex-concave pattern, it can be said that the shell 2 can exhibit a more or less pronounced convex "degree" / concave "degree", which can be defined by Figure 5 the magnitude of the angle θ shown in the example of. Specifically, the angle θ preferably takes values between 2° and 30°, more preferably between 15° and 25°, and is represented by the lines V' and V", where the line V' is parallel to the aforementioned line V and tangent to the outer surface 4 of the shell 2, and the line V" is tangent to the top portion 8 at the upper end thereof, that is, at the upper end of the free outer periphery 9 of the top portion 8. Generally speaking, according to Figure 5 the direction (clockwise direction) shown in the example of, the aforementioned angle is assumed to be positive, while a negative value of this angle is typical of a heel stabilizer that exhibits a "unique", usually concave pattern.

[0174] According to the above, it should be added that the present invention also provides a shoe comprising a heel counter of the aforementioned type, such as Figure 18 As shown in the example of FIG, a shoe 22 including an upper 23, a sole 24 and a heel counter 1 is shown, wherein the heel counter 1 is equipped with a shell 2 and combined with the upper 23 in the shoe 22, wherein preferably, the shoe 22 includes a lining, and the heel counter is arranged between the aforementioned upper and the aforementioned lining. The aforementioned lining (if any) advantageously contacts the user's foot, covers the heel counter of the present invention, and also gives the inner part of the shoe a good finish and uniform appearance. In addition, the aforementioned lining, which is preferably made of leather or fabric, is more comfortable than the material made of the aforementioned shell.

[0175] The advantages of the present invention have become clear in the above description and can be summarized by pointing out that a shoe heel counter is provided, which helps the user's foot to enter the shoe by providing a large entry space for the foot and guiding it to the correct position inside the shoe, and since it is deformed basically like a leaf spring, once the foot insertion is completed, the elastic force accumulated due to compression during the foot insertion process is released, thereby promoting the stretching of the shoe, especially the stretching of its upper, and also promoting the optimal wrapping of the shoe itself to the foot. In addition, it is advantageous that the heel counter of the present invention helps the user's foot to remain in a proper position by reducing or eliminating the relative movement between the foot and the shoe, without restricting the natural movement of the foot. Basically, the heel counter of the present invention optimally matches the user's foot, provides effective support for the foot during and after the foot is inserted into the shoe, thereby preventing excessive pronation and / or supination. In addition, it is advantageous that the heel counter of the present invention can be manufactured by already popular low-cost technology. In addition, according to the quantity to be produced, the same size of heel counter can be manufactured for two or more adjacent shoe sizes, thereby further controlling costs.

[0176] In order to meet possible and specific needs, a person skilled in the art may make numerous changes and modifications to the invention in the shown and described embodiments, all of which are therefore included within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shoe heel stabilizer (1), the shoe heel stabilizer comprising: A housing (2) having an inner surface (3) and an outer surface (4), the patterns of the inner surface and the outer surface being substantially matched to each other; And a holding device for holding a user's foot in the shoe, wherein the holding device includes at least one holding element (5), the holding element being constrained to a side of the inner surface (3) of the housing (2), the housing (2) having an arched profile, which has a convex-concave pattern in the direction from the bottom to the top of the outer surface (4) in the arrangement structure when the shoe heel stabilizer is used in the shoe.

2. The heel stabilizer according to claim 1, wherein, The housing (2) includes a first half housing (6), a second half housing (7) and a top portion (8) extending from the two half housings, wherein the geometric locus formed by the inflection points of the arched profile defines the boundary between the top portion (8) and the first half housing (6) and the second half housing (7), and preferably, along the outer surface (4), the height ratio between the concave portion and the convex portion defined by the geometric locus formed by the inflection points of the housing (2) is between 25:75 and 35:

65.

3. The heel stabilizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one holding element (5) is a corresponding at least one pad or a corresponding at least one coating.

4. The heel stabilizer according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one pad has elasticity or viscoelasticity, and preferably, the at least one pad is arranged in the maximum convexity region of the inner surface and / or across at least a part of the geometric locus.

5. The heel stabilizer according to claim 3 or 4, wherein The at least one pad extends beyond the outer peripheral edge (16) of the housing (2).

6. The heel stabilizer according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one coating has viscoelasticity, and preferably the at least one coating is a memory foam layer, and preferably the at least one coating extends substantially over the entire inner surface (3) of the housing (2).

7. The heel stabilizer according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, The holding device includes a covering layer made of a material selected from the group consisting of fabric, leather, non-woven fabric, knitted fabric, wherein the covering layer is constrained to the other side of the at least one holding element (5) relative to the housing (2).

8. The heel stabilizer according to claim 7, wherein, The holding device includes at least one clamping element, the clamping element being constrained to the covering layer and adapted to generate a greater frictional force than the frictional force generated by the covering layer, wherein the at least one clamping element is preferably made of fabric, non-woven fabric or polymeric material, and more preferably, the at least one clamping element has greater creep resistance in a first direction and less creep resistance in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

9. A shoe heel stabilizer according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one rib (10) made in relief or bas-relief on the housing (2).

10. The heel stabilizer according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one rib (10) is made in relief on the outer surface (4) and has a maximum thickness between about 0.5 mm and about 3.5 mm, preferably about 2 mm.

11. The heel stabilizer according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one rib (10) is made in bas-relief on the outer surface (4) or the inner surface (3) and has a maximum depth of about 0.5 mm.

12. The heel stabilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The thickness or depth of the at least one rib (10) varies along its length direction, and the thickness or depth at the corresponding end portion (10a) is smaller than that at the remaining intermediate portion (10b).

13. The heel stabilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising one to five ribs (10) extending at least partially on the first half-shell (6) and / or one to five ribs (10) extending at least partially on the second half-shell (7).

14. The heel stabilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, The at least one rib (10) has an "S"-shaped or arched profile, preferably a "C"-shaped or "U"-shaped profile, optionally with branches.

15. The heel stabilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein, The housing (2) includes a closed rear portion (2a) and an open front portion (2b), wherein the at least one "S"-shaped rib (10) includes: a first segment (12) whose concave surface faces the closed rear portion (2a); and a second segment (13) adjacent to the first segment (12) whose convex surface faces the closed rear portion (2a).

16. The heel stabilizer according to claim 15, wherein, The second segment (13) extends along approximately 2 / 3 of the total length of the at least one rib (10), and the first segment (12) extends along approximately 1 / 3 of the total length of the at least one rib (10).

17. A heel stabilizer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing (2) is provided with at least one through-hole (14) and / or at least one blind-hole (15).

18. A heel stabilizer according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a base (18) which extends from the first half-shell (6) and the second half-shell (7) and is constrained to the other side of the first half-shell and the second half-shell relative to the top portion (8), wherein, The base (18) is preferably provided with at least one notch (19).

19. The heel stabilizer according to claim 18, wherein, The base (18) includes an end portion (20), the width of which decreases towards the corresponding end (21), wherein preferably each end portion (20) extends a distance between 20% and 50% of the longitudinal length of the heel stabilizer.

20. The heel stabilizer according to any one of claims 3 to 19, wherein, The at least one retaining element (5) includes a second coating (5a), which contacts the at least one coating and has a smaller distribution range than the at least one coating.

21. A shoe (22), comprising an upper (23) and a heel stabilizer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The heel stabilizer (1) is combined with the shoe upper (23), the shoe (22) preferably includes a lining, and the heel stabilizer (1) is arranged between the shoe upper (23) and the lining.

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