Shoes that can be switched between high heels and flats, and instructions for use.

Abstract

The present invention provides a shoe switchable between a high heel shoe and a flat shoe, comprising a sole with a heel portion and a positionable high heel portion, the high heel portion supporting the heel portion in a high heel shoe mode and the high heel portion being received within the sole in a flat shoe mode, the sole including a receiving portion for receiving the high heel portion, an openable sole cover capable of covering and uncovering the receiving portion, the openable sole cover having an opening through which the high heel portion passes in the high heel shoe mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to shoes that can be switched between high - heel shoes and flat shoes.

Summary of the Invention

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention include shoes with a sole having a heel part and a high - heel part that can be changed in position such that in high - heel shoe mode, the high - heel part supports the heel part, and in flat - shoe mode, the high - heel part is accommodated within the sole, and the shoes can be switched between high - heel shoes and flat shoes.

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention include one or more of the following: a hinge mechanism that connects the high heel portion to the sole so that it can move on a hinge; the high heel portion, the heel portion, and the hinge mechanism form a triangular structure; the heel portion has a housing for fixing the high heel portion when in high heel shoe mode; the housing for the high heel portion is located at the rear of the heel portion; the housing for the high heel portion is located in the center of the heel portion; the housing for the high heel portion is a tube that houses the upper part of the high heel portion; the high heel portion has a threaded portion that is threaded into the high heel housing; the high heel portion has a mechanism that releases the high heel portion by pulling it out of the high heel housing; and a locking mechanism for fixing the high heel portion in the high heel position, the locking mechanism having a link member having a protruding pin, a housing portion and a gap, wherein at least one of these members rotates so that the protrusion connects to the housing, fixing the high heel portion in the high heel position, and further aligning the gap so that the protrusion falls, and the high heel portion is fixed in the high heel position It is released; it has a high heel fixing mechanism for fixing and releasing the high heel portion in the high heel position; the sole has a housing portion for housing the high heel portion within the heel portion, and further has a linkage mechanism for guiding the high heel portion to the housing portion; the heel portion has a low heel portion separate from the high heel portion, and a linkage mechanism for dynamically connecting the low heel to the heel portion and the high heel portion, and the low heel portion moves back and forth in accordance with the movement of the high heel portion by the linkage mechanism; the heel portion has a low heel portion separate from the high heel portion, and a linkage mechanism for dynamically connecting to the heel portion, and the low heel moves linearly back and forth by the linkage mechanism; it has a low heel separate from the high heel portion, and the high heel portion has a heel cover that covers the low heel, and it is possible to switch between high heel and flat shoe modes when in high heel shoe mode; it has a tube for housing the high heel portion and the linkage mechanism, and the tube is covered when the high heel portion is released from high heel shoe mode;It has a separate low heel shorter than the high heel portion, and is equipped with a smoothly moving wedge positioned between the low heel and the sole to support weight distribution; it is equipped with a spring between the heel portion and the low heel to control the movement of the low heel so as to move the low heel away from the heel portion; it has a toe portion that connects to the sole and is equipped with a latch lock mechanism for locking and unlocking the sole to convert between high heel shoe mode and flat shoe mode; the sole is equipped with a housing for housing the high heel portion, and when the high heel portion is housing the housing, the latch lock mechanism is released; the sole includes a housing for receiving the high heel portion, and when an openable sole cover covers the housing, the latch lock mechanism is released; the latch lock mechanism is released by the high heel portion positioned in the housing within the sole; and / or the sole is equipped with a recess for holding at least one of a foam material and a flexible material for comfort.

[0004] Another aspect of the present invention includes a shoe that can switch between being a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe, having a sole with a heel portion and a pivot portion. The high-heel portion is capable of changing position between a high-heeled shoe mode in which the heel portion is supported and a flat shoe mode in which the high-heel portion is housed in the sole, the high-heel portion having a pivot portion and a linkage between the pivot portion of the sole and the pivot portion of the heel portion, where the high-heel portion, the heel portion and the linkage form a triangular structure.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention include one or more of the following: a hinge mechanism connection attached to the sole of the shoe so that the high heel portion is movable on a hinge; The high heel portion, heel portion, and hinge mechanism form a triangular structure; the heel portion has a housing for securing the high heel portion in high heel shoe mode; the housing for the high heel portion is located at the rear of the heel portion; the housing for the high heel portion is located in the center of the heel portion; the housing for the high heel portion is a tube that houses the upper part of the high heel portion; the high heel portion has a threaded portion that is threaded into the housing for the high heel portion; the high heel portion has a mechanism that releases the high heel portion by pulling it out of the housing for the high heel portion; it has a locking mechanism for fixing the high heel portion in the high heel position, the locking mechanism having cooperating members having a protruding pin, a housing portion and a gap, and at least one of these members rotates so that the protrusion is joined to the housing portion and the high heel portion is fixed in the high heel position, and the gap aligns so that the protrusion falls and the high heel portion is released from the high heel position; it has a locking mechanism for fixing and releasing the high heel portion in the high heel position; the sole has the high heel portion within the heel portion It has a housing section for housing the high heel section, and further a linkage mechanism for guiding the high heel section into the housing section; the heel section has a low heel section separate from the high heel section, and a linkage mechanism for dynamically connecting the low heel to the heel section and the high heel section, and the linkage mechanism causes the low heel section to move back and forth in conjunction with the movement of the high heel section; the heel section has a low heel section separate from the high heel section, and a linkage mechanism for dynamically connecting to the heel section, and the linkage mechanism causes the low heel to move linearly back and forth; it has a low heel separate from the high heel section, and the high heel section has a heel cover section that covers the low heel, and when in high heel shoe mode, it is possible to switch between high heel and flat shoe modes; it has a tube for housing the high heel section and the linkage mechanism, and the tube is covered when the high heel section is removed from high heel shoe mode; it has a separate low heel that is shorter than the high heel section, and it has a smoothly moving wedge positioned to be sandwiched between the low heel and the sole to support weight distribution;A spring is provided between the heel portion and the low heel to control the movement of the low heel so as to move it away from the heel portion; it has a toe portion that connects to the sole and is equipped with a latch lock mechanism for locking and unlocking the sole to convert between high heel shoe mode and flat shoe mode; the sole is equipped with a housing for accommodating the high heel portion, and when the high heel portion is accommodated in the housing, the latch lock mechanism is released; the sole includes a housing for receiving the high heel portion, and when an openable sole cover covers the housing, the latch lock mechanism is released; the latch lock mechanism is released by the high heel portion positioned in the housing within the sole; and / or the sole is equipped with a recess for holding at least one of a foam material and a flexible material for comfort.

[0006] This invention relates to a shoe that can be switched between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe, in which the heel portion is fixed to, released from, and moved relative to the shoe body. The heel portion is housed inside the shoe and covered by the sole. The arch shape of the shoe changes between the heel shoe mode and the flat shoe mode.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention has a sole with a heel portion that is switchable between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe; the high-heel portion is repositionable between a high-heeled shoe mode in which the high-heel portion supports the heel portion and a flat shoe mode in which the high-heel portion is housed within the sole, the sole includes a housing for housing the high-heel portion and comprises an openable sole cover that covers the housing, the openable sole cover having a hole for the high-heel portion to pass through in the high-heeled shoe mode.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention include one or more of the following: the sole has a midsole with an arch shape adaptable to both high-heel shoe mode and flat shoe mode, and the sole has a hinge or curve that automatically locks the high heel portion in high-heel shoe mode and automatically releases it in flat shoe mode. The lock comprises a hinge, a groove and a wedge portion, where in locked mode and high-heel shoe mode the wedge portion is pressed into the groove of the lock using spring force to prevent the hinge from moving freely, and in released mode or flat shoe mode the wedge portion disengages from the groove and the hinge moves freely; it has a combination of a rod and a notch to restrict the movement of the hinge in one direction; it has a wedge portion to prevent movement in the reverse direction; it comprises a heel fixing mechanism for supporting the heel portion in high-heel shoe mode and a heel fixing mechanism for housing the heel within the sole in flat shoe mode; an openable sole cover is removable from the sole; and the openable sole cover can contact the walking surface and walk in flat shoe mode.

[0009] A further embodiment of the present invention provides a sole having a heel portion and a high heel portion that can be repositioned between a supporting high heel shoe mode and a flat shoe mode, wherein the high heel portion supports the heel portion in high heel shoe mode and can be housed within the sole in flat shoe mode, and the sole comprises an arch-shaped midsole that can adapt to both high heel shoe mode and flat shoe mode, and the sole comprises a hinge or curvature that automatically locks the high heel portion when in high heel shoe mode and automatically releases it when in flat shoe mode.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention include one or more of the following: The lock has a hinge, a groove and a wedge portion, where in locked mode and high heel shoe mode the wedge portion is pressed into the groove of the lock by spring force to prevent the hinge from moving freely, and in unlock mode or flat shoe mode the wedge portion disengages from the groove and the hinge can move freely; it has a combination of a rod and a notch to restrict the movement of the hinge in one direction; it has a wedge portion to prevent movement in the opposite direction; it has a heel fixing mechanism to support the heel portion in high heel shoe mode and a heel fixing mechanism to house the heel portion within the sole in flat shoe mode; the sole includes a housing for housing the high heel portion within the sole, and has an openable sole cover that covers or removes the housing portion of the sole, the openable sole cover has a hole for the high heel portion to pass through in high heel shoe mode; the openable sole cover is removable; and / or the openable sole cover is configured to contact the walking surface and allow walking in flat shoe mode.

[0011] A further aspect of the present invention includes a shoe that can switch between being a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe, comprising a sole having a heel portion and a high heel portion that can be positioned so as to support the heel portion in high-heeled shoe mode and so as to be housed within the sole in flat shoe mode; the heel fixing mechanism is configured such that the high heel portion is fixed to support the heel portion in high-heeled shoe mode and released so as to be housed within the sole in flat shoe mode.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention include one or more of the following: the heel fixing mechanism comprises a spring-loaded push button that, in high-heel shoe mode, pushes in to release the high heel portion from its fixed position to support the heel portion; the heel fixing mechanism comprises a lock that connects when fixed and a latch that connects when released; the heel fixing mechanism comprises a catch having a rear and a front portion and a latch having a rear and a front portion, wherein the rear portion of the catch contacts the front portion of the latch in heel shoe mode, and the front portion of the catch contacts the rear portion of the latch in flat shoe mode; the sole comprises a high heel portion The shoe includes a compartment for storing the heel, and features an openable sole cover that conceals the compartment, the openable sole cover having a hole for the heel portion to pass through in high-heel shoe mode; the sole has an arc-shaped midsole that can adapt between high-heel shoe mode and flat shoe mode, and the sole has a hinge or curve that automatically locks the heel portion in high-heel shoe mode and automatically releases it in flat shoe mode; the openable sole cover is detachable from the sole; and / or the openable sole cover is configured to contact the walking surface and allow walking in flat shoe mode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] The following drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and are incorporated herein by reference; they are used to illustrate the content of the present invention.

[0014] [Figure 1A] This is a front view of a shoe that can be switched between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe according to one embodiment.

[0015] [Figure 1B] This is a front view of a shoe that can be switched between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe, according to another embodiment.

[0016] [Figure 2A]is a front view of shoes capable of switching between high - heel shoes and flat shoes in Fig. 1A, showing a state where the high - heel part is detached from the heel and pivoting towards the sole.

[0017] [Figure 2B] is a cross - sectional view of the high - heel part of shoes capable of switching between high - heel shoes and flat shoes in a certain embodiment.

[0018] [Figure 2C] is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of the high - heel part in a certain embodiment.

[0019] [Figure 2D] is a rear perspective view of shoes capable of switching between high - heel shoes and flat shoes with a tube shown for receiving the high - heel part, with a part omitted to clarify a specific part.

[0020] [Figure 2E] is a perspective view of the fixing mechanism of the high - heel part in another embodiment.

[0021] [Figure 3A] is a front perspective view of shoes capable of switching between high - heel shoes and flat shoes with a part omitted to clarify a specific part, showing a state where the heel cover (including the high - heel part) is attached to the sole part via a hinge.

[0022] [Figure 3B] is a perspective view of the bottom surface of shoes capable of switching between high - heel shoes and flat shoes with a part omitted to clarify a specific part, showing a state where the heel cover is attached to the sole part via a hinge..

[0023] <000009)6> [Figure 4]This is a front perspective view of a shoe that can be switched between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe, with some parts omitted to clarify specific sections, and shows how the link mechanism guides the high-heel portion into the storage area of ​​the sole.

[0024] [Figure 5] This is a rear perspective view of a shoe that can be switched between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe, with some parts omitted to clarify specific areas, showing the sole cover with the compartment that houses the high heel slightly shifted backward from the sole.

[0025] [Figure 6] This is a rear perspective view of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, with some parts omitted to clarify specific areas, showing a storage compartment or recess in the sole.

[0026] [Figure 7A] Figure 1A is a partial side view of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, showing how the high heel and link mechanism move the low heel back and forth in accordance with the movement of the high heel.

[0027] [Figure 7B] This is a side view of one embodiment of a linkage mechanism that moves the low heel back and forth in accordance with the movement of the high heel.

[0028] [Figure 7C] This is a side view of a shoe that can be switched between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe, with some parts omitted to clarify specific areas, and shows one mode in which the heel part moves smoothly back and forth along a straight line.

[0029] [Figure 8A]This is a partial side view of the shoe shown in Figure 1A, which can be switched between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe. Similar to Figure 7A, it shows a configuration in which the heel portion moves backward to cover the tube that houses the high-heel portion.

[0030] [Figure 8B] This is a partial side view of the heel portion of a shoe that can be switched between high heels and flats, showing how a smoothly moving wedge positioned between the heel and the sole helps distribute weight, and how a spring controls the movement of the low heel.

[0031] [Figure 9A] This is a partial side view of the heel area of ​​a shoe that can be switched between high heels and flats, showing the linkage covering the tube that houses the high heel portion.

[0032] [Figure 9B] This shows a perspective view of a latch lock mechanism located in the ball of the foot or other part of a shoe that can be switched between high heels and flat shoes, for locking and unlocking.

[0033] [Figure 9C] Figure 9A is another perspective view of the latch lock mechanism, showing how the latch lock mechanism is released by fitting the high heel portion into the recess in the sole of the shoe.

[0034] [Figure 9D] This shows a latch-lock mechanism for securing the sole of a shoe that can be switched between high heels and flats, and for converting between high heels and flats.

[0035] [Figure 10] This shows a perspective view of a portion of the sole of a shoe that can be switched between high heels and flats.

[0036] [Figure 11] This is a side view of an embodiment of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, showing the sole opened to reveal the inside.

[0037] [Figure 12] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the bottom of shoes that can be switched between high heels and flats, showing how to press a button to release the heel portion.

[0038] [Figure 13] Figure 1 is a side view of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, showing how the heel portion folds into the sole of the shoe.

[0039] [Figure 14] Figure 1 is a side view of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, showing the sole covering and closing the component.

[0040] [Figure 15] Figure 1 is a side view of a shoe that can be switched between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe, showing how the heel portion is joined to the shoe at a pivot point.

[0041] [Figure 16] Figure 1 is an enlarged side view of a shoe that can be switched between high heels and flats, showing the heel portion fixed to the protruding part with a wedge.

[0042] [Figure 17] Figure 1 is an enlarged side view of a shoe that can be switched between high heels and flat shoes, showing the lock released and the heel portion moving relative to the pivot point.

[0043] [Figure 18]Figure 1 is an enlarged side view of a shoe that can be switched between high heels and flat shoes, showing the fixed surface holding the heel portion in a flat position.

[0044] [Figure 19] Figure 1 is a side view of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, showing the flat mode with rubber pads installed on the protruding part and heel block.

[0045] [Figure 20] Figure 1 is a side view of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, showing the midsole in both heel and flat shoe modes.

[0046] [Figure 21] This shows an enlarged bottom perspective view of the fixed mode in which the wedge is pressed into the groove.

[0047] [Figure 22] This shows an enlarged bottom perspective view of the release mode in which the wedge is disengaged from the groove.

[0048] [Figure 23] This shows a side view of the heel block in a state where the connector that releases the lock on the ball joint is pushed out by the rotation of the heel block.

[0049] [Figure 24] This shows an enlarged bottom perspective view of the slider pressing against the wedge portion to release the hinge lock.

[0050] [Figure 25] This shows an enlarged bottom perspective view of the heel portion being released by pressing a slider.

[0051] [Figure 26] An enlarged perspective view of the bottom of a shoe sole cover, showing a hole for the heel to pass through.

[0052] [Figure 27] A partial cross-sectional view shows an embodiment in which the cover is secured with rods, rivets, and semi-flexible components.

[0053] [Figure 28] Figure 1 is a side view of a shoe that can be switched between high heels and flat shoes, showing the shoe in a walking position in flat shoe mode.

[0054] [Figure 29] Figure 1 shows a side view of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, with the insole portion visible.

[0055] [Figure 30] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the bottom of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, showing the material used to cut machine parts.

[0056] [Figure 31] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the bottom of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, showing that the shank has a recess for housing machine parts.

[0057] [Figure 32] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, showing how a flexible material is placed between fixed, rigid materials.

[0058] [Figure 33] This shows an enlarged side view of the heel member.

[0059] [Figure 34] This shows an enlarged side view of the shank mechanism that accommodates different shoe sizes. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0060] Referring to Figures 1A-10, an embodiment of a shoe that can be switched between high heels and flats (hereinafter referred to as "the shoe") will be described. This shoe eliminates the discomfort of high heels by allowing the user to switch to flats when they feel uncomfortable wearing high heels. This shoe is convenient for commuting or for those who want to enjoy the benefits of both high heels and flats.

[0061] Figure 1A shows a front view of a shoe 100 that can be switched between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe. The shoe 100 has a high-heeled portion 110 that is hinged to a heel portion 120 via a hinge mechanism 130, and the high-heeled portion 110 can be folded into the sole 140 to become a flat shoe. The high-heeled portion 110, the heel portion 120, and the hinge mechanism form a triangular shape or triangular support 150 (i.e., support for stability, weight load and aesthetics). Figure 1A shows the shoe 100 in a fixed position with the triangular support 150 placed on the rear 160 of the heel portion 120. In another embodiment, the high-heeled portion 110 is detachably attached to the heel portion 120. In this embodiment, the high-heeled portion 110 is completely detachable and can be positioned to support the heel portion 120 in high-heeled shoe mode and on the inside of the sole 140 in flat shoe mode.

[0062] Figure 1B shows another embodiment of a shoe 200 that can be switched between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe, in which a triangular support 210 is positioned at the center 220 of the heel portion 230. In Figures 1A and 1B, the triangular support 210 may be positioned in multiple locations.

[0063] Figure 2A shows how the high heel portion 240 is detached from the heel portion 230 by the twist release mechanism 250 and rotates toward the sole 260. The twist release mechanism 250 releases the high heel portion 240 from the heel portion 230 using a threaded rod or pin 270 that runs through the entire high heel portion 240.

[0064] Figure 2B shows an embodiment of a high heel portion 280 equipped with a pull-release mechanism 290 having a ball bearing 300. The ball bearing 300 is located inside the heel / sole or on a pin 310. When the user pulls the pull member 320 directly downwards, the ball bearing 300 bends flexibly (via a spring), allowing the pin 310 to be removed from the shoe.

[0065] An embodiment of the high heel fixing mechanism 330 will be described with reference to Figures 2C and 2E. The high heel fixing mechanism 330 includes a pin 340 with a flexible cantilever / projection 350 that fixes the high heel in place. To release the high heel from the heel, the pin 340 is rotated from the position shown in Figure 2C to the position shown in Figure 2E, causing the projection 350 to fit into the gap 360 and fall out of the gap 360. The pin 340 can be rotated by twisting the heel cap 370 at the base 380 or by twisting the entire heel.

[0066] Figure 2D shows the tube / cap tube 400 of the heel portion 410 for receiving the end 420 of the high heel portion 430. The cap tube 400 may have an expandable tube.

[0067] Figures 3A and 3B show a heel cover portion 450 that is hinged to the heel portion 460. In flat shoe mode, the heel cover 450 covers the heel portion 460, creating a heel with a traditional appearance. The heel portion has two parts: a heel cap / cover portion 450 that covers the short heel, and a portion having a rod support structure. The interlocking of the "triangular support" may or may not be visible inside the heel.

[0068] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate that a second linkage 470 guides the movement of the high heel portion 480 into a groove or housing 510 in the sole 490. The plastic sole cover 500 detaches from the sole 490, the insole exposes the housing / groove 510, and the high heel portion 480 fits into the housing. The sole cover 500 has a hinge portion and is secured and released using a ball lock and spring (for example, the spring force opens and closes the sole cover 500). The openable or partially removable sole cover 500 extends around or inside the sole 490 and forms a seal / waterproof seal. The user can release the sole cover 500 by pulling it directly downwards, pulling it downwards via a tab, pinching the sides, or releasing the lock. Additional tools such as hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, elastic bands, or snaps may be used to attach and detach the sole cover 500 to the sole 490. In flat shoe mode, the sole cover 500 is fixed to the insole 506 and covers the sole 490 up to the heel 508, so that the shoe functions as a flat shoe. The leather or fabric cover covers all mechanical parts, resulting in an appearance indistinguishable from traditional high-heeled shoes. The perimeter of the housing 510 is provided with a rib structure to support the weight of the insole 506. In some embodiments, shoes that can be switched between high-heeled and flat shoes may not have a housing or groove. Furthermore, in another embodiment of the sole cover 500, there is a zipper in the center or on the side of the sole 490 that can be opened to expose the housing 510.

[0069] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a shoe 550 that can be switched between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe, having a high-heeled portion housing or groove 560 in the sole 562 for housing a high-heeled portion 570. The heel may have a foldable side (made of rubber, fabric, leather, etc.).

[0070] Figure 7A shows an embodiment of a linkage mechanism 600 that moves the low heel back and forth due to the movement of the high heel portion 610. The linkage mechanism 600 includes a first linkage 620, a second linkage 630, a third linkage 640, a fourth linkage 650, and pivots 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, and 720. The first linkage 620 moves the high heel portion 610 to the front part 730 of the heel portion 740. The first linkage 620 connects to the high heel portion 610 via a pivotable hinge at the front 730 of the heel portion 740. As the high heel portion 610 fits into the groove of the sole 750, the low heel member / cap 760 moves to the bottom of the rear 760 of the heel portion 740. Conversely, when the high heel portion 610 is pivoted out of the gap in the sole 750 toward the heel portion 740, the short heel member / cap 760 is pushed forward and downward toward the front 730 of the heel portion 740. Thus, the pivotal movement of the high heel portion 610 toward the sole 750 connects to the attached linkage mechanism 600, which rotates the short heel member / cap and pushes it downward toward the rear 760 of the heel portion 740.

[0071] Figure 7B shows an embodiment of a link mechanism 800 that moves the low heel member / cap 810 back and forth due to the movement of the high heel portion 820.

[0072] Figure 7C shows an embodiment of a shoe 850 that can be switched between a high-heeled shoe and a flat shoe, using a linear slider mechanism 860 to move the low heel member / cap 870 linearly back and forth. The pivotal movement of the high heel portion 890 causes the low heel member / cap 870 to move smoothly back and forth along a straight line.

[0073] Figure 8A shows an embodiment in which, when the low heel member / cap 900 is moved to the rear, the cap tube 910 for housing the high heel portion is hidden in the housing.

[0074] Figure 8B shows a slide wedge 920 positioned between the low heel member / cap 930 and the heel portion 940 to distribute the weight load, and a spring 950 that controls the movement of the low heel member / cap 930.

[0075] Figure 9A shows a linkage 970 positioned to cover the housing 510 when the low heel member / cap 930 moves backward relative to the heel portion 1000. In this case, the high heel portion is not used (for example, in flat shoe mode), and the low heel member / cap 930 covers the housing or groove 510 when it moves backward relative to the heel portion 1000.

[0076] Figures 9B and 9C show a latch lock mechanism 1030 for fixing and releasing, located on the ball 1040 or elsewhere. The hinge 1070 on the ball 1040 or elsewhere is locked in high-heel shoe mode and released in flat shoe mode. The latch lock mechanism 1030 includes a latch 1080 with a spring 1090, which fixes the position of the latch 1080 and prevents movement of the hinge 1070. When the high-heel portion 1100 retracts into the housing 1100, the latch 1080 is pushed upward, releasing the lock and releasing the hinge 1070, making the entire shoe flat. A notch 1120 prevents excessive movement.

[0077] Figure 9D shows a latch lock mechanism 1150 for switching between high-heel shoe mode and flat shoe mode, with the sole 1160 fixed to and released from the toe 1170. In this embodiment, opening and closing the sole 1160 activates the release and locking of the latch 1180. The sole 1160 is connected to an elastic member, a spring member, or a latch catch member 1190, which pulls the latch 1180 down when the sole 1160 is opened, and a spring 1200 pushes the latch 1180 up. In flat shoe mode, a housing inside the sole 1160 prevents the sole 1160 from being accidentally locked in high-heel shoe mode.

[0078] Figure 10 shows a partial perspective view of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe. The sole portion 1200 has a recess for accommodating foam or flexible material for comfort.

[0079] An important embodiment of a shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe is a low heel component / cap that is hidden by the high heel, the low heel component / cap may move forward or backward to become smaller or cover the necessary area, the high heel may include a triangular shape for weight-bearing structure and stability, the high heel may fold to become flatter, the high heel may be fixed to the heel portion at the rear of the sole, a movable top lift (or a pulling-release action) may be used to release the high heel, the midsole may be fixed in at least one position on the ball of the foot or other area, and the sole may cover or remove the high heel.

[0080] As shown in Figures 11-34, the convertible heeled and flat shoes (hereinafter referred to as "shoes") 1300 solve the problems associated with high heels, providing comfort by allowing the user to switch from high heels to flats when the shoes become painful. These shoes 1300 are useful when commuting and when one wants to enjoy the benefits of both heeled and flat shoes.

[0081] Shoes 1300 can be converted to flat shoes by following these steps:

[0082] The shoe 1300 includes an openable sole or cover portion 1310, which is joined by a hinge and / or is flexible (Figure 11). To switch to a flat shoe, the sole 1310 is opened or removed to allow access to mechanical parts in the heel area.

[0083] Pressing the button 1320 located on the inside 1330 of the shoe 1300 releases the heel portion 1340 (Figure 12). This button 1320 is attached to a spring-loaded pivot 1350. Pressing the button allows the heel portion 1340 to be freely folded. The heel portion 1340 then folds into the hinge 1360 and is housed within the sole 1370 of the shoe 1380 (Figure 13).

[0084] The sole cover 1310 is closed to cover the heel portion 1340 and the machine parts (Figure 14). The sole 1310 is fixed to the shoe 1300, and the shoe 1300 can be used as a flat shoe.

[0085] To switch the shoe 1300 back into a high-heeled shoe, open the sole cover 1310, remove the heel portion 1340 from the shoe's sole 1370, and align it in place. The lock 1390 will then automatically engage, securely fixing the heel portion 1340 in place. The cover 1310 will then close, securing the heel portion 1340.

[0086] Figure 28 shows the sole cover 1300 detached from the shoe body 1391. In Figure 27, the sole cover 1300 has a protrusion 1395 attached to the heel body 1393 with a snap fit 1394. In Figure 26, the sole cover 1300 is opened and closed by the flexibility of a hinge or member 1396, allowing the flat area 1644 of the bottom surface 1645 to be used as a "flat mode" shoe.

[0087] The heel portion 1340 is joined to the shoe 1300 via a pivot 1400, allowing it to move. The pivot 1400 may be installed in multiple locations on the shoe 1300. Primarily, the heel portion 1340 is connected to a projection 1410 by a hinge, and the projection 1410 is attached to a shank 1420 (Figure 15).

[0088] The locking mechanism 1430 is used to hold the heel portion 1340 in the high heel position. To fix it in this position, the latch 1440 is inserted into the groove 1450 of the block 1460 of the heel portion 1340 and is sandwiched between the restraining pin 1470 and the heel 1340 (Figure 16). The restraining pin 1470 is joined by the finger 1471 of the block 1460 to prevent the heel portion 1340 from rotating. The locking mechanism 1430 is released by pushing the latch 1440 away from the wedge, allowing the heel portion 1340 to move freely (Figure 17).

[0089] The latch 1440 is automatically extended using a spring to secure it to the wedge. In heel shoe mode, the spring 1480 is used to push the latch 1440 as hard as possible to prevent movement of the heel portion 1340. In flat shoe mode, the latch 1440 is held in a flat position using spring force to prevent vibration of the heel portion (Figure 18).

[0090] The catch 1441 includes a rearward-facing portion 1442 that engages with the forward-facing portion 1443 of the latch member 1440 in heel shoe mode, and the catch 1441 includes a forward-facing portion 1445 that engages with the rearward-facing portion 1446 of the latch 1444 in flat shoe mode.

[0091] In flat shoe mode, the pedestrian can walk on either the heel block (or bracket) 1480 or the rubber pad 1490. Figure 19 shows the pedestrian walking on the metal heel block (or bracket) 1480 on the ground surface 1, or on the rubber pad 1490 on the ground surface 2. The heel portion 1340 is released from flat mode by pulling the heel portion 1340 inside the shoe 1300.

[0092] The arch shape of the shoe's midsole 1500 adapts to both heel shoe mode and flat shoe mode (Figure 20). The shape changes via a pivot 1510, and the ball, hinge, or curved portion 1530 of the foot portion 1540 has a lock 1520. In heel mode, the lock 1520 is fixed, while in flat mode, the lock 1520 bends freely. The lock 1520 consists of a hinge 1550 and a wedge 1560. In lock mode, the wedge 1560 is pressed into a groove 1570 of the lock 1520 using spring force, preventing it from moving freely (Figure 21). A rod / notch 1580 can also stop one-way hinge movement, but the wedge 1560 can prevent movement in other directions. To unlock in flat shoe mode, push out the wedge portion 1560 to disengage it from the groove 1570, and then move the hinge 1590 freely (Figure 22).

[0093] To unlock the hinge or curved portion 1530 of the foot lock 1520, the slider 1600 is used to move the wedge 1560. The slider 1600 is held within the locking mechanism 1520 and / or the shoe 130 and is pushed by a connector 1610 that is hinged to the heel block 1480. As the heel block 1480 rotates, the connector 1610 is pushed and the slider piece 1600 moves (Figure 23). When the slider 1600 is moved so as to obstruct the wedge 1560, the wedge is released and the hinge 1590 can move freely (Figure 24). When the slider 1600 is moved so as not to obstruct the wedge 1560, the spring force pushes the wedge 1560 into the groove 1570 and locks it in place.

[0094] Alternatively, the end of the heel portion 1340 can be used to release the hinge or curved portion 1530 of the foot lock 1520. When the heel portion 1340 is housed within the shoe 1300, it is pressed against the wedge portion 1560 (Figure 25) and released from the locked mode. Once the heel portion 1340 is removed, the wedge 1560 automatically returns to its position using spring force.

[0095] A sole or bottom cover portion 1620 is used to cover the machine parts. The portion 1620 is attached to the body 1630 of the shoe 1300 using hinges, screws, flexible members, or a combination thereof 1640. The sole or bottom cover portion 1620 has a hole 1642 for the heel 1340 to pass through (Figure 26). The sole or bottom cover portion 1620 has a flat portion 1644 that can be walked on in flat mode. The sole or bottom cover portion 1620 is secured using fasteners, rods, rivets, or semi-flexible members 1650 (Figure 27). The sole or bottom cover portion 1620 may have a ridge 1660 for finger unlocking. The bottom surface 1670 of the sole or bottom cover portion 1620 is the portion that can be walked on in flat shoe mode (Figure 28).

[0096] The shoe or midsole 1500 is composed of a layered member 1680 and a shank piece 1420. The layer 1680 contains various materials mixed together, including rigid and flexible materials (Figure 29). The layered composition 1680 includes a shank 1420 and has notches 1690 for machine parts (such as the heel bracket 1480, heel 1340, and the hinge or curved portion 1530 of the foot lock 1520) and leather notches 1700 for various assemblies (Figure 30). The top of the layered composition 1680 has notches 1710 for fitting into the upper recess 1720 of the shank 1420 (Figure 31). The recess / rib 1730 of the shank 1420 reinforces the layer 1680 and provides space for the heel 1340 to fold in and the latch 1440 to fit into and expand. The shank 1420 may also have an additional recess 1740 for support.

[0097] The midsole assembly 1500 can be securely attached to the machine parts and can also be moved. When fixed, a rigid insole material 1750 is bonded or screwed to the machine parts. A foaming agent or flexible material 1760 is used to fill gaps between the rigid material or the machine parts (Figure 32).

[0098] The heel 1340 is assembled to the block 1460 using a pin 1770, a tapered component, or a threaded stud 1780 (Figure 33). The heel 1340 can have any shape or properties, such as a rod, half dome, hexagon, ellipse, diamond, or block.

[0099] The shank 1420 is designed to accommodate different shoe sizes. The hinge or curved portion 1530 of the foot locking portion 1520 is assembled at different positions on the shank 1420, allowing the component to be lengthened or shortened to accommodate different shoe sizes (Figure 34).

[0100] The figures illustrate exemplary configurations of the invention and are helpful in understanding the features and functions included in the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary structures and configurations described above and can be implemented using various alternative structures and configurations. Furthermore, various features and functions described in some of the exemplary embodiments and examples described above can be applied individually to some or more other embodiments. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, particularly in the following claims.

[0101] The terms, phrases, and variations thereof used in this document are not limited unless explicitly stated. For example, the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes without limitation,” and the term “example” is used to provide an exemplary example of the item being discussed, and is not limited. Also, adjectives such as “traditional,” “standard,” and “known” do not restrict items to those available for a given period or at a given time, but rather encompass “usual,” “traditional,” “standard,” and “known” techniques that are available or known at any point in time, now or in the future. Similarly, groups of items connected by “and” should not be interpreted as requiring each item in the group to be present in the group, but rather as “and / or” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Likewise, groups of items connected by “or” should not be interpreted as requiring each item in the group to be mutually exclusive, but rather as “and / or.” Furthermore, items, elements, or components described in this document should be understood as plural unless explicitly stated otherwise, even if they are described or requested in the singular form. In some cases, the presence of “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to these,” or other similar phrases shall not be construed as meaning that a narrower case is intended or required.

[0102] While the above description includes several exemplary embodiments and examples relating to the present invention, these are intended to define the scope of the invention and demonstrate that the features and functions described in the above exemplary embodiments can be applied independently to some or more other embodiments.

Claims

1. A shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, comprising: The sole of a shoe, including the heel portion; A high heel portion, wherein the high heel portion is capable of changing position between a high heel shoe mode in which the high heel portion supports the heel portion and a flat shoe mode in which the high heel portion is housed within the sole of the shoe; Here, the sole includes a housing for housing the high heel portion within the sole, An openable and closable sole cover that covers or exposes the sole housing, wherein the sole cover closes in the high-heel shoe mode and has a hole through which the high heel portion extends in the high-heel shoe mode.

2. In the shoes described in claim 1, The shoe is characterized in that the sole has a midsole having an arch shape that can adapt between the high-heel shoe mode and the flat shoe mode, and the sole further has a hinge or curved portion with a lock configured to automatically lock when the high-heel portion is in the high-heel shoe mode position and to automatically unlock when it is in the flat shoe mode position.

3. In the shoe according to claim 2, The shoe is characterized in that the lock has a hinge, a groove, and a wedge portion, and in the locked mode and high heel shoe mode, the wedge portion is pushed into the groove of the lock by spring force to prevent the hinge from moving freely, and in the unlocked mode or flat shoe mode, the wedge portion disengages from the groove, allowing the hinge to move freely.

4. A shoe according to claim 3, further comprising a configuration combining a rod and a notch for restricting the movement of the hinge in one direction.

5. The shoe according to claim 4, characterized in that the wedge portion prevents movement in the direction opposite to the aforementioned one direction.

6. In the shoe according to claim 1, A shoe further comprising a heel locking mechanism configured such that the high heel portion is locked to support the heel portion in high heel shoe mode, and the high heel portion is unlocked in flat shoe mode.

7. A shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, comprising: A sole with a heel portion; The high heel portion can be positioned to support the heel in high heel shoe mode and to be retracted into the sole in flat shoe mode; Here, the sole has a midsole with an arch shape that can adapt between the high-heel shoe mode and the flat shoe mode. Furthermore, the sole has a hinge or curved portion equipped with a lock configured to automatically lock when the high heel portion is in the high heel shoe mode position and to automatically unlock when it is in the flat shoe mode position.

8. In the shoe according to claim 7, The shoe is characterized in that the lock has a hinge, a groove, and a wedge portion, and in the locked mode and high heel shoe mode, the wedge portion is pushed into the groove of the lock by spring force to prevent the hinge from moving freely, and in the unlocked mode or flat shoe mode, the wedge portion disengages from the groove, allowing the hinge to move freely.

9. A shoe according to claim 8, further comprising a configuration combining a rod and a notch for restricting the movement of the hinge in one direction.

10. The shoe according to claim 9, characterized in that the wedge portion prevents movement in the direction opposite to the aforementioned one direction.

11. In the shoe according to claim 7, A shoe further comprising a heel locking mechanism configured such that the high heel portion is locked to support the heel portion in high heel shoe mode, and the high heel portion is unlocked in flat shoe mode.

12. In the shoe according to claim 7, The sole has a housing for housing the high heel portion inside the sole. A shoe further comprising an openable and closable sole cover for covering or exposing the sole housing, the openable and closable sole cover having a hole through which the high heel portion extends in the high heel shoe mode.

13. A shoe that can be switched between a high heel and a flat shoe, comprising: The sole of a shoe, including the heel portion; A high heel portion, wherein the high heel portion is capable of changing position between a high heel shoe mode in which the high heel portion supports the heel portion and a flat shoe mode in which the high heel portion is housed within the sole of the shoe; A heel locking mechanism configured such that the high heel portion locks in the high-heel shoe mode, where it supports the heel portion, and unlocks in the flat shoe mode, where the high heel portion is housed within the sole of the shoe. Here, the heel fixing mechanism includes a spring-biased engaging member configured to release the heel fixing mechanism when the high heel portion is in the high heel shoe mode, by pushing the spring-biased engaging member toward the sole of the shoe.

14. The shoe according to claim 13, wherein the heel fixing mechanism comprises a latch that engages when the heel fixing mechanism is locked and disengages when it is unlocked, and a spring that biases the latch to push as deeply as possible into the locked position.

15. In the shoe according to claim 13, the heel fixing mechanism is: A catch having a rearward-facing portion and a forward-facing portion, It includes a latch member having a rearward-facing portion and a forward-facing portion, A shoe characterized in that, in high-heel shoe mode, the rearward-facing portion of the catch engages with the frontward-facing portion of the latch member, and in flat shoe mode, the frontward-facing portion of the catch engages with the rearward-facing portion of the latch member.

16. In the shoe according to claim 13, The sole has a housing for housing the high heel portion inside the sole. A shoe further comprising an openable and closable sole cover for covering or exposing the sole housing, the openable and closable sole cover having a hole through which the high heel portion extends in the high heel shoe mode.

17. In the shoe according to claim 13, The shoe is characterized in that the sole has a midsole having an arch shape that can adapt between the high-heel shoe mode and the flat shoe mode, and the sole further has a hinge or curved portion with a lock configured to automatically lock when the high-heel portion is in the high-heel shoe mode position and to automatically unlock when it is in the flat shoe mode position.

18. A shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the openable and closable sole cover is detachably attached to the sole.

19. The shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the openable and closable sole cover is configured to contact the walking surface and enable walking in the flat shoe mode.

Images