Interchangeable cuff with squeeze lock for securing to a high heel and methods therefor

Abstract

A heel system for coupling couples a heel and a top lift of a footwear comprises a heel insert, a top lift insert, and a shaft. The heel insert has a heel insert channel and a plurality of teeth projecting from a heel insert end, and a flange at the heel insert end. The top lift insert has a top lift channel, a plurality of second teeth projecting from a top lift end, and a well at the top lift end. The shaft is received in the heel insert and top lift channels, and couples the top lift and heel inserts. The first and second teeth are complementary for meshing engagement, and the well is sized and shaped to receive the flange. A taper lock coupling having a body with a top opening, an outer surface, and an inner surface.

Description

INTERCHANGEABLE CUFF WITH SQUEEZE LOCK FOR SECURING TO A HIGH HEEL AND METHODS THEREFORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a US national phase of prior Application No. 19 / 070,778, filed March 5, 2025. which is a continuation of prior Application No. 18 / 925,970, filed October 24, 2024, and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 898,918, entitled '‘Changeable Top Lift Heel System,’’ filed October 14, 2025, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 900,617, filed October 16, 2025, entitled “Interchangeable Cuff With Squeeze Lock For Securing To a High Heel And Methods Therefor.” each of which is incorporated by reference herein in their respective entireties.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to high heel footwear, and more particularly to a heel system having removable top lift to facilitate replacement.BACKGROUND

[0003] Existing designs of the heel tip for a high heel have many drawbacks and flaws, including the materials used, design and engineering of the heel tip, and how it is attached to the heel. Heel tips are used for protection against the severe abrasive pressure on the heel during normal walking. Various types of heel tips have been devised, but at the present time, conventional heel tips consist of a hard polyurethane or plastic / rubber mix molded around a metal nail head with the nail stem protruding beyond the polyurethane material. To securely fasten the heel tip to the heel, the nail stem is driven into a bore extending along the inside of the heel.

[0004] A large amount of stress and pressure is concentrated on a heel tip from the impact against the ground, especially when walking on uneven or high-friction surfaces such as concrete. Such forces, coupled with the small surface area of the heel, often cause heel tips to wear out or get pulled out of or dislodged from the heel within a few weeks of wear.

[0005] When heel tips need to be replaced, most people delay the replacement and continue to walk on worn out heel tips, sometimes wearing the heel tips away completely until remnants of the metal nail head are all that remain. Walking on worn out heel tips involves a variety' of adverse and potentially dangerous side effects.

[0006] First, the harmful shock waves that are transmitted through the body as the metal nail head hits the surface can cause damage ranging from the feet all the way up to the neck. Second, the nail head can mark, scrape and damage floors. Also, the metal nail head is very smooth, which increases the risk of slipping or falling while walking. As a result, walking on a wom-out heel tip can cause damage to the heel by fraying, erosion, and other destruction from friction. Lastly, the exposed metal nail makes a loud, distinct clicking sound as it strikes the ground during walking which is audibly distracting to the wearer and to others.

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure overcome these and other problems.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure solve or overcome at least the above-stated problems and disadvantages. Currently, there is no commercially available heel tip that does not wear out within a few weeks of use. A wearer must or ought to replace the heel tips, on average, every 30 days if that heel tip can even stay attached to the heel that long. An objective of aspects of the present disclosure is to provide a stronger heel tip that can take years of use and abuse before it starts to detenorate, cannot get pulled out of the heel when worn and used and will help to absorb the harmful shock waves that are sent throughout the entire body with every' step.

[0009] The heel tip is made of long er- earing, resilient materials. One of these materials protects the body from the harmful shockwaves that are caused by every’ step, jump or stride that the high-heel wearer takes. It has been demonstrated in several studies that the rubber material of this invention stops the harmful shock waves that accumulate over time as damage to the body from our feet to the base of our skull from the repeated exposure the shock waves caused by daily activity.

[0010] Conventional heel tips are made of solid polyurethane, which does not deter the damage from the exposure of the shock waves that can cause numerous chronic injuries. By contrast, according to the present disclosure, some aspects provide a micro honeycomb internal structure in the heel tip to decrease the shock waves the body is absorbing as the high-heel wearer walks, runs or jumps. The micro honeycomb significantly decreases both the amplitude of the high frequency forces and their ability to propagate up into the body thus eliminating chronic pain and injuries that can diminish the high-heel wearer’s ability' to function at a normal level.

[0011] Furthermore, conventional heel tips have a nail or a steel pin that protrudes from the polyurethane material and is hammered or driven into the bore of the heel to hold the heeltip in place against the heel. By contrast, aspects of the present disclosure provide various combinations of anti-rotation, securing, and alignment promoting features to prevent rotation or slippage of the heel tip, secure the heel tip to the heel in a fixed, unmovable manner, and align the heel tip to the heel. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a threaded insert or expansion anchor can be set in the heel and the heel tip, which can include a square or propeller head screw, with the micro honeycomb structure, is then rotated until the threaded insert locks the screw into place or the expansion anchor opens, locking the screw and heel tip securely into the heel. Optionally, the heel tip can be removed easily, by counter-rotating it, for example, to replace it with a new one or swap it entirely out for a different st le.

[0012] Some removable heel tip designs may be susceptible to inadvertent rotation of the heel tip relative to the heel, causing misalignment of the heel tip and heel. Inadvertent rotation and misalignment of the heel tip is not only aesthetically undesirable, but may also increase wear or damage to the attachment of the heel tip, and may increase the risk of injury’ to the user from tripping or slipping. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a removable heel tip with a reversible locking feature that secures and prevents the inadvertent rotation the heel tip relative to the heel.

[0013] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a heel system for coupling a heel and a top lift of a footwear is disclosed. The heel system comprises a top lift insert, a heel insert, and shaft. The top lift insert is coupled to the top lift, and comprises a plurality of spaced first teeth. The heel insert is coupled to the heel, and comprises a plurality of spaced second teeth that are complementary to the first teeth. The shaft rotatably couples the top lift insert and the heel insert, and the heel insert is slidable on the shaft to reversibly engage the first teeth with the second teeth. The top lift insert cannot rotate relative to the heel insert when the first teeth are engaged with the second teeth.

[0014] In another embodiment, a heel system for a footwear comprises a top lift, a heel, and a heel assembly. The top lift has a cavity'. The heel has a heel bore. The heel assembly couples the top lift and the heel, and comprises a shaft, a top lift insert, a heel insert, a stop, and a compressible elastic member. The shaft has opposite shaft first and second ends. The top lift insert is coupled to the top lift, and comprises a base received in the top lift cavity, a first bore sized and shaped to receive the shaft first end, and a plurality of spaced first teeth. The heel insert is positioned in the heel bore, and comprises a channel, heel insert first and second ends, and a plurality of spaced second teeth positioned at the heel insert first end. The channel extends through the heel insert and is sized and shaped to slidably receive the shaft. The second teeth are complementary to the first teeth. The stop is positioned in the heel bore and has astop bore that is sized and shaped to receive the shaft second end. The compressible elastic member is positioned in the heel between the heel insert second end and the stop. The compressible elastic member biases the stop away from the heel insert and urges the first teeth toward engagement with the second teeth. The top lift and heel are rotatably coupled by the shaft, the heel insert is slidable on the shaft to reversibly engage the first teeth with the second teeth, and the top lift cannot rotate relative to the heel when the first teeth are engaged with the second teeth.

[0015] In one embodiment, a heel system couples a heel and a top lift of a footwear, the heel including a heel outer surface, and the top lift including a top lift outer surface configured for flush contact with the heel outer surface. The heel system comprises a heel insert, a top lift insert, and a shaft. The heel insert includes a body with a heel insert end and a heel insert channel extending through the body, a plurality of first teeth projecting from the heel insert end, and a flange positioned at the heel insert end. The top lift insert includes a top lift end, a top lift channel, a plurality of second teeth projecting from the top lift end, and a well formed at the top lift end. The shaft couples the top lift insert and heel insert. The heel insert channel and top lift channel are sized and shaped to receive the shaft. The plurality of first teeth and plurality of second teeth have complementary configurations for meshing engagement, and the well is sized and shaped to receive the flange.

[0016] In another embodiment, a heel system couples a heel and a top lift of a footwear, the heel including a heel outer surface, and the top lift including a top lift outer surface configured for flush contact with the heel outer surface. The heel system comprises a heel insert, a top lift insert, and a shaft. The heel insert includes a body with a heel insert end and a heel insert channel extending through the body and having a longitudinal axis, a plurality of first teeth projecting from the heel insert end substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a flange positioned at the heel insert end and extending along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The top lift insert includes a top lift end, a top lift channel, a well formed at the top lift end and that is sized and shaped to receive the flange, and a plurality of second teeth projecting from the well. The shaft couples the top lift insert and heel insert. The heel insert channel and top lift channel are sized and shaped to receive the shaft. The plurality of first teeth and plurality of second teeth have complementary configurations for meshing engagement.

[0017] In another embodiment, a heel system couples a heel and a top lift of a footwear, the heel including a heel outer surface, and the top lift including a top lift outer surface configured for flush contact with the heel outer surface. The heel system comprises a heelinsert, a top lift insert, and a shaft. The heel insert includes a body with a heel insert end, a heel insert channel that extends through the body, and a flange positioned at the heel insert end. The top lift insert includes a top lift end, a top lift channel, and a well formed at the top lift end. The shaft rotatably couples the top lift insert and heel insert. The heel insert channel and top lift channel are sized and shaped to receive the shaft. The heel insert channel has a longitudinal axis, and the flange extends radially to the longitudinal axis. The well is sized and shaped to receive the flange and restrict the rotation of the top lift insert relative to the heel insert.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example high heel footwear having a relatively narrow heel that incorporates a heel tip assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another example high heel footwear having a wider heel compared to the high heel footwear shown in FIG. 1, and which incorporates a heel tip assembly according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate two different sized heel tip assemblies according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary7elongated threaded insert having a hole or bore through the center of a threaded insert, which is inserted into a heel according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 4B illustrates an example threaded hole or bore formed within or tapped into the heel with threads to receive threads of a top lift according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate two example implementations of a heel tip assembly having a top lift with a honeycomb or micro honeycomb pattern made from tire material.

[0024] FIG. 6A illustrates a heel having a threaded shaft 502 threaded into a threaded insert that is secured into a hole or bore of a heel.

[0025] FIG. 6B illustrates a heel having a threaded shaft threaded into the threaded hole or bore that is tapped into the heel

[0026] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate two examples of a heel tip assembly having a top lift including two types of honeycomb patterns.

[0027] FIG. 8 is an example of another top lift having a base portion made of a solid tire tread material.

[0028] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate side and end views, respectively, of a top lift having rotation, securing, and alignment features.

[0029] FIGS. lOA and 1 OB illustrate two additional implementations of a heel tip assembly according to the present disclosure, featuring a different anti-rotation and alignment feature than disclosed in connection with FIGS. 9A and 9B.

[0030] FIG. 11 illustrates a top lift having a screw-actuated anchor to secure the top lift within the heel of the top lift assembly.

[0031] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate another way of securing a top lift to a heel of a wider heel, such as shown in FIG. 2.

[0032] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate yet another way of securing any top lift into any heel disclosed herein using springs inside the heel.

[0033] FIG. 14 shows two example isometric views of the top lift disclosed in connection with FIGS. 13A and 13B.

[0034] FIG. 15 illustrates another example where a heel includes ball bearings to receive corresponding detents formed in a shaft of a top lift but lacks a square base feature.

[0035] FIG. 16 illustrates two exemplary regularly and non-regularly shaped top lifts having shafts with slots to lock into corresponding features in the heel.

[0036] FIG. 17A and 17B illustrate how the top lift can be slightly longer than the outsole of the high heel footwear when no load is present in the footw ear.

[0037] FIG. 18 illustrates a heel tip assembly having a threaded insert that is held in tension inside the heel by a spring.

[0038] FIG. 19 illustrates the heel tip assembly of FIG. 18 with the threaded insert fully screw ed into the heel and held against it by the spring.

[0039] FIG. 20 is a top view of the heel taken along line 20-20 shown in FIG. 18.

[0040] FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the top lift taken along line 21-21 shown in FIG. 18.

[0041] FIGs. 22A-22D show' an exemplary heel tip assembly having a top lift with a rigid shaft and insert according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIGs. 23A, 23B, and 23C show another exemplary heel tip assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 24 shows still another exemplary heel tip assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a heel system and top lift according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 26 is a side section view of the heel system of FIG. 25, coupling a top lift and heel.

[0046] FIG. 27 is an isometric section view of the top lift of FIG. 25.

[0047] FIG. 28A is a side section view of the top lift insert in the heel system of FIG. 25.

[0048] FIG. 28B is a front elevation view of the top lift insert of FIG. 28A

[0049] FIG. 29 is a side elevation view of the shaft in the heel system of FIG. 25.

[0050] FIG. 30 is an isometric view of the stop, the spring, and the heel insert of the heel system of FIG. 25.

[0051] FIG. 31 A is a front elevation view7of the stop in the heel system of FIG. 25, showing hidden lines.

[0052] FIG. 3 IB is a side elevation view of the stop of FIG. 31 A. showing hidden lines.

[0053] FIG. 32A is a front elevation view of the heel insert in the heel system of FIG. 25.

[0054] FIG. 32B is a side section view of the heel insert of FIG. 32A.

[0055] FIG. 33 is a side section view of an alternative embodiment of a heel system and top lift.

[0056] FIG. 34 is a side elevation view of the shaft of the heel system of FIG. 33.

[0057] FIG. 35 A is an isometric view of the heel insert of the heel system of FIG. 33.

[0058] FIG. 35B is a front elevation view7of the heel insert of FIG. 35 A.

[0059] FIG. 36A is an exploded isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a heel system and top lift.

[0060] FIG. 36B is an isometric view7of the assembled heel system and top lift of FIG.36 A.

[0061] FIG 36C is a side section view of the heel system and top lift of FIG. 36B, assembled with a heel.

[0062] FIG. 37A is a side section view of the top lift insert of the heel system of FIG. 36A

[0063] FIG. 37B is a top plan view of the top lift insert of FIG. 37A.

[0064] FIG. 38A is an isometric view of the heel insert of the heel system of FIG. 36A.

[0065] FIG. 38B is a bottom plan view of the heel insert of FIG. 38A.

[0066] FIG. 38C is a side section view of the heel insert of FIG. 38 A.

[0067] FIG. 39A is an exploded isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a heel system and top lift.

[0068] FIG. 39B is an isometric view7of the assembled heel system and top lift of FIG.39 A.

[0069] FIG. 39C is a side section view of the assembled heel system and top lift of FIG.39B.

[0070] FIG. 40A is an exploded isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a heel system and top lift.

[0071] FIG. 40B is an isometric view of the assembled heel system and top lift of FIG.40 A.

[0072] FIG. 40C is a top plan view of the assembled heel system and top lift of FIG. 40B.

[0073] FIG. 40D is a side section view of the assembled heel system and top lift of FIG.40B.

[0074] FIG. 41 A is a perspective view of an outer sleeve or cuff.

[0075] FIG. 4 IB is a perspective view of a taper lock coupling according to the present disclosure having a D-shaped interior.

[0076] FIG. 41C is a perspective view of a taper lock coupling according to the present disclosure having a circular-shaped interior.

[0077] FIG. 41D is a perspective view of a taper lock coupling according to another embodiment of the present disclosure having a D-shaped interior with two openings formed in the walls of the body.

[0078] FIG. 42D-1 is a bottom view of the taper lock coupling show n in FIG. 41D.

[0079] FIG. 42A is a side view of the taper lock coupling shown in FIG. 41B.

[0080] FIG. 42A is a cross-sectional view of the taper lock coupling shown in FIG. 42A.

[0081] FIG. 43A is a perspective view- of an outer sleeve or cuff.

[0082] FIG. 43B is a perspective view of a taper lock coupling according to another embodiment of the present disclosure having a D-shaped interior and a closed base.

[0083] FIG. 43B-1 is a bottom view of the taper lock coupling shown in FIG. 43B with the cuff of FIG. 43 A.

[0084] FIG. 43C is a perspective view of a taper lock coupling according to another embodiment of the present disclosure having a circular-shaped interior and a closed base.

[0085] FIG. 44A is a side view of the taper lock coupling shown in FIG. 43B.

[0086] FIG. 44B is a cross-sectional view of the coupling shown in FIG. 44A.

[0087] FIG. 45A is a perspective view- of a threaded taper lock coupling according to another embodiment of the present disclosure mated with the ring or cuff or sleeve having corresponding threads.

[0088] FIG. 45 A- 1 is a bottom view of the assembly shown in FIG. 45 A.

[0089] FIG. 45A-2 is a side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 45 A.

[0090] FIG. 45A-3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in FIG. 45A-2.

[0091] FIG. 45A-4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG.45A.

[0092] FIG. 45B is a perspective view of the threaded taper lock coupling shown in FIG.45A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example high heel footwear 100 having a relatively narrow heel that incorporates a heel tip assembly 102 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The term “footwear’" encompasses shoes, boots, sandals, flip flops, and any other apparatus worn on the foot and designed or intended to be worn by either men or women or both. The term "‘high heel” has its ordinary meaning to those skilled in the art of footwear, and those of ordinary skill in the art of footwear will appreciate the dimensions and characteristics of a footwear item having a high heel. For example, stiletto type heels can have a heel height of about 4-6 inches or even higher. Squatter, high heel boots (including those worn by men), for example, can have a heel height of about 3-4 inches. According to some aspects, a minimum heel height to qualify as a high heel is about 2 inches. The present disclosure also contemplates so-called platform footwear, so long as there is a distinct outsole portion and distinct heel portion. As shown in FIG. 1, the various parts of a high heel footw ear 100 are conventionally labeled as an outsole 106, a toe box 108, a counter 110. a breast 112 of the heel, a heel 1 14, a seat 116, a shank 118, and a top lift 120. The top lift 120 can variously also be referred to as the top piece, the heel tip, the heel lift, or the heel cap, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. The width of the top lift 120 can vary, from narrow- in the case of a stiletto heel, to relatively wide as used on a boot or a platform shoe, and aspects of the present disclosure can be used on any top lift 120, from narrow to wide.

[0094] For reading convenience, the same reference numbers are used throughout this disclosure to refer to the same item or feature even though they might appear in different embodiments. Where that item or feature differs, a different reference number or an apostrophe is used to indicate that the disclosure is describing a different item or feature. The terms used in this description have their ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art of footw ear, tire technology', and mechanical devices.

[0095] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another example high heel footwear 100" having a wider heel 114" compared to the high heel footwear shown in FIG. 1, and which incorporates a heel tip assembly 102’ according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The samereference numbers are used to refer to the same parts. The high heel footwear 100' has a thicker heel 114’ compared to the heel 114 of the high heel footwear 100 shown in FIG. 1. The crosssection of the heel 114, 114’ can be regular, such as circular such as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16A, or irregular such as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16B. Throughout this disclosure, for reading convenience, each heel tip assembly 102, 102’ will be referred to with these reference numbers even though different embodiments may be described.

[0096] FIG. 3 A and 3B illustrate two different sized heel tip assemblies 102, 102’ according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The heel tip assembly 102, 102’ generally includes a securing feature part 300, 300’, respectively. In this example, the securing feature takes the form of threads 302. Generally, a securing feature refers to a feature, such as a tangible feature, that permanently or removably secures one part to another in a manner that inhibits movement (by rotation, twisting, or otherwise) of the two parts relative to each other. The securing feature part 302, 302’ also has a shaft portion those threads 302, 302’ are threaded by rotation into a corresponding threaded insert inside the heel 114, 114' as described herein. In FIG. 3B, the top lift 120’ of the heel tip assembly 102’ has an irregular contour to match the contour of the heel 114’ to which the top lift 120’ is secured. As described here, an alignment feature can also be present to ensure that the contours of the top lift and the heel co-align. As the top lift 120’ is screwed into place, depending on the alignment of the threads, the top lift 120’ may have a tendency to stop rotating at a point where its outer contour is misaligned relative to the heel 114’. To avoid this scenario, various aspects of the present disclosure describe alignment features that aid in co-aligning the top lift with the heel in a facile way during assembly or construction of the footwear 100, 100’.

[0097] Turning now to the heel side of the footwear, FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary elongated threaded insert 400 having a hole or bore 402 through the center of a threaded insert 400, which is inserted through a hole or bore 410 of the heel 114, 114’. The threaded insert 400 is inserted into the hole or bore 410 of the heel 114, 114’ so that an end opening 404 of the threaded insert 400 can receive the securing feature part 300, 300’ of a heel tip assembly 102, 102’. The threaded insert 400 can be secured to the heel 114, 114' by glue or interference fit, for example. Alternately, in FIG. 4B, a threaded hole or bore 410 is formed within or tapped into the heel 114, 114’ with threads 406 that are configured to receive the threads 302 of the securing feature part 300, 300’.

[0098] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate two example implementations of a heel tip assembly 102, 102' having a top lift 120. 120’ with a honeycomb or micro honeycomb pattern made from tire material, including a rubber compound and fillers such as fiber or textiles. Any ofthe honeycomb or micro honeycomb patterns or structures disclosed herein can be printed by a 3D printing technique, such as digital light synthesis. The top lift 120, 120' has a base portion 504, a central portion 506, and atop portion 508. The cross-section of the central portion 506 has a honeycomb pattern. The illustrations are not schematic representations of the actual honeycomb pattern. Indeed, the honeycomb pattern is shown for ease of illustration so that the reader can readily see the pattern; however, the size of the honeycombs can vary from the size actually shown. For example, the honeycombs can be made larger, or the walls of the honeycomb can be thicker. The honeycomb pattern allows the top lift 120, 120’ to compress or deform slightly under load, and more so than if the top lift 120, 120’ were made from a solid material such as rubber. The honeycombs of the pattern are arranged to so as to compress along a vertical direction when a load is presented at the top of the honeycomb, thereby providing a cushioning effect to the wearer of the high heel footwear. The top portion 508 (i. e. , the part that contacts the ground surface) can be a tire tread material or composed of solid rubber having a tread-like pattern facing the ground to enhance the grip and friction coefficient relative to the ground surface. The base portion 504 can be composed of, for example, metal, such as the same metal as a threaded shaft 502 that extends away from the base portion 504, and the central portion 506 can be secured or attached permanently to the base portion 504 by an adhesive or any other conventional process to permanently affix the two different interface materials together. Another interface 510 is present between the exposed surface of the base portion 504 and the exposed surface of the bottom of the heel 114, 114’ before the top lift 120, 120’ is secured to the heel 114, 114’. At this interface, an adhesive or other method of permanently affixing the base portion 504 to the bottom of the heel 114, 114’ can be used after the securing feature in the form of a threaded shaft 502, 502’ is screwed into the corresponding threaded insert 400 or threads 406 inside the bore 410 of the heel 114, 114’. As the wearer walks with the heel top assembly 102, 102’ installed in the footwear 100, 100’, the honeycomb structure of the central portion 506 will compress and bulge outwardly, providing a soft cushion for the wearer and absorb and dissipate shock waves emitted each time the top portion 508 contacts the ground surface.

[0099] Example dimensions of the top lift 120, 120’ are as follows. The length, width, or diameter of the top lift 120, 120’ match the corresponding length, width, or diameter of the heel 114, 114’ to which the heel tip assembly 102, 102’ is attached so that the outer contour of the heel at the interface 116 matches the outer contour of the top lift 120, 120’. Beyond the interface, the contour of the top lift 120. 120’ can diverge from that of the heel 114, 114’. Forexample, the top lift 120, 120’ can flare outwardly or taper inwardly starting from the interface 116 toward the top portion 508.

[0100] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate two examples where the top lift 120, 120’ has a top portion 606 made of a solid rubber material that is glued or otherwise permanently affixed to a base portion 604 of a heel tip assembly 102, 102’. The base portion 604 can be made of the same material as the threaded shaft 502, such as metal, to form an anti-rotation feature and a securing feature for the top lift 120, 120’. The outer contour of the base portion 604 and the top portion 606 matches the outer contour of the exposed end of the heel 114, 114’ at the interface 116, 510 so that at the interface 116, 510, there is no perceptible discontinuity7from the heel 114, 114’ to the top lift 606. In FIG. 6A, the threaded shaft 502 is threaded into the threaded insert 400 that is secured into the hole or bore 410 of the heel 114, 114’. In FIG. 6B, the threaded shaft 502’ is threaded into the threaded hole or bore 410 that is tapped into the heel 114, 114’ with threads 406 that are configured to receive the threads of the threaded shaft 502’, which provides a securing feature and an anti-rotation feature relative to the heel 114, 114’. This embodiment is particularly suited for thicker diameter heels, such as the heel 114’ shown in FIG. 2.

[0101] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate two examples of a heel tip assembly 102, 102’ having a top lift including two types of honeycomb patterns 703, 705, 706 such as shown as honeycomb pattern 506 in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The top lift has a central portion 706 made from a tire material and having a honeycomb pattern. On either side of the central portion 706, there are encapsulating portions 703, 705 also made from a tire material and having a denser honeycomb pattern compared to that of the central portion 706. Thus, the central portion 706 has more “give” under compression, whereas the denser surrounding encapsulating portions 703 ,705 have less give, thereby providing more cushioning against shocks and vibrations that would otherwise be transmitted up the leg of the wearer. The top portion 708 can be made of a tire tread material or composed of solid rubber having a tread-like pattern facing the ground to enhance the grip and friction coefficient relative to the ground surface and to provide a softer or quieter interface with the surface on which the footwear is traversing compared to conventional materials used for a high heel top. A base portion 704 fixed to the encapsulating portion 703 can be composed of, for example, metal, such as the same metal as a threaded shaft 502 that extends away from the base portion 704, and the encapsulating portion 703 can be secured or attached permanently to the base portion 704 by an adhesive or any other conventional process to permanently affix the two different interface materials together. The threaded shaft 502 is screwed into an elongated threaded insert 400 having a hole or bore 402through the center of a threaded insert 400, which is inserted through a hole or bore 410 of the heel 114. 114’. to form an anti-rotation feature and a securing feature. When fully screwed in place at the interface 116, 510, the outer contour of the top lift matches an outer contour of the heel 114, 114’ at the interface 116, 510 so that no visual discontinuities can be perceived. The colors of the top lift and heel can also be matched to further the visual effect. The embodiment of FIG. 7B is identical except that the heel 114, 114’ is wider and can accommodate a larger top lift and therefore more tire tread and honeycomb material.

[0102] The drawings shown herein are not necessarily shown to scale and some features may be exaggerated so that the various layers can be seen by the reader. The top lifts of the present disclosure can have the same dimensions as conventional top lifts used in high heel footwear.

[0103] FIG. 8 is an example of another top lift 120, 120’ that can be used with any heel 114, 114’ disclosed herein. Here, a base portion 804 of the top lift show n in FIG. 8 can be made of a solid tire tread material, for example, or of a material that includes rubber. A threaded shaft 802 extends from the base portion 804 and includes a head 803 having teeth 805 around a diameter of the head which prevent the shaft 802 from rotating relative to the base portion 804 when the threaded shaft 802 is screwed into a corresponding threaded hole or bore in the heel 114, 114’. The teeth 805 provide an anti-rotation and a securing feature to prevent rotation of the base portion 804 and to secure it to the heel 114, 114’. The head 803 and teeth 805 are embedded within the base portion 804 so only the threaded shaft 802 can be seen emerging from the base portion 804.

[0104] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate side and end views, respectively, of a top lift 120, 120’ having rotation, securing, and alignment features. A base portion 904 forms an alignment feature, which can have a non-circular cross-section to co-align the base portion 904 relative to the heel 114, 114’ so that the outer contours of the base portion 904 and the heel 114, 114’ match. The base portion 904 also forms an anti-rotation feature, preventing the top lift 120, 120’ from rotating once fully inserted into the heel 114, 114’. The top lift 120, 120’ also includes a conical tapered portion 902 that tapers toward a seat or interface 116 of the heel 114, 114’ as shown in FIG. 9A. The conical tapered portion 902 is inserted into a bore 922 through a hole 920 that has a corresponding section that receives the base portion 904 (seen in FIG.9B), and has a width W that is slightly smaller than a width W’ of the widest part of the conical tapered portion 902 to form an interference fit inside the bore 922 of the heel 114, 114’. The rest of the top lift 120, 120’ can be like any of the top lifts disclosed herein; however, in the example of FIG. 9A, the top lift 120, 120’ includes a central portion 908 having a honeycombpatern made from tire material, including a rubber compound and fillers such as fiber or textiles. The cross-section of the central portion 908 has a honeycomb patern. The top lift 120, 120’ also includes a top portion 910 (i.e., the part that contacts the ground surface) composed of a tire tread material or of solid rubber having a tread-like patern facing the ground to enhance the grip and friction coefficient relative to the ground surface. The base portion 906 can be composed of, for example, metal, such as the same metal as the conical tapered portion 902 as shown by the cross section in FIG. 9A. To insert the top lift 120, 120’ into the bore 922, the top portion 910 can be tapped in, after aligning the non-circular base portion 904 with the hole 920 so that the (irregular) profiles of the heel and top lift match.

[0105] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate two additional implementations of a heel tip assembly according to the present disclosure, featuring a different anti-rotation and alignment feature than disclosed in connection with FIGS. 9A and 9B. Here, a shaft member 1002 of the top lift 120, 120’ includes a first spring element 1004a and a second spring element 1004b, which each protrudes away from an elongated surface of the shaft member 1002. The spring elements 1004a, 1004b form a securing feature part and are biased away from the elongated surface of the shaft member 1002. A base portion 1004 of the top lift 120, 120’ is atached to the shaft member 1002, or the base portion 1004 and the shaft member 1002 can be a unitary, integral piece.

[0106] The heel 114, 114' includes a hole 1020 and a non-threaded bore 1012 having a first detent 1010a and a second detent 1010b arranged to receive the spring elements 1004a, 1004b, respectively, when the shaft member 1002 is inserted into the bore 1012 through the hole 1020. Because the spring elements 1004a, 1004b are biased outwardly, they will initially be forced inwardly against the shaft member 1002 until they snap outwardly into place within the detents 1010a, 1010b to form a securing feature but also an anti-rotation and an alignment feature. The rest of the top lift 120, 120’ in this example includes a central portion 1006 having a honeycomb patern composed of a tire tread material, and a top portion 1008, which can be composed of a solid tire tread material or rubber.

[0107] In FIG. 10B, the shaft member 1002’ is threaded, and the threaded insert 1014 includes a threaded portion 1016 with threads and a non-threaded portion near a hole 1018 through which the threaded shaft member 1002’ is inserted. The threaded shaft member 1002’ is rotated into the threads of the threaded portion 1016 until the spring elements 1004a, 1004b click into place within the detents 1010a, 1010b of the non-threaded portion, to secure the top lift 120, 120’ to the heel 114, 114', prevent it from rotating, and co-aligning the two parts so that the respective outer contours match around their entire circumference.

[0108] FIG. 11 illustrates a top lift having a screw-actuated anchor to secure the top lift within the heel of the top lift assembly. The screw-actuated anchor 1102 includes a first arm 1106a and a second arm 1106b that flare outwardly from a shaft member 1004 having threads. A base portion 1108 can be made of metal and includes a hole through which the shaft member 1004 extends and terminates at a head 1126 having a tool receiving portion 1128 to receive a tool that rotates the screw-actuated anchor 1102 inserted into the hole 1110. After the screw-actuated anchor 1102 is fully inserted into the hole 1110 of the heel 114, 114’. a tool is inserted into the tool receiving portion 1128 of the head 1126 and rotated in situ within the hole 1110, which rotation causes the arms 1106a,b to begin to extend outwardly toward the inner surface 1112 of the hole 1110 of the heel 114, 114’ until the arms 1106a,b press expand the width W of the hole 1110 to provide an anti-rotation feature, which prevents the top lift 120, 120’ from rotating or becoming mis-aligned during usage of the high heel footwear. The top lift portion 120, 120’ includes a hole 1124 so that a tool can be received in the tool receiving portion 1128. This hole can be plugged after installation with a material to match that of the top lift portion 120, 120’, such as a tire tread material. The top portion 1122 can be made of a tire tread material. An insert made from the same tire tread matenal can be used to plug the hole 1124. The central portion 1120 can have a honeycomb pattern to provide cushioning as discussed above. The arms 1106a, b allow minute adjustments of the top lift portion 120, 120’ within the heel 114, 114’ to co-align the two parts perfectly while the final position is determined by forcing the arms 1106a, b apart as much as the material of the heel 114, 114’ will allow without damage.

[0109] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate another way of securing a top lift 120’ to a heel 114’ of a wider heel, such as shown in FIG. 2. A hollow self-tapping insert 1200 (shown in FIG.12A) is screwed into a base of the heel 114’, which can be composed of plastic on its interior, making it suitable for receiving a self-tapping insert. The top lift 120’ includes a base portion 1206, which can be composed of a metal material, a central portion 1208 having a honeycomb pattern and composed of a tire tread material, and a top portion 1212, which can be composed of a tire tread material having a tread pattern facing the ground. A shaft member 1202 having threads 1204 can be made of metal and is threadably received within the self-tapping insert 1200 installed in the heel 114’, thereby providing an anti-rotation and securing feature for the top lift assembly.

[0110] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate yet another way of securing any top lift into any heel disclosed herein using springs inside the heel. The top lift 120. 120’ includes a shaft member 1302 having a first receptacle 1304a and a second receptacle 1304b formed along a curvedsurface 1305 of the shaft member 1302 and a non-circular base portion 1306 that forms an alignment and anti-rotation feature for the top lift 120, 120'. The heel 114, 114' includes an insert assembly 1320 having a hole 1330 that narrows to a narrow portion 1322. The insert assembly 1320 includes a first spring 1328a and a second spring 1328b and a balls 1340a, 1340b that protrude from corresponding openings 1326a,b extending through a wall 1324 of the insert assembly 1320. The balls 1340a, b extend into the opening 1330 of the insert assembly 1320 until the shaft member 1302 is inserted through the opening 1330. When the balls 1340a, b align with the receptacles 1304a, b of the shaft member 1302, the springs 1328a,b allow the balls 1340a,b to compress the springs 1328a,b like a plunger element as the shaft member 1302 is inserted into the narrow portion 1322 of the insert assembly 1320 until the receptacles 1304a, b receive the balls 1340a, b and secure the top lift 120, 120' relative to the heel 114, 114’. The non-circular base portion 1306 (e.g., square) fits into the non-circular opening 1330 (e.g., square) to maintain an alignment of the top lift 120, 120’, which can have a non-regular outer contour, relative to the heel 114, 114’ (shown in FIG. 13B).

[0111] FIG. 14 shows two example isometric views of the top lift 120, 120’ disclosed in connection with FIGS. 13A and 13B. One of the examples has a regular profile (circular), whereas the other has a non-regular or irregular profile. A round shaft 1402 has detents 1404 to be received in corresponding ball bearings inside the heel 114, 114’ as disclosed in connection with FIGS. 13A and 13B. A base 1406 has a square shape and can be made of metal along with the round shaft 1402. The top portion 1408 can include a honeycomb pattern composed of a tire tread material as disclosed above. The square base 1406 permits alignment of the top lift 120, 120’ relative to a heel 114, 114’ having a non-regular outer contour.

[0112] FIG. 15 illustrates another example where a heel includes ball bearings to receive corresponding detents formed in a shaft of a top lift but lacks a square base feature. The same reference numbers are used, except that the top lift 120, 120’ lacks the base 1406 shown in FIG. 13A and 13B. This implementation is suitable, for example, for around heel 114, 114’.

[0113] FIG. 16 illustrates two exemplary' regularly and non-regularly shaped top lifts 120, 120’ having shafts 1602 with slots 1604 to lock into corresponding features in the heel 114, 114’ as disclosed above.

[0114] FIG. 17A and 17B illustrate how the top lift 120, 120’ can be slightly longer than the outsole of the high heel footwear 100, 100’ when no load is present in the footwear 100, 100’. In FIG. 17A, the top lift 120, 120' extends below the outsole by a distance, d, to provide a total distance from the base to top of the top lift corresponding to a distance D. However, under compression by a load 1700, the top lift 120, 120’ as shown in FIG. 17B compresses toreduce the overall distance, D’ < D, so that the top lift 120, 120’ is aligned on a horizontal plane 1702 with the outsole of the high heel footwear 100, 100’. Because the top lift 120. 120' can compress, such as due to the honeycomb tire tread material, designing the top lift 120, 120’ so that it is slightly longer under no compression allows the compression to keep the footwear level under compression.

[0115] FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded view of a heel 114, 114’ (shown in cross section) and aheel tip assembly 102, 102’ having atop lift 120, 120’, and arigid shaft 1800 (e.g., made of metal) having a threaded portion 1802 that screws into a threaded bung or insert 1814 that is inserted into a bore (such as formed by drilling) or opening (such as formed by 3D printing or other additive manufacturing process) 1812 formed in the heel 114, 114’. As shown in FIG.18, the threaded portion 1802 of the (at least partially) rigid shaft 1800 is inserted into the opening 1812 through a hollow cone-shaped insert 1804, through a central axis of a coil or helical spring 1806, and then rotated so that the threads of the threaded portion 1802 threadably engage corresponding threads 1816 in the threaded insert 1814 to secure the top lift 120, 120’ against the heel 114. 114’. As the threaded portion 1802 is rotated to threadably secure it to the threads 1816 of the threaded insert 1814, the spring 1806 begins to compress, thereby pulling the threaded insert 1814 in a lateral direction inside the opening 1812 toward the top lift 120, 120’ in a direction D, show n in FIG. 19. The threaded portion 1802 is threaded toward the distal or top end of the rigid shaft 1800, and as shown in FIG. 18, the bottom part of the rigid shaft 1800 does not need to be threaded.

[0116] As the threaded insert 1814 is pulled in the direction D shown in FIG. 19, a space 1900 is created above the threaded insert 1814. The insert 1804 is fixed or anchored relative to the heel 114, 114’ and does not move laterally or rotationally relative to the heel 114, 114’. Any means of fixing the insert 1804 is contemplated. For example, the insert 1804 can have a cone shape with tapered sides 1805a, 1805b such that the widest end (d2 shown in FIG. 19) of the cone is slightly wider than a diameter of the opening 1812 (dl). The insert 1804 can be tapped into the bore 1812, such as with a hammer, until it is seated and flush with the top of the heel 114, 114’. In this manner, the insert 1804 has a press-fit or interference-fit interface with the inside of the bore 1812. Optional adhesive can be applied along the tapered sides 1805a, b ofthe insert 1804 to further anchor the insert 1804 inside the bore 1812 inthe position shown in FIG. 18. The insert 1804 is inserted last into the bore 1812 after the threaded insert 1814 and the spring 1806 have been installed inside the bore 1812.

[0117] Because the insert 1804 is anchored inside the bore 1812, as the threaded portion1806 will compress, causing the threaded insert 1814 to move in a translational, but not rotational, direction D along the bore 1812 toward the top lift 120, 120'. This prevents the threaded insert 1814 from rotating as the threaded portion 1802 is screwed into the threaded insert 1814, the overall width of the threaded insert 1814 can be made slightly larger than a diameter of the bore 1812 (dl) so that the threaded insert 1814 forms an interference or press-fit interface with the inside of the bore 1812. Alternately or additionally, one or more wings or flanges can be provided on the outer circumference of the threaded insert 1814, such that when the threaded insert 1814 is forcibly inserted into the bore 1812, such as by hammering or tapping the threaded insert 1814, the wings or flanges bite into the inner sides of the heel 114, 114’, which is typically made of plastic, forging a channel along the side of the bore 1812 along which the threaded insert 1814 can slide up and down in a lateral direction D but cannot rotate about its central axis as the threaded shaft 1802 is screwed into the threaded insert 1814.

[0118] The threaded shaft 1802 together with the threaded insert 1814 form a securing feature to align the top lift 120, 120’ relative to the top of the heel 114, 114’ once installed therein. Alignment and anti-rotation features are shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, which show respective wedge-lock features or patterns 2000, 2100, which can be made of metal. The wedge-lock feature or pattern 2000 can be machined on the top 1818 of the heel 114, 114’, or attached to the exposed end of the top 1818 of the heel 114, 114’ as, for example, a metal (or hard plastic or other rigid material) washer having the wedge-lock pattern 2000. The wedgelock pattern 2000 corresponds to the wedge-lock feature or pattern 2100 formed on the heelinterfacing surface 1820 of the top lift 120, 120’. The wedge-lock pattern 2100 can also be attached to the top lift 120, 120’ as, for example, a metal washer having the wedge-lock pattern 2100. Because the top part of the top lift 120, 120’ (the part that contacts the ground) is made of, for example, a material including rubber, having the wedge-lock pattern 2100 made from a more robust material, such as a material including metal or a hard plastic or other rigid material, allows a more secure and reliable interface to be established with the heel 114, 114’. When the wedge-lock pattern 2100 is formed as, for example, a metal or plastic washer, the metal washer is securely attached, such as by adhesive, to the rubber part of the top lift 120, 120’. As the heel-interfacing surface 1820 of the top lift 114, 114’ mates with the corresponding wedgelock patern 2000 on the top 1818 of the heel 114, 114’ as the top lift 120, 120’ is being rotated to secure the threaded shaft 1802 inside the threaded insert 1814, the corresponding wedge patterns lock the two pieces 120, 120’ and 114, 114’ in a wedge-lock fashion together. The spring 1806 allows the wedge patterns 2000, 2100 to override one another briefly until they snap into a wedge-lock configuration as the threaded shaft 1802 is turned against the heel 114,114’. The user or installer will receive tactile feedback as the wedge locks snap or click into place as the shaft 1802 is being tightened against the heel 114. 114’. Again, the spring 1806 provides some “give” to the shaft and top lift assembly to allow the wedges to override and lock into place. The number, shape, and position of the wedge locks in the patterns 2000, 2100 can be a function of the width of the heel 114, 114’ and the outer contour shape of the heel 114, 114’.

[0119] In the final, secured position, the wedges of the wedge lock patterns 2000, 2100 are locked into place against one another, and held in tension against the top 1818 of the heel 114, 114’ by the tension of the spring 1806 pushing against the fixed insert 1804, causing the shaft 1802 to be biased in a direction away from the top 1818 of the heel 114, 114' (e.g., in a direction opposite of direction D shown in FIG. 19).

[0120] A method of retrofitting an existing heel is also disclosed. A cobbler or user drills the opening 1812 into the heel 114, 114’ if the opening is not already present there. The user inserts the threaded insert 1814, which can optionally have one or more outer flanges or wings, into the opening 1812, and then taps or hammers the threaded insert 1814 into the opening 1812, such as with the aid of a shank or punch to seat the threaded insert 1814 all the way into the opening 1812 in the installed position shown in FIG. 18. Then, the user inserts the spring 1806 against the insert 1814 through the opening 1812. To complete the heel assembly, the user inserts the insert 1804 through the opening 1812 and taps it into the opening against the spring 1806 until the insert 1804 is flush against the top 1818 of the heel 114, 114’. Optional adhesive can be applied to the insert 1804 prior to insertion to further anchor and secure it inside the bore 1812.

[0121] Now that the heel 114, 114’ has been primed to receive the threaded shaft 1802, the user inserts the threaded shaft 1802 through the opening of the insert 1804. which then passes through the opening of the coil spring 1806, and finally can be screw ed into the threads 1816 of the threaded insert 1814 at the distal end of the bore 1812. The user continues to rotate the threaded shaft 1802, such as by grasping the top lift 120, 120’, to tighten the threaded shaft 1802 against the heel 114, 114’. Tactile and audible clicks can be felt and heard as the wedge locks 2000, 2100 secure the top lift 120, 120’ against the top 1818 of the heel 114, 114’. When the outer profile or contour of the top lift 120, 120’ and the heel 114, 114’ has an irregular geometric shape, such as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the user continues to rotate the threaded shaft 1802 until the respective contours of the top lift 120, 120’ and of the heel 114, 114’ align.

[0122] To remove the top lift 120. 120’. such as to replace a worn rubber tip or replace the entire top lift 120, 120’ with a new one, the user counter-rotates the top lift 120, 120’ in adirection to loosen the same from the threaded insert 1814 until the threads of the threaded shaft 1802 are free from the corresponding threads 1816 of the threaded insert 1814 and the threaded shaft 1802 can be removed from the opening 1812 and a new or replacement one can be installed. This embodiment is truly a do-it-yourself implementation, in which the wearer of the shoe can cany7out the installation and / or replacement of top lifts 120, 120' by themselves without the need to seek out a cobbler or other professional. The entire assembly can be bundled together as a kit, together with a shank or punch that can be used to fully insert the threaded insert 1814 into the opening 1812. Importantly, replacement of an old top lift and installation of a new top lift can be carried out simply by manually (e.g., by human hand) unscrewing the old top lift and manually screwing in a new top lift without requiring any tools whatsoever.

[0123] FIGs. 22A-22D show an exemplary heel tip assembly 102, 102’ having a top lift 120, 120’ comprising a rigid shaft 2202 and insert 2210. Insert 2210 can be made of metal, plastic, or any 3D-printing material. Insert 2210 can be sized and shaped to fit within an opening in a heel (for example, the opening as discussed with respect to FIGs. 18-19). Insert 2210 can comprise an elastic element 2214 and a hollow interior (shown in FIG. 22C) with a threaded interior 2212. As a brief overview of the heel tip assembly of FIGs. 22A-22C, the assembly provides for a user inserting the insert 2210 into a heel 114, 114’ (heel 114, 114’ is not pictured). The user can then put the rigid shaft 2202 through the hollow interior of the insert 2210 until the threaded end portion 2204 of the rigid shaft 2202 engages with the threaded interior 2212 of the insert 2210. The user can screw the rigid shaft 2202 into the insert 2210 until the rigid shaft 2202 cannot be rotated further. During the screwing motion, the elastic portion 2214 will be pulled downwardly (toward the top lift 120, 120’) onto the rigid shaft 2202. This will cause the restorative force of the rigid shaft to exert an upward pressure on the rigid shaft 2202. The various components of the assembly are discussed in greater detail below.

[0124] The elastic element 2214 can be shaped as a spring or another cutaway design. The elastic element 2214 provides a restorative force to return to an original, uncompressed configuration when the elastic element 2214 is compressed by, e.g., a user or pressure from the rigid shaft 2202. In some examples, elastic element 2214 can be a coil or helical spring designed for compression and tension. Such a spring can be designed to operate with a compression load, so that the spring compresses and becomes shorter as a load is applied to it. Therefore, as insert 2210 receives rigid shaft 2202, the screwing motion of 2202 will pull down, or compress insert 2210, and more specifically, compress at the elastic element 2214. Therefore, elastic element2214 will exert an upward pressure to uncompress. This upward pressure will pull rigid shaft 2202 further into the heel 114. 114'.

[0125] In other examples, elastic element 2214 can be a torsion spring, configured to receive a load by a torque or twisting force. Therefore, when rigid shaft 2202 is screwed into the threaded interior 2212, one end of the elastic element 2214 can be configured to rotate or twist through an angle, for example, rotate clockwise. This rotating motion of the elastic element 2214 can cause elastic energy to be stored in the elastic element 2214. The elastic element 2214 can then cause the elastic insert 2210 (and the now-attached rigid shaft 2202) to press upward into the heel 114, 114’ as it is pulled by the torsion’s spring pressure to rotate counter-clockwise and return to an original spring state. In some examples, elastic element 2214 can therefore be a torsion spring consisting of torsion fiber, an elastic metal or rubber configured to absorb spring energy.

[0126] A person skilled in the art understands that elastic element 2214 can be many other ty pes of springs, such as a variable spring, a serpentine spring, a volute spring, a Belleville spring, and / or a main spring. In some instances, elastic element 2214 can be an elastic material such as any elastomer, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, urethane rubbers, chloroprene rubber, an elastic metal, and any combination thereof. Elastic element 2214 can additionally have many shapes, including a helix shape, a spiral, a grid shape, a conical shape, zig-zag shape, non-coiled, and / or flat. Additionally, elastic element 2214 can be solid element, with no cut-away design, relying solely on the elasticity of the elastic element’s 2214 material.

[0127] Rigid shaft 2202 can include a threaded end portion 2204. The threaded end portion 2204 can be sized and shaped to fit within the hollow interior of insert 2210 and to engage with the threaded interior 2212 during the screwing motion. In some examples, the rigid shaft 2202 can have a wedge-lock feature or pattern 2000 configured to match a heel-interfacing surface 2216 of the top lift 120, 120’ (as discussed earlier with regards to FIGs. 28-21). Therefore, these patterns 2000 and 2216 can be corresponding shapes such that when the insert 2210 receives the rigid shaft 2202, the patterns 2000 and 2216 can engage each other. In some instances, when the threaded end portion 2204 is screwed into the insert 2210, there can be one or more clicks when the patterns 2000 and 2216 engage each other. This provides a user with tactile and audible feedback to ensure that the insert has properly received the rigid shaft 2202. Additionally, the patterns 2000 and 2216 can ensure perfect alignment between the rigid shaft 2202 and the insert 2210 such that the assembly as a whole aligns with a heel 114, 114’.

[0128] Therefore, a heel tip assembly 102, 102’, as shown by FIGs. 22A-22D provides a dual element assembly 102, 102' which can be inserted by a user into a heel 114, 114’ with ease. This assembly has a small number of components which makes it a quick and easy product to provide additional structural support to a heel 114, 114’. When inserted into a heel 114, 114' as described with respect to FIGs. 22A-22D, the assembly can provide a unitary (one piece) element configured to provide structure, stability, and support to heel 114, 114'. The assembly therefore cannot be disassembled into its individual pieces without a user exerting a force to unscrew the rigid shaft 2202; the force exerted by the user needs to be stronger than the force exerted by the elastic portion 2214 that is pulling the rigid shaft 2202 back into the heel 114, 114’.

[0129] FIGs. 23A, 23B, 23C, and 24 show another exemplary heel tip assembly 102, 102', according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly, as shown in FIG.24, can include a heel tip 2310 (FIG. 23 A), a shaft piece 2320 (FIG. 23B), and an elastic insert 2330 (FIG. 23C). All three components 2310, 2320, and 2330 can be 3D-printed, constructed in a plastic mold, or any other similar process, without limitation. Components 2310, 2320, and 2330 can be made of tire tread material, rubber, plastic, and metal, any combination thereof, and any similar material. Components 2310, 2320, and 2330 can be made of the same or different materials. Generally, the elastic insert 2330 can be placed inside an opening in a heel which is a similar size to the elastic insert 2330. The shaft piece 2320 can be screwed into the elastic insert 2330. The heel tip 2310 can be placed onto the shaft piece 2320. Therefore, the heel tip assembly as shown in FIGs. 23A-23C and 24 can form a structural insert and sole for a high-heeled shoe. Additional features are discussed further below;

[0130] FIG. 23 A show s an exemplar}' heel tip 2310 which can include a cutout portion 2312. The heel tip 2310 can be shaped to match a contour of the heel which heel tip 2310 is ultimately secured. The cutout portion 2312 can be sized and shaped to receive the shaft piece 2320. The cutout portion 2312 can be a hexagonal shape, for example, although any other circular or polygonal shape is contemplated as well. The heel tip 2310 can be rotated when connecting to the shaft piece 2320 such that the heel tip 2310 aligns with the contour of the heel.

[0131] FIG. 23B shows an exemplary shaft piece 2320 which can include a shaft head 2322, a shaft body 2324, and a threaded portion 2326. The shaft head 2322 can be configured to match the shape and size of the cutout portion 2312 such that shaft head 2322 forms an interference fit with cutout portion 2312. The heel tip 2310 can be put onto the shaft head 2322by a user or installer. The threaded portion 2326 can be configured to match a threaded sleeve 2336 of the elastic insert 2330.

[0132] FIG. 23C shows the elastic insert 2330, which can include a shaft portion 2332, an elastic portion 2334, and a threaded sleeve 2336. The elastic insert 2330 can have a hollow interior with which to receive the shaft piece 2320. The shaft portion 2332 can protect the shaft piece 2320, as it is received by the elastic insert 2330, from rubbing against a heel in which the elastic insert 2330 is inserted. The threaded sleeve 2336 can receive the threaded portion 2326 of the shaft piece 2320. While the shaft piece 2320 is screwing into the threaded sleeve 2336, the elastic portion 2334 can be compressed and rotated. The elastic portion 2334 can provide a resultant force pulling the shaft piece 2320 deeper into the hollow interior of the elastic insert 2330. The interference fit between the elastic insert 2330 and the heel can prevent the elastic insert 2330 from rotating to relieve the elastic force caused by the shaft piece 2320. In some examples, an adhesive element can be placed on the exterior of the elastic insert 2330 before it is inserted into a heel to further prevent the elastic insert 2330 from rotating.

[0133] Elastic portion 2334 can be a variety of shapes and sizes although only one shape and size is demonstrated in FIGs. 23C-24. The elastic portion 2334 can shaped as a spiral, a spring, a grid shape, an off-center grid, or a lattice or lattice-like structure. The elastic portion 2334 can have cutaway portions in the shape of rectangles (as shown in FIG. 23 C), ovals, helices, spirals, honeycomb, or any other cutaway form. Elastic portion 2334 can have a regular and symmetrical shape (as shown in FIG. 23C), or an irregular, a symmetrical shape (e.g., a spiral where top portions of the spiral are more spaced out than lower portions). In some cases, elastic portion 2334 can be solitary curved lines rising from the shaft portion 2332 to the curved portion 2336. Design shapes can be chosen according to weight, material, and elasticity concerns. Elastic portion 2334 can further include all the non-limiting exemplary embodiments as discussed with respect to elastic element 2214 of FIGs. 22A-22C. The elastic portion 2334 preferably has a regular, repeating pattern or shape so that the elastic portion 2334 compresses or expands uniformly about a cross section thereof without breaking or crushing any vertical members or elements of the pattern or shape that provides or imparts the elasticity or springiness to the elastic portion 2334. The design or pattern of the elastic portion 2334 can be selected based on suitability for being made according to 3D printing methods. The entire insert 2330 together with the elastic portion 2334 shown in FIG. 23C can be a unitary, one-piece integral structure, for example, constructed according to a 3D printing method. The elastic portion 2334 can have a lattice-like pattern having compressible members that can be restored to a pre-compressed state without being crushed or broken.

[0134] FIG. 24 demonstrates how the three pieces, as shown individually in FIGs. 23 A-23C can cooperate to provide structure, stability, and support to a heel 114, 114' when the elements are assembled. The assembly cannot be disassembled into its individual pieces without a user removing the heel tip 2310 and exerting a force to unscrew the shaft piece 2320 from the elastic insert 2330; the force exerted by the user needs to be stronger than the force exerted by the elastic portion 2334 that is pulling the shaft piece 2320 back into the heel 114, 114’.

[0135] Any of the top lifts disclosed herein can be used in connection with any of the heels, and any anti-rotation feature can be combined with any alignment feature and / or any securing feature and / or any cushioning feature disclosed herein. It is seen that the combination of these features contributes to the overall stability, wearer comfort, noise suppression, longevity, customizability or interchangeability’, facile and expedient construction and manufacturability, and repairability’ or serviceability, to name a few benefits, of the high heel footwear, particularly over prolonged usage. The honeycomb pattern provides a cushioning effect, a tire tread top (facing the ground) provides a grip or anti-slipping feature while also suppressing the sound the heel makes when contacting a ground surface, such as a polished floor or tile, the various securing features provide a secure way of interfacing the top to the heel, sometimes in a way that is reversible, and the alignment features ensure that the outer contour of the top lift and heel at their interface match so that no visual artifacts are perceived. The alignment should be made blindly so that the manufacturer or installer can quickly secure the top lift to the heel without having to make minor adjustments to ensure co-alignment. The alignment feature also stands up to prolonged wear and tear over time, ensuring that the top lift and heel remain aligned. The anti-rotation features disclosed herein prevent rotation of the top lift relative to heel, which prevent twisting moments and misalignment of the top lift relative to the heel over prolonged use. The various materials used, such as tire tread material, rubber, plastic, and metal, can be interfaced together securely or permanently by adhesive or any other technique for interfacing such materials to metal. The embodiments of FIGS. 18-24 provide a do-it-yourself assembly that allows the wearer of the footwear to retrofit an existing footwear with a replaceable heel tip that can be secured to the heel and then removed easily and replaced with a new one. Alternately, the heel of the footwear can be adapted by the manufacturer to include the internal components described above in connection with FIGS. 18-19 and 23B-23C, and then the wearer can readily replace him- or herself the heel tip with a new one by simply unscrewing and removing the old one and installing a new one merely by screwing the new one in with absolutely no tools required.

[0136] Referring to FIGs. 25-32, a heel system 2500 for coupling a top lift 2502 and heel 2503 of a footwear is shown. Heel system 2500 comprises a top lift insert 2504, a heel insert 2506, and a shaft 2508.

[0137] In one embodiment, top lift insert 2504 has abase 2510, and a shaft 2512 projecting from the base. A plurality of spaced teeth 2514 project from the end of shaft 2512 opposite base 2510. In a preferred embodiment, teeth 2514 are arranged in a circular configuration similar to a crown gear. Top lift insert 2504 is coupled to top lift 2502. In one embodiment, top lift 2502 has an outer surface 2502a, an internal cavity 2502b with an opening 2502c to the outer surface. Cavity 2502b is sized and shaped to receive base 2510, and opening 2502c is sized and shaped to receive shaft 2512. Teeth 2514 preferably project from top lift outer surface 2502a, as shown in FIG. 26. The width or diameter of opening 2502c is smaller than the diameter of base 2510, such that top lift insert 2504 is retained in cavity 2502b and top lift 2502.

[0138] Base 2510 and cavity 2502b are preferably shaped to prevent rotation of the base and top lift insert 2504 in top lift 2502. In one embodiment, base 2510 is formed with one or more channels or pockets 2516, and cavity 2502b is formed with complementary ribs 2502d that are sized, shaped, and positioned to be received in pockets 2516. The insertion of ribs 2502d in pockets 2516 restricts the rotation of base 2510 in cavity 2502b.

[0139] In one embodiment, heel insert 2506 has a body 2518 with ends 2518a and 2518b. A plurality of spaced teeth 2520 project from body end 2518a, and are preferably formed integrally with body 2518. Teeth 2520 are arranged in a complementary configuration to teeth 2514 of top lift insert 2504, to allow7meshing or interlocking engagement of the teeth, as best shown in FIGs. 28B and 32A. In a preferred embodiment, teeth 2512 and teeth 2520 are arranged in complementary circular configurations for interlocking engagement of top lift insert 2504 and heel insert 2506, similar to a pair of meshed crown gears.

[0140] Heel insert is coupled to heel 2503. In one embodiment, heel insert 2506 is positioned in heel 2503 and is preferably fixed or anchored and does not move laterally or rotationally relative to the heel. Heel insert 2506 may be fixed to heel 2503 by any of the various means known in the art. In one embodiment, heel 2503 has an opening or bore 2503b (e.g., similar to bore 1812 of heel 114). Body 2518 may be generally cone-shaped with a largest width or diameter at end 2518a that is slightly larger than the diameter of bore 2503b, such that heel insert 2506 may be press-fit or interference-fit inside the heel bore. Adhesive may be applied to body 2518 to fix heel insert 2506 in heel bore 2503b.

[0141] Top lift insert 2504 and heel insert 2506 are rotatably coupled by shaft 2508. Shaft 2508 has a longitudinal axis with opposite ends 2508a and 2508b. Top lift insert 2504 is configured to receive shaft end 2508a. In one embodiment, top lift insert 2504 has an opening or bore 2524 that is sized and shaped to receive shaft end 2508a and couple the top lift insert to shaft end 2508a and shaft 2508. In a preferred embodiment, shaft end 2508a and opening 2524 are threaded to couple shaft 2508 to top lift insert 2504. Heel insert 2506 has a channel 2526 that extends through body 2518 and is sized and shaped to slidingly receive shaft 2508 and rotatably couple the heel insert to top lift insert 2504.

[0142] In operation, shaft 2508 and coupled top lift insert 2504 may rotate in heel insert channel 2526 relative to heel insert 2506. Alternatively, heel insert 2506 may be said to rotate on shaft 2508 relative to top lift insert 2504. Heel insert 2506 is also slidable longitudinally on shaft 2508 to reversibly engage top lift insert teeth 2514 with heel insert teeth 2520. Top lift teeth 2514 and heel insert teeth 2520 preferably project or extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft to facilitate the meshing and interlocking engagement of the teeth.

[0143] Teeth 2514 and 2520 are preferably configured such that top lift insert 2504 cannot rotate relative to heel insert 2506 when teeth 2514 are engaged with teeth 2520. In one embodiment, teeth 2512 and 2520 are configured with a substantially square-tooth profile such that the engagement of teeth 2514 with teeth 2520 defines a pressure angle of about 0°. In contrast to teeth configured as a wedge pattern (e.g., patterns 2000. 2100), the square-tooth profile does not permit teeth 2514 and 2520 to override one another. Consequently, top lift insert 2504 and top lift 2502 cannot rotate relative to heel insert 2506 and heel 2503 when teeth 2514 and 2520 are engaged.

[0144] The engagement of teeth 2514 with teeth 2520 preferably aligns the respective outer profiles of the top lift 2502 and heel 2503 - e.g., where the top lift and heel have matching irregular outer profiles or contours, as in FIGs. 20 and 21. For example, in the embodiments of FIGs. 28 and 32, top lift insert 2504 and heel insert 2506 each have six regularly spaced teeth 2514 and 2520 in complementary7circular configurations. The meshing or interlocking engagement of teeth 2514 and 2520 is only permitted in six possible alignments of top lift insert 2504 and heel insert 2506, and therefore, only six possible alignments of top lift 2502 and heel 2503. In one embodiment, at least one alignment of top lift insert 2504 and heel insert 2506 corresponds to the alignment of the outer profiles of the top lift 2502 and heel 2503. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that complementary teeth 2514 and 2520 may be configured such that there are fewer possible alignments. Alternatively, complementary teeth 2514 and 2520 may have only one possible orientation of top lift insert 2504 relative to heel insert 2506 thatpermits the engagement of teeth 2514 with teeth 2520 and which corresponds to the alignment of the outer profiles of the top lift 2502 and heel 2503.

[0145] Top lift 2502 and heel 2503 are preferably coupled together in flush contact - e.g., as shown in FIG. 26, with top lift outer surface 2502a in flush contact with the outer surface 2503a at the top of heel 2503. In one embodiment, top lift insert 2504 is coupled to top lift 2502 (e.g., positioned in cavity 2502b) such that substantially only teeth 2514 of the top lift insert project from top lift outer surface 2502a. Heel insert 2506 is coupled to heel 2503 (e.g., positioned in heel bore 2503b) such that teeth 2520 are substantially flush with heel outer surface 2503a. When teeth 2514 are engaged with teeth 2520, top lift outer surface 2502a and heel outer surface 2503a are in substantially flush contact with each other. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that heel system 2500 may have the opposite configuration - i.e. with teeth 2514 flush with top lift outer surface 2502a, and only teeth 2520 of heel insert 2506 projecting from heel outer surface 2503a.

[0146] In one embodiment, heel system 2500 includes a stop 2528 that is positioned in heel 2503 and configured to receive shaft end 2508b. As shown in FIG. 26, stop 2528 is positioned in heel bore 2503b, and preferably has a width or diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the heel bore, such that the stop may travel or slide longitudinally within the heel bore, as shown by arrow E. Stop 2528 has an opening or bore 2530 that extends through the stop and is sized and shaped to receive shaft end 2508b and couple the stop to shaft end 2508b and shaft 2508. Stop 2528 has a width or diameter that is larger than the heel insert bore 2524. such that the stop and shaft end 2508b cannot be with rawn from heel insert 2506, and the heel insert and top lift insert 2504 are coupled by shaft 2508.

[0147] In a preferred embodiment, stop bore 2530 and shaft end 2508b are threaded to couple shaft end 2508b to the stop bore. The separation between top lift insert 2504 and stop 2528 on shaft 2508 is adjustable (e.g., lengthened or shortened) by the threaded rotation of shaft end 2508b in stop bore 2530. Adjusting the separation between top lift insert 2504 and stop 2528 also adjusts (lengthens or shortens) the range of sliding movement between the top lift insert and heel insert 2506 on shaft 2508.

[0148] In one embodiment, heel system 2500 includes a compressible elastic member 2532 positioned in heel 2503 betw een heel insert 2506 and stop 2528, to bias the stop away from the heel insert and bias top lift insert 2504 toward the heel insert for interlocking engagement of teeth 2514 and 2520. Compressible elastic member 2532 is sized and shaped to be received in heel bore 2503b, but has an outer width or diameter that is larger than heel insert channel 2526, to prevent the withdrawal of the compressible elastic member from the heel bore through theheel insert channel. In one embodiment, compressible elastic member 2532 has a channel or opening 2534 that is sized and shaped to receive shaft 2508. In a preferred embodiment, compressible elastic member 2532 is a coil spring having an opening 2534 through the center of the coil that is sized and shaped to receive shaft 2508. Stop 2528 has an outer width or diameter that is larger than opening 2534, to ensure that compressible elastic member or spring 2532 is secured between heel insert 2506 and the stop.

[0149] Top lift insert 2504, heel insert 2506, shaft 2508, stop 2528, and compressible elastic member 2332 comprise a heel assembly for coupling top lift 2502 and heel 2503. In operation, stop 2528 is first inserted into heel bore 2503b, compressible elastic member 2532 is next inserted into the heel bore, and then heel insert 2506 is positioned and fixed in the heel bore. Shaft 2508 is coupled to top lift insert 2504 at shaft end 2508a. Shaft end 2508b is then inserted through heel insert channel 2526, through compressible elastic member opening 2534, and is received in stop bore 2530 to couple shaft 2508 to stop 2526. Top lift 2502 and top lift insert 2504 are manually pulled away from heel insert 2506 and heel 2503. Top lift insert 2504 is coupled to stop 2528 by shaft 2508, such that the movement of the top lift insert away from heel insert 2506 causes the stop to move toward the heel insert and compresses compressible elastic member 2532. Top lift insert 2504 is rotated to align teeth 2514 for engagement with teeth 2520, and align the outer profiles of the top lift 2502 and heel 2503. Top lift 2502 and top lift insert 2504 are then released, and compressible elastic member 2532 is allowed to expand and urge teeth 2514 toward engagement with teeth 2520. The expansion of compressible elastic member 2532 urges stop 2528 away from heel insert 2506, and causes top lift insert 2504 and teeth 2514 to move toward the heel insert and teeth 2520. Once teeth 2514 and 2520 are engaged, top lift 2502 cannot rotate relative to heel 2503, which prevents the inadvertent misalignment of the top lift and heel during normal use. Shaft 2508 may be rotated in stop bore 2530 to lengthen or shorten the separation between the top lift insert and stop 2528 on shaft 2508, and adjust the compression of elastic member 2532 urging top lift insert 2504 and top lift 2502 toward heel insert 2506 and heel 2503.

[0150] The reverse process is used to uncouple top lift 2502 from heel 2503, such as for replacement of a worn top lift. Top lift 2502 and top lift insert 2504 are manually pulled away from heel insert 2506 and heel 2503, to disengage teeth 2514 and 2520. Once teeth 2514 and 2520 are disengaged, top lift insert 2504 may be rotated to lengthen the separation between the top lift insert and stop 2528 on shaft 2508, and uncouple the shaft from the stop. Shaft 2508 may then be withdrawn from compressible elastic member opening 2534 and heel insert channel 2526, and removed from heel bore 2503b to uncouple top lift 2502 from heel 2503.

[0151] Heel system 2500 is preferably sized for installation in the heel of a conventional high heel shoe. In one embodiment, top lift insert base 2 10 is disk-shaped with a diameter of about 0.25 inches, and a height of about 0.06 inches. Six regularly spaced pockets are formed about the circumference of base 2510, each pocket having an opening at the perimeter of the base with a width of about 0.039 inches and a depth of about 0.046 inches. Shaft 2512 is generally cylinder-shaped with a diameter of about 0.113 inches, and projects from base 2510 at a height of about 0.059 inches. Six teeth 2514 are arranged in a circle and project from the end of shaft 2512 with atooth height of about 0.031 inches. Teeth 2514 are regularly spaced with a spacing of about 0.034 inches between teeth at the circumference of shaft 2512.

[0152] Heel insert 2506 has a generally cylinder-shaped body 2518 with an outer diameter of about 0.11 inches, and a height of about 0.197 inches (including the height of teeth 2520). Six teeth 2520 are arranged in a circle and are formed integrally with body 2518, with a height of about 0.0.38 inches, and a width of about 0.022 inches. Teeth 2520 are regularly spaced with a spacing between teeth of about 0.035 inches at the circumference of body 2518.

[0153] Stop 2528 is generally cylinder-shaped with an outer diameter of about 0.086 inches and a height of about 0.118 inches.

[0154] Shaft 2508 is a cylinder-shaped shaft having a length of about 0.472 inches, and threaded with a major diameter of about 1.2 mm and a pitch of about 0.25 mm (Ml.2 0.25). Top lift insert opening 2524 and stop opening 2530 are both threaded, and sized and shaped to receive shaft 2508. In one embodiment, openings 2524 and 2530 have a threaded bore outside diameter of about 0.037 inches. Heel insert channel 2526 has a diameter that is slightly larger than shaft 2508, to allow the shaft to slide within the channel. In one embodiment, channel 2526 has a diameter of about 0.047 inches. When shaft 2508 is received in top lift insert opening 2524, the combined length or height of the assembled top lift insert 2504 and shaft 2508 is about 0.472 inches. The combined length or height of the assembled heel insert 2506, the compressible elastic member 2532, and stop 2528 is about 0.44 inches.

[0155] Referring to FIGs. 33-35, an alternative embodiment of a heel system 2600 is shown. Heel system 2600 comprises a top lift insert 2604, a heel insert 2606, a shaft 2608, a compressible elastic member 2632, and a stop 2628, which are similar to previously described heel system 2500. Top lift insert 2604 is secured in a top lift 2502, and heel insert 2606 is secured to a heel (not shown).

[0156] Top lift insert 2604 and heel insert 2606 respectively have complementary teeth 2614 and 2620 that are configured to allow meshing or interlocking engagement of the teeth. Top lift insert 2604 and heel insert 2606 are rotatably and slidingly coupled by a shaft 2608,that has opposite ends 2608a and 2608b. Top lift insert 2604 has an opening or bore 2624 that is sized and shaped to receive shaft end 2608a and couple the top lift insert to the shaft. Heel insert 2606 has a channel 2626 that extends through the heel insert and is sized and shaped to slidingly receive shaft 2608. Stop 2628 is positioned in the heel and has an opening or bore 2630 that is sized and shaped to receive shaft end 2608b and couple the stop to the shaft. Stop 2628 prevents withdrawal of the shaft from heel insert channel 2626. Compressible elastic member 2632 is a coil spring, that is positioned in the heel between heel insert 2606 and stop 2628. Coil spring 2632 has an opening 2634 through the center of the coil, that is sized and shaped to slidingly receive shaft 2608.

[0157] Coil spring 2632 biases stop 2628 away from heel insert 2606, and urges top lift insert teeth 2614 toward engagement with heel insert teeth 2620. Shaft 2608 and stop opening 2630 may have complementary threads that allow rotational adjustment of the separation between top lift insert 2604 and stop 2628 on shaft 2608. Lengthening or shortening the separation between top lift insert 2604 and stop 2628, reduces or increases the compression of coil spring 2632 and the force biasing top lift insert 2604 toward engagement with heel insert 2606.

[0158] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that overrotation of shaft 2608 in threaded stop opening 2630 may reduce the separation between top lift insert 2604 and stop 2628, and increase the compression of coil spring 2632 to the point where the force biasing top lift insert 2604 toward engagement with heel insert 2606 cannot easily be overcome, and top lift insert teeth 2614 cannot be removed from engagement with heel insert teeth 2620. Shaft 2608 is preferably configured to prevent overrotation and ensure the reversible engagement of top lift insert teeth 2614 with heel insert teeth 2620. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the body 2608c of shaft 2608 has a width or diameter that is larger than the width or diameter of stop opening 2630, and is preferably unthreaded. Threaded shaft end 2608b has a width or diameter that is smaller than shaft body 2608c, and is sized and shaped to be received in complementary threaded stop opening 2630. The larger diameter of shaft body 2608c forms a shoulder 2608d between the shaft body and threaded end 2608b, that is larger than the diameter of stop opening 2630. Shoulder 2608d forms a stop that limits the rotation of shaft 2608 in threaded stop opening 2630, and prevents further shortening of the separation between top lift insert 2604 and stop 2628.

[0159] Shoulder 2608c is positioned on shaft 2608 to ensure a minimum separation between top lift insert 2604 and stop 2628. that allows disengagement of top lift insert teeth 2614 from heel insert teeth 2620. In a preferred embodiment, shaft 2608 has a length of about0.52 inches (13.2 mm), which includes threaded end 2608b having a length of about 0.087 inches (2.2 mm). Shaft body 2608c has a diameter of about 0.059 inches (1.5 mm), and threaded end 2608b has a major diameter of about 1.2 mm and a pitch of about 0.25 mm (Ml .2 0.25). Shaft end 2608a is preferably unthreaded and has the diameter of shaft body 2608c.

[0160] Top lift insert 2604 is similar in size and shape to top lift insert 2504, but has an opening 2624 with a diameter of about 0.059 inches (1.5 mm) to receive shaft body 2608c. Heel insert 2606 is similar in size and shape to heel insert 2506, but has a channel 2626 with a diameter of about 0.59 inches (1.5 mm) to receive shaft body 2608c. Stop 2628 is similar in size and shape to stop 2538.

[0161] The outer surface of heel insert 2606 may be knurled or otherwise patterned to improve retention of the heel insert in a heel bore (not shown), such as by interference fit. For example, heel insert 2606 may have an outer surface that is knurled with alternating grooves and ridges. In the embodiment of FIGs. 35 A and 35B, heel insert 2606 is generally cylindrical with an outer surface 2636 having a diameter of about 0.118 inches (3 mm). Heel insert outer surface 2636 has series of regularly spaced longitudinal grooves 2636a that form longitudinal ridges 2636b therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, heel insert outer surface 2636 has 20 regularly spaced longitudinal grooves that are approximately semi-cylindrical in shape, having a radius of about 0.006 inches (0.2 mm) and a depth of about 0.003 inches (0.08 mm).

[0162] Referring to FIGs. 36-38, a heel system 2700 for coupling a top lift 2502 and heel of a footwear is shown, which has a substantially similar configuration and operation as heel system 2500. Heel system 2700 comprises a top lift insert 2704, heel insert 2706, and shaft 2708. Top lift insert 2704 is coupled to top lift 2502 in a similar manner as top lift insert 2504, and comprises a base 2710, a shaft 2712 projecting from the base, and a bore or channel 2724 that extends along the length of the top lift insert between the base and shaft. Base 2710 is received in top lift cavity 2502b, and has one or more pockets 2716 that receive complementary ribs 2502d formed in cavity 2502b, to restrict rotation of the base and top lift insert 2704 in top lift 2502. Shaft 2712 is received in top lift opening 2502c, which is sized and shaped to retain base 2710 and top lift insert 2704 in the cavity. The end of shaft 2712 opposite base 2710 is preferably flush with top lift outer surface 2502a.

[0163] A plurality of spaced teeth 2714 project from the end of shaft 2712, and preferably extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of channel 2724. A well 2712b having a rim or outer wall 2712a is formed at the end of shaft 2712. In one embodiment, teeth 2714 are positioned in and project from well 2712b. In a preferred embodiment, rim 2712a is flush withtop lift outer surface 2502a, and teeth 2714 project from well 2712b and extend beyond the rim and top lift outer surface.

[0164] Heel insert 2706 is coupled to heel 2503 in a similar manner as heel insert 2506, and comprises a body 2718 with ends 2718a, 2718b, and a bore or channel 2726 that extends along the length of the body between ends 2718a, 2718b. Body 2718 is received in heel bore 2503b, and may have an outer surface that is patterned (e.g.. with alternating grooves and ridges) to improve retention and resistance to rotation of heel insert 2706 in the heel bore. A plurality of spaced teeth 2720 project from body end 2718a, and preferably extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of channel 2726. Teeth 2720 and 2714 have complementary configurations for meshing or interlocking engagement of the teeth. In one embodiment, teeth 2720 are separated by spaces 2721 that are sized and shaped to receive top lift teeth 2714.

[0165] Heel insert 2706 includes a flange 2736 positioned at body end 2718a, that extends from body 2718 radially to the longitudinal axis of heel insert channel 2726. In one embodiment, flange 2736 is substantially planar and extends along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of heel insert channel 2726. In a preferred embodiment, flange 2736 is a ring that encircles teeth 2720 and spaces 2721 between the teeth. Ring flange 2736 bridges or encloses the outer circumference of spaces 2721 to define openings 2738 into the spaces that are sized and shaped to receive top lift insert teeth 2714. Flange 2736 is preferably positioned at the terminal end 2718c of heel insert body 2718, with openings 2738 formed at the terminal end 2718c. Top lift insert teeth 2714 may be inserted through openings 2738 and into spaces 2721 , for meshing or interlocking engagement with teeth 2720.

[0166] In one embodiment, heel insert 2706 is received in heel bore 2503b with flange 2738 positioned outside of the heel bore, and preferably resting on heel outer surface 2503a. For example, heel insert body 2718 and flange 2736 may have a combined width or diameter greater than the width or diameter of heel bore 2503b, such that flange 2736 operates as a stop for the insertion of the heel insert into heel bore 2503b.

[0167] FIG. 36C shows top lift 2502 assembled on heel 2503 with top lift outer surface 2502a and heel outer surface 2503a in flush contact. Heel insert flange 2736 is engaged in top lift insert well 2712b, and top lift insert teeth 2714 are in meshing engagement with heel insert teeth 2720. Top lift insert wall 2712a extends about the perimeter of heel insert flange 2736, and preferably encircles flange 2736. Top lift insert teeth 2714 are inserted through heel insert openings 2738 and into spaces 2721, for meshing engagement with heel insert teeth 2720. Heel insert flange 2736 increases the contact area between heel insert 2706 and top lift insert 2704, and the stability of the coupling between heel 2503 and top lift 2502. The insertion of top liftinsert teeth 2714 in heel insert openings 2738 increases the security of the coupling between top lift 2502 and heel 2503, and the resistance to rotation of top lift insert 2704 relative to the heel insert 2706.

[0168] In the embodiment of FIGs. 36-38, top lift insert 2704 and heel insert 2706 each have three regularly spaced, complementary teeth 2714, 2720 that are arranged in a generally circular pattern. Top lift teeth 2714 may have a side that forms a curved surface 2714a, and the combined surfaces 2714a of teeth 2714 may define a generally cylindrical surface that is preferably coaxial with the longitudinal axis of top lift insert channel 2724. Heel insert openings 2738 may similarly have a curved side 2738a that is complementary to curved surface 2714a of top lift teeth 2714, and the combined sides 2738a of openings 2738 may define a circle that is preferably coaxial with the longitudinal axis of heel insert channel 2726.

[0169] Shaft 2708 couples top lift insert 2704 and heel insert 2706 in a similar manner as previously described shaft 2508 of heel system 2500. Shaft 2708 has opposite ends 2708a and 2708b, with a length extending between ends 2708a, 2708b. Top lift insert channel 2724 is sized and shaped to receive shaft end 2708b and couple the shaft end to top lift insert 2704. Shaft end 2708b and top lift channel 2724 are preferably threaded to couple shaft 2708 to top lift insert 2704. In one embodiment, shaft end 2708b may include a flange extending transverse or radially to the length of shaft 2708, such as a ring encircling shaft end 2708b. The combined width or diameter of shaft end 2708b and the flange is greater than the width or diameter of top lift insert channel 2724, and prevents withdrawal of shaft 2708 from the channel and top lift insert 2704. Heel insert channel 2726 extends through heel insert body 2718, and is sized and shaped to slidingly receive shaft 2708 for the reversible engagement of teeth 2714, 2720. In a preferred embodiment, heel insert 2706 is slidable and rotatable on shaft 2708.

[0170] In one embodiment, heel system 2700 includes a stop 2728 and a compressible elastic member 2732, that are similar to previously described stop 2528 and compressible elastic member 2532 of heel system 2500. Stop 2728 has a channel or opening 2730 that is sized and shaped to receive shaft end 2708a and couple the stop to the shaft end and shaft 2708. Stop bore 2730 and shaft end 2708a may be threaded to couple shaft end 2708a to the stop bore, and to allow adjustment of the separation between top lift insert 2704 and stop 2728 on shaft 2708 by the threaded rotation of shaft end 2708a in stop bore 2730.

[0171] Compressible elastic member 2732 is positioned between heel insert 2706 and stop 2728, and biases the stop away from the heel insert to urge top lift insert 2704 toward the heel insert for engagement of teeth 2714 in heel insert openings 2738 and meshing engagement of teeth 2714, 2720, and engagement of flange 2736 in top lift insert well 2712b. The insertionof teeth 2714 in heel insert openings 2738, and the meshing engagement of teeth 2714, 2720 restrict the rotation of top lift insert 2704 relative to heel insert 2706.

[0172] The top lift insert and heel insert may have different numbers of complementary teeth and / or teeth with different profdes. FIGs. 39A-39C show an alternative embodiment of a heel system 2800, that has a substantially similar configuration and operation as heel system 2500. Heel system 2800 comprises a top lift insert 2804 and a heel insert 2806. Top lift insert 2804 is coupled to top lift 2502 in a similar manner as top lift insert 2504, and has six spaced teeth 2814 that project from the end of a shaft 2812. Teeth 2814 have a similar configuration as previously described teeth 2514. A well 2812b having a rim or outer wall 2812a is formed at the end of shaft 2812, and is flush with top lift outer surface 2502a. Teeth 2814 are positioned in and project from well 2812b, and extend beyond wall 2812a and top lift outer surface 2502a.

[0173] Heel insert 2806 is similar to heel insert 2506, and includes six teeth 2820 that have a similar configuration as previously described teeth 2520, and are complementary to top lift insert teeth 2814. Teeth 2820 are separated by spaces 2821, that are sized and shaped to receive top lift insert teeth 2814 for meshing or interlocking engagement of teeth 2814, 2820. Heel insert 2806 further comprises a ring-shaped flange 2836 that encircles teeth 2820 and spaces 2821, to form openings into the spaces (not shown) for receiving top lift insert teeth 2814 in the same manner as openings 2738. Well 2812b is sized and shaped to receive flange 2836, with top lift wall 2812a encircling flange 2836. The increased number of teeth 2814, 2820 improves the security of the meshing engagement of top lift insert 2804 and heel insert 2806, and also increases the number of possible alignments of top lift insert 2804 and top lift 2502 relative to heel insert 2806 and heel 2503, as previously described for heel system 2500.

[0174] In one embodiment, heel system 2800 includes a shaft 2808. stop 2728, and compressible elastic member 2832, that have a substantially similar configuration and operation as previously described shaft 2508, stop 2528, and compressible elastic member 2532 of heel system 2500.

[0175] The heel insert flange and the top lift insert well may also be configured to restrict the rotation of the top lift insert relative to the heel insert. FIGs. 40A-40D show an alternative embodiment of a heel system 2900, that has a substantially similar configuration and operation as heel system 2500. Heel system 2900 comprises a top lift insert 2904 and heel insert 2906. Top lift insert 2904 is coupled to top lift 2502 in a similar manner as top lift insert 2504, and comprises a well 2912b that is formed at the end of shaft 2912. Well 2912b has a rim or outer wall 2912a that is flush with top lift outer surface 2502a.

[0176] Heel insert 2906 has ends 2906a, 2906b, and a bore or channel 2926 that extends along the length of the body between ends 2906a, 2906b. A flange 2936 is positioned at end 2906a, and extends radially to the longitudinal axis of heel insert channel 2926. In one embodiment, flange 2936 is substantially planar and includes one or more tabs 2936a that are spaced apart and project radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of heel insert channel 2926. In a preferred embodiment, flange 2936 and tabs 2936a extend along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of heel insert channel 2926.

[0177] Top lift insert well 2912b is sized and shaped to receive heel insert flange 2936, such that the engagement of tabs 2936a in the well restricts the rotation of top lift insert 2904 relative to heel insert 2906. In one embodiment, well outer wall 2912a has one or more spaces or openings 2912c that are sized and shaped to receive tabs 2936a. The engagement of the tabs in wall openings 2912c restricts the rotation of flange 2936 in the well, and restricts the rotation of top lift insert 2904 relative to heel insert 2906. In the embodiment of FIGs. 40A-40D, flange 2936 has 3 tabs 2936a, and well outer wall 2912a has 3 openings 2912c for receiving the tabs.

[0178] In one embodiment, heel system 2900 includes a shaft 2908. stop 2928, and compressible elastic member 2932, that have a substantially configuration and operation as previously described shaft 2508, stop 2528, and compressible elastic member 2532 of heel system 2500.

[0179] A taper lock or squeeze lock is also contemplated. As used herein, taper lock and squeeze lock may be used interchangeably. Shown in FIG. 41 A through FIG. 45B are taper or squeeze locks in combination with an interchangeable cuff for securing to a heel or heel stem e.g., 114, 114’. Common heel shapes include a “D” shape or a round shape. Disclosed herein is at least a two-part taper lock coupler / coupling system that allows an annular cuff or ring carrying ornamental features to be securely attached anywhere along the heel or even at its base (called the top lift, e.g., 120, 120’). Also disclosed is a one-piece cover or cap is also disclosed, which can be adorned with ornamental features about its exterior surface.

[0180] An example taper lock coupling 4100 is shown in FIG. 41B. The coupling 4100 includes a body 4102 having a top opening 4104, an outer surface 4106, and an inner surface 4108. The inner surface 4108 is composed of a material having a hardness between 00 Shore 20 and Shore 70A. The outer surface 4106 is composed of amaterial having a hardness having a higher Shore value compared to the hardness of the material of the inner surface 4108. For example, the material of the outer surface 4106 can have a hardness of at least Shore D. The cuff or sleeve 4120 shown in FIG. 41A can have materials of dissimilar softness / hardness between the inner and outer surfaces of the cuff 4120. Although the inner section 4122 of thecuff is show n as round, it can alternatively have a D-shaped cross section, such as shown in FIG. 41D-1. The bottom (facing the ground) of the cuff 4120 can have an opening 4122 (such that it is a through-opening) or it can have a cap or cover (see 4112 in FIG. 41B) with any material disclosed herein for the tip materials (e.g., tire rubber). The bottom or cap can have a scuffed surface (e.g., plastic with scuff pattern) and have at least the same hardness as the outer surface (e.g.. Shore D or higher). This configuration can be referred to as a cover or cap because the structure 4120 resembles a cover or cap, where the bottom of the cover or cap when present (a la element 4112 in FIG. 41B) contacts the ground when installed on a heel.

[0181] FIG. 41D-1 has one or more openings or slits / slots 4130, 4132 that runs along the entire height of the body 4102 to allow the body 4102 to be separated slightly at the slot 4130 / 4132. This allows the coupling 4100 to be installed around any location along aheel 114, 114’ without sliding the coupling 4100 along the heel 114, 114’. Once the coupling 4100 has been installed at a desired location along the heel 114, 114’, the wearer releases the coupling 4130 / 4132, and it conforms around the heel 114, 114’. Thereafter, the cuff 4120 in installed over the coupling 4100 to secure both relative to the heel at the location.

[0182] To create the body 4102 having two materials of varying hardness (softness), two-shot injection molding and overmolding is used to create components from multiple materials or colors. Two-shot molding forms both materials in a single, combined cycle, while overmolding involves a separate step where a second material is molded onto a pre-existing part. These methods enhance product features, reduce assembly, and offer design flexibility while ensuring material compatibility. Preferably, a two-shot or two-stage molding process having a single cycle of injection molding to produce the body 4102 with two different materials (inner surface 4108 and outer surface 4106). The first material corresponding to the inner surface 4108 is injected into the mold to form an initial component, and the mold then rotates or the part is transferred to a second mold canty within the same cycle, where the second material corresponding to the outer surface 4108 is injected to bond with the first. This is suitable for high- volume production and creating strong bonds betw een the materials.

[0183] Overmolding can also be used and involves molding a second material onto a base component, often performed in a separate injection molding cycle. The first shot forms the substrate (inner surface 4108 material, which is then moved to an overmolding cavity. The second material (outer surface 4106 material) is then injected onto the substrate, creating the final part (body 4102). Overmolding can be used when the two materials require different molding processes.

[0184] Advantages of two-stage injection molding or overmolding include: enhanced functionality by combining different material properties (e.g., rigid structure with soft, grippy surfaces) into a single part; improved ergonomics and aesthetics by allowing for desirable textures, contrasting colors, and better product appearance; reduced assembly by eliminating the need for post-molding assembly steps, streamlining the manufacturing process; design flexibility by enabling more complex part designs and product features that would be difficult to achieve with a single material.

[0185] The two precursor resins should be compatible with one another so that they will bond well without adverse reactions during molding. The gate design must be suitable for both materials being used to ensure proper flow and bonding.

[0186] For ease of illustration, the reference numbers are not repeated in FIGS. 41B-41D. FIG. 4 IB and FIG. 41 D show a ‘'D-shaped” coupling that is configured to fit around a D-shaped heel 114, 114’, whereas FIG. 41C shows around or circular coupling that is configured to fit around a round or circular heel 114, 114’.

[0187] The inner surface 4108 of the body 4102 forms at least two walls 4202. 4204 (best seen in FIG. 42B, which is a cross-sectional view taken along Section A-A of the assembly shown in FIG. 42A) separated by a slot or an opening 4206 such that insertion of an object (such as a heel 114, 114’) into the top opening 4104 through the body 4102 causes the two walls 4202, 4204 to spread apart to form a taper lock. The two w alls 4204, 4204 can be tapered relative to one another to facilitate the spreading apart of the two walls 4204. 4204 responsive to insertion of the heel 114, 114’. A bottom opening 4110 (best seen in FIG. 42B) allows the coupling 4100 to be fully inserted over the heel 114, 114’ anywhere along the height of the stem.

[0188] FIG. 41A shows a cuff or annular structure 4120 that surrounds the body 4102 or other outer sleeve to form a two-part cuff system. The cuff 4120 can be adorned with one or more ornamental items or can be composed of ornamental materials, such as an iridescent or reflective material. First, the cuff 4120 is slid over the heel 114, 114’ follow ed by any of the taper lock couplings disclosed herein by inserting the heel 114, 114' through the opening 4104. The outer circumference of the opening 4104 is slightly smaller than the outer circumference and thanks to the relatively softer inner surface 4108 material, a snug fit is developed. As the taper lock coupling, e.g., 4100, is slid upwards against the heel 114, 114’, which may taper or flare out outw ardly slightly (see FIG. 1), the walls 4202, 4204 begin to open outwardly slightly. Once the taper lock coupling 4100 is in the desired position on the heel 114. 114’. then the cuff 4120 is slid over the body 4102 of the taper lock coupling 4100. The user may have to pressor squeeze together the walls 4202, 4204 of the body 4102, thanks to the softer material that composes the inner surface 4108. to allow an opening 4122 of the cuff 4120 to be received relative to the body 4102 of the taper lock coupling 4100, thereby forming a secure interface between the cuff 4120 and the coupling 4100 and preventing the entire assembly 4100, 4120 from sliding dow n the heel 114, 114’ as the wearer walks along the ground. The assembly 4100, 4120 can be placed anywhere along the heel 114, 114’ or even at the base / bottom of the heel 114, 114’ at the heel tip 120, 120’. The softer inner material also protects the heel from scuffing or scratches during installation, removal, and use.

[0189] As best seen in FIGS. 41B, 41C,and 42A, the opening 4104 can be curved as shown to maximize the surface area of the walls 4202, 4204 in contact with the heel 114, 114’ and to allow the walls 4202, 4204 to come apart or squeeze together slightly as the coupling 4100 is inserted into the heel stem 114, 114’ and the cuff 4120 is slid over the coupling 4100 at the desired installation location on the heel 114, 114’.

[0190] FIG. 41D shows two vertical slots or openings 4130, 4132 formed on opposite sides of the body 4102, which is particularly suited for irregular geometries such as an approximate D-shaped heel 114, 114’ to maximize the surface area that contacts the heel 114, 114’ and to allow- the walls 4204, 4204 to come apart and squeeze back together as the cuff 4120 is slid over the coupling 4100. Note that the coupling 4100 shown in FIG. 41B differs from that shown in FIG. 41D in the shape and number of openings or slots formed in the respective body 4102 of the coupling 4100.

[0191] Shown also is a fixed base 4112 opposite the top opening 4104 such that the object or support structure (heel 114, 114’) extends at least to the fixed base 4112. As discussed above, the coupling 4100 can stop anywhere along the height of the heel 114, 114' or can rest at the bottom near the top lift 120, 120’. The fixed base 4112 is shown as round but can be any geometry but generally its outer circumference or contour follows the contour or outer circumference geometry of the cuff 4210. Preferably, the fixed base 4112 is slightly smaller than the cuff 4210 (best seen in FIG. 42B) and not wider or larger than the cuff 4210 so as not to protrude when the coupling 4100 and base 4112 are mated together.

[0192] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 43 A-44B show a closed base 4312 that does not have an opening like the bottom opening 4110 shown in FIG. 42B to stop the coupling 4300 at the top lift 120, 120' of the shoe. This type of coupling can be referred to as a cover or cap herein because it does not slide along the length of the heel. There can still be an opening or hole in the base 4312, but it would have a circumference smaller than the circumference of the top lift 120, 120’ so that insertion of the coupling 4300 over the top lift 120, 120’ would causeit to stop once the base 4312 contacts the bottom of the top lift 120, 120'. The cuff 4120 shown in FIG. 43A has a top opening 4122, which can be received directly around a heel 114, 114'. Again, the inner surface of the cuff 4120 can have a different (softer) hardness compared to the outer surface of the cuff 4120, and the cross-section can be circular / round as shown or D-shaped, such as shown in FIG. 43B-1. When a coupling 4300 such as shown in FIG. 43B is coupled with the cuff 4120, a slit / opening / slot 4206 can be present to allow a slight expansion of the body 4102 of the coupling 4300 as it is slid upwards (away from ground) along the heel 114, 114’ and then compresses again once the cuff 4120 in installed therearound (such as shown in FIG. 43B-1). Another coupling 4300’ is shown in FIG. 43C with a round / circular shaped cross section. A cuff 4120 can be inserted around the coupling 4300’ such as shown in FIG.44B. The slot / opening / slit 4206 running along a height of the body 4120 allows the body 4120 to expand while being inserted along the heel 114, 114’ and then compress against the heel 114, 114’ once the cuff / sleeve 4120 is installed therearound.

[0193] FIGS. 45A-45B illustrate another embodiment involving cooperating threads. Here, a taper lock coupling 4500 has a body 4502 having an outer surface that includes a first thread 4532. Correspondingly, an inner surface of an outer sleeve or cuff 4520 has a second thread 4534 to threadingly engage with the first thread 4532 as the outer sleeve or cuff 4520 is rotated relative to the body 4502 (or vice versa). As best seen in FIG. 45B, a slot or opening 4506 formed along a height of the body 4502 of the coupling 4500 allows the body 4502 to be spread apart slightly to be installed along any location along the heel 114. 114’ without having to slide the body 4502 along the heel 114, 114’. This protects the heel from any damage and allows precise locating of the coupling 4500 along the heel. Once installed at the desired location, the wearer / installer releases the body 4502, which collapses around the heel 114. 114’ allowing the cuff / sleeve 4520 to be screwed onto the first threads 4532. The cuff / sleeve 4520 has to be pre-inserted around the heel 114, 114’ at a position above where the coupling 4500 is to be installed. An optional hexagonal shaped base 4512 can be present to facilitate screwing the coupling 4500 relative to the cuff / sleeve 4520.

[0194] In some configurations, the couplings disclosed herein, e.g., 4100, 4300, 4500. have a height not exceeding one inch, and any of the cuffs / sleeves disclosed herein, e.g., 4120, 4520, can have a heigh not exceeding one inch. In other configurations, the couplings have a height not exceeding two inches, and any of the cuffs / sleeves can have a heigh not exceeding two inches.

[0195] Either of the walls 4204, 4204 of any of the couplings can terminate toward a bottom of the body at a ramp feature 4140 (best seen in FIG. 41C). The ramp feature 4140facilitates the spreading apart of the at least two walls 4204, 4204 responsive to insertion of the heel 114. 114’ against the ramp feature 4140. The ramp feature 4140 does not extend into the opening 4104 (see FIG. 42B).

[0196] A kit is also disclosed and includes any taper lock coupling disclosed herein and any heel system disclosed herein. The kit can further include any cuff or sleeve disclosed herein.

[0197] A method of securing a first object to a fixed object using any taper lock coupling herein is also disclosed. The method includes inserting an opening of the first object through the fixed object; responsive to inserting the first object, inserting an opening of the taper lock coupling through the fixed object; and moving the first object or the taper lock coupling relative to one another along the fixed object until the first object forms a secure connection against an outer surface of the taper lock coupling while an inner surface of the taper lock coupling compresses to secure the taper lock coupling to the fixed object.

[0198] The above description only provides an explanation of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and the technical principles used. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the inventive scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the technical solutions formed by the particular combinations of the above-described technical features. The inventive scope should also cover other technical solutions formed by any combinations of the above-described technical features or equivalent features thereof without departing from the concept of the disclosure. Technical schemes formed by the above-described features being interchanged with, but not limited to, technical features with similar functions disclosed in the present disclosure are examples.

[0199] The above description only provides an explanation of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and the technical principles used. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the inventive scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the technical solutions formed by the particular combinations of the above-described technical features. The inventive scope should also cover other technical solutions formed by any combinations of the above-described technical features or equivalent features thereof without departing from the concept of the disclosure. Technical schemes formed by the above-described features being interchanged with, but not limited to, technical features with similar functions disclosed in the present disclosure are examples.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A heel system for coupling a heel and a top lift of a footwear, the heel including a heel outer surface, and the top lift including a top lift outer surface configured for flush contact with the heel outer surface, the heel system comprising:a heel insert including a body with a heel insert end and a heel insert channel extending through the body, a plurality’ of first teeth projecting from the heel insert end, and a flange positioned at the heel insert end;a top lift insert including a top lift end, a top lift channel, a plurality of second teeth projecting from the top lift end, and a well formed at the top lift end;a shaft coupling the top lift insert and heel insert, the heel insert channel and top lift channel sized and shaped to receive the shaft;wherein the plurality of first teeth and plurality of second teeth have complementary configurations for meshing engagement, and the well is sized and shaped to receive the flange.

2. The heel system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second teeth project from the well.

3. The heel system of claim 2, wherein the well has an outer wall that is flush with the top lift outer surface, and the flange projects from the heel outer surface.

4. The heel system of claim 1, wherein the heel insert channel has a longitudinal axis, the plurality of first teeth extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the flange extends radially to the longitudinal axis.

5. The heel system of claim 4, wherein the flange comprises a ring encircling the plurality of first teeth.

6. The heel system of claim 5, further comprising spaces formed between the plurality of first teeth, wherein the ring encloses the spaces to form openings that are sized and shaped to receive the plurality of second teeth.

7. The heel system of claim 1, wherein the heel insert channel is sized and shaped to slidingly receive the shaft and reversibly engage the plurality of first teeth and plurality of second teeth, and reversibly receive the flange in the well.

8. The heel system of claim 7, wherein the heel insert channel is sized and shaped to rotatably receive the shaft for rotation of the top lift insert relative to the heel insert.

9. The heel system of claim 8, wherein the flange is received in the well to restrict the rotation of the top lift insert relative to the heel insert.

10. A heel system for coupling a heel and a top lift of a footwear, the heel including a heel outer surface, and the top lift including a top lift outer surface configured for flush contact with the heel outer surface, the heel system comprising:a heel insert including a body with a heel insert end and a heel insert channel extending through the body and having a longitudinal axis, a plurality of first teeth projecting from the heel insert end substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a flange positioned at the heel insert end and extending along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;a top lift insert including a top lift end, a top lift channel, a well formed at the top lift end and that is sized and shaped to receive the flange, and a plurality of second teeth projecting from the well;a shaft coupling the top lift insert and heel insert, the heel insert channel and top lift channel sized and shaped to receive the shaft;wherein the plurality of first teeth and plurality of second teeth have complementary7configurations for meshing engagement.

11. The heel system of claim 10, wherein the well has an outer rim that is flush with the top lift outer surface, and the flange projects from the heel outer surface.

12. The heel system of claim 10, further comprising spaces formed between the plurality of first teeth, and wherein the flange comprises a ring encircling the plurality of first teeth and encircling the spaces to form openings that are sized and shaped to receive the plurality of second teeth.

13. A heel system for coupling a heel and a top lift of a footwear, the heel including a heel outer surface, and the top lift including a top lift outer surface configured for flush contact with the heel outer surface, the heel system comprising:a heel insert including a body with a heel insert end, a heel insert channel that extends through the body, and a flange positioned at the heel insert end;a top lift insert including a top lift end, a top lift channel, and a well formed at the top lift end;a shaft rotatably coupling the top lift insert and heel insert, the heel insert channel and top lift channel sized and shaped to receive the shaft;wherein the heel insert channel has a longitudinal axis, the flange extends radially to the longitudinal axis, and the well is sized and shaped to receive the flange and restrict the rotation of the top lift insert relative to the heel insert.

14. The heel system of claim 13, wherein the flange extends along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

15. The heel system of claim 13, wherein the well has an outer wall, and an opening in the outer wall that is sized and shaped to receive the flange.

16. The heel system of claim 13, wherein the flange is one of a plurality of flanges extending radially to the longitudinal axis, and the opening is one of a plurality of openings in the outer wall; andwherein the plurality of openings are sized and shaped to receive the plurality of flanges and restrict the rotation of the top lift insert relative to the heel insert.

17. The heel system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of flanges extends along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

18. A taper lock coupling, comprising:a body having a top opening, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the inner surface being composed of a material having a hardness between 00 Shore 20 and Shore 70A, the outer surface being composed of a material having a hardness having a higher Shore value compared to the hardness of the material of the inner surface;the inner surface of the body forming at least two walls separated by an opening such that insertion of an object into the top opening through the body causes the two walls to spread apart to form a taper lock.

19. The taper lock coupling of claim 18, further comprising an outer sleeve configured to surround the body and to be held securely thereagainst by the taper lock formed by the spreading of the two walls.

20. The taper lock coupling of claim 19, in combination with a cuff or annular structure surrounding the outer sleeve or wherein the outer sleeve includes a cuff or annular structure.

21. The taper lock coupling of claim 18, further comprising a fixed base opposite the top opening such that the object extends to the fixed base.

22. The taper lock coupling of claim 18, in combination with a support structure to which the taper lock coupling is coupled, the support structure extending into the top opening of the body to form a secure coupling between the support structure and the inner surface of the body.

23. The taper lock coupling of claim 18, wherein the material of the outer surface has ahardness of at least Shore D.

24. The taper lock coupling of claim 19, wherein the outer surface of the body includes a first thread, and an inner surface of the outer sleeve includes a second thread such that the first thread and the second thread are threadingly engaged with one another as the outer sleeve is rotated relative to the body.

25. The taper lock coupling of claim 19, wherein the outer sleeve forms an interference fit relative to the outer surface of the body such that the inner surface compresses responsive to the object being inserted into the body via the top opening thereof.

26. The taper lock coupling of claim 20, wherein the outer sleeve includes a top flange and a bottom flange to hold the cuff or annular structure against the outer sleeve between the top flange and the bottom flange.

27. The taper lock coupling of claim 18, wherein the body has a height not exceeding one inch.

28. The taper lock coupling of claim 18, wherein the object is a heel of a footwear.

29. The taper lock coupling of claim 18, wherein the opening separating the at least two walls has a serpentine or curved shape from a top of the body toward a bottom of the body.

30. The taper lock coupling of claim 18, wherein the at least two walls are tapered relative to one another to facilitate the spreading apart of the two walls responsive to insertion of the object.

31. The taper lock coupling of claim 18, wherein one of the at least two walls terminates toward a bottom of the body at a ramp feature, the ramp feature facilitating the spreading apart of the at least two walls responsive to insertion of the object against the ramp feature.

32. The taper lock coupling of claim 18, wherein the body includes a bottom opening opposite the top opening to allow the object to pass completely through the body responsive to being inserted therethrough.

33. A kit comprising the taper lock coupling of claim 18 and aheel system for coupling a heel and a top lift of a footwear, the heel including a heel outer surface, and the top lift including a top lift outer surface configured for flush contact with the heel outer surface, the heel system comprising:a heel insert including a body with a heel insert end and a heel insert channel extending through the body, a plurality' of first teeth projecting from the heel insert end, and a flange positioned at the heel insert end;a top lift insert including a top lift end. a top lift channel, a plurality of second teeth projecting from the top lift end, and a well formed at the top lift end;a shaft coupling the top lift insert and heel insert, the heel insert channel and top lift channel sized and shaped to receive the shaft;wherein the plurality of first teeth and plurality of second teeth have complementary configurations for meshing engagement, and the well is sized and shaped to receive the flange.

34. The kit of claim 33, further comprising the outer sleeve of claim 19.

35. The kit of claim 34, further comprising the cuff or annular structure of claim 20.

36. A method of securing a first object to a fixed object using a taper lock coupling of claim 18, comprising the steps of:inserting an opening of the first object through the fixed object;responsive to inserting the first obj ect, inserting an opening of the taper lock coupling through the fixed object; andmoving the first object or the taper lock coupling relative to one another along the fixed object until the first object forms a secure connection against an outer surface of the taper lock coupling while an inner surface of the taper lock coupling compresses to secure the taper lock coupling to the fixed object.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein the first object includes the outer sleeve of claim 19 and the cuff or annular structure of claim 20.

38. The taper lock coupling of claim 19, wherein insertion of the outer sleeve surrounding the body causes the at least two walls to be urged toward one another to form an interference fit or a press fit relative to the object.

39. A coupling, comprising:a body having a top opening, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the inner surface being composed of a material having a hardness between 00 Shore 20 and Shore 70A, the outer surface being composed of a material having a hardness having a higher Shore value compared to the hardness of the material of the inner surface.

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