Interchangable shoe heel

Abstract

An interchangeable shoe heel for a shoe having a shoe body with a heel part, the heel part having a metal rod extending over at least half the length of the shoe heel, and connected to the heel part, the rod protruding with its free end from the heel part. The shoe heel has a first part having an upper recess into which the rod engages with its free end and/or the heel part. The upper recess has a support surface, e.g., a collar or base wall, on its inner wall, on which the rod or a support area of the heel part is supported in the axial direction of the rod. A heel tip is arranged on the lower end of the first part, and the first part is covered by and connected to an encasing wall, extending from the heel tip up to the shoe body.

Claims

1. An interchangeable shoe heel system, including: a first shoe heel part configured to be moulded or attached to a shoe body of a shoe, the first shoe heel part including a metal rod extending over at least half of a length of the interchangeable shoe heel system, wherein a free end of the metal rod protrudes from the first shoe heel part; and an interchangeable second shoe heel part, including: a first portion having an upper recess into which the free end of the metal rod engages and/or wherein the upper recess engages with some other portion of the first shoe heel part, wherein the upper recess has a support surface in the form of a collar or base wall on an inner wall of the upper recess, which supports the rod or supports a support surface of the first shoe heel part, a heel tip arranged on a lower end of the first portion, and an encasing wall, encasing the first portion and connecting to the first portion, wherein the encasing wall extends from the heel tip up to the shoe body.

2. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 1, wherein the encasing wall includes means to attach the interchangeable second shoe heel part to the first shoe heel part and/or to a shoe body when the first shoe heel part is moulded or attached to the shoe body.

3. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 2, wherein the interchangeable second shoe heel part contains at least one snap-on connection mechanism configured to engage with at least one component of the first shoe heel part.

4. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one portion of the first shoe heel part is in an upper area of the first shoe heel part, which interacts with the encasing wall.

5. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one snap-on connection comprises a spring-loaded engaging or clamping part, in the form of a sphere or hemisphere, which is configured to engage or clamp into a recess of the encasing wall.

6. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 1, wherein the encasing wall of the interchangeable second shoe heel part includes a return configured to form a snap-on connection with at least one projection extending transversally to a longitudinal extension on a sleeve surface of the first shoe heel part.

7. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 1, wherein the encasing wall of the interchangeable second shoe heel part includes an engagement mechanism, located at an upper end of the encasing wall, and configured to form a mechanical connection with a shoe body when the first shoe heel part is moulded or attached to the shoe body.

8. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 7, wherein the engagement mechanism includes a first connection piece, which is attached to a rear end of a shoe body when the first shoe heel part is moulded or attached to the shoe body, wherein a further, second connection piece, which is attached to the encasing wall is configured to be attached to the first connection piece by a snap-on connection or by a screw or a snap-on element.

9. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 1, wherein the first portion is made from brass.

10. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 1, wherein the first portion has a conical form.

11. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 1, wherein the encasing wall has a constant wall thickness.

12. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises at least one guide, extending in a vertical direction, wherein the at least one guide is enabled to interact with guide surfaces arranged on an outer wall of the first shoe heel part and to form or provide anti-twist protection and positioning between the first portion and the first shoe heel part.

13. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 1, wherein the encasing wall comprises at least one guide extending in a vertical direction, wherein the at least one guide is enabled to interact with guide surfaces arranged on an outer wall of the first shoe heel part and to form or provide anti-twist protection and positioning between the encasing wall and the first shoe heel part.

14. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the encasing wall adjoins a shoe body, when the first shoe heel part is moulded or attached to the shoe body, and when the interchangeable second shoe heel part and the first shoe heel part are engaged with each other.

15. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 1, wherein there is a gap between an upper face of the encasing wall and a shoe body, when the first shoe heel part is moulded or attached to the shoe body, and when the interchangeable second shoe heel part and the first shoe heel part are engaged with each other.

16. An interchangeable shoe heel system, including: a first shoe heel part configured to be moulded or attached to a shoe body of a shoe, the first shoe heel part including a metal rod extending over at least half of a length of the interchangeable shoe heel system, wherein a free end of the metal rod protrudes from the first shoe heel part; and an interchangeable second shoe heel part, including: a first portion having an upper recess into which the free end of the metal rod engages and/or wherein the upper recess engages with some other portion of the first shoe heel part, wherein the upper recess has a support surface in the form of a collar or base wall on an inner wall of the upper recess, which supports the rod or supports a support surface of the first shoe heel part, a heel tip arranged on a lower end of the first portion, and an encasing wall covering and connecting to the first portion, wherein the encasing wall extends from the heel tip up to the shoe body, and wherein the first portion further includes a metal sleeve, wherein the metal sleeve has an upper face that forms a supporting surface for the support surface of the first shoe heel part, and wherein the sleeve forms the upper recess for the rod.

17. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 16, wherein the free end of the metal rod is enclosed with a form-fit in the metal sleeve.

18. The interchangeable shoe heel system according to claim 16 wherein the heel tip has a projection, which is enabled to be retained in a hollow space of the sleeve or of the first portion using a press fit.

19. A shoe including: a shoe body; a heel part that is moulded or attached to the shoe body, wherein the heel part has a metal rod that is connected to the heel part, wherein the rod protrudes with a free end from the heel part; and an interchangeable shoe heel including: a first part having an upper recess into which the free end of the rod of the heel part of the shoe body engages, and/or the first part engages with some other portion of the heel part of the shoe body, wherein the upper recess has a support surface in the form of a collar or base wall on an inner wall of the upper recess, which supports the rod in an axial direction of the rod or supports a support surface of the heel part, a heel tip arranged on the lower end of the first part, and an encasing wall encasing the first part and connecting to the first part, wherein the encasing wall extends from the heel tip up to the shoe body.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) Exemplary embodiments of the invention and its embodiments or configurations, and further advantages are indicated by the description and the drawing below.

(2) This shows as follows:

(3) FIG. 1 a longitudinal section through a shoe body with heel part and an interchangeable heel attached thereto;

(4) FIG. 1a part of the longitudinal section through a shoe body with heel part and snap-on connection with snap fastener on the inside of the inner side of the heel part;

(5) FIG. 1b a longitudinal section of the individual parts of the snap-on connection with snap fastener;

(6) FIG. 1c snap-on connection with snap fastener, wherein the connection means are secured to the inner side of the heel part by means of a screwed-on plate;

(7) FIG. 1d the inner side of the encasing wall with window-like recess for the snap fastener;

(8) FIG. 1e part of the longitudinal section through a shoe body with interchangeable heel with heel part and snap-on connection, having a swivelling element, which is pushed spring-loaded into a window-like recess of the encasing wall;

(9) FIG. 1f a longitudinal section through a shoe body with interchangeable heel with heel part with first part and recess for the metal rod and heel patch pin;

(10) FIG. 2 a view of the shoe body from behind with a locking screw connection with the heel counter of the shoe body and interchangeable shoe heel;

(11) FIG. 3 a view of the lower end of the heel counter of the shoe body with a locking screw connection for connection with the interchangeable shoe heel;

(12) FIG. 3a a longitudinal section of the upper and lower part of the locking screw connection according to FIG. 3;

(13) FIG. 3b a view of the upper and lower separated part of the locking screw connection according to FIG. 3;

(14) FIG. 3c a longitudinal section of the upper and lower part of the opened locking screw connection according to FIG. 3;

(15) FIG. 4 a view of the lower end of the heel counter of a stirrup lock connection with the interchangeable shoe heel part;

(16) FIG. 4a a longitudinal section of the upper and lower part of the stirrup lock connection according to FIG. 4;

(17) FIG. 4b a view of the upper part with cover (stirrup) folded upwards and lower separated part of the stirrup lock connection according to FIG. 4;

(18) FIG. 4c a longitudinal section of the upper and lower part of the open stirrup lock connection according to FIG. 4.

(19) FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a shoe body 5a (represented in part only), with a heel part 1 attached to it (or to its base). The interchangeable shoe heel comprises the first part 3, of the encasing wall 2, the sleeve 3a and the heel tip 4.

(20) The heel part 1 can be connected in the conventional manner with the shoe body 5 by means of nailing, gluing, stitching, screwing or similar. The heel part 1 extends over at least half, advantageously at least of the entire length or height of the heel. The heel part is extended by the sleeve 3a and the heel tip 4. The forces exerted during walking are therefore transmitted via the sleeve 3a into the metal rod 1a and the heel part 1 into the shoe body 5. The sleeve comprises metal, particularly brass.

(21) The encasing wall 2 is spaced apart from the heel part 1 above the first part 3 and rests merely with its upper end where it adjoins the shoe body 5 on the heel part 1. The narrower the shoe heel and thus the encasing wall 2 is, the smaller is the distance between the encasing wall 2 and the heel part 1. It is also possible for the encasing wall to rest across a large area on the heel part with its inner surface.

(22) The interchangeable shoe heel shown has a medium area. The upper part of the interchangeable shoe heel is therefore hollow. In large area interchangeable shoe heel parts, the hollow space is greater than in narrower heel parts.

(23) A metal rod 1a in steel is injection moulded or stuck into the heel part 1, which at the upper end due to the mounting by a screw and above all at the lower end 1b is hollow, so that when striking and during storage with the wall 1d it does not bend in the sleeve 3a. The metal rod 1a can also have a hollow configuration over its entire axial length. The sleeve 3a, which accommodates the lower end of the metal rod 1b, preferably comprises brass. A brass sleeve has a self-lubricating function preventing it jamming with the metal rod 1a. The sleeve 3a also has a lower recess for the pin 4a of the heel tip 4. The sleeve 3a can also be made of steel. In this case, the sleeve 3a should be filled with silicon to ensure proper lubrication between the parts.

(24) The first part 3 is connected with the encasing wall 2, e.g. by means of sticking or injection moulding and has a recess for the lower end of the heel part 1 and the metal rod 1a. The sleeve 3a can be injection moulded or stuck into the first part.

(25) Optionally, an anti-twist device 1d, 3d can be provided between the heel part 1 and the first part 3, which prevents, particularly with large area heels, the parts being twisted against each other during walking.

(26) The metal sleeve 3a can, as represented in FIG. 1f, be dispensed with if the first part 3 comprises a solid plastic or glass-fibre-reinforced plastic.

(27) The encasing wall 2 has a constant wall thickness and extends from the heel tip 4 upwards to the shoe body 5. Play or gap SP, e.g. of 0.5 mm, may be provided for between the encasing wall 2 and the shoe body 5, so that the encasing wall 2 or the shoe body 5 is not damaged. It is also possible for the sole to be flocked to reduce wear.

(28) As indicated above, the first part 3 and the encasing wall 2 can also have a one-piece configuration.

(29) Through the recess 3e in the sleeve 3a or first part for the heel pin 4a, the heel tip 4 as before can be changed independently or by a shoemaker, if it has become worn.

(30) Since the encasing wall 2 encloses the heel part 1 fully or as far as the sole, this ensures optimum visual and design possibilities as with a conventional non-interchangeable heel. The heel part 1 or upper part of the heel part no longer has to have additional lacquer applied either, with resultant cost savings. The heel part 1 can be made in any desired colour from plastic, irrespective of the colour of the heel or shoe.

(31) The interchangeable heel 2, 3, 4 is held in position and prevented from twisting by 2 guide rods 1c of heel part 1. Play between the guide rods should be avoided. Via the guide rods 1c a clamping effect of the interchangeable heel part is achieved. This can be achieved in an effective and economical manner with an encasing wall 2 in suitable material having elastic properties and is necessary especially with medium- to large-area heels. With narrow-area heels the form fit also serves to prevent twisting.

(32) The interchangeable shoe heel is connected by means of the locking part 2d with the heel counter 5a of the shoe body 5. Two possible configurations of the locking part 2d are explained in more detail in FIGS. 3-4c.

(33) FIG. 1a shows a second possible embodiment, the essential structure of which corresponds substantially to FIG. 1, wherein a snap-on connection 7, arranged on the inner side of the heel, connects the interchangeable shoe heel with the heel part 1.

(34) The snap-on connection 7 comprises a snap fastener 7c, a plate 7d, attached by three screws 7e to the heel part 1, and a spring.

(35) The heel part 1 has a recess 7b for the spring, which is supported by one end on the floor of the recess 7b and by its other end on the inner side of the snap fastener 7c. The plate 7d has a window-like opening, through which the snap fastener 7c protrudes, wherein a collar moulded onto the snap fastener 7c prevents complete penetration through the opening. The collar is similarly inset in the recess 7b. The plate 7d is advantageously made of metal. The snap fastener 7c can have a hollow configuration. The part of the snap fastener 7c, engaging in the window-like recess 2f of the encasing wall 2, can as shown have a square but also round, e.g. spherical or hemispherical, configuration.

(36) The movable round part of the snap fastener 7c snaps or engages in a recess 2f, adapted to the form and size of the snap fastener 7c, and is retained by the spring in the snapped-in position. The shoe heel is removed by pressing on the snap fastener 7c, so that this is pushed out of the snapped-in position against the force of the spring 7a and no longer engages in the recess 2f.

(37) FIG. 1b shows the parts of the snap-on connection 7 according to FIG. 1a. FIG. 1c is shows a longitudinal section in the area of the plate 7d through the snap-on connection according to FIG. 1a. FIG. 1c is shows the encasing wall 2 with its window-like recess 2f. The recess 2f is located a few centimetres below the sole.

(38) FIG. 1e shows a further possible third embodiment, which in terms of the essential structure of the heel corresponds substantially to the embodiment of FIG. 1. The snap-on connection 7 has a housing part 7g, which can be inserted in a recess of the heel part 1 and, for example, can be secured there by means of gluing or screws. In the housing part 7g a part 7a able to swivel about axis 7i is supported, which by means of a spring is pushed into the snapped-in position (shown). The snap-on connection can be released by pushing part 7a against the spring force through the window-like recess 2f of the encasing wall 2 into the housing part 7g.

(39) FIG. 1f shows a further possible embodiment, which in terms of the essential structure corresponds substantially to FIG. 1, but without the metal sleeve. In this embodiment, the first part 3 is preferably made from high-strength plastic or metal. The first part 3 has an upper first recess 3g for engagement of the heel part 1, forming a collar 3k, which supports the heel part 1 with its lower support surface 1as. Free end 1b of the metal rod 1a sits with a form fit in a recess 3f delimited downwards by the first recess 3g. The first part 3 also has a lower recess 3e for accommodating the pin 4a of the heel tip 4. The first part 3 is fully enclosed by the encasing wall 2, wherein the wall 2 as far as possible is applied and attached with a large, advantageously its full, surface to the first part 3.

(40) FIG. 2 shows a view of the heel counter 5a of the shoe body 5. On the heel counter 5a, a connection means 2a, 2d is arranged with which the encasing wall 2 with its upper edge can be attached to the shoe body 5, 5a. Two possible configurations of the connection means are explained in more detail in FIGS. 3-4c.

(41) FIG. 3 shows a first possible embodiment of the connection between shoe body and interchangeable shoe heel, as a screw lock.

(42) The first locking part 2d is arranged on the lower end of the heel counter 5a of the shoe body 5 and the associated locking part 2e is arranged on the wall 2. The locking part 2d is attached by means of a screw 9 to the heel counter 5a and the locking part 2e is attached by means of the screw 9 to the wall 2. On the first locking part 2d a tab 2a is moulded, having a window-like recess for penetration by a screw S. The second locking part 2e can have the projection 8b, which can serve for form-fitting engagement in the recess 8c of the first locking part 2d. The second locking part 2e also has a recess with internal thread 2au, in which the connecting screw S can be screwed for detachable connection of the parts 2d, 2e, FIG. 3a shows the locking parts 2d, 2e screwed together.

(43) The first locking part 2d can be attached with the help of a thin metal plate 12 to the heel counter of the shoe body 5a with two screws 9. The heel counter of the shoe body 5a can comprise a leather layer 10 with reinforcement 11 and board-like material. If the interchangeable shoe heel does not go completely as far as the sole, there is a small gap 20 between the two locking parts 2d, 2e.

(44) FIG. 3b shows an enlarged view of the two locking parts 2d, 2e. The upper first locking part has a recess 8c for the pin 8b of the lower locking part 2e.

(45) FIG. 3c shows a view of the unconnected locking parts 2d, 2e.

(46) FIG. 4 shows a second possible embodiment of the connection between shoe body 5a and interchangeable shoe heel in the form of a stirrup lock.

(47) The locking part 14b is positioned on the lower end of the heel counter 5a of the shoe body 5 and the associated locking part 14a is positioned on the upper end of the encasing wall 2.

(48) FIG. 4a shows a longitudinal section of the stirrup lock. The upper locking part, attached to the heel counter 5a of the shoe body 5, comprises a base part 19a and a stirrup 14b, which interacts with the lower locking part 19, which is attached to the encasing wall 2. The connection can be released if the stirrup 14b is folded upwards and the pin 17 of the lower locking part 19 releases from the recess for the pin 17 of the upper locking part 19a.

(49) The upper locking part 19a can be attached using a thin metal plate 12 to the heel counter 5a of the shoe body 5 with two screws 9. The heel counter 5a of the shoe body 5 can also comprise a leather layer 10 with reinforcement 11 and board-like material. In the upper and lower locking part 19, 19a there is a recess 9au with thread for mounting the screw on the shoe body 5 and encasing wall 2.

(50) FIG. 4b shows an enlarged view of the unconnected locking parts 19a and 19. FIG. 4c shows an enlarged view of the unconnected locking parts 19 and 19a.

(51) In both embodiments shown, the locking parts are for practical purposes arranged on the outside of the heel. The connections in the form of a lock or magnets can be manually released very quickly without tools. They can also be arranged differently, such as for example in the inside of the shoe body, or on the inner side of the heel, although this makes the design and operation, and therefore changing the heel, more difficult.

(52) Further locking connections that can be considered are as follows:

(53) butterfly catch, magnetic catch, clip catch, locking connections with sash fastener, hook closure, Velcro fastener, bikini fastener, bag clasp, case lock, belt clip, S-hook clasp, ring clasp, cable clasp, spring hook clasp or clamping fastener.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(54) 1 Heel part, particularly with the heel part firmly attached to the shoe body 1a Metal rod 1a Free end of the metal rod 1as Support surface of the heel part 1b Hollow space of the metal rod 1c Guide surface on the top of the core part 1d Guide surface on the inner sleeve 1m Sleeve surface 1o Heel part in the upper area 2 Encasing wall (part of the interchangeable heel) 2a Cover of connection part 2au Recess for thread 2b Guide S Screw 2d Upper connection part 2e Lower connection part 2f Window-like opening 3 Inner sleeve (part of interchangeable heel) 3a Sleeve 3ao Supporting surface 3b Guide 3bo Base wall 3c End metal rod 3e Sleeve hollow space 3f Metal rod recess 3g Upper recess 3gi Metal rod recess 3k Collar 4 Heel tip 4a Pin 5 Shoe body 5a Heel counter of the shoe body 6 Sole 7 Snap-on connection 7a Clamping and engaging part with spring 7b Snap-on connection recess 7c Snap fastener hollow space 7d Metal plate 7e Screw 7g Housing 7h Sliding element hollow space 7i Pin recess 8a Recess pin 8b Pin 9 Upper locking part screw 9au Recess for thread 10 Leather 11 Reinforcement leather 12 Metal plate 13 Board-like material 14 Upper locking part with protrusion 14a Lower locking part with protrusion 14b Stirrup 14c Stirrup recess 15 Lower locking part screw 16 Metal pin for hinge 17 Pin 17a Pin recess 18 Engaging part 18a Bushing 19 Lower locking part 19a Upper locking part 20 Gap SP Gap between the upper face 2s of the wall 2 and the shoe body 5, 5a