ADJUSTABLE SHOE AND SHOE BASE FOR AN ADJUSTABLE SHOE

Abstract

An adjustable shoe configured to stand on a base surface, the adjustable shoe including at least one shoe sole; and at least one heel, wherein the at least one shoe sole is divided respectively into at least two shoe sole elements which are arranged at least indirectly behind one another in a longitudinal direction of the at least one shoe sole, wherein the at least two shoe sole elements include a toe element and a heel element, wherein adjacent shoe sole elements of the at least two shoe sole elements are respectively connected with each other by at least one joint arrangement, wherein the adjacent sole elements are pivotable relative to one another by the joint arrangement.

Claims

1. An adjustable shoe configured to stand on a base surface, the adjustable shoe comprising: at least one shoe sole; and at least one heel, wherein the at least one shoe sole is divided respectively into at least two shoe sole elements which are arranged at least indirectly behind one another in a longitudinal direction of the at least one shoe sole, wherein the at least two shoe sole elements include a toe element and a heel element, wherein adjacent shoe sole elements of the at least two shoe sole elements are respectively connected with each other by at least one joint arrangement, wherein the adjacent sole elements are pivotable relative to one another through the at least one joint arrangement, wherein at least the heel element and at least one shoe sole element which is adjacent to the at least one heel element are connectable torque-proof in at least one interlocking position in a tall condition of the adjustable shoe, wherein the at least one heel is movable relative to the at least one shoe sole at least between an active position and a passive position so that the adjustable shoe is adjustable at least between the tall condition and a flat condition, wherein the at least one shoe sole includes a heel compartment in which the at least one heel is storable in the passive position of the heel, wherein a shoe heel surface which is arranged at a bottom side of the heel element and which faces the base surface is offset from the base surface in the active position of the at least one heel in which the at least one heel is arranged in a force transmitting manner at least at the at least one heel element and contacts the base surface with a heel surface, and wherein the shoe heel surface is in direct contact with the base surface in the passive position of the at least one heel.

2. The adjustable shoe according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heel is arranged at a remaining shoe when the at least one heel is provided in the passive position so that the at least one heel is completely protected from a direct contact with the base surface.

3. The adjustable shoe according to claim 1, wherein at least 70%, or at least 80% or at least 90% of a sole surface of the at least two shoe sole elements is in direct contact with the base surface in the flat condition of the adjustable shoe.

4. The adjustable shoe according to claim 1, wherein the at least one shoe sole is divided into at least three shoe sole elements including the toe element, a center element and the heel element, and wherein the center element is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the shoe sole between the toe element and the heel element.

5. The adjustable shoe according to claim 1, wherein the heel compartment extends at least in two shoe sole elements, or in the heel element and a shoe sole element that is adjacent to the heel element, or in the heel element and a center element.

6. The adjustable shoe according to claim 1, wherein the shoe heel surface by which the adjustable shoe rests in the flat condition on the base surface has at least 5 times a size, or 10 times a size, or 20 times a size of the heel surface by which the heel of the adjustable shoe rests on the base surface in the tall position of the adjustable shoe.

7. The adjustable shoe according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one cover element configured to cover the heel compartment, wherein a bottom side of the at least one cover element that is oriented towards the base surface terminates flush with a sole surface of the adjustable shoe sole that is oriented towards the base surface.

8. The adjustable shoe according to claim 7, wherein the at least one cover element is movable relative to a remainder of the adjustable shoe, or configured rotatable so that the at least one cover element is orientable towards the base surface in a tall condition of the adjustable shoe and in a flat condition of the adjustable shoe respectively with different surfaces of the at least one cover element.

9. The adjustable shoe according to claim 1, wherein at least the toe element and a shoe sole element adjacent to the toe element are fixable relative to each other at least in an angled position of the joint arrangement that connects the toe element and the shoe sole element adjacent to the toe element, and wherein base surfaces of the toe element and base surfaces of the shoe sole element adjacent to the toe element are arranged at an angle of less than 180, or less than 170, or less than 160 in an angled position of the joint arrangement.

10. The adjustable shoe according to claim 9, wherein the toe element and the shoe sole element adjacent to the toe element are freely rotatable relative to each other within a partial angle range in the angled position of the joint arrangement, and wherein the partial angle range is 55 at the most, or 45 at the most, or 35 at the most.

11. The adjustable shoe according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one slider element that cooperates with at least two shoe sole elements and that is movable relative to at least one shoe sole element, advantageously at least essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the adjustable shoe, wherein a movement of the slider element causes a variation of a distance between locations of adjacent sole elements so that adjacent sole elements perform a relative movement or a rotation caused by the respective joint arrangement cooperating with the respective sole elements during a movement of the slider element, and wherein the slider element is fixable in at least one position so that a relative movement between respective sole elements is prevented.

12. The adjustable shoe according to claim 1, wherein at least one joint arrangement, or at least the joint arrangement by which the toe element is connected with the sole element that is adjacent to the toe element is rotatable relative to a vertical axis of the adjustable shoe and movable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable shoe so that the adjustable shoe is adjustable to individual properties of a foot of a person wearing the adjustable shoe.

13. The adjustable shoe according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heel is made from at least two heel elements which are movable relative to each other at least when the at least one heel is in the passive position so that the at least one heel is movable between an operating position and a storage position, and wherein an outer volume of the at least one heel in the storage position is smaller than an outer volume of the at least one heel in the operating position.

14. The adjustable shoe according to claim 13, wherein an outer volume of the at least one heel in the storage condition is 90% at the most, or 80% at the most, or 70% at the most of an outer volume of the at least one heel in the operating position of the at least one heel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] FIG. 1 illustrates a horizontal cross section through a shoe sole of a shoe according to the invention;

[0070] FIG. 2 illustrates a vertical cross section through shoe sole of the shoe according to the invention wherein the shoe is in its tall condition;

[0071] FIG. 3 illustrates a vertical cross section through a shoe sole of a shoe according to FIG. 2 wherein the shoe is in its flat condition;

[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates a horizontal cross section through a shoe sole of a shoe according to FIG. 1;

[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of an adjustment mechanism for a joint arrangement between a toe element and a sole element of a shoe according to the invention adjacent to the toe element;

[0074] FIG. 6 illustrates a detail of the adjustment mechanism according to FIG. 5 in top view;

[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates a detail of the adjust mechanism according to FIG. 5 in a side view;

[0076] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of an adjustment mechanism for a joint arrangement between a heel element and a sole element of the shoe adjacent to the heel element;

[0077] FIG. 9 illustrates a detail of the adjustment mechanism according to FIG. 8;

[0078] FIG. 10A illustrates a schematic view of a flat condition of the shoe according to the invention that is provided with 3 sole elements, wherein joint arrangements of the shoe are fixable by arresting devices;

[0079] FIG. 10B illustrates a schematic view of a tall condition of the shoe according to the invention that is provided with 3 sole elements, wherein joint arrangements of the shoe are fixable by arresting devices;

[0080] FIG. 11 illustrates a detail of a joint arrangement of a heel of the shoe according to the invention;

[0081] FIG. 12 illustrates a detail of a joint arrangement which cooperates with two adjacent sole elements of the shoe according to the invention;

[0082] FIG. 13 illustrates a detail of a vertical cross section of a shoe according to the invention which is in a flat condition and whose heel compartment is provided with a cover element adjustable shoe

[0083] FIG. 14 illustrates a detail of the vertical cross section of a shoe according to the invention according to FIG. 13 which is arranged in its tall condition;

[0084] FIG. 15 illustrates a horizontal cross section of the shoe according to the invention whose heel compartment is provided with a cover element, wherein a top side of the shoe is illustrated;

[0085] FIG. 16A illustrates a detail of a heel arresting arrangement in a passive position;

[0086] FIG. 16B illustrates a detail of a heel arresting arrangement in an active position; and

[0087] FIG. 17 illustrates a heel that is formed by two heel elements in an operating position and in a storage position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0088] A first embodiment that is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 includes a shoe 1 according to the invention which includes a total of three sole elements 4. The sole elements 4 are respectively connected with one another by joint arrangements 8 wherein a respective joint arrangement 8 cooperates with two adjacent sole elements 4. The three sole elements 4 are formed by a forward toe element 6, a center element 13 and a rear heel element 7.

[0089] The three sole elements 4 are thus arrange directly adjacent and behind one another along a longitudinal axis 5 of the shoe 1. According to the nomenclature of the claims the toe element 6 is connected with another sole element 4, namely the center element 13. The center element 13 in turn is directly connected with another sole element 4 namely the heel element 7.

[0090] The shoe 1 includes a heel compartment 9 which extends approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 5 of the shoe 1. The heel compartment 9 extends over all into sole elements 4, namely the rear heel element 7 and the additional sole element 4, the center element 13 that is adjacent to the heel element 7. The heel compartment 9 has a length so that a heel 3 of the shoe 1 can be housed completely within the heel compartment 9. Furthermore a depth 26 of the heel compartment 9 exceeds a width 27 of the heel 3. This has the consequence that the heel 3 can be completely received within the heel compartment 9. Therefore the heel 3 does not penetrate with any portion over the shoe sole in a passive position so that the shoe 1 in flat condition contacting the ground flat only contacts the ground with a sole surface 28, but not with the heel 3.

[0091] The heel 3 is rotatably arranged at a heel element 7 of the shoe 1 with a joint arrangement 2. Using this joint arrangement 2 the heel is rotate ably between an active position and a passive position, wherein the shoe 1 is its tall position when the heel 3 is in its active position. This tall position is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0092] In the tall position of the shoe 1 the foot surfaces 12 of the sole elements 4 are rotated relative to each other, wherein the heel element 7 and the center element 13 as well as the center element 13 and the toe element 16 respectively enclose an angle 14 with one another. In the illustrated embodiment the toe element 6 and the heel element 7 and the associated foot surfaces 12 are oriented parallel to each other it is appreciated that this embodiment is primarily due to the idealized representation according to FIG. 2. Typically the heel element 7 and the center element 13 and the center element 13 and the toe element 6 enclose different angles in the tall condition of the shoe 1. Thus the angle 14 is 20.

[0093] When the heel 3 is in its passive position the shoe 1 is provided in its flat condition. This flat condition is illustrated by an idealized representation according to FIG. 3. The heel 3 of the shoe 1 is arranged completely within the heel compartment 9. The three heel elements 4 are pivoted relative to each other by the respective joint arrangements 8 so that the foot surfaces 12 of the sole elements 12 are in a common plane. Also here it is appreciated that the completely parallel of the foot surfaces 12 for a shoe 1 in flat condition is not mandatory and primarily due to the idealized representation. Typically the foot surfaces 12 of the individual sole elements 4 are arranged at a particular angle relative to each other also when the shoe 1 is provided in its flat condition.

[0094] It is apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3 that a heel surface 11 of the heel element 7 is at different distances from the ground as a function of the condition of the shoe 1 when the shoe 1 rests on the ground. In the tall condition of the shoe 1 the distance of the heel surface 11 from the known illustrated ground corresponds approximately to an entire length of the heel 3. When the shoe 1 is provided in a flat condition the heel surface 11 of the heel element 7 and the heel surface of the center element 13 contact the ground directly. This is the case for the sole surface 28 of the toe element 6 anyhow irrespective of the condition of the shoe 1. Consequently not component of the heel 3 is used when the shoe 1 is provided in flat condition.

[0095] This has the consequence that a contact surface by which the shoe 1 contacts the ground in the portion of its heel is much smaller when the shoe is provided in its tall condition than in its flat condition. In the instant embodiment the heel 3 has a heel surface 10 of 1 cm.sup.2 at its lower end that contacts the ground. The heel surface 11 that contacts the ground in a flat condition of the shoe 1 is 25 cm and is consequently 25 times larger than the heel surface 10 of the heel. The link arrangements 8 of the shoe 1 according to the invention are respectively provided in the form of film hinges. The film hinges facilitate rotating the adjacent sole elements 4 relative to each other. The toe element 6 and the center element 13 are connected with each other by a single link arrangement 8.

[0096] The link arrangement 8 extends along the entire width of the shoe sole of the shoe 1 in a transition portion 29 of the center element 13 and the toe element 6. Thus it is also conceivable that the link arrangement 8 only covers a portion of the width of a shoe.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment the link arrangement 8 which couples the toe element 6 and the center element 13 with each other are configured rotated about a vertical axis 36 of the shoe 1 and rotated against a longitudinal axis 5 of the shoe 1. This rotation has the consequence that the toe element 6 can rotate relative to the center element 13 about a rotation axis which is also rotated relative to the longitudinal axis of the shoe 1. The orientation or alignment of the link arrangement 8 or the associated rotation axis is ideally configured according to individual properties of a respective foot so that roll off properties of the shoe according to the invention are particularly convenient.

[0098] The center element 13 and the heel element 7 are connected with each other by two link arrangements 8. It is evident from FIG. 4 that this is necessary due to the heel compartment 9 in the illustrated embodiment since a single joint arrangement 8 which extends over an entire width of the shoe 1 would block a folding of the heel 3 into the heel compartment 9. The shoe 1 is illustrate in FIG. 1 in a flat condition which is evident from the heel 3 being in its passive position and thus arranged in the heel compartment 9.

[0099] In order to fixate the joint arrangement 8 which is arranged between the toe element 6 and the center element 13 a shoe 1 according to the invention can include a special arresting arrangement 37. As a matter of principle it is conceivable that the link device 8 when the shoe 1 is provided in its tall condition and also in its flat condition shall be fixated so that the joint arrangement couples the toe element 6 and the center element 13 with each other torque proof. For the invention it is only significant that in case a center element 13 is provided at all an arresting of the link arrangement 8 is possible when the shoe 1 is provided in is tall condition. When the shoe 1 is provided in its flat condition the link arrangement 8 can either remain loose or can be fixated this is not significant for practicing the invention.

[0100] The arresting device 37 is schematically illustrate in FIGS. 5-7, wherein the mechanical principle shall be initially described with reference to FIG. 5. The arresting arrangement 37 cooperates with a slider element 38 which is coupled in a force transferring manner with the center element 13. For this purpose the slider element 38 includes a link 39 that corresponds with the link arrangement 8 which enables the slider 38 to move in the same manner in which the toe element 6 and the center element 13 can move relative to each other. In order to connect the slider element 38 torque proof with the center element 13 the slider element 38 includes a connector 40.

[0101] In order to transition the shoe 1 between its tall condition and its flat condition or vice versa a slider element 38 can be used among other things. Thus the slider element 38 is moved relative to the arresting arrangement 37 which changes a position of the slider element 38 relative to the shoe sole, this means the toe element 6 and the center element 13. On the other hand side it is also conceivable that the shoe sole is deformed wherein the position of the slider element 38 changes relative to the shoe sole. A deformation of the shoe sole relative to each other can be performed in particular by a rotation of the sole elements 4 relative to each other. FIG. 5 shows the obtained effect, namely forcing the joint arrangement 8 into a rotated position. The latter corresponds in turn with a corresponding rotation of toe element 6 and center element 13 relative to each other. The slider element is arrest able by the arresting device 37 so that a respective relative position between the slider element 38 and the shoe sole and consequently a particular position of the link arrangement 8 can be conserved. This way the toe element 6 and the center element 13 can be fixed in particular positions relative to each other.

[0102] Based on the illustrations according to FIGS. 6 and 7 is evident how the device that has only been described schematically can be implemented in particular. Thus it is conceivable that a compartment is provided in the shoe sole in which the slider element 38 is move ably supported. The slider element 38 includes a recess 42 which is configured to receive an arresting element 43. A cooperation of arresting element 43 and recess 42 is thus only possible in a particular position of the slider element 38. This position corresponds with a tall condition of the shoe 1 according to the invention in which the toe element 6 and the center element 13 are arranged so that they are pivoted relative to each other at an angle of less than 180. The slider element 38 is connected to the center element 13 in a force transferring manner by a connection 40 so that moving the slider element 38 relative to the toe element 6 causes a direct movement of the center element 13 relative to the toe element 6. The arresting element 43 and the slider element 38 can engage each other at the recess 42 in a form locking manner and can thus define the position of the slider element relative to the toe element 6.

[0103] The embodiments according to FIGS. 6 and 7 thus differ in that in FIG. 6 the slider element 38 as well as the shoe sole 38 respectively include a joint 39 or a joint arrangement 8. This principle is also illustrated in FIG. 5. Alternatively it is also conceivable to configure the slider element 38 without the joint 39 and to connect it directly to the link arrangement 8, wherein the slider element 38 and the toe element 6 have to engage at different elevation levels of the joint arrangement 8. It is evident from FIG. 7 that also in this embodiment a movement of the slider element 38 relative to the toe element 6 can cause a rotation of the center element 13 relative to the toe element 6. Alternative mechanisms are certainly also conceivable.

[0104] Furthermore FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an arresting mechanism for the link arrangement 8 which connects the heel element 7 with the adjacent sole element 4 which is formed in this case by the center element 13. Thus the link arrangement 8 cooperates with the arresting arrangement 46 which is configured to establish a force transferring connection between the heel element 7 and the center element 13. The illustrated arresting arrangement facilitates arresting the heel element 7 and the center element 13 into discreet positions relative to each other wherein the first position corresponds to the flat condition of the shoe 1 and the second position corresponds to the tall condition of the shoe 1. In order to define the positions of the arresting arrangement 46 the arresting arrangement 46 cooperates with a first interlocking position and a second interlocking position 45. The arresting position 46 is thus formed by a bending stiff rod which is connect able at the interlocking positions 44, 45 in a form locking manner with the center element 13. It is evident from FIGS. 8 and 9 that the alternating engagement of the arresting arrangement 46 with the center portion 13 facilitates adjusting and arresting the angle 14 between the heel element 7 and the center element 13 at different interlocking positions 44, 45.

[0105] A particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 includes two indentations which are respectively arranged in the center element 13 and which correspond with the two interlocking positions 44, 45 described supra. The arresting arrangement 46 is formed by a bending stiff rod which is connected at the heel element 7 torque proof. At an end oriented towards the center element 13 the arresting arrangement 46 includes a lug 15 that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5 of the shoe 1 by which the arresting arrangement 46 can engage the indentations at the interlocking positions 44 and 45 in a form locking manner.

[0106] In the illustrated embodiment the indentations are provided as cut outs which extended completely through an associated attachment section of the center portion 13. The arresting arrangement 46 engages with its nose from one side at a respective cut out (in FIG. 9C the cut out of the second interlocking position in which the shoe 1 is arranged in its tall condition). From an opposite side of the cut out a push button 47 engages the cut out. The push button 47 is supported by a spring element 48 at the cut out. The push button 47 facilitates in a particularly simple manner to push the lug 15 and therewith the arresting arrangement 46 in its entirety out of the cut out and thus to release the rotation 13 relative to the heel element 7 by the link arrangement 8. The spring element 48 automatically moves the push button 47 back into an actuation position so that the push bottom 47 is useable again.

[0107] In an alternative embodiment of the shoe 1 according to the invention the shoe 1 includes a link arrangement 8 which has a different stiffness than the remainder of the shoe sole in this embodiment due to the choice of material and thus represents a non-mechanical but material based joint arrangement 8 wherein an arresting of the respective sole element 4 relative to each other is performed by a combination of tension elements 41 and support arrangements 51. The support arrangements 51 respectively approximately have a semi-circular shape. A respective support arrangement 51 corresponds with a joint arrangement 8 wherein the support arrangements 51 are respectively arranged proximal to the associated joint arrangement 8 in the center portion of the shoe sole. The tension element 41 cooperating with the guide arrangements 51 are respectively supported at two ends, wherein one end is firmly connected with a respective sole element 4 (the one tension element 41 at the toe element 6 and the other tension element 41 at the heel element 7 and the respectively other end engages the associated support device 51. The latter end is move ably supported within the support arrangement 51 so that it is move able from an end position of the semi-circle to an opposite end position and vice versa. The end position of the semi circles of the support arrangements 51 respectively corresponds with the flat condition or the tall condition of the shoe. This is quite evident from FIGS. 10A and 10B. The tension elements 41 are arrest able at the end positions in the support arrangements 51. Advantageously the tension elements 41 interlock at the end positions due to associated arresting rods so that the respective condition of the shoe 1 is arrest able.

[0108] The tension elements 41 eventually cause a shortening of the distance between 2 points of the respectively connected sole elements 4, wherein a shortening of the distance coincides with a pivoting of the respective sole elements 4 about the respectively joint arrangement 8. The pivoting as illustrated in FIG. 10B produces the desired result in the form of the typically high heel with a rising center element 13 and at least essentially flat toe and heel elements 6, 7.

[0109] The part illustrated in FIG. 10 can be used particularly well in a form of a shoe base, wherein the shoe base can be used particularly well as a base for a shoe super structure and/or shoe base structure. In particular the shoe base includes all essential functions of the shoe 1 according to the invention, namely in particular adjustability of the individual components, thus formed by the sole elements 4 relative to each other and a heel compartment not illustrated in FIG. 10 for receiving a heel 3. The shoe base can be used particularly well in a sole inlay and can thus be used particular well as a base for various shoes.

[0110] The heel 3 is arranged by a joint arrangement 2 at the heel element 7 and rotate able relative to the heel element 7. A detail of this joint arrangement 2 can be derived from FIG. 11. The joint arrangement 2 includes in turn a proper cam 15 which is supported with its 2 end sections in an associated recess 19 of the heel element 7. The shaft 15 is rotatably supported in the recess 19 and rotate able about a longitudinal axis 18 of the shaft 15. The shaft 15 includes a groove 17 which is configured to engage the shoulder 3 with a corresponding interlocking pin 16. The interlocking pin 16 is arranged at an upper end of a bolt 35 which is arranged axially move able within a support shaft 23 of the shoulder 3.

[0111] The linear movability of the bolt 25 facilitates moving the interlocking pin 16 between a clear position and an arresting position. Thus the bolt 25 cooperates with a spring 20 which presses the bolt 25 and thus the interlocking pin 16 into its arresting position. Along a longitudinal axis of the bolt 25 the bolt 25 includes a radially extending recess 21 which is configured to cooperate with a push button 24. The push button 24 as well as the recess 21 include corresponding contact surfaces that are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the bolt 25. The contact surfaces cause the bolt 25 to be moved against the spring force of the spring 20 along the support shaft 23 when the push button 25 moves into o the recess 21. During the movement of the bolt 25 the interlocking pin 16 is moved from its arresting position into its free position. Put differently the interlocking pin 16 is pulled out of the groove 17 of the shaft 15 so that the interlocking pin does not engage the shaft 15 any longer.

[0112] In the idle position of the interlocking pin 16 the shaft 15 is therefore not blocked and is thus freely rotate able about its longitudinal axis 18. The bolt 25 is fixable by a positioning device 22 in two positions, namely the idle position and the arresting position.

[0113] Another embodiment of a joint arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein the illustration includes a joint arrangement 8 by which adjacent sole elements 4 of the shoe 1 are arrest able relative to each other. The basic mechanism of the joint arrangement 8 is identical with the basic mechanism of the joint arrangement 2 described supra. In particular the bolt 25 is move able in its support shaft 23 by actuating the push button 24 so that the interlocking pin 16 is move ably between its idle position and its arresting position. Thus the sole element 4 thus the heel element 7 and the center element 14 can be disengaged by simple actuation of the push button 24 and interlocked again. Switching the shoe 1 between a tall condition and a flat condition is thus possible in a particularly simple manner.

[0114] Advantageously the groove 17 of the shaft 15 of the joint arrangement 8 is configured so that the joint arrangement is rotate able about its longitudinal axis in a partial angle range in spite of the interlocking pin 16 being provided in its arresting position. This way the adjacent sole elements 4 are not connected with each other in a completely stiff manner in spite of the interlocking pin 16 being provided in its arresting position but the adjacent sole elements 4 have a particular clearance. This can have a particularly positive effect upon wear comfort of the shoe 1 according to the invention.

[0115] The heel compartment 9 of the shoe 1 according to the invention can be covered by a cover element so that the heel compartment 9 is essentially protected against penetration of contaminants etc. FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a shoe 1 according to the invention in an exemplary manner wherein a heel compartment 9 of the shoe cooperates with two cover elements 31, 35. The cover element 31, 35 are jointly configured to close the heel compartment 9 substantially tight. In particular the cover elements 31, 35 essentially prevent a penetration of contaminants into the heel compartment 9. Furthermore the cover elements 31, 35 protect the heel 3 against being damaged for example by pieces of gravel on the ground.

[0116] The heel compartment 9 extends over to adjacent sole elements 4 namely the center element 13 and the heel element 7. Accordingly the heel compartment 9 includes 2 sections wherein a first section extends in the center element 13 and a second section extends in the heel element 7. The cover elements 31, 35 respectively cooperate with the one of the sections of the heel compartment 9, the cover element cooperates with the heel element 7 and the cover element 35 cooperates with the center element 13.

[0117] The cover elements 31, 35 are respectively attached at the shoe 1 by attachment devices 30. In order to move the heel 3 from its passive position into its active position starting from the flat condition of the shoe 1, the cover elements 31, 35 or their attachment arrangements 30 are disengaged so that the cover elements 31, 35 are move able relative to the shoe sole 1. This way the heel compartment 9 is release able so that the heel 3 can be retrieved from the heel compartment 9.

[0118] A tall condition of the shoe 1 according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 14. For reasons of simplicity the illustration does not include the heel 3 disposed in its active position. The heel 3 is pivot able by a non-illustrated joint arrangement 2 between a passive position and an active position. An upper end section of the heel 3 is still within the heel compartment 9 when the heel is provided in its active position. This has the consequence that the cover element 31 of the heel element 7 in this position of the heel 3 cannot be brought into its closing position in which it closes the heel compartment 9 in the portion of the heel element 7.

[0119] Thus the cover element 31 is positioned within the heel compartment 9 when the shoe 1 is in its tall condition so that the cover element 31 does not protrude beyond a lower sole surface of the shoe sole and furthermore releases the heel compartment 9 in the portion of the heel element 7.

[0120] When the shoe 1 is provided in its flat condition the cover elements 31, 35 terminate flush with the sole surface 28 of the shoe 1. Put differently a bottom side of the cover elements 31 oriented towards the ground is typically always in direction contact with the ground when also the respective corresponding sole surface 28 of the shoe 1 is in contact with the ground.

[0121] In an advantageous embodiment of the shoe 1 according to the invention the cover elements 31, 35 are configured rotate able about their longitudinal axis. This way it is possible when the shoe 1 is provided in its flat condition to turn an operating side or active side of the cover elements 31, 35 downward so that this side of the cover elements 31, 35 comes in contact or can come in contact with the ground. When transitioning the shoe from its flat condition into its tall condition the cover elements 31, 35 can be rotated so that a back side or passive side becomes visible. This side does not come in contact with the ground and therefore does not have any damages in the form of typical wear patters of a shoe sole. This way the heel compartment 9 can be closed with optically appealing cover elements 31, 35 when the shoe 1 is provided in its tall condition.

[0122] The detail according to FIG. 16 describes an additional or supplemental option to arrest the heel 3 at the heel element 7 of the shoe 1 according to the invention. Thus it is the basic idea to configure the heel 3 rotate able about a horizontal rotation axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15 of the shoe 1, wherein a fixing of the heel 3 in an active position and in a passive position is provided by form locking engagement with stop elements. Thus the shoe 1 includes a rear heel stop 50 which can be configured particularly well at the heel element 7. The heel stop 50 represents a type of stopper for the heel and stops a movement of the heel 3 about its rotation axis beyond a particular position. This position forms the active position of the heel 3 in which the heel 3 contacts the ground at least in a substantial orthogonal manner advantageously in a completely orthogonal manner. In order to arrest the heel 3 in its active position the shoe 1 includes an additional stop element 49. The stop element 49 is formed by a radially slotted disc, wherein a width of the slot is adapted to the heel 3. The stop element 49 is move ably arranged at the shoe 1. In particular it is conceivable that the stop element 49 is configured rotate able and remove able. In this case the stop element 49 can be arranged at the shoe in its active position in order to arrest the heel 3 so that the stop element 49 blocks a movement of the heel 3 starting from its active position in a direction towards its passive position. The associated position of the stop element 49 is derive able from FIG. 16B. In this position the heel 3 can rotate about its rotation axis, neither to the rear nor to the front since the heel is blocked on both sides namely towards one side by the heel stop 50 and towards the other side by the stop element 49. In order to release the movement of the heel 3 the stop element 49 can be moved back into its release position, in particular rotated and can release the heel 3 again so that the heel 3 can be transitioned into its passive position, FIG. 16A.

[0123] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a heel 3 formed by two heel elements 33, 34. The two heel elements 33, 34 are connect able with each other along a separation surface 32. The heel 3 can be transitioned between its operating position and a storage position by disengaging a connection between the two heel elements 33, 34.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment the heel element 33 is partially support able within the other heel element 34, wherein the heel element 33 only protrudes beyond the heel element 34 with a small portion of its volume. This has the effect that the heel 33 has a smaller exterior volume in its stored condition than in its operating condition. In the illustrated embodiment the outer volume of the heel 3 provided in its stored condition is 85% of the outer volume of the heel 3 that is provided in its operating condition.

[0125] The components and combinations described with reference to the embodiment are not limiting the spirit and scope of the invention. To the contrary it is easy for a person skilled in the art to combine each individual exemplary feature with all other conceivable embodiments of the remaining features.

REFERENCE NUMERALS AND DESIGNATIONS

[0126] 1 shoe [0127] 2 joint arrangement [0128] 3 heel [0129] 4 sole element [0130] 5 longitudinal axis [0131] 6 toe element [0132] 7 heel element [0133] 8 joint arrangement [0134] 9 heel compartment [0135] 10 heel surface [0136] 11 shoe heel surface [0137] 12 foot surface [0138] 13 center element [0139] 14 angle [0140] 15 lug [0141] 16 interlocking pin [0142] 17 groove [0143] 18 longitudinal axis [0144] 19 recess [0145] 20 spring [0146] 21 recess [0147] 22 positioning device [0148] 23 support shaft [0149] 24 push button [0150] 25 bolt [0151] 26 depth [0152] 27 width [0153] 28 sole surface [0154] 29 transition portion [0155] 30 attachment device [0156] 31 cover element [0157] 32 separation surface [0158] 33 heel element [0159] 34 heel element [0160] 35 cover element [0161] 36 vertical axis [0162] 37 arresting arrangement [0163] 38 slider element [0164] 39 joint [0165] 40 connection [0166] 41 tension element [0167] 42 recess [0168] 43 arresting element [0169] 44 first interlocking position [0170] 45 second interlocking position [0171] 46 arresting arrangement [0172] 47 push button [0173] 48 spring element [0174] 49 stop element [0175] 50 heel stop [0176] 51 support arrangement