Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/325,120, filed March 29, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to footwear, and more particularly, high-heeled shoes having a support system, outsole and other features that provide improved comfort and stability for the wearer.

Background of the Invention

[0003] High-heeled shoes, while stylish, are known for being unsupportive, uncomfortable, and potentially unstable footwear. In sacrificing comfort and stability for style, high-heeled shoes suffer from the following shortcomings: a. A back heel portion that cuts into the wearer’s heel. b. A lack of any internal support structure to hold the wearer’s foot in the shoe. c. Little or no arch support. d. A lack of any support from the toe box. e. Too much pressure exerted on the ball of the wearer’s foot, without toe rise. f. Thin platform with steep slope. g. Heels are too high, making a wearer feel like she is on stilts. [0004] There is therefore a need for high-heeled shoes (and components thereof) that provide improved comfort and stability for the wearer, without sacrificing the style and aesthetic qualities of the shoe.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. [0006] In one embodiment, the invention includes a shoe outsole comprising an inside surface and an outside surface opposite the inside surface. The outside surface includes a posterior portion; an anterior portion continuous with the posterior portion and having an integral raised platform.

[0007] In another embodiment, the invention includes a shoe comprising a high heel; an upper body; and a shoe outsole engaging the upper body. The shoe outsole incudes an inside surface; and an outside surface opposite the inside surface. The outside surface has a posterior portion, an anterior portion continuous with the posterior portion and an integral raised platform formed on the anterior portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages, and principles of the invention. Embodiments of the invention are in no way limited by the following figures:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a shoe outsole according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00010] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the shoe outsole of FIG. 1 ;

[00011] FIG. 3 is a front view of the shoe outsole of FIG. 1 ;

[00012] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the shoe outsole of FIG. 1 ;

[00013] FIG. 5 is a left side view of the shoe outsole of FIG. 1 ;

[00014] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the shoe outsole of FIG. I;

[00015] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the shoe outsole of FIG. 1 ;

[00016] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the shoe outsole of FIG. 1 ;

[00017] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a high-heeled shoe incorporating the shoe outsole of FIG. I;

[00018] FIG. 10 is a partial left side view of the shoe and outsole of FIG. 9;

[00019] FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the shoe and outsole of FIG. 9;

[00020] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the outsole of FIGS. 1 and 11, taken along line Al — A2;

[00021] FIG. 1 IB is a cross-sectional view of the outsole of FIGS. 1 and 11, taken along line B — B;

[00022] FIG. 12 is a partial rear view of the shoe of FIG. 9;

[00023] FIG. 13 is a partial bottom plan view of the shoe and outsole of FIG.

9;

[00024] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the heel of the shoe of FIG. 10, taken along line Cl — C2;

[00025] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the shoe of FIG. 9;

[00026] FIG. 16 is a left side view of the shoe and outsole of FIG. 9; [00027] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a shoe insole for a right foot according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00028] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of a shoe msole for a left foot according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00029] FIG. 19 is a front view of the shoe insole of FIG. 17;

[00030] FIG. 20 is a rear view of the shoe insole of FIG. 17;

[00031] FIG. 21 is a right side view of the shoe insole of FIG. 17;

[00032] FIG. 22 is a left side view of the shoe insole of FIG. 17;

[00033] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the shoe insole of FIG. 17;

[00034] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the shoe insole of FIG. 17, with section lines;

[00035] FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the shoe insole of FIG. 17, taken along Line 9— 9 of FIG. 24;

[00036] FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the shoe insole of FIG. 17, taken along Line 10—10 of FIG. 24; and

[00037] FIG. 27 is a sectional view of the shoe insole of FIG. 17, taken along Line 11—11 of FIG. 24.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[00038] For clarity and convenience, the meaning of some terms and phrases used in the specification, examples, and appended claims, are provided below. Unless stated otherwise, or implicit from context, the following terms and phrases include the meanings provided below. The definitions are provided to aid in describing particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention, because the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. If there is an apparent discrepancy between the usage of a term in the art and its definition provided herein, the definition provided within the specification shall prevail.

[00039] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[00040] As used herein, the term "approximately" or "about" in reference to a value or parameter are generally taken to include numbers that fall within a range of 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% in either direction (greater than or less than) of the number unless otherwise stated or otherwise evident from the context (except where such number would be less than 0% or exceed 100% of a possible value). As used herein, reference to "approximately" or "about" a value or parameter includes (and describes) embodiments that are directed to that value or parameter. For example, description referring to "about X" includes description of "X".

[00041] As used herein, the term “or” means “and/or.” The term "and/or" as used in a phrase such as "A and/or B" herein is intended to include both A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone). Likewise, the term "and/or" as used in a phrase such as "A, B, and/or C" is intended to encompass each of the following embodiments: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

[00042] As used herein, the term "comprising" means that other elements can also be present in addition to the defined elements presented. The use of "comprising" indicates inclusion rather than limitation. [00043] The term "consisting of' refers to compositions, methods, and respective components thereof as described herein, which are exclusive of any element not recited in that description of the embodiment.

[00044] Reference is made in detail to the presently disclosed embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in accompanying drawings, where in like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[00045] Disclosed herein are high-heeled shoes having at least the features enumerated below (with their respective metric descriptions and exemplary measurements):

1. Upper Cradle Construction

[00046] Metric Description: Measurement of the avoidance of the first metatarsal head based on the upper dimensions and shoe girth with the objective of avoiding bunion exacerbation. The upper construction is designed to maximize foot space in and around the toe box, and to avoid the top edge of the upper landing on the first metatarsal head, instead wrapping up and around this common pressure point. Materials used for upper construction are also designed to further extend the cushioning and wearability of the shoe, by providing malleable, soft, hammered edges to avoid rubbing, digging and pressure on the first metatarsal head bone structure.

[00047] Exemplary Measurements: The upper construction of the shoe includes a toe tip to throat measurement of 76mm. The upper width is 62mm at the widest part of the opening, providing sufficient space for the wearer’s foot without landing on the first metatarsal head, often considered the bunion area. The widest part of the opening, at 62mm, to the toe tip, runs an additional 105mm, also providing the wearer with more vertical space from ball of foot to toe point. The combination of measurements results in a longer forefoot and wider upper with more accommodation for foot girth to assist the wearer in avoiding aggravating the first and fifth metatarsal phalangeal joints. The bite line is engineered to avoid the metatarsal phalangeal joints, in particular the first and fifth, creating a cradle for the foot to avoid abrasion on traditional bunion area. The edging is skived and pounded to be butter soft/non-abrasive resulting in 0 redness/discoloration and discomfort.

2. Foot Delta Construction

[00048] Metric Description: Measurement of the delta/variance in positioning from the wearer’s heel to the wearer’s ball of foot given ball of foot lift from outsole and insole combined.

[00049] Exemplary Measurements: Forefoot lift from the combination of the outsole and insole is approximately 15mm, vs. a traditional 5-6mm, creating a reduced delta between ball of foot and heel equivalent by adjusting foot positioning and thus heel height feeling by 10mm.

3. Heel to Toe Enablement

[00050] Metric Description: Stability of a walker on the heel and ability to walk heel to toe based on design, across sidewalk grates and grass without risk of heel implantation, ensuring walker stability to walk heel to toe. Lack of wabble as heel provides sufficient circumference to support body weight.

[00051] Exemplary Measurements: Heel length of 24mm, heel width of 24mm; Measurement of pressure on the stiletto heel. Lower pressures and/or higher heel area may be correlated with increased comfort levels, based on calculation of pressure:

[00052] Pressure = force/ area, where force = mass times gravity. [00053] Mass is the shoe wearer’s weight (in kg), and gravity is 9.8 meters/ (seconds) ² .

4. Invisible Lift Anti-Grip Stability Outsole (also discussed further below) [00054] Metric Description: The molded outsole at its thickest part is exactly 4.0mm, and it sits 8.0mm from a side edge of the shoe to create invisible lift. The 4.0mm thickest point then begins a taper 20mm from the toe edge, tapering gradually from 4.0mm to 1.0mm. This taper provides for continued stability while ensuring shock attenuation. The impact of the anti-slip grip outsole material with etched logo diamonds under the forefoot platform creates greater contact of outsole to smooth ground surface resulting in a higher friction coefficient than a traditional leather outsole.

[00055] Exemplary Measurements: 4mm thickness, 8mm from shoe side edge, taper to 1mm & etched thermoplastic polyurethane (or thermoplastic rubber) with a repeat pattern creating interlocking slip resistance.

5. Orthotic Arch Cloud Molded Insole

[00056] Metric Description: The molded insole creates an orthotic level arch support of 11 ,5mm, from its 5mm base, as well as an offsetting heel cup and pronounced ball of foot support up to 6mm prior to tapering towards the toe. This molded insole provides a cradle that supports the support construction from heel to toe.

[00057] Exemplary Measurements: 11.5mm arch height, 6mm metatarsal pad raise for shock attenuation and lift built with Ortholite® open cell, rebounding foam for continued bounce back support and consistent fit.

[00058] Exemplary embodiments of the molded insole are shown in FIGS. 17- 6. Heel Pillow

[00059] Metric Description: Counter pocket cushioning implanted behind the wearer’s heel built into the shoe lining to provide enhanced cradling and fit, avoiding heel slip and blisters on the back of heel.

[00060] Exemplary Measurements: Foam between upper lining and back of heel creating a built-in collar for back of heel comfort and fit flexibility.

[00061] Shoe Elements and Support System

[00062] As shown in the figures (see FIGS. 9-16 specifically), the high-heeled shoe of the present invention includes a support system that is designed to cradle a wearer’s foot in fully integrated, seamless cushioning and support to maximize agility, stability in motion, and to extend wear. Benefits include reduction of bunion exacerbation, definitive orthotic arch support, and cradling heel cup & back of heel integrated padding.

[00063] In addition to specific elements designed to maximize cushioning and support in the shoe’s upper construction, insole construction, outsole construction and heel construction, the overall shoe design is intended to minimize the delta between the ball of a wearer’s foot and heel, while minimizing the bulk, weight and thickness of shoes designed for support alone. The shoe support system is designed to create an unprecedented reduction of 10mm in the delta between the heel and ball of foot as a direct result of the shoe’s heel construction (i.e., providing a 15mm total depth) vs. a traditional heel (i.e., providing only 5mm total depth).

[00064] The shoe support system’s padded insole and outsole elements, combined with arch support, heel cup and stable heel platform, combined with an upper designed to avoid bunion damage, all support the natural alignment of the foot and provide sufficient room for ball of foot, toes and heels, thereby creating a supportive host environment for maximizing a wearer’s stability, agility and enjoyment while avoiding the creation or exacerbation of common women’s foot problems (i.e., from wearing poorly-designed/constructed high-heeled shoes and other footwear) including metatarsal bone spurs, falling arches and plantar fasciitis. [00065] Stability Outsole

[00066] An embodiment of the shoe outsole of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-1 IB, 13 and 16.

[00067] A shoe 10 includes a high heel 11, an upper body 12 and outsole 100. The outsole 100 of the shoe 10 includes an inside surface 102 (see FIGS. 1 and 7) and an opposed outer surface 110 (discussed below). The inside surface 102 includes a posterior leather portion 104 and an anterior portion 105 at least part of which is textured 106 and thereby configured as an air-circulating, wide base that contacts the ball of the wearer’s foot (i.e., metatarsal pad), supports shock attenuation and provides stability without excessive weight or bulk. The textured portion 106 includes a plurality of overlapping elements 108 and openings 109 therebetween, both of which provide the texture and promote air circulation.

[00068] The outside surface 110 of the shoe outsole 100 is best shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 9, 11-11B and 13. The outside surface 110 includes a posterior leather portion 1 12 (i.e., the opposite surface/side of the posterior leather portion 104) and an anterior metatarsal portion 113 which includes a raised, shock-attenuating, wide base platform/pad 114. The platform 114 is configured to provide stability and dispersed contact with the ground/floor surface (i.e., distributing the wearer’s weight over a larger area), full metatarsal pad support, and forefoot lift without excessive weight or bulk.

[00069] The outsole 100 is formed (e.g., molded) as a fully integrated, singlecomponent, two-tiered outsole with the anterior metatarsal portion 113 and built-in forefoot raised platform 114 that is invisible from side and vertical angles. The anterior metatarsal portion 113 and raised platform 114 are formed from a resilient material, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or thermoplastic rubber (TPR), which provides an anti-slip grip with the ground/floor surface. In alternate embodiments, the anterior metatarsal portion 113 and platform 114 may be formed from other materials.

[00070] The outsole 100 is further graded to provide toe spring and to maximize the stability and mass dispersion of the shoe through dynamic outsole dimensions and platform integration placement. While previous manufacturers have attempted to address grip, and others to create a platform, no other outsole has integrated the specific elements of the outsole 100 of the present invention, combining the optimum incorporation of forefoot lift, ball of foot dispersed support, anti-slip grip and a molded platform 114 with specific dimensions that render the platform 114 invisible (i.e., from the side and vertical angles), yet fully stabilizing across the ball of the wearer’s foot.

[00071] In an embodiment, the platform 114 of the outsole 100 has a maximum thickness of 4.0mm and is positioned 8.0mm from an outer/side edge 13 of the shoe 10 (see FIG. 11). The 4.0mm thickest point then begins a taper 20mm from the toe edge 14, tapering gradually from 4.0mm to 1.0mm. This taper provides for continued stability while ensuring shock attenuation.

[00072] As shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 9 and 13, the forefoot platform 114 of the anterior metatarsal portion 113 includes an etched pattern 116 (e.g., etched logo diamonds according to various embodiments) on its surface. The pattern 116 creates greater contact/traction between the platform 114 and a smooth ground/floor surface, thereby providing a higher friction coefficient of friction than a traditional leather outsole and facilitating an anti-slip grip. In an embodiment, the etched pattern 116 includes diamonds having a 0.5mm depth and 0.5 mm width. The coefficient of friction is higher when the surface is smoother (such as when walking on wet cobblestones) with a flat outsole bottom surface that is sufficiently sticky due to the rubber material and pattern 116, which yields more traction for the wearer and reduces the risk of slip.

[00073] The molded outsole 100 constitutes a single unit integrating the molded forefoot platform 114 with expanded dimensional depth under the ball of the foot/metatarsal pad and graduating (i.e., tapering) towards the toe edge 14 of the shoe 10 while maintaining an 8mm distance from the side edge 13 of the shoe 10 to ensure maximum stability and minimum visibility.

[00074] As shown in the attached figures, the posterior leather portion 110 of the outsole’s outer surface 110 transitions from the support structure of the forefoot platform 114 under the arch and heel tongue for a fully integrated, single unit construction. Such a one-piece construction eliminates the risk of dislodgement or separation of the forefoot platform 114 from the posterior leather portion 112 of the outsole 100.

[00075] At its highest point, the forefoot platform 114 has a 4mm height (for a total of 5mm in the thickest section of the outsole 100), and tapers to a 1mm height proximate the toe edge 14 of the shoe 10. The maximum (4 mm) height of the forefoot platform 114 provides the added lift necessary to reduce the delta between the ball of foot and heel positioning within the shoe 10 (in conjunction with other factors including the dimensions of the footpad, the heel cup placement, etc.) [00076] An outsole height of 5mm total, including 4mm from the highest point of the molded forefoot platform 114, provides the shock attenuation — its exact distance from the side edge 13 of the shoe 10 (i.e., 8mm) creating stability and full contact with the ground while lifting the overall forefoot to reduce the delta between the ball of the wearer’ foot and heel. [00077] The construction of the outsole 100 is an improvement over/superior to others on the market, at least for the following reasons: a) Soles that offer a ‘platform’ typically are significantly higher and fully visible from the side. Any platform that raises the forefoot above 5mm would be visible from the side and may increase the risk of instability for the wearer. b) Soles that do not offer the thicker thermoplastic rubber, simply offering a black anti-skid layer on a thin sole, provide nothing in the form of forefoot lift nor shock attenuation. c) Shoes that include a platform that is not made with thermoplastic polyurethane/rubber and without grid lines (i.e., indentations from the logo icon pattern cut into the platform) will not provide the anti-slip properties/the traction control combination that the outsole of the present invention will. d) Other outsoles (as noted in a) above), maintain a consistent platform height; therefore, the raised forefoot is not designed with a change in the delta between heel and ball of foot in mind and the construction does not support the wearer in reducing the overall pressure on the ball of the foot to the same degree.

[00078] The shoe 10 also includes a molded insole 200 positioned therein. Exemplary embodiments of the insole are shown in FIGS. 17-27. As discussed above, the insole 200 creates an orthotic level arch support of 11.5mm, from its 5mm base, as well as an offsetting heel cup and pronounced ball of foot support up to 6mm prior to tapering towards the toe. This insole provides a cradle that supports the support construction from heel to toe. [00079] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be perfonned by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be perfonned in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[00080] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. It is intended that the embodiments described above be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the appended claims. Moreover, none of the features disclosed in this specification should be construed as essential elements, and therefore, no disclosed features should be construed as being part of the claimed invention unless the features are specifically recited in the claims. In addition, it should be understood that any of the features disclosed on any particular embodiment may be incorporated in whole or in part on any of the other disclosed embodiments.

[00081] In any interpretation of the claims appended hereto, it is noted that no claims or claim elements are intended to invoke or be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

[00082] In general, any combination of disclosed features, components and methods described herein is possible. Steps of a method can be performed in any order that is physically possible. [00083] All cited references are incorporated by reference herein.

[00084] Although embodiments have been disclosed, it is not desired to be limited thereby. Rather, the scope should be determined only by the appended claims.

[00085] While various embodiment of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in the following claims.

[00086] The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects he in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

[00087] Moreover, though the present disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

[00088] In general, any combination of disclosed features, components and methods described herein is possible. Steps of a method can be performed in any order that is physically possible.