US3777374A

US3777374A - Pleasure shoe

Info

Publication number: US3777374A
Application number: US00273285A
Authority: US
Inventors: L Hendricks
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-07-19
Filing date: 1972-07-19
Publication date: 1973-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 1990-12-11

Abstract

A footwear device that makes walking or standing a pleasure by aiding in prevention of foot and leg fatigue by putting a ''''bounce'''' in every step; the device consisting of a compression spring unit that is fitted into each shoe heel and which includes a bottom base member and top base member that are spaced apart and parallel to each other, the base members being interconnected by an integral, resilient, compression coil spring therebetween and which absorbs the shock of walking and which cushions the underside of a person''s heel.

Description

United States Patent 191 Hendricks Dec. 11, 1973 PLEASURE SHOE [21] Appl. No.: 273,285

[52] U.S. Cl. 36/38 [51] int. Cl A43b 21/30 [58] Field of Search 36/38 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 175,998 4/1876 Jensen 36/38 458,010 8/1891 Beach 36/38 1,110,375 9/1914 Budai et al.. 36/38 1,127,456 2/1915 Kurz 36/38 1,625,048 4/1927 Nock 36/38 Primary Examiner-Alfred R. Guest [57] ABSTRACT A footwear device that makes walking or standing a pleasure by aiding in prevention of foot and leg fatigue by putting a bounce in every step; the device consisting of a compression spring unit that is fitted into each shoe heel and which includes a bottom base member and top base member that are spaced apart and parallel to each other, the base members being interconnected by an integral, resilient, compression coil spring therebetween and which absorbs the shock of walking and which cushions the underside of a persons heel.

1 Claim, 3 Drawing Figures PLEASURE SHOE This invention relates generally to footwear such as shoes and boots for being worn on persons feet.

It is well known that to date all efforts for eliminating or ameliorating sore or tired feet have been by incorporating rubber heels on shoes and other footwear. The rubber wears away and compacts under the great pressure of heavy walking, so that depending on rubber for cushioning has not proved to be ideal.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved shoe footwear in which a fatigue arrestor is installed which overcomes the above described situation and which provides a cushioning and shock absorbing action throughout the life of the shoe or heel.

Another object is to provide a pleasure shoe which is designed in a model for supporting persons of normal or light weight, and also in a model for persons of heavy weight so to absorb the heavier load.

Still another object is to provide a pleasure shoe in which the shock absorbing action promotes a person to walk more erect and so encourage a better general good health.

Still another object is to provide a pleasure shoe that would be ideal for persons who walk for long hours in their work such as postmen, policemen, and nurses, or factory workers and others who stand for long hours on their feet.

Other objects are to provide a pleasure shoe which is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in construction, easy to use, and efficient in operation.

These and other objects will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the invention shown installed in a shoe.

FIG. 2 is a top view of one model of the invention designed for lesser weight factor.

FIG. 3 is a top view of another model designed for heavier weight factor.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, the reference numeral represents a pleasure shoe according to the present invention wherein there is a spring or torque mechanism 11 that serves as a fatigue arrestor to'a wearer of the shoe. The mechanism 11 is installed in the shoe heel l2 and comprises a one piece unit that includes a flat top base member -13, a flat bottom base therebetween. The coil spring comprises a flexible flat rod l/8 inch thick and 1/4 inch wide spring steel. Where the intermediate full circular spring enjoins the bases it is horizontal at opposite side from where segments extend relatively vertically. These opposing ends give a yielding springboard action to not strain the heel.

The model A in FIG. 2 is designed for persons wherein weight is not a factor to consider, while model B in FIG. 3 is designed for heavy persons such as those who weigh 200 or more pounds.

Compression between the external contact surface of the heel and a shoe plateau, on which the foot rests, makes it desirable to cement the spring cushion heel restto the plateau of the shoe sole and the top side of the compiled spring to a complete coverage of sponge rubber for additional cushioning.

The pleasure shoe is adaptable for all shoe styles for men or women. The purchasers of the shoes are fitted to the fatigue arrestor by being fitted in the store. The pleasure shoe is trouble-free and long-lasting.

While various changes may be made in the detail construction, it is understood that such changes will be within the spirit and scope of the present invention as is defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a pleasure shoe the combination of a footwear shoe having a heel, and a fatigue arrestor installed in said heel, said fatigue arrestor comprising a spring mechanism, said spring mechanism comprising a top base member and a bottom base member with a compression coil spring therebetween, said coil spring being resiliently compressible under the weight of a person so to cushion his walking or standing, said coil spring comprising one full turn when used by a person where weight is not a factor to consider, and said coil spring comprising one and one-quarter turn when used by a person who weighs 200 or more pounds, said coil spring turn being of a generally square configuration with opposite sides of said square turn being parallel with said top and bottom bases, said top base enjoining a lower said parallel side while said bottom base enjoins a higher said parallel side.