SHOE HEEL ENGAGEMENT SUPPORT SYSTEM
Provided is a shoe heel engagement system and method of using the same to secure a user-heel-shoe interface and prevent unintended slipping and discomfort. The heel engagement system includes an elastomeric molded system having a plurality of projecting bumpers and stress concentration geometry features. The geometry stress concentration features may be linear or curved and may have multiple profiles. The geometry stress concentration features are arranged at least transverse to a heel arrangement, and may optionally be aligned with a heel arrangement and in arcuate form relative to heel or a foot-heel curvature improved security and shoe comfort that allow for easy bending-without buckling to fit the inner shape of a shoe. The geometry stress concentration features allow for easy air flow, moisture flow, and easy installation and adaption to the foot-shoe geometry.
1 . A heel engaging support system for use in a shoe, comprising, comprising:
a heel backing portion generally transverse to a heel securement portion;
each said portion being constructed from an elastomeric material having a modulus of elasticity for user comfort;
at least one stress concentration geometry along one of said heel backing portion and said heel securement portion; and
during an assembly with said shoe, said stress concentration geometry allowing an easy bending and fitting of said heel engagement system with said shoe.
2 . The heel engaging support system, according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a plurality of said stress concentration geometries on said heel engaging system; and
during an assembly with said shoe, at least ones of said plurality enabling one of an air flow, a moisture flow, a user-heel-gripping, and an enhanced bending of said heel engaging support system.
3 . A shoe insert, comprising:
a support member, the support member comprising:
a central portion;
a first lateral portion extending away from the central portion;
a second lateral portion opposite the first lateral portion extending away from the central portion; and
a tongue portion; and
a contact member at least partially extending across the central portion, the first lateral portion, and the second lateral portion,
wherein the contact member has a thickness greater than the thickness of the support member.
4 . The shoe insert of claim 3 , wherein the support member has a thickness of less than 3 millimeters.
5 . The shoe insert of claim 3 , further including an adhesive deposited on a portion of the support member.
6 . The shoe insert of claim 3 , wherein the contact member is in the form of a bulbous ridge.
7 . The shoe insert of claim 3 , wherein the contact member includes a plurality of raised nubs.
8 . The shoe insert of claim 3 , wherein the contact member includes a plurality of equally spaced recesses.
9 . The shoe insert of claim 3 , wherein the support member defines a first surface and an opposing second surface, and wherein the contact member is positioned on the first surface and an adhesive is deposited on a portion of the second surface.
10 . The shoe insert of claim 3 , wherein the tongue portion is configured to fold toward the central portion.
11 . The shoe insert of claim 3 , wherein the support member is bendable between the central portion and the tongue portion.
12 . The shoe insert of claim 3 , wherein the contact member is integrally formed as one piece with the support member.
13 . The shoe insert of claim 3 , wherein the support member and the contact member are formed from a plastic gel.
14 . The shoe insert of claim 3 , wherein the support member has a uniform thickness of less than 2 millimeters.
15 . The shoe insert of claim 1 , wherein the support member has a thickness of between 0.75 and 1.25 millimeters.
16 . A kit, comprising:
one or more heel engaging support systems for use in a shoe, comprising, comprising:
a heel backing portion generally transverse to a heel securement portion;
each said portion being constructed from an elastomeric material having a modulus of elasticity for user comfort;
at least one stress concentration geometry along one of said heel backing portion and said heel securement portion; and
during an assembly with said shoe, said stress concentration geometry allowing an easy bending and fitting of said heel engagement system with said shoe.
17 . The kit of claim 16 , further comprising:
an adhesive application system for facilitating securing the one or more heel engaging support systems to the shoe.