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  Footwear with resilient heelUSPTO Application #: 20060010715Title: Footwear with resilient heel Abstract: An article of footwear includes a lower sole portion which has at least a lower heel region, and an upper sole portion which includes a front end connected to the lower sole portion and a remaining part extending rearwardly from the front end above the lower sole portion. The remaining part includes an upper heel region which is spaced apart from and extends above the lower heel region. The upper sole portion is formed integrally as one piece with the lower sole portion and is resilient. (end of abstract) Agent: Baker & Daniels LLP 111 E. Wayne Street - Fort Wayne, IN, US Inventors: Yu-Lin Tseng, Hsing-Fang Chang USPTO Applicaton #: 20060010715 - Class: 036011500 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Boots, Shoes, And Leggings, Boots And Shoes, Sandals The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060010715. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to footwear, more particularly to improved footwear having a resilient heel. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] High-heeled shoes or sandals typically include a sole plate made of rubber or plastic, and a solid heel block attached to the bottom of a heel part of the sole plate. While the solid heel block can raise the heel part, because the solid heel block is not resilient and can produce a certain weight, the conventional high heel shoe or sandal is generally uncomfortable. In addition, the shapes and configurations of the conventional high heel shoes or sandals are limited by the construction of the solid heel blocks attached to the heel parts thereof. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] An object of the present invention is to provide improved footwear with a novel heel which is not only durable but also resilient and comfortable. [0006] According to this invention, an article of footwear comprises a sole unit that includes a lower sole portion having at least a lower heel region; and an upper sole portion which includes a front end connected to the lower sole portion, and a remaining part extending rearwardly from the front end above the lower sole portion. The remaining part includes an upper heel region which is spaced apart from and extends above the lower heel region. The upper sole portion is formed integrally as one piece with the lower sole portion and is resilient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the footwear according to the present invention: [0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the footwear according to the present invention; [0010] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the third preferred embodiment of the footwear according to the present invention; [0011] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the footwear according to the present invention; [0012] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the fifth preferred embodiment of the footwear according to the present invention; and [0013] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the sixth preferred embodiment of the footwear according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0014] Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that same reference numerals have been used to denote like elements throughout the specification. [0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a first preferred embodiment of the footwear according the present invention is configured as a high-heeled sandal 100 which includes a sole unit 10 and a strap 20 attached to the sole unit 10. [0016] The sole unit 10 includes a lower sole portion 12 having a lower front region 121 and a lower heel region 122, and an upper sole portion 11 which is formed integrally as one piece with the lower sole portion 12. The lower sole portion 12 is planar. The upper sole portion 11 has a front end 111 connected to the lower sole portion 12 at a location between the lower front and heel regions 121 and 122. The remaining part of the upper sole portion 11 extends rearwardly from the front end 111 above the lower heel region 122 and includes an upper heel region 112 which is spaced apart from and extends above the lower heel region 122. The upper sole portion 11 thus acts as a cantilever. The strap 20 is connected to the lower front region 121 of the lower sole portion 12. [0017] The upper and lower sole portions 11 and 12 are made of a composite material which includes a fiber component, and a resin component, such as a thermoplastic resin, or a thermosetting resin. The fiber component may include one or more fibers selected from carbon fiber, glass fiber and Kevlar fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the composite material includes 60%-80% by weight of the fiber component and 20%-40% by weight of the resin component. [0018] The high-heeled sandallo o further includes ananti-slip layer 13 attached to the top surfaces of the upper sole portion 11 and the lower front region 121 of the lower sole portion 12. Tread members 14 are attached to the bottom surface of the lower sole portion 12. [0019] Due to the use of the aforesaid composite material, the high-heeled sandal 100 not only has a light weight but also is strong and durable for resistance against breakage. In addition, because of the cantilever-like configuration of the upper sole portion 11, the sole unit 10 has a measure of resiliency so that the sole unit 10 is able to absorb shock and provides a feel of comfort. Moreover, the sole unit 10 presents a novel outer appearance different from those of the prior art. [0020] Referring to FIG. 2, a second preferred embodiment of the footwear according to the present invention which is substantially similar to the first preferred embodiment except that a connecting plate 15 is additionally provided in the second preferred embodiment. The connecting plate 15 has top and bottom ends connected respectively to the rear ends of the upper and lower heel regions 112 and 122. The connecting plate 15 is bent inward so that it protrudes into a space between the upper and lower heel regions 112 and 122. Thus, the connecting plate 15 can be flexed when the upper and lower heel regions 112 and 122 are subjected to external pressure. The connecting plate 15 reinforces the upper and lower heel regions 112 and 122 so as to provide improved durability and resistance against breakage. Continue reading... Full patent description for Footwear with resilient heel Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Footwear with resilient heel patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Footwear with resilient heel or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Process and system for drying and heat treating materials Next Patent Application: Composite outsole Industry Class: Boots, shoes, and leggings ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Footwear with resilient heel patent info. 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