GELMI, Sandra (via V. Pinelli 8, Padova, I-35124, IT)
SCHIAVO, Gianni (via T. Tasso 25, Rovigo, I-45100, IT)
GELMI, Sandra (via V. Pinelli 8, Padova, I-35124, IT)
SCHIAVO, Gianni (via T. Tasso 25, Rovigo, I-45100, IT)
| A heel ( 10) for footwear provided with a cavity ( 14, 18, 19, 20) formed in the body of the heel ( 10) itself to slidably house a cushioning device ( 1) to cushion walking in the footwear (100) with which the heel (10) is associated, the said cushioning device comprising a thrust member (30) which can slide in the said cavity (14) and being provided with a plate (3) with which a cushioning element (4) which can be deformed between an extended configuration (Z) and contracted configurations (W, Q) through the effect of a force is associated to cushion walking with the said heel (10) and a rod (2) placed between the said plate (3) and a supporting element (5) intended to be in contact with the ground during walking, the said cavity (14) comprising a first cavity portion ( 18) provided by the part of the heel ( 10) facing the sole ( 10') of the footwear ( 100) to- house the said cushioning member (4), a second cavity portion ( 19) to house the said rod (2) and a third cavity portion (20) of larger cross-section than second cavity portion ( 19) intended to slidably receive the said supporting member (5) and provided in the part of the heel (10) which is intended to face the ground when in use, characterised in that it comprises a connecting portion (24) between the said second cavity portion (19) and the said third cavity portion (20) to block movement of the said supporting member (5) in the said cavity (14) in the vicinity of the said sole ( 10') of the said footwear ( 100). A heel according to the preceding claim, in which the said first cavity portion ( 18) is provided with a base surface ( 17) in the part opposite the said sole (10') intended to block movement of the said supporting member (5) in the said cavity ( 14) when moving away from the said sole ( 10')· A heel according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said supporting member (5) comprises a cylindrical sleeve (6) provided with a first extremity portion (6a) intended to be supported on the ground when in use and an opposite second extremity portion (6b) intended to be inserted into the said cavity ( 14), [the cylindrical sleeve] defining an internally threaded hole (7) to receive the said rod (2) to connect the said supporting member (5) and the said rod (2). A heel according to the preceding claim, in which the second extremity portion (6b) is provided with a restriction (8) forming a hole (9) of smaller cross-section than the said threaded hole (7), the said rod (2) comprising a head (23) suitable for insertion- into the said threaded hole (7) having larger dimensions than the said hole (9), the said restriction acting as an end stop for lateral movement of the said head (23) in the said threaded hole (7) in the direction of the said sole of the footwear (100). A heel according to the preceding claim, in which the said cushioning device ( 1) also comprises a stop device ( 11) which can be screwed into the said threaded hole (7) to act together with the said restriction (8) to stop the said thrust member (30) in both directions of movement along a longitudinal axis (Y) of the said heel ( 10) with respect to the said supporting member (5). A heel according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said cushioning device ( 1) further comprises an adjustment device (11) which can be inserted into the said threaded hole (7) to adjust the position of the said rod (2) in the said threaded hole (7), consequently adjusting the overall length of the said device ( 1) along a longitudinal axis (Y) of the said heel ( 10). 7. A heel according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a covering cap ( 12) removably associated with the said supporting member (5) of the said first extremity portion (6a) to close off the said threaded hole (7). 8. A heel according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said cushioning device can be moved between a resting configuration (Z) when the said heel (10) does not rest on the ground, in which said cushioning element (4) is in a configuration of maximum expansion in the said first cavity portion ( 18), the said plate (3) bearing against a base surface ( 17) of the said first cavity portion ( 18) facing a sole ( 10') of the footwear ( 100), the said supporting member (5) being at a distance (Dl) from the said connecting portion (24) and projecting by a distance (dl), which is the same length or longer than the said distance (Dl), from the base portion ( 16) of the said heel ( 10) which is intended to face the ground when in use, a compression configuration (W) when walking in which the said cushioning element (4) is compressed in the said first cavity portion ( 18), the said plate (3) being at a distance from the said base surface ( 17), the said supporting member (5) abutting against the said connecting portion (24), and a loaded configuration (Q) intermediate between the said resting configuration (Z) and compression configuration (W) when the user is standing, in which the said cushioning element (4) is partly compressed in the said first cavity portion ( 18), the said plate (3) being at a distance from the said base surface (17), the said supporting member (5) being at a second distance (D3) from the said connecting portion (24) which is shorter than the said distance (Dl) and projecting from the said base portion (16) by a second distance (d3) which is shorter than the said distance (d l). 9. A method for producing a heel according to any one of the preceding claims comprising assembling a cushioning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and inserting the said cushioning device (1) in a mould for forming the heel and co-moulding the said heel and the said cushioning device ( 1). 10. A heel for women's footwear characterised in that it is cushioned and comprises at least one metal rod or guide (A2) directly or indirectly impinging upon a resilient body (D) contained within a chamber (BC) which is of one piece with the footwear itself to cushion the support of the heel and reduce fatigue when walking. 11. A heel for women's footwear according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises at least one cap (Al) of one piece with a guide or rod (A2) which is in turn of one piece with a polyurethane elastomer element (D) and in which the said cap (Al), the said guide (A2) and the said elastomer element (D) are contained in a housing (B) of one piece with the footwear, the said housing (B) comprising a lower chamber (Bl) for the said cap (Al ), a tubular member (B2) for the said guide (A2) and an upper chamber (BC) for the said polyurethane elastomer element (D). 12. A heel for women's footwear according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a distribution and reinforcing plate (AC) is inserted between the said guide (A2) and the said polyurethane elastomer element (D). 13. A heel for women's footwear according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, characterised in that the assembly comprising the cap (Al), the metal guide (A2) and the elastomer element (D) are assembled and attached together by means of the screw (V). 14. A heel for women's footwear according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, characterised in that the said upper chamber comprises holes or openings in general for air to enter and leave. 15. A heel for women's footwear according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, characterised in that the said upper -chamber comprises an opening for insertion and replacement of the said polyurethane elastomer element (D). |
Description
This invention relates to the footwear sector and in particular relates to a heel for footwear provided with a cushioning device, in particular for women's footwear.
The invention also relates to footwear fitted with a cushioned heel.
In particular the invention relates to a heel which helps to improve the comfort of the wearer of the footwear of which the heel is a part.
It is an innovative solution, having the function of resting the foot, in particular in the sector of women's footwear.
The cushioning device according to the invention and the cushioned heel for women's footwear according to the invention make it possible to rest the foot while walking.
Footwear, especially elegant women's footwear, normally has a heel which may be up to 12-20 cm tall, is rigidly fixed to the posterior part of the sole of the footwear and has a base supported on the ground of extremely small size.
The considerable height and the small size of the supporting base make the wearing of footwear with a high heel extremely uncomfortable, especially when worn for a long time. It is extremely uncomfortable to walk for long distances and/or stand for a long time in such footwear.
There are also considerable problems of instability, both when walking and when standing.
There is therefore a need to provide heels and corresponding footwear which provide some convenience in use even though it may have a remarkably high heel and a small supporting base cross-section.
Cushioned heels provided with a hole within the body of the heel in which a pin slides are known from US 3,043,024.
The first extremity of the pin is attached to a resilient member positioned in a recess defined within the heel, while at the opposite extremity there is provided a cap designed to be supported on the ground having a larger cross-section than the pin, coinciding with the external cross-section of the body of the heel.
When walking the pin is displaced in the hole, with consequent compression of the resilient member which cushions walking. Within the recess provision is made for a packing larger than the recess which is intended to hold the resilient member in position during use.
Between the sliding pin and the cap there is provided a packing which is intended to be compressed during use and prevent dirt from entering within the hole in the heel in which the pin slides. The sliding travel of the pin and therefore the relative displacement between the cap and the body of the heel is limited by the packing and its compressibility. In another embodiment of the heel according to US 3,043,024 provision is made for a sleeve covering member positioned outside the heel body between the cap and the body of the heel to guide sliding of the pin with respect to the heel and prevent dirt from entering the hole.
The heel described in US 3,043,024 has a number of defects.
The conformations provided greatly limit the travel of the pin, the travel being restricted by the deformability of the packing and/or the dimensions of the sleeve covering member placed between the cap and the heel. The conformation of the heel in US 3,043,024 does not therefore make it possible to achieve a satisfactory cushioning effect.
In addition to this, the cushioning effect which can be obtained with a heel according to US 3,043,024 is predetermined, that is it cannot be adjusted by the user.
Furthermore, the cushioned heel according to US 3,043,024 comprises a plurality of parts, which appreciably complicates its production and assembly, appreciably increasing the cost of footwear fitted with the heel according to US 3,043,024, thus restricting its widespread use.
There is therefore a need to provide a cushioning device for a heel for footwear and a cushioned heel for footwear which ensures good comfort while the footwear with which it is associated is being worn, and which overcomes the defects mentioned with reference to the cited prior art.
One object of this invention is to provide a cushioned heel that provides great comfort when the footwear with which it is provided is worn.
Another object of the invention is to provide a cushioned heel and footwear fitted with a cushioned heel which is simple to produce and is at the same time very comfortable when worn.
This and other objects will be accomplished through a heel and corresponding footwear constructed according to the following claims.
In one embodiment the heel for women's footwear according to this application comprises four main parts:
• an upper elastomer of polyurethane,
• a lower cap with a metal guide which presses against the said elastomer, • a metal housing for the said cap, guide and elastomer,
• a distribution and reinforcing plate for the said guide.
The cap and guide are inserted within the housing containing the elastomer at the top where the body weight exerts a pressure during walking through the heel of the foot causing the cap to enter into the housing; the relative movement of the guide within the housing and consequent compression of the polyurethane elastomer, which being a material having a memory deforms and then returns to its initial shape when the foot is supported on the ball thereof, assist walking and at the same rest the foot thereby allowing women to wear footwear with very high heels, including stilettos, without losing comfort, and eliminating the annoying noise typical of heels on the pavement.
In a preferred embodiment the heel according to the invention has no metal housing, the cushioning device being housed in a cavity defined within the body of the heel.
Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description which is given with reference to the appended drawings which are provided purely by way of non-limiting example and in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatical cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a cushioning device according to the invention in a first configuration of use, Figures la and lb are diagrammatical views of two separate parts of the device in Figure 1.
Figure 2 is an interrupted diagrammatical view in partial cross-section of footwear provided with the device according to the invention in its first configuration of use,
Figure 3 is a diagrammatical view of a second embodiment of the cushioning device according to the invention,
Figure 4 is a diagrammatical view of the device in Figure 3 in a first configuration of use of a heel for footwear,
Figures 5 and 6 are views similar to that in Figure 4 but relating to a second and a third configuration of use of the cushioning device respectively, Figures 7-9 are interrupted perspective views of footwear in which the heel is provided with the device according to the invention in the configurations in Figures 4-6 respectively.
The separate parts can be seen in Figure 1, while the assembled device can be seen in Figure 2.
The new heel for women's footwear comprises an upper elastomer of polyurethane (D), a lower cap (Al), with a metal guide (A2) acting upon the said elastomer (D). It also comprises a metal housing (B) for the said cap (Al), guide (A2) and elastomer (D) and also a distributing and reinforcing plate (AC) for the said guide (A2). The assembly comprising the cap (Al), the metal guide (A2) and the elastomer element (D) are assembled and held together through screw (V). Cap (Al) with guide (A2) is inserted into housing (B), which contains elastomer (D) at the top.
In a variant, metal housing (B) is not provided, that is the cushioning device is directly inserted into a suitably shaped cavity in the heel.
With reference to Figures 3-9, these show a variant embodiment of cushioning device 1 according to the invention which is intended to be at least partially inserted into a body of a heel 10 of footwear 100. This device is particularly suitable for insertion into a heel 10 of women's footwear to increase comfort during use by reducing associated inconveniences, as more particularly explained below.
Cushioning device 1 is particularly suitable for use with heels of 5 considerable height, for example approximately
12-15 cm or even 20 cm, although cushioning device 1 may be advantageously used with heels of any desired height, thereby improving comfort during use as will be clarified below.
Cushioning device 1 is particularly suitable for use with heels having small 10 supporting cross-sections, the heels known as stiletto heels.
However, cushioning device 1 is also suitable for use with high heels having a wide supporting base, or even with heels which are not very high, improving the comfort of wearing the footwear in which the device is fitted in every case.
i s Heel 10 comprises a first base portion 15 designed to receive and support the posterior portion of sole 10' of footwear 100 and a second base portion 16 intended to face the ground when in use.
The average distance between first base portion 15 and second base portion 16 considered along the longitudinal axis Y of the heel, that is the average 20 height H of heel 10, is preferably between 6 and 20 cm.
Internally, heel 10 is provided with a cavity 14 for slidably housing cushioning device 1, as will be more particularly described below.
Cavity 14 extends along the longitudinal axis Y of heel 10, that is over the height H of heel 10.
5 Cushioning device 1 comprises a thrust member 30 made of metal or metal alloy, and a cushioning member 4 attached to thrust member 30. Thrust member 30 is preferably made of steel.
Thrust member 30 comprises a rod 2 provided at its first extremity 21 with a plate 3 to which cushioning member 4 is attached, and is intended to face first base portion 15 when in use, or sole 10' of footwear 100.
Plate 3 is preferably constructed as a single piece with rod 2, but in other embodiments not shown plate 3 and rod 2 may be constructed in two separate parts and then attached together in any suitable way, for example by screwing plate 3 onto rod 2.
Cushioning member 4 is adhesively bonded to plate 3 through adhesives which are suitable for the nature of the material of cushioning member 4. Plate 3 may also be provided with locking members acting with the adhesive to immobilise cushioning member 4 on plate 3.
In the embodiment illustrated, cushioning member 4 is a block of polymer material, preferably polyurethane elastomer material which can deform between an extended configuration and configurations which are contracted through the action of a force, as will be more particularly described below. Plate 3 and cushioning member 4 have a larger cross-section in the transverse direction X than the cross-section of rod 2, the base cross- section of cushioning member 4 being virtually the same as the dimensions of plate 3.
Thrust member 30 also comprises a supporting member 5 associated with rod 2 at second extremity 22 of rod 2 which is intended to face the ground when in use. The second extremity 22 of the rod is provided with a head 23 having a larger cross-section than rod 2. Supporting member 5 comprises a cylindrical sleeve 6 provided with a first extremity portion 6a which when in use is intended to be supported on the ground and an opposite second extremity portion 6b which when in use is intended to be inserted within cavity 14.
Sleeve 6 internally defines a threaded hole 7 made in such a way as to receive rod 2 and head portion 23 thereof. Head 23 preferably has an external thread so that it can be screwed into threaded hole 7 and be stable within the same in any desired position.
Sleeve 6 is also provided with a restriction 8 in second extremity portion 6b defining a hole 9 of reduced cross-section in comparison with threaded hole 7 so as to allow rod 2 to pass but not head 23. Restriction 8 therefore acts as an end-of-travel stop for the movement of rod 2 in supporting member 5, as more particularly explained below.
Cushioning device 1 also comprises a grub screw 11 or other externally threaded immobilising member screwed into threaded hole 7 to act together with restriction 8 and stably immobilise head 23 of rod 2 in threaded hole 7. Head 23 is immobilised between grub screw 11 and restriction 8.
Reciprocal movement between thrust member 30 and supporting member 5 along the longitudinal axis Y of the heel is prevented in this way.
In other words, restriction 8 and grub screw 11 act as immobilising members for head 23 and thus for thrust member 30 with respect to supporting member 5.
By varying the extent to which grub screw 11 is screwed into the threaded hole it is possible to vary the position of head 23 in threaded hole 7, consequently securing and mutually immobilising rod 2 and supporting member 5 in different mutual positions.
The overall height of cushioning device 1 and the cushioning travel of the same are consequently adjusted in this way, as more particularly explained below.
Grub screw 11 therefore acts as an adjustment device for cushioning device 1, making it possible to adjust its overall height and the cushioning obtained.
Other adjustment devices for cushioning device 1 may be provided in other embodiments, which are not shown.
In an embodiment which is not shown, a packing of similar thickness may be inserted between head 23 of rod 2 and restriction 8 so that head 23 is located between the packing and grub screw 11 or other adjustment device, thus varying the overall height of cushioning device 1 and immobilising translational movement of rod 2 and supporting member 5 in relation to each other in any desired mutual position.
This makes the mutual coupling between rod 2 and supporting member 5 stable in different positions, that is when head 23 is not in direct contact with restriction 8.
This makes it possible to vary the overall height of cushioning device 1 and the cushioning capacity which can be obtained with cushioning device 1, while at the same time maintaining the mutual coupling between rod 2 and supporting member 5 stable, as more particularly explained below.
In a commendable embodiment, supporting member 5 has a height of between approximately 10-25 mm, although devices having supporting members 5 of different dimensions may be produced. In a further embodiment which is not illustrated, rod 2 and supporting member 5 are formed of a single piece.
This makes production of the cushioning device according to the invention even simpler.
A cap 12 or other covering element, preferably made of plastics material, intended to improve the stability of heel 10 on the ground, may also be removably inserted into threaded hole 7 of supporting member 5 from first extremity portion 6a.
Preferably cap 12 has dimensions in plan which are larger than those of sleeve 6 in such a way as to project laterally with respect to the latter, the dimensions of cap 12 being substantially the same as the dimensions of the second base portion 16 of heel 10. In this way, second base portion 16 may be received and supported on cap 12 in the compression configuration W of cushioning device 1, as will be more particularly explained below.
Cap 12 makes it possible to prevent dirt from entering threaded hole 7, also protecting grub screw 11.
By removing cap 12 it is also possible to gain access to threaded hole 7 from the exterior, for example varying the extent to which grub screw 11 is screwed in, even after cushioning device 1 has already been inserted into heel 10.
Cavity 14 formed in the body of heel 10 is, as has already been mentioned, shaped in such a way as to slidably receive cushioning device 1.
Cavity 14 comprises a first cavity portion 18 intended to house cushioning element 4, the first portion of cavity 18 being of slightly larger size than cushioning element 4 in the extended, that is resting, configuration. In this way an intermediate space 25 for the passage of air during compression/expansion of cushioning element 4 following a displacement of thrust member 30 can be provided between cushioning element 4 and at least one wall of the first portion of cavity 18.
5 The first portion of cavity 18 also comprises a base surface 17 opposite the first base portion 15 of heel 10 intended to receive and support plate 3 in resting configuration Z of cushioning device 1.
Cavity 14 also comprises a second cavity portion 19 for slidably housing rod 2, and a third cavity portion 20 having a cross-section larger than that of 10 second cavity portion 19 and shaped in such a way as to slidably house supporting member 5.
Supporting member 5 has a larger cross-section than rod 2 and also second cavity portion 19 so that it cannot be inserted into second cavity portion 19. Between second cavity portion 19 and third cavity portion 20 there is a i s connecting portion 24 intended to act as an end stop for supporting member 5 in the course of the movement of thrust member 30, as more particularly explained below.
In order to assemble cushioning device 1 rod 2 from the first extremity portion 6a of supporting member 5 is inserted into threaded hole 7, grub
20 screw 11 is screwed into threaded hole 7 to the desired height so as to consequently adjust the overall height of cushioning device 1 and the cushioning travel available. Subsequently cushioning element 4 is adhesively bonded or fixed in another similar way to plate 3.
Assembled cushioning device 1 can be inserted into a mould for forming a
25 heel for footwear and be co-moulded with the heel itself. In this way, cushioning device 1 is inserted within the heel right at the moulding stage.
Alternatively, grub screw 11 is inserted and screwed into threaded hole 7 after moulding.
Alternatively, the cushioning device may be inserted into a suitable cavity formed in heel 10 after the latter has been formed.
In order to check or, if necessary, replace cushioning element 4 of cushioning device 1 subsequently, as the result of wear for example, an access cavity to cushioning element 4 is provided in first base portion 15 of heel 10.
Alternatively, cushioning element 4 may be accessed through a cavity provided in the side wall of the heel, preferably in the part facing footwear 100, in such a way that it is not visible during use.
During use, cushioning device 1 can move within cavity 14 of heel 10 to cushion the walking of a wearer of footwear 10 in which cushioning device 1 is fitted.
In particular cushioning device 1 can be moved between a resting configuration Z illustrated in Figures 4 and 7, a compression configuration W illustrated in Figures 6 and 9 and a loaded configuration Q illustrated in Figures 5 and 8, as more particularly explained below.
In resting configuration Z, which cushioning device 1 adopts when heel 10 of footwear 100 or, better, supporting member 5 is not resting on the ground, cushioning element 4 is in the resting configuration, or that of maximum expansion within first cavity portion 18, almost completely occupying it. Cushioning element 4 abuts against first base portion 15 of heel 10 and intermediate space 25 between cushioning element 4 and first cavity portion 18 has minimum dimensions, plate 3 bears against base surface 17 of first cavity portion 18.
Base surface 17 of first cavity portion 18 acts as an end stop for rod 2 in 5 resting configuration Z of cushioning device 1.
In resting configuration Z rod 2 extends between second cavity portion 19 and third cavity portion 20, supporting member 5 is partly inserted into third cavity portion 20, and projects beyond the latter by a distance dl . In one embodiment distance d l is approximately 11-15 mm, but there is 10 provision for other values according to the adjustment of cushioning device 1.
In resting configuration Z, first extremity portion 6a of supporting member 5 projects beyond second base portion 16 of heel 10 by a distance d l and second extremity portion 6b is a distance Dl frorrrconnecting portion 24. i s Distance Dl is preferably the same as or shorter than distance dl .
By suitably acting on grub screw 11 or the adjustment device provided it is possible to vary the position of head 23 in threaded hole 7, that is the value of distance Dl between second extremity portion 6b and connecting portion 24 in distance dl, and therefore the cushioning travel which can be
20 obtained through cushioning device 1.
When walking users place their foot on the ground starting with the posterior part, that is heel 10, and as a result first extremity portion 6a of sleeve 6 is supported on the ground.
The user's weight and the force imparted by walking generate a thrust on 5 supporting member 5 of cushioning device 1 which tends to displace supporting member 5 in the direction of arrow F in Figure 4, thrusting it into cavity 14 .provided in heel 10. This thrust places cushioning device 1 in compression configuration W illustrated in Figures 6 and 9.
As a result of the aforesaid thrust, supporting member 5 and rod 2 of cushioning device 1 are moved together towards first base portion 15 of heel 10, sliding within cavity 14.
Following this movement plate 3 rises in relation to base surface 17 of first cavity portion 18, thrusting cushioning element 4 against first base portion 15. This movement then causes compression of cushioning element 4 within first cavity portion 18, and this compression cushions walking.
This movement ends when second extremity portion 6b of sleeve 6 abuts against connecting portion 24, the cushioning travel obtained being equal to distance Dl.
In the embodiment illustrated, in compression configuration W supporting member 5 is almost completely inserted within third cavity portion 20, first extremity portion 6a is almost in line with second base portion 16 of heel 10.
In another embodiment, not illustrated, distance Dl is shorter than dl, so in compression configuration W supporting member 5 projects from third cavity portion 20 over a second distance d of desired extent.
This distance may for example be approximately 2 mm, but other values may be specified.
Cushioning element 4, in particular its dimensions and material, are selected on the basis of the characteristics of the footwear in which cushioning device 1 is intended to be fitted, or on the basis of the overall height of heel 10. Cushioning element 4 may also be selected on the basis of the size of the heel and/or the users' weight.
The cushioning effect which can be obtained with a device according to the invention is therefore varied in this way.
The cushioning travel which can be obtained with the device according to the invention can be varied by varying the extent to which grub screw 11 is screwed in, and therefore distance Dl .
When as walking continues footwear 100 is bent in such a way as to raise heel 10 from the ground, cushioning element 4 expands again in first cavity portion 18, pushing plate 3 against base surface 17 and therefore returning cushioning device 1 to resting configuration Z.
In this way the cushioning effect is provided again at each subsequent step made with footwear 100.
The configuration of cushioning ~ device 1 according to the invention provides a very fast response to deformations, and therefore the cushioning effect is provided again for each subsequent step made with footwear 100.
Cushioning device 1 is also configured in such a way as to adopt an intermediate configuration between compression configuration W and resting configuration Z when the person wearing the footwear is standing. In this position cushioning device 1 adopts a loaded configuration Q illustrated in Figures 5 and 8.
In loaded configuration Q supporting member 5 projects beyond the body of heel 10 by a third distance d3 of length intermediate between length d l and the second length, second extremity portion 6b of sleeve 6 being at a third distance d3 from connecting portion 24. In this configuration cushioning element 4 is partly compressed within first cavity portion 18 and plate 3 is raised with respect to base surface 17.
In a recommended configuration, in loaded configuration Q supporting member 5 projects beyond heel body 10 by a third distance d3 of approximately 8 mm.
In loaded configuration Q therefore, cushioning device 1 can move in cavity 14 either closer to first base portion 15 or vice versa, connecting portion 24 and base surface 17 acting as the corresponding stop members for the abovementioned movements.
The configuration of cushioning device 1 in loaded configuration Q makes it possible to further increase comfort when wearing footwear 100 fitted with cushioning device 1.
Also, when standing, users can sway alternately, displacing their weight from one leg to the other, moving the cushioning devices provided in the two shoes between loaded configuration Q, compression configuration W and resting configuration Z and vice versa.
This helps to increase the sway effect provided by footwear 100.
The configuration of the cushioning device according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a relatively long deformation travel for cushioning device 1 and therefore great comfort when the footwear is worn.
In addition these advantages are obtained without adversely affecting the aesthetic properties of the footwear fitted with the cushioning device according to the invention.
Furthermore heel 10 does not structurally support the user's weight, and therefore the wall of heel 10 corresponding to third cavity portion 20 may also be very thin.
Thus the device according to the invention can also be constructed in heels having bases of extremely small size.
In addition to this the cushioning effect obtained can be easily adjusted by the user at any time, even after the heel has been assembled or moulded. Furthermore there is nothing which projects laterally from the heel, and there are no steps or surfaces on the lateral surface thereof on which any dirt could accumulate, which would adversely affect the aesthetic appearance of the heel itself.
Externally, the conventional shape of a heel is effectively maintained, the cushioning device being almost completely housed within the heel itself, and no covering elements to protect the cushioning device are required.
As a consequence the following claims are made with reference to the preceding description and the appended plates.
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