Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
REPLACEABLE FOOTWEAR SOLE AND HEEL
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/054981
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
An item of footwear (10), such as a shoe or boot, has a replaceable (outsole 16) and/or heel (14) by means of respective releasable attachment means. The outsole can be attached/detached to/from an underside of the upper (12) by actuating a captive slide member (160,206) to engage/release from portions of the outsole. The heel can be attached/released from the upper by a threaded releasable fastener, such as a screw or bolt fastener (66A, 226) or an attachment/release mechanism (102) using a notch and indexing arrangement (Fig 9B). The adaptable footwear allows a user to readily replace the outsole and/or heel for an outsole/heel combination of different height, appearance and/or purpose.

Inventors:
HAMPSON KATHRYN MARY (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2011/001379
Publication Date:
May 03, 2012
Filing Date:
October 27, 2011
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
HAMPSON KATHRYN MARY (AU)
International Classes:
A43B21/42; A43B13/36; A43B21/36; A43B21/46; A43B21/48
Foreign References:
JPH0521704U1993-03-23
KR20100128670A2010-12-08
KR200209600Y1
KR200335974Y12003-12-11
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
WATERMARK PATENT & TRADE MARKS ATTORNEYS (302 Burwood RoadHawthorn, Victoria 3122, AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:

1 . Footwear having an upper, an outsole and a heel, the outsole, the heel, or both the heel and the outsole, respectively including at least one attachment portion to engage, in use, with corresponding at least one respective attachment portion of the upper to releasably retain the outsole, the heel, or both the outsole and heel to the upper until the respective attachment portion is/are selectively released.

2. Footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the heel is releasably connected to the upper by at least one threaded fastener.

3. Footwear according to claim 2, wherein the at least one fastener includes one or more bolts or screws.

4. Footwear according to claim 2 or 3, said at least one fastener arranged to project through a base of an interior of the footwear to be releasably received in a respective receiving aperture of the heel.

5. Footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, the heel including a base portion permanently or removably connected to the upper.

6. Footwear according to claim 5, the upper including a boss portion projecting from an underside of the footwear at the heel end thereof, the heel base portion including a recess for receiving said boss and positively locating said base portion to the upper.

7. Footwear according to claim 5 or 6, the base portion including an aperture arranged to receive a heel stem therein.

8. Footwear according to claim 17, the effective length of the heel stem being adjustable to vary the overall length of the heel and thereby the overall height of the footwear heel.

9. . Footwear according to any one of claims 5 to 8, the heel stem including retaining means to assist in retaining the heel stem to the base portion.

10. Footwear according to claim 9, the heel stem including a threaded portion at or towards a proximal end thereof as part of the retaining means.

1 1 . Footwear according to claim 9 or 10, the threaded portion arranged to threadingly engage with a corresponding internal thread in the base portion.

12. Footwear according to any one of claims 5 to 1 1 , the heel stem including one or more indexing means.

13. Footwear according to claim 12, the indexing means including one or more notches or recesses along a longitudinal extent of the heel stem towards the proximal end thereof.

14. Footwear according to claim 1 , including manual release means provided to release an engagement member from the indexing means to allow the heel stem position to be adjusted longitudinally, and then the manual release means biased back to a locking position to maintain the heel stem in the chosen position.

15. Footwear according to claim 14, the manual release means including a push button release.

16. Footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, the outsole including a release and attachment means.

17. Footwear according to claim 16, wherein the release and attachment means includes a latch arrangement to selectively retain or release the outsole in place on the upper.

18. Footwear according to claim 17, wherein the release and attachment means is operated by a manual tool to lock the outsole in place to the upper and to release the outsole from engagement with the upper.

19. Footwear according to any one of claims 16 to 18, the release and attachment means including a slide member actuated by a rotary member.

20. Footwear according to claim 19, the rotary member including a threaded rod.

21 . Footwear according to claim 19 or 20, with one or more tapered members on the slide member and one or more tapered members on engagement portions of the upper.

22. Footwear according to claim 21 , wherein contact between the respective tapered face on the slide member and a tapered face of an engagement portion of the upper causes the outsole and upper to positive locate and connect together to ensure a tight, strong connection.

23. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 22, the upper including a heel and outsole attachment portions arranged to releasably engage with the outsole or heel respectively.

24. Footwear according to claim 23, wherein the upper includes a midsole portion incorporating at least a part of each of the heel and outsole attachment portions.

25. A replaceable heel for outer footwear, said heel having the features of a heel as defined in any one of claims 1 to 22.

26. A replaceable outsole for outer footwear, said outsole having the features of an outsole as defined in any one of claims 1 to 25.

27. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 25, said footwear being a shoe or boot.

Description:
REPLACEABLE FOOTWEAR SOLE AND HEEL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to selectively replaceable footwear soles and/or heels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Footwear typically consists of an upper for receiving a user's foot, an insole within the upper for contact with the sole of a user's foot or hosiery worn by the user, and an outsole with a sole for contact with the ground. Sometimes a midsole is provided between the insole and outsole. The insole may be a removable insert, but the upper and outsole are typically permanently connected. This is how footwear is sold or otherwise put into the market, with the intention that worn footwear is either disposed of and new footwear purchased, or a new section of sole or heel can be applied as a repair.

Worn or damaged soles and/or heels are typically replaced on footwear by removing a portion or layer of the outsole or heel and adhering (gluing), tacking (nailing) and/or stitching a new rubber, leather or synthetic outsole layer or heel tip in place. This is done when the respective sole or heel wears through or becomes damaged and starts to separate from the underside of the outsole. However, such repair intends only to restore the footwear to a condition to replicate the original footwear. Such replacement requires either specialist equipment and skills, or separately obtained glue and "stick on" synthetic or rubber soles/heels for "do-it-yourself" application.

Screw fastenings through the sole or heel piece into the body of the respective outsole or heel body have been proposed for attaching a replaceable wear piece in place. For example, screw fastenings through a replaceable outsole into the midsole of a shoe are known. However, the intention in such an arrangement is to replace a worn sole with a direct copy of the original sole as a replacement to restore the shoe to original condition. Also, because the style and size of the upper and sole and/or heel of the footwear is dictated by the manufacturer/supplier, there is little to no freedom of choice for a user to vary the style and/or comfort of their preferred choice of footwear. For example, when selecting a new pair of shoes, a potential purchaser may select from a range of styles of footwear, and may be able to select from a set range of colour options, but each design of footwear has its own fixed style of uppers, soles and heels.

With the aforementioned in mind, it is desirable for the present invention to provide footwear soles and/or heels that are more readily replaceable regardless of wear.

It is further desirable of the present invention to provide a user selectable choice of adaptable footwear.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the aforementioned in view, an aspect of the present invention provides footwear having an upper, an outsole and a heel, the outsole, the heel, or both the heel and the outsole, being releasably connected to the upper.

The footwear may have an upper, an outsole and a heel, the outsole, the heel, or both the heel and the outsole, respectively including at least one attachment portion to engage, in use, with corresponding at least one respective attachment portion of the upper to releasably retain the outsole, the heel, or both the outsole and heel to the upper until the respective attachment portion is/are selectively released.

Respective releasable at least one attachment means may be utilized to retain the heel and/or outsole to the underside of the upper. Release of the respective attachment means allows the heel or sole, or both, to be removed and replaced with different looking, or different height giving ones of the same.

Such footwear may have the heel releasbly connected by a fastener, such as a threaded fastener e.g. one or more bolts or screws. Such fastening may be provided by at least one such fastener projecting through a base of an interior of the footwear to be releasably received in a respective receiving aperture of the heel. The or each receiving aperture may be threaded to match a corresponding thread on the respective fastener. Alternatively, the heel may include a base portion permanently or removably connected to the upper. The upper may include a boss portion projecting from an underside of the footwear, and the heel base portion may include a recess for receiving said boss and positively locating said base portion to the upper.

The base portion may have an aperture arranged to receive a heel stem therein. The heel stem may include a permanent or replaceable ground contact wear part at a distal end thereof.

The upper may include a heel and outsole attachment portions arranged to releasably engage with the outsole or heel respectively. The upper may also include a midsole portion incorporating at least a part of each of the heel and outsole attachment portions.

The heel stem may also include a retaining means to assist in retaining the heel stem to the base portion. The heel stem may have a threaded portion at or towards a proximal end thereof as part of the retaining means. The threaded portion may be arranged to threadingly engage with a corresponding internal thread in the base portion. Rotating the heel stem may cause the heel stem to advance into or retract out of the base portion, thereby assisting in altering the effective height of the footwear. Alternatively, or in addition, the heel stem may include one or more indexing means, such as one or more notches or recesses along a longitudinal extent of the heel stem towards the proximal end thereof. Such indexing means may give predetermined position settings for setting heel height. Manual release means may be provided to release an engagement member from the indexing means to allow the heel stem position to be adjusted longitudinally, and then the manual release means biased back to a locking position to maintain the heel stem in the chosen position. A push button may be provided on a face of the heel base, which may have a safety interlock, such as a two-button operation.

The outsole may include a housing for a release and attachment means. The release and attachment means may include a latch arrangement to retain the outsole in place on the upper. The housing may be a projecting portion arranged to extend into a recess in the upper. A midsole fixed to the upper is considered to form part of the upper for the present invention). The latch arrangement may include one or more latch projections biased to project outwardly and engage with respective latch points within a recess of the upper. Thus, the outsole may be clipped into place without the need for an additional manual tool. The one or more latch projections may be retracted by biasing the latch projection(s) to a retracted position to release the outsole from engagement from the upper. The outsole and upper may then be separated.

Alternatively, the release/attachment arrangement may require a manual tool to lock the outsole in place to the upper and to release the outsole from engagement with the upper. A slide member actuated by a rotary member, such as a threaded rod may be used. These may be housed within the housing of the outsole. In such an arrangement, rotation of the threaded rod causes the slide member to traverse within the housing, allowing the outsole to engage with and be retained to the upper, or released from such engagement. A manual "key" may be used, inserted into an aperture to engage with an end of the rotary actuator to operate this mechanism.

Tapered members on the slide member and on engagement portions of the upper may be provided. Contact between the respective tapered face on a lug of the slide member and a tapered face of an engagement portion of the upper, causes the outsole and upper to positive locate and connect together to ensure a tight, strong connection.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a replaceable footwear heel, the heel including a connector at a proximal end thereof, a ground engaging portion at a distal end thereof and a central portion intermediate and connecting the connector and ground engaging portions, the connector including connection means to cooperatively releasably engage with a retainer means attached to an upper of the footwear.

The connector may include an internally aperture for receiving therein a fastener of the retainer means.

The internal aperture may have an internal thread and the fastener may include a screw threaded fastener for releasable engagement with the thread of the threaded aperture. A portion of the fastener may pass through a midsole portion of the footwear such that a head of the fastener is accessible via the foot opening of the footwear upper. The connector may include a boss, which may be tapered, arranged to be received in a correspondingly shaped aperture in a heel base attached to the underside, heel end, of the upper.

Alternatively, the replaceable heel may have a stem from releasable connection into an aperture of a heel base. The stem may include indexing means, such as notches, to correspond with and engage, as selected, with a retaining portion of the retaining means. The retaining portion may include a biased detent, such as a hold/release catch, to releasably engage with one or more of the indexing means to set a required heel height. The catch may be actuated by a release mechanism, such as a push button. The push button may be provided towards the proximal end of the heel, such as in the heel base, and preferably with a button actuation face facing towards a toe end of the footwear.

The replaceable heel may include fine height adjustment, such as a screw thread adjustment between coarse indexing position. In such an arrangement, the coarse height adjustment may be selected by choosing an indexing position, and then carrying out fine adjustment be rotating the heel stem to give a small height adjustment.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a replaceable footwear outsole, the outsole including a connector arranged to engage with a retainer means forming part an underside of the footwear upper, the connector including at least one outsole engagement portion each arranged to engage with a respective corresponding at least one footwear upper engagement portion.

Provision may be included to release the outsole from the upper, which provision may be a release mechanism, preferably actuated by a release means, such as a key, manual tool/implement (such as an Allen key or similar device) or push button.

The outsole connector may include biased locking means, such as spring loaded lugs, which may be forcibly biased to a release position by use of a tool/implement, but biasingly return to a retaining position when released in order to retain the outsole to the footwear upper.

Further details and examples of one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the following Figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1A and 1 B show items of footwear with alternative height replaceable outsoles according to embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 2A and 2B show items of footwear with alternative height replaceable outsoles and alternative height replaceable heels according to embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows an item of footwear with replaceable heel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows an item of footwear with an alternative type of replaceable heel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows an item of footwear with replaceable outsole and replaceable heel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of an item of footwear with replaceable outsole and heel arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 7A and 7B show respective rear view and side sectional view of an item of footwear with replaceable outsole and heel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 8A and 8B show the views according to figures 7 A and 7B with a manual tool to release/attach a heel fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 9A and 9B show respective rear view and side sectional view of an item of footwear with an alternative form of replaceable heel attachment.

Figures 10A and 10B show the views according to figures 9A and 9B with a heel stem release mechanism in a release position. Close up view section B is highlighted to show detail of the release mechanism.

Figure 11 shows an exploded view of an alternative arrangement of replaceable outsole and heel according to further embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 12A and 12B show respective rear view and side sectional view of alternative forms of replaceable heel and outsole according to further embodiments of the present invention. The outsole attachment/release mechanism is shown in a release position.

Figures 13A and 13B show the views of figures 12A and 12B with the outsole attachment/release mechanism in the attachment position.

Figures 14A and 14B show further items of footwear with alternative height replaceable outsoles according to further embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 15A shows a rear (heel end) view and Figure 15B shows a side sectional view through line A-A of figure 15A, both being views of footwear according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16A shows a rear (heel end) view and Figure 16B shows a side sectional view through line A-A of Figure 16A, and inset Detail B from Figure 16B, all being views of footwear according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 shows a side view of footwear with heel detached, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 18 shows a side view of footwear with an outsole detached, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 shows an exploded perspective view of an item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 shows an item of footwear with outsole and heel detached, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 21 A shows a rear (heel) view of an item of footwear and Figure 21 B shows a side sectional view through line B-B of Figure 21 A, both views with a attachment/release tool (such as a screwdriver) being used to firmly attach the outsole to the upper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. Although reference will hereinafter be made to a "shoe", and particularly showing a ladies shoe, it should be understood that the present invention is applicable to other variants of outer footwear, such as boots, gumboots (Wellingtons), riding boots, sneakers and other sports shoes, and footwear with continuous or distinctly separate outsoles and heels. The following examples of embodiments of the present invention are not to be taken to limit the generality of the invention.

It will be appreciated that the present invention not only allows the heel and/or sole of footwear to be replaced whenever a user wishes to alter the height of or replace the heel/sole, but alternatively allows a user to select and match a preferred style and/or colour of upper with a preferred height and style of heel/sole. That is, the footwear is adaptable to give freedom of choice of footwear styles, colours, designs, comfort and practicality for a required or preferred use. For example, a particular style and colour of upper may be selected and matched with a relatively low heel and sole for practical everyday use, such as walking and driving, but then adapted by replacing the low heel/sole with a higher heel/sole configuration for formal wear. Alternatively, a preferred choice of height of heel and/or sole can be retained but the upper changed to give a different look or style. For example, if a low heel/sole combination is preferred but the choice of upper suits one particular wearing occasion but not another, only the upper need be swapped and the heel/sole combination replaced onto that second choice of upper. This can be particularly useful where a change of clothing colour means that a change of footwear colour, but not a change of footwear height, is required.

The footwear may be sold with a pair of uppers and a selection of replaceable heels/soles in different combinations of styles, colours and/or heights.

Furthermore, the uppers configured to releasably retain the replaceable heels/soles may be provided as a product in their own right. Likewise, the replaceable heel and/or the replaceable sole may be provided as releasably attachable retro fit choice.

Figures 1 A and 1 B show views of alternative arrangements of a shoe 10 incorporating an embodiment of the present invention. The shoe has an upper 12, a heel 14 and an outsole 16. The outsole and the heel are replaceable such that a different thickness of outsole and a corresponding different length of heel are attachable via respective attachment mechanisms to allow adaptation of the shoe to suit different needs. In this variant, the outsole 16 includes a ground contact layer 20 (which is preferably wear resistant) and a relatively softer, resilient shock absorbing material as a combined midsole portion. It will be appreciated that the outsole mentioned in respect of the present invention may include the ground contact outer sole portion and the midsole. Other variants may use a single thickness of one material or may utilize multiple layers. All such variants are deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention.

In use, a relatively lower (shorter) heel and outsole may be used for everyday use whilst the higher (longer) heel and thicker outsole variant may be used for evening wear or when a user needs to be physically taller. It will be appreciated that the slope or curve of the insole (not shown) within the upper need not change. Thus, in such arrangement, posture or foot angle of the wearer is not altered. Other arrangements of the footwear may adjust the slope or curve of the insole.

An alternative variant of the present invention is shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 2A shows a shoe 10 with a relatively thicker for, the heel 14 has a heel base 22 connected to the underside 12A of the upper 12. The heel base may be permanently connected to the upper or releasably connected. The heel base is arranged to receive a replaceable heel stem 24 with of the replaceable outsole 16 whilst Figure 2B shows an alternative thinner form of the outsole 16. In this variant, the heel stem may be replaced with a shorter or longer heel stem to match a corresponding change of thickness of the replaceable outsole 16. The replaceable outsole can be removed and the thinner outsole attached, and vice versa. In figure 2A, the heel base and heel stem are both replaced with a longer heel base and shorter heel stem as shown in figure 2B. This allows each item or pair of footwear to be customized or personalized for a user to match their height needs and use for the footwear. More practical uses of the footwear may require lower/shorter heels and outsoles, whilst more formal occasions may dictate the longer/higher variant. It will be appreciated that footwear heights greater, smaller or intermediate the shown variants are encompassed within the present invention. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the heel base and/or heel stem can be replaced. This allows various permutations of heel base and heel stem lengths to be adopted depending on the user's needs. The outsole can be changed to match the desired total height/length of the heel. Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The shoe 10 has a replaceable heel 14. The heel 14 is a single piece heel, save for an heel wear insert 26. The heel releasably attaches to the underside 12A of the upper 12. The heel has a recess 30 (not shown) arranged to receive a boss 28 having a threaded fastener 32 protruding therefrom. The threaded fastener may be a captive or removable bolted to threadingly engage with a corresponding thread within the recess of the heel. Tightening the threaded fastener causes the heel to positively locate with the boss 28 and be retained in a firm, fixed, yet removable relationship with the upper. The thickness/height of the outsole 16 can be selected to suit the length of the heel.

The shoe 10 shown in Figure 4 shows the heel stem 24 of Figure 2A released from the heel base 22. In this embodiment, the heel stem is released by actuation of a release mechanism operated by a push button (not shown). A recess 34 is shown in the forward face 36 of the heel base for receiving a push button actuator. The release mechanism is within the heel base. The heel stem 24 includes a protrusion 38 to be received within the hollow heel base 22.

In use, the protrusion 38 is not seen once attached to the heel base. The lower portion 40 of the heel stem is visible in use. Thus, alternative colours, lengths and styles of heel stem can be utilized. In this embodiment, the protrusion 38 of the heel stem 24 has notches so that the release mechanism engages with a desired notch position in order to tailor the general overall length of the heel to a specific length i.e. allowing a degree of fine tuning in the overall length.

Figure 5 reveals an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a replaceable outsole 16. The outsole includes an engagement portion 50 arranged to be received in a corresponding recess 52 within the underside of the upper 12. The engagement portion 50 houses an attachment/release mechanism for releasably attaching the outsole 16 to the upper 12.

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention in perspective. The shoe 10 includes an upper 12, an insole 60, a detachable heel 62, a detachable outsole 64, a heel fastening means 66 including a heel fastener 66A to releasably extend through the interior floor 12B of the heel end of the upper and a heel fastener receiving means 66B for fixing into the upper recess 68 in the heel 62. The heel fastener receiving means 66B is fixedly attached into the heel, such as by a thread, adhesive, interference fit, or is an integral part of the heel, such as a thread formed in the material of the heel. The heel recess 30 mounts onto a corresponding boss 28 (not shown) similar to that shown in Figure 3. The heel 62 has a replaceable wear part 70 for contact with the ground. The outsole 64 includes a mounting portion 72 arranged to be received within a recess in the underside of the forward part 12C of the upper 12. The mounting portion houses an attachment/release mechanism 74 for releasably connecting the outsole to the upper.

Figure 7A shows a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7B shows a side sectional view along A-A of the shoe of Figure 7A and embodying a form of the present invention. The heel 14,62 and outsole 16,64 are releasably attached as described in relation to Figure 6. The outsole 16,64 shows in sectional view the workings of the attachment and release mechanism 74. The mounting portion 72 is received into a recess 76 in the underside of the upper 12. The release mechanism is covered by a cover plate 78 which also acts to retain the working parts of the mechanism in place within the housing of the mounting portion 72. The cover plate is retained in place by removable fasteners 80, such as screws. The working parts of the mechanism include a rotary actuator 82 having a longitudinal axis. A slide member 84 is arranged to operatively engage with the rotary actuator, whereby, in use, rotation of the rotary actuator about its longitudinal axis in one direction causes the slide member to advance towards the toe end of the shoe or, opposite rotation causes the slide member to retract towards the heel end of the shoe. Advancement of the rotary block causes it to engage with one or more retaining portions attached within the recess of the upper, thereby retaining the outsole in place. The slide member effectively locks the outsole to the upper. Rotation of the rotary actuator in the opposite direction causes the slide member to retract and come out of engagement with the one or more retaining portions, thereby allowing the outsole to be removed from the upper and replaced with another size, thickness, design and/or colour of outsole.

Figure 8B shows a similar section of the shoe as shown in Figure 7B. However, a manual release tool 90, in this embodiment in the form of a key, more particularly a hexagonal section key. The release tool 90 is shown engaged with a head end 93 of the heel fastener 66A. Axial rotation of the shaft 92 of the manual tool in one direction causes the fastener 66A to rigidly retain the heel to the upper. Axial rotation in a release direction causes the fastener 66A to release the heel from the upper for removal and allow replacement of the heel.

Figure 9A shows a rear view of the shoe with an alternative form of heel 100 and heel attachment mechanism 102. Figure 9B is a sectional view along A- A of Figure 9A. The heel 100 has a base portion 104 and a stem portion 106. The base is permanently attached to an underside 12A of the upper 12. As in Figure 4, the heel stem 106 has an upper protrusion 108 and a lower portion 1 10. The upper protrusion inserts into a recess within the heel base 104. As seen in Figure 9B, the base includes a mechanism to releasably retain the stem. The upper protrusion has indexing recesses or notches 1 12A,1 12B,1 12C...1 12n (hereinafter called notches). The release mechanism includes an engagement means 1 14 engaged into one of the notches. Actuation of a manual release button 1 16 causes the engagement means to bias out of the respective notch. This allows the heel stem to be moved axially within the heel base to adjust the overall length of the heel (and therefore the overall height of the heel of the shoe for a user) or to replace the heel stem. The engagement means is normally biased by a biasing means to engage into the notch and it requires movement of the engagement means, such as by actuation of the manual release button 1 16 to disengage the engagement means from the notch. Minimal clearance between the thicker portion 1 18 of the heel stem within the base portion 104 reduces or prevents lateral movement of the heel stem (i.e. reduces or prevents wobble). Figure 10B identifies a section of the release mechanism circled a B. This section is shown as Detail B enlarged. The heel stem attachment/release mechanism 102 includes a button 1 16 outwardly biased by a biasing means 124. Manual pressing of the button causes the engagement means 1 14 to move out of engagement from a recess or notch 1 12B, 1 12C of the heel stem upper portion 108. The heel stem upper portion (protrusion) has a threaded male portion 120 arranged to threadingly engage with a corresponding internally threaded female portion 122 of the heel base 104. Once the engaging means is moved out of engagement with the recess or notch, the heel stem can be rotated about its longitudinal axis such that the threads cause the heel stem to advance into the heel base or retract out of the heel base depending on the direction of rotation. This allows the effective length of the heel to be adjusted, such as to suit the required height of outsole. Once the desired length is achieved, the manual release is allowed to return the engagement means 1 14 to positively engage into the indexed recess or notch and thereby positively retain the heel stem in the heel base.

Figure 1 1 shows an exploded view of a shoe embodying the present invention. Figure 1 1 shows the heel stem and heel base attachment means as well as the outsole attachment means. The heel base is releasably retained to the upper by removable fasteners passing through the base 142 of the upper and discreetly retained under the insole 60. The heel base receives a ferrule 144 releasably retained in place by a retainer 146. The ferrule has an internal thread arranged to receive a corresponding threaded male protrusion 108 of the heel stem 106.

The outsole attachment/release mechanism shown in Figure 1 1 is housed in a projecting portion of the outsole 16. This mechanism acts to lock and release the outsole to the upper. This allows the outsole to be replaced at choice, such as to attach a thicker or thinner outsole to vary the preferred height of the footwear, or to replace a worn outsole. A slide member 160 has an aperture 162 therethrough for receiving an axially extending slide member actuation member 164, in this embodiment in the form of a threaded rod. The threaded rod engages with a corresponding thread within the slide member aperture. The rod and the slide member are housed within the housing 166 of the outsole and are retained in place by a cover plate 168, which itself is removable by releasable fasteners 170. Axial rotation of the slide member actuation member 164 within the housing, and corresponding cooperation of the respective threads on the actuation member and the slide member, causes the slide member to traverse forwards or backwards depending on the direction of rotation of the actuation member. Tapered lugs 172 on either side of the slide member 160 engage with corresponding engagement portions 184 within the recess of the upper. A taper face 174 on each of the tapered lugs contacts a corresponding taper face 186 on a respective engagement portion thereby, not only locking the outsole to the upper, but also positively brining the outsole and upper together through respective movement. The engagement portions of the upper are configured to pass through respective apertures 176 of the cover plate.

Figure 12B in particular shows a side sectional view of the shoe of Figure 1 1 with the slide member 160 in a release position whereby the outsole can be fitted to or released from the upper. With a manual tool 180 inserted into an aperture 182 in the rear face of the outsole, the slide member can be moved. The tool engages with a corresponding fitting on an end of the actuation member 164, such as a hexagonal drive means. Rotation of the manual tool one direction or the other causes the actuation member to rotate and thereby cause the slide member to traverse forwards or backwards dependent upon the direction of rotation. This causes the slide member to engage or disengage with the engagement portions 172 within the underside of the upper, locking or releasing the outsole in place as required.

Figure 13B shows the slide member traversed to a locking position through rotation of the axially extending actuation member. The cooperating taper faces 174,186 of the respective lugs 172 and engagement portions 184 are shown in contacting engagement to positively lock the outsole into position.

It will be appreciated that the outsole can be relatively quickly removed and replaced with little difficulty, and a replacement size, colour and/or style of outsole fitted to suit a given need or application for the footwear. The heel (either the complete heel or the heel stem, or both) can be replaced to match the preferred outsole, as previously described. Thus, there is an opportunity to customize the footwear by selectively changing the entire heel, or part of the heel and/or the outsole, whether for personal taste, for adaptation for a required use of the footwear, or for reasons of wear or damage.

Figures 14A and 14B show an upper with alternative length replaceable heels 14 attached. A shorter heel 14A to match a shallower replaceable outsole 16A, and a longer heel 14B to match a thicker such outsole 16B. In Figures 15A and 15B, a screwdriver 200 is used to engage with a threaded rod or fastener 202 within the outsole 16. The outsole 16 includes an outermost cover 204 attached to the underside of the upper 12 via a the threaded rod or fastener 202 actuating a thread driven slide member 206 within a cavity 208 within the underside of the upper 12, such as in a midsole 210. The midsole 210 acts as a support plate and can extend to provide a support for the heel 14. The midsole may include an outer decorative or protective cover 212 for weather and wear protection.

Figures 16A and 16B show the exposed end 214 of the threaded fastener or rod 202 without the screwdriver 200 in position. The fastener end 214 is seen on a rear portion of the outsole. Figure 16B shows the threaded rod or fastener 202 engaged with the slide member 206 within the cavity 208 in the underside of the upper. The cavity is covered by a removable cover plate 216. The cover plate has holes therethrough for projections 218 to extend from the outsole into the cavity. These projections are engaged by the slide member when the fastener or rod is actuated. The fastener or rod itself has portions that slidably engage with the projections. Thus, the outsole can be attached and detached for replacement when the fastener or rod is rotated and the thread causes the slide member to move and release from the projections of the outsole. The cover plate 216 helps retain the slide member in place in the cavity.

The cover plate 216 covers the cavity 208 and can be releasably attached by one or more cover plate fasteners. The cavity can be formed as an extension of a midsole support plate 21 OA of the midsole. Such a support plate 21 OA can extend from adjacent the heel to adjacent the toe ends of the footwear. A lower cover 210B can also extend from adjacent the heel to adjacent the toe, and can provide a decorative and wear resistant external cover for the exposed underside of the midsole between the outsole and heel, and can also provide a gasket between the cavity extension and the cavity cover.

Detail B of Figure 16B shows how an embodiment of the heel 14 is attached to the upper 12 of the footwear 10. An underside of the upper includes a spigot 220. This spigot is tapered and is received into a tapered recess 222 in one end of the heel 14. The spigot can be formed integral with or attached to a midsole support plate 210 attached to form part of an underside of the upper 12. The recess 222 in the top end of the heel includes a threaded portion 224 for engagement with a threaded fastener 226 inserted from inside the upper and, after tightening the fastener 226, a cover 228 is placed over the upper exposed end of the fastener for wearer comfort and footwear aesthetics. Figure 17 shows a heel 14 detached from the upper 12 of the footwear 10. The spigot 220 is shown exposed with a portion of the fastener 226 extending therefrom. Likewise, Figure 18 shows the outsole 16 detached from the upper. In this example, the slide member 206 has been moved to a release position by actuation of the threaded rod or fastener 202. This releases the projections of the outsole from the slide member where they project into the cavity in the underside of the upper. The cavity holding the slide member 206 that is then covered by a cover plate 216 projects downward from the underside of the upper. The cavity may be defined by an extension of the midsole support plate 210.

Figure 19 shows an exploded view of components forming the item of footwear 10. The upper includes an upper outer layer 230, an insole 232, a heel pad 234, an insole layer 236a midsole support plate 21 OA, a midsole lower cover 210B, the slide member 206 and actuator rod or fastener 202, the cover plate 216, a body of the outsole 238 retaining the projections 218 that extend into the cavity for engagement with the slide member, an outsole body outer cover 240, an outsole lower sole 242 and pad 244, a heel 14A, a heel outer cover14B, a heel front cover 14C, a threaded insert 246 to be retained within the top of the heel and for threadingly retaining the fastener 226 when the heel is attached.

Figure 20 shows the outsole body 238 and projections 246 extending upwards from the hollow interior of the body. Each projection has a tapered slot for receiving therein a corresponding tapered projection of the slide member. As the slide member move rearwards towards the heel, the tapered projections of the slide member increase engagement with the tapered slots and cause the outsole to lift and to attach more firmly to the underside of the upper. This engagement prevents the outsole from removal until the slide member is moved to a release position by counter-rotating the threaded fastener/rod member 202. As shown in Figures 21 A and 21 B, rotating the threaded fastener/rod 202, such as by using a screwdriver 200, causes the slide member to move rearwards towards the heel. In doing so, the sloped faces on the tapered projections on the slide member are caused to increasingly engage with the opposite sloped faces of the tapers on the projections 246. This interaction causes the outsole to lift and engage under the upper. The outsole can be removed and replaced by counter rotating the threaded rod/fastener 202, thereby disengaging the sloped faces of the slide member and projections and allowing the outsole to be removed and a different outsole to be attached by re-rotating the threaded fastener/rod 202 once the outsole is put in position with the projections 246 inserted into the cavity.