US20110258884A1
2011-10-27
12/730,695
2010-04-23
A device designed to eliminate women from stepping on the backs of their slacks when wearing open-back shoes and therefore, providing a safer and more stable fashion experience. Heel Helper is a removable device that slides up the heel of the shoe and buckles around the ankle so that the shoe can be safely worn with slacks while also providing an aesthetically pleasing look.
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A43B3/122 » CPC main
Footwear characterised by the shape or the use; Sandals; Strap guides thereon characterised by the attachment of the straps
A43B1/0027 » CPC further
Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially from a material having special colours
A43B3/126 » CPC further
Footwear characterised by the shape or the use; Sandals; Strap guides thereon characterised by the shape or layout of the straps
A43B23/00 IPC
Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
A43B23/28 IPC
Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear Devices to put in shoes in order to prevent slipping at the heel or to prevent abrading the stockings
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Current apparel and fashion trends dictate that women wear their slacks and jeans, long and lean. This makes wearing open-backed shoes a problem, since the heel will typically catch on the pant leg. This can result in the woman tripping and falling, as well as causing damage to the garment. Women must have shoes both with backs and without in order to accommodate changes in climate and clothing selection. Unfortunately, many women cannot afford to purchase a wide range of shoe styles in a variety of colors. In some instances, although a specific pair of mules would be perfect with an outfit, the woman is required to buy a different shoe style or opt for a pair of shoes that really doesn't have the desired effect.
Heel Helper makes it easy to wear stiletto mules with long slacks and jeans. Preventing the woman from accidentally stepping on her pant leg, Heel Helper will secure the end of the shoe to the foot, transforming a backless shoe into a more secure style. With Heel Helper, the shoe wardrobe is easily and inexpensively expanded, since mules can be worn with more outfits. Heel Helper is simple to attach and easily removed, requiring no permanent modifications. While the pant leg will mostly hide the Heel Helper, various colors could be provided to coordinate with specific shoes.
FIG. 1 features the Heel Helper.
FIGS. 2 & 3 illustrate the process of affixing the device to the shoe.
FIG. 4 depicts the Heel Helper's ankle strap buckled around the ankle, securing the shoe in place.
FIG. 5 shows an unsecured shoe, not employing Heel Helper to keep her from stepping on her pant leg.
Heel Helper is designed to facilitate wearing long slacks and jeans with stiletto mules. Constructed from cloth, leather or other similar materials, Heel Helper consists of an O-ring that is connected to a back strap that runs up the heel of the foot. An additional strap is attached to this main base, which is designed to buckle around the ankle of the wearer. The back strap measures approximately 6″ long, by 1″ wide. The O-ring is approximately 1.5″ in diameter. Various colors, materials and buckle designs can be offered to coordinate with specific pairs of shoes. The heel of the shoe is pulled through the O-ring. The strap will come up the heel and the ankle strap is buckled. The heel of the shoe will no longer flap and catch on the slacks or jeans. When the Heel Helper is no longer needed since the woman is wearing cropped slacks, shorts or a skirt, the device is easily removed.
1. A device to prevent women from stepping on the back of their slacks when wearing open-back shoes.
2. A device that makes wearing open-back shoes with slacks safer by providing more stability.