Shoe heel support device

Abstract

A shoe heel support device for providing support and stability to a heel of a shoe when worn, is described. The support device is includes an attachment means for fastening the device to the heel of a shoe, and a ground contacting surface. The ground contacting surface contacts a surface of ground in use, such that a generally downwards force applied by a wearer of the shoe to a base of the shoe heel is distributed over an area that is greater than that of a surface area of the base of the shoe heel. The device is particularly useful for application in instances where a high heeled shoe is being worn upon surfaces that are soft, by preventing or inhibiting the heel of the shoe from sinking into the ground.

1 . A shoe heel support device, the support device having:
 an attachment means for attaching the device to a heel of a shoe, the attachment means having a recess with a narrowed portion, the narrowed portion constricting movement of the heel within the recess so as to retain the heel within the recess; and   a ground contacting surface,   wherein a generally downwards force applied by a wearer of the shoe to a base of the shoe heel is distributed over an area that is greater than that of the surface area of the base of the shoe heel.   
   
   
       2 . A shoe heel support device according to  claim 1 , wherein the narrowed portion is disposed at a lowermost end of the recess. 
   
   
       3 . A shoe heel support device according to  claims 1 , wherein an internal surface of the recess is at least partially comprised of a material having properties to enable the material to grip sides of the heel upon insertion of the heel into the recess. 
   
   
       4 . A shoe heel device according to  claim 3 , wherein the material is a heat deformable material, whereby the material maybe softened by the application of heat to receive the heel within the recess and form a plug about the heel. 
   
   
       5 . A shoe heel device according to  claim 4 , wherein the heat deformable material is a thermoset or thermoplastic material. 
   
   
       6 . A shoe heel device according to  claims 1 , wherein the attachment means further includes a hollow shaft extending continuously and upwardly from the recess. 
   
   
       7 . A shoe heel device according to any one of  claims 1 , wherein the attachment means further includes a spike, extending upwardly from a base of the recess and arranged to engage with the base of the shoe heel. 
   
   
       8 . A shoe heel device according to  claim 1 , wherein the ground contacting surface comprises a platform with a lowermost surface defining the ground contacting surface. 
   
   
       9 . A shoe heel device according to  claim 8 , wherein a sole portion is layered upon the lowermost surface of the base portion, the sole portion providing a gripping surface. 
   
   
       10 . A shoe heel device according to  claim 1 , wherein the ground contacting surface has a plurality of downwardly extending protrusions arranged to assist the device to grip upon ground. 
   
   
       11 . A shoe heel device according to  claim 1 , wherein the ground contacting surface is concave and forms a cup portion. 
   
   
       12 . A shoe heel device according to  claim 1 , wherein the base portion tapers outwardly from a mid-region towards an outer perimeter. 
   
   
       13 . A shoe heel device according to  claim 12 , wherein an upper surface of the base portion is concave as it tapers outwardly. 
   
   
       14 . A shoe heel device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device is provided with a removable protective sleeve, the sleeve adapted to fit adjacent the ground contacting surface and at least part of the upper surface of the base portion.