Structure of Heel Counter

Abstract

A heel counter is roughly a U-shaped cup. The bottom of the cup is a support part with the effect of uniformly distributing pressure on the heel. The cup rim embraces the surrounding of the heel to provide protection and stability. The cup rim has several hollow parts to reduce the overall hardness, to enhance comfort by providing suitable elasticity, and to circulate air. The bottom surface of the support part of the cup is provided with arc-shaped supporting elastic plate to alleviate pressure on the heel by absorbing shocks. A midfoot and phalanx support part is formed from the cup bottom toward the midfoot. A lateral longitudinal arc support part is formed from the outer side of the cup bottom toward the midfoot.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A heel counter being roughly a U-shaped cup, whose bottom is a support part to distribute pressure on the heel and whose rim embraces the surrounding of a heel to provide protection and stability, wherein the cup rim has several hollow parts to reduce the overall hardness thereof, to improve comfort by providing appropriate elasticity, and to circulate air; the bottom surface of the support part at the cup bottom has an arc-shaped supporting elastic plate to better absorb shocks on the heel and alleviate the pressure; the cup bottom is extended toward the midfoot with a midfoot and phalanx support part; and the outside of the cup bottom is extended toward the midfoot with a lateral longitudinal arch support part. 
     
     
         2 . The heel counter of  claim 1 , wherein any of the hollow parts on the cup rim is reinforced with a rib. 
     
     
         3 . The heel counter of  claim 1 , wherein the midfoot and phalanx support part extending from the cup bottom toward the midfoot has several hollow parts to reduce the overall hardness thereof and to maintain appropriate elasticity.