Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an adjustable footwear system to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear before and after the footwear is received on the foot. An extensor system is activated to open or close a cavity of the footwear between the upper and an insole. The extensor system can provide loosen the footwear to the foot.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates in general to an adjusting system for an article and in particular to an adjustable footwear system in which the footwear is initially in a tightened state and can be loosened for insertion of a foot and subsequently adjusted after the insertion of the foot. 
         [0003]    Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Conventional footwear typically is inherently loose in order for ease of insertion of the foot. The footwear includes a closing mechanism such as a type of lacing, buckle, ratchet or strap in order to close the loose section of the footwear to create a tight fit. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,769,844 describes an article of footwear including an automatic lacing system. The lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and a tightened position of the upper of the footwear. 
         [0006]    It is desirable to provide an adjustable footwear system to loosen the footwear during insertion of the foot into the footwear and provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear after the footwear is received on the foot. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention provides an adjustable article system to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of an article. In particular, the article can be footwear. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an adjustable footwear system to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear before and after the footwear is received on the foot. The footwear is, in its initial form, tightest on the inner cavity with an upper comprised of one or more elastic materials. The footwear can also include more rigid materials in order to provide additional support or decoration. 
         [0008]    The adjustable footwear system includes an extensor system for loosening and tightening the footwear. In particular, the extensor system is activated to create a rigid infra-structure to open a cavity of the footwear between the upper and an insole. The extensor system can be hydraulic and use fluids or air with a device to manually increase the pressure in the extensor system. In one embodiment, the device includes a crank and ratchet device or a pump. Pressure in the extensor system is increased in order to loosen the shoe. Alternatively, pressure in the extensor system is decreased in order to return the shoe to its tighter natural state. The extensor system can include single or multiple chambers within the footwear to allow for varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear. In one embodiment, the extensor system includes one or more extensor arms which are positioned in any direction, or a plurality of directions, in the upper. In one embodiment, the a plurality of extensors are assembled to form a grid or mesh pattern throughout the entire upper. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, when the extensor system has zero pressure, the extensor arms in the upper are pliable, leaving the upper having elastic properties in its original, tightest state on the cavity between the upper and the sole assembly. As the user exerts pressure on the extensor system with the device, the extensor arms become more rigid and extend for expanding the volume of the inner cavity. Maximum and near maximum pressure conditions of the extensor system open the inner cavity sufficiently to allow for easy entry of the user&#39;s foot into the cavity. Once the foot is in the cavity, the user can decrease the pressure in the extensor system. The decrease of pressure in the extensor system decreases the cavity volume and allows for the elastic upper to apply pressure to the foot. The pressure in the extensor system is user adjustable to allow the user to determine how much force is exerted by the elastic upper on the foot. The extensor system can be placed on key areas of the foot to provide an easy opening and a snug fit for support when walking. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the extensor system can be applied to a wedge type shoe including ankle and heel support. An elastic wrapping can be provided at the top of the foot for providing a snug fit to the foot. Alternatively, the extensor system can be included in a low top or a climbing shoe. 
         [0011]    The extensor system can be pressure activated. The extensor system can include a path for coupling one or more heel extensors and one or more upper extensors to a fluid reservoir. A pressure button actuator can be used to increase or reduce pressure in the extensor system. In one embodiment, the fluid reservoir is positioned within the sole. In an alternate embodiment, the fluid reservoir is positioned in a pressure activation device housing including the pressure button actuator. 
         [0012]    The one or more heel extensors and the one or more upper extensors can be formed individually or a as a plenum which is divided by one or more baffles. The one or more heel extensors and the one or more upper extensors can be positioned in a side of the footwear. Alternatively the one or more heel extensors extend radially around a heel portion of the footwear and the one or more upper extensors extend radially around an upper portion of the footwear 
         [0013]    The present invention can be applied to all types of footwear including, but not limited to, athletic shoes, athletic cleats, formal shoes, ski boots, snowboard boots, and standard boots. The present invention can be used as an inner liner for an outer shoe. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the article can be other wearable items which require a desired fit such as, but not limited to, watch bands, headwear, compression clothing, and durable medical equipment, including medical braces. 
         [0015]    The invention will be more fully described by reference to the following drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a side view of the adjustable footwear system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention in an un-activated state. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the adjustable footwear system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system and a pressure activation device which can be used in the adjustable footwear system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a side view of the adjustable footwear system in an activated state. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the adjustable footwear system shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a side view of an alternative adjustable footwear system in an activated state. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the adjustable footwear system shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of a side view of an alternative adjustable footwear system in an un-activated state. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the adjustable footwear system shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the adjustable footwear system shown in  FIG. 8  in an activated state. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a side view of activation of the adjustable footwear system. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a side view of use of the adjustable footwear system after activation. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram of a side view of the adjustable article system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention in an un-activated state. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the adjustable article system shown in  FIG. 11  in an un-activated state. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the adjustable article system shown in  FIG. 11  in an activated state. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system and a plurality of pressure activation devices which can be used in an adjustable footwear system. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram of the extensor system and a plurality of pressure activation devices which can be used in an adjustable footwear system of  FIG. 16  in an activated state. 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system and a plurality of pressure activation devices which can be used in an adjustable article system. 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system and a plurality of pressure activation devices which can be used in an adjustable article system of  FIG. 18  in an activated state. 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system and a plurality of pressure activation devices which can be used in an adjustable article system. 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system and a plurality of pressure activation devices which can be used in an adjustable article system of  FIG. 20  in an activated state. 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  is a schematic diagram of a side view of an adjustable footwear system including an extensor system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 23A  is a schematic diagram of a side view of an adjustable footwear system including an extensor system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 23B  is a schematic diagram of an air chamber used in the extensor system of  FIG. 23A . 
           [0040]      FIG. 24  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system and a pressure activation device of an adjustable footwear system. 
           [0041]      FIG. 25A  is a schematic diagram the extensor system used in  FIG. 24 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 25B  is a schematic diagram of an extensor chamber which can be used in the extensor system shown in  FIG. 25A . 
           [0043]      FIG. 25C  is a schematic diagram of an extensor chamber which can be used in the extensor system shown in  FIG. 25A . 
           [0044]      FIG. 26A  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system. 
           [0045]      FIG. 26B  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system. 
           [0046]      FIG. 26C  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system. 
           [0047]      FIG. 26D  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system. 
           [0048]      FIG. 27A  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system used in an adjustable footwear system of a wedge. 
           [0049]      FIG. 27B  is a schematic diagram of the extensor system used in  FIG. 27A . 
           [0050]      FIG. 28A  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system used in an adjustable footwear system of a low top shoe. 
           [0051]      FIG. 28B  is a schematic diagram of the extensor system used in  FIG. 28A . 
           [0052]      FIG. 29A  is a schematic diagram of an extensor system used in an adjustable footwear system of a climbing shoe. 
           [0053]      FIG. 29B  is a schematic diagram of the extensor system used in  FIG. 29A . 
           [0054]      FIG. 30A  is a perspective view of a pressure activation device used with the extensor system of  FIG. 29B . 
           [0055]      FIG. 30B  is a front view of a pressure activation device used with the extensor system of  FIG. 29B . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0056]    Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are schematic diagrams of adjustable footwear system  10  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Adjustable footwear system  10  is shown in an un-activated state. Footwear  11  includes upper  12 . Preferably, upper  12  is formed of an elastic material. For example, upper  12  can be formed of one or more materials having elastic properties. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, Lycra, elastic, spandex, neoprene, or PVC. Upper  12  can also include one or more materials which are more rigid. Suitable rigid materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, polyurethane and polypropylene. The rigid material can provide support of upper  12  or decoration. Cavity  13  is formed between upper  12  and insole  14 . 
         [0058]    Adjustable footwear system  10  includes extensor system  20 . Extensor system  20  can be activated by pressure activation device  30  to provide a rigid infra-structure. Extensor system  20  includes a one or more extensors  22 . In this embodiment, extensors  22  are formed of extensor arms  23 . Extensor arms  23  can be positioned to extend from one side  24  of upper  12  to the other side  25  of upper  12 . Width W 1  adjacent of respective extensor arms  23  positioned adjacent side  24  or side  25  can be greater than width W 2  at end  26  of extensor arms  23 . Extensor arms  23  can extend from width W 2  to point  27 . 
         [0059]    Extensors  22  are coupled to pressure activation device  30 . Pressure activation device  30  controls pressure within extensors  22 . In the un-activated state shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  zero pressure is used in extensor system  20 . Extensor arms  23  in the un-activated state are substantially flat within upper  12 . 
         [0060]    Pressure activation device  30  can be hydraulic and use fluids or air with device  32  to manually increase the pressure in extensor system  20  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Coupling lines  34  can be used to couple device  32  to pressure button actuator  36 . Device  32  can be a pump. Alternatively, device  32  can be a crank and ratchet device or a battery powered device to regulate the desired pressure. 
         [0061]    Activation of pressure button actuator  36  increases pressure in extensor system  20  to increase rigidity of extensor system  20 . Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in one embodiment, increasing of pressure in extensor system  20  extends extensor arms  23  in a substantially vertical direction to extend upper  12  away from insole  14  thereby increasing the size of cavity  13 . In the activated state extensor arms  23  are no longer flat. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , in one embodiment, extensor arms  23  expand in both a horizontal and vertical direction to extend upper  12  away from insole  14  thereby increasing the size of cavity  13 . In the activated state extensor arms  23  are no longer flat. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in one embodiment, extensor system  20  includes extensor mesh  50  formed of overlapping extensors  22 . Pressure activation device  30  can be activated for increasing of pressure to extends mesh  50  away from insole  14  thereby increasing the size of cavity  13  as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0064]    Activation of pressure button actuator  36  by finger  60  of a user can increase pressure in extensor system  20  to a maximum pressure to expand cavity  13  to its largest volume and allow for easy entry of foot  70  into cavity  13 , as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Once foot  70  is in cavity  13 , finger  60  of the user can activate pressure button actuator  36  to decrease pressure in extension system  20 , which decreases volume of cavity  13 , and allows for the elastic upper  13  to apply the pressure on foot  70 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 13-15  are schematic diagrams of adjustable article system  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Article  101  can be for example a band or a sleeve such as a watch band, headband or medical band. Adjustable article system  100  is shown in an un-activated state in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Article  101  has diameter D 1  between sides  103 . Article  101  includes embedded extensor system  20  and pressure activation device  30 . Extensor system  20  can be activated by pressure activation device  30  to provide a rigid infra-structure. In the activated state shown in  FIG. 15 , diameter D 2  is increased from diameter D 1  to enlarge opening  105 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram of adjustable footwear system  200  which includes extensor system  202 . Extensor system  202  includes first group  204   a  of extensors  22  positioned at front  205  of footwear  11  and second group  204   n  of extensors  22  positioned at rear  206  of footwear  11 . Extensors  22  of first group  204   a  can be activated by pressure activation device  30   a  to provide a rigid infra-structure. Extensors  22  of second group  204   n  can be activated by pressure activation device  30   n  to provide a rigid infra-structure. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , pressure activation device  30   a  is activated to activate first group  204   a  of extensors  22 . It will be appreciated that any number of groups of extensors can be positioned in footwear and activated by a corresponding number of pressure activation devices to control pressure in different positions of the footwear. 
         [0067]      FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram of adjustable footwear system  350  which includes extensor system  352 . Extensor system  352  includes first mesh  50   a  positioned at front  205  of footwear  11  and second mesh  50   n  positioned at rear  206  of footwear  11 . First mesh  50   a  can be activated by pressure activation device  30   a  to provide a rigid infra-structure. Second mesh  50   n  can be activated by pressure activation device  30   n  to provide a rigid infra-structure. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 , pressure activation device  30   b  is activated to activate second mesh  50   n . It will be appreciated that any number of portions of mesh can be positioned in footwear and activated by a corresponding number of pressure activation devices to control pressure in different positions of the footwear. 
         [0068]      FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram of adjustable article system  400  includes embedded extensor system  402 . Extensor system  402  includes first group  404   a  of extensors  22  positioned at side  405  of article  401  and second group  404   n  of extensors  22  positioned at side  406  of article  401 . Extensors  22  of first group  404   a  can be activated by pressure activation device  30   a  to provide a rigid infra-structure. Extensors  22  of second group  404   n  can be activated by pressure activation device  30   n  to provide a rigid infra-structure. 
         [0069]      FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram of adjustable article system  500  which includes extensor system  502 . Extensor system  502  includes first mesh  50   a  positioned at side  505  of article  501  and second mesh  50   n  positioned at side  506  of article  501 . First mesh  50   a  can be activated by pressure activation device  30   a  to provide a rigid infra-structure. Second mesh  50   n  can be activated by pressure activation device  30   n  to provide a rigid infra-structure. It will be appreciated that any number of groups of extensors can be positioned in the article and activated by a corresponding number of pressure activation devices to control pressure in different positions of the article. Alternatively, mesh  50   a  and mesh  50   n  can be formed in a spiral configuration. 
         [0070]      FIG. 22  is a schematic diagram of adjustable article system  600  which includes extensor system  602 . Extensor system  602  can be activated by device lever  610  to provide a rigid infra-structure. Extensor system  602  can be in the form of a flexible clip. Extensor system  602  includes extensor base  604 . One or more extensor arms  605  can extend from extensor base  604 . Extensor system  602  can be positioned within sides  24  of upper  12  from end  607  to end  608 . Device lever  610  can be moved to squeeze extensor system  602  to enlarge cavity  13  to open upper  12 . Device lever  610  can be locked in place. Device lever  610  can be moved again to release extensor system  602  to provide a rigid infra-structure and reduce cavity  13  and upper  12  creating a snug fit around a foot inserted into cavity  13 . It will be appreciated that any number of groups of extensors can be positioned in the article and activated by a corresponding to control pressure in different positions of the article. 
         [0071]      FIG. 23A  is a schematic diagram of adjustable article system  700  which includes extensor system  702 . Extensor system  702  can be activated by pressure activation device  708 . Pressure activation device  708  can include device lever  710  device lever  710  to provide a rigid infra-structure. Device lever  710  can include arms  711  extending from central portion  709 . Arms  711  can be grasped by a user to activate device lever  710 . Extensor system  702  includes air chamber  704 . Air chamber  704  is connected to device lever  710  with connection  712  as shown in  FIG. 23B . Referring to  FIG. 23A , Extensor system  702  can be positioned within side  24  of upper  12  from end  707  to end  708 . Device lever  710  can be activated to create a vacuum within air chamber  704  to provide a rigid infra-structure and reduce cavity  13  and upper  12 . Device lever  710  can be locked in place. Device lever  710  can be moved again to activate air valve  716  of extensor system  702  to inflate upper  12  creating a larger opening of cavity  13 . It will be appreciated that any number of groups of extensors can be positioned in the article and activated by a corresponding to control pressure in different positions of the article. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 24 and 25A -C are schematic diagrams of adjustable article system  1200  which includes extensor system  1202 . Extensor system  1202  includes extensor chamber  1204 . Extensor chamber  1204  can be a hydraulic extensor chamber. Chamber bracket  1205  is attached to one or more ends  1207  as shown in  FIG. 25A . Panel  1206  can be attached to chamber bracket  1205 . Panel  1206  can be formed of fabric. Hydraulic path connector  1208  connects extensor chamber  1204  to hydraulic path  1210  as shown in  FIG. 24 . Hydraulic path connector  1208  can receive hydraulic fluid  1210 . Hydraulic fluid  1210  can include for example water or air. Extensor material  1220  houses extensor chamber  1204 . 
         [0073]    In one embodiment, extensor material  1220  is includes edge  1230  as shown in  FIG. 25B . Edge  1230  is substantially straight. In an alternate embodiment, extensor material  1220  includes edge  1232 . Edge  1232  includes one or more curvatures  1233  as shown in  FIG. 25C . Edge  1232  is substantially curved. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 26A-26D  are schematic diagrams of variations of extensor system  1202  to provide an array of functions for various shoe types or activities. Extensor system  1240  includes extensor chamber  1204  having extensor material  1220  formed into cylindrical body  1242  as shown in  FIG. 26A . 
         [0075]    Extensor system  1250  includes a plurality of extensor chambers  1252  as shown in  FIG. 26B . Extensor chambers  1252  extend longitudinally between panels  1256 . Extensor chambers  1252  are substantially adjacent to one another. Extensor chambers  1252  can extend vertically within an adjustable article. Extensor chambers  1252  have a width which can vary with the application. 
         [0076]    Extensor system  1260  includes a plurality of extensor chambers  1262  as shown in  FIG. 30C . Extensor chambers  1262  extend laterally between panels  1266 . Extensor chambers  1262  have space  1264  between one another. Extensor chambers  1262  can extend horizontally within an adjustable article. 
         [0077]    Extensor system  1270  includes a plurality of extensor chambers  1272  as shown in  FIG. 26D . Extensor chambers  1272  extend longitudinally between panels  1276 . Extensor chambers  1272  are substantially adjacent to on to one another. Extensor chambers  1252  can extend vertically within an adjustable article. Extensor chambers  1272  have a width which can vary with the application. 
         [0078]      FIGS. 27A and 27B  are schematic diagrams of adjustable footwear system  2000  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Adjustable footwear system  2000  includes extensor system is shown in an un-activated state. Footwear  2001  includes heel upper  2002  coupled to heel component compartment  2004  at upper portion  2003  of heel upper  2002 . Toe upper  2005  is coupled to heel component compartment  2004  at lower portion  2006  of component compartment. Sole  2007  is positioned at bottom  2008  of compartment  2004 . Insole  2009  is positioned at top  2010  of heel component compartment  2004 . Heel component compartment  2004  can be in the shape of a wedge with length L 1  which is greater than length L 2 . 
         [0079]    Adjustable footwear system  2000  includes extensor system  2020 . Extensor system  2020  can be coupled to heel upper  2002 . Strap  2012  connects end  2021  of extensor system  2020  to toe upper  2005 . Heel upper  2002 , strap  2012  and toe upper  2005  can be formed of an elastic material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, Lycra, elastic, spandex, neoprene, or PVC. Extensor system  2020  can be activated by pressure activation device  2030  to enlarge one or more openings between heel upper  2002 , strap  2012  and toe upper  2005  and insole  2009  of footwear  2001  for easy insertion of a foot. 
         [0080]    Extensor system  2020  includes upper extensor  2021  and one or more lower extensors  2022 . Upper extensor  2021  is attached to either side  2009  of heel upper  2002 . Upper extensor  2021  is coupled with hydraulic path  2022  to path connector  2024 . 
         [0081]    One or more lower extensors  2022  are positioned in lower portion  2025  of heel component compartment  2004 . One or more lower extensors  2022  are connected with hydraulic path  2026  to path connector  2024 . Fluid reservoir  2028  is connected by hydraulic path  2027  to hydraulic path  2026 . Hydraulic path connector  2029  connects path connector  2024  to pressure activation device  2030 . Pressure activation device  2030  controls pressure within upper extensor  2021  and one or more lower extensors  2022 . In the un-activated state shown in  FIG. 27A  zero pressure is used in extensor system  2020 . Upper extensor  2021  and one or more lower extensors  2022  in the un-activated state are substantially flat. Pressure activation device  2030  can be hydraulic and use fluids or air with device  2032  to manually increase the pressure in extensor system  2030 . Upper extensor  2021  in the activated state provides an easy opening between upper extensor  2021  and heel upper  2002  for receiving a foot. After insertion of the foot, upper extensor  2021  can be un-activated to provide a snug fit of heel upper  2002 , strap  2012  and the foot. Lower extensors  2022  in the activated state provides an easy opening between lower extensor  2022  and toe upper  2005  for receiving a foot. After insertion of the foot, lower extensors  2022  can be un-activated to provide a snug fit of toe upper  2005  and the foot. 
         [0082]    One or more upper flexors  2040  can be positioned at sides  2042  of heel upper  2002 . Upper flexor  2040  is an elastic material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, Lycra, elastic, spandex, neoprene, or PVC. The one or more upper flexors  2040  can be used to pull strap  2012 , upper extensors  2021  and toe upper  2005  for a tight fit of adjustable footwear system  2000 . Activation of upper extensor  2021  and lower extensor  2022  creates sufficient force when extended under pressure to create a stronger counter force against upper flexor  2040  to open the cavity of footwear  2001  between heel upper  2002  and strap  2012 . After insertion of the foot, upper flexor  2040  can be un-activated to provide a snug fit of upper flexor  2040  and the foot. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 28A and 28B  are schematic diagrams of adjustable footwear system  3000  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Adjustable footwear system  3000  is shown in an un-activated state. Footwear  3001  includes upper  3012 . Preferably, upper  3012  is formed of an elastic material. For example, upper  3012  can be formed of one or more materials having elastic properties. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, Lycra, elastic, spandex, neoprene, or PVC. Upper  3012  can also include one or more materials which are more rigid. Suitable rigid materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, polyurethane and polypropylene. The rigid material can provide support of upper  3012  or decoration. Cavity  3013  is formed between upper  3012  and sole  3014 . 
         [0084]    Adjustable footwear system  3000  includes extensor system  3020 . Extensor system  3020  can be activated by pressure activation device  3330 . Extensor system  3020  includes a one or more heel extensors  3021  and one or more upper extensors  3022 . In one embodiment, heel extensors  3021  can be formed individually. Alternatively, heel extensors  3021  can be formed of plenum  3023  which is divided by one or more baffles  3015 . In one embodiment, upper extensors  3022  can be formed individually. Alternatively, upper extensors  3022  can be formed of plenum  3016  which is divided by one or more baffles  3017 . 
         [0085]    Hydraulic path  3025  connects one or more upper extensors  3022  to fluid reservoir  3024 . Hydraulic path  3026  connects fluid reservoir  3024  to pressure activation device  3030 . Fluid reservoir  3024  can be positioned within cavity  3027  between bottom sole  3028  and insole  3014 . Hydraulic path  3028  connects one or more heel extensors  3021  to one or more upper extensors  3022 . One or more flexors  3040  can be positioned at top  3042  of upper  3012 . 
         [0086]    Pressure activation device  3030  controls pressure within one or more heel extensors  3021  and one or more upper extensors  3022 . Pressure activation device  3030  includes pressure button actuator  3036 . In the un-activated state shown in zero pressure is used in extensor system  3020 . One or more heel extensors  3021  and one or more upper extensors  3022  in the un-activated state are substantially flat within upper  3012 . 
         [0087]    Pressure activation device  3030  can be hydraulic and use fluids or air with pressure button actuator  3036  to manually increase the pressure in extensor system  3020 . 
         [0088]    Activation of pressure button actuator  3036  increases pressure in extensor system  3020  to expand one or more heel extensors  3021  and one or more upper extensors  3022  to create a larger cavity  3013  for easy insertion of a foot into upper  3012 . In the activated, one or more heel extensors  3021  and one or more upper extensors  3022  are no longer flat. 
         [0089]      FIGS. 29A and 29B  are schematic diagrams of adjustable footwear system  4000  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Adjustable footwear system  4000  is shown in an un-activated state. Footwear  4001  includes upper  4012 . Preferably, upper  4012  is formed of an elastic material. For example, upper  4012  can be formed of one or more materials having elastic properties. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, Lycra, elastic, spandex, neoprene, or PVC. Upper  4012  can also include one or more materials which are more rigid. Suitable rigid materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, polyurethane and polypropylene. The rigid material can provide support of upper  4012  or decoration. Cavity  4013  is formed between upper  4012  and sole  4014 . Heel portion  4015  is positioned at rear  4016  of footwear  4001 . Strap  4008  can be positioned at rear of  4011  of cavity  4013 . 
         [0090]    Adjustable footwear system  4019  includes extensor system  4020 . Extensor system  4020  can be activated by pressure activation device  4030 . Extensor system  4020  includes a one or more heel extensors  4021  positioned at heel portion  4015 . One or more upper extensors  4022  are positioned at upper portion  4012 . One or more heel extensors  4021  can extend radially around heel portion from edge  4016  to an opposite edge  4017  on the opposite side of footwear  4001 . One or more upper extensors  4022  can extend radially around upper portion  4012  from edge  4016  to an opposite edge  4017  on the opposite side of footwear  4001 . Hydraulic path  4023  connects one or more heel extensors  4021  and one or more upper extensors  4022  to outlet  4025 . Inlet  4032  of pressure activation device  4030  can be connected to outlet  4025 . Hydraulic path  4034  connects fluid reservoir  4036  to inlet  4032 . Fluid reservoir  4036  can be positioned within housing  4035 . Pressure activation device  4030  includes pressure button actuator  4036 . Hydraulic path  4038  connects fluid reservoir  4036  to pressure button actuator  4039 . One or more flexors  4040  can be positioned at top  4042  of upper  4012 . 
         [0091]    Pressure activation device  4030  controls pressure within one or more heel extensors  4021  and one or more upper extensors  4022 . In the un-activated state shown in zero pressure is used in extensor system  4020 . One or more heel extensors  4021  and one or more upper extensors  4022  in the un-activated state are substantially flat within upper  4012 . 
         [0092]    Pressure button activation device  4030  can be pumped to activate fluid reservoir  4036  to manually increase the pressure in extensor system  4020 . Activation of pressure button actuator  4036  increases pressure in extensor system  4020  to expand one or more heel extensors  4021  and one or more upper extensors  4022  to create a larger cavity  4013  for easy insertion of a foot into upper  4012 . In the activated state one or more heel extensors  4021  and one or more upper extensors  4022  are no longer flat. 
         [0093]    It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments, which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with these principles by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.