Rapid-entry footwear having a heel arm and a resilient member

A rapid-entry shoe having a heel arm configured to transition between a collapsed configuration, for easy donning and doffing of the shoe, and an uncollapsed configuration, for securing a foot inside the shoe, the shoe having a resilient member configured to bias the heel arm toward the uncollapsed configuration.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to rapid-entry footwear, and more specifically to footwear having a heel arm and a resilient member.

BACKGROUND

Whether due to inconvenience or inability, donning and doffing of shoes, including tying or otherwise securing the same, and doing the foregoing for others, may be undesirable and/or present difficulties to some individuals. The present disclosure addresses this need.

SUMMARY

A rapid-entry shoe, in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, comprises a base, optionally an upper, a heel arm, and a resilient member. The heel arm can be coupled to the base at a rearward coupling point and can be configured to transition between a collapsed configuration (e.g., for easy donning and doffing of the shoe) and an uncollapsed configuration (e.g., for securing a foot inside the shoe). In the collapsed configuration the heel arm may be in a compressed state and bend or rotate downward, while in the uncollapsed configuration the heel arm can be oriented upwards and may be in an uncompressed state or a reduced compressed state. The resilient member can be coupled to the heel arm at a heel arm coupling point and can be further coupled to the base at a forward coupling point. The resilient member can be configured to bias the heel arm toward the uncollapsed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described in sufficient detail in this detailed description to enable persons having ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the present disclosure, however, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that mechanical and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, this detailed description is for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

For example, unless the context dictates otherwise, example embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments described herein. Similarly, references to “example embodiment,” “example embodiments” and the like indicate that the embodiment(s) described may comprise a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily comprise the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such references may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s). Any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to plural includes singular embodiments.

Any reference to coupled, connected, attached or the like may be temporary or permanent, removeable or not, non-integral or integral, partial or full, and may be facilitated by one or more of adhesives, stitches, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, clips, grommets, zippers, magnets and other means known in the art or hereinafter developed.

No claim limitation is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph or the like unless it explicitly uses the term “means” and includes functional language.

In describing example embodiments of the rapid-entry footwear, certain directional terms may be used. By way of example, terms such as “right,” “left,” “medial,” “lateral,” “front,” “back,” “forward,” “backward,” “rearward,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “up,” “down,” and the like may be used to describe example embodiments of the rapid-entry footwear. These terms should be given meaning according to the manner in which the rapid-entry footwear is most typically designed for use, with the rapid-entry footwear on a user's foot and with the user's shod foot disposed on or ready for placement on an underlying surface. Thus, these directions may be understood relative to the rapid-entry footwear in such use. Similarly, as the rapid-entry footwear is intended primarily for use as footwear, terms such as “inner,” “inward,” “outer,” “outward,” “innermost,” “outermost,” “inside,” “outside,” and the like should be understood in reference to the rapid-entry footwear's intended use, such that inner, inward, innermost, inside, and the like signify relatively closer to the user's foot, and outer, outward, outermost, outside, and the like signify relatively farther from the user's foot when the rapid-entry footwear is being used for its intended purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the foregoing definitional guidance is contradicted by an individual use herein of any of the foregoing terms, the term should be understood and read according to the definition that gives life and meaning to the particular instance of the term.

As used herein, a “rapid-entry shoe” refers to an athleisure shoe, a casual shoe, a formal shoe, a dress shoe, a heel, a sports/athletic shoe (e.g., a tennis shoe, a golf shoe, a bowling shoe, a running shoe, a basketball shoe, a soccer shoe, a ballet shoe, etc.), a walking shoe, a sandal, a boot, or other suitable type of shoe. Additionally, a rapid-entry shoe can be sized and configured to be worn by men, women, or children.

As used herein, a “base” of a rapid-entry shoe refers to an outsole or portions thereof, a midsole or portions thereof, an insole or portions thereof, a wedge or portions thereof, or other suitable structure disposed between and/or adjacent to the foregoing parts of a rapid-entry shoe.

In various embodiments, and with reference toFIGS.1A-1C, a rapid-entry shoe100includes a heel arm110and a resilient member130, both of which are coupled to a base120(and/or upper, as described below) of the rapid-entry shoe100. Generally, the resilient member130is coupled to base120at a location forward a location where heel arm110is coupled to base, and resilient member130thereby biases the heel arm110toward an uncollapsed configuration, as described in greater detail below. That is, in response to a user inserting his/her foot into the shoe, the heel arm110may pivot, rotate or otherwise collapse downward and/or backward, thereby tensioning (or further tensioning) the resilient member130. With the foot inside the shoe, the tension in the resilient member130exerts a force on the heel arm110to pivot, rotate or otherwise move the heel arm110upward and/or forward, thereby closing the shoe opening.

While the heel arm110and/or the resilient member130are coupled to the base120in example embodiments, in other embodiments, the heel arm110and/or the resilient member130are not coupled to the base120, but instead, are coupled to an upper of the rapid-entry shoe100. That is, the heel arm110and/or the resilient member130may be coupled to a medial and/or lateral side of an upper of the rapid-entry shoe100, with the resilient member providing the forward and upward bias described above. In various embodiments, for example, the upper may have sufficient structure to prevent forward or backward movement of the points where the heel arm110and resilient member130are coupled, thereby enabling the resilient member to provide sufficient tension to pivot, rotate or otherwise move the heel arm110upward and/or forward to return the shoe100to the uncollapsed configuration.

Turning toFIGS.2A-2D, in example embodiments, the heel arm110is embedded within, extends along, forms or is otherwise coupled to a rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe100. The heel arm110is coupled to the base120at a rearward coupling point115, and the heel arm is configured to transition between a collapsed configuration (open position of the rapid-entry shoe100, in which an opening of the shoe is expanded for easier donning and doffing) and an uncollapsed configuration (closed position of the rapid-entry shoe100, in which an opening of the shoe is unexpanded for securing a foot inside the shoe). In the collapsed configuration (FIG.2B), the heel arm110is in a compressed state and bends or rotates downward and in the uncollapsed configuration (FIG.2A), the heel arm is oriented upwards (i.e., vertical or at an angle) and is in at least one of an uncompressed state, a reduced compressed state, and a partially bent state.

In example embodiments, the transition between the collapsed configuration and the uncollapsed configuration occurs without any bending or flexing of the base120. In example embodiments, the transition between the collapsed configuration and the uncollapsed configuration occurs without any inward deflection of the heel arm110(e.g., around the user's heel). In example embodiments, a plurality of dimensions of the resilient member130change during the transition between the collapsed configuration and the uncollapsed configuration, for example, length (greater in the collapsed configuration) and width (less in the collapsed configuration).

As contrasted inFIGS.2C and2A, respectively, heel arm110can extend toward a rear portion of the shoe100generally in a single plane (i.e., be generally linear when viewed from the side, in two dimensions), or heel arm110can extend toward a rear portion of the shoe100with a curve or angle (i.e., be generally non-linear when viewed from the side, in two dimensions).

With specific reference toFIGS.2C and2D, and as described below, the heel arm110may be comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material, so maintain its shape between an uncollapsed configuration (FIG.2C) and a collapsed configuration (FIG.2D).

With momentary reference back toFIGS.1A and1B, in example embodiments, the resilient member130is embedded within, extends along, forms or is otherwise coupled to a side portion of the rapid-entry shoe100. The resilient member130is coupled to the heel arm110at a heel arm coupling point135(and may terminate proximal such coupling point) and is further coupled to the base120at a forward coupling point125(and may terminate proximal such coupling point). The resilient member is configured to bias the heel arm110toward the uncollapsed configuration (closed position of the rapid-entry shoe100).

In example embodiments, one or both of the heel arm110and the resilient member130are angled relative to the base120. More specifically, one or both of the heel arm110and the resilient member130can be angled upward from their respective coupling points toward the rear portion of the shoe100.

With reference back toFIG.2C, and particularly, to the dotted lines therein, in accordance with various embodiments, in an uncollapsed configuration, an angle measured between heel arm110and base120is greater than an angle measured between resilient member130and base120.

With continued reference to the dotted lines inFIGS.2C and2D, in accordance with various embodiments, the difference in an uncollapsed configuration of an angle measured between heel arm110and base120and an angle measured between resilient member130and base120is greater than the difference in a collapsed configuration of an angle measured between heel arm110and base120and an angle measured between resilient member130and base120.

In various embodiments, the forward coupling point125, which is the point where the resilient member130is coupled to the base120, is forward of the rearward coupling point115, which is the point where the heel arm110is coupled to the base120. Said differently, in example embodiments, the resilient member130extends farther forward (i.e., toward the toe-end of the shoe) than the heel arm110.

In various embodiments, the heel arm110has a side section and a heel section. The heel section is generally the section or piece of the heel arm110that is disposed at the rear of the rapid-entry shoe, and thus the heel section wraps around an upper rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe100. The side section is generally the section or piece of the heel arm110that extends between the rearward coupling point and the heel arm coupling point. In various embodiments, the resilient member130is coupled to the heel arm110at a heel arm coupling point135substantially between the heel section and the side section. Said differently, one end of the resilient member130is coupled or indirectly coupled to the base120, but the other end is coupled generally to a region of the heel arm110between the side section and the heel section, according to various embodiments.

As described above, the heel arm110may be comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material. In various embodiment, the heel arm110is resiliently deformable, such that it contributes, at least in part, to the upward and/or forward rebound caused by the resilient member130. In various embodiments, the heel arm110, in addition to imparting structure to the rear portion of the shoe100and to help the rear portion of the shoe100rebound back upward and/or forward after a user's foot is inserted in to the shoe, the heel arm110may prevent the rear portion of the shoe100from inward deflection into the shoe/foot opening.

In some embodiments, and with reference toFIGS.3A and3B, the portion of the heel arm110adjacent the rearward coupling point115may be somewhat flexible/deformable in order to form a living hinge at the rearward coupling point115. Stated another way, an interface between the heel arm110and the base120at the rearward coupling point115can comprise a living hinge. In this regard,FIG.3Cillustrates a close up view of the living hinge inFIGS.3A and3B. In such embodiments, the hinge movement is accommodated by a relative decrease in the thickness of the material in the plane, and at the axis, where the hinge rotation takes place.FIG.3Dillustrates an alternate embodiment of a hinge having a flange111, wherein the hinge movement is accommodated by the addition of the flange111in the plane, but removed from the axis, where the hinge rotation takes place.

In other embodiments, the rearward coupling point115may include a mechanical hinge. For example, and with reference toFIGS.4A and4B, a base120can have a socket121to receive the end of a heel arm110, and accommodate movement thereof between an uncollapsed configuration (FIG.4A) and a collapsed configuration (FIG.4B). In such embodiments, the heel arm110may be coupled (as that term is broadly defined herein) within the socket121.

FIG.4Cillustrates another embodiment of a socket121to receive the end of a heel arm110, wherein the heel arm110has a locking extension112and wherein a dimension of the socket121corresponds to the locking extension112, such that the heel arm110is securely retained within the socket121.

In other embodiments of mechanical hinges, and with reference toFIGS.5A-5C, heel arm110can be pivotably or rotatably coupled to base120at the rearward coupling point115, to thereby accommodate movement thereof between an uncollapsed configuration (FIGS.5A and5C) and a collapsed configuration (FIG.5B). This can be accomplished, for example, with a hinge pin114, as illustrated.

More generally, in accordance with example, embodiments, each of the forward coupling point125and the rearward coupling point115can be located on an exterior of a base or within a base120(i.e., resilient member130and heel arm110can extend into the base120).

Importantly, in accordance with various example embodiments, the axis of rotation of heel arm110can extend through base120or above base120(e.g., in embodiments wherein heel arm110is coupled to an upper).

The resilient member130may be comprised of an elastic material, such as a textile or synthetic material, or may include springs or other biasing features configured to exert a forward and/or upward bias on the heel arm110(and a corresponding forward and/or upward bias on an upper140coupled to the heel arm110).

In this regard, and with reference toFIGS.6A and6B, the resilient member130may be used in connection with an upper140. However, and with reference toFIGS.7A and7B, the resilient member130may comprised of an upper140. That is, the upper140may itself be elastic and exert a forward and/or upward bias on the heel arm110. In some embodiments, a distinct portion of the upper, e.g., an elastic gore146, exerts a forward and/or upward bias on the heel arm110.

With reference toFIGS.8A and8B, the resilient member130may pass from outside an upper140to between layers of the upper140and/or to inside the upper140. In this regard, the upper140may comprise an opening142to receive the resilient member130and may further comprise a sleeve144(e.g., at the dotted lines) to receive the resilient member130. In this regard, the resilient member130can be configured to move independent of the upper140.

In various embodiments, the heel arm110and the resilient member130comprise the same material. In various embodiments, the heel arm110and the resilient member130are integrally formed and are thus sections of a unitary element. In various embodiments, the heel arm110and the resilient member130are molded together.

With momentary reference back toFIGS.1B and1C, the heel arm110may have an arc shape or a horse-shoe shape, and thus may extend backward and upward from the rearward coupling point115to wrap around an upper rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe100(at or below the topline of the upper rear portion). In this regard, the heel arm110may comprise a heel section disposed between side two sections. The two side sections (e.g., a first side section and a second side section) may, in turn, be coupled to the base. That is, a first side section may be coupled to the base120at the rearward coupling point115and a second side section may be coupled to the base120at a rearward coupling point116on the opposite side of the rapid-entry shoe100. In this regard, the heel arm110may extend continuously between opposing sides of base120. In various embodiments, a forward coupling point125is located forward of the rearward coupling point115, and a forward coupling point126is located forward of the rearward coupling point116. Thus, in various embodiments, resilient member130may be a first resilient member130, and the rapid-entry shoe100may have a second resilient member130, with the first and second resilient members130extending on opposite sides of the rapid-entry shoe100. In various embodiments, the forward coupling points125/126are disposed on a forefoot portion or forward half of the shoe and the rearward coupling points115/116are disposed on a heel portion or rear half of the shoe.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in various embodiments, the heel arm110may only extend along one side of the rapid-entry shoe100, and thus the heel arm110may only be coupled to the base120on one side of the shoe100. In such embodiments, the heel arm110may still include a heel section that wraps all or partially around an upper rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe100(despite not having a side section or other support on the opposing side). In various embodiments, the heel arm110may actually include two separable elements. For example, there may be a first heel arm110on one side (e.g., lateral side) of the shoe100and a second heel arm110on a second side (e.g., medial side) of the shoe100.

In various embodiments, the rearward coupling point115(e.g., the location where the heel arm110is coupled to the base120) does not move forward or backward. That is, the end of the heel arm110that extends from the base120does not move forward or backward along the shoe, but instead rotates or pivots about the rearward coupling point115. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the present disclosure contemplates embodiments wherein one or both of the heel arm110and the resilient member130can be coupled either at a point that moves, or at a plurality of different coupling points.

In use, the heel arm(s)110may be biased toward an uncollapsed configuration by the resilient member(s)130. In the uncollapsed configuration, heel arm110can secure a rear portion of rapid-entry shoe100about a user's heel. Said differently, in example embodiments, the heel arm(s)110may be collapsed downward (i.e., towards the base120of the rapid-entry shoe100) to the collapsed configuration and the heel arm110may be returned upward (i.e., away from the base120of the rapid-entry shoe100) to the uncollapsed configuration so as to extend around a user's heel. In various embodiments, while the compression of the heel arm110is greater in the collapsed configuration than in the uncollapsed configuration, the uncollapsed configuration of the heel arm110may still be at least partially compressed (i.e., preloaded compression) so as to be able to hold the rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe100about the heel of the user. For example, the rear portion of the shoe may hold or retain the heel arm110in the preloaded, uncollapsed configuration. In various embodiments, in the uncollapsed configuration the heel structure may be disposed in a more upright/vertical orientation and/or may have little to no compression.

As mentioned above, the heel arm110and resilient member130may be manufactured to be integral with or within finished shoes. In various embodiments, the heel arm110may be integrated within an upper rear portion of a shoe, or the heel arm110may be coupled to an exterior of an upper rear portion of a shoe. For example, the heel arm110may be coupled to or integrated within a heel or a heel cap, a heel counter or the like, or may be partially or fully exposed. In various embodiments, the heel arm110may be coupled to an exterior of an upper rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe100, and connected to the lower portion of the shoe100.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

As a non-limiting example, and with reference toFIG.9, a plurality of heel arms110can cross or otherwise intersect or overlap one another and be pulled toward one another by their respective resilient members130coupled to the base120or the upper.

As another example, and with reference toFIG.10, a rapid-entry shoe100can comprise a heel arm110and a resilient member130, each angled upward from their respective coupling points toward the front portion of the shoe100.

As yet another example, and with reference toFIGS.11A-11D, a plurality of heel arms110can cross or otherwise intersect or overlap one another and be pulled toward one another by a single resilient member130, the resilient member being attached exclusively to the heel arms (i.e., not to the 120 base or the upper140). With reference toFIGS.11A and11B, the heel arms110can be attached to different coupling points on the base120, for independent pivoting or rotation. Alternatively, and with reference toFIGS.11C and11D, the heel arms110can be attached to the same coupling point on the base120, for common pivoting or rotation.

As still another example, and with reference toFIGS.12A and12B, a heel arm110can pivot or rotate at a coupling point113located above the base120and the heel arm110can be pulled toward an uncollapsed configuration by a resilient member130extending from the heel arm110rearward toward the base120.

Thus, it is intended that the embodiments described herein cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the preceding description, including various alternatives together with details of the structure and function of the devices and/or methods. The disclosure is intended as illustrative only and as such is not intended to be exhaustive. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made, especially in matters of structure, materials, elements, components, shape, size and arrangement of parts including combinations within the principles of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. To the extent that these various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be encompassed therein.