FOOTWEAR HEEL SUPPORT

A heel support is provided for an article of footwear that includes an upper defining a foot-receiving cavity having an ankle opening. The heel support includes a cradle configured to be operatively connected to a heel region of the upper. The cradle includes a base and a cradle arm extending outward from the base to a tip portion such that the cradle arm extends upward toward the ankle opening and toward a posterior wall of the heel region. The tip portion is moveable relative to the base between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The heel support includes a metallic spring operatively connected to the cradle such that the spring biases the tip portion of the cradle arm toward the expanded position of the tip portion. The tip portion of the cradle arm is resiliently deflectable toward the collapsed position against the bias of the spring.

BACKGROUND

Putting an article of footwear on an individual's foot often requires the individual to use one or both hands and/or one or more tools (e.g., a shoehorn, etc.), for example to stretch and/or collapse the ankle opening and hold the heel region of the footwear to enable the individual's foot to slide into the foot-receiving cavity of the footwear through the ankle opening.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a heel support is provided for an article of footwear that includes an upper defining a foot-receiving cavity having an ankle opening. The heel support includes a cradle configured to be operatively connected to a heel region of the upper. The cradle includes a base and a cradle arm extending outward from the base to a tip portion of the cradle arm such that the cradle arm extends upward toward the ankle opening and toward a posterior wall of the heel region when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region. The tip portion of the cradle arm is moveable relative to the base between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The heel support includes a metallic spring operatively connected to the cradle such that the spring biases the tip portion of the cradle arm toward the expanded position of the tip portion. The tip portion of the cradle arm is resiliently deflectable toward the collapsed position against the bias of the spring.

In another aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper defining a foot-receiving cavity having an ankle opening. The upper includes a heel region having a posterior wall. The article of footwear includes a heel support that includes a cradle operatively connected to the heel region of the upper. The cradle includes a base and a cradle arm extending outward from the base to a tip portion of the cradle arm such that the cradle arm extends upward toward the ankle opening and toward a posterior wall of the heel region. The tip portion of the cradle arm is moveable relative to the base between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The heel support includes a metallic spring operatively connected to the cradle such that the spring biases the tip portion of the cradle arm toward the expanded position of the tip portion. The tip portion of the cradle arm is resiliently deflectable toward the collapsed position against the bias of the spring.

In another aspect, a method is provided for assembling an article of footwear that includes an upper and a heel support that includes a cradle. The method includes operatively connecting a metallic spring to a cradle arm of the cradle having a tip portion that is moveable between an expanded position and a collapsed position such that the spring biases the tip portion toward the expanded position. The method also includes mounting the cradle to a heel region of the upper of the article of footwear such that the tip portion of the cradle arm is resiliently deflectable from the expanded position toward the collapsed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While various spatial and directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “upward,” and/or the like are used to describe implementations and implementations of the present application, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations can be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed such that the spatial and directional terms apply differently, for example if the structure is flipped180° : top becomes bottom; upward becomes downward; upper becomes lower; left becomes right; vice versa; and/or the like. Moreover, and for example, vertical may become horizontal when the structure is rotated 90°.

Slipping an individual's foot into the upper of an article of footwear can be difficult without using one or both hands and/or one or more tools (e.g., a shoehorn, etc.). For example, a hand and/or tool may be required to stretch the ankle opening of the footwear and hold the heel region of the upper in the stretched position to enable the foot to be successfully inserted into the foot-receiving cavity of the upper. The heel supports and methods disclosed herein alleviate this difficulty by providing a resiliently collapsible heel support that enables an individual's foot to be received into the foot-receiving cavity of the upper of an article of footwear without the use of a hand and/or other tools (e.g., only the individual's foot is used for successful insertion into the foot-receiving cavity, etc.). The heel inserts and methods disclosed herein thus enhance the ease of foot entry, allowing hands-free foot entry into an article of footwear.

Certain implementations of the application provide a heel support for an article of footwear that includes an upper defining a foot-receiving cavity having an ankle opening. The heel support includes a cradle configured to be operatively connected to a heel region of the upper. The cradle includes a base and a cradle arm extending outward from the base to a tip portion of the cradle arm such that the cradle arm extends upward toward the ankle opening and toward a posterior wall of the heel region when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region. The tip portion of the cradle arm is moveable relative to the base between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The heel support includes a metallic spring operatively connected to the cradle such that the spring biases the tip portion of the cradle arm toward the expanded position of the tip portion. The tip portion of the cradle arm is resiliently deflectable toward the collapsed position against the bias of the spring. Certain implementations of the application ease foot entry into an article of footwear by enabling hands-free foot entry into the article of footwear.

With references now to the figures,FIG.1illustrates an article of footwear100that includes a heel support102that is configured to facilitate (e.g., ease, assist, etc.) entry of an individual's foot into the footwear100. The footwear100extends a length along a longitudinal axis104. The footwear100includes an upper106that extends a length along the longitudinal axis104. The upper106defines a foot-receiving cavity108having an ankle opening110. The foot-receiving cavity108is configured to receive an individual's foot (e.g., as shown inFIG.9, etc.) therein through the ankle opening110. The footwear100illustrated herein is depicted as an athletic shoe, but the footwear100is not limited to athletic shoes generally nor the specific type, design, category, and/or the like of athletic shoe illustrated herein. Rather, the footwear100may include any article of footwear (e.g., any type, design, category, functionality, etc.), such as, but not limited to, leisure shoes, dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, booties, and/or the like.

As shown inFIG.1and will be described below, the heel support102is configured to be installed to a heel region112of the upper106of the footwear100. The heel region112generally includes portions of the footwear100corresponding with the posterior (i.e., rear or back) portions of a human foot (e.g., including the heel, including the calcaneus bone, including at least a portion of the Achilles tendon, etc.) when the footwear100is worn by a human individual. For example, the heel region112of the upper106includes a posterior wall114that is configured to extend behind and support the posterior of an individual's heel when the individual's foot is received within the foot-receiving cavity108of the upper106(e.g., as shown inFIG.9, etc.).

The upper106of the footwear100includes a forefoot region116(not visible inFIG.1but shown inFIGS.8and9) that generally includes portions of the footwear100corresponding with the anterior (i.e., front) portions of a human foot (e.g., including the toes, the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges, etc.) when the footwear100is worn by a human individual. For example, the forefoot region116of the upper106extends over at least a portion of the anterior of an individual's foot when the individual's foot is received within the foot-receiving cavity108, for example as shown inFIG.9, etc. A midfoot region118of the footwear100is disposed between the heel region112and the forefoot region116and generally includes portions of the footwear100corresponding with an arch area of the human foot (e.g., including the navicular joint, etc.) when the individual's foot is received within the foot-receiving cavity108of the upper106(e.g., as shown inFIG.14, etc.). The upper106of the footwear100includes a left side120and an opposite right side122. As described above, the left side120may become a “right” side and vice versa if the orientation of the footwear100is changed (e.g., rotated 180° about the longitudinal axis104, etc.).

The footwear100includes a sole structure124to which the upper106is secured. The sole structure124is shown inFIG.1as exploded from the upper106for clarity. The sole structure124includes one or more sole components that define any number of layers of the sole structure124. For example, the sole structure124includes an outsole124aand a midsole124bin the exemplary implementation shown inFIG.1. In another example, the sole structure124has a unitary combination of an outsole and a midsole (which for example may be referred to as a unisole). The sole structure124underlies the upper106. For example, a bottom wall126(e.g., a lasting board, etc.) of the upper106is secured to an upper side128(e.g., of the midsole124b) of the sole structure124, for example using any suitable method, means, structure, material, fastener, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, adhesive, cement, thermal bonding, welding, stitching, sewing, riveting, and/or the like.

Traditionally, slipping an individual's foot into the upper of an article of footwear often requires the use of one or both hands and/or one or more tools (e.g., a shoehorn, etc.) to stretch the ankle opening and hold the heel region of the upper in the stretched position as the foot is inserted into the foot-receiving cavity of the upper. The heel support102of the present application alleviates this difficulty by enabling an individual's foot to be received into the foot-receiving cavity of the upper of an article of footwear without the use of a hand and/or other tools (e.g., only the individual's foot is used for successful insertion into the foot-receiving cavity, etc.). In other words, the various implementations of heel supports and methods disclosed herein enhance the ease of foot entry, allowing hands-free foot entry into an article of footwear. As will be described in more detail below, the heel support102includes a cradle130and a spring132.

Optionally, the upper106includes a stretchable material (e.g., an elastic material, a stretchable fabric, a 4-way stretch nylon fabric, etc.) along and/or adjacent the heel region112of the upper106to increase the amount of stretching of the ankle opening110along the longitudinal axis104, for example to facilitate (e.g., assist, etc.) the functionality of the heel support102(e.g., enabling at least partial collapse of the heel region112of the upper106, enabling stretching of the ankle opening110along the longitudinal axis104, enabling entry of an individual's foot into the footwear100without the use of a hand and/or other tools, etc.). For example, in the exemplary implementation ofFIG.1, sidewalls134of the upper106include optional elastic stretch points136that increase the amount of stretching of the ankle opening110along the longitudinal axis104. In other words, the stretch points136are configured to enable an end138of the posterior wall114of the heel region112of the upper106to move along the longitudinal axis104and/or otherwise (e.g., along a vertical axis140, etc.) of the footwear100(e.g., in the direction of the arrow142, in the direction of the arrow144, etc.). In another example, one or more segments (e.g., the sidewalls134within and/or adjacent to the heel region112, the posterior wall114of the heel region112, etc.) of the upper106optionally includes a stretchable material to enable the ankle opening110to stretch further along the longitudinal axis104and/or otherwise of the footwear100. In some implementations, the upper106does not include a stretchable material.

Referring now toFIGS.1and2, the cradle130of the heel support102includes a base146and a cradle arm148that extends outward from the base146to a tip portion150of the cradle arm148. As will be described below, the spring132of the heel support102is operatively connected to the cradle arm148for providing a spring force that biases the cradle arm148against movement in the direction144.

Referring now toFIGS.3-5, the base146of the cradle130extends a length along a longitudinal axis152from a rear end portion154to a front end portion156. The rear end portion154of the base146includes a hub158of the base146. The base146includes legs160that extend outward from the hub158along the longitudinal axis152to end portions162of the legs160. In the exemplary implementation shown herein, the legs160include bottom walls164and side walls166. As shown inFIG.1, when the heel support102is installed within the heel region112of the upper106: the bottom walls164of the legs160extend along the bottom wall126of the upper106and the upper side128of the sole structure124; and the side walls166of the legs160extend along the sidewalls134and the posterior wall114of the upper106. In other examples, one or more of the legs160does not include the side wall166or the bottom wall164.

Referring now solely toFIG.5, optionally, the end portions162of the legs160are free end portions such that the front end portion156of the base146is open. For example, in the exemplary implementation shown herein, the base146includes an open front end portion156and a closed rear end portion154that defines a U-shape (i.e., the base146includes a U-shape in the exemplary implementation). In addition or alternatively to the U-shape shown herein, the base146may include any other shape that enables the base146to function as described and/or illustrated herein, such as, but not limited to a shape that is closed at the front end portion156, a V-shape, a horseshoe shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a shape having three or more sides, and/or the like.

In some implementations, the open-ended shape of the front end portion156enables the heel support102to be accommodated by (i.e., operatively connected to, used with, implemented within, etc.) a greater variety of different sizes and shapes of footwear. For example, the open-ended shape of the front end portion156of the base146enables the size and/or shape of the base156to be adjusted by moving the free end portions162of the legs160toward or away from each other. Accordingly, the open-ended shape of the front end portion156of the base146may reduce the number of different versions (e.g., sizes, shapes, etc.) of the heel support102required to serve a given number of different sizes and shapes of footwear, which may reduce manufacturing costs. Optionally, one or more of the bottom walls164and/or one or more of the side walls166of the legs160of the base146include one or more slots and/or other openings that enable further adjustment of the size and/or shape of the base146. For example, the exemplary implementation of the base146shown inFIG.5includes slots168that extend radially outward (relative to the longitudinal axis152) into the bottom walls164of the legs160along an interior170of the U-shape of the base146.

Referring now toFIGS.3,4,6, and7, the cradle arm148of the cradle130of the heel support102extends outward from the base146to the tip portion150of the cradle arm148. As will be described below, when the heel support102is operatively connected to the heel region112of the upper106, the cradle arm148extends upward toward the ankle opening110and toward the posterior wall114of the heel region112. In the exemplary implementation, and as best seen inFIGS.6and7, the cradle arm148extends a length along a continuous path between the legs160of the base146. In other words, the length of the cradle arm148extends continuously from a leg160aof the base146to a leg160bof the base146, with the tip portion150extending at approximately a central location along the length of the cradle arm148. In other implementations, the length of the cradle arm148is not continuous between the legs160aand160bof the base146, but rather is segmented into any number of segments that enables the cradle arm148to function as described and/or illustrated herein (e.g., two segments that extend outward from a corresponding leg160of the base146to free end portions that are spaced apart by a gap and that define the tip portion150, etc.).

Referring now toFIGS.3,4, and6, the tip portion150of the cradle arm148is moveable relative to the base146between an expanded position172and a collapsed position174. The expanded position172of the tip portion150is the natural resting position of the cradle arm148shown inFIGS.3,4, and6. In the collapsed position, the tip portion150has been moved (e.g., deflected, etc.) relative to the base146from the natural resting position in the direction144. An example of the collapsed position174of the tip portion150is shown in inFIG.8. As will be described below, when the heel support102is operatively connected to the heel region112of the upper106, the cradle arm148is positioned along the heel region112such that the tip portion150moves between the expanded position172and the collapsed position174along the vertical axis140of the footwear100. As will also be described below, movement of the tip portion150from the expanded position172to the collapsed position174collapses the heel region112of the upper106along the vertical axis140, for example to enhance the ease of foot entry and thereby allows hands-free foot entry into the article of footwear100.

In the exemplary implementation shown herein, and as best seen inFIGS.2-4, the tip portion150of the cradle arm148moves along an arc between the expanded position172and the collapsed position174of the tip portion150. For example, the direction144extends along an arc as shown herein. As will be described below, when the heel support102is operatively connected to the heel region112of the upper106, movement of the tip portion150of the cradle arm148from the expanded position172toward the collapsed position174along an arc causes the tip portion150to move along the longitudinal axis104of the footwear100, for example which may stretch the ankle opening110of the upper106along the longitudinal axis104of the footwear100. In other implementations, the tip portion150of the cradle arm148moves along a linear (i.e., straight) path between the expanded position172and the collapsed position174of the tip portion150.

Optionally, the cradle130includes another cradle arm176. The cradle arm176extends outward from the base146to a tip portion178of the cradle arm176. The cradle arm176extends between cradle arm148and the base146along the height (e.g., along the vertical axis140, etc.) of the heel region112of the upper106. As will be described below, when the heel support102is operatively connected to the heel region112of the upper106, the cradle arm176extends upward toward the ankle opening110and toward the posterior wall114of the heel region112. The tip portion178of the cradle arm176is moveable relative to the base146between an expanded position180and a collapsed position182thereof in a similar manner to the tip portion150of the cradle arm148. An example of the collapsed position182of the tip portion178of the cradle arm176is shown inFIG.8.

One or more collapsible windows are defined between the cradle arm148and the base146. For example, a collapsible window184is defined between the cradle arm148and the cradle arm176; and a collapsible window186is defined between the cradle arm176and the base146. As will be described below, the collapsible windows184and186are configured to collapse along the vertical axis140of the footwear100as the cradle arms148and176move toward the collapsed positions174and182, respectively, thereof. The heel support102may include any number of collapsible windows184and/or186(e.g.; a single collapsible window, for example in implementations that do not include the cradle arm176; three collapsible windows, for example in implementations that include a third cradle arm; etc.).

In the exemplary implementation, the cradle arm176extends a length along a continuous path between the legs160of the base146. In other implementations, the length of the cradle arm148is not continuous between the legs160of the base146, but rather is segmented into any number of segments that enables the heel support102to function as described and/or illustrated herein (e.g., two segments that extend outward from a corresponding leg160of the base146to free end portions that are spaced apart by a gap and that define the tip portion178, etc.). Although two are shown in the exemplary implementation, the cradle130may include any number of cradle arms. The cradle arm148may be referred to herein as a “first” cradle arm, while the cradle arm176may be referred to herein as a “second” cradle arm.

Referring again toFIG.2, the cradle130may be fabricated from any material(s) that enable the heel support102to function as described and/or illustrated herein. Examples of suitable materials used to fabricate the cradle130include, but are not limited to, silicone, plastics, thermoplastics (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), nylon, polyether block amide, fiberglass reinforced polyamides, elastomeric materials, wood, metals, metal alloys, metal composites, composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar®, metal matrix composites, etc.), and/or the like.

In the exemplary implementation, the base146, the cradle arm148, and the cradle arm176of the heel support102are integrally formed as a single, unitary structure, as is shown herein. The base146, the cradle arm148, and/or the cradle arm176may be integrally formed using any suitable method, means, process, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, molding, casting, machining, three dimensional (3D) printing, and/or the like.

In other implementations, the base146, the cradle arm148, and/or the cradle arm176are not integrally formed as a single, unitary structure, but at least two of the base146, the cradle arm148, and/or the cradle arm176are discrete components that are connected together using any suitable method, means, connector, fastener, manner, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, adhesive, cement, bonding, welding, melding, heat molding, brazing, soldering, threaded fasteners, rivets, clips, pins, a snap-fit connection, an interference-fit connection, and/or the like.

Referring now toFIG.2, the spring132of the heel support102is operatively connected to the cradle arm148of the cradle130such that the spring132biases the tip portion150of the cradle arm148toward the expanded position172of the tip portion150. In other words, the spring132is operatively connected to the cradle arm148such that the spring132provides a spring force that biases the tip portion150of the cradle arm148against movement away from the expanded position172in the direction144. The spring force provided by the spring132configures the cradle arm148to be resiliently deflectable toward the collapsed position174(shown inFIG.8) of the tip portion150(away from the expanded position172) against the bias of the spring132(i.e., resiliently deflectable in the direction144).

In the exemplary implementation, the length of the spring arm188extends continuously from the end portion190to the end portion192, with the tip portion198extending at approximately a central location along the length of the spring arm188. In other implementations, the length of the spring arm188is not continuous between the end portions190and192, but rather is segmented into any number of segments that enables the spring132to function as described and/or illustrated herein (e.g., two segments that extend outward from corresponding end portions190and192to free end portions that are spaced apart by a gap and that define the tip portion198, etc.).

As best seen inFIGS.5and7, the spring132is operatively connected to the cradle130of the heel support102such that the tabs194and196of the respective end portions190and192of the spring132extend along the bottom walls164of the legs160of the base146. The tabs194and/or196of the spring132are connected (e.g., secured, fastened, adhered, joined, etc.) to the bottom walls164(e.g., as described below) and/or the bottom wall126of the upper106; and/or the tabs194and/or196of the spring132are merely captured (e.g., sandwiched, etc.) between the bottom walls164of the base146and the bottom wall126of the upper106. Accordingly, the bottom walls164of the base146and the bottom wall126of the upper106supports (e.g., holds in place, etc.) the end portions190and192of the spring132to enable the tip portion198of the spring arm188to resiliently deflect in the direction144relative to the end portions190and192.

As best seen inFIGS.1-4, the spring132is operatively connected to the cradle130of the heel support102such that the spring arm188of the spring132extends along the cradle arm148of the cradle130. The spring arm188is connected (e.g., secured, fastened, adhered, joined, etc.) to the cradle arm148(e.g., as described below) and/or an exterior layer (e.g., a backing200, etc.) of the upper106; and/or the spring arm188is merely captured (e.g., sandwiched, etc.) between the cradle arm148and the exterior layer of the upper106. Accordingly, the spring arm188of the spring132provides a spring force that resists (i.e., biases against) movement of the cradle arm148away from the expanded position172in the direction144toward the collapsed position174(shown inFIG.8).

In addition or alternatively to a cantilever spring, the spring132may include any other type of spring that enables the spring132to function as described and/or illustrated herein (e.g., to provide a spring force that configures the cradle arm148to be resiliently deflectable in the direction144, etc.), such as, but not limited to, coil springs, leaf springs, torsion springs, flat springs, and/or the like.

The spring132may be fabricated from any material(s) that enable the spring132to function as described and/or illustrated herein (e.g., to provide a spring force that configures the cradle arm148to be resiliently deflectable in the direction144, etc.). Examples of suitable materials used to fabricate the spring132include, but are not limited to, metals, metal alloys, metal composites, composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar®, metal matrix composites, etc.), elastomeric materials, plastics, thermoplastics, nylon, polyether block amide, fiberglass reinforced polyamides, wood, and/or the like. The spring132is metallic, which as used herein is intended to mean the spring132includes at least the property of a metal of being resiliently deflectable.

As described above, the end portions190and192of the spring132are optionally connected to bottom walls164of the base146of the cradle130; and the spring arm188of the spring132is optionally connected to the cradle arm148of the cradle130. The spring132may be connected to the bottom walls164of the base146and/or the cradle arm148using any suitable method, means, connector, fastener, manner, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, adhesive, cement, bonding, welding, melding, heat molding, brazing, soldering, threaded fasteners, rivets, clips, pins, a snap-fit connection, an interference-fit connection, and/or the like.

The geometry, material(s), and/or other variables of the various components of the heel support102(e.g., the cradle130, the spring132, etc.) may be selected to enable the heel support102to function as described and/or illustrated herein (e.g., to provide the spring132with a predetermined spring force, to enable an individual's foot to be received into the foot-receiving cavity108of the upper106the footwear100without the use of a hand and/or other tools, to provide heel counter functionality or assist the functionality of a heel counter (not shown) of the heel region112of the upper106, to provide a predetermined amount of support to the posterior of an individual's heel, etc.). Examples of geometry, materials, and other variables that may be selected to enable (e.g., establish, tune, etc.) the heel support102to function as described and/or illustrated herein include, but are not limited to: the thickness, length, width, angle, shape, path, material composition, and/or the like of the base146, the cradle arm148, the cradle arm176, and/or the spring132; the method, process, means, manner, and/or the like of operatively connecting the spring132to the cradle130; and/or the like.

Referring now toFIG.1, the heel support102is installed to the heel region112of the upper106such that the cradle130is operatively connected to the heel region112of the upper106. In the exemplary implementation, the cradle130is mounted to an exterior layer of the upper106along the heel region112of the upper106. For example, the cradle130is mounted to the backing200, which in the exemplary implementation defines the exterior layer of the upper106along the heel region112. The cradle130may be mounted to the backing200of the upper106using any suitable method, means, connector, fastener, manner, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, adhesive, cement, bonding, welding, melding, heat molding, brazing, soldering, threaded fasteners, rivets, clips, pins, a snap-fit connection, an interference-fit connection, and/or the like.

Optionally, the backing200includes a flexible material such that the backing200is a flexible backing200, for example to facilitate (e.g., assist, etc.) the functionality of the heel support102(e.g., enabling at least partial collapse of the heel region112of the upper106, enabling stretching of the ankle opening110along the longitudinal axis104, enabling entry of an individual's foot into the footwear100without the use of a hand and/or other tools, etc.). Examples of the flexible material of the backing200include, but are not limited to, a compressible foam, a compressible foam textile, a flexible textile, leather, vegan leather, vinyl, nylon, a stretchable material, an elastic material, and/or the like.

In the exemplary implementation of the heel support102, the cradle130is operatively connected to the heel region112of the upper106such that the base146extends along a bottom portion202of the heel region112of the upper106. For example, the bottom walls164of the legs160of the base146extend between the bottom wall126of the upper106and the sole structure124of the footwear100; and the side walls166of the legs160of the base146extend overlap the sidewalls134of the upper106along the portions of the sidewalls134defined by the backing200.

As shown inFIG.1, when the cradle130is operatively connected to the heel region112of the upper106, the cradle arm148of the cradle130extends upward toward the ankle opening110and toward the posterior wall114of the heel region112. In the exemplary implementation, the cradle arm148extends over the posterior wall114of the heel region112when the cradle130is operatively connected to the heel region112. Moreover, the exemplary implementation of the cradle arm148extends continuously from the left leg160aof the base146on the left side120of the upper106to the right leg160bof the base146on the right side122of the upper106when the cradle130is operatively connected to the heel region112.

As is also shown inFIG.1, when the cradle130is operatively connected to the heel region112in the exemplary implementation: the cradle arm176of the cradle130extends upward toward the ankle opening110and toward the posterior wall114of the heel region112; the cradle arm176extends over the posterior wall114of the heel region112; and the cradle arm176extends continuously from the left leg160aof the base146on the left side120of the upper106to the right leg160bof the base146on the right side122of the upper106.

When the cradle130is operatively connected to the heel region112of the upper106as shown inFIG.1, the tabs194and196of the end portions190and192, respectively, of the spring132extend (e.g., are captured, etc.) between the bottom walls164of the base146and the bottom wall126of the upper106. The end portions190and192of the spring132are thus connected to the base146of the cradle130such that the spring arm188extends upward from the end portions190and192toward the ankle opening110and toward the posterior wall114of the heel region112. In the exemplary implementation, the spring arm188extends over the posterior wall114of the heel region112when the cradle130is operatively connected to the heel region112. Moreover, the exemplary implementation of the spring arm188extends continuously from the left end portion190that is operatively connected to the base146of the cradle130along the left side120of the upper106to the right end portion192that is operatively connected to the base146along the right side122of the upper106.

As illustrated inFIGS.1-7, the spring arm188extends (e.g., is captured, etc.) between the cradle arm148of the cradle130and the backing200of the upper106when the cradle130is operatively connected to the heel region112of the upper106. As briefly mentioned above, the spring arm188is optionally connected to the backing200. The spring arm188may be connected to the backing200using any suitable method, means, connector, fastener, manner, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, adhesive, cement, bonding, welding, melding, heat molding, brazing, soldering, threaded fasteners, rivets, clips, pins, a snap-fit connection, an interference-fit connection, and/or the like.

In some implementations, the heel support102is configured to provide heel counter functionality or assist the functionality of a heel counter (not shown) of the heel region112of the upper106. For example, in some implementations the heel support102facilitates holding the heel region112open (i.e., facilitates preventing the heel region112of the upper106from collapsing) at rest or while the footwear100is being worn by an individual. In some implementations, the heel support102is configured to support a posterior of the individual's heel.

In operation, and referring now toFIGS.8and9, the heel support102enables an individual's foot to be received into the foot-receiving cavity108of the upper106of the footwear100without the use of a hand and/or other tools (e.g., only the individual's foot is used for successful insertion into the foot-receiving cavity, etc.). For example, using the individual's heel204, a force F (not shown inFIG.9) is applied to an upper end portion206of the posterior wall114of the upper106. Against the bias provided by the spring132, the force F resiliently deflects the tip portion150of the cradle arm148of the heel support102from the expanded position172(shown inFIGS.1and9) in the direction144toward the collapsed position174(shown inFIG.8). Movement of the tip portion150in the direction144from the expanded position172toward the collapsed position174collapses the heel region112of the upper106along the vertical axis140of the footwear100, for example as is shown inFIG.8. For example, movement of the tip portion150in the direction144toward the collapsed position causes the collapsible windows184and186of the cradle130to collapse along the vertical axis140, thereby collapsing the posterior wall114of the heel region112along the vertical axis140. With the posterior wall114of the heel region112collapsed (e.g. as shown inFIG.8, etc.), the individual's foot is free to slide forward and downward into the foot-receiving cavity108of the upper106as is shown inFIG.9. Accordingly, the heel support102enables the individual's foot to be received into the foot-receiving cavity108of the upper106without the use of a hand and/or other tools. Rather, only the individual's foot is used to gain entry into the foot-receiving cavity108of the upper106. The heel support102thus eases foot entry into the footwear100by enabling hands-free foot entry. As described above, movement of the tip portion150of the cradle arm148in the direction144along an arc may stretch (e.g., enlarge, etc.) the ankle opening110of the upper106along the longitudinal axis104of the footwear100, which may further facilitate reception of the individual's foot into the foot-receiving cavity108of the upper106without the use of a hand and/or other tools.

As the individual's foot is fully received into the foot-receiving cavity108, the stored elastic energy due to the bias of the spring132automatically moves the cradle arm148back from the collapsed position174in the direction of the arrow208toward the expanded position172, as is illustrated inFIG.9.

FIG.10illustrates a method300for assembling an article of footwear (e.g., the footwear100shown inFIGS.1,2,8, and9, etc.) that includes an upper and a heel support (e.g., the heel support102shown inFIGS.1-9, etc.) that includes a cradle. The method300includes operatively connecting, at302, a metallic spring to a cradle arm of the cradle having a tip portion that is moveable between an expanded position and a collapsed position such that the spring biases the tip portion toward the expanded position. At304, the method300includes mounting the cradle to a heel region of the upper of the article of footwear such that the tip portion of the cradle arm is resiliently deflectable from the expanded position toward the collapsed position.

In some implementations, operatively connecting at302the spring to the cradle arm includes connecting, at302a,the spring to the cradle using at least one of adhesive, cement, bonding, welding, melding, heat molding, brazing, soldering, threaded fasteners, rivets, clips, pins, a snap-fit connection, or an interference-fit connection.

Optionally, mounting at304the cradle to the heel region includes capturing, at304a,the spring between the cradle arm and an exterior layer of the upper of the article of footwear. In some implementations, mounting at304the cradle to the heel region includes mounting, at304b,the cradle to an exterior layer of the upper along the heel region. Mounting at304the cradle to the heel region optionally includes mounting, at304c,the cradle to the heel region such that at least one of the cradle arm or the spring extends over a posterior wall of the heel region.

Optionally, mounting at304the cradle to the heel region includes mounting, at304d,the cradle to the heel region such that a spring arm of the spring extends continuously from a left end portion of the spring that is operatively connected to a base of the cradle along a left side of the upper to a right end portion of the spring that is operatively connected to the base of the cradle along a right side of the upper. In some implementations, mounting at304the cradle to the heel region includes mounting, at304e,the cradle to the heel region such that an end portion of the spring is captured between a base of the cradle and a bottom wall of the upper.

The various implementations of heel inserts and methods disclosed herein enhance the ease of foot entry, allowing hands-free foot entry into an article of footwear.

The following clauses describe further aspects:

Clause Set A:

A1. A heel support for an article of footwear that includes an upper defining a foot-receiving cavity having an ankle opening, the heel support comprising:

a cradle configured to be operatively connected to a heel region of the upper, the cradle comprising a base and a cradle arm extending outward from the base to a tip portion of the cradle arm such that the cradle arm extends upward toward the ankle opening and toward a posterior wall of the heel region when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region, the tip portion of the cradle arm being moveable relative to the base between an expanded position and a collapsed position; and

a metallic spring operatively connected to the cradle such that the spring biases the tip portion of the cradle arm toward the expanded position of the tip portion, the tip portion of the cradle arm being resiliently deflectable toward the collapsed position against the bias of the spring.

A2. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein movement of the tip portion of the cradle arm from the expanded position toward the collapsed position when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region is configured to collapse the heel region of the upper of the article of footwear.

A3. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein movement of the tip portion of the cradle arm from the expanded position toward the collapsed position when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region is configured to stretch the ankle opening of the upper of the article of footwear along a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear.

A4. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the tip portion of the cradle arm moves along an arc between the expanded position and the collapsed position of the tip portion.

A5. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the spring comprises a spring arm and an end portion operatively connected to the base of the cradle such that the spring arm extends upward from the end portion toward the ankle opening and toward the posterior wall of the heel region when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region.

A6. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the spring is captured between the cradle arm and an exterior layer of the upper when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region of the upper.

A7. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the cradle is mounted to an exterior layer of the upper along the heel region of the upper when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region.

A8. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the cradle arm is a first cradle arm, the cradle comprising a second cradle arm extending outward from the base such that the second cradle arm extends upward toward the ankle opening and toward the posterior wall of the heel region between the first cradle arm and the base when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region.

A9. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the cradle arm or the spring extends over the posterior wall of the heel region when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region.

A10. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the spring comprises a spring arm that extends continuously from a left end portion of the spring that is operatively connected to the base of the cradle along a left side of the upper to a right end portion of the spring that is operatively connected to the base of the cradle along a right side of the upper.

A11. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the cradle arm of the cradle extends continuously from a leg of the base on a left side of the upper to another leg of the base on a right side of the upper when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region of the upper.

A12. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the spring comprises an end portion captured between the base and a bottom wall of the upper when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region of the upper.

A13. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the spring is connected to at least one of the upper or the cradle using at least one of adhesive, cement, bonding, welding, melding, heat molding, brazing, soldering, threaded fasteners, rivets, clips, pins, a snap-fit connection, or an interference-fit connection.

A14. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the spring comprises a cantilever spring.

A15. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the spring comprises a metal.

A16. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the cradle comprises at least one of a thermoplastic or silicone.

A17. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the base of the cradle comprises a U-shape.

A18. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the base of the cradle comprises a U-shape, the base comprising slots extending radially outward into the base along an interior of the U-shape.

A19. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the base extends along a bottom portion of the heel region of the upper when the cradle is operatively connected to the heel region.

A20. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the base and the cradle arm of the cradle are integrally formed as a single, unitary structure.

A21. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the cradle comprises a collapsible window defined between the cradle arm and the base.

A22. The heel support of any preceding clause, wherein the cradle is mounted to a flexible backing of the upper, the spring comprising a spring arm extending between the cradle arm and the flexible backing.

Clause set B:

B1. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper defining a foot-receiving cavity having an ankle opening, the upper comprising a heel region having a posterior wall; and

a heel support comprising:a cradle operatively connected to the heel region of the upper, the cradle comprising a base and a cradle arm extending outward from the base to a tip portion of the cradle arm such that the cradle arm extends upward toward the ankle opening and toward the posterior wall of the heel region, the tip portion of the cradle arm being moveable relative to the base between an expanded position and a collapsed position; anda metallic spring operatively connected to the cradle such that the spring biases the tip portion of the cradle arm toward the expanded position of the tip portion, the tip portion of the cradle arm being resiliently deflectable toward the collapsed position against the bias of the spring.

B2. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein movement of the tip portion of the cradle arm from the expanded position toward the collapsed position is configured to collapse the heel region of the upper of the article of footwear.

B3. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein movement of the tip portion of the cradle arm from the expanded position toward the collapsed position is configured to stretch the ankle opening of the upper of the article of footwear along a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear.

B4. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein the tip portion of the cradle arm moves along an arc between the expanded position and the collapsed position of the tip portion.

B5. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein the spring comprises a spring arm and an end portion operatively connected to the base of the cradle such that the spring arm extends upward from the end portion toward the ankle opening and toward the posterior wall of the heel region.

B6. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein the spring is captured between the cradle arm and an exterior layer of the upper.

B7. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein the cradle is mounted to an exterior layer of the upper along the heel region of the upper.

B8. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein the cradle arm is a first cradle arm, the cradle comprising a second cradle arm extending outward from the base such that the second cradle arm extends upward toward the ankle opening and toward the posterior wall of the heel region between the first cradle arm and the base.

B9. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein the spring comprises a spring arm that extends continuously from a left end portion of the spring that is operatively connected to the base of the cradle along a left side of the upper to a right end portion of the spring that is operatively connected to the base of the cradle along a right side of the upper.

B10. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein the cradle arm of the cradle extends continuously from a leg of the base on a left side of the upper to another leg of the base on a right side of the upper.

B11. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein the spring comprises an end portion captured between the base and a bottom wall of the upper.

B12. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein the spring is connected to at least one of the upper or the cradle using at least one of adhesive, cement, bonding, welding, melding, heat molding, brazing, soldering, threaded fasteners, rivets, clips, pins, a snap-fit connection, or an interference-fit connection.

B13. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein the spring comprises a cantilever spring.

B14. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein the spring comprises a metal.

B15. The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein the base of the cradle comprises a U-shape, the base comprising slots extending radially outward into the base along an interior of the U-shape.

B16. The article of footwear of preceding clause, wherein the cradle comprises a collapsible window defined between the cradle arm and the base.

B17. The article of footwear of preceding clause, wherein the heel region of the upper comprises a flexible backing, the cradle being mounted to the flexible backing such that a spring arm of the spring extends between the cradle arm and the flexible backing.

Clause set C:

C1. A method for assembling an article of footwear that includes an upper and a heel support that includes a cradle, the method comprising:

operatively connecting a metallic spring to a cradle arm of the cradle having a tip portion that is moveable between an expanded position and a collapsed position such that the spring biases the tip portion toward the expanded position; and

mounting the cradle to a heel region of the upper of the article of footwear such that the tip portion of the cradle arm is resiliently deflectable from the expanded position toward the collapsed position.

C2. The method of any preceding clause, wherein mounting the cradle to the heel region comprises capturing the spring between the cradle arm and an exterior layer of the upper of the article of footwear.

C3. The method of any preceding clause, wherein mounting the cradle to the heel region comprises mounting the cradle to an exterior layer of the upper along the heel region.

C4. The method of any preceding clause, wherein mounting the cradle to the heel region comprises mounting the cradle to the heel region such that at least one of the cradle arm or the spring extends over a posterior wall of the heel region.

C5. The method of claim 36, wherein mounting the cradle to the heel region comprises mounting the cradle to the heel region such that a spring arm of the spring extends continuously from a left end portion of the spring that is operatively connected to a base of the cradle along a left side of the upper to a right end portion of the spring that is operatively connected to the base of the cradle along a right side of the upper.

C6. The method of any preceding clause, wherein mounting the cradle to the heel region comprises mounting the cradle to the heel region such that an end portion of the spring is captured between a base of the cradle and a bottom wall of the upper.

C7. The method of any preceding clause, wherein operatively connecting the spring to the cradle arm comprises connecting the spring to the cradle using at least one of adhesive, cement, bonding, welding, melding, heat molding, brazing, soldering, threaded fasteners, rivets, clips, pins, a snap-fit connection, or an interference-fit connection.

Any range or value given herein can be extended or altered without losing the effect sought, as will be apparent to the skilled person.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above can relate to one implementation or can relate to several implementations. The implementations are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to ‘an’ item refers to one or more of those items.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in examples of the present application illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and examples of the application can include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation (e.g., different steps, etc.) is within the scope of aspects and implementations of the application.

The term “comprising” is used in this specification to mean including the feature(s) or act(s) followed thereafter, without excluding the presence of one or more additional features or acts. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there can be additional elements other than the listed elements. In other words, the use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof; is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and additional items. Further, references to “one implementation” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations or implementations that also incorporate the recited features. The term “exemplary” is intended to mean “an example of”.

When introducing elements of aspects of the application or the examples thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. In other words, the indefinite articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” as used in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

Having described aspects of the application in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the application as defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of the application, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described implementations (and/or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various implementations of the application without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various implementations of the application, the implementations are by no means limiting and are example implementations. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various implementations of the application should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the various implementations of the application, including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the various implementations of the application, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various implementations of the application is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those persons of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.