Patent Description:
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. <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> (which is prior art according to Article <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC) disclose shoes comprising a base having a forward portion, a rearward portion, and a waist extending between medial and lateral sides of the base. In each case, the base can flex or pivot at the waist to allow the base to transition between a first configuration in which the forward and rearward portions are substantially coplanar and a second configuration in which the forward and rearward portions are angled relative to the waist, and in which an opening of the shoe is enlarged.

A rapid-entry shoe according to the claimed invention is defined in claim <NUM>. Dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM> define advantageous embodiments of the rapid-entry shoe according to the claimed invention. Examples presented in the present disclosure provide for a rapid-entry shoe comprising a medial upper portion coupled with a medial base portion, and a lateral upper portion coupled with a lateral base portion. In an open configuration, the medial upper portion and the lateral upper portion can be disposed apart from one another to provide an expanded shoe opening, and the medial base portion and the lateral base portion can be drawn toward one another. In a closed configuration, the medial upper portion and the lateral upper portion can be positioned adjacent to one another to secure a foot, and the medial base portion and the lateral base portion can be disposed apart from one another.

According to the invention, a rapid-entry shoe comprises a base having a forward portion, a rearward portion, a medial side, and a lateral side, and a waist extending between the medial side and the lateral side of the base, the waist located at the intersection of and/or separating the forward portion from the rearward portion. The waist comprises a fold pattern in the base and the fold pattern has a plurality of folds. The shoe has a relaxed configuration in which the forward portion and the rearward portion are substantially coplanar around the waist. Application of opposing inward forces parallel to the waist and substantially collinear with at least one fold of the plurality of folds of the waist results in the rapid-entry shoe assuming an actuated configuration in which the rearward portion and the forward portion are folded around, or angled relative to, the waist. An opening of the shoe is larger in the actuated configuration than in the relaxed configuration. The shoe can be biased toward the relaxed configuration.

The accompanying drawings may provide a further understanding of examples of the present disclosure and are incorporated in, and constitute a part of, this specification. In the accompanying drawings, only one rapid-entry shoe (either a left shoe or a right shoe) may be illustrated, however, it should be understood that in such instances, the illustrated shoe may be mirror-imaged so as to be the other shoe. The use of like reference numerals throughout the accompanying drawings is for convenience only, and should not be construed as implying that any of the illustrated examples are equivalent. The accompanying drawings are for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

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 scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. 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 and other means known in the art or hereinafter developed.

As used herein, the transitional term "comprising", which is synonymous with "including" or "containing", is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. The transitional phrase "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional phrase "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps "and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)" of the claimed invention.

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.

Examples of the present disclosure, not according to the invention, comprise a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> having a closed configuration (<FIG>) and an open configuration (<FIG>). The open configuration has an expanded shoe opening to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual wearing the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, while the closed configuration has a smaller shoe opening to retain the foot within the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

The rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, according to various examples, comprises a medial upper portion <NUM> coupled with a medial base portion <NUM> (collectively a medial portion). The rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, according to various examples, also comprises a lateral upper portion <NUM> coupled with a lateral base portion <NUM> (collectively a lateral portion). In various examples, the medial portion may be coupled to or integrally formed with the lateral portion at a hinge/pivot location.

In an open configuration (<FIG>), edges at the rear of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> of the medial upper portion <NUM> and the lateral upper portion <NUM> are disposed apart from one another, defining a splay <NUM> in the upper, thereby providing an expanded shoe opening. In the open configuration, a cut-out <NUM> defined between the medial base portion <NUM> and the lateral base portion <NUM> (which is not necessarily cut out of anything, but instead, could be formed in the first instance as such) is closed or at least narrowed. That is, in the open configuration, the medial base portion and the lateral base portion are drawn toward one another. In examples, an angle defined by cut-out <NUM> at the rear of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> is larger in the open configuration than in the closed configuration.

In the closed configuration (<FIG>), edges of the medial upper portion <NUM> and the lateral upper portion <NUM> at the rear of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> are positioned proximal to (e.g., adjacent to, abutting, overlapping, etc.) one another. That is, in examples, the medial upper portion <NUM> and the lateral upper portion <NUM> are drawn together to substantially close the splay <NUM>, with the medial base portion <NUM> and the lateral base portion <NUM> disposed apart from one another such that the defined cut-out <NUM> is wider/larger.

In various examples, and with continued reference to <FIG>, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may, by default, be in the closed configuration (e.g., may be biased toward the closed configuration). Accordingly, a user may need to grasp the base portions <NUM>, <NUM> and compress them together in order to drive the medial base portion <NUM> and the lateral base portion <NUM> closer together (narrowing the cut-out <NUM>), thereby driving the upper portions <NUM>, <NUM> away from each other to open and expand the splay <NUM> and thereby expand the shoe opening (through which a user's foot is inserted). In response to releasing the compressive force against the base portions <NUM>, <NUM>, the upper portions <NUM>, <NUM> may move back towards each other to narrow the splay <NUM> and to thus facilitate retention of the foot within the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

In various examples, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may include gripping portions on outside surfaces of the base portions <NUM>, <NUM> to facilitate the user grasping the base portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> during the application of a compressive force. For example, the outside surfaces of the base portions <NUM>, <NUM> may have gripping features or other grasping lips, edges, etc. For example, one or both of the medial base portion <NUM> and the lateral base portion <NUM> can comprise a grip tab.

In various examples, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may not be biased toward either the open or closed configuration. For example, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may be bi-stable and thus may be configured to have stability in both the open and closed configurations. Said differently, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may remain in the closed configuration until a compressive force is applied to the base portions <NUM>, <NUM> to transition the shoe to the open configuration, and the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may also remain in the open configuration until a compressive force is applied to the upper portions <NUM>, <NUM> to transition the shoe back to the closed configuration. In various examples, instead of the above-mentioned compressive forces, a corresponding expanding force may be applied to the respective portions of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> to effectuate the desired position change.

In various examples, the upper portions <NUM>, <NUM> may have securing/engagement features to facilitate holding the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> in the closed configuration. That is, the upper portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be detachably coupled together, thereby facilitating secure retention of the foot while the user is wearing/using the shoe. In various examples, the medial upper portion <NUM> and the lateral upper portion <NUM> are secured to each other via one or more of a magnet, a strap, a buckle, laces, and a hook and loop fastener. For example, medial upper portion <NUM> may include a first engagement feature <NUM> and lateral upper portion <NUM> may include a corresponding second engagement feature <NUM>. These engagement features <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., magnets, straps, etc.) may be used to hold the two portions together, for example, along edges of the splay <NUM>.

In various examples, and with reference to <FIG>, the base <NUM> of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may define a cut-out or recess <NUM> (e.g., comprising a wedge or any other elliptical or non-elliptical shape or profile, whether constant or progressive). The defined cut-out <NUM> may have dimensions (e.g., width and/or depth) that decrease moving from the rear of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> toward the front of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. The defined cut-out <NUM> may extend along up to about <NUM>% of the length of the shoe (e.g., may generally only be in the heel portion of the rapid-entry shoe). In various examples, the length of the defined cut-out <NUM>, as measured from the rear of the shoe toward the front of the shoe, is less than about <NUM>% of the total length of the shoe. In various examples, the cut-out <NUM> is defined by planar surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, angled relative to one another. In other examples, the cut-out <NUM> is defined by one or more nonplanar surfaces, for example, defined by one or more curves which may or may not be constant. Additional details pertaining to alternative implementations of the base and cut-out are provided below with reference to <FIG>.

In various examples, in response to the outsole of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> contacting the ground, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may remain in the closed configuration. That is, in various examples, contact of an outsole of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> with a surface maintains the rapid-entry shoe in the closed configuration such that the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> is be configured to securely retain the foot within the shoe <NUM>.

In various examples, the rapid-entry shoe may include a heel counter member that comprises a medial portion and a lateral portion. The medial portion may include the medial upper portion <NUM>, while the lateral portion may include the lateral upper portion <NUM>. In various examples, the medial portion may be coupled to or integrally formed with the lateral portion at a hinge/pivot location. In various examples, the heel counter member extends from the base of the shoe to the collar that defines the shoe opening.

In various examples, and with reference to <FIG>, the base of the shoe <NUM> may include a rearward portion <NUM> and a forward portion <NUM>. In various examples, the rearward portion <NUM> of the base may have a cut-out <NUM> disposed/defined on a forward side of the rearward portion <NUM>. In other words, instead of disposing the cut-out <NUM> along the rear edge of the base (as shown and described above), the cut-out <NUM> may be generally disposed in the middle of the shoe between the heel end and the toe end of the base. This cut-out <NUM> may be similar in function to the cut-out <NUM> described above such that compression of the cut-out <NUM> causes a corresponding expansion of a splay <NUM> in the rear upper portion of the shoe, similar to splay <NUM> (<FIG>).

In various examples, the rapid-entry shoe may have a splay <NUM> in the upper, as well as a splay in the base, such as splay <NUM> (<FIG>). Splay <NUM> may extend from splay <NUM> through rearward portion <NUM> of the base. An expanded splay <NUM> may correspond to the open configuration described above. That is, <FIG> may illustrate the shoe in the closed configuration, <FIG> may illustrate the shoe in the intermediate position, and <FIG> may illustrate the shoe in the open configuration. The base comprising splay <NUM> may be beneath an outsole.

In various examples, the rapid-entry shoe may include one or more levers, springs, grips, grasps, handles, or other elements that can be manipulated/actuated by a user to transition the rapid-entry shoe between the closed and open configurations. In various examples, instead of compressing and expanding the sides of the upper and/or the sides of the base, the compressing and expanding may be performed along different axes of the shoe. Said differently, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to implementations in which the compression and expansion is lateral, but instead the compression and expansion movement may be along a forward-to-rear axis of the shoe. For example, the rapid-entry shoe may be configured such that a compressive force applied on the heel end and the toe end of the shoe may trigger an expansion of the shoe-opening.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, a rapid-entry shoe comprises a folding base to allow for a larger opening for a foot to enter.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, and with reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a rapid-entry shoe comprises a base having a forward portion <NUM>, a rearward portion <NUM>, a medial side <NUM>, and a lateral side <NUM>. An example rapid-entry shoe further comprises a waist <NUM> extending all or partially between the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> of the base, the waist <NUM> located at the intersection of and/or separating, the forward portion <NUM> from the rearward portion <NUM>. In example embodiments, the waist <NUM> comprises a portion of the forward portion <NUM> and/or the rearward portion <NUM>.

In example embodiments, the forward portion <NUM> corresponds to all or a portion (see, e.g., 9B. <NUM>, <NUM>) of a forefoot portion of an outsole, while a rearward portion <NUM> corresponds to all or a portion (see again, e.g., 9B. <NUM>, <NUM>) of a heel portion of an outsole.

According to the claimed invention, the waist <NUM> comprises a fold pattern in the base which comprises a plurality of folds. In example embodiments, the waist comprises a plurality of fold patterns in the base. In example embodiments, the waist comprises parallel fold patterns in the base. In example embodiments, the waist comprises orthogonal fold patterns, cutaways and/or weakened portions in the base.

In example embodiments, the waist extends linearly between the medial side and the lateral side of the base. In example embodiments, the waist extends non-linearly between the medial side and the lateral side of the base. In example embodiments, the waist comprises a feature in a base tread of the shoe. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the waist is not merely a feature in a base tread of the shoe, but instead, is foldable to expand an opening, as described herein.

In example embodiments, the waist comprises a forward waist portion (e.g., located on a forward portion <NUM>) and a rearward waist portion (e.g., located on a rearward portion <NUM>). In such embodiments, each of the forward waist portion and the rearward waist portion can comprise a complimentary fold pattern (on its top and/or its bottom surface, as described below). For example, the fold patterns on the forward and rearward waist portions can each comprise a first shape (e.g., a right triangle), that are adjacent to one another, and that combine for form a second shape complementary to and larger than the first shape (e.g., a larger, isosceles or equilateral triangle).

According to the claimed invention, the shoe has a relaxed configuration in which the forward portion <NUM> and the rearward portion <NUM> are substantially coplanar around the waist <NUM>. Stated differently, in some embodiments, a forward portion <NUM> and a rearward portion <NUM> each define a plane, and the planes are parallel when the rapid-entry shoe is in a relaxed configuration.

According to the claimed invention, application of opposing inward forces parallel to the waist <NUM> results in the shoe assuming an actuated configuration in which the rearward portion <NUM> and the forward portion <NUM> are folded around, or angled relative to, the waist <NUM>. In this regard, the rearward portion and the forward portion are angled or curved relative to one another when the shoe is in its actuated configuration, in accordance with some embodiments.

According to the claimed invention, an opening of the shoe is larger in the actuated configuration than in the relaxed configuration. In some embodiments, the shoe is biased toward the relaxed configuration.

In accordance with example embodiments, a stopping point or other inhibitor is incorporated into the shoe to prevent over rotation from the actuated configuration beyond the relaxed configuration.

In this regard, a shoe in accordance with the present disclosure can comprise a rigidly-foldable base, the base comprising a plurality of folds wherein folding of the base toward a first plane causes relative movement of forward and rearward portions about a second plane orthogonal to the first plane to thereby expand an opening of the shoe.

Example embodiments further provide for a shoe having a rigidly-foldable base, the base comprising a plurality of folds wherein bringing medial and lateral sides toward each other in a first plane brings forward and rearward portions toward each other in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane to thereby expand an opening of the shoe.

Example embodiments further provide for a shoe having a rigidly-foldable base, the base comprising a plurality of folds wherein moving two points on the base closer in a first plane moves two points on a topline of the shoe away from each other in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane to thereby expand an opening of the shoe.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, when a force is exerted on either side of the waist <NUM> of an example rapid-entry shoe (e.g., at one or more tabs coupled to the waist <NUM>), motion can be transferred via the fold pattern such that an angle is created between the forward portion <NUM> of the base and rearward portion <NUM> of the base. In this actuated configuration, a shoe opening defined by an upper coupled to the base can be expanded. When the force is released, the rapid-entry shoe can return to its relaxed configuration.

With continued reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, the upper can comprise a resilient member <NUM> that is deformed in an expanded configuration such that when the force is released, the rapid-entry shoe is drawn toward its relaxed configuration. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> shows support posts <NUM> that anchor the resilient member <NUM>. The support posts <NUM> can stem from the base or be included in the upper itself. In this regard, in example embodiments, the shoe is biased toward the relaxed configuration, at least in part, by a resilient member extending between the forward portion and the rearward portion. In example embodiments, the resilient member is attached to the upper of the shoe. In example embodiments, the resilient member is attached to the base of the shoe.

While a resilient member <NUM> is illustrated, other members are contemplated that bias the shoe toward the relaxed configuration, for example, a flexible shank or elastic band <NUM> coupled to the top portion of the base, a flexible lasting board, or a portion of the strobel or upper comprising or coupled to an elastic material.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, in use of an example embodiment, a user squeezes the sides of shoe, creating a larger foot opening. The larger opening makes it easier for a baby or child's foot to slide in. After releasing the sides, the shoe is secure on a baby or child's foot.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> depict top views of examples of fold patterns that can be used to transform the forward portion <NUM> of the base and rearward portion <NUM> of the base away from each other. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> depict bottom views of the examples depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> the fold pattern of waist <NUM> comprises opposing triangles, one with its base on medial side <NUM>, one with its base on lateral side <NUM>, and a bisecting fold intersecting and separating the opposing triangles.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> the fold pattern of waist <NUM> comprises opposing trapezoids, one with its base on medial side <NUM>, one with its base on lateral side <NUM>, and two bisecting folds intersecting and separating the opposing trapezoids, the bisecting folds forming a quadrilateral shape (e.g., a square or rectangle shape).

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> the fold pattern of waist <NUM> comprises opposing semi-circles.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> the fold pattern of waist <NUM> comprises opposing triangles with adjoining apexes, one with its base on medial side <NUM>, one with its base on lateral side <NUM>, and a bisecting fold intersecting the opposing triangles.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> the fold pattern of waist <NUM> comprises angled folds with adjoining ends.

In example embodiments, mass can be added to the top and/or bottom of the fold pattern. With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, mass has been added to the bottom of the fold pattern only.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each of which comprises a fold pattern similar to that of <FIG>, <FIG>, mass has been added to the top <NUM> of the fold pattern as well as to the bottom <NUM> of the fold pattern.

In example embodiments comprising mass added to the top <NUM> of the fold pattern and/or to the bottom <NUM> of the fold pattern, the folds can comprise beveled edges <NUM> so the mass does not prevent itself from folding. <FIG> shows how the angle of these beveled edges <NUM> can control how far the base can bend along a fold line. In example embodiments, the steeper angle of the bevel <NUM>, the less the base can fold before its mass blocks itself, while the less steep angle of the bevel <NUM>, the more the base can fold before its mass blocks itself.

<FIG> shows how beveled edges <NUM> can be used to direct desired folding. If there is a straight edge <NUM> on either side of the fold line butting up against itself (e.g., any fold bevels are substantially vertical or have an angle of zero or near zero), the base prevents itself from folding upward, while the beveled edge <NUM> permits the base to fold downward.

In this regard, in accordance with example embodiments, folds on a bottom surface of a fold pattern do comprises beveled edges (and/or comprise beveled edges with less steep angles) to facilitate folding around the bottom surface, while folds on a top surface of a fold pattern do not comprises beveled edges (and/or comprise beveled edges with steeper angles) to prevent folding around the top surface. That is, in example embodiments, the base comprises a fold pattern having fold bevels on a top surface of the base that are steeper than fold bevels on a bottom surface of the base.

<FIG> illustrate additional embodiments of fold patterns comprising living hinges <NUM> molded into the base. In example embodiments, a living hinge resiliently returns the base from its actuated configuration to its relaxed configuration. The hinge <NUM> can be comprised of the same material as the rest of the base (e.g., <FIG>). The hinge <NUM> can be comprised of a separate material that the rest of the base is molded or glued to (e.g., <FIG>). The material that makes up the hinge <NUM> can also make up part of the base, with other portions of other materials molded or glued to it.

In various examples, and with reference now to <FIG>, <FIG>, an alternative implementation of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, not according to the invention, is provided. The rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may include a heel counter portion having a resiliently flexible member <NUM>. The resiliently flexible member <NUM> may extend from the base of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> toward a collar portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. The resiliently flexible member <NUM> may extend through/within a material that forms a rear upper (e.g., heel counter) of the shoe <NUM> (<FIG>) or the resiliently flexible member <NUM> may form the heel counter itself. In various examples, the resiliently flexible member <NUM> is structurally configured to bend at a specific location. Said differently, the resiliently flexible member <NUM> may be structurally configured to direct a specific/desired bending action.

The resiliently flexible member <NUM> may include a collar portion that is coupled to or defines at least a section of the collar of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. As mentioned above, the term "collar" generally refers to the portion of the shoe that defines the shoe opening through which a user inserts his/her foot. In an open configuration (<FIG>, <FIG>), the resiliently flexible member <NUM> is folded backward away from the shoe opening such that the collar portion is disposed adjacent the sole, thereby expanding the shoe opening. That is, in the open configuration the top, collar portion of the resiliently flexible member <NUM> (e.g., an engagement member <NUM>) may be disposed below the bottom of the shoe, or at least below the upper portion of the shoe. In a closed configuration (<FIG>, <FIG>), the resiliently flexible member <NUM> is unfolded such that the collar portion is disposed substantially above the sole. For example, in the closed configuration, the resiliently flexible member <NUM> is substantially straight, or at least is not bent backwards as in the open configuration, thereby helping to securely retain the foot within the shoe <NUM>.

In various examples, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may be bi-stable, as described above. That is, the resiliently flexible member <NUM> may be configured to stably remain in the folded/bended position until a force is exerted to unbend (e.g., re-straighten) the resiliently flexible member <NUM>. Such a force could be imparted by an engagement member <NUM> extending below the base in the open configuration contacting a surface upon which the rapid-entry shoe is used (e.g., a user taking a step in the rapid-entry shoe). In various examples, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> also includes one or more tethers <NUM> coupled on opposing sides of the resiliently flexible member <NUM> (e.g., on opposing sides of the top, collar portion). The one or more tethers <NUM> may help maintain the resiliently flexible member <NUM> in the bi-stable closed configuration. That is, the one or more tethers <NUM> may bias the resiliently flexible member <NUM> toward the closed configuration (straight) or the open configuration (curved/bent). For example, if a user attempts to leave the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> halfway between the open and closed configuration, the one or more tethers <NUM> may push/pull the resiliently flexible member <NUM> toward either the open/closed configuration. The one or more tethers <NUM> may comprise an elastic or resiliently deformable material. In accordance with examples, a stopping point or other inhibitor is incorporated into the shoe to prevent over rotation from the open configuration beyond the closed configuration.

In various examples, and with specific reference to <FIG>, the collar portion of the resiliently flexible member <NUM> comprises a first engagement member <NUM> that is configured to be detachably coupled to a second engagement member <NUM> at the sole of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> in order to temporarily hold the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> in the open configuration. In various examples, the resiliently flexible member <NUM> may include an overmold or other polymer or textile covering (including the shoe upper or a portion thereof) to minimize discomfort experienced by an individual wearing the shoe.

Claim 1:
A rapid-entry shoe comprising:
a base having a forward portion (<NUM>), a rearward portion (<NUM>), a medial side (<NUM>), and a lateral side (<NUM>); and
a waist (<NUM>) extending between the medial side (<NUM>) and the lateral side (<NUM>) of the base, the waist located at the intersection of and/or separating the forward portion (<NUM>) and the rearward portion (<NUM>);
wherein the rapid-entry shoe has a relaxed configuration in which the forward portion (<NUM>) and the rearward portion (<NUM>) are substantially coplanar around the waist (<NUM>), and an actuated configuration in which the rearward portion (<NUM>) and the forward portion (<NUM>) are folded around, or angled relative to, the waist (<NUM>);
and wherein an opening of the rapid-entry shoe is larger in the actuated configuration than in the relaxed configuration;
wherein the waist (<NUM>) comprises a fold pattern in the base, the fold pattern having a plurality of folds;
characterized in that application of opposing inward forces parallel to the waist and substantially collinear with at least one fold of the plurality of folds of the waist (<NUM>) results in the rapid-entry shoe assuming the actuated configuration.