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

<CIT> discloses a heel spring device for a heel portion of a rapid-entry shoe, in which a fluid-filled bladder is divided into a plurality of segments that extend between the medial side and the lateral side of the shoe. Application of a downward force on the heel spring device moves the bladder from an expanded position to a compressed position.

Preferred features of the invention are recited in the dependent claims.

The present disclosure relates to footwear, and more particularly to rapid-entry footwear having a pocket for a compressed medium. In accordance with an example, a rapid-entry shoe of the present disclosure comprises a sole portion, an upper coupled to the sole portion, and a pocket coupled to the upper. In various examples, the pocket comprises an arm and a leg, the leg of the pocket being substantially parallel to the sole portion, and the arm of the pocket being at an angle to the leg. In various examples, the pocket encapsulates a medium and the medium is pressurized. In various examples, the leg comprises a flange coupled to the sole portion. In various examples, the rapid-entry shoe has a collapsed configuration in which an opening of the rapid-entry shoe is expanded to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual donning the rapid-entry shoe, and an arm of the pocket is compressed downward toward the sole portion of the rapid-entry shoe. In various examples, the rapid-entry shoe has an uncollapsed configuration in which the opening is unexpanded to retain a foot within the rapid-entry shoe, and an arm of the pocket is expanded away from the sole portion of the rapid-entry shoe. In this regard, the rapid-entry shoe is biased by the pressurized medium toward the uncollapsed configuration.

The accompanying drawings may provide a further understanding 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.

Examples 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 examples may be realized and that mechanical and chemical changes may be made. Thus, this detailed description is for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

For example, unless the context dictates otherwise, examples and embodiments described herein may be combined with other examples and embodiments described herein. Similarly, references to "example" "embodiment" and the like indicate that the example(s)/embodiment(s) described may comprise a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every example/embodiment may not necessarily comprise the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such references may not necessarily refer to the same example(s)/embodiment(s). Any reference to singular includes plural examples/embodiments, and any reference to plural includes singular examples/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," "containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

In describing examples 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 examples 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.

In general, disclosed herein is a rapid-entry shoe having an upper, a sole portion, and at least one pocket encapsulating a compressed medium. In accordance with the invention, the at least one pocket is coupled to a rear portion of the upper. In accordance with various embodiments, a topline of the rear portion has an uncollapsed configuration. In accordance with various embodiments, the topline of the rear portion has a collapsed configuration in which a dimension of an opening of the shoe is greater than in the uncollapsed configuration. In accordance with various embodiments, the at least one pocket biases the topline toward the uncollapsed configuration.

Turning to specific embodiments, and with reference to <FIG>, example embodiments of the present disclosure comprise one or more pockets <NUM> integrated into a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. In example embodiments, the one or more pockets <NUM> are configured to create or otherwise enhance rebound of a rear portion of an upper of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, for example, at a topline of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

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 "rear portion of an upper" refers to any rear portion of an upper, for example, a heel portion or backstrap, including a topline thereof.

In general, a pocket <NUM> is an enclosed vessel, chamber, bladder, bag, or the like, capable of maintaining a specified volume of a medium without loss of the same (or substantial loss of the same) for an extended period of time (e.g., weeks, months, or years). In this regard, a medium can be encapsulated within a pocket <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a pocket <NUM> comprises a plurality of smaller enclosed vessels, chambers, bladders, bags, or the like (e.g., coupled and/or otherwise arranged in a quilted pattern).

In some embodiments, a pocket <NUM> can be made from a deformable material, e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), poly ethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA), polyvinyl chloride, urethane or another polymer material. In various embodiments, a pocket <NUM> can be made from a deformable material that is also resilient. In various embodiments, a pocket <NUM> can be made from a material having a shore hardness of from about 80A to about 95A, or about 85A. Without limiting the foregoing, a pocket <NUM> can be made from TPU 95A or TPU 85A. A pocket <NUM> can be transparent, semi-transparent, opaque, or semi-opaque, and comprise one or more ornamental colors or patterns.

A pocket <NUM> can comprise a material, or comprise one or more features, to prevent kinking of a pocket <NUM> when a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> is transitioning between collapsed and uncollapsed configurations (as discussed infra). For example, a pocket <NUM> can have one or more folds or pleats at or near a portion of a pocket <NUM> to be flexed, arched, deflected, bent, or otherwise deformed (e.g., a curve or an angle at an inner edge of a vertex) to thereby control or otherwise direct the same. Similarly, a pocket <NUM> can have one or more cutouts, recesses, weakened portions (e.g., different thickness and/or density), or the like, e.g., in a circular shape, at or near a portion of a pocket <NUM> to be flexed, arched, deflected, bent, or otherwise deformed (e.g., a curve or an angle at an inner edge of a vertex) to thereby control or otherwise direct the same.

Dimensions of a pocket <NUM> can vary according to either or both of the objectives of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> and the placement of a pocket <NUM> within a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. For example, a pocket <NUM> can have an elongated tubular shape or any other elliptical, non-elliptical, or random shape, as illustrated in <FIG>.

As used herein, an "elliptical" shape refers to any shape that generally lacks a point where two lines, curves, or surfaces converge to form an angle. For example, an "elliptical" shape encompasses traditional Euclidian geometric shapes such as circles and ellipses, as well as other non-angular shapes (that lack any angles), even if those shapes do not have designations common in Euclidian geometry.

As used herein, a "non-elliptical" shape refers to any shape that includes at least one point where two lines, curves, or surfaces converge to form an angle. For example, a "non-elliptical" shape encompasses traditional Euclidian geometric shapes such as triangles, rectangles, squares, hexagons, trapezoids, pentagons, stars, and the like as well as other shapes that have at least one angle even if those shapes do not have designations common in Euclidian geometry.

In each of the shoes illustrated in <FIG>, and as discussed infra with reference to <FIG>, pocket <NUM> can be located on a lateral side of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> (not according to the invention), a medial side of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> (not according to the invention), or both lateral and medial sides of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> (e.g., lateral and medial sides not coupled (not according to the invention), lateral and medial sides coupled with a stabilizer or stiffener (not according to the invention), or lateral and medial sides comprised of the same pocket extending continuously between lateral and medial sides). According to the invention, the pocket extends from a medial side of the shoe to a lateral side of the shoe.

Additionally, while in each of the shoes illustrated in <FIG> pocket <NUM> is shown on an outside of sole portion <NUM>, pocket <NUM> can be coupled to an inside of sole portion <NUM> (e.g., within an outsole, between an outsole and a midsole, adjacent an insole, etc.), as discussed infra with reference to <FIG>.

In example embodiments, pocket <NUM> can comprise a plurality of serrations or scallops <NUM> along a lower edge <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) or an upper edge <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>), and/or an vertex of pocket <NUM>. The plurality of serrations or scallops <NUM> may be configured to control the rate and/or direction the pocket <NUM> is flexed, arched, deflected, bent, or otherwise deformed.

In example embodiments, pocket <NUM> comprises a pocket leg <NUM> and a pocket arm <NUM> forming a u shape or a v shape (e.g., the leg of the pocket being coupled, or substantially parallel, to the sole portion, and the arm of the pocket being at an angle to the leg and coupled to a rear portion of the upper).

In such embodiments, u-shaped pocket <NUM> can comprise a curve (see, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>) or v-shaped pocket <NUM> can comprise an angle (see, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>) on the inside of the vertex between pocket leg <NUM> (e.g., coupled to and/or extending at least partially to sole portion <NUM>) and pocket arm <NUM> (e.g., coupled to and/or extending at least partially to upper portion <NUM>).

In one example not according to the invention, and with reference to <FIG>, pocket <NUM> can extend completely around a rear portion of the upper of rapid-entry shoe <NUM> (i.e., not being an arch and forming a window, as discussed infra).

In example embodiments, pocket leg <NUM> extends both rearward (all or partially to a rearward most point of rapid-entry shoe <NUM>) and forward (all or partially to a forward most point of rapid-entry shoe <NUM>) relative to pocket arm <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). In such embodiments, pocket leg <NUM> can further extend under, and/or comprise, all or a portion of a footbed, insole, sock liner or the like of rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, as discussed infra.

In example embodiments, a pocket <NUM> (or a portion thereof, e.g., a flange, as discussed infra) comprises variable wall thicknesses and/or densities to control the rate and/or direction the pocket <NUM> is flexed, arched, deflected, bent, or otherwise deformed. For example, an inner wall of a pocket <NUM> (i.e., a wall closer to an interior of a shoe) can have a thickness different from that of an outer wall of a pocket <NUM> (i.e., a wall further from an interior of a shoe). As another example, a leg of a pocket <NUM> can have a density different from that of an arm of a pocket <NUM>. Such embodiments, for example, may control or otherwise direct outward flex of the pocket <NUM> (e.g., to expand a dimension of an opening of the shoe) when it is flexed, arched, deflected, bent, or otherwise deformed.

With reference back to <FIG>, a pocket <NUM> is filled with a medium that is pressurized. In this regard, a pocket <NUM> can be filled with a medium comprising either a gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, oxygen) or a liquid (e.g., a gel). In some embodiments, filling a pocket <NUM> with a medium comprised of molecules having a larger atomic radius (e.g., a nitrogen molecule has a larger atomic radius than an oxygen molecule) can minimize leakage of the medium from a pocket <NUM>.

In various embodiments, a medium or a pocket <NUM> is colored. That is, a pocket <NUM> can be clear and a medium can be colored (e.g., red, blue, green) to facilitate visualization of a medium (and movement thereof) within a pocket, or a medium can be clear and a pocket <NUM> can be colored. In still other embodiments, a pocket <NUM> can be colored and a medium can be colored in order to create a new combination color or effect.

In accordance with the present invention, the pocket encapsulates a medium and the medium is pressurized. A pocket <NUM> may be pressurized with a compressed medium. In this regard, a pocket <NUM> can be filled with a medium by injection and heat sealing. In other embodiments, a pocket <NUM> can be filled with a medium via a valve, for example, a one-way valve. In various embodiments, a valve can be accessed by a user to controllably fill and/or empty a medium, in whole or in part.

According to the invention, the pressure of a gas in a pocket <NUM> is greater than atmospheric pressure at sea level. Without limiting the foregoing, in example embodiments, a pocket <NUM> can be pressurized to from about <NUM> kPa to about <NUM> kPa, or from about <NUM> kPa to about <NUM> kPa (from about <NUM> to about <NUM> psi, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM> psi).

With reference now to <FIG>, which shows an example not in accordance with the invention, a pocket <NUM> can be located on a lateral side of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, a medial side of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, or both lateral and medial sides of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. In such embodiments, a pocket <NUM> can be angled downward from a rear portion toward a forward portion of a shoe, for example, at an angle of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees measured from a sole portion (as defined infra), or about <NUM> degrees measured from a sole portion.

Turning to <FIG>, which shows an example not in accordance with the invention, a pocket <NUM> can be located on a lateral side of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, a medial side of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, or both lateral and medial sides of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. In such embodiments, a pocket <NUM> on a lateral side can be coupled with a stabilizer or stiffener <NUM> (e.g., structure separate from the upper) to a pocket <NUM> on a medial side.

With reference to <FIG>, which is in accordance with the invention, a pocket <NUM> can extend all or partially around a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> (i.e., from a medial side to a lateral side of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>). According to the invention, pocket <NUM> is an arch and forms a window at a rear portion of the upper of rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. In some embodiments, pocket <NUM> can comprise a narrowed section <NUM> at the back of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, for example, to accommodate an Achilles tendon of a foot.

In embodiments comprising a plurality of pockets, the pockets need not be identically shaped, or identically pressurized. For example, a medial pocket can be shaped differently (e.g., size or dimensions) from a lateral pocket, and a lateral pocket can be pressurized differently (i.e., more or less) from a medial pocket.

Turning now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, a lower edge of pocket <NUM> is coupled to a sole portion <NUM> of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. As used herein, a "sole portion" 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, for example, an insole or an internal cushion. In such embodiments, the sole portion <NUM> may comprise a cutout or recess within which to receive the pocket <NUM> (or a portion thereof).

In some embodiments, and with momentary reference to <FIG>, a pocket <NUM> is coupled to an internal cushion of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> under a foot to provide impact support to a foot.

Turning now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, a lower edge of pocket <NUM> is coupled to an upper portion <NUM> of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

In connection with any of the foregoing embodiments, a pocket <NUM> can also be coupled to a rear portion of an upper of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. That is, in addition to being coupled to a rear portion of an upper of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, a lower edge of pocket <NUM> can be coupled (e.g., at another end or side) to a sole portion or an upper portion.

With reference now to <FIG>, which show shoes not in accordance with the invention, a pocket <NUM> can comprise a flange <NUM> surrounding all or a portion of it, e.g., an arm and/or a leg of a pocket <NUM>. The flange <NUM> can be used to couple (e.g., adhere, stitch) the pocket <NUM> to a sole portion and/or an upper portion of a rapid-entry shoe. A flange <NUM> can extend from an inner wall of a pocket <NUM> (i.e., a wall closer to an interior of a shoe), from an outer wall of a pocket <NUM> (i.e., a wall further from an interior of a shoe), or from between an inner wall and an outer wall. The flange <NUM> extending from an outer wall, or extending from between an inner wall and an outer wall, can contribute to the creation of a cup or recess for securely receiving a foot within a rear portion of an upper of a rapid-entry shoe.

<FIG> illustrates a pocket <NUM> with a surrounding flange <NUM> creating a v shape with an arm and a leg forming an acute angle relative to the sole portion <NUM>. In accordance with the illustrated example, pocket <NUM> and flange <NUM> can be coupled to, and/or extend at least partially to, sole portion <NUM>. While, in the illustrated example, pocket <NUM> and flange <NUM> are shown on an outside of sole portion <NUM>, pocket <NUM> and flange <NUM> can be coupled to an inside of sole portion <NUM> (e.g., within an outsole, between an outsole and a midsole, adjacent an insole, etc.).

<FIG> illustrates a pocket <NUM> with a surrounding flange <NUM> creating a v shape with an arm and a leg forming an obtuse angle relative to the sole portion <NUM>. In accordance with the illustrated example, pocket <NUM> and flange <NUM> can be coupled to, and/or extend at least partially to, sole portion <NUM>. While, in the illustrated example, pocket <NUM> and flange <NUM> are shown on an outside of sole portion <NUM>, pocket <NUM> and flange <NUM> can be coupled to an inside of sole portion <NUM> (e.g., within an outsole, between an outsole and a midsole, adjacent an insole, etc.).

<FIG> illustrates a pocket <NUM> and a flange <NUM> together creating a v shape with an arm and a leg forming an acute angle relative to the sole portion <NUM>. In such example, the pocket <NUM> may not extend to the sole portion <NUM>, while flange <NUM> may extend to the sole portion <NUM>. In accordance with the illustrated example, flange <NUM> can be coupled to, and/or extend at least partially to, sole portion <NUM>. While, in the illustrated example, flange <NUM> is shown on an inside of sole portion <NUM>, flange <NUM> can be coupled to an outside of sole portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a pocket <NUM> and a flange <NUM> together creating a v shape with an arm and a leg forming an obtuse angle relative to the sole portion <NUM>. In such example, the pocket <NUM> may not extend to the sole portion <NUM>, while flange <NUM> may extend to the sole portion <NUM>. In accordance with the illustrated example, flange <NUM> can be coupled to, and/or extend at least partially to, sole portion <NUM>. While, in the illustrated example, flange <NUM> is shown on an inside of sole portion <NUM>, flange <NUM> can be coupled to an outside of sole portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a pocket <NUM> and a flange <NUM> together forming a y shape, wherein pocket <NUM> extends into the y branch created by flange <NUM>. In accordance with the illustrated example, pocket <NUM> and/or flange <NUM> can be coupled to, and/or extend at least partially to, sole portion <NUM>. While, in the illustrated example, pocket <NUM> and flange <NUM> are shown on an outside of sole portion <NUM>, pocket <NUM> and flange <NUM> can be coupled to an inside of sole portion <NUM> (e.g., within an outsole, between an outsole and a midsole, adjacent an insole, etc.).

<FIG> illustrates a pocket <NUM> and a flange <NUM> together forming a y shape, wherein pocket <NUM> does not extend into the y branch created by flange <NUM>. In accordance with the illustrated example, pocket <NUM> and/or flange <NUM> can be coupled to, and/or extend at least partially to, sole portion <NUM>. While, in the illustrated example, pocket <NUM> and flange <NUM> are shown on an outside of sole portion <NUM>, pocket <NUM> and flange <NUM> can be coupled to an inside of sole portion <NUM> (e.g., within an outsole, between an outsole and a midsole, adjacent an insole, etc.).

With reference now to <FIG>, a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, or a topline of a rear portion of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, in accordance with the present disclosure, has a collapsed configuration (as illustrated in <FIG>) and an uncollapsed configuration (as illustrated in <FIG>).

In a collapsed configuration (as illustrated in <FIG>), a rear portion of an upper of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> is compressed toward a sole portion <NUM> of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, and a pocket <NUM> integrated therein is compressed. Thus, in a collapsed configuration, a pocket <NUM> can compress out of the way of a heal to enlarge the opening of rapid-entry shoe <NUM> for easy entry/exit. In other words, in a collapsed configuration, a dimension of an opening of the shoe (e.g., a circumference following the topline of the opening, or a circumference around the topline of the opening measured in a single plane) may be greater than in an uncollapsed configuration, to facilitate easy entry/exit.

Thus, according to the invention, the rapid-entry shoe has a collapsed configuration in which an opening of the rapid-entry shoe is expanded to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual donning the rapid-entry shoe, and in the collapsed configuration, the pocket (e.g., an arm or other portion of the pocket) is compressed downward toward the sole portion of the rapid-entry shoe.

In an uncollapsed configuration (as illustrated in <FIG>), a rear portion of an upper of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> can be extended away from a sole portion <NUM> of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, and a pocket <NUM> integrated therein is either not compressed or only partially compressed.

Thus, according to the invention, the rapid-entry shoe has an uncollapsed configuration in which the opening is unexpanded to retain a foot within the rapid-entry shoe, and in the uncollapsed configuration, the pocket (e.g., an arm or other portion of the pocket) is expanded away from the sole portion of the rapid-entry shoe.

In example embodiments, a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, or a topline of a rear portion of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, can be biased toward an uncollapsed configuration by a pocket <NUM>. Stated another way, in example embodiments, a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> at rest is in an uncollapsed configuration. In example embodiments, pressurization of the medium in the at least one pocket biases the topline and the rapid-entry shoe toward the uncollapsed configuration. According to the invention, the rear portion of the upper of the rapid entry shoe is biased by the pressurized medium toward the uncollapsed configuration.

In example embodiments, a pocket <NUM> can create or otherwise enhance rebound of a rear portion of an upper of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> toward an uncollapsed configuration, for example, at a topline of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. Thus, a pocket <NUM> can lift a rear portion of an upper of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> and thereby provide support and/or retention to a heel inserted into a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

In other embodiments, and with reference to <FIG>, a pocket <NUM> can extend from a side all or partially across a vamp, throat, tongue, nave or other upper portion of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. In connection with the foregoing embodiment, a downward force exerted on a rear portion of a pocket <NUM> (during entry/exit) can expel a medium into an upper portion to enlarge the opening of rapid-entry shoe <NUM> for easy entry/exit.

In still other embodiments, and with reference to <FIG>, a pocket <NUM> can extend from a side into a sole portion <NUM> of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. In other embodiments, a pocket <NUM> extends from both sides into a sole portion <NUM> of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. In this regard, a pocket <NUM> can extend under, and/or comprise, all or a portion of a footbed, insole, sock liner or the like of rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

In connection with the foregoing embodiments, a force exerted on a footbed, insole, sock liner or the like of rapid-entry shoe <NUM> (e.g., exerted by a foot's entry and/or stepping) can expel a medium from a sole portion into either or both sides of a rapid-entry shoe. Such expulsion of a medium can create or otherwise enhance rebound of a rear portion of an upper of a rapid-entry shoe, for example, at a topline of a rear portion of a rapid-entry shoe. Stated another way, such expulsion can facilitate an uncollapsed configuration.

Similarly, a reduced force on a footbed of a rapid-entry shoe (e.g., exerted by a foot's exit and/or not stepping) can expel a medium from either or both sides of a rapid-entry shoe into a sole portion. Such expulsion of a medium can relax a rear portion of an upper of a rapid-entry shoe, for example, at a topline of a rear portion of a rapid-entry shoe. Stated another way, such expulsion can facilitate a collapsed configuration.

In connection with any of the foregoing embodiments, a pocket <NUM> can comprise a damper to provide for gradual expulsion between an upper portion and a side (or both sides) of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, or between a sole portion and a side (or both sides) of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A rapid-entry shoe (<NUM>) comprising:
a sole portion (<NUM>);
an upper (<NUM>) coupled to the sole portion (<NUM>);
a pocket (<NUM>) coupled to a rear portion of the upper (<NUM>);
wherein the pocket (<NUM>) encapsulates a medium;
wherein the medium is pressurized;
wherein the pocket (<NUM>) extends from a medial side of the shoe (<NUM>) to a lateral side of the shoe (<NUM>);
wherein the pocket (<NUM>) is an arch and forms a window at the rear portion of the upper (<NUM>);
wherein the rear portion of the upper (<NUM>) of the rapid-entry shoe (<NUM>) has a collapsed configuration in which an opening of the rapid-entry shoe (<NUM>) is expanded to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual donning the rapid-entry shoe (<NUM>);
wherein the rear portion of the upper (<NUM>) of the rapid-entry shoe (<NUM>) has an uncollapsed configuration in which the opening is unexpanded to retain the foot within the rapid-entry shoe (<NUM>);
wherein in the collapsed configuration, a portion of the pocket (<NUM>) is compressed downward toward the sole portion (<NUM>) of the rapid-entry shoe (<NUM>);
wherein in the uncollapsed configuration, the portion of the pocket (<NUM>) is expanded away from the sole portion (<NUM>) of the rapid-entry shoe (<NUM>); and
wherein the rear portion of the upper (<NUM>) of the rapid-entry shoe (<NUM>) is biased by the pressurized medium toward the uncollapsed configuration.