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 rapid-entry shoe having a structure that provides a movable heel loop. The structure is arranged to allow a rear portion of the upper to collapse when a user's foot is inserted into a foot opening to enlarge the foot opening. <CIT> discloses a shoe with side portions of elastic fabric. A rear portion of the upper is provided with a flap and a fastener device to allow a foot to be inserted. The elastic side portions stretch so that the upper fits snugly around the user's ankle.

Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, is rapid-entry footwear having a stabilizer and/or an elastic element. Preferred and/or optional features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims. The term "embodiment" is used herein to refer merely to examples of the disclosure.

The rapid-entry shoe comprises a sole portion and an upper, the upper comprising a rear portion, a side portion, a forward portion, and a transition portion between the forward portion and the side portion.

The rapid-entry shoe comprises an elastic element disposed at the side portion, the elastic element extending to and forming a portion of a topline of the rapid-entry shoe. In accordance with some embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe comprises a second elastic element disposed at the transition portion, not coupled to a tongue of the rapid-entry shoe, and being concave toward or angled relative to the forward portion.

Expansion or deformation of the elastic element enlarges a foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe, and contraction of the elastic element reduces the foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe. The elastic element is configured to enable the forward portion of the rapid-entry shoe to flex and/or pivot forward relative to the sole portion during insertion of the foot into the foot opening.

The rapid-entry shoe further comprises a stabilizer disposed at the rear portion and extending from within the sole portion, the stabilizer comprising a base portion at least partially within the sole portion and an elevated portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the stabilizer is configured to prevent the rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe from one or more of flexing rearward and pivoting rearward. According to the invention, the stabilizer is configured to prevent the rear portion of the upper from collapsing downward relative to the sole portion when the foot is inserted into the foot opening.

In accordance with some embodiments, the stabilizer comprises a top fin coupled to the elevated portion of the stabilizer, the top fin being configured to be vertically stable and laterally mobile relative to the elevated portion of the stabilizer.

In accordance with some embodiments, the stabilizer comprises an arch structure such that the base portion of the stabilizer comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to or extending from a medial side of the sole portion of the rapid-entry shoe and the second end coupled to or extending from a lateral side of the sole portion of the rapid-entry shoe, the elevated portion of the stabilizer extends between the first end and the second end and around the rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe, and the arch structure of the stabilizer defines a window. Various structures can be incorporated within the window.

The accompanying drawings may provide a further understanding of example embodiments 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 embodiments are equivalent. The accompanying drawings are for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate rapid-entry shoes in which the stabilizer extends to a top collar or the topline of the rapid-entry shoe, in accordance with the invention. The remaining figures illustrate rapid-entry shoes not in accordance with the invention but useful for its understanding.

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. 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," "containing," or "characterized by," 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.

Although the features of rapid-entry shoes disclosed herein may be implemented in a variety of different types of shoes, the disclosed features may be especially beneficial in connection with boots and/or high-top shoes.

In various embodiments, a rapid-entry shoe comprises a "sole portion" (e.g., footbed, insole, midsole, outsole) and an upper, the upper comprising a "rear portion" (e.g., a heel portion), a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a "forward portion" (e.g., a vamp, throat, tongue or nave portion).

In various embodiments, and with reference to <FIG>, an upper of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> can comprise an elastic element <NUM> disposed forward relative to a rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe. The elastic element may be an insert, slit, gore or other elongated feature that provides elasticity to the upper. Expansion or deformation of the elastic element <NUM> can enlarge the foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, while contraction of the elastic element <NUM> can reduce the foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

As used herein, the term "foot opening" refers generally to a cross-section of the hole defined by the rapid-entry shoe into which the foot is inserted. That is, the term foot opening does not necessary refer to a top collar/topline opening of the rapid-entry shoe, but may refer to a cross-section of the foot hole of the rapid-entry shoe at various locations within the foot hole of the rapid-entry shoe.

In some embodiments, a strap or mechanical features (e.g., hook and loop fasteners, buttons, clips, grommets, zippers) can secure the elastic element <NUM> in its contracted configuration.

In some embodiments, the elastic element <NUM> extends and is coupled to an inner surface of an overlapping portion of the upper. In this regard, expansion or deformation of the elastic element <NUM> can create visible shearing rather than visible separation, the elastic element <NUM> possibly being totally obscured by the overlapping portion of the upper in its expanded or deformed configuration.

In some embodiments, the elastic element <NUM> is not coupled to the tongue of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. In other words, in some embodiments, the elastic element <NUM> is not merely material coupling the tongue to the upper of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

In accordance with the invention, the elastic element <NUM> extends to and forms a portion of a topline of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> (e.g., the elastic element <NUM> forms a top collar/topline opening). In accordance with example embodiments, the elastic element <NUM> extends completely or partially to a sole portion of the rapid-entry shoe.

With reference to <FIG>, an elastic element <NUM> may be embedded within, may extend along (internally or externally), and/or may form a portion of, one or both of the medial side portion of the upper and/or the lateral side portion of the upper. In such embodiments, the elastic element <NUM> can be disposed at least partially rearward, and/or at least partially upward, relative to a forward portion of the rapid-entry shoe. In example embodiments, the elastic element <NUM> is angled downward toward the forward portion, while in other embodiments, the elastic element <NUM> is angled upward toward the forward portion.

Alternatively, and with reference to <FIG>, but not according to the invention, the elastic element <NUM>, instead of being disposed relative to one or both of the lateral or medial side portion portions of the rapid-entry shoe, may be embedded within, may extend along (internally or externally), and/or may form a portion of, either a forward portion of the rapid-entry shoe or a transition portion of the rapid-entry shoe, the transition portion being disposed between either the lateral or medial side portion of the rapid-entry shoe and the forward portion of the rapid-entry shoe.

In some embodiments, the elastic element <NUM> can comprise a longitudinal axis that substantially conforms to the shape of the curvature of the forward portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> (e.g., a longitudinal axis that is concave toward or angled relative to the forward portion). In this regard, the elastic element <NUM> can be positioned to extend along the curve of the shoe that transitions from the predominantly vertically extending portion of the upper (e.g., the ankle support portion) to the predominantly horizontally extending portion of the upper (e.g., a vamp, throat, tongue or nave portion).

In accordance with example embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe can further comprise a second elastic element. The first elastic element may be disposed on a lateral side portion of the rapid-entry shoe and the second elastic element may be disposed on a medial side portion of the rapid-entry shoe, according to various embodiments.

<FIG> are front schematic views of a rapid-entry shoe showing various configurations of first and second elastic elements, in accordance with various embodiments. The elastic elements may extend parallel to each other (<FIG>) or may be angled relative to each other (<FIG>) (e.g., to conform to the shape of the curvature of the forward portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>). For example, the first elastic element may extend at a first angle relative to a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the footbed of the shoe, and the second elastic element may extend at a second angle relative to the vertical axis. The first and second angle may be different. In various embodiments, the first and second elastic elements include a connecting piece that extends between the elastic elements, and thus extends across a forward portion of the rapid-entry shoe (<FIG>).

The elastic element can be comprised of an elastic or resiliently deformable material and/or portion of the upper. In various embodiments, an elastic element is configured to bias the rapid-entry shoe toward contraction of the foot opening. That is, the elastic element is configured to expand in a forward direction (expand the foot opening) and to contract in a rearward direction (contract the foot opening). The elastic element <NUM> can be on outer or inner surface of the upper or integrated within the upper.

In various embodiments, and as mentioned above, the elastic element(s) may have a longitudinal axis, and the expansion of the elastic element <NUM> may be perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (e.g., <NUM>-way stretch). That is, the material of the elastic element may be configured to expand in a direction transverse to its length in response to a user's foot being inserted into the foot opening (see <FIG> and <FIG>, which show the elastic element expanded). However, in various embodiments the elastic element may be configured to expand in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis (e.g., may be an elongation zone of the rapid-entry shoe). In still other embodiments, the expansion of the elastic element <NUM> may be perpendicular and parallel to its longitudinal axis (e.g., <NUM>-way stretch).

In various embodiments, and with reference back to <FIG>, an upper of a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> can comprise a stabilizer <NUM> disposed adjacent the rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe and extending above the sole portion of the rapid-entry shoe, the stabilizer <NUM> configured to prevent downward (i.e., to not) collapse of the rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe (e.g., the stabilizer may be configured to prevent downward and/or inward compression or bending of the rear portion). In this regard, the stabilizer <NUM> is comprised of a rigid material. The stabilizer <NUM> may be embedded within, may extend along (internally or externally), and/or may form a portion of the rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

In example embodiments, when a foot is inserted, the stabilizer <NUM> is configured to prevent the rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> from one or more of collapsing downward, flexing rearward and pivoting rearward, relative to the sole portion. At the same time, the stabilizer can, in some embodiments, be configured to enable lateral flexing relative to the sole portion. Also at the same time, as discussed above, the elastic element <NUM> is configured to enable the forward portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> to flex and/or pivot forward relative to the sole portion.

The stabilizer <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM> and an elevated portion <NUM>, the base portion <NUM> extends into and/or is coupled to the sole portion of the rapid entry-shoe <NUM> (e.g., between the insole and the strobel or between the midsole and the outsole). In embodiments wherein the stabilizer extends into and/or is coupled to the sole portion, the stabilizer <NUM> can extend completely between lateral and medial sides of the sole portion (e.g., cup continuously through the sole portion) or terminate on lateral and medial sides of the sole portion.

In accordance with the invention, the stabilizer <NUM> extends to a top collar/topline opening of the rapid-entry shoe. The stabilizer <NUM> can be on an outer surface of the upper or integrated within the upper, e.g., the upper providing ornamental, structural or functional (e.g., waterproofing) benefits.

In accordance with example embodiments, the stabilizer <NUM> extends from rearward to forward relative to the elastic element <NUM>. In accordance with such embodiments, the stabilizer <NUM> has a cut (e.g., a living hinge as discussed below) in line with the elastic element <NUM>.

In accordance with example embodiments, the stabilizer <NUM> comprises a curvature extending between its medial side portion and its lateral side portion, the curvature being convex toward the rear portion (i.e., concave toward or angled relative to the forward portion). In example embodiments, the curvature extends all or partially between the base portion <NUM> and the elevated portion <NUM>. In example embodiments, the curvature extends progressively less around the sides from the base portion <NUM> toward the elevated portion <NUM>. In example embodiments, the stabilizer <NUM> further comprises a flare proximal the elevated portion <NUM>, the flare extending rearward and acting as a shoehorn (e.g., to direct a foot into the foot opening during entry).

In accordance with example embodiments, the stabilizer <NUM> can be configured to flex and/or pivot rearward relative to the sole portion. <FIG> illustrates a rapid-entry shoe having a pivoting stabilizer, in accordance with an example embodiment. The pivoting stabilizer may comprise a living hinge, as illustrated.

In accordance with example embodiments, the stabilizer <NUM> can comprise a liner to provide for heel retention and/or comfort. <FIG> illustrates a cross-section of a rapid-entry shoe with a stabilizer having a foam liner <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment. The foam liner may be configured as a strip that is generally oriented concave toward the sole portion.

In various embodiments, the stabilizer <NUM> comprises a top fin <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate progressive stages of a foot being inserted into the rapid-entry shoe with a stabilizer having a top fin, in accordance with an example embodiment. The top fin <NUM> can be comprised of a stiff, rigid or semi-rigid material. The top fin <NUM> can be configured to be vertically stable (e.g., to direct a foot into the foot opening during entry) and at the same time laterally mobile (e.g., to allow expansion of a top collar/topline opening during entry and comfort when leaning). In this regard, the top fin <NUM> can be rotatably/deflectably coupled to the stabilizer <NUM>. In various embodiments, the top fin <NUM> may extend from the stabilizer <NUM> via a living hinge. That is, the junction between the top fin <NUM> and the stabilizer <NUM> may comprise a scored portion or a narrowed portion to enable flexure of the top fin <NUM> relative to the stabilizer <NUM>.

The top fin <NUM> can comprise a concave bottom portion configured to receive a convex top portion of the stabilizer <NUM>. Alternatively, the top fin <NUM> can comprise a convex bottom portion configured to receive a concave top portion of the stabilizer <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate rapid-entry shoes with elastic elements and stabilizers extending in different directions, in accordance with various embodiments.

The elastic element <NUM> can comprise a longitudinal axis that extends lateral, downward and/or rearward from the forward portion (e.g., connected to or integral with an elastic element on the opposite side of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> that mirrors the elastic element <NUM>) and curves downward and forward, extending partially toward the sole portion (<FIG>).

The elastic element <NUM> can comprise a longitudinal axis that extends lateral, downward and/or rearward from the forward portion (e.g., connected to or integral with an elastic element on the opposite side of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> that mirrors the elastic element <NUM>) along a single axis (<FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, each of the elastic elements <NUM> can comprise a longitudinal axis that substantially mirrors the shape of the curvature of the forward portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. That is, the elastic element <NUM>, instead of following the shape of the curvature of the forward portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, may have a downward and/or rear facing concavity. Said differently, a center of curvature of the elastic element <NUM> may be toward the sole portion and/or toward the rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

The rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may comprise a plurality of elastic elements <NUM> on one side of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more). That is, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may comprise a plurality of elastic elements <NUM> on one or both sides of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. The plurality of elastic elements <NUM> may be separate from each other, and thus may have different (e.g., non-elastic) upper material separating the plurality of elastic elements <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, each of the elastic elements <NUM> can comprise a longitudinal axis that substantially conforms to the shape of the curvature of the forward portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the rapid-entry shoes <NUM> of <FIG>, but with the addition of an elastic element extending on a lateral side portion extending from a top collar/topline opening of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> completely (<FIG>) or partially <FIG> to a sole portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> of <FIG>, but with the addition of a top fin <NUM> to the stabilizer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may comprises a plurality of stabilizers <NUM>, for example, a first stabilizer <NUM> positioned forward and a second stabilizer <NUM> positioned rearward, both relative to the elastic element <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may comprise a stabilizer <NUM>, wherein the base portion <NUM> extends into and/or is coupled to the sole portion of the rapid entry-shoe <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the stabilizer comprises two separate parts, a lateral portion on a lateral side portion and a medial portion on a medial side portion. The lateral and medial portions may be separate and independent from each other. In other embodiments, the stabilizer <NUM> is a single, unitary structure. In various embodiments, the stabilizer <NUM> comprises an arch structure such that the base portion <NUM> comprises a first end and a second end. The first end may be coupled to or may extend from a medial side portion of the sole portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> and the second end may be coupled to or may extend from a lateral side portion of the sole portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. Accordingly, the elevated portion <NUM> may extend between the two ends and around the rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> above the sole portion. In various embodiments, the arch structure of the stabilizer <NUM> defines a window <NUM> (e.g., a void) at the rear portion.

In example embodiments, the upper of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> and the stabilizer <NUM> are not moveable relative to each other, while in other embodiments, the upper of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> and the stabilizer <NUM> are moveable relative to each other, while in other embodiments and such relative mobility may be located at or around, or otherwise enhanced by the presence of, the window <NUM>.

In various embodiments, and with reference to <FIG>, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may include a resiliently deformable element <NUM> within a window <NUM> defined by the arch structure of the stabilizer <NUM>, the resiliently deformable <NUM> element being configured to facilitate closure of the rapid-entry shoe after a user's foot has been fully inserted into the shoe, e.g., as described in <CIT>. In such embodiments, an upper edge of the resiliently deformable element <NUM> can be coupled to an upper edge of the window <NUM>.

In various embodiments, and with reference to <FIG>, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may include a compressible lattice structure <NUM> within a window <NUM> defined by the arch structure of the stabilizer <NUM>, the compressible lattice structure <NUM> being configured to facilitate closure of the rapid-entry shoe after a user's foot has been fully inserted into the shoe, e.g., as described in <CIT>. In such embodiments, an upper edge of the compressible lattice structure <NUM> can be coupled to an upper edge of the window <NUM>.

In various embodiments, and with reference to <FIG>, the arch structure of the stabilizer <NUM> defines a window <NUM>, and an expansion zone <NUM> may be disposed within the window <NUM>. The expansion zone <NUM> can be comprised of an elastic or resiliently deformable material and/or portion of the upper. Expansion or deformation of the expansion zone <NUM> can enlarge the foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, while contraction of the expansion zone <NUM> can reduce the foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, according to various embodiments. That is, the expansion zone <NUM> can be configured to expand in a rearward direction and contract in a forward direction, according to various embodiments. <FIG> illustrate a rapid-entry shoe having an expansion zone and progressive stages of a foot being inserted into the rapid-entry shoe, in accordance with an example embodiment.

In various embodiments, and with reference to <FIG>, the arch structure of the stabilizer <NUM> defines a window <NUM>, and a deflectable element <NUM> may be disposed within the window <NUM>.

In example embodiments, the stabilizer <NUM> is disposed about a rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> and extends (from, or from below, and) above a sole portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. Similar to above, the stabilizer may include a base portion <NUM> and an elevated portion <NUM>. In various embodiments, the deflectable element <NUM> is disposed below the elevated portion <NUM> of the stabilizer <NUM> and within the window <NUM>, and is rotatably/deflectably coupled to the stabilizer <NUM> (e.g., at the elevated portion <NUM>). For example, the deflectable element <NUM> may be a separate part that is hingedly coupled or pivotably coupled to the stabilizer <NUM>. In various embodiments, the deflectable element <NUM> may extend from the stabilizer <NUM> via a living hinge. That is, the junction between the deflectable element <NUM> and the stabilizer <NUM> may comprise a scored portion or a narrowed portion to enable flexure of the deflectable element <NUM> relative to the stabilizer <NUM>. Rearward rotation of the deflectable element <NUM> enlarges a foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, while forward rotation of the deflectable element <NUM> reduces a foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

The deflectable element <NUM> can be comprised of a stiff, rigid or semi-rigid material. In response to a foot being inserted into the foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, the deflectable element <NUM> may rotate/deflect outward (i.e., rearward, away from its closed position) in order to accommodate a foot during insertion. The deflectable element <NUM> may be spring-loaded (e.g., using one or more torsion springs) or may otherwise have its rotating/deflecting movement biased (e.g., using one or more compression springs) to move the deflectable element <NUM> back to its closed position after a foot has been fully inserted into the foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

The deflectable element <NUM> can be configured to partially or completely fill the window <NUM>. When in its closed position, the outermost surface of the deflectable element <NUM> can be coplanar with the outermost surface of the window <NUM>. In example embodiments, the intersection of the deflectable element <NUM> and the window <NUM> has some overlap (e.g., the edges of the deflectable element <NUM> and the window <NUM> are complimentarily angled or curved). In example embodiments, the intersection of the deflectable element <NUM> and the window <NUM> is configured to prevent upward movement of the deflectable element <NUM> relative to the window <NUM>.

Optionally, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may further include an elastic band <NUM> coupled to or extending around the deflectable element <NUM> such that elastic band <NUM> biases the deflectable element <NUM> forward, back to its closed position. The elastic band <NUM> can be comprised of an elastic or resiliently deformable material and/or portion of the upper.

<FIG> illustrate a rapid-entry shoe having a deflectable element and progressive stages of a foot being inserted into the rapid-entry shoe, in accordance with an example embodiment.

In various embodiments, and with reference to <FIG>, a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> comprises a forward elastic element 110A and a rear elastic element 110B. The rear elastic element 110B is disposed on a rear side of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> above a sole portion, and the forward elastic element 110A is disposed on a forward side of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> above a sole portion, according to various embodiments.

In various embodiments, a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> further comprises one or more semi-rigid inserts 195A, 195B that are configured to support the elastic elements 110A, 110B. In various embodiments, the semi-rigid inserts 195A, 195B are decreasingly rigid (whether due to dimension, orientation and/or material) higher in the upper to provide more flex and are increasingly rigid lower in the upper to provide more support. In various embodiments, the semi-rigid inserts 195A, 195B are further configured to move between and/or along the elastic elements 110A, 110B. The semi-rigid inserts 195A, 195B may be coupled to the upper and/or the elastic elements 110A, 110B.

In various embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may combine one or more features previously described. For example, the forward elastic element 110A may be similar to the elastic element <NUM> described above. Similarly, the rear elastic element 110B may be similar to the elastic element <NUM> described above but placed on the rear portion of the shoe <NUM>.

The rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may further comprise a connector arm <NUM> extending along one or both of a lateral side portion and a medial side portion of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> between the rear elastic element 110B and the forward elastic element 110A. Forward expansion of the forward elastic 110A section and/or rearward expansion of the rear elastic element 110B enlarges a foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>, and corresponding contraction of the forward elastic element 110A and the rear elastic element 110B reduces a foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>.

The connector arm <NUM> may be a strap or other retention feature that runs along a side of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> between the elastic elements. In various embodiments, a rapid-entry shoe <NUM> may comprise connector arms <NUM> on both sides of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM>. The connector arm <NUM> can be comprised of an elastic or resiliently deformable material and/or portion of the upper. Alternatively, the connector arm <NUM> can be comprised of a stiff, rigid or semi-rigid material.

The connector arm <NUM> may have a forward segment and a rear segment, with a central coupling disposed between the forward segment and the rear segment. With particular reference to <FIG>, the central coupling may be configured to exert a rotational bias on the forward and/or rear segments of the connector arm <NUM>, thereby biasing the elastic elements 110A and 110B together to retain the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> about the user's foot. In this regard, the forward segment and the rear segment may be configured to at least partially rotate about the central coupling relative to each other. Alternatively, and with particular reference to <FIG>, the central coupling may be configured to exert a downward bias on the forward and/or rear segments of the connector arm <NUM>, thereby biasing the elastic elements 110A and 110B together to retain the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> about the user's foot.

In example embodiments, the central coupling is configured to concentrate elastic properties of the front and rear connector arms such that the forces of the elongation of the front and rear of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> are applied simultaneously. Alternatively, the central coupling is configured to concentrate elastic properties of the front and rear connector arms such that the forces of the elongation of the front and rear of the rapid-entry shoe <NUM> are applied sequentially.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the embodiments described herein cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A rapid-entry shoe (<NUM>) comprising:
a sole portion and an upper, the upper comprising a rear portion, a side portion, a forward portion, and a transition portion between the forward portion and the side portion;
an elastic element (<NUM>) disposed at the side portion, the elastic element (<NUM>) extending to and forming a portion of a topline of the rapid-entry shoe;
a stabilizer (<NUM>) disposed at the rear portion and extending from within the sole portion, the stabilizer comprising a base portion (<NUM>) at least partially within the sole portion and an elevated portion (<NUM>);
wherein expansion or deformation of the elastic element (<NUM>) enlarges a foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe for insertion of a foot into the foot opening, and wherein contraction of the elastic element (<NUM>) reduces the foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe;
wherein the elastic element (<NUM>) is configured to enable the forward portion of the upper to flex and/or pivot forward relative to the sole portion during insertion of the foot into the foot opening;
and wherein the stabilizer (<NUM>) is comprised of a rigid material, and is configured to prevent the rear portion of the upper from collapsing downward relative to the sole portion when the foot is inserted into the foot opening;
characterized in that the stabilizer (<NUM>) extends to a top collar or the topline of the rapid-entry shoe.