Patent ID: 12207702

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical, chemical, mechanical and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, coupled or the like may include permanent (e.g., integral), removable, temporary, partial, full, and/or any other possible attachment option. Any of the components may be coupled to each other via bolts, dowels, glue, stitching, welding, soldering, brazing, sleeves, brackets, clips or other manners known in the art or hereinafter developed. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.

The present disclosure is directed toward rapid-entry footwear (e.g., a shoe) with rebounding fit system. The rapid-entry shoe, according to various embodiments, advantageously allows the user to put on and take off his or her shoes without the use of hands and/or without having to bend down to tie the laces, without having to use a shoe horn, or without using other such adjustment features, elements, or mechanisms for fit. In various embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe may include a one-time adjustment feature (e.g., an adjustment element that is not intended to be used each time a user puts on the rapid-entry shoe). For example, the rapid-entry shoe may include a hook-and-loop type fastener arrangement (e.g., Velcro®) that is intended to be adjusted upon purchase/initial use of the shoe. In another embodiment, a length or other dimension of one or more deformable elements may be adjusted/changed by a user to correspondingly adjust/change the circumference, tightness, or other dimension of the shoe opening. The rapid-entry shoe allows easy and rapid putting on and removal of the shoe and secures the shoe tightly and snugly to the user's foot. In some embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe does not include laces.

In various embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe includes one or both of a rapid-entry heel structure and a rapid-entry snap back fit tongue element. A rapid-entry heel structure, in turn, can include one or more anchors, deformable elements, and/or heel pieces, as described in greater detail below, while a rapid-entry tongue element can include one or more tongue flares, cross elements, and/or tongue stiffeners. Additional elements and features are disclosed for use in connection with the present disclosure. A rapid-entry shoe, in accordance with the example embodiments, easily allows or directs a user's foot into, or otherwise accommodates, a user's foot with respect to, a shoe opening. A rapid-entry shoe, as disclosed herein, can collapse when a user's foot enters the shoe opening and then rebound from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration, to thereby secure a rear portion of rapid-entry shoe about a user's heel, quarter panel and/or in-step.

In discussing the illustrated embodiments of the rapid-entry shoe, certain directional words may be used. By way of example, words such as “right,” “left,” “front,” “back,” “forward,” “backward,” “rearward,” “upper,” “lower,” “up,” “down,” and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the rapid-entry shoe. These words should be given meaning according to the manner in which a rapid-entry shoe is most typically designed for use, with the rapid-entry shoe 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 shoe in such use. Similarly, as the rapid-entry shoe is intended primarily for use as footwear, words such as “inner,” “inward,” “outer,” “outward,” “innermost,” “outermost,” “inside,” “outside,” and the like should be understood in reference to a rapid-entry shoe's intended use, such that inner, inward, innermost, and the like signify relatively closer to the user's foot, and outer, outward, outermost, and the like signify relatively farther from the user's foot when the rapid-entry shoe 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.

With reference now toFIG.1A, as discussed above, example embodiments of the present disclosure include a rapid-entry shoe100. While the rapid-entry shoe100is shown in the figures as a casual-type shoe, the rapid-entry shoe may be 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 flip flop, a boot, or other suitable type of shoe. Additionally, rapid-entry shoe100may be sized and configured to be worn by men, women, and children.

Rapid-entry shoe100can include a rapid-entry heel structure110, as referenced inFIG.1B. Heel structure110is generally any structure, assembly, or mechanism configured to return a rear portion105of rapid-entry shoe100from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration (as described in greater detail below), according various embodiments. As used herein, a rear portion105of rapid-entry shoe100can refer to the quarter of the shoe, a heel portion of the upper of the shoe, the heel seat, the heel counter, the back strap (e.g., in the case of a sandal), or other portion of the shoe that is configured to be disposed around a heel of a user. As described in greater detail below, at least a portion of the heel structure110(such as the deformable element130described below) is embedded within and/or extends along the rear portion105of the rapid-entry shoe100.

In this regard, heel structure110can, itself, have a collapsed configuration136(momentary reference toFIGS.3B and3C) and an uncollapsed configuration138(momentary reference toFIGS.3B and3C), according to various embodiments. In example embodiments, and with reference toFIGS.1A,1B,3B, and3C, heel structure110is biased toward an uncollapsed configuration. In the uncollapsed configuration138, heel structure110can secure a rear portion105of rapid-entry shoe100about a user's heel. Said differently, in example embodiments, the heel structure110is collapsed downward (i.e., towards the sole of the rapid-entry shoe100) in the collapsed configuration136, and the heel structure110is returned upward (i.e., away from the sole of the rapid-entry shoe100) in the uncollapsed configuration138so as to extend around a user's heel. In various embodiments, while the compression of the heel structure110is greater in the collapsed configuration136than in the uncollapsed configuration138, the uncollapsed configuration138of the heel structure110may still be at least partially compressed (i.e., preloaded compression) so as to be able to hold the rear portion105of the rapid-entry shoe100about the heel of the user. For example, the rear portion105of the shoe may hold or retain the heel structure110in the preloaded, uncollapsed configuration. In various embodiments, in the uncollapsed configuration138the heel structure may be disposed in a more upright/vertical orientation and/or may have little to no compression.

In a collapsed configuration, heel structure110can direct a user's foot into, or otherwise accommodate a user's foot with respect to, a shoe opening. The collapsed configuration can be caused by the user's foot pushing against or downward on heel structure110while at the same time expanding a shoe opening using, for example, a goring element or panel170(as described below with reference to, for example,FIG.6A). In various embodiments, heel structure110in the collapsed configuration is pushed downward or is deformed and a shoe opening is expanded by at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 15%. For example, a circumference of the shoe opening may be expandable by at least about 1.0 inch (about 2.54 centimeters). By way of illustration, and with momentary reference to the arrows depicted inFIG.6E, the shoe opening may expand in response to the downward collapse of the rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe.

The amount of the expansion of the shoe opening can vary with the shoe style and size. In various embodiments, the rear portion105in the collapsed configuration is pushed downward or is compressed. In various embodiments, the heel height in the collapsed configuration is about 50% lower than the heel height in the uncollapsed configuration, however, as with other parameters, this may vary depending on the shoe style and size.

Once the user's foot is within rapid-entry shoe100or removed from rapid-entry shoe100, the heel structure110returns to the uncollapsed configuration (i.e., its original position). In a collapsed configuration of example embodiments, heel structure110exhibits a return force toward an uncollapsed configuration of between about 1 pound-force and about 10 pound-force. In various embodiments, in a collapsed configuration the heel structure110exhibits a return force toward an uncollapsed configuration of between about 4 pound-force and about 8 pound-force. In various embodiments, in a collapsed configuration the heel structure110exhibits a return force toward an uncollapsed configuration of between about 5 pound-force and about 7 pound-force.

In various embodiments, the return force is strong enough such that the rear portion105of the shoe rebounds back up and snugly fits around the user's heel. In example embodiments, heel structure110returns from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration in less than about 1 second. In various embodiments, the heel structure110returns from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration in less than about 0.5 seconds. In various embodiments, the heel structure110returns from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration in less than about 0.2 seconds. This rebound time is measured absent any external forces, e.g., as may be imparted by the user's heel.

Heel structure110can be manufactured as a standalone product, for incorporation into finished shoes, or can be manufactured to be integral with or within finished shoes.

In various embodiments, and with continued reference toFIG.1B, the heel structure110of the rapid-entry shoe100comprises at least one base120and at least one deformable element130. The deformable element130is coupled to the base120and is generally embedded within and/or is coupled to and extends along the rear portion105of the rapid-entry shoe100. While a single deformable element130may extend continuously about the rear portion105, the heel structure110may include a heel piece140positioned between two separate and distinct deformable elements130, according to various embodiments described below. As used herein, the term “deformable element” refers to a resiliently flexible member that can be bent or compressed but has a bias to move towards a non-bent or uncompressed state. Additional details pertaining to the deformable element130are included below.

The deformable element(s)130is/are coupled to the base120, according to various embodiments. The term “base” may refer to a rigid portion or section of the rapid-entry shoe100to which the deformable element(s)130is/are coupled. Said differently, the base120refers to an anchoring connection point(s) to which the deformable element(s)130is/are coupled. The base120may refer to an outsole or portions thereof, a midsole or portions thereof, an insole or portions thereof, a wedge or portions thereof, the upper or portions thereof (e.g., a heel counter), or other suitable structure disposed between and/or adjacent to these listed parts of the rapid-entry shoe100.

While in various embodiments the deformable element130is directly coupled, mounted, or attached to the base120, in other embodiments the base120may optionally include one or more anchors121. In various embodiments, the anchor121may be a portion of the base120that engages and retains the deformable element(s)130in place. In various embodiments, the anchor(s)121can be integrally formed with, coupled to and/or located within or between, or outside of an insole, midsole, outsole, upper, or other rear portion105of rapid-entry shoe100. In various embodiments, for example, the anchor121is disposed in a block or a wedge. Anchor121can be located in the upper, in the heel counter125(with reference toFIG.8) or other device located above the outsole. Anchor121also can be located between the midsole and the outsole, between the footbed and the midsole, and/or outside the upper. In an embodiment, the midsole can be carved or cut out to attach or house anchor121to the rapid-entry shoe100. Anchor121may also be attached to or in the heel counter125.FIG.8illustrates a wire anchored in a heel counter125where the heel counter125is shaped to allow collapse of the heel in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the base120of heel structure110can include a single anchor121extending the full width of rapid-entry shoe100or the base120may include two anchors on opposing sides (e.g., lateral and medial) of the rapid-entry shoe100.

Anchor121is generally a structure provided to secure deformable elements130and/or heel pieces140to rapid-entry shoe100. For example, and with reference toFIGS.2A and2B, the base120may include an anchor121and an anchor receptacle122. Said differently, the anchor121can be seated in the anchor receptacle122formed by an extension of a midsole tuck124into a midsole wedge or midsole block126.

Anchor121can include one or more materials such as nylon, acetal homopolymer/polyoxymethylene, aluminum, graphite, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC-ET), polypropylene, acrylic resin, rubber, titanium, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate.

Deformable element130, as briefly introduced above, is generally a structure provided to return heel structure110from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration. Heel structure110can include one or more deformable elements130, for example, one on either side of rapid-entry shoe100. As an example, a single deformable element130can travel from one side of shoe100to the other side of shoe100and can be attached to one or more anchors121.

Deformable element130can include one or more of a tube, a wire, a spring, a shape memory structure or material, and the like. In example embodiments, deformable element130includes a single, unitary piece. For instance, and according to various embodiments, a first end of deformable element130can be embedded in or attached to a left anchor121(or the left side of a unitary anchor121), a second end of deformable element130can be embedded in or attached to a right anchor121(or the right side of a unitary anchor121), and a middle portion of deformable element130can extend around the heel (or be coupled to or be embedded within a heel piece140), according to various embodiments.

In various embodiments, the first and second ends of the deformable element130are disposed below the footbed of the rapid-entry shoe100. Said differently, the connection locations (e.g., anchors121) of the base120, to which the deformable element130is connected, are positioned below the footbed of the rapid-entry shoe100. In various embodiments, the heel structure110may be configured so rear portion105remains positioned above the footbed of the rapid-entry shoe100at all times. Said differently, regardless of whether the heel structure110is in the collapsed configuration136or the uncollapsed configuration138, rear portion105may remain above the footbed of the rapid-entry shoe100, according to various embodiments.

In other embodiments, deformable element130includes a plurality of separate and distinct components. For instance, deformable element130can include two separate components, with a first component having a first end embedded in or attached to a left anchor121(or the left side of a unitary anchor121) and a second end embedded in or attached to the left side of heel piece140(or a left paddle of heel piece140, as described below), and with a second component having a first end embedded in or attached to a right anchor121(or the right side of a unitary anchor121) and a second end embedded in or attached to the right side of heel piece140(or a right paddle of heel piece140, as described below). The plurality of separate and distinct components can be secured together, for example, with one or more of a tape wrap, woven encasing, overmold (e.g., TPU), heat shrink tube, and the like, each of which can provide different stabilities and strengths. By way of non-limiting example, and with reference toFIG.3A, deformable element130can include one or more wires132encased or encased together in a cover, sleeve, overmold, or heat shrink tube134. The one or more wires132can arch, bend and sway and then return to its initial/normal state.

Deformable element130can have variable mechanical properties along its length and/or at distinct points along its length. Such variation can be provided by deformable element130, one or more of its plurality of separate and distinct components, and/or a securement surrounding all or a portion of deformable element(s)130, having a variable cross-section, density, material, and/or the like along its length. A variable cross-section, in turn, can be provided by variation in thickness or shape, or twisting of deformable element130otherwise having a constant thickness or shape along its length. In various embodiments, the plurality of deformable elements130can comprise the same or different mechanical properties, for example, they can flex independent of each other.

In various embodiments, and with momentary reference toFIG.8, the deformable element130includes a cover, sleeve, overmold, or other suitable structure (schematically shown as element135). This cover135can protect the deformable element130and may control, guide, support and/or otherwise affect the flexure or compression of the deformable element130. In various embodiments, the cover135, based on its material of manufacture, shape, geometry etc., is configured to facilitate mechanical stress distribution by transferring mechanical bending/deforming forces from the deformable element130to the cover135to prevent or at least inhibit the deformable element from damage or breakage that may otherwise result from the concentrated and repeated mechanical stress experienced by the deformable element130. For example, the cover135may have dimensions that vary along its length, such as the funnel-like tapering shape shown inFIG.8, to help distribute stress and contribute to the dynamic flexing of the deformable element130. In the rare event that the deformable element130breaks, the cover135may provide at least some degree of bias, thereby still enabling a certain level of rebound to help the entry shoe100return to the uncollapsed position. Further, the cover may provide additional padding and/or support to the deformable element and may prevent or at least inhibit the user from feeling the deformable element extending around the heel.

Deformable element130can further have directional biases. Such biases can be provided as described above, by deformable element130, one or more of its plurality of separate and distinct components, and/or a securement surrounding all or a portion of deformable element(s)130, having a variable cross-section, density, material, and/or the like along its length. By way of non-limiting example, deformable element130can include a first component or wire (e.g., nitinol) that is sufficiently resiliently flexible to return heel structure110from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration, and can further include a second component or wire (e.g., graphite) that directs one or more desired arc(s) of curvature of deformable element130(e.g., an arc viewed from a side of a shoe, and an arc viewed from an end of a shoe). These two components can be covered or encased with a plastic coating or shield, as described above, as will be described in greater detail below with reference toFIG.8. The heel structure110can be collapsed by a user's foot depressing down on it from the sides or the rear heel of the rapid-entry shoe100. The heel structure110can be depressed off-center (e.g., from the sides) and still work and rebound properly.

With reference toFIGS.3B and3C, deformable element130can exhibit one or more desired arc(s) of curvature as heel structure110moves between an uncollapsed configuration138and a collapsed configuration136. For example, deformable element130can comprise a first arc of curvature viewed from a side of a shoe (FIG.3B), and a second arc of curvature viewed from an end of a shoe (FIG.3C). In this regard, deformable element130is not planar in some embodiments.

An arc of curvature can originate from anchor121, however, in example embodiments, deformable element130does not pivot (i.e., is non-pivoting) about the base120(e.g., about an insole, midsole, or outsole) of the rapid-entry shoe100. Said differently, the deformable element130may be non-rotatably coupled to the base120. In various embodiments, engagement between the deformable element130and the base120(or anchor121) is free of play, meaning that there is little or no relative movement between the two components130,120.

In some embodiments, an arc of curvature is constant along its length, while in other embodiments, an arc varies along its length and/or at distinct points along its length, for example, by exhibiting variable mechanical properties, as described above. In some embodiments, variation between an uncollapsed configuration and a collapsed configuration may be due to the constraints of the upper construction of the shoe.

With particular reference toFIG.3B, an arc of curvature viewed from a side of a shoe exhibited by deformable element130can have a first radius of curvature R1when heel structure110is in a collapsed configuration, and a second radius of curvature R2(that is greater than first radius of curvature R1) when heel structure110is in an uncollapsed configuration. In example embodiments, first radius of curvature R1is about 30% to about 60% smaller, or about 45% smaller than second radius of curvature R2.

Deformable element130can include one or more materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, nickel titanium (nitinol) and other metals and alloys (shape-memory or otherwise), polymers (shape-memory or otherwise), composite materials, foam materials, graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, TPC-ET, silicone, TPU, and polycarbonate. For example, deformable element130can include titanium or be a titanium wire. Also, one or more deformable elements130can be made of a first material, e.g., titanium, and one or more deformable elements130can be made of a second material, e.g., graphite, which advantageously allow easier deformation of heel structure110while at the same time providing faster rebounding of heel structure110to its original position (i.e., the uncollapsed configuration).

In various embodiments, and with reference toFIG.3D, the ends of the deformable element130that are mounted to the base120are oriented outwards at an angle relative to a vertical axis extending through the base120. This angled orientation allows the deformable element130to extend around and/or follow the contours of the heel of the foot50of the user, according to various embodiments. The deformable element can be configured to follow natural contours of a user's foot/heel in the uncollapsed configuration and/or in the collapsed configuration. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the flexure, curvature, and/or length of the deformable element130on one side of the foot50(e.g., medial side) may be different than the curvature and/or length of the deformable element130on the other side of the foot50(e.g., lateral side).

At least a portion of the deformable element130may be connected to the rear portion105of the shoe. For example, the deformable element130may be coupled to the shoe in proximity to the topline of the shoe opening so that the rear portion105of the shoe collapses in response to the heel structure110changing to the collapsed configuration and the rear portion105of the shoe rebounds in response to the heel structure110reverting back to the uncollapsed configuration. In various embodiments, portions of the deformable element130may move within the rear portion105(e.g., the quarter) of the shoe. For example, the deformable element130may be disposed between, an inner surface and an outer surface of the quarter or heel counter of the shoe and, in response to deformation of the deformable element130, may move relative to the inner and outer surfaces of the shoe. In example embodiments, the deformable element130or heel piece140can be completely contained within the rear portion105of the shoe100. While the deformable element130is visible by a user in some embodiments, in other embodiments, the deformable element130is not visible by a user.

In various embodiments, and with reference toFIG.3B, the deformable element130extends from the base120in an upwards and backwards (i.e., towards the rear portion105of the shoe) direction. This extension direction of the deformable element130, according to various embodiments, prevents or at least inhibits the deformable element130from folding substantially inwards relative to the shoe opening in response to insertion of a user's foot. Said differently, while the deformable element130generally deforms and responds to a user's foot50being inserted into the shoe150, the deformable element130generally prevents the topline (e.g., collar topline of shoe opening) from folding or bending inwards (i.e., prevents the shoe opening from substantially collapsing). In various embodiments, however, the deformable element130allows the shape of the rear portion of the topline of the shoe opening to deform and contour to the shape of the user's foot.

In various embodiments, as mentioned above, the base120may include an anchor121and an anchor receptacle122. The anchor121may be able to be installed/coupled to the anchor receptacle122, for example, via a resistance fit, compression fit, a snap fit, or via an interlocking mechanism/configuration. In such embodiments, the deformable element130may be first coupled to the anchor121and then the anchor121may be installed/coupled to the anchor receptacle122.

Optional heel piece140is generally a structure provided to secure a rear portion105of rapid-entry shoe100about a user's heel when heel structure110is in an uncollapsed configuration, and direct a user's foot into, or otherwise accommodate a user's foot with respect to, a shoe opening when heel structure110is in a collapsed configuration. Heel structure110can include a plurality of heel pieces140.

With reference toFIGS.4A and4B, heel piece140can include one or more paddles142that may be connected with one or more bridges or necks144,146. The bridges144,146may be separated by a gap or an opening (as shown inFIGS.4A and4B). Paddles142, in example, embodiments, are rotatable and/or moveable independent of each other. One or more paddles142connected with one or more necks144,146can include a single, unitary piece, or a plurality of separate and distinct components, in some embodiments secured together, for example, with one or more of a tape wrap, woven encasing, overmold (e.g., TPU), heat shrink tube, and the like. Paddles142can also be joined together by the material making up the heel portion of the upper. The upper material can be used as the bridge and two separate, unconnected paddles can be used, according to various embodiments. Any kind of a cushioning system can be used as the paddles142. The bridge144,146can be a spring wire or an elastic, flexible, or pliable material that is connected to the two wires or wrapped around one wire. The deformable element130can be attached to only one anchor121and left unconnected at the other end, according to various embodiments. The paddles may be positioned within a quarter or heel counter of the rapid-entry shoe. In various embodiments, the paddles are connected to the rear portion of the rapid-entry in proximity to the topline of the shoe opening.

In example embodiments, no portion of any deformable element130extends completely through heel piece140. Stated another way, in example embodiments, deformable element130is not continuous between medial and lateral sides of rapid-entry shoe100. For example, paddles142can be rotatably coupled to deformable element130. In various embodiments, the deformable element130can rotate to a certain degree about its longitudinal axis (e.g., torsion about is longitudinal axis). In other embodiments, the deformable element130extends completely through the heel piece140and/or forms the heel piece140.

In some embodiments, lower bridge or neck146prevents inward rotation of paddles142about deformable element130(i.e., roll-in of paddles142). More specifically, lower bridge or neck146can prevent the lower portions of paddles142from spreading apart. In example embodiments, a gap or opening is present between necks144,146. Alternatively, a single bridge or neck may be used to connect paddles142.

Outward rotation of paddles142about deformable element130(i.e., flaring of paddles142), as depicted by the arrows inFIG.4B, is directed in example embodiments with a one-directional rotation feature. For example, and with reference toFIGS.4B and4C, paddle142can have an aperture143, or increased internal volume on only one side into which an enlarged portion131of deformable element130can rotate in only one direction (e.g., an outward direction). Enlarged portion131can include a portion of deformable element130folded back on itself, a crimped portion of deformable element130, or the like.

Outward rotation of a paddle of heel piece140about deformable element130can be further assisted by the collapsing of the heel piece or the heel material of the upper, as illustrated inFIG.6B. In such embodiments, the collapsing of the heel material of the upper can cause a paddle of heel piece140to splay open.

Heel piece140can include one or more bendable or flexible materials such as thermoplastic rubber (TPR), silicone, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS), nylon, acetal homopolymer/polyoxymethylene, aluminum, TPU, TPC-ET, polypropylene, acrylic resin, rubber, ABS, and polycarbonate.

Heel piece140may be manufactured of differing materials in the paddles142and necks144,146. Additionally, heel piece140may include differing layers of material to provide adequate stiffness and strength overall while providing a desired soft feel on the surfaces directed toward the user's foot or otherwise for the comfort of the user.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that, in some embodiments, rapid-entry shoe100can have one or more traditional tightening/loosening features, such as laces, allowing a user to adjust the tightness of the fit of rapid-entry shoe100. In addition to, or in lieu of such feature(s), and with reference toFIGS.5and9A-9G, rapid-entry shoe100can include a rapid-entry and snap back fit tongue element150having one or more tongue flares152, cross element154, and/or tongue stiffeners. As used herein, a “cross element” can be a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible element, for example, a strap, a bar, a gusset, or the like. In example embodiments, tongue flare152is shaped (e.g., funnel-like shape) to direct a user's foot50into rapid-entry shoe100. Tongue element150may also move upward when pressure is applied by a foot entering or exiting the shoe. In various embodiments, the tongue element150is configured to buckle (e.g., bend, curve, bow) about the cross element154. Said differently, the cross element154may facilitate bending of the tongue element150at a certain location along the length of the tongue element such that a top portion (e.g., the tongue flare152) of the tongue element150bends to allow a user's foot50to enter the shoe while a lower portion (e.g., the portion below the cross element154) remains unbent. The cross element154or other such feature may be coupled to, or may be part of, the quarter, the gusset, or other suitable portion of the shoe150.

The cross element154, in example embodiments, can be associated with the quarter of rapid-entry shoe100, either as a separate panel or integrally formed as part of the quarter. The cross element154can also be a lace, webbing or other material sewn into or movable in the upper. In general, cross element154provides a semi-rigid area for the tongue to flex around when pushed outward by a user's foot entering rapid-entry shoe100. In some embodiments, cross element154may be adjustable up and/or down to vary the amount of flex allowed to the tongue and to adjust the tightness of the fit. Adjustment up and/or down can be accomplished with a slide mechanism. In example embodiments, once an appropriate flex or tightness is achieved, cross element154is only rarely used. In another embodiment, there is no cross element. Instead, the vamp of the shoe extends up to a desired location on the tongue and performs the same function as the cross element154.

With reference now toFIG.6A, a tongue stiffener156can include a flexible, spring-like material, for example plastic or another flexible, semi-rigid material. In example embodiments, tongue stiffener156flexes outward and/or upward when pushed by a user's foot entering rapid-entry shoe100. In such embodiments, tongue stiffener156then rebounds to a closed position after a user's foot has entered rapid-entry shoe100. In some embodiments tongue stiffener156is visible on the tongue, while in other embodiments tongue stiffener156is sewn into the interior layers of the tongue.

In various embodiments, a rapid-entry shoe of the present disclosure can include one or more collapse elements and/or additional features described below with continued reference toFIG.6A.

In some embodiments, rapid-entry shoe100includes a heel or material stiffener160. The welded TPU protects the user and the liner material from rubbing against the wire. In example embodiments, heel or material stiffener160directs collapse of a more flexible heel material for consistent collapse. Material stiffener160can be shaped to flare at its widest point as the heel collapses, guiding the more flexible heel material to fold inward in a controlled way. Material stiffener160can be raised above the shoe outsole of a rear portion105of rapid-entry shoe100, providing resistance and further guiding the more flexible heel material to fold inward. Material stiffener160can be applied to an outer or inner surface of rapid-entry shoe100, or anywhere there between. Material stiffener160can include a TPU weld, a backing or the like. Alternatively, and with momentary reference toFIGS.7A and7B, the quarter panels of rapid-entry shoe100can extend to a rear portion105of rapid-entry shoe100to provide a structure and function substantially similar to material stiffener160.

FIG.7Cillustrates an exploded view of a split170and an elastic gore172in the top rim of the rapid-entry shoe in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Rapid-entry shoe100includes a split170formed in the shape of a triangle in some embodiments. In example embodiments, split170includes a split in the top rim, heel or rear of rapid-entry shoe100, which can be in the lowest point of the collar topline173of rapid-entry shoe100. Split170can include an elastic gore172or another stretchable material. In example embodiments, split170widens during heel compression, allowing the heel to collapse without pulling the lateral and medial quarters of rapid-entry shoe100inward. In another embodiment, and with momentary reference toFIGS.7A and7B, split170can distinguish a more substantially separated heel that moves independent of the quarter panels of rapid-entry shoe100. Split170can be accompanied by an elastic member171(seeFIGS.7A), to enhance the return of the heel to the quarter panels.

In various embodiments, and with reference toFIGS.7A and7B, the collapsibility of the rapid-entry shoe100enables the insertion angle of the foot50to be changed. As used herein, “insertion angle” refers to an angle between a longitudinal axis of the foot50and the longitudinal axis of the footbed of the shoe.FIG.7Ashows a first foot insertion angle61andFIG.7Bshows a second foot insertion angle62that is less than the first foot insertion angle61. Without the collapsibility of the rapid-entry shoe100, as provided herein, the user would not be able to change from the first foot insertion angle61to the second foot insertion angle62and thus would need to maintain the first foot insertion angle61, or potentially increase the first insertion angle61, in order to insert the foot50into the shoe. For example, using a conventional shoe the user may need to manually loosen shoe laces or may need to use a shoe horn in order to insert his/her foot into the conventional shoe. Accordingly, the heel mechanism110(e.g., including the deformable element130) enables the foot insertion angle to be reduced, thereby improving the ease of putting on the rapid-entry shoe100. Said differently, with user's foot50may deform the heel mechanism into the collapsed configuration, thereby allowing the instep and/or ball of the foot50to be lower during insertion. Once again, after completely inserted the foot50within the rapid-entry shoe, the heel mechanism110causes the rear portion105of the rapid-entry to rebound upwards around the heel for a snug fit.

In various embodiments, the split170does not extend along the entire height of the quarter/upper of the shoe. The split170may extend from about 30% to about 40% of the distance between the topline173and the footbed, however, as with other parameters, this may vary depending on the shoe style and size.

In some embodiments, rapid-entry shoe100includes a kick plate180. In example embodiments, kick plate180is forms or is otherwise integral with the anchor receptacle122described above with reference toFIG.3D. That is, in some embodiments, kick plate180can be configured to retain (or contribute to the retention of) an anchor121. In various embodiments, the kick plate180(anchor receptacle122) includes a widened portion on a medial or lateral side of the heel of rapid-entry shoe100, providing a location for the toe of the opposite shoe to remove rapid-entry shoe100for hands-free operation. Kick plate180can include a TPU mold, nylon or other rigid material, a backing or the like, embedded into the midsole of rapid-entry shoe100.

In accordance with example embodiments, as shown inFIGS.6A-6C, rapid-entry shoe100may provide for wire protection, for example, a TPU weld, a backing or the like on a portion of the liner material to protect the liner and a user's foot from wire rub, and/or provide pressure dissipation to minimize hot spots.

Having described the numerous rapid-entry features of the present disclosure,FIGS.6A-6Fillustrate how the features provided by the heel element and the tongue element facilitate rapid entry and fit of a user's foot into rapid-entry shoe100. InFIGS.6A and6B, rapid-entry shoe100is resting on an underlying surface, ready to receive a user's foot.

When the user wishes to put on rapid-entry shoe100, he/she begins by inserting the user's foot into the traditional shoe opening, as shown inFIGS.6B and6E. Tongue flare152flares outward, increasing the size of the opening for the user's foot, to direct the user's foot into rapid-entry shoe100. At the same time, tongue stiffener156flexes outward when pushed by the user's foot entering rapid-entry shoe100then the tongue snaps back down to fit over instep.

As the user's foot is inserted into rapid-entry shoe100, the increasing amount of the user's foot in rapid-entry shoe100begins to press downward on the rear of the upper, causing it to deflect downward against the tension imparted to the rear of the upper by deformable element130. As the user's foot nears full entry into rapid-entry shoe100, the rear of the upper is almost fully depressed. Given the extent of deformation of the rear of rapid-entry shoe100in example embodiments, it will be appreciated that the materials of the quarter will generally be selected to permit a desired amount of deformation while maintaining a desired appearance. In some embodiment, the materials of the quarter are selected to direct or otherwise facilitate a desired deformation. For example, with continued reference toFIGS.6B and6E, material stiffener160can guide the more flexible heel material to fold inward in a controlled way. In the same or other embodiments, split170can widen during heel compression, allowing the heel to collapse without pulling the lateral and medial quarters of rapid-entry shoe100inward.

As the user's foot fully enters rapid-entry shoe100, the tension in deformable element130causes the rear part of the upper to rebound upward around the user's foot, until rapid-entry shoe100again assumes its natural configuration, as shown inFIGS.6C and6F. Tongue stiffener156can then rebound to a closed position after the user's foot has entered rapid-entry shoe100. Cross element154may be adjustable to vary the amount of flex allowed to the tongue and to adjust the tightness of the fit, similar to the one-time adjustment feature described above. In this configuration, rapid-entry shoe100naturally retains the user's foot in rapid-entry shoe100against unwanted removal. Slide zone190may allow a user's foot to slide on the footbed during entry.

The user can then wear rapid-entry shoe100as normal until the user wishes to remove rapid-entry shoe100, at which time rapid-entry shoe100can be rapidly removed. While many shoes cannot be removed without being untied, the rapid-entry features provided by the heel element and the tongue element further facilitate removal. The user simply presses down on the kick plate180either with the other foot or with the hand or another object, greatly easing the foot's removal from rapid-entry shoe100. In example embodiments, contact by the toe or other portion of the opposite shoe with kick plate180facilitates removal of rapid-entry shoe100for hands-free operation.

As the user's foot enters and leaves rapid-entry shoe100, different portions of the user's foot contact heel piece140. These different portions of the user's foot have different contours, and the construction of heel piece140allows heel piece140to deform and generally conform to the portion of the user's foot then contacting heel piece140. For example, as the user's foot enters rapid-entry shoe100(e.g., as shown inFIGS.6B and6E), the paddles of heel piece140may rotate and splay about one or more necks and their connection to deformable element130, so that the user does not feel like he/she is stepping on a narrow edge of the opening of rapid-entry shoe100. Instead, the user feels a flat or gently sloping portion naturally receiving his or her foot. In contrast, when the user's foot is completely within rapid-entry shoe100, the paddles of heel piece140rotate to a more vertical position and may draw together, more naturally embracing the area around the user's Achilles tendon. In various embodiments, the heel piece140may include a ledge or a lip that helps to retain the foot/heel within the shoe. This rotation improves the feel, fit, and security of rapid-entry shoe100once fully on the user's foot. Thus, the configuration of heel piece140greatly improves functionality, fit, and comfort of rapid-entry shoe100.

Referring toFIGS.9A-9G, an exemplary rapid-entry snap back fit tongue element250is shown. The tongue element250may be made of a thermal plastic or nylon material. The tongue element250has a center channel251that travels along a length and a plurality of cuts or indentations252that travel along a width, according to various embodiments. The center channel251allows the tongue element250to bend into two side-by-side sections254,256as shown inFIG.9B. The plurality of cuts252allow for the tongue element to bend upward. As shown inFIG.9A, the plurality of cuts252are spaced closer together at the front of the tongue element250and spaced farther apart at the back of the tongue element250, according to various embodiments. These cuts and non-uniform spacing of the cuts advantageously allows for the tongue element250to provide a larger and steeper opening for easier access by the user's foot into the shoe and better stability when the user's foot is inside the shoe. The plurality of cuts252may also be spaced an equidistance apart from one another, according to various embodiments. When the user's foot50enters the rapid-entry shoe and upward pressure is applied by the foot to the front of the tongue element, the tongue element easily flexes upward and outward to further open and widen the shoe opening, with reference toFIG.9Aand according to various embodiments. When the foot is inside the rapid-entry shoe, the arch of the foot applies upward pressure on the underside of the tongue element causing the tongue element to flatten and then curve around the foot (e.g., the underside of the tongue element250may be concave in response to the foot50being within the shoe (see FIGS.9B,9C,9E and9G). The tongue element250pushes back down on the foot after the foot slides into the shoe, according to various embodiments. This advantageously allows for a snug and better fit. Also, the tongue element provides better flexibility and wearability.

According to various embodiments, and with reference toFIG.9D, a cushion258, such as a foam cushion, a gel element, an or liquid filled bag, etc., can be attached, coupled or positioned next to an underside of the tongue element250to allow for better comfort and to assist in keeping the tongue element250in a locked or secure position while the foot50is inside the shoe. In various embodiments, and with reference toFIG.9C, one or more resiliently flexible wires255or straps can be embedded within or attached/coupled to the tongue element250to aid in the flex and snap back of the tongue element250. The tongue element250can be covered by a canvas, leather or other material and/or can replace or be inserted into a standard shoe tongue to provide rapid-entry into the shoe. In various embodiments, the tongue element250may have flaps257or other flanges or extensions that contribute to the resilient flexibility of the tongue element250.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. For example, while the present disclosure has been described primarily with reference to shoes, those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure may be applied to various apparatuses having foot restraints as integral components, for example, water skis. Thus, it is intended that the embodiments described herein cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

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

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure.

The steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. Surface shading lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts or areas but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials. In some cases, reference coordinates may be specific to each figure.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “various embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.