AU2025200516B2 - Footwear counter for easier entry and removal - Google Patents
Footwear counter for easier entry and removalInfo
- Publication number
- AU2025200516B2 AU2025200516B2 AU2025200516A AU2025200516A AU2025200516B2 AU 2025200516 B2 AU2025200516 B2 AU 2025200516B2 AU 2025200516 A AU2025200516 A AU 2025200516A AU 2025200516 A AU2025200516 A AU 2025200516A AU 2025200516 B2 AU2025200516 B2 AU 2025200516B2
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- heel
- shoe
- cup
- interior
- foot
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/14—Footwear characterised by the material made of plastics
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B11/00—Footwear with arrangements to facilitate putting-on or removing, e.g. with straps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B11/00—Footwear with arrangements to facilitate putting-on or removing, e.g. with straps
- A43B11/02—Footwear with arrangements to facilitate putting-on or removing, e.g. with straps with built-in shoe-horns
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
- A43B21/24—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the constructive form
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
- A43B21/24—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the constructive form
- A43B21/26—Resilient heels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
- A43B21/24—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the constructive form
- A43B21/32—Resilient supports for the heel of the foot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
- A43B21/36—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by their attachment; Securing devices for the attaching means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/04—Uppers made of one piece; Uppers with inserted gussets
- A43B23/045—Uppers with inserted gussets
- A43B23/047—Uppers with inserted gussets the gusset being elastic
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/08—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/08—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners
- A43B23/088—Heel stiffeners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/08—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners
- A43B23/10—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners made of metal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/08—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners
- A43B23/16—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners made of impregnated fabrics, plastics or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/08—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners
- A43B23/16—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners made of impregnated fabrics, plastics or the like
- A43B23/17—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners made of impregnated fabrics, plastics or the like made of plastics
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/26—Tongues for shoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
- A43B3/242—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the upper
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/18—Joint supports, e.g. instep supports
- A43B7/20—Ankle-joint supports or holders
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
- B29D35/00—Producing footwear
- B29D35/12—Producing parts thereof, e.g. soles, heels, uppers, by a moulding technique
- B29D35/124—Heels
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J3/00—Circuit arrangements for AC mains or AC distribution networks
- H02J3/38—Arrangements for feeding a single network from two or more generators or sources in parallel; Arrangements for feeding already energised networks from additional generators or sources in parallel
- H02J3/388—Arrangements for the handling of islanding, e.g. for disconnection or for avoiding the disconnection of power
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J3/00—Circuit arrangements for AC mains or AC distribution networks
- H02J3/38—Arrangements for feeding a single network from two or more generators or sources in parallel; Arrangements for feeding already energised networks from additional generators or sources in parallel
- H02J3/46—Controlling the sharing of generated power between the generators, sources or networks
- H02J3/466—Scheduling or selectively controlling the operation of the generators or sources, e.g. connecting or disconnecting generators to meet a demand
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
#$%^&*AU2025200516B220250626.pdf#####
ABSTRACT
A shoe, comprising: a sole; an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material
positioned to stretch and create tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into
the shoe; a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper, 5
wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion; an
interior foam layer adjacent to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel
cup, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer
extends into the shoe opening, providing securement of the foot once inserted.
ABSTRACT
A shoe, comprising: a sole; an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material
positioned to stretch and create tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into
5 the shoe; a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper,
wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion; an
interior foam layer adjacent to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel
cup, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer
extends into the shoe opening, providing securement of the foot once inserted.
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Description
F COUNTERFOR OOTWEARCOUNTER FOREASIER EASIERENTRY ENTRYAND ANDREMOVAL REMOVAL 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025
[001]
[001] ThisThis application application is a is a divisional divisional application application of Australian of Australian patent application patent application No. No. 55 2024223994, 2024223994, which which in turninisturn is a divisional a divisional application application of Australian of Australian Patent Application Patent Application No. No. 2024202505,which 2024202505, which in turn in turn is aisdivisional a divisional application application of Australian of Australian PatentPatent Application Application No. No. 2025200516
2022362306, which 2022362306, whichis isthethe nationalphase national phase application application of of PCT PCT Patent Patent Application Application No. No. PCT/US2022/046726 PCT/US2022/046726 filedfiled on October on October 14, 2022, 14, 2022, which which claims claims the benefit the benefit of priority of priority from U.S. from U.S.
Provisional Patent Provisional Patent No. No. 63/256,521, 63/256,521,which whichwaswas filedononOctober filed October 15,15, 2021. 2021. The The entire entire contents contents of of 100 thethe applications applications listedininthis listed this paragraph paragraphare are hereby herebyincorporated incorporatedbybythis this reference. reference.
[002]
[002] The The present present disclosure disclosure generally generally relates relates totoa aheel heelcounter counteror or aa component ofaa heel component of heel counter counter
of a shoe, of a shoe,and andininparticular particulara heel a heel counter counter thatthat is designed is designed to allow to allow for easier for easier entry entry of of the wearer’s the wearer's
155 foot foot into into theshoe. the shoe.
[003]
[003] AnyAny discussion discussion of the of the prior prior artartthroughout throughoutthe thespecification specification should should in in no no way be way be
considered as an considered as an admission admissionthat that such suchprior prior art art is iswidely widely known orforms known or formspart partofof common common general general
200 knowledge knowledge in field. in the the field.
[004] Conventionally,
[004] Conventionally, when when donning donning footwear footwear such as such as shoes, sports sports the shoes, userthe user must must often often use use
one orboth one or bothhands hands or or operate operate a shoe a shoe horn horn separate separate from from the shoethe shoe to properly to properly insert the insert the the foot into foot into the shoe andsecure shoe and secure thethe quarter quarter fromfrom collapsing collapsing under under the the heel. heel.
25 25 BRIEF SSUMMARY BRIEF UMMARYOF DISCLOSURE OF DISCLOSURE
[005] Aspects
[005] Aspects of this of this invention invention relate relate to to an an articleofoffootwear article footwearthat thathas hasa astructure structurecapable capableofof distortion to support distortion to supporteasier easier foot foot insertion. insertion.
[006]
[006] In In one one aspectofofthe aspect theinvention, invention, aa heel heel cup cup may be uniformly may be uniformly molded molded with with an an upper upper portion, midportion, portion, and lower midportion, and lowerportion, portion,and andthe theupper upperportion portionhas hasa asmaller smallermediolateral mediolateral length length
30 30 thanthan the the midportion. midportion. The The midportion midportion and lower and lower portion portion maya form may form a concave concave structure structure configured configured
to receive the heel. The upper portion of the heel cup has a first configuration in its native state to receive the heel. The upper portion of the heel cup has a first configuration in its native state
and is capable and is capableofofdistorting distorting into into a second a second configuration configuration under under a a load load of of afoot a user's user’s whenfoot the when user the user
is is donning thefootwear. donning the footwear. In the In the second second configuration, configuration, at leastatpart least of part of theportion the upper upperisportion lowered is lowered relative to relative to the first configuration the first and the configuration and theupper upperportion portion is is capable capable of returning of returning to first to the the first 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed. The midportion may include a peripheral configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed. The midportion may include a peripheral portion having portion having aa first first thickness thickness and and a a central central portion portion having a second having a thickness, and second thickness, andthe the second second thickness is less than the first thickness. thickness is less than the first thickness.
55 [007]
[007] In another In another aspectaspect of theofinvention, the invention, the upper the upper portion portion of aof a heel heel cupcup hashas a firstconfiguration a first configuration in in its its native state and native state andisiscapable capableof of distorting distorting into into a second a second configuration configuration under a under load ofa aload of a user’s user's
foot when foot theuser when the userisis donning donningthe thefootwear footwear and and thethe heel heel cupcup is is capable capable of of returning returning to to thethe first first 2025200516
configuration after configuration after the the load of the load of the user's user's foot foot is is removed. In the removed. In the first first configuration, configuration, the the upper upper
portion has portion has aa downward downward incline incline with with a firstangle a first anglerelative relativetotoa avertical vertical line line that that is is normal to aa normal to
100 horizontal surface horizontal surface of of the the floor, floor,and and the the upper upper portion portion in in the the second configuration has second configuration has an an incline incline with a second angle greater than the first angle. Additionally, in the second configuration, a lower with a second angle greater than the first angle. Additionally, in the second configuration, a lower
region of region of aa central central portion portion of of the the heel heel cup cup extends extendsoutward outwardin in a directionaway a direction away from from the the shoeshoe
openingthat opening that causes causes the the shoe openingto shoe opening to widen widenalong alongthe themediolateral mediolateraldirection. direction.
[008] In another
[008] In another aspect aspect of of thethe invention,ananupper invention, upper ofof anan article of article of footwear includes aa U-shaped footwear includes U-shaped
155 foamed foamed ankle ankle collar collar thatthat is is substantiallytubular substantially tubularininshape shapeand andforms formsthe thetopmost topmost region region ofof thefoot the foot receiving shoe receiving opening. The shoe opening. Thefoamed foamed ankle ankle collarmay collar may extend extend at at leastpartially least partially around and over around and over the the foot receiving foot receiving shoe shoe opening andmay opening and maybebecompressed compressed by the by the user’s user's heel heel during during foot foot insertion.The insertion. The ankle collar may exert pressure on the user’s ankle once the foot is inserted into the footwear. The ankle collar may exert pressure on the user's ankle once the foot is inserted into the footwear. The
ankle collar ankle collar may also have may also have aa flattened flattened region region along along its itslength lengthforming formingaadownward anglefrom downward angle fromthe the 200 topmost topmost region region toward toward the front the front of the of the articleofoffootwear. article footwear.
[009] In another
[009] In another aspect aspect of the of the invention, invention, a heel a heel counter counter support support is located is located on upper on the the upper and and
abovethe above the sole sole structure. structure. The The heel heel counter counter support support may haveatatleast may have least two two hollow hollowreceptacles receptacleswith with backwardangles. backward angles.Additionally, Additionally,each each oneone of the of the two two hollow hollow receptacles receptacles receive receive one one end of end a of a compressiblecomponent. compressible component. The The compressible compressible component component has ahas a first first configuration configuration in itsnative in its nativestate, state, 25 and and 25 the the compressible compressible component component is capable is capable of distorting of distorting into into a second a second configuration configuration underunder a load a load
of a user’s foot when the user is donning the footwear and is capable of automatically returning to of a user's foot when the user is donning the footwear and is capable of automatically returning to
the first configuration after the user’s foot in fully inserted into the footwear. the first configuration after the user's foot in fully inserted into the footwear.
[0010]
[0010] In In a furtheraspect a further aspectofofthe the invention, invention, an an article article ofoffootwear footwear comprises: comprises:
an upperandand an upper sole sole structure; structure;
30 30 the upper the defining aa foot upper defining foot receiving receiving shoe shoe opening; opening;
a heel cup attached to the upper and extending from the sole structure to at a heel cup attached to the upper and extending from the sole structure to at
least least a a portion ofaarear portion of rearankle anklecollar collar of of thethe upper; upper;
the heel the heel cup cup uniformly uniformly molded withan molded with anupper upperportion, portion, midportion, and lower midportion, and lower portion where portion whereininthe the upper upperportion portionhas hasa asmaller smallermediolateral mediolaterallength lengththan than the midportion,and the midportion, andthethemidportion midportion and and lowerlower portion portion form aform a concave concave 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 structure configured structure configured to to receive receive the the heel; heel; the upper portion having a first configuration; the upper portion having a first configuration; the upper the portion capable upper portion capable of of distorting distorting into into aa second second configuration configuration
55 under a load of a user’s foot when the user is donning the footwear; under a load of a user's foot when the user is donning the footwear;
wherein in the second configuration at least part of the upper portion wherein in the second configuration at least part of the upper portion
is is lowered relativetotothethefirst lowered relative firstconfiguration; configuration; 2025200516
the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after
the load of user's foot is removed; the load of user's foot is removed;
100 the midportion defining a peripheral portion and a central portion; the midportion defining a peripheral portion and a central portion;
the peripheralportion the peripheral portion having having a first a first thickness; thickness; and and
the centralportion the central portionhaving having a second a second thickness; thickness;
the second thickness being less than the first thickness. the second thickness being less than the first thickness.
[0011]
[0011] InIn anotheraspect, another aspect,ananarticle article of of footwear comprises: footwear comprises:
155 an upperand an upper and sole sole structure; structure;
the upper the upper defining defining a a foot foot receiving receiving shoe shoe opening; opening;
aa heel cupattached heel cup attachedto to thethe upper upper and extending and extending from from the sole the sole structure structure to at to at least least a a portion ofthe portion of therear rearheel heelcollar collarofofupper; upper; the heel the heel cup cup uniformly uniformly molded withananupper molded with upperportion, portion,midportion, midportion,and andlower lowerportion portionwhere where 200 in the upper in the upperportion portionhas hasa smaller a smaller mediolateral mediolateral length length than than the midportion, the midportion, and the and the
midportionand midportion andlower lower portion portion form form a concave a concave structure structure configured configured to the to cup cupheel; the heel; the the upper portion having a first configuration; upper portion having a first configuration;
the upper portion capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of the upper portion capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of
aa user’s footwhen user's foot whenthethe user user is donning is donning the footwear; the footwear;
25 25 the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after
the load of the user's foot is removed; and wherein the load of the user's foot is removed; and wherein
the upper portion in the first configuration has a downward incline with a first angle the upper portion in the first configuration has a downward incline with a first angle
relative to a vertical line that is normal to a horizontal surface of the floor; relative to a vertical line that is normal to a horizontal surface of the floor;
the upper the portion in upper portion in the the second configurationhas second configuration hasananincline incline with withaa second secondangle; angle; 30 30 and thesecond and the second angle angle is greater is greater thanthan the first the first angle; angle; and and
aa lower regionofofthethe lower region central central portion portion extends extends outwardly outwardly in the configuration in the second second configuration in in aa direction direction away fromthe away from the shoe shoeopening openingthat thatcauses causesthe theshoe shoeopening opening to to widen widen
along themediolateral along the mediolateral direction. direction.
[0012]
[0012] InIn anotheraspect, another aspect,ananarticle article of of footwear comprises: footwear comprises: an upperand an upper and sole sole structure; structure; 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 the upper the upper defining defining a a foot foot receiving receiving shoe shoe opening; opening; aa heel cupattached heel cup attachedto to thethe upper upper and extending and extending from from the sole the sole structure structure to at to at least least a a portion ofaarear portion of rearankle anklecollar collar of of thethe upper; upper;
55 the heel the heel cup cup uniformly uniformly molded withan molded with anupper upperportion, portion, midportion, and lower midportion, and lower portion where portion whereinin the the upper upperportion portionhas hasa asmaller smallermediolateral mediolaterallength lengththan than the midportion, the midportion,and andthethemidportion midportion and and lowerlower portion portion form aform a concave concave 2025200516
structure configured structure configured to to receive receive the the heel; heel;
the upper portion having a first configuration; the upper portion having a first configuration;
100 the upper the portion capable upper portion capable of of distorting distorting into into aa second second configuration configuration
under a load of a user’s foot when the user is donning the footwear; under a load of a user's foot when the user is donning the footwear;
wherein in the second configuration at least part of the upper portion wherein in the second configuration at least part of the upper portion
is is lowered relativetotothethefirst lowered relative firstconfiguration; configuration; the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after
155 the load of the user's foot is removed; the load of the user's foot is removed;
the midportion defining a peripheral portion and a central portion; the midportion defining a peripheral portion and a central portion;
the peripheral portion having a first thickness; the peripheral portion having a first thickness;
the central portion having a second thickness; the central portion having a second thickness;
the second thickness being less than the first thickness; and the second thickness being less than the first thickness; and
200 the upper the portion, midportion, upper portion, midportion, and andlower lowerportion portionhashasanan overallvertical overall verticalcross-sectional cross-sectional"S" “S” wave shape, wherein the central portion is at least partially located at an inflection point of the wave shape, wherein the central portion is at least partially located at an inflection point of the
“S” wave "S" waveshape. shape.
[0013]
[0013] In In a furtheraspect, a further aspect,ananarticle article of of footwear footwear comprises: comprises:
an upperandand an upper sole sole structure; structure;
25 25 the upper the defining aa foot upper defining foot receiving receiving shoe shoe opening; opening;
aa heel heel cup cupattached attachedtotothetheupper upper and and extending extending fromsole from the thestructure sole structure to at to at
least least a a portion ofthe portion of therear rearheel heelcollar collarofofupper; upper; the heel the heel cup cupuniformly uniformly molded molded with with an upper an upper portion, portion, midportion, midportion, and and lower lower portion where portion in the where in the upper upper portion portion has has aa smaller smaller mediolateral mediolateral length length than than the the midportion, midportion, 30 30 and the midportion and the andlower midportion and lowerportion portionform forma aconcave concave structureconfigured structure configuredtotocup cupthe theheel; heel; the upper portion having a first configuration; the upper portion having a first configuration;
the upper portion capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of the upper portion capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of
aa user’s footwhen user's foot whenthethe user user is donning is donning the footwear; the footwear;
4 the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after the load of the the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after the load of the 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 user's foot user's footisis removed; removed; and and wherein wherein the upper portion in the first configuration has a downward incline with a first angle the upper portion in the first configuration has a downward incline with a first angle relative to a vertical line that is normal to a horizontal surface of the floor; relative to a vertical line that is normal to a horizontal surface of the floor;
55 the upper the portion in upper portion in the the second configurationhas second configuration hasananincline incline with withaa second secondangle; angle; and thesecond and the second angle angle is greater is greater thanthan the first the first angle; angle;
aa lower regionofofthethe lower region central central portion portion in the in the second second configuration configuration extends extends outwardlyoutwardly 2025200516
in in aa direction directionaway away from the shoe from the shoe opening that causes opening that causes the the shoe shoe opening to widen opening to alongthe widen along the mediolateral direction; and mediolateral direction; and
100 the upper the upper portion, portion, midportion, midportion,and andlower lower portion portion has has an overall an overall vertical vertical cross- cross-
sectional sectional “S” waveshape, "S" wave shape,wherein wherein thethe central central portion portion is is at at leastpartially least partially located located at at an an inflection pointofofthe inflection point the"S" “S” wave wave shape. shape.
[0014]
[0014] InIn a afurther furtheraspect, aspect, there there is is provided provided aa shoe shoe comprising comprising aa heel heel counter; counter;
the heel the heel counter counter comprising comprising aa heel heel cup; cup;
155 the heel the heel cup cup being being uniformly moldedwith uniformly molded withananupper upper portion,a amidportion, portion, midportion,and anda alower lower portion; portion;
whereinthe wherein the upper upperportion portionhas has aa smaller smaller mediolateral mediolateral length length than than the the midportion; midportion;
wherein a thickness of the heel cup decreases gradually from a peripheral portion of the wherein a thickness of the heel cup decreases gradually from a peripheral portion of the
heel cup toward a central region of the mid-portion; heel cup toward a central region of the mid-portion;
200 wherein the central region of the mid-portion provides flexibility and bending of the heel wherein the central region of the mid-portion provides flexibility and bending of the heel
cup undera load cup under a load of of a user’s a user's foot, foot, and and
wherein the rearmost portion of the heel cup has an overall vertical S wave cross-sectional wherein the rearmost portion of the heel cup has an overall vertical S wave cross-sectional
shape. shape.
[0015]
[0015] InIn anotheraspect, another aspect,there thereis is provided providedaa shoe shoe comprising comprisinga aheel heelcounter; counter; 25 25 the heel the heel counter counter comprising comprising aa heel heel cup; cup;
the heel the heel cup being uniformly cup being uniformlymolded molded with with an an upper upper portion, portion, a midportion, a midportion, and and a lower a lower
portion; portion;
whereinthe wherein the upper upperportion portionhas has aa smaller smaller mediolateral mediolateral length length than than the the midportion; midportion;
whereinaa midpoint wherein midpointregion regionofofthe theheel heelcup cupisis thinner thinner than than the the surrounding regionsofof the surrounding regions the 30 30 heel cup, heel cup, such that the such that the thickness thickness of of the themidpoint midpoint region region compared tothe compared to the surrounding surroundingregions regions of the heel of the heelcup cupprovides provides flexibility flexibility in the in the heelheel cup cup underunder a loadaof load of a user’s a user's foot, and foot, and
wherein the rearmost portion of the heel cup has an overall vertical S wave cross-sectional wherein the rearmost portion of the heel cup has an overall vertical S wave cross-sectional
shape. shape.
[0016]
[0016] InIn anotheraspect, another aspect,there thereis is provided providedaa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising: aa sole; sole; 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 an upper,including an upper, includingat at least least oneone layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper,
55 whereinthe wherein the heel heel cup cup comprises comprisesananupper upperportion, portion,aamidportion, midportion,and anda alower lower portion; portion;
an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent to least to at at least an interior an interior wallwall of upper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel 2025200516
cup, cup,
wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,
100 whereinthe wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoe opening, opening, providing providing
securement securement of of thethe foot foot onceonce inserted. inserted.
[0017]
[0017] InIn a afurther furtheraspect, aspect, there there is is provided provided aa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising:
aa sole; sole;
an upper,including an upper, includingat at least least a portion a portion comprising comprising elastic elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and and 155 create tensionthat create tension thatenhances enhances securement securement of ainserted of a foot foot inserted into theinto the shoe; shoe;
aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper,
wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion; wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion;
an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent toleast to at at least an interior an interior wallwall ofupper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
cup, cup,
200 wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,
wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing securement securement of of thethe foot foot onceonce inserted. inserted.
[0018]
[0018] InIn anotheraspect, another aspect,there thereis is provided providedaa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising: aa sole; sole;
25 25 an upper,including an upper, including at least at least one one layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create
tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe;
aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper,
wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion,
the heel cup having a rearward facing upper concavity with a first amplitude, the heel cup having a rearward facing upper concavity with a first amplitude,
30 30 the heel the heel cup cup having a forward having a facing lower forward facing lowerconcavity concavitywith withaasecond secondamplitude, amplitude, the second amplitude being greater than the first amplitude; the second amplitude being greater than the first amplitude;
an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent toleast to at at least an interior an interior wallwall ofupper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
cup, cup,
wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 securement securement of of thethe foot foot onceonce inserted. inserted.
[0019]
[0019] InIn a afurther furtheraspect, aspect, there there is is provided provided aa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising:
aa sole; sole;
55 an upper,including an upper, including at least at least one one layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create
tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe;
aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper, 2025200516
whereinthe wherein the heel heel cup comprisesan cup comprises anupper upperportion, portion, aa midportion, and aa lower midportion, and lower portion portion the heel cup including a plurality of reduced thickness regions oriented in a vertical the heel cup including a plurality of reduced thickness regions oriented in a vertical
100 direction at aa rearmost direction at rearmost portion portion of the of the heelheel cup;cup;
an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent toleast to at at least an interior an interior wallwall ofupper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
cup, cup,
wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,
wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing 155 securement securement of of thethe foot foot onceonce inserted. inserted.
[0020]
[0020] InIn anotheraspect, another aspect,there thereis is provided providedaa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising: aa sole; sole;
an upper,including an upper, including at least at least one one layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create
tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe;
200 aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of thermoplastic of thermoplastic elastomer elastomer material, material, affixed affixed to to and the sole the upper, sole and upper, wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion,
the heel the heel cup cupcomprising comprising a plurality a plurality of enhanced of enhanced flexibility flexibility regions regions oriented oriented
vertically alonga arearmost vertically along rearmost portion portion of heel of the the heel cup; cup;
an an interior interiorfoam foam layer, layer,comprised comprised of of at atleast leastone oneofof EVA EVA and polyurethanefoam, and polyurethane foam,bonded bonded 25 25 to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel cup, to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel cup,
wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,
wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing securement ofthe securement of the foot foot once inserted, and once inserted, and
whereinthe wherein theinterior interior foam foamlayer layerisiscovered coveredby by an an elastic elastic textilehaving textile having wicking wicking
30 30 properties, the elastic textile form fitted to the shape of the interior foam layer. properties, the elastic textile form fitted to the shape of the interior foam layer.
[0021]
[0021] InIn yetanother yet anotheraspect, aspect,there there is is provided provided aa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising:
aa sole; sole;
an upper,including an upper, including at least at least one one layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create
tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper, 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, aa vertical cross-sectionalshape vertical cross-sectional shape of of a rearmost a rearmost portion portion of theof thecup heel heel cup comprising comprising an an S-wave; S-wave;
55 an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent toleast to at at least an interior an interior wallwall ofupper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
cup, cup,
wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, 2025200516
wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing securement securement of of thethe foot foot onceonce inserted. inserted.
100 [0022] Infurther
[0022] In a a further aspect, aspect, therethere is provided is provided a comprising: a shoe, shoe, comprising: aa sole; sole;
an upper,including an upper, including at least at least one one layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create
tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe;
aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper,
155 wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion,
aa profile of the profile of the heel heelcup cuphaving having a pear-like a pear-like shape; shape;
an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent toleast to at at least an interior an interior wallwall ofupper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
cup, cup,
wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,
200 wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing securement securement of of thethe foot foot onceonce inserted. inserted.
[0023]
[0023] InIn anotheraspect, another aspect,there thereisis provided providedaa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising: aa sole; sole;
an upper,including an upper, including at least at least one one layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create
25 25 tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe;
aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper,
wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion,
the heel cup including at least one reduced thickness region positioned at a rearmost the heel cup including at least one reduced thickness region positioned at a rearmost
portion of the heel cup with at least one vertically displaced thicker adjacent region and at least portion of the heel cup with at least one vertically displaced thicker adjacent region and at least
30 30 one horizontally one horizontally displaced displaced thicker thicker adjacent adjacent region; region;
an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent toleast to at at least an interior an interior wallwall ofupper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
cup, cup,
wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 securement securement of of thethe foot foot onceonce inserted. inserted.
[0024]
[0024] InIn yetanother yet anotheraspect, aspect,there there is is provided provided aa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising:
aa sole; sole;
55 an upper,including an upper, including at least at least one one layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create
tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe;
aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper, 2025200516
wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion,
wherein, in a first configuration, the upper portion of the heel cup has a downward wherein, in a first configuration, the upper portion of the heel cup has a downward
100 incline witha afirst incline with firstangle angle relative relative to to a vertical a vertical lineline thatthat is normal is normal to a horizontal to a horizontal surface surface of a of a floor; floor;
the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load
of of the the foot foot when donningthe when donning theshoe, shoe, wherein whereinininthe thesecond secondconfiguration configurationthe theupper upperportion portionhas has aa downward incline downward incline with with a second a second angle relative angle relative to the vertical to the vertical line, line, 155 the second angle being greater than the first angle; the second angle being greater than the first angle;
an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent toleast to at at least an interior an interior wallwall ofupper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
cup, cup,
wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,
whereinthe wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into aa shoe shoe opening, opening, providing securement providing securement
200 of the foot of the foot once onceinserted; inserted; andand
wherein the heel cup includes at least one reduced thickness region providing flexibility to the wherein the heel cup includes at least one reduced thickness region providing flexibility to the
heel cup heel whendonning cup when donningoror removing removing thethe shoe. shoe.
[0025]
[0025] InIn aa furtheraspect, further aspect, there there is provided is provided a shoe, a shoe, comprising: comprising:
aa sole; sole;
25 25 an upper,including an upper, includingat at least least oneone layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create
tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe;
aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper,
whereinthe wherein the heel heel cup cup comprises comprisesananupper upperportion, portion,aamidportion, midportion,and anda alower lowerportion, portion,
wherein, in a first configuration, the upper portion of the heel cup has a downward incline with a wherein, in a first configuration, the upper portion of the heel cup has a downward incline with a
30 first 30 first angle angle relative relative to a to a vertical vertical line line that that is normal is normal to a horizontal to a horizontal surface surface of a floor; of a floor;
the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of the foot the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of the foot
whendonning when donningthetheshoe, shoe,wherein whereininin thesecond the secondconfiguration configuration theupper the upper portionhashasa portion a downward incline with a second angle relative to the vertical line, downward incline with a second angle relative to the vertical line, the second angle being greater than the first angle; the second angle being greater than the first angle; 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent to least to at at least an interior an interior wallwall of upper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel cup, cup, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,
55 whereinthe wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into aa shoe shoe opening, opening, providing providing
securement ofthe securement of the foot foot once inserted; and once inserted; and 2025200516
wherein the heel cup includes a plurality of enhanced thickness regions oriented in a vertical wherein the heel cup includes a plurality of enhanced thickness regions oriented in a vertical
direction at aa rearmost direction at rearmost portion portion of the of the heelheel cup.cup.
[0026]
[0026] InIn anotheraspect another aspectthere thereisis provide provideaa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising: 100 aa sole; sole;
an upper,including an upper, includingat at least least oneone layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create
tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe;
aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper,
whereinthe wherein the heel heel cup cup comprises comprisesananupper upperportion, portion,aamidportion, midportion,and anda alower lower 155 portion, portion,
wherein, in a first configuration, the upper portion of the heel cup has a wherein, in a first configuration, the upper portion of the heel cup has a
downward incline downward incline with with a first a first angleangle relative relative to a vertical to a vertical lineisthat line that is normal normal to a horizontal to a horizontal
surface ofaafloor; surface of floor;
the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load
20 20 of of the the foot footwhen donningthe when donning the shoe, shoe, wherein whereinininthe the second secondconfiguration configurationthe theupper upperportion portion has a downward incline with a second angle relative to the vertical line, has a downward incline with a second angle relative to the vertical line,
the second angle being greater than the first angle; the second angle being greater than the first angle;
an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent to least to at at least an interior an interior wallwall of upper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
cup, cup,
25 25 wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,
whereinthe wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into aa shoe shoe opening, opening, providing providing
securement ofthe securement of the foot foot once inserted; and once inserted; and
10 wherein the heel cup includes a plurality of enhanced flexibility regions oriented wherein the heel cup includes a plurality of enhanced flexibility regions oriented 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 vertically along a rearmost portion of the heel cup. vertically along a rearmost portion of the heel cup.
[0027] Infurther
[0027] In a a further aspect, aspect, therethere is provided is provided a comprising: a shoe, shoe, comprising: aa sole; sole;
55 an upper,including an upper, including at least at least one one layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create
tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; 2025200516
aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper,
wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion; wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion;
an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent toleast to at at least an interior an interior wallwall ofupper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
100 cup, cup,
wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,
wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing securement securement of of thethe foot foot onceonce inserted, inserted,
the interior foam layer also being adjacent to a midportion interior wall of the heel the interior foam layer also being adjacent to a midportion interior wall of the heel
155 cup anda alower cup and lower portion portion interior interior wallwall ofheel of the the heel cup, and cup, and
aa portion ofthe portion of theinterior interiorfoam foam layer layer thatthat is adjacent is adjacent to interior to the the interior wall wall of theofupper the upper portion is thicker than portions adjacent to the midportion interior wall and the lower portion portion is thicker than portions adjacent to the midportion interior wall and the lower portion
interior wall. interior wall.
[0028]
[0028] InIn anotheraspect, another aspect,there thereis is provided providedaa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising: 200 aa sole; sole;
an upper,including an upper, includingat at least least a portion a portion comprising comprising elastic elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and and create tensionthat create tension thatenhances enhances securement securement of ainserted of a foot foot inserted into theinto the shoe; shoe;
aa heel heel cup, cup, comprised ofpolymer comprised of polymer material,affixed material, affixedtotothe thesole soleand andattached attachedtotoananinner inner lining of the upper, lining of the upper,
25 25 wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion,
aa vertical cross-sectionalshape vertical cross-sectional shape of of a rearmost a rearmost portion portion of theof thecup heel heel cup comprising comprising an an S-wave, S-wave,
the heel the heel cup including at cup including at least least one one reduced thickness region reduced thickness region at at aa rearmost portion rearmost portion
of the heel of the heelcup, cup,atatleast leastone oneupper upper thicker thicker adjacent adjacent region region oriented oriented vertically vertically above above the the at least at least
30 30 one reduced one reduced thickness thickness region, region, and and at at least least one lower one lower thickerthicker adjacent adjacent region vertically region oriented oriented vertically below the at least one reduced thickness region; below the at least one reduced thickness region;
an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent toleast to at at least an interior an interior wallwall ofupper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
cup, cup,
wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,
11 wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 securement securement of of thethe foot foot onceonce inserted, inserted, wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing securement securement of of thethe foot foot onceonce inserted, inserted,
55 the interior the interior foam foamlayer layerbeing being covered covered by anby an elastic elastic textiletextile having having wicking wicking
properties, wherein the elastic textile is form fitted to the shape of the interior foam layer. properties, wherein the elastic textile is form fitted to the shape of the interior foam layer.
[0029] Unless
[0029] Unless thethe context context clearlyrequires clearly requiresotherwise, otherwise,throughout throughoutthethedescription descriptionand andthe theclaims, claims, 2025200516
the words the “comprise”,"comprising", words "comprise", “comprising”, and and thethe likeare like aretotobe beconstrued construedininananinclusive inclusive sense sense as as opposed opposed to to an an exclusive exclusive or exhaustive or exhaustive sense; sense; that is that is toinsay, to say, in theofsense the sense of “including, "including, but not but not 100 limited to”. limited to".
[0030]
[0030] By By wayway of example of example only,only, selected selected embodiments embodiments and aspects and aspects of the of the present present invention invention are are
described below. described below.Each Each descriptionrefers description referstotoaafigure figure ("FIG.") ("FIG.") which whichshows showsthethe described described matter. matter.
Some figuresshown Some figures shownin in drawings drawings or photographs or photographs that that accompany accompany this specification this specification may bemay for be for
155 footwear footwear thatthat is for is for eitherthe either theleft left or or right right foot. foot. Each figure includes Each figure includes one oneoror more moreidentifiers identifiers for for one ormore one or more part(s) part(s) or or elements(s) elements(s) ofinvention. of the the invention.
[0031] Various
[0031] Various embodiments embodiments are described are described with with reference reference to drawings, to the the drawings, in which: in which:
[0032] FIG.
[0032] FIG. 1 isa afront 1 is frontview viewofofa acompressible compressibleheel heelcup. cup.
[0033] FIG.
[0033] FIG. 2 isa aperspective 2 is perspectiveview view of of thecompressible the compressible heel heel cup cup of of FIG. FIG. 1. 1.
200 [0034]
[0034] FIG. 3FIG. is a3 side is a side view view of compressible of the the compressible heel heel cup cup of of FIG. FIG. 1. 1.
[0035] FIGS.
[0035] FIGS. 4A and 4A and 4B aare 4B are a side-by-side side-by-side front front perspective perspective viewview of the of the compressible compressible heelheel cup cup
of of FIG. FIG. 1 1 in in its itscompressed compressed configuration configuration (4A) and its (4A) and its uncompressed configuration(4B). uncompressed configuration (4B).
[0036] FIGS.
[0036] FIGS. 4C 4D 4C and andare 4Da are a side-by-side side-by-side topofview top view the of the compressible compressible heel cupheel cup 1of Fig. 1 of Fig.
placed within placed within aa shoe shoeininits its compressed compressedconfiguration configuration (4C) (4C) andand its its uncompressed uncompressed configuration configuration
25 (4D). 25 (4D).
[0037] FIG.
[0037] FIG. 5 isa afront 5 is frontview viewofofa aheel heelcup cupconfigured configuredtotohave havea aseries series of of crisscross crisscross beams. beams.
[0038] FIG.
[0038] FIG. 6Aa isschematic 6A is a schematic illustration illustration of aof a cross-section cross-section of lengths of arc arc lengths of rearmost of the the rearmost portion of the heel cup of FIG. 1. portion of the heel cup of FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG.
[0039] FIG. 6B 6B is cross-sectional is cross-sectional view view of of thethe heelcup heel cup ofof FIG.1 1taken FIG. takenatatlines lines6-6 6-6 in in FIG. FIG. 1. 1. 30 [0040] 30 [0040] FIG. 7FIG. is a7side is a view side view of a heel of a heel counter counter with with a heel a heel cup located cup located in interior in the the interior of the of the heel heel
counter. counter.
[0041] FIG.
[0041] FIG. 8 isa atop 8 is topview viewofofthe theheel heelcounter counterofofFIG. FIG.7.7.
[0042] FIG.
[0042] FIG. 9 isa aperspective 9 is perspectiveview view of of theheel the heelcounter counterofofFIG. FIG.7.7.
12
[0043] FIG.
[0043] FIG. 10 10 is ais cross-sectional a cross-sectional view view of of thethe heel heel counter counter of FIG. of FIG. 8 taken 8 taken at lines at lines 10-10 10-10 in in 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025
FIG. 8. FIG. 8.
[0044]
[0044] FIG.FIG. 11 is11 is a perspective a perspective view ofview of with a shoe a shoe withcounter a heel a heelincorporating counter incorporating a rigid heel acup. rigid heel cup.
[0045] FIG.
[0045] FIG. 12 12 is is a sideview a side viewofof theshoe the shoeofofFIG. FIG.11. 11. 55 [0046]
[0046] FIG. FIG. 13 is 13 is a rear a rear view view of shoe of the the shoe of FIG. of FIG. 11. 11.
[0047] FIG.
[0047] FIG. 14 14 is is a bottom a bottom view view oftongue of a a tongue andand an instep an instep support. support.
[0048] FIG.
[0048] FIG. 15 15 is is a perspectiveview a perspective view of of a shoe a shoe with with a cushioned a cushioned lining. lining. 2025200516
[0049] FIG.
[0049] FIG. 16 16 is is a sideview a side viewofof thecushioned the cushioned liningofofFIG. lining FIG.15. 15.
[0050] FIG.
[0050] FIG. 17 17 is is a perspectiveview a perspective view of of thecushioned the cushioned lining lining ofof FIG. FIG. 15. 15.
100 [0051] FIG.
[0051] FIG. 18 18 is is a topview a top view of of thecushioned the cushioned liningofofFIG. lining FIG.15. 15.
[0052] FIG.
[0052] FIG. 19 19 is is a a cross-sectionalview cross-sectional viewofofthe thecushioned cushionedlining liningofofFIG. FIG.1818taken takenatatlines lines 19-19. 19-19.
in in FIG. 18. FIG. 18.
[0053] FIG.
[0053] FIG. 20A20A is aislateral a lateralview view ofof a ashoe shoewith witha aheel heelcounter countersupport. support.
[0054] FIG.
[0054] FIG. 20B20B is aisperspective a perspective view view of of a shoe a shoe with with a heel a heel counter counter support. support.
155 [0055]
[0055] FIG.is20C FIG. 20C is a view a rear rear view of theofshoe the shoe of FIG. of FIG. 20A. 20A.
[0056] FIG.
[0056] FIG. 21 21 is is a perspectiveview a perspective view of of thebottom the bottom of of thetheupper upper of of theshoe the shoeofofFIG. FIG.20.20.
[0057] FIG.
[0057] FIG. 22 22 is perspective is a a perspective view view of the of the sole sole andand heelheel counter counter support support of the of the shoeshoe of FIG. of FIG.
20B. 20B.
200 DETAILED DESCRIPTION DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] A shoe
[0058] A shoe maymay comprise comprise a sole a sole and and an upper. an upper. The sole The sole may comprise may comprise an outsole, an outsole, a midsole, a midsole,
and/or an and/or an integrally integrally formed outsole and formed outsole andmidsole. midsole.TheThe upper upper maymay comprise comprise a toea box, toe box, a vamp, a vamp, a a tongue, a medial quarter, a lateral quarter, and a heel counter. The shoe has a forefoot portion, a tongue, a medial quarter, a lateral quarter, and a heel counter. The shoe has a forefoot portion, a
rear portion, a medial side and a lateral side. The upper may comprise an exterior layer, interior rear portion, a medial side and a lateral side. The upper may comprise an exterior layer, interior
25 layers 25 layers or interior or interior structure,and/or structure, and/orananinner innerlining. lining.TheThe upper upper may may form form a opening a shoe shoe opening that isthat is capable of receiving a user’s foot when the user is donning the shoe. capable of receiving a user's foot when the user is donning the shoe.
[0059]
[0059] TheThe heel heel counter counter or rear or rear portion portion of of thethe upper upper may may comprise comprise a structure(s) a structure(s) that that enables enables
easier insertionofofthe easier insertion thefoot footinto intothe theshoe shoe opening. opening. The structure(s) The structure(s) may may also also support support easier removal easier removal
of the of the foot. foot. The heel counter The heel counter or or rear rear portion portion of of the the upper upper may further have may further haveaatransient transient widening widening 30 30 whenwhen the user the user is donning is donning or removing or removing the the shoe. shoe. The The widening widening ofshoe of the the shoe opening opening may may be be initiated initiated
by the user placing a load on the heel counter or rear portion of the upper that may be exerted by by the user placing a load on the heel counter or rear portion of the upper that may be exerted by
the user’s the user's foot foot with with minimal to no minimal to noassistance assistance by bythe the user's user’s hands. hands. InInother otherembodiments embodiments of the of the
invention, invention, the the heel heel counter counter may becompressible may be compressiblewhen when placed placed under under sufficient sufficient load load andand return return to to
its itsuncompressed stated. The uncompressed stated. Thelowering loweringofof theheel the heelcounter countermay may also also allow allow easier easier insertionofofthe insertion the
13 user’s foot. Once a foot is inserted into the shoe, the heel counter may have a compressible layer, user's foot. Once a foot is inserted into the shoe, the heel counter may have a compressible layer, 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 such as aa foam such as component, foam component, thatsecures that securesororenhances enhances securement securement of the of the foot foot during during user’s user's normal normal wear of wear of the the shoe. shoe.
[0060] Compressible
[0060] Compressible Heel Heel Cup. Referring Cup. Referring to theto the embodiments embodiments of1-10 of FIGS. FIGS. 1-10 counter a heel a heel counter 32 32 55 maymay comprise comprise a compressible a compressible heel52cup heel cup 52 which which may be may be an interior an interior component component of the16, of the upper upper a 16, a portion of the inner lining 46 or an attachment adjacent to the inner lining 46 of the upper 16 such portion of the inner lining 46 or an attachment adjacent to the inner lining 46 of the upper 16 such
that the heel cup 52 makes contact with the foot, or a portion of the exterior layer 42 of the upper that the heel cup 52 makes contact with the foot, or a portion of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 2025200516
16 or an 16 or anattachment attachment of outer of an an outer surface surface ofexterior of the the exterior layer layer 42 42 of of the the16. upper upper 16.
[0061] Referring to
[0061] Referring to the the exemplary exemplary embodiment embodimentofofFIGS. FIGS.1-4, 1-4,the the heel heel cup cup 52 52 has has aa shape shape 100 substantially corresponding substantially to aa heel corresponding to heel covering and having covering and havingaaprofile profile resembling resembling aa pear-like pear-like shape. shape. The heel cup has a mediolateral width near the heel cup collar 84 that is less than the mediolateral The heel cup has a mediolateral width near the heel cup collar 84 that is less than the mediolateral
width of width of the the lower portion 54 lower portion as shown 54 as in FIGS. shown in FIGS.1-2 1-2
[0062]
[0062] As As shown shown in FIG. in FIG. 2, inner 2, the the inner wall wall 66 of66 theofupper the upper portion portion 64 of 64 the of thecup heel heelat cup the at the
rearmost portion rearmost portion of of the the heel heel cup cup may haveaa downward may have downward inclineofofbetween incline between 0 to9090degrees 0 to degrees relative relative
155 to to a vertical a vertical line8686 line thatisisnormal that normal to to thethe horizontal horizontal surface surface 88 88 of of thethe floor. floor. In In thisexemplary this exemplary embodiment,the embodiment, theupper upperportion portion6666may may have have a downward a downward incline incline of 30ofdegrees. 30 degrees. The The innerinner wallwall 66 66 of the of the upper portion 64 upper portion 64 of of the the heel heel cup cup 52 52may mayalso alsohave have a convex a convex curvature curvature facing facing toward toward the the shoe opening48. shoe opening 48.TheThe toptop portion portion of of thethe convex convex curvature curvature has has the downward the downward inclineincline A1 of 30 A1 of 30
degrees. The degrees. Thelower lowerportion portionofofthe the convex convexcurvature curvatureextends extendsjust justabove abovethe theportion portionof of the the heel heel cup cup
20 52 that 0 52 that receives receives theheel. the heel.The The lower lower portion portion ofof theconvex the convex curvature curvature may may have have a downward a downward incline incline
less less than than the thedownward inclineof downward incline of A1 A1and andgradually graduallydecreases decreasesasasitit approaches approachesananincline incline equal equal to to the vertical line 86. The heel cup 52 has a concave curvature that surrounds the rear portion of the the vertical line 86. The heel cup 52 has a concave curvature that surrounds the rear portion of the
heel. The heel. Themedial medialand andlateral lateral sides sides of of the the heel heelcup cup 52 52 may also extend may also extend and and form formsupport supportofofpart part of of the quarter and even as far as the vamp. the quarter and even as far as the vamp.
25 [0063] 25 [0063] The thickness The thickness of the of thecup heel heel52cup may52 bemay be reduced reduced at various at various locations. locations. The topThe topline edge edge line 88 mayhave 88 may havea atapering taperingofofthe theinner innersurface surfaceofofthe the heel heel cup cup5252and andouter outersurface surfaceofofthe theheel heelcup cup 52. 52. The heel cup The heel cup 52 52may mayhave have increased increased thickness thickness T1 T1 along along the the other other perimeter perimeter edges, edges, such such as 2as 2
to 33 mm. to In another mm. In anotherexemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the the thickness thickness T1 may T1 may be reduced be reduced in certain in certain areasareas to to provide greater provide greater flexibility flexibility totothe theheel heelcup cup 52 52 when donning when donning or or removing removing the the shoeshoe 12.oneIn 12. In one 30 embodiment, 30 embodiment, the thickness the thickness T1 ofT1 of heel the the heel cup cup 52 may 52 may decrease decrease gradually gradually from from a peripheral a peripheral portion portion
70 formingananarea 70 forming areaatat the the periphery periphery of of the the heel heel cup 52 toward cup 52 towardthe thecentral central portion portion or or region 50 of region 50 of the mid-portion the 58. The mid-portion 58. Theminimum minimum thickness thickness T1 T1 in the in the centralregion central region5050ofofthe themid-portion mid-portion5858may may be approximately, but not limited to 1/4 to 1/6 the thickness relative to the thickest portions at the be approximately, but not limited to 1/4 to 1/6 the thickness relative to the thickest portions at the
periphery of periphery of heel heel cup cup52, 52,such suchasas0.5 0.5toto11mm. mm.The The thickest thickest region region of the of the top top portion portion may may be be
14 greater than greater than the the thickest thickest region region of of the the bottom portion. The bottom portion. Thereduced reducedthickness thicknessT1T1 of of thethe central central 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 region of region of the the mid-portion 58 may mid-portion 58 mayallow allowfor forthe theheel heel cup cup5252toto compress compressunder under sufficientload. sufficient load.InIn an alternate an alternate embodiment, thethickness embodiment, the thicknessT1T1may maybe be reduced reduced across across thethe entire entire mediolateral mediolateral portion portion or in multiple regions such as regions in the mid-portion 58 and/or regions of the upper portion 64. or in multiple regions such as regions in the mid-portion 58 and/or regions of the upper portion 64.
55 TheThe thinner thinner regions regions may provide may provide increased increased flexibility flexibility and bending and bending of the of the heel cupheel cup 52 which 52 which provides the provides the necessary necessary compressibility compressibility under underthe theload load of of aa user's user’s foot foot such such as as during during the the donning donning
of aa shoe of shoe 12. Suchcompression 12. Such compression may may allow allow the the upper upper portion portion 64 and/or 64 and/or the the mid-portion mid-portion 58the 58 of of the 2025200516
heel cup heel cup 52 52toto move moverearward rearward andand widen widen the the shoeshoe opening opening 48 to 48 to allow allow easiereasier entry entry offoot. of the the foot. The heel cup 52 is capable of distortion from a first configuration in its native state, to a second The heel cup 52 is capable of distortion from a first configuration in its native state, to a second
100 configuration under configuration under aa load load of of aa user's user’s foot foot when the user when the user is is donning the footwear. donning the footwear. For Forexample, example, the heel the heel cup cup 52 52 may bepartially may be partially compressed suchthat compressed such thatthe the upper upper portion portion 64 64 and/or and/or mid-portion mid-portion5858 of the heel cup 52 is lowered sufficiently to allow the insertion of the user’s foot. See for example of the heel cup 52 is lowered sufficiently to allow the insertion of the user's foot. See for example
FIG. 9. FIG. 9. Once Once thethe user’s user's foot foot is inserted is inserted into into thethe shoe shoe 12, 12, the the heelheel cup cup 52 return 52 may may return to its to its uncompressed uncompressed configuration. configuration.
155 [0064]
[0064] Further Further to this to this embodiment, embodiment, when awhen user a userthe dons dons the12, shoe shoe the12, topthe top portion portion of theof the convex convex
curvature of curvature of the the heel heel cup cup 52 52 or or the the uppermost segmentofofthe uppermost segment theheel heelcounter counter3232ofofthe theshoe shoe1212may may be lowered be andextend lowered and extendbackward backward away away from from thethe foot foot as as theheel the heelcounter counter3232isis compressed compressedasasshown shown in in FIG. 4A.This FIG. 4A. This action action allows allows thethe user’s user's foot foot to to be be inserted inserted into into thethe shoe shoe opening opening 48 with 48 with a a reduced degree of plantar flexion. During compression of the heel cup 52, portions of the heel cup reduced degree of plantar flexion. During compression of the heel cup 52, portions of the heel cup
200 52 may 52 may move move forward forward towardtoward the direction the direction of theofforefoot the forefoot portion. portion. The distortion The distortion of heel of the the heel cup cup 52 mayinclude 52 may include the the attached attached heel heel counter counter 32 widening 32 widening with the with medialthe andmedial lateral and lateral sides of thesides heel of the heel
cup moving cup movingoutward outward thereby thereby widening widening the the opening opening of the of the shoe. shoe. The The mediolateral mediolateral widening widening of of the the shoe opening shoe opening 48 allows 48 allows easiereasier entry entry such assuch as insertion easier easier insertion of the portion of the forefoot forefoot of portion of the user’s the user's
foot. In foot. In one one exemplary embodiment, exemplary embodiment, thethe shoe shoe opening opening of 7.5 of 7.5 cm may cm may widenwiden up to up to or 4 cm 4 cm or about about 25 50%.50%. 25 See FIGS. See FIGS. 4C and4C 4D.and The4D. The widening widening mayorbemore may be less lessdepending or more depending onofthethe on the size size of shoe the shoe and the and the flexibility flexibility ofofthe theheel heelcup. cup. In In some shoes, the some shoes, the desired desired widening wideningmay may be be less less or or greater greater
dependingononthe depending theneeds needsofofsecurement securementandand use. use.
[0065]
[0065] In In an an exemplary exemplary embodiment embodiment of theofheel the heel cupas52shown cup 52 as shown in FIGS. in FIGS. 1-4,thickness 1-4, the the thickness T1 T1 of aa heel of heel cup cup 52 52 made of aa polymer made of polymermaterial, material, such such as as Dupont Hytrel, may Dupont Hytrel, range from may range from 0.4 0.4 30 millimeters 30 millimeters to 4tomillimeters. 4 millimeters. TheThe range range of thickness of thickness T1the T1 of of the heelheel cupcup may may be thinner be thinner or thicker or thicker
at various at various regions dependingononthe regions depending thedesired desiredelastic elasticand anddurable durableproperties propertiesofofthe thematerial. material.ForFor example,the example, themidpoint midpointregion regionmaymay be thinner be thinner thanthan the the surrounding surrounding regions, regions, andparticular and in in particular a a central portion central portion may may be be thinner thinner as as shown in FIG shown in 6B. The FIG 6B. Thecentral centralportion portionmay maybebespaced spacedaway away from from
the medial the andlateral medial and lateral edges edges wherein whereinthe theperipheral peripheraledges edgesmaymay have have a greater a greater thickness. thickness. Other Other
15 suitable materials suitable mayinclude materials may includeother other thermoplastic thermoplastic elastomers elastomers or other or other polymers polymers capablecapable of of 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 providing the compressible characteristics of the heel cup. providing the compressible characteristics of the heel cup.
[0066]
[0066] In In another another exemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the cup the heel heelmay cupbemay be configured configured to have to have aofseries of a series
crisscross crisscrossbeams beams that that form form an egg crate an egg crate like like configuration. configuration. FIG. FIG. 5 shows an 5 shows anexemplary exemplary 55 embodiment embodiment with beams with beams that that are in are in a diagonal a diagonal configuration. configuration. In an alternate In an alternate embodiment, embodiment, the the beamsmay beams may alsobebeinina avertical also vertical and andlateral lateral configuration. The apertures configuration. The apertures between betweenthe thebeams beamsmaymay
be approximately be uniformlysized. approximately uniformly sized.The The beams beams maymay be uniform be uniform in dimensions in dimensions or vary or vary in thickness in thickness 2025200516
and width. and width. Beams Beams thatarearethinner that thinnerororless less wide widemay may be be used used to enhance to enhance flexibilityand flexibility and compressibility in compressibility in designated locations while designated locations thicker or while thicker or wider beamsprovide wider beams providevarying varyingdegrees degrees of of
100 rigid support. rigid For example, support. For example,the thebeams beamsmaymay be thinner be thinner in the in the mid-portion, mid-portion, and and in particular, in particular, thethe
central portion central portion of of the the mid-portion that is mid-portion that is spaced spaced away fromthe away from theedges. edges.TheThe surrounding surrounding beams beams
maybebethicker may thickerthan thanthe thecentral central portion. portion. The Thecentral centralportion portionmay may allow allow forfor greaterflexibility greater flexibility in in order todistort order to distortunder undera aload. load.
[0067]
[0067] In In anan exemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the rearmost the rearmost portion portion of the of the heel heel cupcup 52 52 maymay havehave an overall an overall
155 vertical vertical cross-sectional cross-sectional shape shape thatthat resembles resembles approximately approximately an Saswave an S wave shownas onshown on a cross- a cross- sectional sectional diagram of FIG. diagram of FIG. 6A. 6A.The Theupper upper andand lower lower portions portions of of thethe S wave S wave maymay be differentiated be differentiated
at the at the point point P1 P1 through through a a horizontal horizontal plane, plane, i.e. i.e.thethe midline 90,90,which midline whichisis drawn drawnbetween between the the upper upper
arc andlower arc and lowerarcarc ends ends of the of the S wave S wave and intersects and intersects the the heel heel counter counter 52inflection 52 and the and the inflection point of point of the SS wave. the Theamplitude wave. The amplitude (AUand (Au) ) and width width (Wof (Wu) U) arc of arc of of thetheupper upper portion portion ofof theS Swave the wavemaymay be be 200 different different than than thethe amplitude amplitude (AL)(Aand L) and width width (WL) (W ) of lower of Lthe the lower arctheoflower arc of the lower portion portion of theofS the S wave. InInthe wave. theexemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the the WUapproximately Wu is is approximately 0.44 times 0.44 times thatthe that of of WL. the W L. Au The The AU is is approximately 1/3that approximately 1/3 that of of the the AL. AL. InInone onepossible possible embodiment, embodiment, theisWapproximately the Wu U is approximately 2 2 centimeters and centimeters and the the WL WLisis approximately approximately4.5 4.5centimeters. centimeters.The TheAuAUisisroughly roughly3 3millimeters millimetersand andthe the AL is AL is roughly roughly 9 9 millimeters. millimeters. The The SS configuration configuration decreases decreasesboth bothin in Au/AL AU/ALand andWu/WL WU/WinL in thecross- the cross- 25 sections 25 sections in the in the areas areas extending extending fromfrom the the rearmost rearmost portion’s portion's cross-section cross-section of the of the heelheel cup cup 52 52 and and mayonly may onlyconsist consistofofthe thelower lowerportion portionarc arcalong alongthe themedial medialandand lateralsides lateral sidesofofthe theheel heelcup cup52. 52. Themeasurements The measurementsat at thethe rearmost rearmost portion portion of of thethe heel heel cupcup 52 52 of the of the exemplary exemplary embodiment embodiment are are intended to be intended to be exemplary. exemplary.
[0068]
[0068] TheThe central central region region of of thethe mid-portion mid-portion of the of the heelheel cup cup may may have have a a single single aperture aperture or a or a
30 plurality 30 plurality of of apertures.Just apertures. Justasasthe thecentral centralregion regionofofthe the mid-portion mid-portionmay maybe be constructed constructed with with less less
material than material than the the maximum thickness maximum thickness of of thecollar the collarand/or and/orthe themaximum maximum thickness thickness of the of the base, base, thethe
central region central region of of the the mid-portion of the mid-portion of the heel heel cup cup may maybebeconstructed constructed with with a material a material of of greater greater
flexibility flexibilitythan than the the material material forming its periphery. forming its periphery. The Theresulting resultingeffects effects ofofthe thecentral centralregion region
16 comprising a single aperture, a plurality of apertures, a lesser thickness, and/or a material of greater comprising a single aperture, a plurality of apertures, a lesser thickness, and/or a material of greater 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 flexibility, flexibility, may servetotofacilitate may serve facilitateentry entry andand removal removal ofuser's of the the user’s footthe foot from from the shoe. shoe.
[0069] Further
[0069] Further to to thethe exemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the cup the heel heel52cup may 52 be may be attached attached at least at toleast an to an
interior foamlayer interior foam layer92,92, as as shown shown in FIG. in FIG. 10.heel 10. The The cupheel cupbe52 52 may may in located be the located in the interior interior of the of the
55 heel heel counter counter 32 the 32 of of the upper upper 16shown 16 as as shown in FIGS. in FIGS. 8-10. 8-10. The The foam foam layer 92 layer 92 may may line both line the both the inner inner wall wall 66 66 of of the the heel heel cup cup 52 52 and and outer outer wall wall of of the theheel heelcup cup52. 52. Around the upper Around the upperportion portionand and mid-portion, the mid-portion, the foam foamlayer layer9292may may protrude protrude andand extend extend further further into into thethe shoe shoe opening opening 48. 48. The The 2025200516
foam layer9292 foam layer maymay be thicker be thicker at orat or adjacent adjacent to theto the portion upper upper portion 64 and mid-portion 64 and mid-portion 58 of the heel 58 of the heel
cup 52 cup 52 thereby therebyforming formingpart partofofthe thecuff cuff of of the the shoe shoe opening opening48. 48.TheThe thicker thicker foam foam layer layer 92 92 may may
100 provide securement of the user’s foot once inserted within the shoe 12 as the foam would be located provide securement of the user's foot once inserted within the shoe 12 as the foam would be located
above the calcaneus bone region of the user’s foot and extend around at least portions of the ankle above the calcaneus bone region of the user's foot and extend around at least portions of the ankle
region of region of the the foot. foot.Since Sincethe thefoam foamisiscompressible, compressible,the foam the foammay may be be compressed bythe compressed by the heel heel during during
foot insertion or removal and hold the ankle of the user’s foot once the foot is inserted. foot insertion or removal and hold the ankle of the user's foot once the foot is inserted.
[0070] Rigid
[0070] Rigid Heel Heel Cup.Cup. In exemplary In one one exemplary embodiment, embodiment, a shoe a shoe 12 12 may may have have a heel a heel32counter 32 counter
155 located located at at thethe rearportion rear portion3636 ofof a a shoe shoe upper upper 16 16 as as shown shown in FIGS. in FIGS. 11-13. 11-13. Thecounter The heel heel counter 32 32 maycomprise may comprisea aheel heelcup cup5252which which maymay be interior be an an interior component component of the of the upper upper 16, 16, a portion a portion of of thethe
inner lining4646ororanan inner lining attachment attachment adjacent adjacent to theto the lining inner inner lining 46upper 46 of the of the 16 upper 16 the such that such that the heel heel
cup 52 contacts the foot, or a portion of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 16 or an attachment of cup 52 contacts the foot, or a portion of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 16 or an attachment of
an outer surface of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 16. an outer surface of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 16.
200 [0071]
[0071] Thecup The heel heelmaycup may have have aportion a lower lower that portion thata forms forms a heel heel cup cup configured configured to the to receive receive the heel of heel of the the foot. foot.The The lower lower portion portion of of the the heel heel cup cup may further have may further side extensions have side extensions around aroundboth both the medial the side and medial side and lateral lateral side. side. The heel cup The heel cupmay may have have a mid-portion a mid-portion located located above above the the lower lower
portion of portion of the the heel heel cup andthat cup and that curves curvesinward inwardabove above thethe heel heel bone bone or or maymay be composed be composed of an of an aperture. The aperture. heel cup The heel cupmay mayhave have an an aperture aperture located located at at thethe rearofofthetheheel rear heelcup. cup.Further Furthertotothis this 25 embodiment, 25 embodiment, the cup the heel heelmay cupbemay be a heel a rigid rigidcup heelconstructed cup constructed of a substantially of a substantially incompressible incompressible
material under the load of the foot. material under the load of the foot.
[0072]
[0072] At At leastone least one aperturemaymay aperture be be incorporated incorporated into into thethe mid-portion mid-portion of of thethe rigidheel rigid heelcup cupthat that may be added to enhance the fit of the shoe around the foot of the heel. The upper material layers may be added to enhance the fit of the shoe around the foot of the heel. The upper material layers
covering the aperture may comprise an elastic material such that the material stretches around the covering the aperture may comprise an elastic material such that the material stretches around the
30 contours 30 contours of the of the heel. heel. TheThe tension tension created created by the by the elastic elastic materialupon material upon stretching stretching may may enhance enhance the the
securementofofthe securement the foot foot during during normal normaluse useofofthe the shoe. shoe.
[0073]
[0073] TheThe upper upper portion portion of the of the heel heel cupcup maymay be configured be configured withwith a smooth a smooth curvature curvature extending extending
from the from the top top edge edge of of the the heel heel cup cup curved downward curved downward towards towards thethe shoe shoe opening opening 48. 48. The The innerinner wall wall
of the of the upper upper portion portion has has an an overall overalldownward incline that downward incline that extends from the extends from the curved curvedtop top edge edgeof of the the
17 upper portion upper portion toward towardthe theinterior interior of of the the upper upper 16. Theinner 16. The innerwall wallofofthe the upper upperportion portionmay mayhave have 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 dimensionsakin dimensions akintotoaa shoehorn shoehornsuch suchthat thatthe the smooth smoothcurvature curvatureand andangle angle ofof thedownward the downward incline incline of the of the upper portion allows upper portion allows the the heel heel of of the the foot foot to to slide slideinto intothe theshoe shoe12 12 with with greater greater ease. ease. The The heel cup may be constructed of a rigid material that does not substantially compress under the load heel cup may be constructed of a rigid material that does not substantially compress under the load
55 of the of the user’s user's foot. foot. In In an an alternate alternateembodiment, the heel embodiment, the heel cup cup may mayhave havesome some flexibilitysuch flexibility suchthat that the upper the portion of upper portion of the the heel heel cup cup may mayhave have some some slight slight flexibilitysufficient flexibility sufficient to to bend benddownward downward and away and awayfrom fromthe theshoe shoeopening opening and/or and/or widen widen thethe shoe shoe opening opening 48 for 48 for easier easier footinsertion foot insertionand/or and/or 2025200516
removal. removal.
[0074]
[0074] As As shown shown in FIG. in FIG. 11, top 11, the the edge top edge 72 of72 of heel the the heel counter counter 32also 32 may mayform alsoaform a resilient resilient
100 support structure of support structure of the the rear rearheel heelcollar collar74. 74.When the heel When the heel cup cup 52 52 is is incorporated incorporated into into the the upper upper
16, 16, a a fabric material(s)orora asuitable fabric material(s) suitablematerial(s) material(s) known known inart in the themay artbemay usedbe toused coverto cover the heel the cup heel cup
52 thereby forming 52 thereby formingthe theexterior exteriorlayer layer4242and andinterior interiorlayers layers oror structures structures 44 44 of of the the upper. upper. The The fabric material fabric material may extendabove may extend abovethe theheel heelcup cup5252thereby therebyforming formingan an extension extension of of thethe heelcollar heel collar 74. 74.
155 [0075]
[0075] Foam material Foam material or any or anylining inner inner lining material(s) material(s) known known in the in the art mayart bemay usedbe as used as an an inner inner compressiblelayer compressible layer of of the the upper 16 of upper 16 of FIG. FIG. 11. 11. The Thefoam foam material material 7676 may may be bonded be bonded to the to the inner inner
surface of the heel cup 52 to provide cushioning against the rigid heel cup material. The thickness surface of the heel cup 52 to provide cushioning against the rigid heel cup material. The thickness
of the of the foam foammaterial materialmaymay be uniform be uniform or at or vary vary at certain certain locations locations depending depending on the on the desired desired cushioningor cushioning or support supporttoto the the foot. foot. In In one one exemplary exemplaryembodiment, embodiment, thicker thicker foamfoam material material may may be be 20 located 0 located at at thethe innerwall inner wall6666ofofthe theupper upperportion portion6464and andmay may furtherextend further extendatatleast least aa portion portion along along
the mediolateral the mediolateral length length of ofthe theinner innerwall wall66.66.The Thefoam foam material materialmay may be be configured to curve configured to curve around around
at least a portion of the ankle above the heel when the shoe 12 is worn similar to the foam material at least a portion of the ankle above the heel when the shoe 12 is worn similar to the foam material
configuration shown configuration shownininFIG. FIG. 10.10. In this In this embodiment, embodiment, the user’s the user's foot foot may compress may compress the foamthe foam material during foot insertion. Following foot insertion, the foam material may expand to its fully material during foot insertion. Following foot insertion, the foam material may expand to its fully
25 uncompressed 25 uncompressed state state or partially or partially expand expand thereby thereby improving improving the security the security of foot of the the foot within within the the shoeshoe
12. Athinner 12. A thinnerfoam foam material material may may be betoused used line to theline theportions other other portions of cup of the heel the 52. heel cup 52.
[0076]
[0076] TheThe rigid rigid heel heel cupcup 52 52 maymay be used be used in combination in combination with with a shoe a shoe upper upper 16 having 16 having at least at least
one elastic region 78 located on the sides of the upper between the heel cup 52 and the front portion one elastic region 78 located on the sides of the upper between the heel cup 52 and the front portion
of the foot receiving shoe opening 48. The elastic region 78 may have one or more elastic materials of the foot receiving shoe opening 48. The elastic region 78 may have one or more elastic materials
30 30 thatthat allow allow thethe rear rear portion portion of of theheel the heelcounter counter3232totobebetemporarily temporarilymoved moved back back to widen to widen the the footfoot
receiving shoe receiving opening4848for shoe opening foreasier easier insertion insertion of of the the foot footinto intothe shoe the shoe12. 12.As As shown in FIG. shown in FIG. 11, 11, the elastic material may be a gore piece 80 configured to be fixed within a void of the upper such the elastic material may be a gore piece 80 configured to be fixed within a void of the upper such
as in the form of a gusset on the medial quarter or lateral quarter or both. The elastic material may as in the form of a gusset on the medial quarter or lateral quarter or both. The elastic material may
be in any spacing between the heel cup 52 and the upper portion located at the quarters 30 or vamp be in any spacing between the heel cup 52 and the upper portion located at the quarters 30 or vamp
18
24 or possibly a tongue. The elastic material may also be configured as a series of elastic strips or 24 or possibly a tongue. The elastic material may also be configured as a series of elastic strips or 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025
webbingextending webbing extending between between the the heelheel cup cup 52the 52 to to medial the medial and lateral and lateral sidessides of vamp of the the vamp 24 or 24 or possibly aa tongue. possibly tongue.
[0077] InstepSupport.
[0077] Instep Support.InInsome some embodiments, embodiments, an instep an instep support support maymay be used be used to in to aid aid in 55 preventing, preventing, in in some some instances, instances, thethe instep instep of of thethe user’sfoot user's footfrom fromdragging dragging a portion a portion of of theinstep, the instep, or tongue partially into the throat area as the user dons the shoe. or tongue partially into the throat area as the user dons the shoe.
[0078]
[0078] In In some some embodiments embodiments havinghaving a tongue a tongue 126 as 126 as in shown shown FIG. in 14,FIG. the 14, the side medial medial of side the of the 2025200516
upper portion 132 of the tongue 126 is attached to the first or proximal end of a medial elastic strap upper portion 132 of the tongue 126 is attached to the first or proximal end of a medial elastic strap
128 andthe 128 and thelateral lateral side side of of the the upper upperportion portion132 132ofofthethetongue tongue 126126 is attached is attached to the to the firstor or first
100 proximal end of a lateral elastic strap 130. The front lower portion of the tongue is attached directly proximal end of a lateral elastic strap 130. The front lower portion of the tongue is attached directly
to the upper. Each of the medial and lateral elastic straps may be attached to the upper directly to to the upper. Each of the medial and lateral elastic straps may be attached to the upper directly to
the inner lining of the upper at its second or distal ends. In an alternate embodiment, the elastic the inner lining of the upper at its second or distal ends. In an alternate embodiment, the elastic
straps mayextend straps may extend through through an opening an opening of thelining of the inner inneroflining of thequarter the medial medialandquarter lateral and lateral quarter quarter
respectively. The respectively. secondendend The second of of each each of the of the medial medial and lateral and lateral elastic elastic straps straps may terminate may terminate
155 respectively respectively at theatsole, the sole, sockliner, sockliner, or a region or a region within within the theinterior upper's upper'slining. interiorThelining. The elastic elastic straps straps
function function totomaintain maintainthethe general general positioning positioning of theof the tongue tongue when thewhen the user user dons dons the shoe. the shoe.
[0079]
[0079] In In other other embodiments, embodiments, eacheach of the of the medial medial and lateral and lateral sides sides of the of the edge edge of the of the tongue tongue or or
an upper portion an upper portion of of the the tongue tongueare are attached attachedby byaagusset gussetwhich whichmaymay be be of of elasticmaterial, elastic material,totothe the inner liningofofthe inner lining theupper upperofofthethe medial medial quarter quarter and lateral and lateral quarter quarter of theofupper. the upper. The similarly The gusset gusset similarly 20 0 maymay function function to maintain to maintain the general the general positioning positioning of tongue of the the tongue when when the dons the user user the donsshoe. the shoe. In In another embodiment another embodiment of of thethe tongue, tongue, thethe at at leasta aportion least portionofofthethemedial medial andand lateraledges lateral edges of of thethe
tongue may tongue maybebe directlyaffixed directly affixedororstitched stitchedtotothe theinterior interior portion portion ofofthe the upper upperand andthethetongue. tongue. Furthermore,the Furthermore, the tongue tonguemay maybebeextended extended wider wider than than a a conventional conventional tongue tongue along along thethe mediolateral mediolateral
direction in the upper portion of the tongue and the edges or some portion of the extended portion direction in the upper portion of the tongue and the edges or some portion of the extended portion
25 may may 25 be affixed be affixed or stitched or stitched to the to the interiorportion interior portionofofthe the upper. upper.
[0080]
[0080] In In otherembodiments, other embodiments, an instep an instep or tongue or tongue support support which which may may be be constructed constructed of a sheet- of a sheet-
like like material ofgreater material of greaterhardness hardness than than the the fabric fabric of the of the instep instep or tongue or tongue may bemay be attached attached to the outer to the outer
surface of the surface of the tongue or embedded tongue or embedded between between an exterior an exterior tongue tongue layerlayer andinner and an an inner tongue tongue layer layer
facing facing the the shoe shoe opening. Theinstep opening. The instep or or tongue support may tongue support mayreduce reduceororprevent preventthe theinstep insteporortongue tongue 30 30 fromfrom collapsing collapsing during during the insertion the insertion of the of the foot. foot. In one In one embodiment embodiment shown shown in FIG. in 14,FIG. 14, tongue tongue
support 134 support 134 may maybebea amore more rigidmaterial rigid materialsuch suchasasa athermoplastic thermoplasticpolymer polymer configured configured to to be be more more
rigid than rigid than the the tongue. In some tongue. In someembodiments, embodiments,the the instep instep or or tongue tongue support support maymay havehave a thickness a thickness
of 0.2 of 0.2 mm mm toto11mm. mm.TheThe instep instep support support may may be coextensive be coextensive with with the instep the instep or tongue, or tongue, or itormay it may
19 extend beyond extend beyondthe themedial medialor or lateralsides lateral sidesofof the the instep instep or or tongue. tongue. InInthe theembodiment embodiment shown shown in in 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025
FIG. 14, FIG. 14, the the tongue support 134 tongue support 134may maybebenarrower narrower andand shorter shorter than than theinstep the insteporortongue. tongue.
[0081]
[0081] In In oneone embodiment, embodiment, a reinforcing a reinforcing quarter quarter element element may extend may extend from from the thecounter heel heel counter to to the instep or eyestay. When a gusset is incorporated such as gusset 80 in FIG. 11-12, a reinforcing the instep or eyestay. When a gusset is incorporated such as gusset 80 in FIG. 11-12, a reinforcing
55 quarter quarter element element may may extend extend from from the heel the heel counter counter 52 along 52 along the front the front lower lower edge edge of gusset of the the gusset and and around the top edge of the collar to the instep, a region near vamp 24, or an eyestay adjacent to a around the top edge of the collar to the instep, a region near vamp 24, or an eyestay adjacent to a
tongue. A Areinforcing tongue. reinforcingquarter quarterelement element maymay be stiffer be stiffer than than the the upper upper or quarter or quarter material. material. The The 2025200516
reinforcing quarter reinforcing quarter element material may element material maybebeconstructed constructed of of leather,plastic, leather, plastic, or or rigid rigid fabric. fabric. The The
reinforcing quarter reinforcing quarter element elementmay maybe be attached attached to to thethe upper upper through through bonding bonding or stitching. or stitching. The The 100 reinforcing quarter reinforcing quarter element maybebeconfigured element may configuredasasananelongated elongated shape shape such such as as a stripthat a strip thatextends extends along the along the front front lower edge of lower edge of the the gusset gusset and and the the collar collar portion. Thereinforcing portion. The reinforcing quarter quarter element element maybebelocated may locatedononthetheexterior exteriorsurface surfaceorormay maybe be an an interiorlayer interior layerofofthe theupper upper such such as as a layer a layer
embedded within the upper or along a portion of the inner lining of the upper. A reinforcing quarter embedded within the upper or along a portion of the inner lining of the upper. A reinforcing quarter
element mayprovide element may provide greaterstability greater stability to to the the opening openingofofthe theshoe shoesuch suchthat thatitit provides provides resistance resistance 155 against against thethe quarters quarters andand instep instep region region collapsing collapsing or or moving moving inward inward into into the opening the opening ofshoe of the the shoe when the foot is inserted into the shoe and pushes the heel cup rearward. when the foot is inserted into the shoe and pushes the heel cup rearward.
[0082] When
[0082] When the reinforcing the reinforcing quarter quarter element element is used is used in combination in combination with with an eyestay an eyestay layerlayer usedused
in in laced laced shoes, shoes, the the eyestay eyestay may addadditional may add additionalstructural structural support support in in providing providing resistance resistance against against the quarters the quarters and and instep instep from from collapsing collapsing or or moving inwardinto moving inward into the the opening openingof of the the shoe. shoe. Thus, Thus,as as aa 200 foot foot pushes pushes against against the the heel heel cup the cup and andgusset the gusset is stretched is stretched rearward, rearward, the reinforcing the reinforcing quarterquarter
element is not element is not significantly significantly pulled pulled rearward. Accordingly,the rearward. Accordingly, theshoe shoeopening openingmaymay attain attain a wider a wider
opening whenthe opening when thefoot footisis inserted inserted into into the the shoe shoe and and pushes pushes the the heel heel cup cup rearward. rearward.
[0083] Compressible
[0083] Compressible lining. lining. In some In some embodiments, embodiments, thesurface the inner inner surface of the of thecounter heel heel counter and and heel/ankle collar heel/ankle collar may havea aportion may have portionhaving having a compressible a compressible layerlayer such such as a as a foam foam layer.layer. The The 25 compressible 25 compressible layer layer may may extend extend into into the the shoeshoe opening. opening. The compressible The compressible layer layer is compressed is compressed under under
a load during the donning or removal of the shoe. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the foam a load during the donning or removal of the shoe. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the foam
layer layer may expandfully may expand fully or or partially partially totoitsits uncompressed uncompressed state, state,and such and expansion such expansionmay may enhance the enhance the
securement securement of of thethe foot foot within within the shoe. the shoe.
[0084] In one
[0084] In one exemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the compressible the compressible layer layer 100 is 100 is embedded embedded at least at least within within
30 a portion 30 a portion of the of the ankle ankle collar collar 140140 andand the the upper upper region region of the of the heelheel counter counter 32. 32. See FIGS. See FIGS. 15-19.15-19.
Thecompressible The compressiblelayer layer100 100extends extendsinto intothe theopening openingofofthe theshoe. shoe.During Duringthe thedonning donningofof theshoe, the shoe, the foot exerts a load onto the compressible layer thereby widening the opening of the shoe through the foot exerts a load onto the compressible layer thereby widening the opening of the shoe through
the transient compression of the compressible layer. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the the transient compression of the compressible layer. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the
compressiblelayer compressible layerexpands expands partially partially or or fully fully back back to its to its original original shape. shape. Expansion Expansion of the of the
20 compressiblelayer compressible layercauses causesthe thefoam foamtotoexpand expand around around the the footfoot which which may may enhance enhance comfort comfort and and 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 securement of the securement of the foot. foot. In In some some embodiments, thecompressible embodiments, the compressiblelayer layerextends extendsabove aboveand/or and/oraround around the calcaneus bone of the user's foot and around at least portions of the ankle region of the foot. the calcaneus bone of the user's foot and around at least portions of the ankle region of the foot.
[0085]
[0085] TheThe compressible compressible layer layer may may be constructed be constructed of aof a material material of of a foam a foam material material such such as as EVAEVA
55 or or polyurethane foam.The polyurethane foam. The shape shape of of thethe compressible compressible layer layer may may be pre-formed be pre-formed by molding by molding the the material, and affixing the compressible layer between at least two layers of textile material. The material, and affixing the compressible layer between at least two layers of textile material. The
shape of shape of the the compressible compressiblelayer layermay mayhave have at at leastpartially least partially aa rounded roundedouter outersurface surfacethat thatextends extends 2025200516
into into the the opening opening of of the the shoe shoe and/or and/or the the ankle ankle collar collarof ofthe theshoe. shoe.The The volume of the volume of the compressible compressible layer may be greater in the rear portion of the heel counter and taper along longitudinal direction layer may be greater in the rear portion of the heel counter and taper along longitudinal direction
100 of the of the inner inner portion portion of of the the foam layer at foam layer at both both sides sides of of the the shoe shoe as as shown shownininFIGS. FIGS. 17-18. 17-18. The The compressiblelayer compressible layer may mayalso alsotaper taperor or be be rounded roundedalong alongthe thevertical vertical axis axis and that the and that the compressible compressible
layer is greater in volume at the upper portion of the ankle collar 140 and less at the lower portion layer is greater in volume at the upper portion of the ankle collar 140 and less at the lower portion
of the of the ankle ankle collar collar140. 140. See See FIGS. 18-19. The FIGS. 18-19. Thecompressible compressiblelayer layermay maybe be used used to to form form thethe entire entire
heel cup without the need of an additional heel cup or heel counter. Alternatively, the compressible heel cup without the need of an additional heel cup or heel counter. Alternatively, the compressible
155 layer layer cancan be be used used in in combination combination withwith a compressible a compressible heelheel cup,cup, suchsuch as shown as shown in FIG. in FIG. 1. The 1. The heel heel
cup can define an exterior surface of the upper, the heel cup can define an interior surface of the cup can define an exterior surface of the upper, the heel cup can define an interior surface of the
upper, or upper, or the theheel heelcupcup cancan define define an internal an internal layer, layer, for example, for example, if embedded if embedded within within the the compressiblelayer. compressible layer.
[0086]
[0086] In In theexemplary the exemplary embodiment, embodiment, a lower a lower flange flange 118extend 118 may may extend downward downward from thefrom anklethe ankle
20 collar 0 collar andand is configured is configured to attach to attach to upper. to the the upper. The lower The lower flange flange may be may be configured configured in any in any dimensionsnecessary dimensions necessarytotosecure securethe theankle anklecollar collartoto the the upper. upper. The Thelower lowerflange flangemay may also also vary vary in in
the length. the length. In In some embodiments, some embodiments, the the lower lower flange flange may may define define the portion the portion of theofankle the ankle collarcollar
attached to attached to the theupper upperwithout without extending extending downward downward from thefrom anklethe ankle collar collarIn atother at all. all. In other embodiments,the embodiments, thelower lowerflange flangemay may extend extend downward downward partially partially or fully or fully to to thebottom the bottomofof theupper. the upper. 25 In some 25 In some embodiments, embodiments, the flange the lower lower may flange may be configured be configured to heel to form the formcounter. the heelIncounter. other In other embodiments, embodiments, a a heelcup, heel cup,such suchasasshown shown in in FIG. FIG. 1, 1, maymay be partially be partially or or fully fully embedded embedded in lower in lower
flange. flange.
[0087]
[0087] TheThe compressible compressible layer layer 100 100 may may be be covered covered by anyby anyoftype type of textile. textile. The textile The textile may bemay be elastic and elastic and may havewicking may have wickingproperties. properties.The The textilemay textile maybe be form form fitted fitted toto theexterior the exteriorshape shapeofof 30 30 the the compressible compressible layer. layer. In aIn a preferred preferred embodiment, embodiment, an adhesive an adhesive such assuch as a thermoplastic a thermoplastic based based adhesive is applied to the compressible layer after which the compressible layer is inserted into an adhesive is applied to the compressible layer after which the compressible layer is inserted into an
elastic textile elastic textilesleeve. sleeve.The Theresulting resultingproduct product may also be may also be affixed affixed by byany anymeans means such such as glue as glue or or stitching stitching according to the according to the desired desired pattern pattern of of the the ankle collar 140. ankle collar Thetextile 140. The textile may mayalso alsoinclude include thermoplastic material and after the compressible layer 100 is inserted into the textile sleeve, heat thermoplastic material and after the compressible layer 100 is inserted into the textile sleeve, heat
21 may be applied to fuse the textile to the compressible layer 100. In a preferred embodiment, steam may be applied to fuse the textile to the compressible layer 100. In a preferred embodiment, steam 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 maybebeapplied may appliedsosothat thatthe thetextile textile conforms conformstotothe thepreformed preformed shape shape that that forms forms a portion a portion of the of the ankle collar and/or heel counter. ankle collar and/or heel counter.
[0088] Further
[0088] Further to to theexemplary the exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the ankle the ankle collar collar 140 140 is devoid is devoid of of stitchesororseams stitches seams 55 on its on its upper upper portion portion and and may havea aseam may have seamononthethebottom bottom portion portion where where it it is isattached attachedtotothe theupper upper 16. 16. The seamlessankle The seamless anklecollar collar140 140may may extend extend fromfrom the the medial medial quarter, quarter, around around the heel, the heel, to the to the
lateral quarter. lateral quarter. As As the the user’s user's foot is inserted foot is inserted into into the the footwear, the user's footwear, the user’s heel heel depresses depressesthe the 2025200516
compressiblelayer compressible layer100 100against againstthe theheel heelcup. cup.The Theheel heelcup cupmay may keep keep the the structural structural integrityofofa a integrity
portion of portion of the the heel heel region region of of the the upper upper1616from from collapsing collapsing when when the the user’s user's heelheel depresses depresses the the 100 compressible layer 100, thus allowing for an easier entry into the shoe by the user’s foot without compressible layer 100, thus allowing for an easier entry into the shoe by the user's foot without
the use the user's hands or an external shoe horn. Once the user’s heel is fully inserted into the the use the user's hands or an external shoe horn. Once the user's heel is fully inserted into the
shoe, the shoe, the compressible layer may compressible layer mayrebound reboundandand may may exert exert force force against against thetheback back of of theuser's the user’sheel heel abovethe above the calcaneus calcaneusbone boneandand around around portions portions of the of the ankle ankle region region which which mayinaid may aid in providing providing
comfort and securing the user’s foot within the shoe. comfort and securing the user's foot within the shoe.
155 [0089]
[0089] Further Further to thetoexemplary the exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the cross-section the cross-section of the of the seamless seamless upper portion upper portion of of the ankle the ankle collar collar 140 140 is is substantially substantiallyround. round.The The ankle ankle collar collar140 140 may be separated may be separated into into aa forward forward
portion 142 portion 142and anda arear rearportion portion144. 144.Each Each of of thethe forward forward portion portion and and rear rear portion portion resemble resemble an an approximatelycircular approximately circularcross-section cross-section2222ororsemicircular semicircularcross-section cross-sectionwherein whereinthethe radius radius of of thethe
forward portion forward portion is is greater greater than than the the radius radiusof ofthe therear portion. rear SeeSeeFIGS. portion. FIGS.18-19. 18-19.The The compressible compressible
200 layer layer maymay be directly be directly attached attached to the to the inner inner structure structure of of thethe heel heel counter counter or or viavia thethe textilesleeve textile sleeve covering the covering the compressible compressiblelayer layer material. material.
[0090] Compressible
[0090] Compressible Heel Heel Counter Counter withwith HeelHeel Counter Counter Support. Support. In another In another exemplary exemplary
embodiment, heelcounter embodiment, heel countersupport support 9696 may may partially partially form form an an exterior exterior layerofofthe layer theshoe shoeand andextend extend around the heel portion of the upper 16 from the medial quarter of the shoe to the lateral quarter around the heel portion of the upper 16 from the medial quarter of the shoe to the lateral quarter
25 of the 25 of the shoe shoe as as shown shown in FIGS. in FIGS. 20-22. 20-22. In other In other embodiments, embodiments, the counter the heel heel counter support support may further may further
extend along a portion of the quarter, along the entire quarter, or along the entire quarter and into extend along a portion of the quarter, along the entire quarter, or along the entire quarter and into
the vamp the portionof vamp portion of the the shoe. shoe. The Theheel heelcounter countersupport support9696may may vary vary in in heightatatdifferent height different regions regions of the of the shoe. In the shoe. In the exemplary exemplaryembodiment, embodiment,the the medial medial end lateral end and and lateral endtheofheel end of the heel counter counter
support 96 support 96 gradually graduallydecreases decreasesininheight heighttoto the the base base of of the the upper upper 16 16just just above abovethe thesole sole14. 14. The The 30 30 heelheel counter counter supports supports 96 may 96 may have have a medial a medial region region of a of a maximum maximum height height on the on the medial medial side ofside theof the
heel portion heel portion of of the the upper, upper, and and aa maximum maximum height height on lateral on the the lateral sideside on the on the heelheel portion portion of the of the
upper. The heel counter support 96 extends at least a portion of the height of the upper 16. In the upper. The heel counter support 96 extends at least a portion of the height of the upper 16. In the
exemplaryembodiment, exemplary embodiment,thethe height height of of thethe medial medial andand lateralside lateral sideheel heelportions portions9898ofofthe theupper upper1616 is is roughly roughly 5 5 cm abovethe cm above the lasting lasting surface surface 116 116 and and the the maximum height maximum height ofof theheel the heelcounter countersupport support
22
96 on 96 on the the medial medialand andlateral lateral sides sides of of the the heel heel portion portion is is roughly roughly 3 3 centimeters abovethe centimeters above thelasting lasting 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025
surface surface 116. Theheel 116. The heelcounter countersupport support9696maymay gradually gradually reduce reduce in height in height fromfrom the region the region of its of its
maximum maximum height height to to a regionofofroughly a region roughly uniform uniform height height along along thethe rearofofthe rear theheel heelportion portion98 98of of the the upper 16. upper 16. In In the the exemplary exemplaryembodiment, embodiment, the height the height alongalong the heel the heel portion portion 98 of98 theofupper the upper 16 16 55 extents extents up up to to roughly roughly 3 centimeters 3 centimeters above above the the lasting lasting surface surface 116, 116, andand thethe roughly roughly uniform uniform height height
of the of the portion portion forming rear portion forming rear portion of of the the heel heelcounter counter support support 96 96 is isroughly roughly 22 centimeters centimeters above above
the lasting surface 116. the lasting surface 116. 2025200516
[0091]
[0091] TheThe heel heel counter counter support support 96 96 maymay partially partially form form an exterior an exterior surface surface of of thethe upper upper 16.16. TheThe
heel counter heel support 96 counter support 96 may mayhave have anan interiorsurface interior surfaceinincontact contactwith withananouter outersurface surfaceofof the the heel heel 100 portion 98 portion 98 of of the the upper 16. The upper 16. Theheel heelcounter countersupport support9696may may have have a varying a varying thickness thickness across across its its
exterior surface exterior surface to to its its interior interiorsurface. surface.InInthe theexemplary exemplary embodiment, angular embodiment, angular strips102102 strips form form
portions of increased thickness of the heel counter support 96. The angular strips 102 may provide portions of increased thickness of the heel counter support 96. The angular strips 102 may provide
increased rigidity to increased rigidity to the the heel heelcounter countersupport support 96 well 96 as as well as be as be configured configured to receive to receive the the compressiblecomponent compressible component 100. 100.
155 [0092]
[0092] In theInexemplary the exemplary embodiments, embodiments, the angular the angular strips strips 102 102 have have hollowed hollowed protrusions protrusions on the on the medial and medial andlateral lateral sides sidesof ofthe theshoe shoe12 12into which into whichthe theends endsofof thethe compressible compressiblecomponent 100 are component 100 are secured. The secured. compressiblecomponent The compressible component100100 may may be a be a pipe pipe wherein wherein each each end end of ofpipe the the pipe is secured is secured
within the within the hollowed protrusions102. hollowed protrusions 102.AAhollowed hollowed protrusion protrusion ofof theangular the angularstrips strips 102 102may mayextend extend partially ororcompletely partially completely around the surfaces around the surfaces of of the thecompressible compressible component 100.InInthe component 100. theexemplary exemplary 20 0 embodiment, embodiment, thethe compressible compressible component component 100100 maymay be formed be formed fromfrom polyoxymethylene polyoxymethylene or or any any other material with other material with similar similar durability durability and andsufficient sufficient rigidity rigidity to to support the load support the load of of aa foot foot and and flexibility flexibilitytotocurve curvefrom from medial to lateral medial to lateral sides sidesof ofthe theheel heelportion portionof ofthe theshoe shoe 12. 12. The central The central
segment 104ofofthe segment 104 thecompressible compressiblecomponent component100 100 may may extend extend behind behind the ankle the ankle opening opening and above and above
the heel the heel counter of the counter of the shoe shoe 12. 12. InInthe theexemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the angular the angular strips strips 102bemay 102 may be 25 designed 25 designed to to receivethethecompressible receive compressiblecomponent component 100100 at an at an angle angle so that so that thethe compressible compressible
component100 component 100 extends extends from from inside inside thethe hollowed hollowed protrusions protrusions 102102 at at a rearward a rearward incline incline A2A2 toward toward
the back the of the back of the shoe shoe 12. 12. The The rearward rearward incline incline A2 A2 ofof the the compressible compressible component component100 100is is approximately4545degrees approximately degreeswith with respect respect to to a a levelplane level planeofofthe thefloor floor88. 88.SeeSee Fig. Fig. 20A. 20A. A foam A foam
layer 92 layer extending above 92 extending abovethe therear rearheel heelportion portion9898ofofthe theupper upper1616atatthe therear rear portion portion of of the the heel heel 30 opening 30 opening may may have have a rearward a rearward incline incline A2 that A2 that is coextensive is coextensive withwith the the compressible compressible component component 100. 100.
Therearward The rearwardincline inclineA2A2ofofthe thefoam foam layer9292 layer may may assist assist in in guiding guiding thethe user’sfoot user's footinto intothe theshoe shoe 12 12 when donningthe when donning theshoe. shoe.
[0093] Thecentral
[0093] The central segment segment 104 104ofof the the compressible compressible component 100 may component 100 mayextend extendbehind behindthe the rearmost portion rearmost portion of of the the upper upper 16 16and andmay maybebe threaded threaded through through oneone or more or more guide guide tunnels tunnels 106 106 in in
23 the upper the upper 16. 16. In In the the exemplary embodiment, exemplary embodiment, stripsofofleather strips leather material material are are sewed to the sewed to the foam layer foam layer 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025
92 and extend 92 and extendabove abovethetheupper upper at at thetherear rearportion portionofofthe theheel heelopening. opening. The The ends ends of the of the strip strip of of
leather leather are arestitched stitchedtogether to to together form guide form tunnels guide 106 tunnels through 106 throughwhich whichthe thecompressible compressible component component
is is threaded. threaded.
55 [0094]
[0094] When donning When donning the shoethe 12,shoe the 12, the user’s user's footdepress foot may may depress the compressible the compressible component component 100 100 and/or and/or the the rearwardly rearwardly inclined inclined foam foam layer layer 92 92 downward andrearward downward and rearward from from thethe shoe shoe opening. opening. Once Once
the user's the user'sfoot foothas hasfully fullyentered thetheshoe entered 12,12,thethe shoe compressible compressiblecomponent 100and component 100 andthe therearwardly rearwardly 2025200516
inclined foam inclined foam layer layer 92 92 return return to their to their initial initial elevated elevated positions. positions.
[0095]
[0095] TheThe additional additional interior interior heel heel support support 114 114 made made of material of foam foam material may may have have sufficient sufficient
100 thickness that thickness that may enhancesecuring may enhance securingthethefoot footatatthe theAchilles Achillestendon, tendon,and andonce once theuser the userdons dons thethe
shoe 12, the shoe 12, the calcaneus bonemay calcaneus bone maybebe located located below below thethe additional additional interiorheel interior heelsupport support114. 114.TheThe interior interior heel support114114 heel support maymay have have a sufficient a sufficient heightheight to be located to be located above above the the calcaneus calcaneus bone once bone once
the foot has been inserted into the shoe. the foot has been inserted into the shoe.
[0096] Further
[0096] Further to to theexemplary the exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the the shoeshoe may may have have a heel a heel cup cup 52 made 52 made of a of a flexible flexible
155 material material configured configured to receive to receive the the rear rear portion portion of of thethe heel.InInone heel. oneembodiment, embodiment, the the heelheel cup cup is ais a thermoplastic material that provides sufficient support as a heel counter. The interior heel support thermoplastic material that provides sufficient support as a heel counter. The interior heel support
114 may 114 may be be foam foam material material lininglining to provide to provide the necessary the necessary comfort tocomfort to the the user's user's heel. heel.
[0097] Although
[0097] Although the the present present invention invention has described has been been described above above by by referring referring to particular to particular
embodiments, embodiments, ititshould shouldbebeunderstood understoodthat thatmodifications modificationsand andvariations variationscould couldbebemade madeto to thesole the sole 200 structure structure without without departing departing from from the the intended intended scope scope of invention. of invention.
24
Claims (24)
1. 1. A shoe, comprising: A shoe, comprising:
55 aa sole; sole;
an upper,including an upper, includingat at least least oneone layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create 2025200516
tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe;
aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the upper, to the upper,
whereinthe wherein the heel heel cup cup comprises comprisesananupper upperportion, portion,aamidportion, midportion,and anda alower lower 100 portion, portion,
wherein, in a first configuration, the upper portion of the heel cup has a wherein, in a first configuration, the upper portion of the heel cup has a
downward incline downward incline with with a first a first angleangle relative relative to a vertical to a vertical lineisthat line that is normal normal to a horizontal to a horizontal
surface ofaafloor; surface of floor;
the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load
155 of of the the foot footwhen donningthe when donning theshoe, shoe, wherein whereinininthe the second secondconfiguration configurationthetheupper upperportion portion has aa downward has downward incline incline with with a second a second angle relative angle relative to the vertical to the vertical line, line,
the second angle being greater than the first angle; the second angle being greater than the first angle;
an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent to least to at at least an interior an interior wallwall of upper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
cup, cup,
200 wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,
whereinthe wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into aa shoe shoe opening, opening, providing providing
securement ofthe securement of the foot foot once inserted; and once inserted; and
wherein the heel cup includes at least one reduced thickness region providing flexibility wherein the heel cup includes at least one reduced thickness region providing flexibility
to the to the heel heelcup cup when donningororremoving when donning removing theshoe. the shoe.
25 25
2. 2. The shoeofof The shoe claim claim 1, wherein 1, wherein the interior the interior foamislayer foam layer is positioned positioned to extendtoaround extend around portions of an ankle region of the foot. portions of an ankle region of the foot.
3. 3. The shoeofof The shoe claim claim 1 or1 claim or claim 2, wherein 2, wherein a vertical a vertical cross-sectional cross-sectional shape of shape of a rearmost a rearmost
30 30 portion of the heel cup comprises an S-wave. portion of the heel cup comprises an S-wave.
4. 4. The shoeofof The shoe claim claim 1 or1 claim or claim 2, wherein 2, wherein a profile a profile of the of thecupheel heel has cup has a pear-like a pear-like shape. shape.
25
2025200516 08 Apr 2025
5. 5. The shoe The shoeofof any anyone oneofofthe the preceding precedingclaims, claims, wherein whereinthetheatat least least one one reduced thickness reduced thickness
regions isoriented regions is orientedinina avertical verticaldirection direction at at a rearmost a rearmost portion portion of theofheel the cup. heel cup.
55 6.
6. The shoeof The shoe of any anyoneoneofofthe the preceding precedingclaims, claims, wherein whereinthetheatat least least one one reduced thickness reduced thickness
region is positioned at a rearmost portion of the heel cup, with at least one thicker adjacent region is positioned at a rearmost portion of the heel cup, with at least one thicker adjacent
region. region. 2025200516
7. 7. The shoeofof The shoe claim claim 6, wherein 6, wherein the the at at least least one thicker one thicker adjacent adjacent region region is is vertically vertically
100 displaced relative to the at least one reduced thickness region. displaced relative to the at least one reduced thickness region.
8. 8. The shoeofof The shoe claim claim 6, wherein 6, wherein the the at at least least one thicker one thicker adjacent adjacent region region is is horizontally horizontally
displaced relative to the at least one reduced thickness region. displaced relative to the at least one reduced thickness region.
155 9.
9. Theshoe The shoeof of claim claim 6, wherein 6, wherein the the at at least least one thicker one thicker adjacent adjacent region comprises region comprises at least at least one verticallydisplaced one vertically displaced thicker thicker adjacent adjacent region region and atand at one least least one horizontally horizontally displaceddisplaced thicker thicker adjacent region. adjacent region.
10. 10. The The shoeshoe of any of any one one of the of the preceding preceding claims, claims, wherein wherein the polymer the polymer material material comprises comprises a a 200 thermoplastic. thermoplastic.
11. 11. The The shoeshoe of any of any one one of the of the preceding preceding claims, claims, wherein wherein the polymer the polymer material material comprises comprises an an elastomer. elastomer.
25 12.
12. 25 The The shoe of shoe of any any one onepreceding of the of the preceding claim, further claim, further comprising: comprising:
at at least least one fabricmaterial one fabric materialcovering covering the the heelheel cupextending cup and and extending above above the thetoheel cup to heel cup
form form anan extension extension of aofheel a heel collar. collar.
13. 13. The The shoeshoe of any of any one one of the of the preceding preceding claims, claims, wherein wherein theleast the at at least oneone layer layer of of elastic elastic
30 30 material is positioned on at least one of a medial and a lateral side of the upper. material is positioned on at least one of a medial and a lateral side of the upper.
26
14. 14. The The shoeshoe of any of any one one of the of the preceding preceding claims, claims, wherein wherein the heel the heel cup cup is attached is attached to an to an inner inner 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025
lining of the lining of theupper. upper.
15. 15. The The shoeshoe of any of any one one of the of the preceding preceding claims, claims, wherein wherein the upper the upper portion portion of the of the heelheel cup cup is is
55 configured configured to be to be lowered lowered and and extended extended backward backward awaythe away from from footthe footdonning when when donning the shoe.the shoe. 2025200516
16. 16. The The shoeshoe of any of any one one of the of the preceding preceding claims, claims, further further comprising: comprising:
at at least least one outerfoam one outer foam layer layer adjacent adjacent to antoouter an outer wall wall of theof thecup. heel heel cup.
100 17.
17. The The shoeshoe of claim of claim 16, 16, wherein wherein the outer the outer foamfoam layerlayer is thinner is thinner than than thethe interiorfoam interior foam layer. layer.
18. 18. The The shoeshoe of any of any one one of the of the preceding preceding claims, claims, wherein wherein the interior the interior foamfoam layer layer is bonded is bonded to to
the interior the interior wall wallofofthe theupper upper portion portion of the of the heelheel cup. cup.
155 19.
19. The The shoeshoe of any of any one one of the of the preceding preceding claims, claims, wherein wherein the interior the interior foamfoam layer layer is also is also
adjacent adjacent totoa amidportion midportion interior interior wallwall of heel of the the heel cupa and cup and loweraportion lower portion interior interior wall wall of the of the heel heel
cup, cup, and and
aa portion ofthe portion of theinterior interiorfoam foam layer layer thatthat is adjacent is adjacent to interior to the the interior wall wall of theofupper the upper portionisisthicker portion thickerthan thanportions portions adjacent adjacent to midportion to the the midportion interior interior wall wall and the and lowerthe lower portion portion
200 interior interior wall. wall.
20. The The 20. shoeshoe of any of any onethe one of of preceding the preceding claims, claims, wherein wherein the interior the interior foamfoam layer layer is is comprised ofat comprised of at least least one one of of EVA andpolyurethane EVA and polyurethane foam. foam.
25 21.
21. 25 The The shoe of shoe of any any one onepreceding of the of the preceding claims, claims, wherein wherein the interior the interior foamislayer foam layer is covered covered
by an elastic textile having wicking properties. by an elastic textile having wicking properties.
22. The shoe of claim 21, wherein the elastic textile is form fitted to the shape of the interior 22. The shoe of claim 21, wherein the elastic textile is form fitted to the shape of the interior
foam layer. foam layer.
30 30
23. A shoe, 23. A shoe, comprising: comprising:
27 aa sole; sole; 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 an upper,including an upper, includingat at least least oneone layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper,
55 whereinthe wherein the heel heel cup cup comprises comprisesananupper upperportion, portion,aamidportion, midportion,and anda alower lower 2025200516
portion, portion,
wherein, in a first configuration, the upper portion of the heel cup has a wherein, in a first configuration, the upper portion of the heel cup has a
downward incline downward incline with with a first a first angleangle relative relative to a vertical to a vertical lineisthat line that is normal normal to a horizontal to a horizontal
surface ofaafloor; surface of floor;
100 the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load
of of the the foot footwhen donningthe when donning the shoe, shoe, wherein whereinininthe the second secondconfiguration configurationthe theupper upperportion portion has has aa downward downward incline incline with with a second a second angle relative angle relative to the vertical to the vertical line, line,
the secondangle the second angle being being greater greater than than the first the first angle; angle;
an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent to least to at at least an interior an interior wallwall of upper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
155 cup, cup,
wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,
whereinthe wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into aa shoe shoe opening, opening, providing providing
securement ofthe securement of the foot foot once inserted; and once inserted; and
wherein the heel cup includes a plurality of enhanced thickness regions oriented in a wherein the heel cup includes a plurality of enhanced thickness regions oriented in a
20 vertical 20 vertical directionatata arearmost direction rearmostportion portionofofthe theheel heel cup. cup.
24. 24. A shoe, comprising: A shoe, comprising:
aa sole; sole;
an upper,including an upper, includingat at least least oneone layer layer of elastic of elastic material material positioned positioned to stretch to stretch and create and create
25 tension 25 tension that that enhances enhances securement securement of a of a foot foot inserted inserted into into thethe shoe; shoe;
aa heel cup,comprised heel cup, comprised of polymer of polymer material, material, affixedaffixed to the to the sole andsole and upper, upper,
28 whereinthe wherein the heel heel cup cup comprises comprisesananupper upperportion, portion,aamidportion, midportion,and anda alower lower 08 Apr 2025 2025200516 08 Apr 2025 portion, portion, wherein, wherein, inina afirst firstconfiguration, configuration,thethe upper upper portion portion ofheel of the the cup heelhascup a has a downward incline downward incline with with a first a first angleangle relative relative to a vertical to a vertical lineisthat line that is normal normal to a horizontal to a horizontal
55 surface ofaafloor; surface of floor;
the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load 2025200516
of of the the foot footwhen when donning the shoe, donning the shoe, wherein whereinininthe the second secondconfiguration configurationthe theupper upperportion portion has a downward incline with a second angle relative to the vertical line, has a downward incline with a second angle relative to the vertical line,
the second angle being greater than the first angle; the second angle being greater than the first angle;
100 an interior foam an interior foamlayer layer adjacent adjacent to least to at at least an interior an interior wallwall of upper of the the upper portion portion of the heel of the heel
cup, cup,
wherein theinterior wherein the interior foam foam layer layer is compressible, is compressible,
whereinthe wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into aa shoe shoe opening, opening, providing providing
securement ofthe securement of the foot foot once inserted; and once inserted; and
155 wherein the heel cup includes a plurality of enhanced flexibility regions oriented wherein the heel cup includes a plurality of enhanced flexibility regions oriented
vertically alonga arearmost vertically along rearmost portion portion of heel of the the heel cup. cup.
25. The The 25. shoeshoe of claim of claim 24, wherein 24, wherein at least at least one one enhanced enhanced flexibility flexibility region region is is configured configured to to facilitate compression of the heel cup under load of the foot during donning of the shoe to widen facilitate compression of the heel cup under load of the foot during donning of the shoe to widen
20 20 the the shoe shoe opening opening and and allow allow for the for the donning donning of the of the shoeshoe without without useaofwearer's use of a wearer’s hands. hands.
29
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL2000762C1 (en) * | 2007-07-19 | 2009-01-20 | Intersko B V | Shoe. |
| US20180110292A1 (en) * | 2016-10-26 | 2018-04-26 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear heel spring device |
| US20200345098A1 (en) * | 2019-05-03 | 2020-11-05 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear upper with unitary support frame |
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| US4608769A (en) * | 1984-09-28 | 1986-09-02 | Sturlaugson Lee S | Shoe construction |
| GB2369551A (en) * | 2000-12-04 | 2002-06-05 | Raymond Wells | Footwear with shoehorn |
| TW201215342A (en) * | 2010-10-08 | 2012-04-16 | Shu-Hua Lin | Shoes for convenience of wearing and taking off |
| JP7057346B2 (en) * | 2016-04-22 | 2022-04-19 | ファースト アイピー， エルエルシー | Quick insert footwear with bounce fit system |
| WO2018081260A1 (en) * | 2016-10-26 | 2018-05-03 | Nike Innovate C.V. | Upper component for an article of footwear |
| US10159310B2 (en) * | 2017-05-25 | 2018-12-25 | Nike, Inc. | Rear closing upper for an article of footwear with front zipper to rear cord connection |
| EP3809909B1 (en) * | 2018-06-19 | 2023-09-13 | NIKE Innovate C.V. | Articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices having rearward translating heel components |
| EP3923759B1 (en) * | 2019-02-13 | 2026-05-06 | NIKE Innovate C.V. | Footwear heel support device |
| WO2020176653A1 (en) * | 2019-02-26 | 2020-09-03 | Fast Ip, Llc | Rapid-entry footwear having a heel arm and a resilient member |
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2023
- 2023-05-16 TW TW113203111U patent/TWM657263U/en unknown
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL2000762C1 (en) * | 2007-07-19 | 2009-01-20 | Intersko B V | Shoe. |
| US20180110292A1 (en) * | 2016-10-26 | 2018-04-26 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear heel spring device |
| US20200345098A1 (en) * | 2019-05-03 | 2020-11-05 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear upper with unitary support frame |
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