Quick-entry footwear with rotatable strap

Abstract

A quick-entry shoe including a forward strap and a rearward strap configured to elastically pivot relative to one another and / or configured to rotate relative to the quick-entry shoe. When the quick-entry shoe is in an open configuration, the forward strap and the rearward strap are generally further apart from one another to facilitate receiving a foot of an individual wearing the quick-entry shoe.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to footwear, and more particularly to quick-entry footwear. BACKGROUND

[0002] Putting on and taking off shoes, including lacing or otherwise securing the shoes, can be inconvenient and / or difficult for certain individuals, whether due to inconvenience or inability. The present disclosure seeks to address this need. SUMMARY

[0003] Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are quick-entry footwear having rotatable straps.

[0004] Quick-entry footwear according to example embodiments of the present disclosure has a forward strap, a rearward strap, and a sole portion. In example embodiments, the forward strap is coupled to the rearward strap at a medial intersection on a medial side of the quick-entry footwear, and the forward strap is coupled to the rearward strap at a lateral intersection on a lateral side of the quick-entry footwear. In example embodiments, the forward strap extends forward between the medial intersection and the lateral intersection, and the rearward strap extends rearward between the medial intersection and the lateral intersection.

[0005] In example embodiments, the forward strap and the rearward strap are configured to elastically pivot relative to one another from the medial intersection and / or the lateral intersection. In example embodiments, the forward strap and the rearward strap are configured to rotate about an axis of rotation relative to the quick-entry footwear.

[0006] In example embodiments, the quick-entry footwear is biased from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the forward strap and the rearward strap being generally further apart from one another to facilitate receiving a foot of an individual putting on the quick-entry footwear when the quick-entry footwear is in the open configuration.

[0007] In example embodiments of the present disclosure, the forward strap and the rearward strap are coupled to one another by an elastic element. In other example embodiments, the forward strap and the rearward strap are a unitary structure composed of an elastic material. In yet other example embodiments, the forward strap and the rearward strap are a unitary structure having a living hinge.

[0008] In example embodiments of the present disclosure, an upper of the quick-entry footwear is coupled to the forward strap and / or the rearward strap.

[0009] In example embodiments of the present disclosure, the medial intersection and the lateral intersection are below an upper surface of the sole portion. In other example embodiments, the medial intersection and the lateral intersection are above the upper surface of the sole portion.

[0010] In example embodiments of the present disclosure, the axis of rotation is below the upper surface of the sole portion. In other example embodiments, the axis of rotation is above the upper surface of the sole portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings provide a further understanding of the example embodiments of the present disclosure and assist in elucidating the principles of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description of the present disclosure. In the drawings, only one quick-entry shoe (left shoe or right shoe) can be shown, however, it should be understood that the illustrated shoe can be mirrored into the other shoe in such cases. Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the several views. The drawings are provided to illustrate and not to limit.

[0012] Figure 1A - 1D shows a quick-entry shoe with different straps according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2A - 2D shows a quick-entry shoe with integrated straps according to an example embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3A - 3C shows a quick-entry shoe with living hinges according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4A - 4D shows a quick-entry shoe including an upper according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5A - 5C shows a quick-entry shoe with strap intersections above the upper surface of the sole portion according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6A - 6B shows the rotation of straps of a quick-entry shoe according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7A - 7C shows the separation of elastic elements of a quick-entry shoe according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8A - 8B shows forward and rear straps configured as bistable according to an example embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9A - 9D shows a quick-entry shoe including an adjustment bracket according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the present disclosure, although variations of those embodiments can be understood and accomplished by those skilled in the art and can be practiced or carried out by others skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the detailed description is to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the present disclosure is to be interpreted in the broadest sense and is not limited to the specific embodiments described.

[0022] For example, unless the context indicates otherwise, the example embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments described herein. Similarly, reference to "one example embodiment," "a number of example embodiments," or the like, indicates that a described embodiment(s) can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such

[0023] Any reference to coupling, connection, attachment, etc., can be temporary or permanent, removable or non-removable, non-integral or integral, partial or total, and can be facilitated by one or more of adhesives, pins, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, clips, eyelets, zippers, and other means known in the art or hereafter developed.

[0024] As used herein, the transitional term "comprising," which is synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. The transitional term "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional term "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps, "and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention."

[0025] No claim limitation is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or prior AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph six, unless the claim limitation expressly uses the term "means" and includes functional language.

[0026] Certain directional terms can be used in describing example embodiments of the quick-entry footwear. As an example, terms such as "right," "left," "medial," "lateral," "anterior," "posterior," "forward," "rearward," "rearward," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "up," "down," and the like can be used to describe example embodiments of the quick-entry footwear. These terms should be given meaning in accordance with the way that quick-entry footwear is most commonly designed for use, with the quick-entry footwear on a user's foot and the user's foot wearing the footwear disposed on or ready to be placed on an underlying surface. Accordingly, these directions can be understood in relation to these in-use quick-entry footwear. Similarly, as the quick-entry footwear is primarily used as footwear, terms such as "inner," "inward," "outer," "outward," "innermost," "outermost," "inboard," "outboard," and the like should be understood in relation to the intended use of the quick-entry footwear, such that inner, inward, innermost, and the like, indicate relatively closer to the user's foot, and outer, outward, outermost, outboard, and the like, indicate relatively further from the user's foot, when the quick-entry footwear is used for its intended purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the foregoing definitions lead to a contradiction with the individual use of any of the foregoing terms herein, the term should be understood and read in accordance with the definition given to the particular instance of the term.

[0027] "Quick-entry footwear" as used herein refers to athletic shoes, casual shoes, dress shoes, formal shoes, high heels, sports / athletic shoes (e.g., tennis shoes, golf shoes, bowling shoes, running shoes, basketball shoes, soccer shoes, ballet shoes, etc.), walking shoes, sandals, boots, or other suitable types of footwear. Additionally, the quick-entry footwear can be sized and configured to be worn by a male, a female, or a child.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1A -1D, the quick-entry footwear 100 according to the present disclosure includes a forward-facing strap 110, a rear-facing strap 120, and a sole portion 130. Example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to both the forward-facing strap 110 and the rear-facing strap 120, however, a single strap, as well as additional straps, are also contemplated.

[0029] As used herein, the term "strap" in quick-entry footwear refers to a strap or portion of an upper made of different materials. In exemplary embodiments, the straps of this disclosure are not limited to commonly used upper materials (e.g., canvas, leather, nylon), but can also be materials that exhibit sufficient rigidity for the purposes of this disclosure, such as styrene-butadiene copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane or other polymeric materials, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), silicone, styrene-ethylene / butene-styrene (SEBS), nylon, acetal homopolymer / polyoxymethylene, aluminum, TPU, TPC-ET, polypropylene, acrylic resins, rubber, ABS, and polycarbonate. Typically, the straps of this disclosure can be constructed from materials exhibiting elastic deformation capabilities.

[0030] As used herein, “bottom” in quick-entry shoe refers to the outsole or a portion thereof, the midsole or a portion thereof, the insole or a portion thereof, the wedge or a portion thereof, or other suitable structures situated between or adjacent to the aforementioned portions of the quick-entry shoe.

[0031] In some embodiments, one or both of the forward and backward straps may extend between the medial and lateral sides of the sole portion, and may be connected to the medial and lateral sides of the sole portion. In other embodiments, one or both of the forward and backward straps may extend from one, but not all, of the medial and lateral sides of the sole portion.

[0032] More broadly, in the example embodiment, the forward strap 110 connects to the rear strap 120 at an inner intersection 112 on the inside of the quick-entry shoe 100, and the forward strap 110 connects to the rear strap 120 at an outer intersection 114 on the outside of the quick-entry shoe 100. In the example embodiment, the forward strap 110 extends forward between the inner intersection 112 and the outer intersection 114, and the rear strap 120 extends rearward between the inner intersection 112 and the outer intersection 114.

[0033] As used in this article, “intersection” refers to the location where multiple different strips merge together, whether by connection, overlap, integral structure, or other means.

[0034] In various embodiments, the quick-entry shoe has an opening configuration in which the opening of the quick-entry shoe expands to accommodate the foot of an individual wearing the quick-entry shoe. In various embodiments, the quick-entry shoe has a closed configuration in which the opening does not expand to retain the foot within the quick-entry shoe. In the open configuration, the forefoot and rearfoot straps are typically spaced further apart from each other, and the shoe 100 has a generally larger opening to accommodate the user's foot than in the closed configuration. In example embodiments, the quick-entry shoe is biased toward the closed configuration. For the avoidance of doubt, example quick-entry shoes in the open configuration are as follows: Figure 1C, 2C and 3B, while an example quick-entry shoe in a closed configuration is shown in Figure 1D , 2D and 3C.

[0035] That is, in example embodiments, the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 are configured to pivot (e.g., elastically) relative to one another from the medial intersection 112 and / or the lateral intersection 114.

[0036] In some embodiments, and with particular reference to Figure 6A and 6B the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 are directly coupled to one another at the strap intersection by a pin element (e.g., a pin or a dowel) that is configured to allow the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 to pivot relative to one another.

[0037] In some embodiments, and with continued reference to Figure 1A -1D, the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 are indirectly coupled to one another at the strap intersection 112 or 114 by an elastic element 150 (or other bridging element) that is configured to allow the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 to pivot relative to one another, and (in some, but not all, embodiments) is also configured to bias the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 toward one another (e.g., from an open configuration to a closed configuration). The elastic element 150 can be coupled to an end of the forward strap 110 or the rearward strap 120. Alternatively, the elastic element 150 can be coupled to an inner surface or an outer surface of the forward strap 110 or the rearward strap 120. A pin element as described above can also be used in conjunction with the elastic element 150.

[0038] In example embodiments, the end of the forward strap 110 can include an angled edge that corresponds to an angled edge of the rearward strap 120, where the angle is selected based on a desired opening for receiving a user's foot. For example, an edge with a smaller angle will result in a smaller opening.

[0039] With reference to Figure 2A -2D, the forward strap and the rearward strap can be a unitary structure (e.g., formed from a single continuous piece, formed from a common mold) of an elastic material (e.g., capable of elastically deforming). Thus, in example embodiments, instead of, or in addition to, including an elastic element, one or both of the straps can itself be elastic so as to be capable of elastically pivoting relative to one another from the strap intersection 112 or 114.

[0040] With reference to Figure 3A- 3C, the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 are unitary structures with a living hinge 155 at the strap intersection 112 or 114. The living hinge can include a cutout that extends completely from one end of the strap intersection 112 or 114, or a material or portion that is weaker or thinner (e.g., a score or perforation) than its adjacent material or portions. In such embodiments, the living hinge 155 can be configured to allow the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 to resiliently pivot relative to one another from the strap intersection 112 or 114.

[0041] Referring to Figure 4A - 4D, either or both of the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 can be coupled to (e.g., internally, externally, between layers of) or comprised of a portion (e.g., an edge) of the upper 170 (e.g., a closed-toe upper or a toe strap).

[0042] In connection with the foregoing embodiments, the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 (or the strap intersection) can terminate at, or otherwise overlie or enclose, the rotational axis 140, as discussed below. For example, in some embodiments, the forward strap 110 and / or the rearward strap 120 are coupled to one another at the rotational axis 140 by a pin element (e.g., a pin or a dowel) and are also coupled to the sole portion 130. That is, in some embodiments, the forward strap 110 and / or the rearward strap 120 are configured to pivot relative to one another about an axis, the forward strap 110 and / or the rearward strap 120 are configured to rotate relative to the quick-entry shoe 100 (e.g., the sole portion 130 of the quick-entry shoe 100) about the same axis.

[0043] However, in connection with any of the foregoing embodiments, and with particular reference to Figure 5A - 5C, the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 need not terminate at, or otherwise overlie or enclose, the rotational axis 140. That is, the strap intersection can include a strap extension that, together with the strap intersection, forms a Y-shape, and the bottom of the Y-shape terminates at, or otherwise overlies or encloses, the rotational axis 140. In such embodiments, the forward strap 110 and / or the rearward strap 120 are configured to pivot relative to one another about an axis that is different from the axis about which the forward strap 110 and / or the rearward strap 120 are configured to rotate relative to the quick-entry shoe 100 (e.g., the sole portion 130 of the quick-entry shoe 100).

[0044] That is, in example embodiments of the disclosure, example strap intersections can be located partially or entirely below the upper surface of the sole portion. However, in other example embodiments, example strap intersections can be located partially or entirely above the upper surface of the sole portion.

[0045] Referring to Figure 5A- 5C, embodiments with the band intersection located partially or entirely above the upper surface of the sole portion can include any of the above-described structures (e.g., elastic elements, elastic material, living hinges) such that the forward band 110 and the rearward band 120 are configured to pivot relative to one another. Similarly, the bands with the band intersection located partially or entirely above the upper surface of the sole portion can be coupled to the upper.

[0046] In example embodiments, as alluded to above, the forward band 110 and the rearward band 120 are also configured to rotate about the axis of rotation 140 (e.g., at the pin element) relative to the quick-entry shoe 100 (e.g., the sole portion 130 of the quick-entry shoe 100). That is, in example embodiments of the present disclosure, the axis of rotation 140 is located partially or entirely below the upper surface of the sole portion 130 (e.g., through the rear of the sole portion 130). In other example embodiments, the axis of rotation 140 is located partially or entirely above the upper surface of the sole portion 130 (e.g., through the rear of the sole portion 130).

[0047] While certain figures are presented, and continued reference is made to Figure 5A - 5C, any of the band intersections and any of the ends of the bands or band extensions can be coupled into recesses 132 that are located (e.g., for invisibility) within the upper surface of the sole portion 130 and configured to allow relative movement of the bands.

[0048] Referring to Figure 6A and 6B either or both of the forward band 110 and the rearward band 120 of the quick-entry shoe 100 can be rotated rearward beyond the ends of the sole portion 130 to wrap around the sole portion 130 (e.g., for storage when not in use). Thus, the radius of curvature defined by the forward band 110 and / or the rearward band 120 can be greater than the distance from the ends of the sole portion 130 to the axis of rotation 140.

[0049] The elastic element 150 can be separable from either or both of the forward band 110 and the rearward band 120. Alternatively, or additionally, and with particular reference to Figure 7A - 7C, the elastic element 150 of the quick-entry shoe 100 can be separable between its ends, e.g., at the coupling 152, which can include magnets, clasps, ratchets, hook and loop fasteners, etc. In such embodiments, the rearward band 120 can be rotated rearward as described above, and / or the forward band 110 can be rotated forward.

[0050] Referring now to Figure 8A and 8BThe forward strap 110 and the rear strap 120 of the quick-entry shoe 100 can be bistable. That is, one of the forward strap 110 and the rear strap 120 can be configured to be flatly folded under the axis of rotation 140 so that the elastic member 150 becomes over-center and holds the forward strap 110 and / or the rear strap 120 down to the sole portion 130.

[0051] Reference Figure 9A -9D, the quick-entry shoe 100 may also include an adjustment bracket 160 on one (outer or inner) or both sides of the intersection of the rotation axis or the straps to engage with the sole portion 130 and one or both of the forward strap 110 and the rear strap 120. In an example embodiment, the adjustment bracket 160 is fan-shaped or triangular and has a plurality of studs along its arc and / or sides. In an example embodiment, selective engagement between the adjustment bracket 160 (e.g., studs extending therefrom) and one or both of the forward strap 110 and the rear strap 120 (e.g., holes extending through them) can provide adjustability of the strap length and / or angle. While an adjustment bracket 160 including studs and holes is shown, other adjustment brackets are also contemplated, such as one or more of magnets, buckles, ratchet teeth, hooks, and loop fasteners.

[0052] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the embodiments described herein are intended to cover any modifications and variations of this disclosure that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0053] Numerous features and advantages, including various alternatives, and details of the structure and function of the apparatus and / or method have been set forth in the preceding description. This disclosure is intended to be illustrative only and not exhaustive. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made, particularly in terms of structure, materials, elements, components, shapes, dimensions, and component arrangements, including combinations within the principles of the invention, extending to the full scope indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms expressed in the appended claims. These various modifications are also intended to be included herein to the extent that they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A quick-entry shoe, the quick-entry shoe having a front strap, a rear strap, and a sole portion; in, The forward strap is continuous with the rear strap at the intersection of the inner sides of the inside of the quick-entry shoe; Wherein, the forward strap is continuous with the rear strap at the outermost intersection of the outer side of the quick-entry shoe; The forward band extends forward between the inner intersection and the outer intersection; The rearward band extends rearward between the inner intersection and the outer intersection; Wherein, the forward band and the backward band are configured to pivot elastically relative to each other from the inner intersection or the outer intersection; and The forward belt and the backward belt are integral structures formed by a single continuous piece and made of elastic material. The forward and rear straps are configured to rotate about a rotation axis relative to the quick-entry shoe.

2. The quick-entry shoe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper of the quick-entry shoe is connected to the front strap or the rear strap.

3. The quick-entry shoe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner intersection and the outer intersection are located below the upper surface of the sole portion.

4. The quick-entry shoe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner intersection and the outer intersection are located on the upper surface of the sole portion.

5. The quick-entry shoe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The axis of rotation is located below the upper surface of the sole portion.

6. The quick-entry shoe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The axis of rotation is located above the upper surface of the sole portion.

7. A quick-entry shoe, the quick-entry shoe having a front strap, a rear strap, and a sole portion; in, The forward strap is continuous with the rear strap at the intersection of the inner sides of the inside of the quick-entry shoe; Wherein, the forward strap is continuous with the rear strap at the outermost intersection of the outer side of the quick-entry shoe; The forward band extends forward between the inner intersection and the outer intersection; Wherein, the rearward band extends rearward between the inner intersection and the outer intersection; and The forward belt and the backward belt are integral structures formed by a single continuous piece and made of elastic material. The quick-entry shoe is biased from an open configuration to a closed configuration. When the quick-entry shoe is in the open configuration, the forward strap and the rear strap are typically spaced further apart to accommodate the foot of the individual wearing the quick-entry shoe.

8. The quick-entry shoe as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The upper of the quick-entry shoe is connected to the front strap or the rear strap.

9. The quick-entry shoe as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The inner intersection and the outer intersection are located below the upper surface of the sole portion.

10. The quick-entry shoe as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The inner intersection and the outer intersection are located on the upper surface of the sole portion.

11. The quick-entry shoe as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The forward band and the backward band are configured to pivot elastically relative to each other from the inner intersection or the outer intersection.

12. The quick-entry shoe as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The forward and rear straps are configured to rotate about an axis of rotation relative to the quick-entry shoe.

13. The quick-entry shoe as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The axis of rotation is located below the upper surface of the sole portion.

14. The quick-entry shoe as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The axis of rotation is located above the upper surface of the sole portion.

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