Footwear with a vertically extending heel counter

Abstract

An article of footwear (10) has an upper (14) and a heel system (16). The heel system may include a heel cage (36, 46) secured to a heel portion (19) of the upper and may include a heel counter (38). The heel counter may extend along a rear portion (44) of the heel portion to an upper extent (40) above an upper bar (46A) of the heel cage.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on November 20, 2019, with application number 201980086828.4 and invention title "Footwear with a Vertically Extending Heel Stabilizer".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 785,780, filed December 28, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention generally relates to a footwear article comprising a heel system having a heel cage and a heel stabilizer. Background Technology

[0005] Footwear typically includes a sole structure that is designed to sit beneath the wearer's foot to separate it from the ground. Sole structures in athletic footwear are generally designed to provide cushioning, motion control, and / or elasticity. Traditionally, placing footwear on the foot often requires one or both hands to stretch the ankle opening of the shoe upper and hold the rear portion in place during foot insertion, especially with relatively soft uppers and / or uppers lacking heel stabilizers. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary, not to limit the scope of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0007] Figure 1 This is a side view of a footwear article having an upper and a heel system, the heel system including a heel cage and a heel stabilizer, and the foot is in a partial sectional view.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A middle side view of a footwear item, with the foot in a partial sectional view.

[0009] Figure 3 It is along Figure 4 The line 3-3 in the middle is cut off Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a footwear item, showing a heel stabilizer included in a heel system.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Rear view of footwear.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Front view of footwear, upper not shown.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A floor plan of the heel cage for footwear.

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A side view of a footwear item, with the left foot (in dashed line) holding the rear protrusion of the heel cage, while the right foot (in dashed line) exits the footwear item.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a side view of a footwear item with a heel system that includes a heel stabilizer and a thickened upper above the heel stabilizer.

[0015] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The line 9-9 in the middle is cut off Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of footwear. Detailed Implementation

[0016] This invention generally relates to a footwear article including a heel system configured to facilitate easy and efficient foot entry into the upper without collapsing the rear portion of the upper. More specifically, in one example, the footwear article may include an upper having a heel portion and a heel system. The heel system may include a heel cage fixed to the upper and includes a heel stabilizer. The heel stabilizer may extend along the rear portion of the heel portion to an upper portion above the heel cage.

[0017] In some constructions, the heel stabilizer may have a base and an upper rod. The base may extend from the inside to the outside of the upper around the rear of the heel portion, and the upper rod may extend above the base around the rear of the heel portion. The upper rod may connect to the anteromedial portion and the anterolateral portion of the base, and may be spaced apart from the base at the rear of the heel portion.

[0018] The heel stabilizer can be relatively stiffer than the upper. By extending to an upper portion above the top bar, the heel stabilizer prevents the upper from collapsing during foot entry, thereby preventing heel cage collapse. Furthermore, the upper can extend over and cover the upper portion of the heel stabilizer. The outer surface of the upper, located on the upper portion of the heel stabilizer, can have a coefficient of friction less than or equal to a predetermined coefficient of friction, selected to allow the foot to easily slide into the foot receiving cavity of the upper. For example, the upper can comprise leather on the outer surface of the upper portion of the heel stabilizer.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the upper can be operatively secured to a central section of the upper bar. The central section of the upper bar may define a slot, and the upper bar may include a tab extending through the slot. The tab may be secured to the outer surface of the upper at the rear of the heel portion. By securing the upper to the central section of the upper bar via the slot and the tab, the compression resistance provided by a relatively stiff heel stabilizer during foot entry also prevents the upper bar from collapsing towards its base.

[0020] In one aspect, a heel stabilizer may include a first layer and a second layer. The second layer may be relatively stiffer than the first layer and may be higher than the first layer, thus establishing the upper extent of the heel stabilizer. The second layer may be thicker than the first layer, or may be both higher and thicker than the first layer. For example, the second layer may be at least twice as thick as the first layer. By concentrating the relatively stiff second layer at the rear of the heel portion, reinforcement can be achieved at the rear of the heel portion to prevent the footwear from collapsing in the heel area, wherein the less stiff first layer extends further around the rear of the heel portion from the inside to the outside than the second layer. Since the second layer is therefore narrower than the first layer in the lateral direction of the footwear, an overall reduction in weight and material can be achieved.

[0021] On the other hand, the heel stabilizer can be located inside the outer layer of the upper. For example, the heel stabilizer can be located between the outer layer and the inner layer of the upper. The heel cage can be located outside the outer surface of the outer layer of the upper. In this embodiment, the heel cage can be exposed on the outside of the footwear, while the heel stabilizer is hidden between the outer and inner layers of the upper.

[0022] Various materials can be used to achieve the purpose of footwear articles having the functions of the heel system described above. In non-limiting examples, the heel stabilizer may include thermoplastic compressed powder, the heel cage may include a thermoplastic poly(ether) block copolymer elastomer, and / or the outer surface of the upper disposed on the upper portion may include natural or synthetic leather, and in one embodiment may be natural full-grain leather.

[0023] In one example, the footwear article may include an upper having a heel portion and defining a foot receiving cavity and an ankle opening communicating with the foot receiving cavity. The footwear article may also include a heel system comprising a heel cage and a heel stabilizer. The heel cage may have a base and an upper bar. The base may extend from the inside to the outside of the upper around the rear portion of the heel portion. The upper bar may extend above the base around the rear portion of the heel portion and may connect to the front inner portion and the front outer portion of the base. The upper bar may be spaced apart from the base at the rear of the heel portion, and the heel cage may surround the rear portion of the foot receiving cavity below the ankle opening. The heel stabilizer may extend along the rear portion of the heel portion to an upper portion above the upper bar. The upper may extend over the upper portion of the heel stabilizer and may have an outer surface exposed on the upper portion of the heel stabilizer and extending inwardly from the ankle opening into the foot receiving cavity. The heel stabilizer may have at least a predetermined stiffness, and the outer surface of the upper may be exposed on the upper portion of the heel stabilizer. The outer surface of the upper may have a coefficient of friction less than or equal to a predetermined coefficient of friction. The predetermined stiffness of the heel stabilizer and the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the upper exposed on the upper portion of the heel stabilizer allow the foot to slide into the foot receiving cavity without deforming the heel cage when a predetermined force is applied to the outer surface of the upper exposed on the upper portion of the heel stabilizer.

[0024] In one example, a footwear article may include an upper having a heel portion and defining a foot receiving cavity and an ankle opening communicating with the foot receiving cavity. The footwear article may include a heel system comprising a heel stabilizer extending along the heel portion to an upper portion. The upper may be relatively thicker over the upper portion of the heel stabilizer. For example, the upper may be thicker than the upper portion of the heel stabilizer. The upper may have an outer surface exposed over the upper portion of the heel stabilizer, and this outer surface extends inwardly from the ankle opening into the foot receiving cavity. The heel stabilizer may have at least a predetermined rigidity, and the outer surface of the upper exposed over the upper portion of the heel stabilizer may have a coefficient of friction less than or equal to a predetermined coefficient of friction. The relatively thicker portion of the upper above the upper portion of the heel stabilizer, compared to a thinner upper at that location, can distribute forces exerted by the sole of the foot over a larger surface area, which can make the contact between the upper and the foot more comfortable. The relatively lower coefficient of friction helps to counteract the drag effect of the larger surface area in contact with the foot, making it easier for the foot to glide.

[0025] The above-described features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this teaching will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the model used to implement this teaching.

[0026] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same parts in all views, Figure 1A footwear article 10 is shown, having a sole structure 12 and an upper 14, and among other features and advantages, includes a heel system 16 to prevent the footwear 10 from collapsing in the heel area 18. The footwear 10 herein is depicted as a casual or athletic shoe, but this teaching also includes footwear articles as dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, or any other type of footwear.

[0027] Footwear article 10 has a heel region 18, a midfoot region 20, and a forefoot region 22. When a human foot 24 having dimensions corresponding to that of footwear article 10 is positioned within a foot receiving cavity 26 defined by upper 14 and supported on a sole structure 12, the heel region 18 typically includes a portion of footwear article 10 corresponding to the posterior portion of the human foot 24, including the calcaneus (shown in dashed lines). For example, the heel portion 19 of upper 14 is located in the heel region 18. The forefoot region 22 of footwear article 10 typically includes a portion of footwear article 10 corresponding to the joints (interchangeably referred to herein as "metatarsoproterophalangeal joints" or "MPJ" joints) connecting the toes and metatarsals and phalanges of the human foot 24. The midfoot region 20 of footwear article 10 is positioned between the heel region 18 and the forefoot region 22 and typically includes a portion of footwear article 10 corresponding to the arch region of the human foot 24, including the navicular joint. Figure 1 The outer side 28 of shoe 10 is shown. Figure 2 The inner side 30 of shoe 10 is shown. Both the outer side 28 and the inner side 30 extend from the heel area 18 to the forefoot area 22 and are generally opposite sides of shoe 10 (e.g., opposite sides of the longitudinal midline of shoe 10).

[0028] The sole structure 12 includes one or more sole components, which may be a sole layer 34, such as an outsole, midsole, or an integral combination of outsole and midsole (which may be referred to as a one-piece sole). The sole structure 12 is located beneath the upper 14. The lower portion 33 of the upper 14 may be attached to the sole structure 12, for example, by adhesives or other means. The sole structure 12 may include, for example, a sole layer 34, a midsole of elastic foam, such as polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate foam, to reduce ground reaction forces (e.g., provide cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other walking activities. In further constructions, the sole structure 12 may incorporate fluid-filled chambers, plates, regulators, or other elements in the midsole that further reduce forces, enhance stability, or influence foot movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole layer 34 may be at least partially polyurethane foam, polyurethane ethylene vinyl acetate foam, and may include thermally expanded and molded ethylene vinyl acetate foam particles. The sole 34 typically comprises polyvinyl chloride (ethylene vinyl acetate or "EVA") and / or polyurethane ("PU") based resins. If EVA is used, its vinyl acetate (VA) content may be between about 9% and about 40%. Suitable EVA resins include those supplied by EIdu Pont de Nemours and Company. Engage provided by Dow Chemical Company TM In some embodiments, EVA can be formed from a combination of high melt index and low melt index materials. For example, the melt index of EVA can be from about 1 to about 50. EVA resin can be blended to include various components, including a foaming agent and a curing / crosslinking agent. The weight percentage of the foaming agent can range from about 10% to about 20%. The foaming agent can be thermally decomposable and selected from common organic and inorganic chemical foaming agents. There are no particular limitations on the properties of the foaming agent, as long as it decomposes under the temperature conditions used to incorporate the foam into the original resin. Suitable foaming agents include, for example, azodicarbonamide. In some embodiments, a peroxide-based curing agent, such as dicumyl peroxide, can be used. The amount of curing agent can range from about 0.6% to about 1.5%. EVA may also include homogenizing agents, processing aids, and waxes. For example, a mixture of light aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as those available from Schill + Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH, can be included. 60NS is used to allow other materials or fragmented EVA to be more easily incorporated into the resin. EVA may also include other components such as release agents (e.g., stearic acid), activators (e.g., zinc oxide), fillers (e.g., magnesium carbonate), pigments, and clay. In embodiments incorporating multiple materials, each material may be formed from a material compatible with and readily incorporated into another. For example, each material may be formed from an EVA resin having suitable foaming agents, crosslinking agents, and other auxiliary components, pigments, fillers, etc. Other suitable materials will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the benefits of this disclosure.

[0029] The sole 34 may include one or more bladder elements, which may be blow-molded or formed from polymer sheets. The polymer sheets may include a variety of materials, including various polymers capable of elastically retaining fluids such as air or another gas. Examples of polymer materials used for polymer sheets include thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane, and polyether polyurethane. Furthermore, each polymer sheet may be formed from layers of different materials. In one embodiment, each polymer sheet is formed from a film having one or more thermoplastic polyurethane layers having a barrier layer of one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH) impermeable to pressurized fluids contained therein, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,082,025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Each polymer sheet may also be formed from materials comprising alternating layers of thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,713,141 and 5,952,065 to Mitchel et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, these layers may comprise ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, and re-polished materials of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers and thermoplastic polyurethanes. As disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,082,025 and 6,127,026 to Bonk et al., the polymer sheets may also be flexible microlayer films comprising alternating layers of gas-barrier materials and elastic materials, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable materials for polymer sheets are disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,183,156 and 4,219,945 to Rudy, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other suitable materials for polymer sheets include thermoplastic films comprising crystalline materials, as disclosed in U.S. Patents US4,936,029 and US5,042,176 to Rudy; and polyurethanes comprising polyester polyols, as disclosed in U.S. Patents US6,013,340, US6,203,868, and US6,321,465 to Bonk et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. When selecting materials for polymer sheets, engineering properties such as tensile strength, tensile characteristics, fatigue characteristics, dynamic modulus, and loss tangent can be considered. The thickness of the polymer sheet can be selected to provide these properties.

[0030] The sole structure 12 may include an outsole or outsole portion, which may be formed of a material typically comprising natural or synthetic rubber or other suitable durable materials. One or more materials may be selected for the outsole to provide an ideal combination of durability and flexibility. Synthetic rubbers that may be used include ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) copolymer rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber.

[0031] The upper 14 defines at least a portion of an ankle opening 35 communicating with the foot receiving cavity 26. The foot 24 enters the foot receiving cavity 26 through the ankle opening 35. The upper 14 may comprise one or more layers of one or more materials and serve as a cover for receiving and at least partially covering the foot 24 and holding it in place on the sole structure 12. For example, the upper 14 may comprise various materials such as textiles, composite materials, knitted, woven, or textile layers. In one example, the upper 14 may comprise a stretchable fabric, such as four-way stretch nylon fabric, to provide a lightweight, breathable feel.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the heel system 16 includes a heel cage 36 and a heel stabilizer 38. The heel stabilizer 38 extends from the heel portion 19 of the upper 14 (e.g., in the heel region 18) to an upper portion 40 above the heel cage 36, and can therefore be referred to as a vertically extending heel stabilizer. The heel stabilizer 38 is relatively stiffer in the heel region 18 than the heel portion 19 of the upper 14. The heel stabilizer 38 has sufficient rigidity to prevent the shoe 10 from collapsing in the heel region 18, as described herein, when a predetermined force is applied in a vertically downward direction to the upper 14 and the upper portion 40 of the heel stabilizer 38 as the foot enters the foot receiving cavity 26 at the ankle opening 35.

[0033] The heel cage 36 has a base 42 extending from the outer side 28 to the inner side 30 around the rear portion 44 of the upper 14, as shown in the image. Figure 1 and 2 As shown. The heel cage 36 also includes an upper rod 46 that extends over the base 42 around the rear portion 44 of the heel portion 19. The heel cage 336 may be a single, integral, one-piece component comprising the base 42 and the upper rod 46, or it may comprise separate components connected to each other. For example, the heel cage 336 may be injection molded or otherwise formed such that the base 42 and the upper rod 46 are part of a single, integral heel cage 336.

[0034] The upper lever 46 includes the central section 46A, such as... Figure 1 The outer arm 46B, which extends downward and forward from the central section 46A along the outer side 28 of the upper 14, and as shown... Figure 2 The inner arm 46C is shown as being spaced apart from the outer arm 46B and extending downward and forward along the inner side 30 of the upper 14 from the central segment 46A.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, such as the one illustrated, the base 42 is continuous and connected to the outer arm 46B and the inner arm 46C. The base 42 is continuous and connected to the front portions of the outer arm 46B and the inner arm 46C, and extends rearward below the upper rod 46 around the rear portion 44 of the upper 14. The base 42 is continuous because it does not break or connect with other components as it extends from the outer arm 46B to the inner arm 46C. More specifically, the base 42 has an outer base arm 42B connected to the outer arm 46B of the upper rod 46, an inner base arm 42C connected to the inner arm 46C of the upper rod 46, and a central segment 42A connecting the outer base arm 42B to the inner base arm 42C. In the illustrated example, the upper rod 46 has an arcuate shape, and the continuous base 42 has an arcuate shape. The upper rod 46 and the base 42 are not limited to the arcuate shape shown and may have other shapes within the scope of this disclosure.

[0036] Except for the portions where the outer arm 46B of the upper rod 46 connects to the outer base arm 42B and the inner arm 46C of the upper rod 46 connects to the inner base arm 42C, the upper rod 46 is spaced apart from the base 42. The upper 14 is exposed on the outside of the footwear 10 between the upper rod 46 and the base 42. For example, the outer layer 14B of the upper 14 is exposed. In other embodiments, the heel cage 36 does not need to include the base 42, and the ends of the outer arm 46B and the inner arm 46C opposite the central segment 46A can be anchored to the sole structure 12 and / or the upper 14.

[0037] The base 42 can be secured to the sole 34, for example, by adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, or other means. Alternatively or additionally, the base 42 can be secured to the lower portion 33 of the upper 14. The upper bar 46 is also secured to the upper 14 because the central section 46A is operatively connected to the upper 14 behind the ankle opening 35, as shown and described herein.

[0038] In one example, the heel cage 36 may include a thermoplastic poly(ether) block copolymer elastomer, such as a polyether block amide, which may be available from Arkema Corporation of King Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA. Another example material that can be used for heel cage 36 is glass fiber reinforced polyamide. An example of glass fiber reinforced polyamide is RISLAN BZM 7 0TL, available from Arkema, King Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA. This glass fiber reinforced polyamide has a density of 1.07 g / cm³ under ISO 1183 testing method, an instantaneous hardness of 75 on the Shore D scale under ISO 868 testing method, a tensile modulus of 1800 MPa under ISO 527 testing method (sample treated at 23°C and 50% relative humidity for 15 days), and a flexural modulus of 1500 MPa under ISO 178 testing method (sample treated at 23°C and 50% relative humidity for 15 days).

[0039] The heel stabilizer 38 may include multiple layers, such as a first layer 38A and a second layer 38B. The second layer 38B may be relatively stiffer than the first layer 38A and may be higher than the first layer 38A, such that the second layer 38B establishes the upper portion 40 of the heel stabilizer 38. The second layer 38B may also be thicker than the first layer 38A, or may be both higher and thicker than the first layer 38A. For example, the second layer 38B may be at least twice as thick as the first layer 38A. In one example, the first layer 38A may be a thermoplastic material, such as a thermoplastic compressed powder material. For example, the first layer 38A may be a thermoplastic compressed powder material, such as that available from Rhenoflex AG in Ludwigshafen, Germany. P357. The first layer 38A may have a thickness T1 of 0.8 mm or within 10% of 0.8 mm, where T1 is the dimension from the inner surface to the outer surface of the first layer 38A in the direction outward from the foot receiving cavity 26 (e.g., along the longitudinal centerline of the footwear article 10). The second layer 38B may be made of the same material as the first layer 38A, such as a thermoplastic compressed powder material available as RHENOPRINT P357, and may have increased rigidity due to its greater thickness T2. For example, the second layer 38B may have a thickness T2 of 1.8 mm or within 10% of 1.8 mm. P357

[0040] Because increased rigidity is needed primarily in the rear 44 of the heel portion 19 of the upper 14 to prevent collapse, overall weight and material reduction can be achieved in the heel area 18 of the footwear article 10 by concentrating a relatively stiff second layer 38B in the rear 44 of the heel portion 19. Compared to the second layer 38B, the less stiff first layer 38A extends further from the inner side 30 to the outer side 28 around the rear 44 of the upper 14 in the heel area 18, as shown in the reference. Figure 4 and 5 Best shown and described.

[0041] Reference Figure 3 The heel stabilizer 38 can be disposed inside the outer layer 14B of the upper 14. The outer layer 14B is also referred to herein as the outer layer 14B of the upper 14. For example, the heel stabilizer 38 can be disposed between the outer layer 14B and the inner layer 14A of the upper 14. The heel cage 36 can be disposed outside the outer surface 48 of the outer layer 14B of the upper 14. In this embodiment, the heel cage 36 is exposed on the outside of the footwear article 10, while the heel stabilizer 38 is concealed between the outer layer 14B and the inner layer 14A of the upper 14.

[0042] Because the relatively rigid heel stabilizer 38's second layer 38B extends to the upper portion 40 above the upper bar 46 of the heel cage 36, the heel stabilizer 38 can suppress the collapse of the upper 14 during foot entry, and thus suppress the collapse of the heel cage 36. Figure 3 As shown, the upper 14 extends over and covers the upper portion 40 of the heel stabilizer 38. More specifically, the upper 14 includes a top layer 14C that wraps around the upper portion 40 of the heel counter 38 from the inner layer 14A to the outer layer 14B. In other words, the top layer 14C is attached to the inner layer 14A (e.g., by stitching or adhesive) and the outer layer 14B. The outer surface 50 of the top layer 14C of the upper 14 is disposed on the upper portion 40 of the heel stabilizer 38. Thus, the outer surface 50 is the surface that contacts the foot 24 (or the sock worn on the foot 24) during the entry of the foot into the foot receiving cavity 26. The top layer 14C may be composed of a selected material such that the outer surface 50 has a coefficient of friction less than or equal to a predetermined coefficient of friction, which allows the foot 24 to easily slide into the foot receiving cavity 26. For example, the top layer 14C may include leather disposed on the outer surface 50 of the upper portion 40 of the heel stabilizer 38. In one example, natural leather, such as natural full-grain leather or synthetic leather, may be used. In another example, a coating can be applied to the top layer 14C, and the coating can create an outer surface 50 with a coefficient of friction less than or equal to a predetermined coefficient of friction. The rigidity of the vertically extending heel stabilizer 38, combined with the low coefficient of friction of the outer surface 50, allows the top layer 14C and the heel stabilizer 38 to work together to function similarly to an integral shoehorn in footwear article 10.

[0043] Figure 3The central segment 46A of the upper 46 defines a slot 52 extending through the central segment 46A. The upper 14 includes a tab 54 extending through the slot 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 54 is an integral part of the top layer 14C. In other embodiments, the tab 54 may be part of another layer of the upper 14, or it may be a separate component attached to the top layer 14C. As shown, the tab 54 is attached to the outer layer 14B at the rear 44 of the heel portion 19 of the upper 14 in the heel region 18 of the footwear 10, for example, by stitching 57. Although in Figure 4 The image shows the piece being stitched with box stitches, but other types of stitches can also be used, or other methods can be employed to secure the tab 54 to the upper 14, such as by using rivets passing through the tab 54 and the outer layer 14B, by adhesive, or by other means. Alternatively, depending on the materials of the tab 54 and the outer layer 14B, the tab 54 can be secured to the outer layer 14B by thermal bonding or other means. Because the top layer 14C is also secured to the inner layer 14A, the portion of the central segment 46A within the slot 52 is confined within the space 58 between the tab 54 and the outer layer 14B. The upper 14 is thus operatively secured to the central segment 46A of the upper bar 46. By securing the upper 14 to the central segment 46A of the upper bar 46 via the tab 54, the compression resistance provided by the relatively stiff heel stabilizer 38 during foot entry also inhibits movement of the upper bar 46 toward the base 42. Although the space 58 shown in the figure is relatively large for clarity, the tab 54 can be pulled by the slot 52, and the stitch 57 can be very close to the underside of the central section 46A to minimize the ability of the central section 46A to move relative to the upper 14. Figure 4 A suture 57 is shown, positioned directly below and along the lower side of the central segment 46A in this manner. (See figure) Figure 4 As best shown, the slot 52 is curved to follow the curved lower edge 60 of the central segment 46A, allowing the stitching 57 to most closely follow the central segment 46A to minimize space 58 and inhibit movement of the central segment 46A relative to the upper 14 or base 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 54 is secured to the upper 14 by a box-shaped stitching 57, immediately below the slot 52.

[0044] Figure 4 The relative shapes and positions of the first layer 38A and the second layer 38B of the heel cage 36 and heel stabilizer 38 are shown. The outer surface 50 of the top layer 14C is the highest point of the footwear 10, presenting the outer surface 50 as the entry point for the foot 24 (where the foot 24 is not in). Figure 4The initial contact surface (shown in the figure). When the footwear 10 is placed on a horizontal ground plane G, the upper portion 40 of the heel stabilizer 38, more specifically, the upper portion 40 of the relatively stiff second layer 38B of the heel stabilizer 38, extends above the upper portion 62 of the heel cage 36. Therefore, the foot 24 entering from above can exert a downward force F on the second layer 38B of the heel stabilizer 38 through the top layer 14C, rather than directly on the heel cage 36. Even though the foot 24 is positioned to initially contact the heel cage 36, since the stitching 57 passes through the tab 54 and is placed directly below the lower edge 60 of the central section 46A, the downward force will be transmitted through the top layer 14C forming the tab 54 to the upper portion 40 of the second layer 38B, and the relatively stiff heel stabilizer 38 will inhibit the movement of the upper bar 46 and the upper 14 toward the base 42. The predetermined rigidity of the heel stabilizer 38 and the coefficient of friction of the outer surface 50 of the top layer 14C of the upper 14 exposed on the upper range 40 of the heel stabilizer 38 allow the foot 24 to slide into the foot receiving cavity 26 without deforming the heel cage 36 when the foot applies a predetermined force F on the outer surface 50 of the upper 14 exposed on the upper range 40 of the heel stabilizer 38.

[0045] Figure 1 , 2 Figures 4 and 5 further indicate that the first layer 38A extends further forward from the rear 44 of the shoe 10 along the outer side 28 and the inner side 30. More specifically, the outer edge 66 and the inner edge 68 generally establish the width W1 of the first layer 38A in the lateral direction of the footwear 10 (e.g., from the outer side 28 to the inner side 30) along the center lines of the outer arm 46B and the inner arm 46C of the upper bar 46 of the heel cage 36, respectively. Conversely, the width W2 of the second layer 38B in the lateral direction of the footwear 10 is much smaller than the width W1 of the first layer 38A, such that the outer edge 70 and the inner edge 72 of the second layer 38B are positioned entirely along the rear 44 of the footwear 10, further back and laterally inward than the edges 66, 68 of the first layer 38A.

[0046] Refer again Figure 3 The central segment 42A of the base 42 has a rear protrusion 73 that extends generally rearward to a ridge 75 forming a tip. The base 42 also includes an upwardly extending portion 77 located at the central segment 42A. The central segment 42A has a sloped shape, having a concave upper slope 79 that slopes forward and upward from the ridge 75 to the upwardly extending portion 77, and a lower slope 81 that slopes downward and forward from the ridge 75 to the bottom 83 of the base 42, at which the base 42 is mounted and secured to the sole structure 12. For example, the base 22 has an inwardly extending flange 85, also... Figure 6As shown, flange 85 extends continuously from inner base arm 42C around central segment 42A to outer base arm 42B, giving flange 85 an overall U-shape. In such an embodiment, sole 34 may have a recess into which flange 85 is embedded. Heel cage 36 is secured to sole 34 by heat bonding, adhesive, or other means to upper surface 88 of sole 34. Base 42 is located below upper bar 46 and is secured to upper 14, wherein inner base arm 42C is secured to inner side 30 of outer layer 14B (see...). Figure 2 The outer base arm 42B is fixed to the outer side 28 of the outer layer 14B (see...). Figure 1 The central section 42A is fixed to the rear section 44 of the outer layer 14B (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0047] Figure 6 The outer arm 46B and inner arm 46C of the upper bar 46 of the heel cage 36 are shown, including the ledge 90 (also shown). Figure 1 and 2 (As shown in the diagram). The ledge 90 projects forward above the descending portion of the corresponding one of the outer arm 46B and inner arm 46C, and may be referred to as a raised ledge. The raised ledge 90 extends downward from the upper surface 95 of the central section 46A of the upper rod 46 along the outer arm 46B and inner arm 46C to the middle. Because the second layer 38B does not extend laterally (e.g., laterally) to the ledge 90, and the first layer 38A terminates at the centerline of the upper rod 46, if the upper 14 is a flexible material, the portion of the upper 14 positioned above the ledge 90 can deform below the foot 24 during foot insertion, and the raised ledge 90 can provide a support structure for the foot 24 when the foot 24 is inserted into the foot receiving cavity 26. Due to the relatively high second layer 38B of the heel stabilizer 38 and the covering top layer 14C of the upper 14, the foot 24 should not contact the rear of the ledge 90 or the central section 46A of the upper rod 46. However, if the foot 24 contacts a portion of the raised ledge 90 above the outer arm 46B and inner arm 46C, the upper bar 46, including the ledge 90, may include a material with specific properties, such as a relatively low coefficient of friction, to facilitate the sliding of the foot 24 downward and forward into the foot receiving cavity 26. For example, at least one coating on the heel cage 36 may include a polyether block amide as described herein, such that when sliding against the low-friction top layer 14C and the low-friction ledge 90, the bare skin of the foot 24 or any of the various sock materials worn on the foot 24 can more easily slide downward and forward into the foot receiving cavity 26.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a side view of footwear item 10, where the left foot 24A, indicated by a dashed line, rests on the rear protrusion 73 of the heel cage 36, and the right foot 24, indicated by a dashed line, exits from the footwear item. Figure 7As shown, as the foot 24 is removed from the foot receiving cavity 26 of the upper 14 through the ankle opening 35, the wearer can place their opposite foot 24A (e.g., the left foot as shown) on the concave upper ramp 79 to hold the footwear 10 in place. The ridge 75 is configured to protrude sufficiently so that the edge of the opposite foot 24A or the toes of the opposite foot 24A rests on the concave upper ramp 79. The outer surface 92 of the concave upper ramp 79 can provide more surface area in contact with the foot 24A than the outer surface of a planar ramp, because the portion of the surface holding the foot 24A is also generally rounded and can better conform to the ramp outer surface 92 of the concave upper ramp 79.

[0049] Similarly, Figure 7 As shown, the sole 34 has a rear surface 94 that slopes downwards and forwards from the lower slope 81 at the same or substantially the same angle as the lower slope 81. The continuous slope of the lower slope 81 and the rear surface 94 causes the final portion of the ground contact surface 96 of the sole 34 (shown as resting on a horizontal ground plane G) to move slightly forward towards the center segment 42A and the rear protrusion 73. This can cause the force applied by the retaining foot 24A on the concave upper slope 79 to provide a torque (e.g., from...) around the rear edge 98 of the sole 34 in contact with the ground plane G. Figure 7 (The counterclockwise torque seen in the view) counteracts the force that may be applied to the footwear 10 as the foot 24 is pulled out and the foot 24 presses against the upper 14 in front of the ankle opening 35.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a side view of a footwear article 110 having an upper 114 and a sole structure 112. The sole structure 112 can be constructed similarly to the sole structure 12 and is composed of any material described with respect to the sole structure 12. The footwear article 110 has a heel system 116, which includes a heel stabilizer 38 having a first layer 38A and a second layer 38B, as described with respect to the footwear article 10. The heel system 116 does not include a heel cage 36. The upper 114 of the footwear article 110 has many of the same features as the upper 14, and some of these are marked with similar reference numerals. The tabs 54 of the top layer 14C are simply folded over the heel counter 38 and secured to the rear 44 of the heel portion 19, but do not extend through the heel cage since the heel system 116 does not have one. The upper 114 is relatively thick over the upper portion 40 of the heel stabilizer 38. For example, the upper 114 is thicker than the first layer 38A of the heel stabilizer 38 at its upper extent 40, and also thicker than the second layer 38B, and can be thicker than the first layer 38A and the second layer 38B combined. The upper 114 is also thicker than the upper 14 of the footwear article 10 at its upper extent 40. The upper 114 can be thickened by providing a compressible member 115 (e.g., foam padding) between the top layer 14C and the heel stabilizer 38. Figure 9 As shown. The upper 114 has an outer surface 150 that exposes the upper portion 40 of the heel stabilizer 38 and extends inward into the foot receiving cavity 26. Due to the compressible member 115, the surface area of ​​the outer surface 150 exposed above the heel stabilizer 38 and potentially in contact with the foot 24 upon foot entry is greater than [missing information]. Figure 3 The outer surface 50 of the upper 14 above the upper portion 40 of the footwear article 10. Optionally, in some embodiments, a compressible member may not be used, and the outer layer 14C alone causes the outer surface of the upper 114 above the upper portion 40 to be larger than if only the inner layer 14A and the outer layer 14B of the upper 114 were attached together above the upper portion 40.

[0051] The outer surface 150 of the outer layer 14C has a coefficient of friction less than or equal to a predetermined coefficient of friction. A relatively thicker portion of the upper 114 of the outer surface 150 is created above the upper portion 40 of the heel stabilizer 38, which, compared to the thinner upper at this location, distributes the force exerted by the sole of the foot 24 over a larger surface area, making contact between the upper 114 and the foot 24 more comfortable. The relatively low coefficient of friction helps to counteract the drag effect of the larger surface area of ​​the outer surface 150 in contact with the foot 24, making it easier for the foot 24 to slide. In some embodiments, the footwear article may be constructed similarly to footwear article 10, but may include... Figure 9 The compressible member 115 shown in the footwear article 110. For example, the footwear article may include a heel system 16, which includes a heel stabilizer 38 and a heel cage 36 as described above, and may also include a thickened upper above the heel stabilizer 40, which is formed by the compressible member 115 that increases the contact surface area of ​​the outer surface 150.

[0052] Clause 1: A footwear article comprising: an upper having a heel portion; a heel system including: a heel cage fixed to the upper; and a heel stabilizer extending along the rear portion of the heel portion to an upper portion of the heel stabilizer above the heel cage.

[0053] Clause 2: Footwear items as described in Clause 1, wherein,

[0054] Heel stabilizers are relatively more rigid than the upper.

[0055] Clause 3: Footwear items as described in Clause 2, wherein:

[0056] The heel stabilizer consists of a first layer and a second layer; and the second layer is relatively more rigid than the first layer.

[0057] Clause 4: Footwear items as described in Clause 3, wherein,

[0058] The second layer is higher than the first layer and forms the upper range of the heel stabilizer.

[0059] Clause 5: Footwear items as described in Clause 4, wherein,

[0060] The second layer is thicker than the first layer.

[0061] Clause 6: Footwear items as described in Clause 5, wherein,

[0062] The thickness of the second layer is at least twice that of the first layer.

[0063] Clause 7: Footwear items as described in Clause 3, wherein,

[0064] The first layer goes a step further than the second layer, extending from the inside of the upper to the outside of the upper around the back of the heel section.

[0065] Clause 8: Footwear items as described in Clause 1, wherein,

[0066] The heel stabilizer is located inside the outer layer of the shoe upper.

[0067] Clause 9: Footwear items as described in Clause 8, wherein,

[0068] The heel stabilizer is positioned between the outer layer and the inner layer of the upper.

[0069] Clause 10: Footwear items as described in Clause 8, wherein,

[0070] The heel cage is located on the outer surface of the outer layer of the shoe upper.

[0071] Clause 11: Footwear items as described in Clause 1, wherein,

[0072] Heel stabilizers consist of thermoplastic compressed powder.

[0073] Clause 12: Footwear items as described in Clause 1, wherein,

[0074] The heel cage comprises a thermoplastic poly(ether) block copolymer elastomer.

[0075] Clause 13: Footwear articles as described in Clause 1, wherein:

[0076] The upper extends over and covers the upper portion of the heel stabilizer.

[0077] Clause 14: Footwear articles as described in Clause 13, wherein,

[0078] The outer surface of the shoe upper, located in the upper region of the heel stabilizer, has a coefficient of friction less than or equal to a predetermined coefficient of friction.

[0079] Clause 15: Footwear articles as described in Clause 14, wherein,

[0080] The upper consists of leather located on the outer surface of the upper portion of the heel stabilizer.

[0081] Clause 16: Footwear articles as described in Clause 1, wherein:

[0082] The heel cage includes a base and an upper rod. The base extends from the inside of the upper to the outside of the upper around the rear portion of the heel portion. The upper rod extends above the base around the rear portion of the heel portion and connects to the front inner portion and the front outer portion of the base. The upper rod is spaced apart from the base at the rear portion of the heel portion. The upper is operatively fixed to the central section of the upper rod.

[0083] Clause 17: Footwear articles as described in Clause 16, wherein:

[0084] The central section of the upper defines a slot; the upper includes a tab extending through the slot; and the tab is secured to the outer surface of the upper at the rear of the heel portion of the upper.

[0085] Clause 18: A footwear article comprising: an upper having a heel portion and defining a foot receiving cavity and an ankle opening communicating with the foot receiving cavity; a heel system comprising: a heel cage having a base and an arched rod, the base extending from the medial side of the upper to the lateral side of the upper around the rear portion of the heel portion, the arched rod extending above the base around the rear portion of the heel portion and connecting to the anteromedial portion of the base and the anterolateral portion of the base, the arched rod being spaced apart from the base at the rear portion of the heel portion, the heel cage surrounding the rear portion of the foot receiving cavity below the ankle opening; and a heel stabilizer extending along the rear portion of the heel portion to an upper portion above the arched rod; wherein the upper extends over the upper portion of the heel stabilizer and has an outer surface exposed over the upper portion of the heel stabilizer and extending medially from the ankle opening into the foot receiving cavity; and wherein the heel stabilizer has at least a predetermined rigidity, and the outer surface of the upper exposed over the upper portion of the heel stabilizer has a coefficient of friction less than or equal to a predetermined coefficient of friction.

[0086] Clause 19: Footwear items as described in Clause 18, wherein,

[0087] The predetermined stiffness of the heel stabilizer and the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the upper exposed on the upper portion of the heel stabilizer allow the foot to slide into the foot receiving cavity without deforming the heel cage when a predetermined force is applied to the outer surface of the upper exposed on the upper portion of the heel stabilizer.

[0088] Clause 20: Footwear articles as described in Clause 18, wherein:

[0089] The heel cage comprises a thermoplastic poly(ether) block copolymer elastomer; the heel stabilizer comprises thermoplastic compressed powder; the upper comprises leather located on the outer surface exposed over the upper portion of the heel stabilizer, and the leather extends inward from the ankle opening into the foot receiving cavity.

[0090] Clause 21: A footwear article comprising: an upper having a heel portion and defining a foot receiving cavity and an ankle opening communicating with the foot receiving cavity; a heel stabilizer comprising: a heel stabilizer extending along the heel portion to an upper extent; wherein the upper is thickened over the upper extent of the heel stabilizer and has an outer surface exposed over the upper extent of the heel stabilizer and extending inwardly from the ankle opening into the foot receiving cavity; and wherein the heel stabilizer has at least a predetermined rigidity, and the outer surface of the upper exposed over the upper extent of the heel stabilizer has a coefficient of friction less than or equal to a predetermined coefficient of friction.

[0091] To aid in and clarify the description of the various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions apply throughout the specification (including the claims). Furthermore, all references cited are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0092] "Footwear articles", "footwear products" and "footwear" can be considered as machines and manufactured goods. Footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) that are ready to be worn before being finally assembled into a finished product, as well as discrete parts of footwear articles (e.g., midsoles, outsoles, upper components, etc.) that are ready to be worn before being finally assembled into a finished product, are considered herein and may alternatively be referred to in the singular or plural form as "footwear articles".

[0093] The terms “an,” “a,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one. Multiple such items may exist unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise, including the appended claims. Unless otherwise explicitly or clearly indicated by the context, including the appended claims, the numerical values ​​of all parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification shall be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “about,” regardless of whether “about” actually precedes the numerical value. “About” indicates that the numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (achieving accuracy in some way; approximating or reasonably approaching the value; close to). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not understood in this ordinary sense in the art, then “about” as used herein means a variation that can at least be caused by ordinary methods of measuring and using such a parameter. As used in the specification and appended claims, a value is considered “about” equal to the value if it is neither five percent greater nor five percent less than the stated value. Furthermore, the disclosure of a scope shall be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within that scope and further subdivisions of the scope.

[0094] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Where possible, the order of steps, processes, and operations may be changed, and other or alternative steps may be employed. As used herein, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any” should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including “any one” of the referenced items. The term “any” should be understood to include any possible combination of the claims referenced in the appended claims, including “any one” of the referenced claims.

[0095] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are used throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” are used descriptively with respect to the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0096] The term "longitudinal" refers to the direction in which a component extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot and heel areas. The terms "forward" or "front" are used to refer to the general direction from the heel area to the forefoot area, while the terms "backward" or "rear" are used to refer to the opposite direction, from the forefoot area towards the heel area. In some cases, a component can be identified by its longitudinal axis and the longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis can also be referred to as the front-back direction or axis.

[0097] The term "lateral" refers to the direction in which the width of an extending component is measured. For example, the lateral aspect of a shoe extends between the outer and inner sides of the shoe. The lateral direction or axis can also be referred to as the sideways direction or axis, or the inward / outward direction or axis.

[0098] The term "vertical" refers to a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the horizontal and vertical directions. For example, when a shoe sole is placed flat on the ground, the vertical direction can extend upwards from the ground. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to various parts of the sole. The term "upwards" or "upwardly" refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the top of a part, which may include the instep, fastening area, and / or throat of the upper. The term "downwards" or "downwardly" refers to a vertical direction opposite to the upwards direction, pointing towards the bottom of the part, and can generally refer to the bottom of the sole structure of footwear.

[0099] The “interior” of footwear articles such as shoes refers to the portion of the space occupied by the wearer’s foot when the shoes are worn. The “interior side” of a component refers to the side or surface of an assembled footwear article that faces (or will face) the interior of the component or footwear article. The “exterior side” or “exterior” of a component refers to the side or surface of an assembled shoe that is oriented (or will be oriented) away from the interior of the shoe. In some cases, other components may be located between the interior side of a component and the interior of the assembled footwear article. Similarly, other components may be located between the exterior side of a component and the exterior of the assembled footwear article. Furthermore, the terms “inward” and “inner” refer to a direction toward the interior of a footwear article or component, such as a shoe, and the terms “outward” and “outer” refer to a direction toward the exterior of a footwear article or component, such as a shoe. Additionally, the term “proximal” refers to a direction closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the user inserts their foot into the footwear article while wearing the shoe. Similarly, the term "distal" refers to a relative position away from the center of the footwear component or further away from the foot when a user inserts their foot into the footwear. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as providing largely opposite terms to describe relative spatial positions.

[0100] Although various embodiments have been described, this description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of these embodiments. Unless specifically limited, any feature of any embodiment may be combined with or substituted with any other feature or element in any other embodiment. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except by means of the appended claims and their equivalents. Similarly, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0101] Although several modes for implementing many aspects of this teaching have been described in detail, those skilled in the art relating to these teachings will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing this teaching within the scope of the appended claims. All that is included in the foregoing description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings is intended to be illustrative and exemplary of the entire range of alternative embodiments, and based on this inclusion, those skilled in the art will recognize the entire range of alternative embodiments, implicitly, structurally and / or functionally equivalent, or otherwise apparent, and not limited to those embodiments explicitly shown and / or described.

Claims

1. A type of footwear, comprising: The upper has a heel portion and defines a foot receiving cavity and an ankle opening communicating with the foot receiving cavity; The heel system includes: A heel cage having a base and an arched rod, the base extending from the inside of the upper to the outside of the upper around the rear portion of the heel portion, the arched rod extending above the base around the rear portion of the heel portion and connecting to the front medial portion and the front lateral portion of the base, the arched rod being spaced apart from the base at the rear portion of the heel portion, and the heel cage surrounding the rear portion of the foot receiving cavity below the ankle opening; and A heel stabilizer extends along the rear of the heel portion and has an upper extent above the arched bar; The upper extends over the upper portion of the heel stabilizer and has an outer surface exposed over the upper portion of the heel stabilizer and extending inward from the ankle opening into the foot receiving cavity.

2. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the upper exposed on the upper portion of the heel stabilizer allows the foot to slide into the foot receiving cavity without deforming the heel cage when a predetermined force is applied to the outer surface of the upper exposed on the upper portion of the heel stabilizer.

3. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The heel cage comprises a thermoplastic polyether block copolymer elastomer.

4. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The heel stabilizer comprises thermoplastic compressed powder.

5. Footwear according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The upper includes leather located on the outer surface of the upper portion of the heel stabilizer, and the leather extends inward from the ankle opening into the foot receiving cavity.

6. Footwear according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The heel stabilizer includes a first layer and a second layer; and The second layer is relatively more rigid than the first layer.

7. The footwear article according to claim 6, wherein, The second layer is higher than the first layer and establishes the upper range of the heel stabilizer.

8. Footwear according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The heel stabilizer is located inside the outer layer of the upper.

9. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the heel stabilizer is disposed on the exterior of the outer surface of the upper.

10. Footwear according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The arched rod defines the slot; and The upper includes a tab that extends through the slot and is secured to the outer surface of the upper.

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