Hinged footwear sole structure for foot entry and method of manufacture

Abstract

A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a unitary midsole having a first portion and a second portion behind the first portion. A bottom surface of the unitary midsole defines a recess extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the unitary midsole, and a top surface of the unitary midsole defines a slot disposed above the recess and extending from the medial side to the lateral side. The unitary midsole forms a living hinge at the recess and the slot, where the living hinge connects the first portion to the second portion such that the first portion and the second portion are selectively pivotable relative to each other at the living hinge between a first orientation and a second orientation. The recess is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, and the slot is wider in the second orientation.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on October 24, 2017, with application number 202110973457.0 and invention title "Hinged Footwear Sole Structure and Manufacturing Method for Foot Entry". Technical Field

[0002] This teaching generally covers the sole structure for footwear, footwear articles, and methods for manufacturing footwear. Background Technology

[0003] Conventionally, fitting footwear onto the foot usually requires using one or two hands to stretch the ankle opening of the footwear upper and hold the rear portion in place during foot insertion. The fit of the upper is then adjusted after the foot is inserted, for example, by tightening the laces. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a footwear article is provided, comprising:

[0005] A sole structure having a fore sole portion, a rear sole portion, and a movable hinge that extends laterally from the inside of the sole structure through the sole structure to the outside and connects the fore sole portion to the rear sole portion;

[0006] A footwear upper, the footwear upper comprising a forefoot portion and a rearfoot portion; wherein the forefoot portion is fixed to the forefoot sole portion, defining at least the forefoot region of the footwear upper, and the rearfoot portion is fixed to the rearfoot sole portion, defining the heel region of the footwear upper;

[0007] A heel insole integrally formed with either the front upper portion or the front sole portion;

[0008] The forefoot and rearfoot sole portions are selectively pivotable relative to each other at the movable hinge between a use position and an entry position. The heel insole is configured to be further away from the rear upper portion when in the entry position than when the forefoot and rearfoot sole portions are in the use position. The rear periphery of the heel insole is surrounded by the rear upper portion and covers the rearfoot sole portion when in the use position.

[0009] In the usage position, the forefoot portion and the rearfoot portion together define a foot receiving cavity and an ankle opening;

[0010] In the entry position, the ankle opening is larger than in the use position; and

[0011] The rear upper portion includes a protrusion that, when the forefoot and rearfoot portions are in the use position, protrudes forward into the foot receiving cavity above the heel insole, and the protrusion restricts the heel insole below the protrusion in the use position. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of footwear in its use position, taken from the lateral side.

[0013] Figure 2 It is in the entry position. Figure 1 A schematic illustration of the perspective view of the outside of footwear.

[0014] Figure 3 It is in the position of use. Figure 1 A schematic illustration of a partial perspective view of the bottom of the sole interlayer of footwear.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic illustration of the outer perspective view of another embodiment of footwear in its use position.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic illustration of the perspective view of the medial side of footwear.

[0017] Figure 6 It is in the position of use. Figure 4 A schematic illustration of a partial side view of the outer side of the sole interlayer of a footwear item, showing a living hinge.

[0018] Figure 7 Is when Figure 4 When footwear is in the entry position Figure 6 A schematic illustration of a partial side view of the outer side of the shoe sole interlayer.

[0019] Figure 8 It is in the entry position. Figure 4 A schematic illustration of the perspective view of the outside of footwear.

[0020] Figure 9 It is in the entry position. Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of the bottom of the sole layer of footwear.

[0021] Figure 10 It is in the entry position. Figure 4 A schematic illustration of a partial perspective view of footwear.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a schematic illustration of the outer perspective view of another embodiment of footwear in its use position.

[0023] Figure 12 It is in the entry position. Figure 11 A schematic illustration of the perspective view of the outside of footwear.

[0024] Figure 13 It is in the position of use. Figure 11 A schematic illustration of a partial side view of the outer side of a footwear item.

[0025] Figure 14 It is in the position of use. Figure 11 A schematic illustration of a partial side view of the outer side of a footwear item.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a schematic illustration of the inner perspective view of another embodiment of footwear in its use position.

[0027] Figure 16 It is in the middle position. Figure 15 A schematic illustration of the perspective view of the inside of footwear.

[0028] Figure 17 It is in the entry position. Figure 15 A schematic illustration of the perspective view of the inside of footwear.

[0029] Figure 18 This is a schematic illustration of an outer side view of another embodiment of a footwear item in its use position.

[0030] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A schematic illustration of the perspective view of the inside of footwear.

[0031] Figure 20 yes Figure 18 A schematic diagram of a floor plan of footwear items.

[0032] Figure 21 It is in the entry position. Figure 18 A schematic illustration of the inside side view of footwear.

[0033] Figure 22 It is in the entry position. Figure 18 A schematic illustration of the side view of the outer side of footwear.

[0034] Figure 23 This is an alternative embodiment with a movable hinge in the use position. Figure 4 A schematic illustration of a partial side view of the outer side of the sole interlayer of footwear.

[0035] Figure 24 This is an alternative embodiment with a movable hinge in the use position. Figure 4 A schematic illustration of a partial side view of the outer side of the sole interlayer of footwear.

[0036] Figure 25 This is an alternative embodiment with a movable hinge in the use position. Figure 4 A schematic illustration of a partial side view of the outer side of the sole interlayer of footwear. Detailed Implementation

[0037] A sole structure for footwear allows the footwear to be placed on the foot hands-free. The sole structure includes an integral sole interlayer having a first portion and a second portion behind the first portion. The bottom surface of the integral sole interlayer defines a groove extending from the inner side to the outer side of the integral sole interlayer. The top surface of the integral sole interlayer defines a slit disposed above the groove and extending from the inner side to the outer side. The integral sole interlayer forms a movable hinge at the groove and the slit, wherein the movable hinge connects the first portion to the second portion, such that the first portion and the second portion are selectively pivotable relative to each other between a first orientation and a second orientation at the movable hinge. The groove is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, while the slit is wider in the second orientation than in the first orientation.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, in a first orientation, the slit is closed and the groove is open, while in a second orientation, the slit is open and the groove is closed. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the slit includes a main portion, a front branch, and a rear branch, for example, in a Y-shape. The front branch extends downward from the top surface of the integral sole interlayer toward the groove and has a distal end spaced apart above the groove. The front branch extends from the distal end of the main portion into a first portion and terminates above the bottom surface. The rear branch extends from the distal end of the main portion into a second portion and terminates above the bottom surface. In such embodiments, the integral sole interlayer may have a front wall and a rear wall in the bottom surface at the groove, the front branch of the slit may extend above the front wall, and the rear branch of the slit may extend above the rear wall.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, a first portion of the integral midsole includes a forefoot region and a midfoot region, and a second portion of the integral midsole includes a heel region. The bottom surface of the integral midsole in the heel region has a main portion and a rearmost portion extending from and at an obtuse angle to the main portion. The main portion of the bottom surface extends along a horizontal plane in a first orientation, and the rearmost portion extends along a horizontal plane in a second orientation.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the top surface of the integral sole interlayer in the second portion has a main portion and a rear portion extending from the main portion of the top surface and set at an obtuse angle to the main portion of the top surface, such that the second portion of the integral sole interlayer has a ridge between the rearmost portion of the bottom surface and the rearmost portion of the top surface.

[0041] Within the scope of this teaching, footwear articles include a sole structure having a forefoot sole portion, a rearfoot sole portion, and a movable hinge extending laterally from the medial side of the sole structure through the sole structure to the lateral side, connecting the forefoot sole portion to the rearfoot sole portion. The footwear article also includes a divided footwear upper comprising a forefoot upper portion and a separate rearfoot upper portion. The forefoot upper portion is fixed to the forefoot sole portion and defines at least the forefoot region of the footwear upper, and the rearfoot upper portion is fixed to the rearfoot sole portion and defines the heel region of the footwear upper. The forefoot sole portion and the rearfoot sole portion are selectively pivotable relative to each other at the movable hinge between a use position and an entry position. In the use position, the forefoot sole portion and the rearfoot sole portion together define a foot receiving cavity and an ankle opening, and the rearfoot upper portion overlaps the forefoot upper portion medially and laterally with the sole structure. In the entry position, the forefoot and heel sections of the upper are separated, resulting in a larger ankle opening than in the use position. Therefore, footwear with segmented upper sections allows the foot to enter without using the hands in the entry position, while the overlapping forefoot and heel sections provide lateral stability in the use position.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the rear upper portion includes an elastic biasing member extending along the inner and outer sides of the footwear article and secured to the footwear article in front of the movable hinge. In other words, the rear upper portion itself is the elastic biasing member. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the elastic biasing member may be separable from the rear upper portion and extend along the inner and outer sides of the footwear article and around the rear periphery of the rear upper portion, and secured to the footwear article in front of the movable hinge.

[0043] In one or more embodiments of the footwear article, the forefoot portion includes a heelfootbed. In the use position, the rear periphery of the heelfootbed is surrounded by the rearfoot portion and covers the rear sole portion, and the heelfootbed is positioned further away from the rearfoot portion than in the use position when the front and rear sole portions are in the put-on position. The interaction between the heelfootbed of the forefoot portion and the rearfoot portion in the use position helps to further stabilize the segmented upper in the use position.

[0044] Alternatively, the heel insole can be an integral part of the forefoot sole portion. For example, in one or more embodiments of the footwear article, the forefoot sole portion includes a heel insole in which, in the use position, the rear periphery of the heel insole is surrounded by the rear upper portion and covers the rear sole portion. Compared to the use position, when the forefoot sole portion and the rear sole portion are in the entry position, the heel insole is positioned further away from the rear upper portion.

[0045] In one or more embodiments of footwear articles, when the current sole portion and the rear sole portion are in the use position, the rear upper portion includes a compliant protrusion projecting forward above the heel insole into the foot receiving cavity. In the use position, the compliant protrusion further stabilizes the segmented upper because it provides at least some resistance to the heel insole moving out of the foot receiving cavity over the compliant protrusion. Furthermore, the compliant protrusion allows the upper to fit securely over a wider range of ankle circumference.

[0046] In one or more embodiments of the footwear article, the forefoot sole portion, the rearfoot sole portion, and the movable hinge are coplanar in the use position, and relative to the use position, in the entry position, the sole structure is raised at the movable hinge such that the rearfoot sole portion is inclined from the rear end of the rearfoot sole portion toward the movable hinge, and the forefoot sole portion is inclined from the front end of the forefoot sole portion toward the movable hinge. In the entry position, the openings of the foot receiving cavities of the forefoot sole portion and the forefoot upper portion are therefore inclined upward to facilitate foot insertion, for example, the toes of the foot entering first at a downward and forward angle.

[0047] In one or more embodiments of the footwear article, the footwear article further includes a cinching system for tightening the upper in the use position. The cinching system includes: at least one cord extending at least partially on the forefoot upper portion and secured to the rear sole portion at one of the inner or outer sides of the sole structure; and a pulley secured to the forefoot sole portion on the same side as the cord securing side of the inner or outer side of the sole structure. When the forefoot and rear sole portions are in the entry position, the cord is relatively slack; however, when the forefoot and rear sole portions are in the use position, the cord is relatively tightened. The cinching system automatically tightens as the sole structure moves from the entry position to the use position.

[0048] In one or more embodiments of the footwear article, the at least one cord has a first end secured to the rear sole portion at the inside of the sole structure and a second end secured to the rear sole portion at the outside of the sole structure. A pulley is a first pulley secured to the forefoot sole portion at the inside of the sole structure. The at least one cord extends around the first pulley between the first end and the second end of the at least one cord. The fastening system also includes a second pulley secured to the forefoot sole portion at the outside of the sole structure. The at least one cord extends around the second pulley between the first end and the second end of the at least one cord.

[0049] In one or more embodiments of the footwear article, the forefoot portion includes a heel insole, and in the use position, the rear periphery of the heel insole is surrounded by the rearfoot portion and covers the rear sole portion. Compared to the use position, when the forefoot and rear sole portions are in the entry position, the heel insole is positioned further away from the rear sole portion. The footwear article also includes a strap having a fixed end secured to the heel insole and a free end extending through a hole in the rear sole portion. The length of the strap is configured such that the strap is slack when the sole structure is in the entry position, and the forefoot portion pivots toward the use position when the strap is pulled through the free end.

[0050] In one or more embodiments of the footwear article, the sole structure is a one-piece sole interlayer, the bottom surface of which defines a groove extending from the inside to the outside of the sole structure, and the top surface of which defines a slit disposed above the groove and extending from the inside to the outside. The one-piece sole interlayer forms a movable hinge at the groove and the slit, wherein the groove is wider in a first orientation than in a second orientation, and wherein the slit is wider in the second orientation than in the first orientation.

[0051] Within the scope of this teaching, footwear articles include a sole interlayer having a forefoot interlayer portion, a rearfoot interlayer portion, and a movable hinge extending laterally from the inside of the sole interlayer through the interlayer to the outside of the interlayer, connecting the forefoot interlayer portion to the rearfoot interlayer portion. Footwear articles also include a segmented footwear upper comprising a forefoot upper portion and a separate rearfoot upper portion. The forefoot upper portion is fixed to the forefoot interlayer portion and defines at least a forefoot region of the footwear upper, while the rearfoot upper portion is fixed to the rearfoot interlayer portion and defines a heel region of the footwear upper. The forefoot and rearfoot interlayer portions are selectively pivotable relative to each other at the movable hinge between a use position and an access position. In the entry position, the midsole is raised at the hinge relative to the use position, causing the rear midsole portion to tilt towards the hinge from its rear end, and the front midsole portion to tilt towards the hinge from its front end. The bottom surface of the midsole in the heel area has a main portion and a rear portion extending from and forming an obtuse angle with the main portion. In the use position, the main portion of the bottom surface rests on a horizontal surface, while in the entry position, the rearmost portion of the bottom surface rests on a horizontal surface. Therefore, the horizontal nature of the rearmost portion of the bottom surface of the midsole provides stability when the foot rests with the rearmost portion of the bottom surface in the entry position before entry.

[0052] In one or more embodiments of footwear, the top surface of the rear sole interlayer portion has a main portion and a rear portion extending from the main portion and disposed at an obtuse angle to the main portion, such that the rear sole interlayer portion has a ridge between the rearmost portion of the bottom surface and the rearmost portion of the top surface.

[0053] In one or more embodiments of the footwear article, the rear upper portion includes a resilient biasing member extending along the inner and outer sides of the footwear article and secured to the footwear article in front of a movable hinge. In such embodiments, the rear upper portion also functions as the resilient biasing member. Alternatively, the resilient biasing member may be separable from the rear upper portion and may extend around the rear periphery of the rear upper portion and along the inner and outer sides of the footwear article, and may be secured to the footwear article in front of a movable hinge and extend therefore.

[0054] A method of manufacturing footwear as described herein includes forming a sole interlayer having a forefoot interlayer portion, a rearfoot interlayer portion, and a movable hinge extending laterally from the inside of the sole interlayer through the interlayer to the outside of the interlayer, and connecting the forefoot interlayer portion and the rearfoot interlayer portion. In one or more embodiments, forming the sole interlayer includes molding the sole interlayer by compression molding or injection molding. Molding the sole interlayer may include a bottom surface having a groove extending from the inside of the sole interlayer to the outside of the interlayer, the groove at least partially establishing the movable hinge. Thus, the movable hinge is integrated with the forefoot interlayer portion and the rearfoot interlayer portion as a single molded component. Molding a sole interlayer with a movable hinge is simpler and less time-consuming than manufacturing a hinged sole structure composed of multiple interconnected and separately formed components.

[0055] In one or more embodiments of the method of manufacturing footwear, the molded sole interlayer includes a bottom surface of the molded sole interlayer portion having a main portion and a rear portion extending from the main portion and disposed at an obtuse angle to the main portion. Therefore, the footwear, with its rearmost resting portion, can be effectively molded into the sole interlayer at the entry position, rather than being provided by cutting the sole interlayer in a separate step after its formation.

[0056] In one or more embodiments of the method of manufacturing footwear, molding a one-piece sole interlayer includes molding a top surface of the sole interlayer having a slit extending from the inside to the outside of the sole interlayer above a groove, the slit partially establishing a movable hinge. Molding the top surface of the sole interlayer with the slit is performed simultaneously with molding the bottom surface of the sole interlayer with the groove.

[0057] In one or more embodiments of the method of manufacturing footwear, the method may include providing a slit in the top surface of the sole interlayer by hot-blade cutting or laser cutting, wherein the slit extends from the inside of the sole interlayer to the outside of the sole interlayer and is positioned above a groove. The hot-blade cutting or laser cutting is performed after molding the integral sole interlayer.

[0058] In one or more embodiments of the method of manufacturing footwear, the method includes providing grooves in the bottom surface of a one-piece sole interlayer by hot-blade cutting or laser cutting. The grooves extend from the inside of the one-piece sole interlayer to the outside of the one-piece sole interlayer. The hot-blade cutting or laser cutting is performed after molding the one-piece sole interlayer.

[0059] In one or more embodiments of the method of manufacturing footwear, the method further includes securing a front upper portion to a front sole interlayer portion and securing a rear upper portion to a rear sole interlayer portion. The rear upper portion is separated from the front upper portion.

[0060] In one or more embodiments of the method of manufacturing footwear, the method further includes securing a resilient biasing member to the footwear article in front of a movable hinge, such that the resilient biasing member extends along the inner and outer sides of the footwear article and around the rear periphery of the rear upper portion.

[0061] In one or more embodiments of the method of manufacturing footwear, the method further includes attaching a strap to a heel insole of the forefoot portion and extending the free end of the strap through a hole in the rearfoot portion.

[0062] In one or more embodiments of the method of manufacturing footwear, the method further includes securing a pulley to a forefoot midsole portion at one of the inner or outer sides of the midsole midsole, and securing at least one cord to a rearfoot midsole portion at said one of the inner or outer sides of the midsole midsole. The at least one cord extends around the pulley and extends at least partially over the forefoot upper portion. The at least one cord and the pulley are arranged such that the upper is automatically tightened when the midsole midsole pivots from an entry position to a use position.

[0063] The foregoing 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 from the following detailed description of the modes of implementing this teaching.

[0064] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in all views, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts. Figure 1-3 An embodiment of a footwear article 10 (also referred to herein as footwear 10) is shown, which includes a sole structure 12 having an integral sole interlayer 14 including a movable hinge 16. As used herein, a "movable hinge" is a flexible hinge integral with two adjacent portions of a component to which it is hinged, and in some embodiments, the "movable hinge" is made of the same material as the adjacent portions of the component. Footwear article 10 also includes a segmented footwear upper 18. As discussed herein, these and other features of footwear article 10 enable the footwear to provide an entry position (e.g., Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, this entry position provides easy, hands-free foot access to the footwear article 10, which also adopts a use position in a hands-free manner after foot access (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown in the illustration). Footwear in this article is described as casual and athletic shoes, but this teaching also includes footwear items for dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, or any other category of footwear.

[0065] like Figure 1As shown, footwear 10 can be divided into three general areas: the forefoot area 20, the midfoot area 22, and the heel area 24. These areas also correspond to the forefoot, midfoot, and heel areas of the sole interlayer 14 and the upper 18, respectively. Footwear 10 also includes an outer side 26 and an inner side 28 opposite to the outer side (in... Figure 3 (Best shown in the image). The forefoot region 20 generally includes the portion of the footwear 10 corresponding to the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals and phalanges. The midfoot region 22 generally includes the portion of the footwear 10 corresponding to the arch region of the foot, and the heel region 24 corresponds to the posterior portion of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. The lateral region 26 and medial region 28 extend through each of the forefoot region 20, the midfoot region 22, and the heel region 24 and correspond to the opposite sides of the footwear 10. The forefoot region 20, the midfoot region 22, the heel region 24, the lateral region 26, and the medial region 28 are not intended to delineate precise areas of the footwear 10, but rather to indicate general areas of the footwear 10 to aid in the discussion below.

[0066] The monolithic midsole 14 is depicted as a single, one-piece midsole including a movable hinge 16; however, in other embodiments, it may be multiple components integrated into a single unit. The midsole 14 may be integrated as a single unisole with outsole components. For example, the outsole components may be adhesion friction elements formed of an abrasion-resistant rubber material, which may be textured to impart adhesion friction, and / or may include adhesion friction elements, such as cleats attached to the bottom surface 34 of the midsole 14. The midsole 14 may be formed from a compressible polymer foam element (e.g., polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate foam) that attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other walking activities. In other configurations, the midsole 14 may include fluid-filled chambers, plates, regulators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, improve stability, or influence foot movement.

[0067] The one-piece midsole 14 has a first portion 30 and a second portion 32 rear of the first portion 30. The first portion 30 is also referred to as the forefoot sole portion or forefoot midsole portion 30, and the rear portion 32 is also referred to as the rearfoot sole portion or rearfoot midsole portion 32. The forefoot midsole portion 30 of the one-piece midsole 14 includes a forefoot region 20 and a midfoot region 22, and the rearfoot midsole portion 32 of the one-piece midsole 14 includes a heel region 24. To establish a movable hinge 16 in the one-piece midsole 14, the bottom surface 34 of the one-piece midsole 14 defines a groove 36 extending from the inner side 28 to the outer side 26, as shown. Figure 3 As best shown in the diagram. The one-piece sole interlayer 14 has a top surface 38 opposite the bottom surface 34. The bottom surface 34 typically serves as the ground contact surface during wear of the footwear article 10. The top surface 38 typically faces away from the bottom surface 34 and can be referred to as the foot-facing surface because the top surface 38 typically faces the foot supported above it. The top surface 38 defines a slit 40 that is positioned above but does not extend into the groove 36, and extends from the inner side 28 to the outer side 26.

[0068] The one-piece midsole 14 forms a movable hinge 16 at the groove 36 and slit 40, wherein the movable hinge 16 connects the first portion 30 to the second portion 32 and extends laterally from the inner side 28 through the midsole 14 to the outer side 26. The first portion 30 and the second portion 32 are selectively pivotable relative to each other at the movable hinge 16. For example, Figure 1 Footwear 10 is shown in its first orientation (also known as the use position), and Figure 2 The footwear 10 is shown in the second orientation (also known as the entry position). The first portion 30 and the second portion 32 are pivotable relative to each other between the first and second orientations via a movable hinge 16. The groove 36 is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, while the slit 40 is wider in the second orientation than in the first orientation. Because the movable hinge 16 is an integral part of the one-piece sole interlayer and seamlessly connects the first and second portions, rather than being positioned between and securing one or more additional separate components of the two separate forefoot and rearfoot sole interlayers, the one-piece sole interlayer 14 can be lighter and easier to manufacture than other articulated sole structures.

[0069] like Figure 1 As shown, in the usage position, the front sole interlayer 30, the movable hinge 16, and the rear sole interlayer 32 are approximately coplanar in a plane parallel to the plane representing the ground surface GS, as indicated by the dashed line. Figure 2 As shown, the integral sole interlayer 14 is in the entry position relative to the use position ( Figure 1The rear sole interlayer portion 32 is lifted at the movable hinge 16, causing the rear sole interlayer portion 32 to tilt from the rear end 42 of the rear sole interlayer portion 32 toward the movable hinge 16, and the front sole interlayer portion 30 to tilt from the front end 44 of the front sole interlayer portion 30 toward the movable hinge 16.

[0070] To facilitate pivoting of the footwear 10 at the movable hinge 16 and handless foot access, the footwear 10 includes a segmented upper 18. The upper 18 includes a forefoot portion 18A and a separate rearfoot portion 18B. The upper 18 is described as segmented because the forefoot portion 18A and the rearfoot portion 18B are independent, separate upper components that are not physically connected to each other. The forefoot portion 18A is attached to the forefoot midsole portion 30 and defines at least the forefoot region 20 of the footwear upper 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the forefoot portion 18A also defines a midfoot region 22. The rearfoot portion 18B is attached to the rearfoot midsole portion 32 and defines the heel region 24 of the footwear upper. The movable hinge 16 is located at the boundary between the forefoot portion 18A and the rearfoot portion 18B.

[0071] Additionally, the forefoot portion 18A may include a heel insole 46 extending rearward from the remainder of the forefoot portion 18A. Figure 1 In the indicated usage position, the rear periphery 48 of the heel insole 46 is surrounded by the rear upper portion 18B and covers the rear sole interlayer portion 32. The top surface 38 of the rear sole interlayer portion 32 may be slightly recessed to receive the heel insole 46, the width of which is less than the width between the two sidewalls of the rear upper portion 18B. In the usage position, the heel insole 46 is located within the foot receiving cavity 45 formed by the upper portions 18A and 18B. Figure 2 In the access position, the heel insole 46 is exposed above the rear sole interlayer portion 32 and is positioned further away from the rear upper portion 18B than in the use position. In the illustrated embodiment, the heel insole 46 may be an integral part of the forefoot upper portion 18A. In other embodiments, the heel insole 46 may be an integral part of the forefoot sole interlayer portion 30. In still other embodiments, the heel insole 46 may not extend from the forefoot upper portion 18A. Instead, each of the forefoot sole interlayer portion 30 and the rear sole interlayer portion 32 will have a separate insole portion.

[0072] In the use position, the forefoot portion 18A and the rearfoot portion 18B are substantially adjacent because the front edge 50 of the rearfoot portion 18B contacts or is at least substantially adjacent to the rear edge 52 of the forefoot portion 18A on both the inner side 28 and the outer side 26. The forefoot portion 18A and the rearfoot portion 18B define an ankle opening 43 that leads to a foot receiving cavity 45 in which the wearer's foot is supported and secured during use of the footwear 10. In the use position, the size of the ankle opening 43 is determined by the front collar portion 19A and the rear collar portion 19B of the adjacent upper portions 18A and 18B. The footwear 10 has a tongue 21 and a lacing system 23. The lacing system 23 can be adjusted to change the size of the ankle opening 43 in the use position. However, since the footwear 10 has the ability to selectively pivot to the entry position and remain in the entry position until it is needed for use, the lacing system 23 can be initially adjusted to the desired tightness to achieve the desired fit in the use position, and then maintain the initially set tightness during subsequent cycles of placing the footwear 10 on the foot for use and removing the footwear 10 from the foot.

[0073] exist Figure 2 In the entry position, the forefoot portion 18A and the rearfoot portion 18B are discontinuous, with the forefoot edge 50 and the rearfoot edge 52 significantly separated from each other. In the entry position, the forefoot collar portion 19A and the rearfoot collar portion 19B are separated due to the interruption of the upper portions 18A and 18B, sufficiently widening the ankle opening. In fact, due to the inclination of the forefoot portion 18A in the entry position, and the fact that the rearfoot portion 18B is completely positioned below the entry angle of the forefoot portion 18A, the foot can slide forward into the foot receiving cavity 45 at the forefoot portion 18A, where the toes use the heel pad 46 as a guide to enter along a downward and forward trajectory, without needing to stretch, open, move, or otherwise displace any part of the footwear 10. When the foot is inserted into the forefoot portion 18A and the weight is placed on the forefoot midsole portion 30, the forefoot midsole portion 30 is pushed back to the use position, and the rearfoot midsole portion 32 also returns to the use position, such that the rearfoot portion 18B surrounds the rear of the foot and captures the foot within the foot receiving cavity 45.

[0074] The rear upper portion 18B may include a smoothing protrusion 53 (in Figure 2 (As best shown in the image), the current midsole portion 30 and the rear midsole portion 32 are in the position of... Figure 1When in the use position, the compliant protrusion extends forward above the heel insole 46 into the foot receiving cavity 45. The protrusion 53 may be, for example, a raised portion of foam padding located on the inner periphery of the rear upper portion 18B, just below the rear collar portion 19B. The protrusion 53 may be configured to help restrain the heel insole 46 beneath the protrusion 53 and provide sufficient flexibility to allow the insole 46 to move over the protrusion 53 when moving to the entry position, and to allow the rear upper portion 18B to be comfortably secured to the ankle of varying circumferences.

[0075] A resilient biasing member 54 extends along the inner side 28 and outer side 26 of the footwear article 10 and extends around the rear periphery 56 of the rear upper portion 18B. The resilient biasing member 54 can be any elastically stretchable material, such as rubber or elastic nylon. The resilient biasing member 54 is secured to the forefoot sole interlayer portion 30 in front of the movable hinge 16. Figure 1 The image shows the elastic biasing member 54 on the outer side 26, and in... Figure 3 The image shows the inner side 28. A resilient biasing member 54 surrounds the rear periphery 56 of the rear upper portion 18B. The forefoot midsole portion 30 has a recess 55, which is an opening of a lateral channel in the forefoot midsole portion 30 at the outer side 26 and the inner side 28, and the resilient biasing member 54 can extend through this channel and can be a continuous loop. Alternatively, the resilient biasing member 54 may have opposing ends respectively fixed to the inner side 28 and the outer side 26 of the forefoot midsole portion 30. In other embodiments, the resilient biasing member 54 can be fixed to the footwear article 10 between the forefoot midsole portion 30 and the forefoot upper portion 18A. For example, the resilient biasing member 54 can be sewn to the lower region of the forefoot upper portion 18A, which is then fixed to the upper surface 38 of the forefoot midsole portion 30. As an alternative, the resilient biasing member 54 may pass beneath the bottom surface 34 of the forefoot sole interlayer portion 30 (and beneath any outsole or outsole element that can be fixed to the bottom surface 34). In each alternative, the resilient biasing member 54 is anchored to the footwear article 10 in an anchored position in front of the movable hinge 16, such that the movable hinge 16 is a bistable movable hinge (i.e., stable in both the use and entry positions), the anchored position allowing the in-tension portion of the resilient biasing member 54 to cross over or be close to the movable hinge 16. The length of the resilient biasing member 54 ensures that it is in the in-tension position in order to maintain the abutment of the upper portions 18A, 18B during wear and in the footwear 10 when in use. Figure 2The footwear is also in a tensioned state when it enters the position, so as to keep the footwear in the entry position and ready for the foot to enter. When the foot applies load to the footwear 10, the tension of the elastic bias member 54 is overcome, so that the elastic bias member 54 is stretched during the transition from the entry position to the use position.

[0076] Footwear item 10 is configured to be stably balanced on a horizontal surface and remain stably balanced in the entry position, awaiting foot entry. More specifically, the bottom surface 34 of the integral sole interlayer 14 in the heel region 24 has a main portion 60 and a rear portion 62 extending from the main portion 60 and set at an obtuse angle A1, such that the main portion 60 of the bottom surface 34 extends along the horizontal plane in a first orientation (i.e., the use position), and the rearmost portion 62 of the bottom surface 34 extends along the horizontal plane in a second orientation (i.e., the entry position). For example, the obtuse angle A1 can be the same as the angle A of the groove 36 in the use position. Assuming the main portion 60 is horizontal in the use position, then the rearmost portion 62 will be horizontal when the groove is closed in the entry position. The horizontal plane GS is in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dashed line indicates a horizontal ground surface. Therefore, footwear 10 is placed in the main part 60 in the use position and in the rear part 62 in the entry position.

[0077] Footwear item 10 is also designed for easy, hands-free removal. (See reference...) Figure 3 The top surface 38 of the second portion 32 of the integral sole interlayer 14 has a main portion 64 and a rearmost portion 66 extending from the main portion 64 and set at an obtuse angle A2 with the main portion 64, such that the second portion 32 has a ridge 68 between the rearmost portion 62 of the bottom surface 34 and the rearmost portion 66 of the top surface 38 (see...). Figure 1 or Figure 3 The rearmost portion 66 extending to the ridge 68 protrudes sufficiently to allow another foot to apply a downward load thereon, causing the sole interlayer 14 to pivot at the hinge 16, moving the footwear 10 to an entry position, which also serves as a removal position, allowing the foot to be manually withdrawn from the foot receiving cavity 45.

[0078] Figure 4-10Another embodiment of footwear article 110 within the scope of this teaching is depicted. Footwear article 110 has many of the same features as footwear article 10, some of which are indicated by the same reference numerals. The description of the corresponding features of footwear article 10 also applies to footwear article 110. For example, footwear article 10 has a sole structure 112 having a sole interlayer 114, which is depicted as an integral, one-piece sole interlayer including a movable hinge 16; however, in other embodiments, the sole interlayer 114 may be multiple components integrated into a single unit.

[0079] The one-piece midsole 114 has a first portion 130 and a second portion 132 rear of the first portion 130. The first portion 130 is also referred to as the forefoot sole portion or forefoot midsole portion 130, and the rear portion 132 is also referred to as the rearfoot sole portion or rearfoot midsole portion 132. The forefoot midsole portion 130 of the one-piece midsole 114 includes a forefoot region 20 and a midfoot region 22, and the rearfoot midsole portion 132 of the one-piece midsole 114 includes a heel region 24. To establish a movable hinge 116 in the one-piece midsole 14, the bottom surface 134 of the one-piece midsole 14 defines a groove 136 extending from the inner side 28 to the outer side 26. The one-piece midsole 114 has a top surface 138 opposite the bottom surface 134. The bottom surface 134 is typically used as a ground contact surface during wear of the footwear article 110. The top surface 138 generally faces away from the bottom surface 134 and can be referred to as the foot-facing surface because the top surface 138 generally faces the foot supported thereon. The top surface 138 defines a slit 140 which is disposed above the recess 136 and extends from the inner side 28 to the outer side 26.

[0080] The movable hinge 116 is similar in all respects to the midsole 14 with the movable hinge 16, except that the slit 40 of the midsole 14 is replaced by a more complex slit 140. (See reference...) Figure 6 and Figure 7The slit 140 includes a main portion 140A that extends downward from the top surface 138 of the sole interlayer 114 toward the groove 136 and has a distal end 141 spaced apart from it above the groove 136 (i.e., stopping a short distance from the groove 136 and not extending all the way to the groove 136). The slit 140 has a front branch 140B that extends from the distal end 141 of the main portion 140A into the forefoot sole interlayer portion 130 and terminates above the bottom surface 134 (i.e., stopping a short distance from the bottom surface 134 and not extending all the way to the bottom surface 134). The slit 140 also has a rear branch 140C that extends from the distal end 141 of the main portion 140A into the rearfoot sole interlayer portion 132 and terminates above the bottom surface 134 (i.e., stopping a short distance from the bottom surface 134 and not extending all the way to the bottom surface 134).

[0081] like Figure 6 As clearly shown, the integral midsole 114 has a front wall 135 and a rear wall 137 in the bottom surface 134 at the groove 136. The front branch 140B of the slit 140 extends above the front wall 135, and the rear branch 140C of the slit 140 extends above the rear wall 137. In the illustrated embodiment, when the midsole 114 is in… Figure 6 When in use, the walls 147A, 147B of the midsole 114 at the front branch 140B are parallel to the front wall 135, and the walls 147C, 147D of the midsole 114 at the rear branch 140C are parallel to the rear wall 137. In other embodiments, the branches 140B, 140C of the slit 140 need not be parallel to the walls 135, 137 at the groove 136, but in all embodiments they are configured such that the branches 140B, 140C relieve stress on the midsole 114 at the main portion 140A of the slit 140.

[0082] The movable hinge 116 connects the first part 130 and the second part 132, allowing the first part 130 and the second part 132 to be at the movable hinge. Figure 4-6 First orientation (usage location) and Figure 7-10 The second orientation (entry position) selectively pivots relative to each other. For example... Figure 6-7 As clearly shown, the groove 136 is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, while the slit 140 is wider in the second orientation than in the first orientation.

[0083] When the footwear 110 is in the use position, the walls 141A and 141B of the midsole 114 at the main portion 140A can contact each other. When the footwear 110 is in the use position, the walls 147A and 147B of the front branch 140B can contact each other. When the footwear 110 is in the use position, the walls 147C and 147D of the rear branch 140C can contact each other. Therefore, branches 140B and 140C provide additional surface area at walls 147A-147D, on which compressive forces can be withstood. Branches 140B and 140C also allow the slit 140 to... Figure 6 The Y-shape opens to Figure 7 The W shape. For example... Figure 7 As clearly shown, the stress at the movable hinge 116 is distributed across the two valleys V1 and V2 (V1 and V2 are the distal ends of branches 140B and 140C) and across the material between valleys V1 and V2, rather than being concentrated at a single valley as in the case of a simple straight slit (e.g., concentrated at...). Figure 1 (At the end of the slit 40). The complex slit 140 thus reduces the stress at the movable hinge 116.

[0084] Figure 23-25 The figure illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a movable hinge with a complex slit, which can be used in... Figure 4 The sole interlayer 114 replaces the slit 140. Figure 23 A movable hinge 516 is shown, which is established by a groove 536 in the bottom surface 134 of the sole interlayer 114 and a complex slit 540 extending from the top surface 138 of the sole interlayer 114 and disposed above the groove 536. The bottom surface 134 of the sole interlayer at the groove 536 has a rounded portion 539 below the slit 540, rather than having a V-shaped portion like the groove 136. The slit 540 includes a main portion 540A and a front branch 540B that extends from the distal end of the main portion 140A into the forefoot sole interlayer portion 130 and terminates above the bottom surface 134 of the sole interlayer 114 (i.e., stops a short distance from the bottom surface 134 and does not extend all the way to the bottom surface 134). The slit 540 also has a rear branch 540C that extends from the distal end of the main portion 540A into the rear sole interlayer portion 132 and terminates above the bottom surface 134 of the sole interlayer 114 (i.e., stops a short distance from the bottom surface 134 and does not extend all the way to the bottom surface 134). Branches 540B and 540C are non-linear, extending downwards with a gradually changing slope. The rounded portion 539 and the non-linear inclined branches 540B and 540C facilitate bending and stress distribution of the movable hinge 516 in the area below branches 540B and 540C and above the groove 536.

[0085] Figure 24A movable hinge 616 is shown, which is established by a groove 136 in the bottom surface 134 of the sole interlayer 114 and a complex slit 640 extending from the top surface 138 of the sole interlayer 114 and disposed above the groove 636. The bottom surface 134 of the sole interlayer 114 at the groove 136 has, for example, a groove 136. Figure 4 The slit 640 is V-shaped. It includes a main portion 640A and a front branch 640B that extends from the distal end of the main portion 640A into the forefoot midsole portion 130 and terminates above the bottom surface 134 of the midsole 114 (i.e., it stops a short distance from the bottom surface 134 and does not extend all the way to the bottom surface 134). The slit 640 also has a rear branch 640C that extends from the distal end of the main portion 640A into the rearfoot midsole portion 132 and terminates above the bottom surface 134 of the midsole 114 (i.e., it stops a short distance from the bottom surface 134 and does not extend all the way to the bottom surface 134). Branches 640B and 640C are non-linear, initially extending horizontally and then downwards at an angle from the horizontal portion. Nonlinear branches 640B and 640C facilitate bending and stress distribution of the active hinge 616 in the region below branches 640B and 640C and above groove 636.

[0086] Figure 25 A movable hinge 716 is shown, which is established by a groove 736 in the bottom surface 134 of the sole interlayer 114 and a complex slit 740 extending from the top surface 138 of the sole interlayer 114 and disposed above the groove 736. The bottom surface 134 of the sole interlayer 114 at the groove 736 has straight front and rear walls and a flat top 739 between the walls. The slit 740 includes a main portion 740A and a front branch 740B that extends from the distal end of the main portion 740A into the forefoot interlayer portion 130 and terminates above the bottom surface 134 of the sole interlayer 114 (i.e., stops a short distance from the bottom surface 134 and does not extend all the way to the bottom surface 134). The slit 740 also has a rear branch 740C that extends from the distal end of the main portion 740A into the rear sole interlayer portion 132 and terminates above the bottom surface 134 of the sole interlayer 114 (i.e., stops a short distance from the bottom surface 134 and does not extend all the way to the bottom surface 134). Branches 740B and 740C are non-linear, initially extending horizontally and then downwards at an angle from the horizontal portion. The non-linear branches 740B and 740C facilitate bending and stress distribution of the movable hinge 716 in the area below branches 740B and 740C and above the groove 736. The flat top 739 helps prevent stress concentration above the groove 736.

[0087] like Figure 4-6As illustrated, in the usage position, the forefoot sole interlayer 130, the movable hinge 116, and the rearfoot sole interlayer 132 are approximately parallel to the plane representing the ground GS. Figure 4 The two layers (shown by the dashed line) are coplanar in the plane. The integral sole interlayer 114 is located at the movable hinge 116 relative to the use position ( Figure 4-6 ) was promoted to the entry position ( Figure 7-10 This causes the rear sole interlayer portion 132 to tilt from its rear end 142 toward the movable hinge 116, and the front sole interlayer portion 130 to tilt from its front end 144 toward the movable hinge 116, such as... Figure 8 The best illustration in the middle.

[0088] To facilitate pivoting of the footwear 110 at the movable hinge 116, the footwear 110 has a segmented upper 118 with a forefoot portion 118A and a rearfoot portion 118B. The forefoot portion 118A and the rearfoot portion 118B are constructed differently from the forefoot portion 18A and the rearfoot portion 18B, in that when the footwear 110 is in the wearing position, the rearfoot portion 118B overlaps with the forefoot portion 118A at the inner side 28 and the outer side 26 of the footwear 110, instead of simply abutting at the edges as the upper portions 18A and 18B abut at edges 50 and 52. The forefoot portion 118A has a heel insole 146, such as... Figure 10 As best shown. The heel insole 146 may be an integral part of the forefoot upper portion 118A. In other embodiments, the heel insole 146 may be an integral part of the forefoot sole interlayer portion 130. Figure 4 In the indicated usage position, the rear periphery 148 of the heel insole 146 is surrounded by the rear upper portion 118B and covers the rear sole interlayer portion 132. The heel insole 146, in its usage position, is located within the foot receiving cavity 145 formed by the upper portions 118A and 118B. The top surface 138 of the rear sole interlayer portion 132 may be slightly recessed to receive the heel insole 146, and the width of the heel insole 146 is less than the width between the two sidewalls 117A and 117B of the rear upper portion 118B. Figure 8-10 In the entry position, the heel insole 146 is exposed above the rear sole interlayer portion 132 and is positioned further away from the rear upper portion 118B than in the use position.

[0089] The forefoot portion 118A has a rear portion 159, which extends from the outer side 26 (see...) Figure 8 Extending upwards and around the rear perimeter 148 of the heel insole 146 to the inner side 28 (see...) Figure 10The rear portion 159 has an outer side wall 159A, an inner side wall 159B, and a rear wall 159C connecting the outer side wall 159A and the inner side wall 159B, such that walls 159A, 159B, and 159C form a continuous inner heel cup. When the footwear 110 is in the use position, the rear portion 159 is laterally positioned inside the inner and outer sides of the rear upper portion 118B. More specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, in the usage position, the outer sidewall 117A of the rear upper portion 118B is laterally lateral to the sidewall 159A of the rear portion 159 of the front upper portion 118A and adjacent to the sidewall 159A of the rear portion 159 of the front upper portion 118A. In the usage position, the inner sidewall 117B of the rear upper portion 118B is laterally lateral to the inner sidewall 159B of the rear portion 159 of the front upper portion 118A and adjacent to the inner sidewall 159B of the rear portion 159 of the front upper portion 118A. As used herein, if a component is further away from the longitudinal axis of the footwear in the lateral direction (i.e., along the width of the shoe), that component is laterally lateral to the other component. Therefore, due to the overlap of the front upper portion 118A and the rear upper portion 118B, the footwear upper 118 has double the wall thickness at the heel portion 24. The double wall thickness provides lateral stability in the heel area 24 of the upper 118.

[0090] The rear upper portion 118B includes a smooth protrusion 153, in Figure 4 , 8 As best shown in Figure 10, when the current midsole portion 130 and the rear midsole portion 132 are in the use position, the compliant protrusion 153 projects forward into the foot receiving cavity 145 above the heel insole 146. The protrusion 153 may be, for example, a foam padding at the inner periphery of the rear upper portion 118B. The protrusion 153 may be configured to be positioned above the heel insole 146 in the use position to help restrain the heel insole 146 below the protrusion 153, while providing sufficient flexibility to both allow the insole 146 to pass over the protrusion 153 when moving to the entry position and to comfortably secure the rear upper portion 118B to the ankle of varying circumferences.

[0091] The forefoot portion 118A and the rearfoot portion 118B define an ankle opening 143 that leads to a foot receiving cavity 145 in which the wearer's foot is supported and secured during use of the footwear 110. In the use position, the size of the ankle opening 143 is determined by the walls 159A, 159B, 117A, and 117B of the overlapping upper portions 118A and 118B. The footwear 110 has a tongue 121 and a lacing system 123. The lacing system 123 can be adjusted to change the size of the ankle opening 143 in the use position. However, because the footwear 110 has the ability to selectively pivot to an entry position and remain in that position until needed, the lacing system 123 can be initially adjusted to the desired tightness to achieve the required fit in the use position and then maintained at the initial tightness setting during subsequent removal of the footwear 110 from the foot and placement of the footwear 110 on the foot.

[0092] In the entry position, the forefoot portion 118A and the rearfoot portion 118B do not overlap, and the walls 159A, 159B are separate from (i.e., not adjacent to) the walls 117A, 117B to sufficiently widen the ankle opening. In fact, due to the inclination of the forefoot portion 118A in the entry position, the foot can slide forward into the foot receiving cavity 145 at the forefoot portion 118A, where the toes use the heel pad 146 as a guide to enter along a downward and forward trajectory, without needing to stretch, open, move, or otherwise displace any part of the footwear 110, because the rearfoot portion 118B is completely positioned below the entry angle of the forefoot portion 118A. When the foot is inserted into the forefoot upper portion 118A and weight is placed on the forefoot midsole portion 130, the forefoot midsole portion 130 is pushed back to the use position, causing the movable hinge 116 to pivot back to the use position, and the rearfoot upper portion 118B surrounds the rear of the foot, capturing the foot within the foot receiving cavity 145. A resilient biasing member 154 is fixed at the inner side 28 and outer side 26 of the forefoot midsole portion 130 and extends around the rear periphery 156 of the rearfoot upper portion 118B. The resilient biasing member 154 can be any elastically stretchable material, such as rubber or elastic nylon. The resilient biasing member 154 can surround the rear periphery 156 of the rearfoot upper portion 118B and be fixed to the inner side 28 and outer side 26 of the forefoot midsole portion 130, or the resilient biasing member 154 can have an inner part and a separate outer part. The resilient biasing member 154 may have a recess 155 on opposite sides that is secured to the end of the forefoot midsole portion 130, or the recess 155 may be an opening in a lateral channel in the forefoot midsole portion 130, opening at an outer 26 and an inner 28, and the resilient biasing member 154 may be a continuous loop extending through the channel. In further embodiments, the resilient biasing member 154 may be secured to the footwear article 110 between the forefoot midsole portion 130 and the forefoot upper portion 118A. For example, the resilient biasing member 154 may be sewn to the forefoot upper portion 118A at a lower region, and the forefoot upper portion 118A may then be secured to the upper surface 138 of the forefoot midsole portion 130. As an alternative, the resilient biasing member 154 may pass beneath the bottom surface 134 of the forefoot midsole portion 130 (and beneath any outsole or outsole element that may be secured to the bottom surface 134). In each alternative, the resilient bias member 154 is fixed to the footwear 110 at an anchored position in front of the movable hinge 116, such that the movable hinge 116 is a bistable movable hinge (i.e., stable in both the use and entry positions), the anchored position allowing the tensioned portion of the resilient bias member 154 to cross over or approach the movable hinge 116.The length of the elastic bias member 154 is such that it is in a tensioned state when in use, so as to keep the upper portions 118A, 118B adjacent during wear, and in the footwear 10. Figure 8 The footwear is also in a tensioned state when it enters the position so as to keep the footwear 110 in the entry position, ready for the foot to enter.

[0093] Footwear item 110 is configured to be stably balanced on a horizontal surface and remain stably balanced in the entry position, awaiting foot entry. More specifically, see [reference needed]. Figure 9 The bottom surface 134 of the integral sole interlayer 114 in the heel region 24 has a main portion 160 and a rear portion 162 extending from the main portion 160 and set at an obtuse angle A1 with the main portion 160, such that the main portion 160 of the bottom surface 134 is in a first orientation (i.e., the position of use, see...) Figure 4 ) extends along the horizontal plane, and the rearmost portion 162 of the bottom surface 134 is in the second orientation (i.e., the entry position, see Figure 8 Extending along the horizontal plane. The horizontal plane GS is at... Figure 4 and Figure 8 The horizontal surface is indicated by a dashed line. Therefore, the footwear 110 rests on its main portion 160 in the use position and on its rearmost portion 162 in the entry position. Angle A1 can be the same as the angle between the walls of the recess 136 when it is in the use position, so that the rearmost portion 162 is horizontal when the recess is closed (i.e., as in the entry position).

[0094] Footwear item 110 is also configured for easy, hands-free removal. The top surface 138 of the second portion 132 of the one-piece sole interlayer 114 has a main portion 164 (see...). Figure 5 and 7 The second portion 132 extends from the main portion 164 and is positioned at an obtuse angle A2 to the main portion, such that the second portion 132 has a ridge 168 between the rearmost portion 162 of the bottom surface 134 and the rearmost portion 166 of the top surface 138. The rearmost portion 166 extending to the ridge 168 protrudes sufficiently to allow another foot to apply a downward load thereon, such that the sole interlayer 114 pivots at the movable hinge 116 to move the footwear 110 to an entry position. This entry position also serves as a removal position, which allows the foot to be manually withdrawn from the foot receiving cavity 145.

[0095] Figure 11-14Another embodiment of footwear article 210 within the scope of this teaching is depicted. Footwear article 210 has many of the same features as footwear articles 10 and 110, some of which are indicated by the same reference numerals. The description of the corresponding features of footwear articles 10 and 110 also applies to footwear article 210. For example, footwear article 210 includes a sole interlayer 114 having a movable hinge 116, a bottom surface 134 and a top surface 138, the bottom surface 134 having a rearmost portion 162 that provides stability for footwear 210 when placed in the entry position, and the top surface 138 having a rearmost portion 166 that allows footwear 210 to be removed without hands.

[0096] Footwear article 210 includes a divided footwear upper 218 having a forefoot upper portion 218A and a rearfoot upper portion 218B. The forefoot upper portion 218A functions the same as and has the same features as the forefoot upper portion 118A, except that the forefoot upper portion 218A is without laces. The rearfoot upper portion 218B functions the same as and has the same features as the rearfoot upper portion 118B, except that the walls 117A, 117B and the elastic biasing member 154 are replaced by the walls 217A, 217B. The walls 217A, 217B form the rear periphery 256 of the rearfoot upper portion 118B and are fixed to the outer side 26 and inner side 28 of the forefoot sole interlayer portion 130. Similar to the discussion regarding the elastic midsole portion 154, walls 217A and 217B can be secured to the footwear 210 at any location in front of the movable hinge 116, such that the tensioned portion crosses or approaches the movable hinge 116 along the outer and inner sides of the footwear 210. For example, walls 217A and 217B can be sewn to the lower region of the forefoot upper portion 218A, which is then secured to the upper surface 138 of the forefoot midsole portion 130. Alternatively, walls 217A and 217B can pass beneath the bottom surface 134 of the forefoot midsole portion 130 (and beneath any outsole or outsole element that can be secured to the bottom surface 134). Walls 217A and 217B can be part of a continuous loop through a channel in the forefoot midsole portion 130 that opens at the inner and outer sides. Walls 217A and 217B are made of an elastic material, such as stretchable nylon, so that walls 217A and 217B also serve as elastic biasing members. Therefore, the rear upper portion 218B includes an elastic biasing member.

[0097] Since, when the footwear 210 is in the use position, walls 217A and 217B are respectively located on the lateral outer sidewall 259A and inner sidewall 259B of the front upper portion 218A, the rear upper portion 218B is... Figure 11 Its placement overlaps with the forefoot portion 218A. Figure 11 As shown in the usage position, the rear periphery 148 of the heel insole 146 is surrounded by the rear upper portion 218B and covers the rear sole interlayer portion 132. For example... Figure 13-14 As best shown, the rear sole interlayer portion 132 has a rear lip 167 that extends upward and above the heel insole 146 and supports the rear upper portion 218B. The heel insole 146, in its use position, is located within the foot receiving cavity 245 formed by the upper portions 218A and 218B. Figure 12 In the entry position, the heel insole 146 is exposed above the rear sole interlayer portion 132 and is positioned further away from the rear upper portion 218B than in the use position. Therefore, the ankle opening in the entry position is larger than the ankle opening 243 formed by the upper portions 218A and 218B in the use position.

[0098] Figure 15-17 Another embodiment of footwear article 310 within the scope of this teaching is shown. Footwear article 310 has many of the same features as footwear articles 10, 110, and 210, some of which are indicated by the same reference numerals. The description of the corresponding features of footwear articles 10, 110, and 210 also applies to footwear article 310. For example, footwear article 310 includes a sole structure 312 having a movable hinge 316. Sole structure 312 includes a sole interlayer 314 and an outsole 315 fixed to the bottom surface of sole interlayer 314. Outsole 315 is a full-length outsole having a forefoot region 20, a midfoot region 22, and a heel region 24. Sole interlayer 314 has a slit 340 extending to outsole 315. Slit 340 divides sole interlayer 314 into a forefoot sole interlayer portion 330 (also referred to as the forefoot sole portion) and a rearfoot sole interlayer portion 332 (also referred to as the rearfoot sole portion). The forefoot sole interlayer portion 330 and the rearfoot sole interlayer portion 332 can be integrally formed with a slit molded during molding or cut after molding, or the sole interlayer portions 330 and 332 can be molded separately. In the position of use, the forefoot sole interlayer portion 330, the rearfoot sole interlayer portion 332, and the movable hinge 316 are substantially coplanar in a plane parallel to the horizontal ground surface GS. The outsole 315 has a bottom surface, which has a rearmost portion 362, in... Figure 17 In the entry position, the footwear 310 is rested with its rearmost portion 362, and this rearmost portion provides stability to the footwear 310 in this entry position. Figure 17 The entry position, the sole structure 312 is at the movable hinge 316 relative to Figure 15 The position of the shoe sole is raised, causing the rear sole portion 332 to tilt from the rear end 342 towards the movable hinge 316, and the front sole portion 330 to tilt from the front end 344 towards the movable hinge 316, as... Figure 17 As shown. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Usage location and Figure 17 The position between the entry and exit positions. In the entry position, the slit 340 is open, and the outsole 315 serves as a movable hinge 316 below the open slit 340.

[0099] Footwear article 310 includes segmented footwear uppers 318A and 318B having a forefoot upper portion 318A and a rearfoot upper portion 318B. The forefoot upper portion 318A functions the same as and has the same features as the forefoot upper portion 118A. The rearfoot upper portion 318B functions the same as and has the same features as the rearfoot upper portion 118B. In the usage position, the forefoot upper portion 318A and the rearfoot upper portion 318B overlap at the heel area 24. More specifically, the sidewall 359 of the rear portion of the forefoot upper portion 318A (… Figure 16 One of them is shown in the figure, which overlaps with the side wall 317 (shown in the figure) of the rear upper portion 318B.

[0100] exist Figure 15 In the usage position, the front upper portion 318A overlaps with the rear upper portion 318B because when the footwear 310 is in the usage position, the sidewall 317 (a sidewall can be seen in the shown side view) is positioned laterally outside the sidewall 359 of the rear portion of the front upper portion 318A. Figure 15 In the indicated usage position, the rear periphery 348 of the heel insole 346, extending rearward from the forefoot upper portion 318A, is surrounded by the rearfoot upper portion 318B and covers the rear sole interlayer portion 332. Figure 17 In the entry position, the heel insole 346 is exposed above the rear sole midsole portion 332 and is positioned further away from the rear upper portion 318B than in the use position. The rear upper portion 318B may have a protrusion 353 (see...). Figure 15 The protrusion 353 extends into the foot receiving cavity 345 and is positioned above the heel insole 346 in the entry position, similar to protrusion 153. Therefore, the ankle opening 343 in the entry position is larger than the ankle opening formed by the upper portions 318A, 318B in the use position. Thus, in the entry position, access to the foot receiving cavity 345 is easier, as discussed with respect to footwear 110.

[0101] The footwear article 310 does not have a resilient biasing member fixed to the forefoot midsole portion 330. Instead, the footwear 310 includes a strap 380. The strap 380 has a fixed end 382 fixed to the heel insole 346 and a free end 384 extending through a hole 386 in the rear upper portion 318B. The length of the strap 380 is configured such that when the midsole 314 is in position... Figure 17When in the entry position, the strap 380 is slack, and when the strap 380 is tightened through the free end 384, the forefoot portion 318A pivots toward the use position. The strap 380 can be tightened by the weight of the foot entering the forefoot portion 318A in the entry position, thereby returning the footwear 310 to the use position. The strap 380 can also be manually pulled to return the footwear 310 to the use position. The strap 380 also prevents overextension of the movable hinge 316 by limiting the maximum pivoting of the sole interlayer portions 330, 332 relative to each other to the orientation in which the strap 380 is tightened.

[0102] Figure 18-22 Another embodiment of footwear article 410 is shown. Footwear article 410 includes an integral sole interlayer 114, the sole interlayer 114 having a reference Figure 4-10 All the features and functions described herein include the groove 136 and the slit 140, where the sole interlayer 114 forms a movable hinge 116 (or any of the alternative movable hinge configurations described herein) at the groove 136 and the slit 140. The footwear article 410 also includes a segmented upper 418 having a forefoot portion 418A and a rearfoot portion 418B. The forefoot portion 418A includes a rear portion 459, which has outer sidewalls and inner sidewalls 459A and 459B, respectively (see...). Figure 21 Furthermore, the rear upper portion 418B has outer and inner sidewalls 417A and 417B, when the heel insole 446 extending rearward from the front upper portion 418A covers the rear sole interlayer portion 132 and the footwear 410 is in a position where... Figure 18-20 When in use, the outer and inner sidewalls 417A and 417B overlap with walls 459A and 459B, similar to the arrangement of... Figure 4 The walls 117A, 117B, 159A, and 159B are described. The resilient biasing member 454, which functions identically to the biasing member 154, is fixed to the inner and outer sides of the forefoot midsole portion 130 of the integral sole midsole 114 in the same manner as the biasing member 154, and may extend laterally through the sole midsole 114 as described with respect to the biasing member 154, or may have any other configuration as described with respect to the biasing member 154.

[0103] The forefoot upper portion 418A and the heel upper portion 418B define the ankle opening 443 (see...). Figure 18Ankle opening 443 leads to foot receiving cavity 445, in which the wearer's foot is supported and secured during use of footwear 410. In the use position, the size of ankle opening 443 is defined by the walls 459A, 459B, 417A, and 417B of the overlapping upper portions 418A and 418B. In the entry position, upper portions 418A and 418B separate, with the rear upper portion 418B below the heel insole 446, and ankle opening 443 widens relative to its size in the use position.

[0104] Footwear article 410 includes a fastening system 490 for tightening the upper 418 in a position of use. The fastening system 490 is shown and described for footwear article 410, but can also be used for any footwear article within the scope of this teaching, such as footwear articles 10, 110, 210, and 310. The fastening system 490 includes at least one cord 492 that extends at least partially over the forefoot upper portion 418A and is secured to the rearfoot sole interlayer portion 132 at one of the outer 26 or inner 28 of the integral sole interlayer 114. The at least one cord 492 may be a thin rope, thread, cord, strand, lace-up, or other elongated tension element.

[0105] The pulley 494 is secured to the forefoot sole interlayer portion 130 on the same side as the securing cord 492. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two pulleys 494, one on each of the outer and inner sides 26, 28. A single cord 492 passes through eyelet 495 and crosses the top of the forefoot upper portion 418A between the two sides 26, 28. In another embodiment, there are two cords 492, one secured to each side, and each cord is anchored in its respective eyelet or elsewhere.

[0106] like Figure 19As shown, cord 492 extends along the inner side 28 and has a portion 496A passing through eyelet 495. Cord 492 also has an end 497A fixed to the inner side 28 of the rear sole interlayer portion 132. Cord 492 extends along the outer side 26 and has a portion 496B passing through eyelet 495. Cord 492 also has an end 497B fixed to the outer side 26 of the rear sole interlayer portion 132. Cord 492 extends around a first pulley 494 between the portion 496A and the second end 497A of the first cord 492. Second pulley 494 is fixed to the outer side 26 of the front sole interlayer portion 418A. Cord 492 extends around the second pulley 494 between the portion 496B and the end 497B of the cord 492. Due to the positioning of the first end, pulley, and second end on each side, the cord 492 is relatively slack when the front sole interlayer 130 and the rear sole interlayer 132 are in the entry position, and relatively tightened when the front sole interlayer 130 and the rear sole interlayer 132 are in the use position. Therefore, when the footwear 410 returns from the entry position to the use position (e.g., when the weight of the foot enters the foot receiving cavity 445 in the forefoot upper portion 418A), the footwear 410 returns to the use position, and the tightening system 490 automatically tightens, pulling the forefoot upper portion 418A tightly against the foot.

[0107] A method of manufacturing footwear, such as footwear 10, 110, 210, 310 and / or 410 disclosed herein, includes forming a sole interlayer having a forefoot interlayer portion, a rearfoot interlayer portion, and a movable hinge extending laterally from an inner side 28 of the sole interlayer through the sole interlayer to an outer side 26 of the sole interlayer, and connecting the forefoot interlayer portion and the rearfoot interlayer portion. For example, with respect to a one-piece sole interlayer 114, forming the one-piece sole interlayer 114 may include molding the one-piece sole interlayer 114, for example, by compression molding or injection molding. Molding the one-piece sole interlayer 114 may include molding a bottom surface 34 of the one-piece sole interlayer 114 having a groove 136 extending from the inner side 28 of the one-piece sole interlayer to the outer side 26 of the one-piece sole interlayer 114. The bottom surface 34 of the molded integral sole interlayer 114 may also include the bottom surface of the molded rear sole interlayer portion 132, the bottom surface of which has a main portion 160 and a rear portion 162 extending from the main portion 160 and set at an obtuse angle A1 to the main portion 160.

[0108] Molding the integral sole interlayer 114 may include molding the top surface 138 of the integral sole interlayer 114 having a slit 140 or any other configuration disclosed herein of slits 40, 540, 640, 740. The method may include simultaneously molding the groove 136 and the slit 140 (or slits 40, 540, 640, 740) in the same mold without requiring any secondary processing steps to provide the groove 136 and the slit 140. For example, if the mold is configured with a mold cavity corresponding to a central location of the sole interlayer 114, in which the groove 136 is partially closed and the slit 140 is partially open, then both the groove 136 and the slit 140 can be molded simultaneously.

[0109] Alternatively, instead of molding the groove 136 and / or the slit 140, a method of manufacturing footwear such as footwear 110 may alternatively include providing the groove 136 in the bottom surface 34 of the integral sole interlayer 114 by hot-blade cutting or laser cutting, both of which will occur after molding the integral sole interlayer 114. The groove 136 extends from the inner side 28 of the integral sole interlayer 114 to the outer side 26 of the integral sole interlayer 114. The method may also include providing the slit 140 in the top surface 38 of the integral sole interlayer 114 by hot-blade cutting or laser cutting. The provided slit 140 extends from the inner side 28 of the integral sole interlayer to the outer side 26 of the integral sole interlayer and is positioned above the groove 136.

[0110] Furthermore, the method may include attaching an outsole to the bottom surfaces of segmented forefoot and rearfoot midsole portions, wherein the outsole at least partially forms a movable hinge. For example, in one embodiment, the forefoot and rearfoot midsole portions are segmented (i.e., not physically connected to each other) because they are molded or otherwise formed separately, or because the formed midsole is cut or otherwise divided into multiple parts. The outsole is fixed to the bottom surfaces of the segmented forefoot and rearfoot midsole portions. The separation between the forefoot and rearfoot midsole portions thereby forms a slit, and the outsole connects the forefoot and rearfoot midsole portions and bends below the slit to form a movable hinge, as referenced. Figure 15-17 The insole interlayer portions 330 and 332 and the outsole 315 are shown and described.

[0111] In yet another embodiment, the sole interlayer 114 may be molded to have grooves, such as groove 136, and the outsole, such as outsole 315, may be fixed to the bottom surface 134 of the sole interlayer 114, including the portion fixed to the bottom surface 134 in the groove 136. In such an embodiment, the outsole outlines the grooves, and when the grooves are closed, the outsole portions fixed in the grooves are pressed together.

[0112] After the midsole is formed, the method includes securing a forefoot upper portion, such as forefoot upper portion 118A, to a forefoot midsole portion, such as forefoot midsole portion 130, and securing a rearfoot upper portion, such as rearfoot upper portion 118B, to a rearfoot midsole portion, such as rearfoot midsole portion 132, wherein the rearfoot upper portion is separate from the forefoot upper portion, as described in each embodiment relating to footwear 10, 110, 210, 310, 410. The upper portions, such as upper portions 118A and 118B, can be secured to the corresponding midsole portions, such as midsole portions 130 and 132, by thermal bonding, radio frequency welding, adhesives, stitching, or other means.

[0113] After the upper portion is secured to the midsole portion, the method includes securing a resilient biasing member 54 or 154 to the footwear 10 or 110 in front of the movable hinge 16 or 116, for example at the forefoot midsole portion 30 or 130 of the inner side 28 and outer side 26 of the integral midsole portion 14 or 114, such that the resilient biasing member 154 extends around the rear periphery 56 or 156 of the rear upper portion 18B or 18B and extends along the inner and outer sides of the footwear article 10 or 110. Alternatively, the rear upper portion itself can serve as the resilient biasing member and can be secured in front of the movable hinge, for example... Figure 12 The mid-to-rear upper portion 218B is secured to the front of the movable hinge 116. Alternatively, or in addition to securing the resilient biasing member as described above, the method may include attaching a strap 380 to the heel insole 346 of the forefoot upper portion 318A, as described with respect to footwear article 310. The method may also include extending the free end 384 of the strap 380 through a hole 386 in the rear upper portion 318B.

[0114] Regarding footwear item 410, the method also includes:

[0115] A pulley 494 is secured to the forefoot midsole portion 130 at one of the inner side 28 or the outer side 26, and at least one cord 492 is secured to the rearfoot midsole portion 132 at the same side of the integral midsole midsole 114, such that the cord extends around the pulley at the forefoot upper portion and at least partially on the forefoot upper portion. The at least one cord may be a rope, a lace-up, or another elongated tension element.

[0116] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one item. Multiple such items may exist unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless explicitly or clearly indicated by the context (including the appended claims), all numerical values ​​of 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 stated numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (somewhat close to the accuracy of the value; approximately or moderately close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in this ordinary sense in the art, then “about” as used herein at least indicates variations that may arise from common methods of measuring and using such parameters. Furthermore, the disclosure of a scope should be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within that scope and further subdivisions of the scope. All cited references are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0117] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of steps, processes, and operations may be changed where possible, and additional or alternative steps may be used. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of” in the referenced items. The term “any” is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims in the appended claims, including “any one” in the referenced claims.

[0118] Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” may be used descriptively with respect to the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0119] While several models for implementing many aspects of this teaching have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which this teaching pertains will recognize various alternative aspects for implementing this teaching within the scope of the appended claims. All content contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be illustrative only and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A type of footwear, comprising: A sole structure having a fore sole portion, a rear sole portion, and a movable hinge that extends laterally from the inside of the sole structure through the sole structure to the outside and connects the fore sole portion to the rear sole portion; A footwear upper, the footwear upper comprising a forefoot portion and a rearfoot portion; wherein the forefoot portion is fixed to the forefoot sole portion, defining at least the forefoot region of the footwear upper, and the rearfoot portion is fixed to the rearfoot sole portion, defining the heel region of the footwear upper; A heel insole integrally formed with either the front upper portion or the front sole portion; The forefoot and rearfoot sole portions are selectively pivotable relative to each other at the movable hinge between a use position and an entry position. The heel insole is configured to be further away from the rear upper portion when in the entry position than when the forefoot and rearfoot sole portions are in the use position. The rear periphery of the heel insole is surrounded by the rear upper portion and covers the rearfoot sole portion when in the use position. In the usage position, the forefoot portion and the rearfoot portion together define a foot receiving cavity and an ankle opening; In the entry position, the ankle opening is larger than in the use position; The rear upper portion includes a protrusion that, when the forefoot and rearfoot portions are in the use position, protrudes forward into the foot receiving cavity above the heel insole, and in the use position, the protrusion restricts the heel insole below the protrusion; and The bottom surface of the rear sole portion has a main portion in the heel area and a rearmost portion extending from the main portion and set at an obtuse angle to the main portion, such that the main portion of the bottom surface rests on a horizontal surface in the use position and the rearmost portion of the bottom surface rests on a horizontal surface in the entry position.

2. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is a compliant protrusion, and in the position of use, the obtuse angle is equal to the angle between the front and rear walls of the groove in the bottom surface of the sole structure.

3. Footwear according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein The back of the shoe has a back collar section; and The protrusion is located on the inner periphery of the rear upper portion, below the rear collar portion.

4. Footwear according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The forefoot sole portion and the rearfoot sole portion form a sole interlayer, and the movable hinge is an outsole that connects the forefoot sole portion to the rearfoot sole portion.

5. The footwear article according to claim 4, wherein, The forefoot sole portion rests on the outsole in the forefoot region, the rearfoot sole portion rests on the outsole in the heel region, and when the sole structure is in the enter position, the sole structure is lifted at the hinge in the midfoot region.

6. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the footwear upper is a segmented footwear upper, and the rear upper portion is independent of the front upper portion.

7. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein in the position of use, the rear upper portion overlaps with the front upper portion on the inside and outside of the sole structure.

8. Footwear according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: In the stated usage position, the forefoot sole portion, the rearfoot sole portion, and the movable hinge are coplanar; and The sole structure is raised at the movable hinge in the entry position relative to the use position, such that the rear sole portion is tilted from the rear end of the rear sole portion toward the movable hinge, and the front sole portion is tilted from the front end of the front sole portion toward the movable hinge.

9. The footwear article of claim 7, wherein in the access position, the rear upper portion does not overlap with the front upper portion on either the inner side of the sole structure or the outer side of the sole structure.

10. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein: The sole structure is a one-piece sole interlayer, the bottom surface of which defines a groove extending from the inside of the sole structure to the outside of the sole structure, and the top surface of which defines a linear slit disposed above the groove and extending from the inside of the sole structure to the outside of the sole structure. and The integral sole interlayer forms the movable hinge at the groove and the slit, wherein the groove is wider in the use position than in the entry position, and the linear slit is wider in the entry position than in the use position.

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