Article of footwear with means for ease of access

Abstract

An apparatus for ease of foot access into an article of footwear includes a lever having a central section, a medial arm extending downward and forward from the central section, and a lateral arm spaced apart from the medial arm and extending downward and forward from the central section. The device includes a base located below the lever and connected to the medial arm at a first junction and to the lateral arm at a second junction. The device includes a medial anchor arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the first engagement portion and extending partially beneath the foot receiving void. The device includes a lateral anchor arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the second engagement portion and extending partially beneath the foot receiving void. When a downward force is applied to the central section, the inboard and outboard arms resiliently bend to a load position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 346,612, filed on May 27, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a device for facilitating entry of a foot into an article of footwear, and to an article of footwear including the device at a heel area of ​​the article of footwear. Background Art

[0004] Traditionally, placing footwear on the foot often requires using one or two hands to enlarge the ankle opening of the footwear upper and hold the rear portion during foot insertion, especially in the case of relatively soft uppers and / or uppers that do not have a heel counter of flexible fabric secured to the rear of the ankle opening. These steps can be difficult for some wearers, such as those with limited dexterity and young children and toddlers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary rather than limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 1 is a lateral view of an article of footwear having a device for easing foot entry, the device being shown in an unloaded position of use.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A medial view of an article of footwear.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 0014] Figure 2 is a rear view of a portion of an article of footwear in which the footwear upper is not shown and the entry location of the load of the device is shown in dotted lines.

[0009] Figure 4 is Fig.24 The line 4-4 in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an article of footwear is shown with the load position of the device being indicated by a dotted line.

[0010] Figure 5 is Fig.24 The line 5-5 in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0011] Figure 6 is Fig.24 The line 6-6 in Figure 1A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0012] Figure 7 is Fig.24 The line 7-7 in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0013] Figure 8 is Fig.24 The line 8-8 in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0014] Fig. 9 is included in Figure 1 A perspective view of the lateral side of a device in an article of footwear.

[0015] Fig.10 is included in Figure 1 A perspective view of the medial side of a device in an article of footwear.

[0016] Fig.11 is included in Figure 1 A top view of a device in an article of footwear.

[0017] Fig.12 is included in Figure 1 Bottom view of a device in an article of footwear.

[0018] Fig.13 is included in Figure 1 A perspective view of a top portion of a bladder within an article of footwear.

[0019] Fig.14 is included in Figure 1 A perspective view of a bottom portion of a bladder within an article of footwear.

[0020] Fig.15 is included in Figure 1 A perspective view of the medial side of a device and a bladder within an article of footwear.

[0021] Fig.16 is included in Figure 1 A perspective view of the outside of the device and bladder in an article of footwear.

[0022] Fig.17 is included in Figure 1 A perspective view of a bottom and medial side of a midsole of an article of footwear.

[0023] Fig.18 is included in Figure 1 A perspective view of a bottom and lateral side of a midsole of an article of footwear.

[0024] Fig.19 is included in Figure 1 A bottom view of a midsole in an article of footwear.

[0025] Fig. 20 is included in Figure 1 A lateral view of a midsole and bladder in an article of footwear.

[0026] Fig.21 is included in Figure 1 Bottom view of the midsole and device in the footwear article.

[0027] Fig. 22 is included in Figure 1 A lateral view of a midsole and a device in an article of footwear.

[0028] Fig.23 is included in Figure 1 Bottom view of the midsole, device and bladder in the footwear article.

[0029] Fig.24 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the footwear article.

[0030] Fig.25 is a lateral view of an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear having a device for easing foot entry, the device being shown in an unloaded, use position.

[0031] Fig.26 yes Fig.25 A medial view of an article of footwear.

[0032] Fig. 27 yes Fig.25 A rear view of a portion of an article of footwear, with the entry location of a load of the device being shown in dotted lines.

[0033] Fig.28 is Fig.48 The line 28-28 in Fig.25 A cross-sectional view of an article of footwear is shown with the load position of the device being indicated by a dotted line.

[0034] Fig.29 is Fig.48 The line 29-29 in Fig.25 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0035] Fig.30 is Fig.48 The line 30-30 in Fig.25 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0036] Fig.31 is Fig.48 The line 31-31 in Fig.25 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0037] Fig.32 is Fig.48 The line 32-32 in Fig.25 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0038] Fig.33 is included in Fig.25 A perspective view of the lateral side of a device in an article of footwear.

[0039] Fig.34 is included in Fig.25 A perspective view of the medial side of a device in an article of footwear.

[0040] Fig.35 is included in Fig.25 A top view of a device in an article of footwear.

[0041] Fig.36 is included in Fig.25 Bottom view of a device in an article of footwear.

[0042] Fig.37 is included in Fig.25 A perspective view of a top portion of a bladder within an article of footwear.

[0043] Fig.38 is included in Fig.25 A perspective view of a bottom portion of a bladder within an article of footwear.

[0044] Fig.39 is included in Fig.25 A perspective view of the medial side of a device and a bladder within an article of footwear.

[0045] Fig.40 is included in Fig.25 A perspective view of the outside of the device and bladder in an article of footwear.

[0046] Fig.41 is included in Fig.25 A perspective view of a bottom and medial side of a midsole of an article of footwear.

[0047] Fig.42 is included in Fig.25 A perspective view of a bottom and lateral side of a midsole of an article of footwear.

[0048] Fig.43 is included in Fig.25 A bottom view of a midsole in an article of footwear.

[0049] Fig.44 is included in Fig.25 A lateral view of a midsole and bladder in an article of footwear.

[0050] Fig.45 is included in Fig.25 Bottom view of the midsole and device in the footwear article.

[0051] Fig.46 is included in Fig.25 A lateral view of a midsole and a device in an article of footwear.

[0052] Fig.47 is included in Figure 1 Bottom view of the midsole, device and bladder in the footwear article.

[0053] Fig.48 yes Fig.25 A bottom view of the footwear article.

[0054] Fig.49 is a lateral view of an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear having a device for easing foot entry, the device being shown in an unloaded, use position.

[0055] Fig.50 yes Fig.49 A medial view of an article of footwear.

[0056] Fig.51 yes Fig.49 A rear view of a portion of an article of footwear, wherein the entry location of the load of the device is shown in dotted lines.

[0057] Fig.52 is Fig.72 The line 52-52 in Fig.49 A cross-sectional view of an article of footwear is shown with the load position of the device being indicated by a dotted line.

[0058] Fig.53 is Fig.72 The line 53-53 in Fig.49 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0059] Fig.54 is Fig.72 The line 54-54 in Fig.49 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0060] Fig.55 is Fig.72 The line 55-55 in Fig.49 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0061] Fig.56 is Fig.72 The line 56-56 in Fig.49 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0062] Fig.57 is included in Fig.49A perspective view of the lateral side of a device in an article of footwear.

[0063] Fig.58 is included in Fig.49 A perspective view of the medial side of a device in an article of footwear.

[0064] Fig.59 is included in Fig.49 A top view of a device in an article of footwear.

[0065] Fig.60 is included in Fig.49 Bottom view of a device in an article of footwear.

[0066] Fig.61 is included in Fig.49 A perspective view of a top portion of a bladder within an article of footwear.

[0067] Fig.62 is included in Fig.49 A perspective view of a bottom portion of a bladder within an article of footwear.

[0068] Fig.63 is included in Fig.49 A perspective view of the medial side of a device and a bladder within an article of footwear.

[0069] Fig.64 is included in Fig.49 A perspective view of the outside of the device and bladder in an article of footwear.

[0070] Fig.65 is included in Fig.49 A perspective view of a bottom and medial side of a midsole of an article of footwear.

[0071] Fig.66 is included in Fig.49 A perspective view of a bottom and lateral side of a midsole of an article of footwear.

[0072] Fig.67 is included in Fig.49 A bottom view of a midsole in an article of footwear.

[0073] Fig.68 is included in Fig.49 A lateral view of a midsole and bladder in an article of footwear.

[0074] Fig.69 is included in Fig.49 Bottom view of the midsole and device in the footwear article.

[0075] Fig.70 is included in Fig.49 A lateral view of a midsole and a device in an article of footwear.

[0076] Fig.71 is included in Fig.49 Bottom view of the midsole, device and bladder in the footwear article.

[0077] Fig.72 yes Fig.49 A bottom view of the footwear article.

[0078] Fig.73 is fixed to the foam cushioning component Figure 1 A perspective view of the medial side of an apparatus of an article of footwear.

[0079] Fig.74 yes Fig.73 A perspective view of the outside of the device and the foam cushioning component.

[0080] Fig.75 is a lateral view of an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear having a device for easing foot entry, the device being shown in an unloaded, use position.

[0081] Fig.76 yes Fig.75 A bottom view of the footwear article.

[0082] Fig.77 is Fig.76 The line 77-77 in Fig.75 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0083] Fig.78 is included in Fig.75 A perspective view of an upper, midlayer and a lower layer in an article of footwear.

[0084] Fig.79 is included in Fig.75 A bottom view of a lower midsole layer in a footwear article.

[0085] Fig.80 is included in Fig.75 A bottom view of a first outsole component in an article of footwear.

[0086] Fig.81 is a lateral view of an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear having a device for easing foot entry, the device being shown in an unloaded, use position.

[0087] Fig.82 yes Fig.81 A bottom view of the footwear article.

[0088] Fig.83 is Fig.82 The line 83-83 in Fig.81 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0089] Fig.84is included in Fig.81 A perspective view of an upper, midlayer and a lower layer in an article of footwear.

[0090] Fig.85 is included in Fig.81 A bottom view of a lower midsole layer in a footwear article.

[0091] Fig.86 is included in Fig.81 A bottom view of a first outsole component in an article of footwear.

[0092] Fig.87 yes Fig.86 A top view of a first outsole component.

[0093] Fig.88 is a lateral view of an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear having a device for easing foot entry, the device being shown in an unloaded, use position.

[0094] Fig.89 yes Fig.88 A bottom view of the footwear article.

[0095] Fig.90 is Fig.89 The line 90-90 is intercepted Fig.88 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0096] Fig.91 is included in Fig.88 A perspective view of a midsole in an article of footwear.

[0097] Fig.92 is included in Fig.88 A bottom view of a central outsole component in an article of footwear.

[0098] Fig.93 is included in Fig.88 A bottom view of a first outsole component in an article of footwear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] Various embodiments of a device for facilitating foot entry into a footwear article are disclosed herein. The device can achieve hands-free foot entry, such as by loading the device with the foot or otherwise to enter the foot-receiving cavity from a rearward position, and sliding the foot forward and downward into the foot-receiving cavity. Alternatively, one or more hands can be used in conjunction with the device to facilitate foot entry. The footwear can be implemented for all sizes and is particularly useful for children and toddlers because it can enable them to put on and take off their footwear independently. Various embodiments of the footwear articles disclosed herein are specifically configured for toddlers and preschool or elementary school-age children, but can be sized to adult footwear sizes.

[0100] In an example, a device for facilitating entry of a foot into a footwear article and configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving void at a heel area of ​​the footwear article. The device may include a control rod having a center section, a medial arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the center section, and a lateral arm spaced apart from the medial arm and extending downwardly and forwardly from the center section. The device may include a base located below the control rod and connected to the medial arm at a first joint and to the lateral arm at a second joint. The control rod and the base may be configured to surround a rear portion of the heel area, wherein the medial arm is located on the inside of the footwear article and the lateral arm is located on the outside of the footwear article. The device may include a medial anchor arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the first joint and partially extending below the foot-receiving void. The device may also include a lateral anchor arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the second joint and partially extending below the foot-receiving void. When a downward force is applied to the center section of the control rod, the inner and outer arms may resiliently flex to a loaded position, thereby storing potential energy that returns the control rod to an unloaded position after the downward force is removed.

[0101] The article of footwear including the device may include an upper and a sole structure that is fixed to the upper and located below the upper. The upper and sole structure may define a foot-accommodating void. The control rod and base may be configured to surround the rear portion of the upper, wherein the medial arm is located on the medial side of the upper, the lateral arm is located on the lateral side of the upper, and the base is fixed to the upper surface of the sole structure. The medial anchor arm may extend downward and forward from the first joint and partially extend below the sole structure and the foot-accommodating void. The lateral anchor arm may extend downward and forward from the second joint and partially extend below the sole structure and the foot-accommodating void. When a downward force is applied to the central section of the control rod, the medial arm and the lateral arm may be resiliently bent to a loaded position, thereby storing potential energy that returns the control rod to an unloaded position after the downward force is removed. The rear portion of the upper moves with the central section of the control rod. Therefore, when the control rod is depressed, the foot-accommodating void is opened to a greater extent from the rear direction, making it easier for the foot to enter.

[0102] In some embodiments, the sole structure to which the device is secured may be one or more foam mid-layers. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the sole structure may include a bladder defining an interior cavity and configured to retain a fluid in the interior cavity. The base may be secured to an upper surface of the bladder.

[0103] The device may include one or more features that protect the bladder from external forces such as may occur during wear. For example, in one aspect, the base may include an inner protrusion that extends laterally outward and downward from the inner side of the base behind the first joint to above the bladder. The inner protrusion is not fixed to the bladder. On the other hand, the base may include an outer protrusion that extends laterally outward and downward from the outer side of the base behind the second joint to above the bladder. The outer protrusion is not fixed to the bladder. On the other hand, the base may include a rear protrusion that extends backward and downward from the rear of the base to above the bladder. The rear protrusion is not fixed to the bladder. In an embodiment including one or all of these, the inner protrusion, the outer protrusion, and the rear protrusion enable the bladder to elastically deform outward under load without increasing the stress on the bladder, which would otherwise increase if the protrusion was fixed to the bladder.

[0104] In another aspect, the outer rear surface of the base above the rear projection defines a cavity. The cavity enables a wearer to insert the toe area of ​​their opposing foot (or footwear on the opposing foot) into the cavity to grasp the base and press downwardly on the base while pulling their foot out of the footwear. It is preferred to place the foot on the base rather than on the bladder, and the cavity facilitates such placement. If a rear projection is provided that projects downwardly and outwardly from the rear of the base, it can be located directly below the cavity, thereby further protecting the bladder when the footwear is removed in this manner.

[0105] The sole structure may also include a midsole extending forward of the base. The medial anchoring arm may be nested in a medial recess in an exterior surface of the midsole and may be exposed outwardly. The lateral anchoring arm may be nested in a lateral recess in an exterior surface of the midsole and may be exposed outwardly. In some embodiments, the midsole may extend rearwardly and laterally inwardly from the base to a rear portion of the base and may be secured to an upper surface of the bladder.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, the posterior surface of the medial anchoring arm can define a downwardly extending posterior wall, and the anterior surface of the bladder can nest against the posterior wall of the medial anchoring arm.

[0107] Similarly, in one or more embodiments, the posterior surface of the lateral anchoring arm can define a downwardly extending posterior wall, and the anterior surface of the bladder can nest against the posterior wall of the lateral anchoring arm.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, a portion of the medial anchor arm and a portion of the lateral anchor arm can be exposed at a ground-facing surface of the sole structure.

[0109] Thus, the device can be wrapped over, around, and in front of the bladder and can be secured to both the upper and midsole to fully integrate the device into the footwear.

[0110] The above features and advantages of the present teachings and other features and advantages become apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the present teachings when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that although embodiments may be described separately below, their individual features may be combined in additional embodiments.

[0111] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, Figure 1 An article of footwear 10 is shown that includes means 12 for facilitating entry of a foot into a foot-receiving cavity 14 of the article of footwear 10. The article of footwear 10 includes a footwear upper 16 and a sole structure 18 disposed beneath the footwear upper 16. Together, the footwear upper 16 and the sole structure 18 define the foot-receiving cavity 14, and the footwear upper 16 defines an ankle opening 20 through which the foot is inserted into the foot-receiving cavity 14. The footwear upper 16 and the sole structure 18 are described in greater detail herein.

[0112] The article of footwear 10 is depicted as an athletic shoe and may be used by children, such as elementary school-age children, but it is within the scope of the present teachings that the size of the article of footwear 10 may be used by adults and the features of the article of footwear 10 may be implemented in dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, or any other type of footwear. The article of footwear 10 is shown for use on a right foot. A pair of footwear includes the article of footwear 10 and a mirror image of the article of footwear 10 for use on a left foot.

[0113] The article of footwear 10 includes a heel region 22, a midfoot region 24, and a forefoot region 26. The heel region 22 generally includes portions of the article of footwear 10 that correspond to a rear portion of a person's foot, including the calcaneus, when the person's foot is supported on the sole structure 18 in the foot-receiving cavity 14 and is sized to correspond to the article of footwear 10. The forefoot region 26 of the article of footwear 10 generally includes portions of the article of footwear 10 that correspond to the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsal bones to the phalanges of the person's foot (interchangeably referred to herein as "metatarsal-phalangeal joints" or "MPJ" joints). The midfoot region 24 of the article of footwear 10 is disposed between the heel region 22 and the forefoot region 26 and generally includes portions of the article of footwear 10 that correspond to the arch area of ​​the person's foot, including the navicular joint.

[0114] The device 12 is configured to surround a portion of the foot-receiving cavity 14 at the heel region 22 of the footwear article 10. The device 12 is a device that includes a control shaft 30, a base 32, a medial anchoring arm 34 (see FIG. Figure 2) and the outer anchoring arm 36. For example, the device 12 can be injection molded as a single integral, one-piece component. The material of the device 12 is selected to provide the ability to elastically deform by elastic bending as described herein, and the storage device 12 returns to the Figure 1 and Figure 2 The potential energy of the unloaded position shown, such as elastic energy. Example materials include plastics (such as thermoplastics), composites, and nylon. Another example material is a polyether block amide, such as the polyamide available from Arkema, Inc., King of Prussia, Pennsylvania USA.

[0115] The control rod 30 has a central section 30A, an inner arm 30B extending downward and forward from the central section 30A (see Figure 2 ), and an outer arm 30C spaced apart from the inner arm 30B and also extending downward and forward from the central segment 30A. The central segment 30A has a thinned portion 31. In other words, Figure 4 , the portion of the central segment 30A surrounding the thinned portion is thicker from the medial side to the lateral (exterior) side than at the thinned portion 31, and thus the thinned portion 31 is relatively thin. The thinned portion 31 can be created when molding or otherwise forming the device 12. The thinned portion 31 is thin enough to allow the upper 16 to be sewn to the device 12 by a stitch 33 extending through the upper 16 and through the thinned portion 31. This enables the rear portion of the upper 16 to move with the central segment 30A of the control rod 30 to the entry position described herein.

[0116] When the article of footwear 10 is arranged with the sole structure 18 resting on a horizontal surface and the upper 16 above the sole structure 18, such as in a position when the wearer is standing, the base 32 is located below the control bar 30. The base 32 is connected to the medial arm 30B at the first joint 35 (see FIG. Figure 2 ), and connected to the outer arm 30C at the second joint 37 (see Figure 1 ). The base 32 is continuous and extends between and is connected to the medial arm 30B and the lateral arm 30C. The base 32 is continuous because it is not broken or connected by other parts when extending from the medial arm 30B and the lateral arm 30C. More specifically, the base 32 has a central segment 32A, a medial base arm 32B, and a lateral base arm 32C. The medial base arm 32B is spaced apart from the lateral base arm 32C, and both extend from the central segment 32A. The first joint 35 is the connection of the medial base arm 32B to the medial arm 30B. The second joint 37 is the connection of the lateral base arm 32C to the lateral arm 30C.

[0117] The control rod 12 has an arc shape from the first engaging portion 35 to the second engaging portion 37. Similarly, the base 32 has an arc shape from the first engaging portion 35 to the second engaging portion 37. The device defines a gap 38 (eg, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 38 extends around the rear of the upper 16 from the first joint 35 to the second joint 37. With this arrangement, the control bar 30 and the base 32 are configured as a full elliptical leaf spring. The article of footwear 10 is characterized by the lack of a heel counter. In other words, a heel counter is not included at the gap 38. Instead, a portion of the upper 16 is only a single layer 16A of flexible material between the central segment 30A of the control bar 30 and the central segment 32A of the base 32. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, one or more additional inner or outer layers may be secured to the single layer 16A with stitching 40 closer to the control bar 30 to provide greater cushioning between the control bar 30 and the foot and to surround a cushioning collar component 42 above the central segment 30A of the control bar 30 and above a ledge 44 of the device 12 disposed at the upper extent of the central segment 30A. In an example, the cushioning collar component 42 may be foam. The device 12 functions at least in some aspects as a heel counter in that it helps to maintain the wearer's heel in position atop the heel region 22 of the sole structure 18, limiting or preventing medial or lateral displacement during use.

[0118] The control bar 30 and the base 32 are configured to surround the rear portion 65 of the heel region 22, with the medial arm 30B located on the medial side 48 of the footwear article 10 and the lateral arm 30C located on the lateral side 50 of the footwear article 10. More specifically, the medial arm 30B is outside the medial side 48 of the upper 16 and the lateral arm 30C is outside the lateral side 50 of the upper 16. The lateral arms 30B, 30C are shown exposed outside the outermost exterior of the upper 16. The medial arm 30B is not secured to the medial side 48 of the upper 16 and the lateral arm 30C is not secured to the lateral side 50 of the upper 16. This allows the lateral arms 30B, 30C to flex outwardly under load during foot entry, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown by the dotted line in , it is not limited by the side of the upper 16.

[0119] like Figure 2 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig.23 and Fig.24 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the medial anchoring arm 34 extends downwardly and forwardly from the first joint 35 and extends partially beneath the sole structure 18 and the foot-receiving cavity 14. Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig.23 and Fig.24As best shown in FIG. 1 , lateral anchoring arm 36 extends downwardly and forwardly from second joint 37 and partially beneath sole structure 18 and foot-receiving cavity 14 .

[0120] The sole structure 18 includes a bladder 52 that defines an interior cavity 55 and is configured to retain a fluid in the interior cavity 55. The sole structure 18 also includes a midsole 54, a first outsole component 56, and a second outsole component 58, each of which is discussed in further detail herein. The base 32 is disposed on the bladder 52 and is secured to an upper surface 57 of the bladder 52, such as, for example, Figure 4 As discussed herein, the medial anchoring arm 34 and the lateral anchoring arm 36 extend in front of the bladder 52 and are secured to the midsole 54 immediately in front of the bladder 52 .

[0121] The control lever 30 is biased to Figures 1 to 4 The unloaded position shown. The unloaded position is also referred to herein as the stress-free position. The control rod 30 is internally biased to the unloaded position by the material in its formed state. In other words, the material of the control rod 30 has sufficient rigidity so that in the absence of an external load applied thereto, the material in its formed state remains in the unloaded position and will return to the unloaded position after elastically bending under the action of an applied force due to its elasticity.

[0122] When the downward force F (such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 When a force F is applied to the central section 30A of the lever 30, the inner and outer arms 30B, 30C elastically bend to a loaded position, thereby storing potential energy that returns the lever 30 to an unloaded position after the downward force F is removed.

[0123] In the unloaded position, the central section 30A is spaced a first distance D1 from the base 32. Figure 3 The unloaded position is indicated by the distance D1 from the top of the center segment 30A to the bottom of the center segment 32A of the base 32. The unloaded position is the position of the device 12 in a relaxed, unloaded state (ie, no downward force F is applied to the control rod 30).

[0124] The control rod 30 can be depressed under an applied force F, which is indicated when inserting the foot 62 into the foot-receiving cavity 14 of the footwear article 10 (see FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) during the period of force applied by the foot 62. Figure 4As shown, the foot 62 can contact the upper 16 above the cushioning collar component 42 extending above the central segment 30A, and the force F can be transmitted to the control rod 30 through the upper 16 and the cushioning collar component 42. The ledge 44 extends rearward from the central segment 30A in the front-to-back (longitudinal) direction to provide a larger area over which the force F is dispersed, and also provides a larger surface area on the foot 62 over which the reaction force is dispersed. The ledge 44 prevents potential foot discomfort that may occur if the upper range of the central segment 30A has a smaller surface area because it will concentrate the reaction force on the foot 62.

[0125] Force F is first applied by the toe or ball of foot 62, and then as control lever 30 is depressed to the loaded position, foot 62 slides forward into foot receiving cavity 14, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 In turn, force F may be applied by one hand or by multiple hands. When in the depressed, loaded position, the device 12 is in Figure 3 and Figure 4 When loaded in this manner, the control rod 30 is elastically bent to a loaded position in which the central section 30A is a second distance D2 from the base 32, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown. The second distance D2 is less than the first distance D1 and is measured from the top of the control rod 30 at the central segment 30A to the bottom of the base 32 at the central segment 32A. The difference between the distances D1, D2 is the deflection of the device 12, which depends on the level of the applied force F. The device 12 is configured so that when it is depressed to the loaded position D2 under the force F, the side arms 30B, 30C elastically bend near the joints 35, 37, thereby storing elastic energy. When the force F is removed, such as when the foot 62 is fully inserted, the stored elastic energy causes the control rod 30 to return to the unloaded position. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , only the device 12 and the sole structure 18 are shown. In order to clearly show the position of the devices 12, 12A, the upper 16 is removed.

[0126] Traditionally, sliding a foot into a foot-receiving cavity of an upper typically requires the use of one or two hands to stretch ankle opening 20 and hold the rear portion of the upper during foot insertion, especially in the case of relatively soft uppers and / or uppers that do not have a heel counter of flexible fabric secured to the rear of the ankle opening. Device 12 alleviates these problems and allows foot 62 to enter foot-receiving cavity 14 without the use of hands or other tools. Access can be obtained using only foot 62. Children and toddlers can learn to operate device 12 in this manner to put on footwear 10, or can use one or two of their hands, or an adult can use one or two of their hands, for example, to help a child or toddler put on footwear 10.

[0127] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 , with a lace 64 extending through lace-receiving features, such as an aperture 66 and an anchoring loop 68. The lace 64 may be tightened to adjust the circumference of the foot-receiving cavity 14 on the tongue portion 16B of the upper 16. Other fastening features may be used instead of or in addition to the laces, or the upper 16 may be a sock-like upper with sufficient elasticity to be used without laces or fastening features. For clarity, the lace 64 may be tightened to adjust the circumference of the foot-receiving cavity 14 on the tongue portion 16B of the upper 16. Figure 4 The shoelaces 64 are not shown.

[0128] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper 16 is fixed to the central section 30A by stitches 33 and is moved downwardly by the control rod 30. Figure 3 The position 16AA is shown in dashed line. When the device 12 is in the loaded position, the ankle opening 20 is indicated as 20A. The flexibility of the single layer 16A helps to allow the upper 16 to temporarily fold or deform. Figure 3 1, single layer 16A is shown as folded inwardly at position 16AA, but may fold outwardly in reverse, or may fold in more than one position, such that upper 16 is partially folded inwardly and partially outwardly. When foot 62 is fully moved into foot-receiving cavity 14, due to the bias of device 12, the stored elastic energy automatically returns device 12 to the unloaded position, thereby causing upper 16 to automatically pull upwardly over the rear of foot 62.

[0129] Additionally, the relative sizes and shapes of the device 12 at the joints 35, 37 and at the side arms 30B, 30C contribute to the spring biased characteristics of the device 12, and the ability of the device 12 to elastically deform under a desired amount of load and return to its original unloaded position. For example, the side arms 30B, 30C each have a thickness greater than the width at the corresponding joint 35, 37, where the thickness is measured in the anterior-posterior (longitudinal) direction of the footwear 10, and the width is measured in the medial-lateral (lateral) direction of the footwear 10. The joints 35, 37 are much thicker than the side arms 30B, 30C, so that bending will occur at the side arms 30B, 30C under sufficient load. The thickness and length of the side arms 30B, 30C are selected together with the material of the device to produce the desired level of force F required to elastically bend the device 12 to the loaded position.

[0130] like Figure 3As shown, the device 12 is also configured to widen when it moves from the unloaded position to the loaded position. This helps to facilitate the insertion of the foot 62 into the foot-receiving cavity 14 because when the control lever 30 is depressed, the side arms 30B, 30C bend away from each other to positions 30BB and 30CC, thereby allowing the upper 16 to be stretched outwardly by the entering foot 62 without interference from the side arms 30B, 30C.

[0131] like Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the midsole 54 extends forward of the base 32 and the entire device 12. Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, midsole 54 extends rearwardly and laterally inwardly of base 32 to a rear portion of base 32 (e.g., inboard of central segment 32A of base 32) and is secured to upper surface 57 of bladder 52 in front of central segment 32A of base 32. Midsole 54 may be molded with a contour specifically adapted to the contour of bladder 52. For example, as Fig.13 As shown, the bladder 52 has an inflation port 61 , and the lower surface of the midsole 54 has a recess 63 shaped to accommodate the inflation port 61 .

[0132] Figure 6 and Fig.24 A portion of the medial anchoring arm 34 and a portion of the lateral anchoring arm 36 are shown exposed at a ground facing surface 70 of the sole structure 18. The outsole components 56, 58 and portions of the medial anchoring arm 34 and the lateral anchoring arm 36 thus form the ground facing surface 70. The bladder 52 is covered by the first outsole component 56 and the second outsole component 58 at the ground facing surface 70 so that the bladder 52 is protected. Fig.14 and Fig.23 As shown, the bottom surface 74 of the inflated portion of the bladder 52 is arcuate and extends around the periphery of the heel region 22. The first outsole member 56 is also arcuate and is secured to and covers the bottom surface 74, extending to Figure 4 The flange 82 shown in FIG. Fig.23 (Showing the bladder 52, device 12 and midsole 54 without the outsole components 56, 58) and Fig.24 ( Fig.24 As can be seen in the figure (outsole members 56, 58 are shown), the first outsole member 56 is also secured to the bottom surfaces of the medial and lateral anchoring arms 34, 36 forward of the bladder 52. When the first outsole member 56 is secured to the bladder 52 and to the medial and lateral anchoring arms 34, 36, the forward-most portions of the medial and lateral anchoring arms 34, 36 are not covered by the first outsole member 56 and are exposed at the ground-facing surface of the sole structure 18.

[0133] The second outsole member 58 is secured to the bladder 52 on the inner side of the first outsole member 56. For example, Figure 4 5, the second outsole component 58 is secured to the bottom surface 76 of the uninflated portion of the bladder 52, wherein the first polymer sheet 77 (which may be referred to as the upper sheet) and the second polymer sheet 78 (which may be referred to as the lower sheet) are secured to each other. As discussed herein, this uninflated portion is referred to as webbing 84. The second outsole component 58 also extends forwardly below the midsole 54 and is secured to the bottom surface 80 of the midsole 54 in front of the bladder 52.

[0134] The bladder 52 can be thermoformed by the first polymer sheet 77 and the second polymer sheet 78. Alternatively, the bladder 52 can be blow molded by a preformed polymer material. The bladder 52 can be formed by any of various polymer materials that keep a fluid at a predetermined pressure, and the fluid includes a fluid as a gas (such as air, nitrogen or another gas). As used herein, "fluid" includes gas, including air, an inert gas such as nitrogen or another gas. Therefore, "fluid-filled" includes "gas-filled". For example, the bladder 52 can be a TPU material, urethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane and / or polyether polyurethane. In addition, the sheets 77, 78 can be a laminated film formed by a film having one or more first layers, the first layer including a thermoplastic polyurethane layer and alternating with one or more second layers, the second layer also referred to herein as a barrier layer, a gas barrier polymer or a gas barrier layer. In another example, the layer can include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane regrind material. In the embodiment shown, the sheets 77, 78 are transparent.

[0135] The sheets 77, 78 are bonded to one another at the periphery of the bladder 52, such as at the outer flange 82. The sheets 77, 78 are also bonded to one another at various intermediate bonding locations referred to as webbing 84. The bonded sheets 77, 78 form a fluid-filled interior cavity 55 that is fluid-tight and may be pressurized or unpressurized.

[0136] In addition to the outer sole members 56, 58 that cover the bottom surface of the bladder 52 to protect the bladder 52, the device 12 also has many features that cooperate with the bladder 52 and can be used to protect the bladder 52 while allowing the bladder to perform its cushioning function. Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig.13 As shown, the upper surface 57 of the inflated portion of the bladder 52 is a convex upper surface. Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig.12 ) is concave, where the lower surface 86 cooperates with and is fixed to the convex upper surface 57 of the bladder 52.

[0137] like Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Fig.12 As shown, the lower surface 86 of the base 32 has an inner edge 88 and an outer edge 90, and is concave from the inner edge 88 to the outer edge 90 in the lateral direction of the footwear article 10 and in the longitudinal direction of the footwear article 10, wherein the outer edge 90 is lower than the inner edge 88. The geometrically matched concave lower surface 86 and convex upper surface 57 enable the lower surface 86 to be securely bonded to the upper surface 57 of the bladder 52. Additionally, because the outer edge 90 extends relatively low (e.g., lower than the inner edge 88), it can protect and shield more of the outer surface of the bladder 52 at the sides and rear of the footwear article 10.

[0138] The base 32 also has one or more protrusions that further shield the bladder 52 without unduly restricting the tendency of the bladder 52 to elastically deform laterally outward and longitudinally in the fore-aft direction when compressed under load. Figure 2 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig.15 As shown, the base 32 has an inner protrusion 92 that extends laterally outward and downward from the inner side of the base 32 to above the bladder 52 behind the first engagement portion 35. The inner protrusion 92 extends from the inner base arm 32B. Figure 8 The inner protrusion 92 is not fixed to the bladder 52, as best indicated by the small gap between the lower surface 86 and the upper surface 57 toward the outer edge 90. In other words, the inner protrusion 92 is not bonded to the bladder 52.

[0139] Similarly, for example, Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the base 32 has an outer protrusion 94 that extends laterally outward and downward from the outer side of the base 32 behind the second engagement portion 37 to above the bladder 52. The outer protrusion 94 extends from the outer base arm 32C. Figure 8 As best indicated by the small gap between the lower surface 86 and the upper surface 57 toward the outer edge 90, the outer protrusion 94 is not fixed to the bladder 52. In other words, the outer protrusion 94 is not bonded to the bladder 52.

[0140] For example, Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Fig.15 , the base 32 also has a rear protrusion 96 extending rearwardly and downwardly from the rear of the base 32 on the bladder 52. The rear protrusion 96 extends from the central section 32A of the base 32. In some embodiments, the rear protrusion 96 is not fixed to the bladder 52. In other words, the rear protrusion 96 is not bonded to the bladder 52.

[0141] The downward and outward orientation of projections 92, 94, and 96 serves to shield the portion of bladder 52 directly inboard of projections 92, 94, and 96 from external forces and objects that may be encountered during use, such as when a child wearing footwear 10 is playing, climbing, etc. Additionally, any of projections 92, 94, and 96 that are not bonded to bladder 52 enables bladder 52 to elastically deform under compression during wear without restricting movement of bladder 52 along the inner surface of the projection, thereby avoiding stress on bladder 52 that may occur if bladder 52 were bonded or otherwise secured to the inner surface of the projection.

[0142] An additional feature of the device 12 that provides utility while protecting the bladder 52 is a cavity 98 defined by the base 32 at an exterior rear surface 100 of the base 32 above the rear protrusion 96. The cavity 98 is, for example, Figures 2 to 4 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The cavity 98 facilitates removal of the article of footwear 10 by providing a convenient location for the wearer to press downwardly and forwardly on the base 32 when attempting to extract the foot 62 from the foot-receiving cavity 14. The concave configuration provides better leverage because a portion of the footwear on the opposing foot (or the opposing foot itself), such as the tip of the forefoot, can be inserted into the cavity 98. By positioning the rear projection 96 directly below the cavity 98, the bladder 52 can be better protected from contacting the foot in the cavity 98.

[0143] The article of footwear 10 is also configured such that the bladder 52, the medial and lateral anchoring arms 34, 36 of the device 12, and the midsole 54 cooperate together. Fig.17 , the midsole 54 includes a medial recess 102 in an exterior surface 104 of the midsole 54 . Fig.18 The midsole 54 is shown to include a lateral recess 106 in the exterior surface 104 of the midsole 54. The recesses 102, 106 are located on the lateral side of the midsole 54 and extend below the midsole 54. The device 12 is configured to fit the midsole 54 within the recesses 102, 106. For example, referring to Fig.11, the front upper surface 111 of the medial anchoring arm 34 protrudes inwardly and downwardly to match the contour of the medial recess 102, so that the medial anchoring arm 34 is nested in the medial recess 102. The medial anchoring arm 34 can be coupled to the midsole 54 at the medial recess 102. Similarly, the front upper surface 113 of the lateral anchoring arm 36 protrudes inwardly and downwardly to match the contour of the lateral recess 106, so that the lateral anchoring arm 36 is nested in the lateral recess 106. The lateral anchoring arm 36 can be coupled to the midsole 54 at the medial recess 102. Fig.21 The anchor arms 34 , 36 are illustrated nested within respective recesses 102 , 106 . Fig. 22 Outer anchor arm 36 is best illustrated nested within outer recess 106 .

[0144] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Fig.21 and Fig. 22 Also shown are the outwardly exposed medial anchor arm 34 and lateral anchor arm 36. For example, the medial anchor arm 34 and lateral anchor arm 36 are outwardly exposed at the medial side 48 and lateral side 50, respectively, of the article of footwear 10. As previously discussed, the medial anchor arm 34 and lateral anchor arm 36 are also outwardly exposed at the bottom of the article of footwear 10, wherein a portion of each anchor arm remains exposed even after the first outsole component 56 is secured to the bladder 52 and a portion of the medial anchor arm 34 and a portion of the lateral anchor arm 36.

[0145] In addition to nesting the device 12 in the recesses 102, 106 at the exterior of the midsole 54, the device 12 is also configured so that the bladder 52 nests against the medial anchoring arm 34 and the lateral anchoring arm 36. For example, referring to Fig.10 and Fig.12 , the rear surface 114 of the medial anchor arm 34 is concave and defines a downwardly extending rear wall 116. Similarly, the rear surface 118 of the lateral anchor arm 36 is concave and defines a downwardly extending rear wall 120. Walls 116, 120 are also Fig.21 and Fig. 22 Instructions.

[0146] like Fig.13 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the bladder 52 has a convex front surface 122 proximate the inner side 48 of the bladder 52 and a convex front surface 124 proximate the outer side 50 of the bladder 152 . Fig.15 The convex front surface 122 of the bladder 52 is shown nested against the rear wall 116 of the inner base arm 32B. The front surface 122 may be bonded to the rear wall 116 or may simply face the rear wall 116. Fig.16The convex front surface 124 of the bladder 52 is shown nested against the rear wall 120. The front surface 124 may be bonded to the rear wall 120 or may simply face the rear wall 120. The medial and lateral anchoring arms 34, 36 extend downwardly and forwardly from the base 32 and the arms 34, 36 extend inwardly so that the medial and lateral anchoring arms 34, 36 can be sandwiched between the bladder 52 and the midsole 54 at the front of the bladder 52.

[0147] Thus, device 12 is thus secured to upper 16 , bladder 52 , and midsole 54 and wraps around upper 16 from the rear of upper 16 along medial side 48 and lateral side 50 , and extends forward of bladder 52 .

[0148] Fig.25 1 is a lateral view of an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear 110 having a device 112 for facilitating entry of a foot into a foot-receiving cavity 14 of the article of footwear 110. The device 112 is shown in an unloaded use position. The article of footwear 110 and the device 112 have many of the same features as the article of footwear 10 and the device 12. Many of the components of the article of footwear 110 differ only in proportion from corresponding components of the article of footwear 10 because the size of the article of footwear 10 is for older children, such as elementary school-age children, while the size of the article of footwear 110 is for younger children, such as preschoolers. Features of the article of footwear 110 and the device 112 that are functionally identical to those described with respect to the article of footwear 10 and the device 12 are indicated with the same reference numerals and are as described with respect to the article of footwear 10 and the device 12. Fig.25 The outboard arm 30C, the second engagement portion 37, the outboard base arm 32C, and the outboard protrusion 94 are shown.

[0149] Article of footwear 110 includes bladder 152 having a different configuration than bladder 52. For example, Fig.28 , Fig.37 and Fig.38 As shown, bladder 152 includes a central interior cavity 153 in addition to arcuate perimeter interior cavity 55. Webbing 84 surrounds cavity central interior cavity 153 and separates it from arcuate perimeter interior cavity 55. Bladder 152 is also configured such that flange 82 is offset further toward the underside of bladder 152 than in bladder 52. This causes the portion of bladder 152 below flange 82 to be less round than the corresponding portion of bladder 52. This is Fig.25 , Fig.39 and Fig.40 Therefore, in Fig.25 In (with Figure 1152) appears relatively flat, where first outsole member 56 is secured to the lower surface of bladder 152, because first outsole member 56 does not need to extend as far up bladder 152 to reach flange 82, given that flange 82 is offset further toward the ground than in bladder 52. The flatter profile of bladder 152 at the underside enables both bladder 152 and first outsole member 56 to have a wider ground engaging surface in the lateral direction on a horizontal plane than if bladder 152 were more rounded at the underside. This provides greater stability, which may be advantageous for smaller children who typically wear smaller footwear articles 110.

[0150] Due to different configurations of the bladder 152, such as Fig.41 and Fig.42 As best seen in FIG. 1 , midsole 154 included in article of footwear 110 has bottom surface 80 with recess 163 shaped to accommodate not only inflation port 161 of bladder 152 , but also a portion of the bladder at central interior cavity 153 . Fig.28 A recess 163 is shown in the midsole 154 , wherein the bladder 152 can be nested in the recess 163 , with the midsole 154 being bonded to the upper surface 57 of the bladder 152 .

[0151] Fig.26 yes Fig.25 1 is a medial view of article of footwear 110 showing medial arm 30B, first joining portion 35, medial base arm 32B, and medial protrusion 92. Fig. 27 yes Fig.25 1 is a rear view of a portion of the article of footwear 110, and wherein the entry location of the load of the device 112 is shown at 112A in phantom. Fig.28 is Fig.48 28 - 28 in FIG. 1 , and the loaded position of device 112 is shown in phantom at 112A.

[0152] Fig.29 is Fig.48 The line 29-29 in Fig.25 1. A cross-sectional view of an article of footwear 110. Fig.30 is Fig.48 30 - 30 in FIG. 1 . A cross-sectional view of the article of footwear 110 taken at line 30 - 30 in FIG. Fig.31 is Fig.48 31 - 31 in FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear 110 taken at line 31 - 31 in FIG. Fig.32 is Fig.48 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of article of footwear 110 taken at line 32-32 in FIG. The different shape of bladder 152 compared to bladder 52 is shown in FIG. Fig.31 and Fig.32 It is obvious.

[0153] Fig.33 is a perspective view of lateral side 50 of apparatus 112 included in article of footwear 110 . Fig.34 is a perspective view of medial side 48 of apparatus 112 included in article of footwear 110 . Fig.35 is a top view of the device 112 . Fig.36 is a bottom view of the device 112 showing the rear walls 116, 120 at the respective concave rear surfaces 114, 118, Fig.37 The convex front surfaces 122, 124 of the bladder 152 shown in FIG. 1 are nested at the concave rear surfaces 114, 118.

[0154] Fig.37 is a top perspective view of bladder 152, and Fig.38 is a bottom perspective view of the bladder 152, Fig.37 and Fig.38 A central interior cavity 153 is indicated in addition to the arcuate peripheral interior cavity 55 . Fig.39 is a perspective view of the inside of the device 112 secured to the top surface of the bladder 152, and Fig.40 is a perspective view of the outside of the device 112 secured to the top surface of the bladder 152 . Figure 39 to Figure 40 The convex anterior surfaces 122 , 124 of the bladder 152 are shown nesting within the corresponding concave posterior surfaces 114 , 118 of the posterior walls 116 , 120 of the medial and lateral anchoring arms 34 , 36 .

[0155] Figure 41 to Figure 43 The medial recess 102 and the lateral recess 106 at the exterior surface 104 of the midsole 154 are indicated, as well as the recess 163 in the bottom surface 80 of the midsole 154 . Fig.44 Bladder 152 is shown to indicate midsole 154 is bonded to upper surface 57 of bladder 152 . Fig.44 The device 112 is not shown. Fig.45 and Fig.46 A midsole 154 is shown having a device 112 with medial anchoring arms 34 and lateral anchoring arms 36 nested in recesses 102, 106. Fig.47 1 and 2 are shown bladder 152 positioned beneath base 32 of device 112 with medial anchoring arm 34 and lateral anchoring arm 36 extending forwardly of bladder 152 .

[0156] exist Fig.48 In the embodiment, the first outsole member 56 is fixed to the bottom surface of the bladder 152 and covers the Fig.37 and Fig.38 The bottom of the arcuate peripheral inflatable portion of the bladder 152 shown in FIG. 1 is formed so that the bladder 152 is Fig.48 The first outsole member 56 is also secured to a portion of the bottom of the medial anchor arm 34 and the lateral anchor arm 36. Fig.48 As shown, the second outsole component 58 is secured to the midsole 154 in front of the bladder 152 and inboard of the first outsole component 56 and the base 32. The second outsole component 58 covers the webbing 84 and the bottom of the bladder 152 at the central interior cavity 153. Fig.48 As will be apparent, when the first outsole component 56 is secured to the bladder 152 and to the medial anchoring arm 34 and the lateral anchoring arm 36, a forward-most portion of the medial anchoring arm 34 and a forward-most portion of the lateral anchoring arm 36 are not covered by the first outsole component 56 and are exposed at a ground-facing surface of the sole structure 18.

[0157] Fig.49 1 is a lateral view of an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear 210 having a device 212 for facilitating entry of a foot into the foot-receiving cavity 14 of the article of footwear 210. The device 212 is shown in an unloaded use position. The article of footwear 210 and the device 212 have many of the same features as the articles of footwear 10, 110 and the devices 12, 112. Many of the components of the article of footwear 210 differ only in proportion from corresponding components of the articles of footwear 10, 110 because the size of the article of footwear 10 is for older children, such as elementary school-age children, while the size of the article of footwear 210 is for toddlers. Features of the article of footwear 210 and the device 212 that are functionally identical to those described with respect to the article of footwear 10 and the device 12 are indicated with the same reference numerals and are as described with respect to the article of footwear 10 and the device 12. Fig.49 The outboard arm 30C, the second engagement portion 37, the outboard base arm 32C, and the outboard projection 94 are shown.

[0158] Article of footwear 210 includes an upper 216 similar to upper 16, except that upper 216 includes an elastic band 284 instead of lace 64. Elastic band 284 elastically stretches to allow the foot to be inserted into upper 216 and adjusts to the girth of the wearer's foot, but does not have ends that need to be tied like lace 64.

[0159] Article of footwear 210 includes bladder 252 having a different configuration than bladder 52 and bladder 152. For example, Fig.52 , Fig.61 and Fig.62 As shown, bladder 252 includes a single interior cavity 255 traversed by three regions of webbing 84. Similar to bladder 52, bladder 252 is also configured such that flange 82 is offset further toward the underside of bladder 252 than in bladder 52. This causes the portion of bladder 252 below flange 82 to be less round than the corresponding portion of bladder 52. This is Fig.49, Fig.63 and Fig.64 Therefore, in Fig.49 In (with Figure 1 210 ), first outsole member 56 appears relatively flat, wherein first outsole member 56 is secured to the lower surface of bladder 252, because first outsole member 56 does not need to extend as far up bladder 252 to reach flange 82, given that flange 82 is offset further toward the ground than in bladder 52. The flatter profile of bladder 252 at the underside enables both bladder 252 and first outsole member 56 to have a wider ground engaging surface in the lateral direction on a horizontal plane than if bladder 252 were more rounded at the underside. This provides greater stability, which may be advantageous for smaller children who typically wear smaller footwear articles 210.

[0160] Due to different configurations of the bladder 252, such as Fig.65 and Fig.66 As best seen in FIG. 2 , the midsole 254 included in the article of footwear 210 has a bottom surface 80 with a recess 163 shaped to accommodate the bladder 252 . Fig.52 A recess 263 is shown in the midsole 254 , wherein the bladder 252 can be nested in the recess 263 , with the midsole 254 being bonded to the upper surface 57 of the bladder 252 .

[0161] Fig.50 yes Fig.49 2 is a medial view of article of footwear 210 showing medial arm 30B, first joining portion 35, medial base arm 32B, and medial protrusion 92. Fig.51 yes Fig.49 1 is a rear view of a portion of the article of footwear 110, and wherein the entry location of the load of the device 212 is shown at 212A in phantom. Fig.52 is Fig.72 5. A cross-sectional view of the article of footwear 210 is shown at line 52-52 in FIG. 2, and the load location of the device 212 is shown in phantom at 212A.

[0162] Fig.53 is Fig.72 53 - 53 of FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear 210 taken at line 53 - 53 in FIG. Fig.54 is Fig.48 30 - 30 in FIG. 1 . A cross-sectional view of the article of footwear 110 taken at line 30 - 30 in FIG. Fig.54 is Fig.72 54 - 54 of FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear 210 taken at line 54 - 54 in FIG. Fig.55 is Fig.72 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of article of footwear 210 taken at line 55-55 in FIG. 2. The different shape of bladder 252 compared to bladder 52 is shown in FIG. Fig.55 and Fig.56 It is obvious.

[0163] Fig.57 is a perspective view of lateral side 50 of apparatus 212 included in article of footwear 210 . Fig.58 is a perspective view of medial side 48 of apparatus 212 included in article of footwear 210 . Fig.59 is a top view of the device 212 . Fig.60 is a bottom view of the device 212 showing the rear walls 116, 120 at the respective concave rear surfaces 114, 118, Fig.61 The convex front surfaces 122, 124 of the bladder 252 shown in FIG. 2 are nested at the concave rear surfaces 114, 118.

[0164] Fig.61 is a top perspective view of bladder 252, and Fig.62 is a bottom perspective view of the bladder 252, Fig.61 and Fig.62 A single internal cavity 255 is indicated. Fig.63 is a perspective view of the inside of the device 212 secured to the top surface of the bladder 252, and Fig.64 is a perspective view of the outside of device 212 secured to the top surface of bladder 252. Figure 63 to Figure 64 The convex anterior surfaces 122 , 124 of the bladder 252 are shown nesting within the corresponding concave posterior surfaces 114 , 118 of the posterior walls 116 , 120 of the medial and lateral anchoring arms 34 , 36 .

[0165] Figure 65 to Figure 67 The medial recess 102 and the lateral recess 106 at the exterior surface 104 of the midsole 254 are indicated, as well as the recess 263 in the bottom surface 80 of the midsole 254 . Fig.68 Bladder 252 is shown to indicate midsole 254 is coupled to upper surface 57 of bladder 252 . Fig.68 The device 212 is not shown. Fig.69 and Fig.70 A midsole 254 is shown having a device 212 with medial anchoring arms 34 and lateral anchoring arms 36 nested in recesses 102, 106. Fig.71 2 is shown below the base 32 of the device 212 with the medial and lateral anchoring arms 34, 36 extending forwardly of the bladder 252.

[0166] exist Fig.72 In the embodiment, the first outer bottom member 56 is fixed to the bottom surface of the bladder 252 and covers the bottom of the inflated portion of the bladder 252, so that the bladder 252 is Fig.72The first outsole member 56 is also secured to a portion of the bottom of the medial anchor arm 34 and the lateral anchor arm 36. Fig.72 As shown, the second outsole member 58 is secured to the midsole 254 in front of the bladder 252 and inboard of the first outsole member 56 and the base 32. The second outsole member 58 covers the bottom of the bladder 252 inboard of the first outsole member 56. Fig.72 As will be apparent, when the first outsole component 56 is secured to the bladder 252 and to the medial anchoring arm 34 and the lateral anchoring arm 36, a forward-most portion of the medial anchoring arm 34 and a forward-most portion of the lateral anchoring arm 36 are not covered by the first outsole component 56 and are exposed at a ground-facing surface of the sole structure 18.

[0167] Fig.73 is fixed to the foam cushioning member 352 rather than the bladder Figure 1 4 is a perspective view of the medial side 48 of the device 12 of the article of footwear. Fig.74 yes Fig.73 50 is a perspective view of the outer side 50 of the device 12 and the foam cushioning component 352. The foam cushioning component 352 is shown as a heel cushioning component having the same volume and shape as the bladder 52. This enables the foam cushioning component 352 to be incorporated into the footwear article 10 in place of the bladder 52 and in the same position relative to the other footwear components as the bladder 52. For example, when incorporated into the footwear article 10 in place of the bladder 52, the device 12 is incorporated to the top surface of the foam cushioning component 352, wherein the device 12 and the anchoring arms 34, 36 extend in front of the foam cushioning component 352, and the midsole 54 is incorporated to the foam cushioning component 352 on the inner side of the base 32. Alternatively, the foam cushioning component 352 can be configured to have a different shape and volume than the bladder 52. For example, foam cushioning component 352 need not be configured to have the shape of bladder 52 at arcuate interior cavity 55 of bladder 52, and may instead extend laterally from medial to lateral without narrowing at a portion corresponding to webbing 84 of bladder 52. Additionally, foam cushioning component 352 and midsole 54 may be integrated into a single foam component, rather than being discrete components like bladder 52 and midsole 54.

[0168] Fig.75 is an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear 410 comprising Figure 1 For example, article of footwear 410 includes apparatus 12, footwear upper 16, and bladder 52, which are similar to those of article of footwear 10 of the prior art. Figure 1 As in article of footwear 10, medial anchoring arm 34 and lateral anchoring arm 36 of device 12 are exposed outwardly at medial side 48 and lateral side 50 of article of footwear 410, respectively.

[0169] The article of footwear 410 has a sole structure 418 that includes the bladder 52 of the sole structure 18, but differs from the sole structure 18 in some respects. For example, the sole structure 418 includes an upper, mid-layer and lower layers 454A (in the Fig.78 ) and the lower mid-layer 454B (shown in Fig.79 12 ). Instead of a single midsole 54, the upper midsole layer 454A extends forward of the base 32 similar to the midsole 54 and extends forward of the entire device 12. The medial anchor arm 34 (in Figure 2 ) and the outer anchor arm 36 extend in front of the bladder 52 and are fixed to the upper and middle layers 454A immediately in front of the bladder 52. Fig.77 As shown, the upper mid-layer layer 454A extends rearwardly and laterally inwardly of the base 32 to a rear portion of the base 32 (e.g., to the inside of the central segment 32A of the base 32) and is secured to the upper surface 57 of the bladder 52 in front of the central segment 32A of the base 32.

[0170] The lower middle layer 454B is disposed inside the bladder 52 and is fixed to the lower surface 76 of the bladder 52 to replace Figure 4 4 and 5. The lower midsole layer 454B extends forwardly to the forefoot region 26 and is secured to the bottom surface 480 of the upper midsole layer 454A. Similar to the midsole 54, the upper midsole layer 454A includes a medial recess 102 in the exterior surface 404 of the upper midsole 454A and a lateral recess 106 in the exterior surface 404, and the device 12 is configured to fit the upper midsole layer 454A within the recesses 102, 106, with the medial anchoring arm 34 nesting in the medial recess 102 and the lateral anchoring arm 36 nesting in the lateral recess 106. Thus, the device 12 is thus secured to the upper 16, the bladder 52, and the upper midsole layer 454A, and wraps around the upper 16 from the rear of the upper 16 along the medial side 48 and the lateral side 50, and extends in front of the bladder 52.

[0171] The first outsole member 456 is secured to the bottom surface of the bladder 52 and the bottom surfaces of the medial anchoring arm 34 and the lateral anchoring arm 36. The first outsole member 456 differs from the first outsole member 56 in that the first outsole member 456 extends forward of the device 12 and is secured to the bottom surface 480 of the upper mid-bottom layer 454A in the forefoot region 26 such that the forward-most portion of the medial anchoring arm 34 and the forward-most portion of the lateral anchoring arm 36 are covered by the first outsole member 456 rather than being exposed at the ground-facing surface as in the sole structure 18. For example, the medial distal end 456A and the lateral distal end 456B of the first outsole member 456 are both disposed in the forefoot region 26. Thus, the first outsole member 456 protects the anchoring arms 34, 36. Additionally, because the medial distal end 456A and the lateral distal end 456B are in the forefoot region 26 below the metatarsal heads of the foot, flexibility during dorsiflexion is not inhibited by the first outsole member 456. In other words, the first outsole member 456 decouples from the third outsole member 460 at the intended axis of flexion during dorsiflexion, as discussed below.

[0172] The second outsole member 458 is secured to the bottom surface 481 of the lower midsole layer 454B in the midfoot region 24 and the forefoot region 26 forward of the bladder 52. The second outsole member 458 does not extend to the heel region 22, so that the lower midsole layer 454B is exposed at the ground-facing surface of the sole structure 418 rearwardly of the second outsole member 458 and medially of the first outsole member 456.

[0173] The third outsole member 460 is disposed in the forefoot region 26 in front of the terminal ends 456A, 456B of the first outsole member 456 and in front of the second outsole member 458. A portion of the lower midsole layer 454B is exposed at the ground-facing surface between the second outsole member 458 and the third outsole member 460. In fact, the entire peripheral edge of the second outsole member 458 is separated and spaced apart from the first outsole member 456 and the third outsole member 460. The separation of the second outsole member 458 from both the first outsole member 456 and the third outsole member 460 can allow for greater elastic deformation of the stacked midsole layers 454A, 454B in the forefoot region 22.

[0174] Fig.81 is an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear 510 comprising Fig.25 For example, article of footwear 510 includes apparatus 112, footwear upper 16, and bladder 152, which are similar to those described with respect to Fig.25 As in article of footwear 110, medial anchoring arm 34 and lateral anchoring arm 36 of device 112 are exposed outwardly at medial side 48 and lateral side 50 of article of footwear 510, respectively.

[0175] The article of footwear 510 has a sole structure 518 that includes the bladder 52 of the sole structure 18, but differs from the sole structure 18 in some respects. For example, the sole structure 518 includes an upper, mid-layer and lower layers 554A (in the Fig.84 ) and the lower mid-layer 554B (shown in Fig.85 154). Similar to the midsole 154, the upper midsole layer 554A extends forward of the base 32 and forward of the entire device 112. The medial anchor arm 34 (in Fig.26 ) and the outer anchor arm 36 extend in front of the bladder 152 and are fixed to the upper and middle layers 554A immediately in front of the bladder 52. Fig.83 As shown, the upper mid-layer layer 554A extends rearwardly and laterally inwardly of the base 32 to a rear portion of the base 32 (e.g., to the inside of the central segment 32A of the base 32) and is secured to the upper surface 57 of the bladder 152 in front of the central segment 32A of the base 32.

[0176] The lower mid-layer layer 554B is disposed medially to the bladder 152. The lower mid-layer layer 554B extends forward to the forefoot region 26 and is secured to the bottom surface 580 of the upper mid-layer layer 554A. Similar to the midsole 154, the upper mid-layer layer 554A includes a medial recess 102 in the exterior surface 504 of the upper mid-sole 554A and a lateral recess 106 in the exterior surface 504, and the device 112 is configured to fit the upper mid-layer layer 554A within the recesses 102, 106, with the medial anchoring arm 34 nesting in the medial recess 102 and the lateral anchoring arm 36 nesting in the lateral recess 106. Thus, the device 112 is thus secured to the upper 16, the bladder 152, and the upper mid-layer layer 554A, and wraps around the upper 16 from the rear of the upper 16 along the medial side 48 and the lateral side 50, and extends in front of the bladder 152.

[0177] The first outsole member 556 is secured to the bottom surface of the bladder 152 and the bottom surfaces of the medial anchoring arm 34 and the lateral anchoring arm 36. The first outsole member 556 differs from the first outsole member 56 in that the first outsole member 556 extends forward of the device 12 and is secured to the bottom surface 580 of the upper mid-bottom layer 554A in the forefoot region 26 such that the forward-most portion of the medial anchoring arm 34 and the forward-most portion of the lateral anchoring arm 36 are covered by the first outsole member 556 rather than being exposed at the ground-facing surface as in the sole structure 18. For example, the medial distal end 556A and the lateral distal end 556B of the first outsole member 556 are both disposed in the forefoot region 26. Thus, the first outsole member 556 protects the anchoring arms 34, 36. Additionally, because the medial distal end 556A and the lateral distal end 556B are in the forefoot region 26 below the metatarsal heads of the foot, flexibility during dorsiflexion is not inhibited by the first outsole member 556. In other words, the first outsole member 556 decouples from the third outsole member 560 at the intended axis of flexion during dorsiflexion, as discussed below.

[0178] The second outsole member 558 is secured to the bottom surface 581 of the lower midsole layer 554B in the midfoot region 24 and the forefoot region 26 forward of the bladder 152. The second outsole member 558 does not extend to the heel region 22, so that the lower midsole layer 554B is exposed at the ground-facing surface of the sole structure 518 at the rear of the second outsole member 558 and the medial side of the first outsole member 556.

[0179] The lower midsole layer 554B extends below the central portion 556C of the first outsole member 556 and is secured to the central portion 556C of the first outsole member 556 . Fig.87 The top side of center portion 556C is shown having a contour that matches and is secured to lower surface 76 of bladder 152 .

[0180] The third outsole member 560 is disposed in the forefoot region 26 in front of the terminal ends 556A, 556B of the first outsole member 556 and in front of the second outsole member 558. A portion of the lower midsole layer 554B is exposed at the ground-facing surface between the second outsole member 558 and the third outsole member 560. In fact, the entire peripheral edge of the second outsole member 558 is separated and spaced apart from the first outsole member 556 and the third outsole member 560. The separation of the second outsole member 558 from both the first outsole member 556 and the third outsole member 560 can allow for greater elastic deformation of the stacked midsole layers 554A, 554B in the forefoot region 22.

[0181] Fig.88 is an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear 610 comprising Fig.49For example, the article of footwear 610 includes the device 212, the footwear upper 216, and the bladder 252, which are similar to those of the article of footwear 210 of FIG. Fig.49 As in article of footwear 210, medial anchoring arm 34 and lateral anchoring arm 36 of device 212 are exposed outwardly at medial side 48 and lateral side 50 of article of footwear 610, respectively.

[0182] Article of footwear 610 has a sole structure 618 that includes bladder 652 of sole structure 18 of article of footwear 210, but differs from sole structure 18 in some respects. For example, Fig.91 The single midsole 654 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to midsole 254. Similar to midsole 254, midsole 654 extends forward of base 32 and forward of the entire device 212. The medial anchor arm 34 (at Fig.50 ) and lateral anchoring arm 36 extend in front of bladder 252 and are secured to midsole 654 immediately in front of bladder 252. Fig.90 As shown, the midsole 654 extends rearwardly and laterally inboard of the base 32 to a rear portion of the base 32 (e.g., inboard of the central segment 32A of the base 32) and is secured to the upper surface 57 of the bladder 252 forward of the central segment 32A of the base 32.

[0183] Midsole 654 is disposed medially to bladder 252 and extends forward to forefoot region 26. Similar to midsole 254, midsole 654 includes medial recess 102 and lateral recess 106 in exterior surface 604 of midsole layer 654, and device 212 is configured to fit midsole 654 within recesses 102, 106, with medial anchoring arm 34 nesting in medial recess 102 and lateral anchoring arm 36 nesting in lateral recess 106. Thus, device 212 is thus secured to upper 216, bladder 252, and midsole 654, and wraps around upper 216 from the rear of upper 216 along medial side 48 and lateral side 50, and extends forward of bladder 252.

[0184] The first outsole member 656 is secured to the bottom surface of the bladder 652 and the bottom surfaces of the medial anchoring arm 34 and the lateral anchoring arm 36. The first outsole member 656 differs from the first outsole member 56 in that the first outsole member 656 extends forward of the device 212 and is secured to the bottom surface 680 of the midsole 654 in the forefoot region 26 such that the forward-most portion of the medial anchoring arm 34 and the forward-most portion of the lateral anchoring arm 36 are covered by the first outsole member 656 rather than being exposed at the ground-facing surface as in the sole structure 18. For example, the medial distal end 656A and the lateral distal end 656B of the first outsole member 656 are both disposed in the forefoot region 26. Thus, the first outsole member 656 protects the anchoring arms 34, 36. Additionally, because the medial distal end 656A and the lateral distal end 656B are in the forefoot region 26 below the metatarsal heads of the foot, flexibility during dorsiflexion is not inhibited by the first outsole member 656. In other words, the first outsole member 656 decouples from the third outsole member 660 at the intended axis of flexion during dorsiflexion, as discussed below.

[0185] The second outsole member 658 is secured to the bottom surface 680 of the midsole 654 in the midfoot region 24 and the forefoot region 26 in front of the bladder 252. The second outsole member 258 extends to the heel region 22 where it is secured to the underside of the central portion 656C of the first outsole member 656. In other words, the second outsole member 658 extends below the central portion 656C of the first outsole member 656 and is secured to the central portion 656C of the first outsole member 656.

[0186] The third outsole member 660 is disposed in the forefoot region 26 in front of the terminal ends 656A, 656B of the first outsole member 656 and in front of the second outsole member 658. A portion of the midsole 654 is exposed at the ground-facing surface between the second outsole member 658 and the third outsole member 660. In fact, the entire peripheral edge of the second outsole member 658 is separated and spaced apart from the first outsole member 656 and the third outsole member 660. The separation of the second outsole member 658 from both the first outsole member 656 and the third outsole member 660 can allow for greater elastic deformation of the midsole 654 in the forefoot region 22.

[0187] The following clauses provide a means for facilitating entry of a foot into an article of footwear and an example configuration of an article of footwear disclosed herein.

[0188] Item 1. A device for facilitating entry of a foot into an article of footwear and configured to enclose a portion of a foot-receiving void at a heel region of the article of footwear, the device comprising: a control lever having a central segment, a medial arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the central segment, and a lateral arm spaced apart from the medial arm and extending downwardly and forwardly from the central segment; a base located below the control lever and connected to the medial arm at a first joint and to the lateral arm at a second joint; wherein the control lever and the base are configured to enclose a rear portion of the heel region, wherein the a medial arm located on a medial side of the article of footwear and a lateral arm located on a lateral side of the article of footwear; a medial anchoring arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the first joint and partially under the foot-receiving void; and a lateral anchoring arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the second joint and partially under the foot-receiving void; wherein when a downward force is applied to the central section of the control shaft, the medial arm and the lateral arm resiliently flex to a loaded position, thereby storing potential energy that returns the control shaft to an unloaded position upon removal of the downward force.

[0189] Clause 2. The device of clause 1, wherein the base has an inner protrusion extending laterally outward from an inner side of the base behind the first engagement portion.

[0190] Clause 3. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 2, wherein the base has an outer protrusion extending laterally outward from an outer side of the base behind the second engagement portion.

[0191] Clause 4. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the base has a rear protrusion extending rearwardly from a rear portion of the base.

[0192] Clause 5. The device of clause 4, wherein an outer rear surface of the base above the rear protrusion defines a cavity.

[0193] Clause 6. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the device comprises a ledge disposed at an upper extent of the central section of the control rod.

[0194] Clause 7. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the outer rear surface of the base defines a cavity.

[0195] Clause 8. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the lower surface of the base has an inner edge and an outer edge, and is concave from the inner edge to the outer edge in the lateral direction of the footwear article and in the longitudinal direction of the footwear article, wherein the outer edge is lower than the inner edge.

[0196] Clause 9. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the device is a single integral one-piece component.

[0197] Clause 10. An article of footwear comprising the device according to any one of clauses 1 to 9.

[0198] Item 11. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a sole structure secured to and positioned below the upper, the upper and the sole structure defining a foot-receiving void; a device comprising: a control lever having a central segment, a medial arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the central segment, and a lateral arm spaced apart from the medial arm and extending downwardly and forwardly from the central segment; a base positioned below the control lever and connected to the medial arm at a first joint and to the lateral arm at a second joint; wherein the control lever and the base are configured to surround a rear portion of the upper, wherein the medial arm is positioned on an inner side of the upper, and the lateral arm is positioned on an inner side of the upper. a medial anchoring arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the first joint and partially beneath the sole structure and the foot-receiving void; and a lateral anchoring arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the second joint and partially beneath the sole structure and the foot-receiving void; wherein when a downward force is applied to the central segment of the control rod, the medial arm and the lateral arm resiliently flex to a loaded position, thereby storing potential energy that returns the control rod to an unloaded position when the downward force is removed, and the rear portion of the upper moves with the central segment of the control rod.

[0199] Clause 12. The article of footwear of Clause 11, wherein the sole structure includes a bladder defining an interior cavity and configured to retain a fluid in the interior cavity; and wherein the base is disposed on the bladder.

[0200] Clause 13. The article of footwear of Clause 12, wherein the base is secured to an upper surface of the bladder.

[0201] Clause 14. The article of footwear of Clause 13, wherein the upper surface of the bladder is a convex upper surface, and the lower surface of the base is concave and cooperates with and is secured to the convex upper surface of the bladder.

[0202] Clause 15. An article of footwear as described in any of Clauses 13 to 14, wherein the base has a medial protrusion that extends laterally outward and downward from the medial side of the base to above the bladder behind the first joint; and the medial protrusion is not fixed to the bladder.

[0203] Clause 16. The footwear article of any one of clauses 13 to 15, wherein the base has a lateral protrusion that extends laterally outward and downward from the outside of the base behind the second joint to above the bladder; and the lateral protrusion is not fixed to the bladder.

[0204] Clause 17. The article of footwear of any of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein the base has a rear projection extending rearwardly and downwardly from a rear portion of the base over the bladder; and the rear projection is not secured to the bladder.

[0205] Clause 18. The article of footwear of Clause 17, wherein an exterior rear surface of the base portion overlying the rear protrusion defines a cavity.

[0206] Clause 19. An article of footwear as described in any one of clauses 13 to 18, wherein: the sole structure includes a midsole extending forward of the base; the medial anchor arm is nested in a medial recess in the exterior surface of the midsole and is exposed outwardly; and the lateral anchor arm is nested in a lateral recess in the exterior surface of the midsole and is exposed outwardly.

[0207] Clause 20. The article of footwear of Clause 19, wherein the midsole extends rearwardly and laterally inwardly of the base to a rear portion of the base and is secured to the upper surface of the bladder.

[0208] Clause 21. An article of footwear as described in any of Clauses 13 to 20, wherein: the rear surface of the medial anchor arm defines a downwardly extending rear wall and the front surface of the bladder nests against the rear wall of the medial anchor arm; and the rear surface of the lateral anchor arm defines a downwardly extending rear wall and the front surface of the bladder nests against the rear wall of the lateral anchor arm.

[0209] Clause 22. The article of footwear of Clause 21, wherein the sole structure further comprises an outsole component secured to a bottom surface of the bladder rearwardly of the medial anchoring arm and the lateral anchoring arm.

[0210] Clause 23. The article of footwear of Clause 22, wherein the outsole component is further secured to a bottom surface of the medial anchor arm and a bottom surface of the lateral anchor arm forwardly of the bladder.

[0211] Clause 24. An article of footwear as described in Clause 22, wherein: the sole structure includes a midsole fixed to the upper surface of the bladder and extending in front of the base; and the outsole component is a first outsole component, the bottom surface of the bladder and the first outsole component are arched, and the sole structure also includes a second outsole component, which is fixed to the bladder inside the first outsole component and extends forward under the midsole and is fixed to the bottom surface of the midsole in front of the bladder.

[0212] Clause 25. The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11 to 24, wherein a portion of the medial anchor arm and a portion of the lateral anchor arm are exposed at a ground-facing surface of the sole structure.

[0213] Clause 26. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 11 to 25, wherein the outer rear surface of the base portion defines a cavity.

[0214] Clause 27. An article of footwear as described in any one of clauses 11 to 26, wherein: the sole structure includes a midsole extending forward of the base; the medial anchor arm is nested in a medial recess in the exterior surface of the midsole and is exposed outwardly; and the lateral anchor arm is nested in a lateral recess in the exterior surface of the midsole and is exposed outwardly.

[0215] Clause 28. The article of footwear of Clause 27, wherein the midsole extends rearwardly and laterally inwardly of the base to a rear portion of the base.

[0216] Clause 29. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 11 to 28, wherein the means comprises a ledge provided at an upper extent of the central section of the control bar.

[0217] Clause 30. The article of footwear of Clause 29, wherein the upper includes a cushioning collar component over the central section of the control bar and the ledge.

[0218] Clause 31. The article of footwear of Clause 30, wherein the cushioning collar component comprises foam.

[0219] Clause 32. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 11 to 31, wherein the upper comprises a single layer between the central segment of the control shaft and the base.

[0220] Clause 33. An article of footwear as described in any of clauses 11 to 32, wherein the device defines a gap between the control rod and the base, the gap extending from the first joint to the second joint around the rear portion of the upper, and the article of footwear is characterized by the lack of a heel stabilizer.

[0221] Clause 34. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 11 to 33, wherein the central section of the control stem has a thinned portion; and the upper is stitched to the control stem at the thinned portion.

[0222] Clause 35. The article of footwear of Clause 34, wherein the medial arm and the lateral arm are not secured to the upper.

[0223] Clause 36. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 11 to 35, wherein the upper includes a tongue portion, and the article of footwear further comprises: at least one elastically stretchable strap, the at least one elastically stretchable strap being secured to the upper and extending over the tongue portion.

[0224] Clause 37. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 11 to 36, wherein the device is a single integral one-piece component.

[0225] Clause 38. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a sole structure secured to and positioned below the upper, the upper and the sole structure defining a foot-receiving void; and an apparatus comprising: a lever having a central segment, a medial arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the central segment, and a lateral arm spaced from the medial arm and extending downwardly and forwardly from the central segment; a base positioned below the lever and connected to the medial arm at a first joint and to the lateral arm at a second joint; wherein the lever and the base are configured to surrounding a rear portion of the upper, wherein the medial arm is located on the medial side of the upper and the lateral arm is located on the lateral side of the upper; wherein the sole structure includes a bladder that defines an interior cavity and is configured to retain a fluid in the interior cavity; wherein the base is secured to an upper surface of the bladder; wherein when a downward force is applied to the central segment of the control rod, the medial arm and the lateral arm elastically flex to a loaded position, thereby storing potential energy that returns the control rod to an unloaded position when the downward force is removed, and the rear portion of the upper moves with the central segment of the control rod.

[0226] Clause 39. The article of footwear of Clause 38, wherein the upper surface of the bladder is a convex upper surface, and the lower surface of the base is concave and cooperates with and is secured to the convex upper surface of the bladder.

[0227] Clause 40. An article of footwear as described in any of Clauses 38 to 39, wherein the base has a medial protrusion that extends laterally outward and downward from the medial side of the base behind the first joint to above the bladder; and the medial protrusion is not fixed to the bladder.

[0228] Clause 41. The footwear article of any one of clauses 38 to 40, wherein the base has a lateral protrusion that extends laterally outward and downward from the outside of the base behind the second joint to above the bladder; and the lateral protrusion is not fixed to the bladder.

[0229] Clause 42. The article of footwear of any of Clauses 38 to 41, wherein the base has a rear projection extending rearwardly and downwardly from a rear portion of the base to above the bladder; and the rear projection is not secured to the bladder.

[0230] Clause 43. The article of footwear of Clause 42, wherein an exterior rear surface of the base portion overlying the rear protrusion defines a cavity.

[0231] Clause 44. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 38 to 43, the device further comprising: a medial anchor arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the first joint and partially beneath the sole structure and the foot-receiving void; and a lateral anchor arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the second joint and partially beneath the sole structure and the foot-receiving void; wherein: the sole structure includes a midsole extending forwardly of the base; the medial anchor arm is nested in a medial recess in an exterior surface of the midsole and is exposed outwardly; and the lateral anchor arm is nested in a lateral recess in the exterior surface of the midsole and is exposed outwardly.

[0232] Clause 45. The article of footwear of Clause 44, wherein the midsole extends rearwardly and laterally inwardly of the base to a rear portion of the base and is secured to the upper surface of the bladder.

[0233] Clause 46. An article of footwear as described in any of Clauses 38 to 45, wherein: the rear surface of the medial anchor arm defines a downwardly extending rear wall and the front surface of the bladder nests against the rear wall of the medial anchor arm; and the rear surface of the lateral anchor arm defines a downwardly extending rear wall and the front surface of the bladder nests against the rear wall of the lateral anchor arm.

[0234] Clause 47. The article of footwear of Clause 46, wherein the sole structure further comprises an outsole component secured to a bottom surface of the bladder rearwardly of the medial anchoring arm and the lateral anchoring arm.

[0235] Clause 48. The article of footwear of Clause 47, wherein the outsole component is further secured to a bottom surface of the medial anchor arm and a bottom surface of the lateral anchor arm forwardly of the bladder.

[0236] Clause 49. An article of footwear as described in any one of Clauses 47 to 48, wherein the sole structure includes a midsole fixed to the upper surface of the bladder and extending in front of the base; and the outsole component is a first outsole component, the bottom surface of the bladder and the first outsole component are arched, and the sole structure also includes a second outsole component, which is fixed to the bladder inside the first outsole component and extends forward under the midsole and is fixed to the bottom surface of the midsole in front of the bladder.

[0237] Clause 50. The article of footwear as recited in any one of Clauses 38 to 49, wherein a portion of the medial anchor arm and a portion of the lateral anchor arm are exposed at a ground-facing surface of the sole structure.

[0238] Clause 51. The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 38 to 50, wherein the outer rear surface of the base portion defines a cavity.

[0239] Clause 52. An article of footwear as described in any one of clauses 38 to 51, wherein: the sole structure includes a midsole extending forward of the base; the medial anchor arm is nested in a medial recess in the exterior surface of the midsole and is exposed outwardly; and the lateral anchor arm is nested in a lateral recess in the exterior surface of the midsole and is exposed outwardly.

[0240] Clause 53. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 38 to 52, wherein the means comprises a ledge provided at an upper extent of the central section of the control lever.

[0241] Clause 54. The article of footwear of Clause 53, wherein the upper includes a cushioning collar component over the central section of the control bar and the ledge.

[0242] Clause 55. The article of footwear of Clause 54, wherein the cushioning collar component comprises foam.

[0243] Clause 56. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 38 to 55, wherein the upper comprises a single layer between the central segment of the control shaft and the base.

[0244] Clause 57. An article of footwear as described in any one of clauses 38 to 56, wherein the device defines a gap between the control rod and the base, the gap extending from the first joint to the second joint around the rear portion of the upper, and the article of footwear is characterized by the lack of a heel stabilizer.

[0245] Clause 58. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 38 to 57, wherein the central section of the control stem has a thinned portion; and the upper is stitched to the control stem at the thinned portion.

[0246] Clause 59. The article of footwear of Clause 58, wherein the device further comprises: a medial anchor arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the first joint and partially beneath the sole structure and the foot-receiving void; and a lateral anchor arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the second joint and partially beneath the sole structure and the foot-receiving void; wherein the medial arm and the lateral arm are not secured to the upper.

[0247] Clause 60. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 38 to 59, wherein the upper includes a tongue portion, and the article of footwear further comprises: at least one elastically stretchable strap, the at least one elastically stretchable strap being secured to the upper and extending over the tongue portion.

[0248] Clause 61. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 38 to 60, wherein the device is a single integral one-piece component.

[0249] To assist and clarify the description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply to the entire specification (including claims). Additionally, all references cited are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0250] "Articles of footwear," "articles of footwear manufacture," and "footwear" may be considered to be machines and articles of manufacture. Assembled ready-to-wear articles of footwear (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) and discrete components of articles of footwear (such as midsoles, outsoles, upper components, etc.) prior to final assembly into ready-to-wear articles of footwear are considered herein and are alternatively referred to in the singular or plural as "articles of footwear."

[0251] "A", "an", "the", "at least one" and "one or more" can be used interchangeably to indicate that there is at least one item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, there may be multiple such items. Unless otherwise clearly or explicitly indicated in the context (including the appended claims), all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., amounts or conditions) in this specification should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases, regardless of whether "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "Approximately" indicates that the numerical value allows some slight imprecision (some precision close to the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by "about" is not understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, "about" as used herein at least indicates the changes that may be caused by the ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, the disclosure of a range should be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within the range and the range further divided.

[0252] The terms "comprising / including" and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of 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. When possible, the order of steps, processes and operations can be changed, and additional or alternative steps can be adopted. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term "any of..." should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including "any of" the referenced items. The term "any of..." should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims of the appended claims, including "any of" the referenced claims.

[0253] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be employed throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above," "below," "upwardly," "downwardly," "top," "bottom," etc. may be used descriptively with respect to the accompanying drawings without implying a limitation on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0254] The term "longitudinal" particularly refers to a direction extending the length of a component. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot region and the heel region of the shoe. The terms "forward" or "front" are particularly used to refer to the general direction from the heel region towards the forefoot region, and the terms "rearward" or "rear" are particularly used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region towards the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified as having a longitudinal axis and a forward and rearward longitudinal direction along the axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as a front-rear direction or axis.

[0255] The term "lateral" refers in particular to a direction extending the width of a component. For example, the lateral direction of a shoe extends between the lateral side and the medial side of the shoe. The lateral direction or axis may also be referred to as the lateral direction or axis or the medial lateral direction or axis.

[0256] The term "vertical" refers in particular to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to both the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. For example, in the case where the sole is lying flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend upward from the ground surface. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of the sole. The term "upward" or "upwardly" refers in particular to a vertical direction directed toward the top of a component, which may include the instep of the upper, the fastening area and / or the throat of the upper. The term "downward" or "downwardly" refers in particular to a vertical direction directed toward the bottom of a component, opposite to the upward direction, and may generally be directed toward the bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0257] The "interior" of a footwear article (such as a shoe) refers in particular to the portion of the space occupied by the foot of the wearer when the shoe is worn. The "inside" of a component refers in particular to the side or surface of the component that is oriented toward (or will be oriented toward) the interior of the component or footwear article in the assembled footwear article. The "outside" or "exterior" of a component refers in particular to the side or surface of the component that is oriented away from (or will be away from) the interior of the shoe in the assembled shoe. In some cases, other components may be between the inside of the component and the interior in the assembled footwear article. Similarly, other components may be between the outside of the component and the space outside the assembled footwear article. In addition, the terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer in particular to the direction toward the interior of a component or footwear article (such as a shoe), and the terms "outward" and "outwardly" refer in particular to the direction toward the exterior of a component or footwear article (such as a shoe). In addition, the term "proximal" refers in particular to the direction closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the user inserts the foot into the footwear article when wearing the footwear article. Likewise, the term "distal" specifically refers to a relative position farther from the center of the footwear component or farther from the foot when the user inserts the foot into the footwear when wearing the footwear. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as generally relative terms that provide descriptions of relative spatial positions.

[0258] Although various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and it is apparent to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments and implementations within the scope of the embodiments are possible. Unless expressly limited, any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with any other feature or element in any other embodiment or replace any other feature or element in any other embodiment. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents. Moreover, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0259] Although several modes for implementing aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all content contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and exemplary of the entire range of alternative embodiments that will be recognized by a person of ordinary skill (as implied by the included content, structurally and / or functionally equivalent, or otherwise presented as obvious based on the included content), and not limited to only those explicitly depicted and / or described embodiments.

Claims

1. A device for facilitating entry of a foot into an article of footwear and configured to enclose a portion of a foot-receiving void at a heel region of the article of footwear, the device comprising: a control lever having a central section, an inner arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the central section, and an outer arm spaced from the inner arm and extending downwardly and forwardly from the central section; a base portion located below the control stem and connected to the medial arm at a first joint and to the lateral arm at a second joint; wherein the control stem and the base portion are configured to surround a rear portion of the heel region, wherein the medial arm is located on a medial side of the article of footwear and the lateral arm is located on a lateral side of the article of footwear; a medial anchoring arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the first engagement portion and partially beneath the foot-receiving void; as well as a lateral anchoring arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the second engagement portion and partially beneath the foot-receiving void; Wherein when a downward force is applied to the central section of the control rod, the inner arm and the outer arm elastically flex to a loaded position, thereby storing potential energy that returns the control rod to an unloaded position after the downward force is removed. 2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the base has an inner protrusion extending laterally outward from an inner side of the base behind the first engagement portion.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the base has an outer protrusion extending laterally outward from the outer side of the base behind the second engagement portion.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the base has a rear protrusion extending rearwardly from a rear portion of the base.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein an outer rear surface of the base above the rear projection defines a cavity.

6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the device comprises a ledge provided at an upper extent of the central section of the control rod.

7. The device of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the outer rear surface of the base defines a concave cavity.

8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the lower surface of the base has an inner edge and an outer edge, and is concave from the inner edge to the outer edge in the lateral direction of the footwear article and in the longitudinal direction of the footwear article, wherein the outer edge is lower than the inner edge.

9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the device is a single integral one-piece component.

10. A footwear article comprising: vamp; a sole structure secured to and underlying the upper, the upper and the sole structure defining a foot-receiving void; as well as Device, the device comprising: a control lever having a central section, an inner arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the central section, and an outer arm spaced from the inner arm and extending downwardly and forwardly from the central section; a base portion located below the control stem and connected to the medial arm at a first joint and to the lateral arm at a second joint; wherein the control stem and the base portion are configured to surround a rear portion of the upper, wherein the medial arm is located on an inner side of the upper, the lateral arm is located on an outer side of the upper, and the base portion is secured to an upper surface of the sole structure; a medial anchoring arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the first joint and partially beneath the sole structure and the foot-receiving void; and a lateral anchoring arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the second joint and partially beneath the sole structure and the foot-receiving void; When a downward force is applied to the central section of the control rod, the medial arm and the lateral arm elastically bend to a loaded position, thereby storing potential energy, which returns the control rod to an unloaded position when the downward force is removed, and the rear portion of the upper moves with the central section of the control rod.

11. The article of footwear according to claim 10, wherein: The sole structure includes a bladder defining an interior cavity and configured to retain a fluid within the interior cavity; and The base is disposed on the bladder.

12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the base is secured to an upper surface of the bladder.

13. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein: The base has an inner protrusion extending laterally outward and downward from an inner side of the base behind the first engagement portion over the bladder; and The inner projection is not secured to the bladder.

14. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein: The base has an outer protrusion extending laterally outward and downward from an outer side of the base behind the second engagement portion over the bladder; and The outboard projection is not secured to the bladder.

15. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein: The base has a rear projection extending rearwardly and downwardly from a rear portion of the base to above the bladder; and The rear projection is not secured to the bladder.

16. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein: The sole structure includes a midsole extending forward of the base; The medial anchoring arm is nested in a medial recess in the exterior surface of the midsole and is exposed outwardly; and The lateral anchoring arm is nested in a lateral recess in the exterior surface of the midsole and is outwardly exposed.

17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the midsole extends rearwardly and laterally inwardly of the base to a rear portion of the base and is secured to the upper surface of the bladder.

18. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein: The rear surface of the medial anchoring arm defines a downwardly extending rear wall, and the front surface of the bladder nests against the rear wall of the medial anchoring arm; and The rear surface of the lateral anchoring arm defines a downwardly extending rear wall, and the front surface of the bladder nests against the rear wall of the lateral anchoring arm.

19. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein a portion of the medial anchor arm and a portion of the lateral anchor arm are exposed at a ground-facing surface of the sole structure.

20. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the outer rear surface of the base portion defines a cavity.

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