Shoe

Abstract

A shoe includes a heel counter; the heel heel part comprises a heel cup; the heel cup is uniformly molded with an upper part, a middle part and a lower part; wherein the upper portion has a smaller medial-lateral length than the middle portion; wherein the thickness of the heel cup is gradually reduced from the peripheral part of the heel cup to the central area of the middle part; wherein a central region of the middle portion provides flexibility and curvature of the heel cup, and wherein a rearmost portion of the heel cup has an overall vertical "S" wave-shaped cross-section.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese national phase patent application with application number 202290000225.5 after entering the Chinese national phase on June 16, 2023, corresponding to the international application number PCT / US2022 / 046726, the international application date of October 14, 2022, and the invention name of "Shoe back for easier entry and removal".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 63 / 256,521, filed on October 15, 2021. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a heel counter of a shoe or a component of a heel counter, and particularly to a heel counter designed to allow a wearer's foot to more easily enter the shoe. Background Art

[0005] Conventionally, when wearing footwear such as athletic shoes, the user must often use one or both hands or operate a shoe horn that is separate from the shoe to properly insert the foot into the shoe and ensure that the shoe waist does not collapse under the heel. Utility Model Content

[0006] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to an article of footwear having a structure that can be deformed to support easier insertion of a foot.

[0007] In one aspect of the utility model, a heel cup can be uniformly molded with an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion, and the upper portion has a smaller medial-lateral length than the middle portion. The middle portion and the lower portion can form a concave structure that is configured to accommodate a heel. The upper portion of the heel cup has a first configuration in its natural state and can be deformed to a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user wears the footwear. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the upper portion is lowered relative to the first configuration, and the upper portion can return to the first configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed. The middle portion may include a peripheral portion having a first thickness and a central portion having a second thickness, and the second thickness is less than the first thickness.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, the upper portion of the heel cup has a first configuration in its natural state, and is capable of deforming into a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user wears the footwear, and the heel cup is capable of returning to the first configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed. In the first configuration, the upper portion has a downward inclination at a first angle relative to a vertical line perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the floor, and in the second configuration, the upper portion has an inclination at a second angle greater than the first angle. In addition, in the second configuration, the lower area of ​​the central portion of the heel cup extends outwardly in a direction away from the shoe opening, which widens the shoe opening along the medial-lateral direction.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, an upper of an article of footwear includes a U-shaped foam ankle collar that is substantially tubular in shape and forms a highest area of ​​a shoe opening that receives a foot. The foam ankle collar may extend at least partially around and above the shoe opening that receives the foot and may be compressed by the heel of a user during foot insertion. Once the foot is inserted into the footwear, the ankle collar may apply pressure to the user's ankle. The ankle collar may also have a flat area along its length that angles downward from the highest area toward the front of the article of footwear.

[0010] In another aspect of the utility model, a heel counter support is located on the upper and above the sole structure. The heel counter support may have at least two hollow receptacles that are angled backward. In addition, each of the two hollow receptacles accommodates one end of a compressible member. The compressible member has a first configuration in its natural state, and when the user wears the footwear, the compressible member can be deformed into a second configuration under the load of the user's foot, and can automatically return to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the footwear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] As examples only, selected embodiments and aspects of the present invention are described below. Each description is an accompanying drawing ("figure") indicating the content described. Some of the figures shown in the accompanying drawings or photos of this specification may be footwear for the left or right foot. Each drawing includes one or more identifiers of one or more parts or elements of the present invention.

[0012] Various embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a front view of the compressible heel cup.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the compressible heel cup.

[0015] Figure 3yes Figure 1 Side view of the compressible heel cup.

[0016] Figure 4A and Figure 4B yes Figure 1 The compressible heel cup in its compression configuration ( Figure 4A ) and its uncompressed configuration ( Figure 4B ) side-by-side front perspective view.

[0017] Figure 4C and Figure 4D Placed inside the shoe Figure 1 The compressible heel cup in its compression configuration ( Figure 4C ) and its uncompressed configuration ( Figure 4D ) side-by-side top view.

[0018] Figure 5 is a front view of a heel cup configured with a series of cross beams.

[0019] Fig. 6A yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a cross section of the arc length of the most posterior portion of the heel cup.

[0020] Figure 6B is along Figure 1 Intercepted from the center line 6-6 Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the heel cup.

[0021] Figure 7 is a side view of the heel counter with the heel cup located within the interior of the heel counter.

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A top view of the back of the heel.

[0023] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional image of the back of the heel.

[0024] Fig.10 is along Figure 8 Intercepted from the center line 10-10 Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of the heel counter.

[0025] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a shoe having a heel counter including a rigid heel cup.

[0026] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 view of shoe.

[0027] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 view of shoes.

[0028] Fig.14 It is a bottom view of the tongue and mid-shoe (instep) support.

[0029] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a shoe having a padded liner.

[0030] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 Side view of the padded liner.

[0031] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of the padded lining.

[0032] Fig.18 yes Fig.15 A top view of the padded liner.

[0033] Fig.19 It is along Fig.18 Intercepted from the center line 19-19 Fig.18 Cross-sectional view of a padded liner.

[0034] Fig. 20A is a lateral view of a shoe with a heel counter support.

[0035] Fig. 20B is a perspective view of a shoe with a heel counter support.

[0036] Fig. 20C yes Fig. 20A view of shoes.

[0037] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20A A perspective view of the bottom of an upper of a shoe.

[0038] Fig. 22 yes Fig. 20A A three-dimensional view of the sole and heel counter support of a shoe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The shoe may include a sole and an upper. The sole may include an outer sole, a midsole, and / or an outer sole and a midsole formed in one piece. The upper may include a toe cap, a front part, a tongue, an inner side waist, an outer side waist, and a heel counter. The shoe has a forefoot portion, a rear portion, an inner side, and an outer side. The upper may include an outer layer, an inner layer or inner structure, and / or an inner lining. The upper may form a shoe opening that can accommodate the user's foot when the user wears the shoe.

[0040] The heel counter or rear part of the upper can include one (or more) structures that make it easier for the foot to be inserted into the shoe opening. The one (or more) structures can also support the removal of the foot more easily. When the user wears or removes the shoe, the heel counter or rear part of the upper can also have a temporary widening. The widening of the shoe opening can be started by the user applying a load at the heel counter or rear part of the upper, which can be applied by the user's foot, and the user's hands only need little help or do not need help. In other embodiments of the utility model, when placed under enough loads, the heel counter support can be compressible and return to its uncompressed configuration. The reduction of the heel counter can also allow the user's foot to be inserted more easily. Once the foot is inserted into the shoe, the heel counter can have a compressible layer, such as a foam component, which fixes or enhances the fixation of the foot during the user's normal shoeing.

[0041] Compressible heel cup. Figures 1 to 10 In an embodiment, the heel counter 32 may include a compressible heel cup 52, which may be an internal component of the upper 16, a portion of the lining 46, or an attachment to the lining 46 adjacent to the upper 16 so that the heel cup 52 contacts the foot, or a portion of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 16 or an attachment to the outer surface of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 16.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 4, the shape of the heel cup 52 substantially corresponds to the heel cover and its profile resembles a pear shape. The medial-lateral width of the heel cup near the heel cup collar 84 is less than the medial-lateral width of the lower portion 54, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 to Figure 2 shown.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the inner wall 66 of the upper portion 64 of the heel cup of the rearmost portion of the heel cup is tilted downward by 0 to 90 degrees relative to the vertical line 86 perpendicular to the floor horizontal plane 88. In this exemplary embodiment, the upper portion 66 can have a downward tilt of 30 degrees. The inner wall 66 of the upper portion 64 of the heel cup 52 can also have a convex bend facing the shoe opening 48. The top portion of the convex bend has a downward tilt A1 of 30 degrees. The lower portion of the convex bend extends directly above the portion of the heel cup 52 that accommodates the heel. The lower portion of the convex bend can have a downward tilt that is less than the downward tilt of A1, and gradually decreases as it approaches an inclination equal to the vertical line 86. The heel cup 52 has a concave bend around the rear portion of the heel. The medial and lateral sides of the heel cup 52 can also extend and form a portion of the shoe waist and even as far as the support of the front help.

[0044] The thickness of the heel cup 52 may decrease at different locations. The top edge line 88 may have a tapering of the inner surface of the heel cup 52 and the outer surface of the heel cup 52. The heel cup 52 may have an increased thickness T1 along other peripheral edges, such as 2 mm to 3 mm. In another exemplary embodiment, the thickness T1 may be reduced in certain areas to provide greater flexibility for the heel cup 52 when wearing or taking off the shoe 12. In one embodiment, the thickness T1 of the heel cup 52 may gradually decrease from the peripheral portion 70 forming an area at the periphery of the heel cup 52 to the central portion or area 50 of the middle portion 58. The minimum thickness T1 in the central area 50 of the middle portion 58 may be approximately (but not limited to) 1 / 4 to 1 / 6 of the thickness relative to the thickest portion at the periphery of the heel cup 52, such as 0.5 mm to 1 mm. The thickest area at the top may be larger than the thickest area at the bottom. The reduced thickness T1 of the central area of ​​the middle portion 58 may allow the heel cup 52 to compress under sufficient load. In alternative embodiments, thickness T1 may be reduced throughout the medial-lateral portion or in multiple areas, such as areas in the middle portion 58 and / or areas in the upper portion 64. The thinner areas may increase the flexibility and flex of the heel cup 52, which provides the necessary compressibility under the load of a user's foot, such as during wearing of the shoe 12. Such compression may allow the upper portion 64 and / or the middle portion 58 of the heel cup 52 to move rearward and widen the shoe opening 48 to allow the foot to enter more easily. When the user wears the footwear, the heel cup 52 is able to deform from a first configuration in its natural state to a second configuration under the load of the user's foot. For example, the heel cup 52 may be partially compressed so that the upper portion 64 and / or the middle portion 58 of the heel cup 52 are lowered enough to allow the user's foot to be inserted. See, for example, Fig. 9 Once the user's foot is inserted into the shoe 12, the heel cup 52 can return to its uncompressed configuration.

[0045] According to this embodiment, when the user wears the shoe 12, the convexly curved top portion of the heel cup 52 or the uppermost section of the heel counter 32 of the shoe 12 can be lowered and extended rearwardly away from the foot as the heel counter 32 is compressed, such as Figure 4A 52. During compression of the heel cup 52, portions of the heel cup 52 may move forward in the direction of the forefoot portion. Deformation of the heel cup 52 may include the attached heel counter 32 widening as the medial and lateral sides of the heel cup move outward, thereby widening the shoe opening. The medial-lateral widening of the shoe opening 48 allows for easier access to the forefoot portion of the user's foot, such as easier insertion. In an exemplary embodiment, a 7.5 cm shoe opening may be widened to 4 cm or approximately 50%. See FIG. Figure 4C and Figure 4D Depending on the size of the shoe and the flexibility of the heel cup, the widening may be less or more. In some shoes, the desired widening may be less or more depending on the needs of fit and use.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of the heel cup 52 shown in FIG. 4 , the thickness T1 of the heel cup 52 made of a polymer material (such as DuPont Hytrel) can be between 0.4 mm and 4 mm. The thickness range T1 of the heel cup can be thinner or thicker at different areas, depending on the required elasticity and durability of the material. For example, the midpoint area can be thinner than the surrounding areas, and in particular, the central portion can be thinner, such as Figure 6B The central portion may be spaced apart from the medial edge and the lateral edge, wherein the peripheral edge may have a greater thickness. Other suitable materials may include other thermoplastic elastomers, or other polymers capable of providing compressible properties to the heel cup.

[0047] In another exemplary embodiment, the heel cup may be configured with a series of intersecting beams that form an egg crate-like configuration. Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment is shown with beams in a diagonal configuration. In alternative embodiments, the beams can also be in a vertical and horizontal configuration. The apertures between the beams can have approximately uniform sizes. The size of the beams can be uniform, or the thickness and width of the beams can vary. Thinner or narrower beams can be used to increase flexibility and compressibility in a given location, while thicker or wider beams provide varying degrees of rigid support. For example, the beam can be thinner in the middle portion, particularly in the center portion of the middle portion away from the edges. The surrounding beams can be thicker than the center portion. The center portion can allow for greater flexibility to deform under load.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the rearmost portion of the heel cup 52 may have an overall vertical cross-sectional shape that is substantially similar to an S-shaped wave, such as Fig. 6A The upper and lower parts of the S wave can be distinguished at a point P1 passing through the horizontal plane, i.e., the center line 90, which is drawn between the upper and lower arc ends of the S wave and intersects the heel counter 52 and the inflection point of the S wave. The amplitude of the arc of the upper part of the S wave (A U ) and width (W U ) may be different from the amplitude of the lower arc of the lower part of the S wave (A L ) and width (W L ). In an exemplary embodiment, W U About W L 0.44 times of A U About A L In one possible embodiment, W Uis about 2 cm, and W L About 4.5 cm. U is about 3 mm, and A L The cross section of the heel cup 52 is approximately 9 mm. U / A L and W U / W L Both are reduced and may consist only of a lower arc along the medial and lateral sides of the heel cup 52. The measurements at the rearmost portion of the heel cup 52 of the exemplary embodiment are exemplary.

[0049] The central region of the middle portion of the heel cup may have one or more apertures. Just as the central region of the middle portion may be constructed with less material than the maximum thickness of the collar and / or the maximum thickness of the base, the central region of the middle portion of the heel cup may be constructed with a material having greater flexibility than the material forming its perimeter. The net effect of a central region including a single aperture, multiple apertures, lesser thickness, and / or greater flexibility of material may facilitate entry and removal of a user's foot from the shoe.

[0050] In addition to the exemplary embodiment, the heel cup 52 can be attached to at least the inner foam layer 92, such as Fig.10 The heel cup 52 may be located within the interior of the heel counter 32 of the upper 16, such as Figures 8 to 10 As shown. The foam layer 92 can line both the inner wall 66 of the heel cup 52 and the outer wall of the heel cup 52. The foam layer 92 can protrude around the upper portion and the middle portion and extend further into the shoe opening 48. The foam layer 92 can be thicker at or near the upper portion 64 and the middle portion 58 of the heel cup 52, thereby forming a portion of the collar of the shoe opening 48. The thicker foam layer 92 can provide fixation for the user's foot when inserted into the shoe 12 because the foam will be located above the calcaneal area of ​​the user's foot and extend around at least a portion of the ankle area of ​​the foot. Because the foam is compressible, the foam can be compressed by the heel during foot insertion or removal and hold the ankle of the user's foot once the foot is inserted.

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, the shoe 12 may have a heel counter 32 located at a rear portion 36 of the upper 16, such as Figures 11 to 13 The heel counter 32 may include a heel cup 52, which may be an interior component of the upper 16, a portion of the lining 46, or an attachment to the lining 46 adjacent to the upper 16, such that the heel cup 52 contacts the foot, or a portion of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 16 or an attachment to the exterior surface of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 16.

[0052] The heel cup can have a lower portion forming a heel cup configured to accommodate the heel of the foot. The lower portion of the heel cup can further have side extensions around the medial and lateral sides. The heel cup can have a middle portion that is located above the lower portion of the heel cup and curves inwardly over the heel bone, or can be composed of an aperture. The heel cup can have an aperture located at the rear of the heel cup. Additionally, for this embodiment, the heel cup can be a rigid heel cup that is composed of a material that is substantially incompressible under the load of the foot.

[0053] The middle portion of the rigid heel cup may include at least one aperture that may be added to enhance the fit of the shoe around the foot at the heel. The upper material layer covering the aperture may include an elastic material so that the material stretches around the contour of the heel. The tension created by the elastic material when stretched may enhance the fixation of the foot during normal use of the shoe.

[0054] The upper portion of the heel cup can be configured with a smooth curve that extends downwardly from the top edge of the heel cup toward the shoe opening 48. The inner wall of the upper portion has an overall downward slope that extends from the curved top edge of the upper portion toward the interior of the upper 16. The inner wall of the upper portion can have dimensions similar to a shoe horn so that the smooth curve and downwardly sloped angle of the upper portion allow the heel to slide more easily into the shoe 12. The heel cup can be made of a rigid material that does not substantially compress under the load of the user's foot. In an alternative embodiment, the heel cup can have some flexibility, so that the upper portion of the heel cup can have some slight flexibility, which is sufficient to bend downwardly and away from the shoe opening and / or widen the shoe opening 48 to facilitate easier insertion and / or removal of the foot.

[0055] like Fig.11 As shown, the top edge 72 of the heel counter 32 may also form a resilient support structure for the rear heel collar 74. When the heel cup 52 is incorporated into the upper 16, a textile material or suitable material known in the art may be used to cover the heel cup 52, thereby forming the exterior layer 42 and the interior layer or structure 44 of the upper. The textile material may extend over the heel cup 52, thereby forming an extension of the heel collar 74.

[0056] Foam material or any lining material known in the art can be used as Fig.11The foam material 76 may be firmly bonded to the inner surface of the heel cup 52 to provide cushioning to the rigid heel cup material. The thickness of the foam material may be uniform or may vary at certain locations, depending on the desired cushioning or support for the foot. In an exemplary embodiment, the thicker foam material may be located at the inner wall 66 of the upper portion 64 and may further extend at least a portion along the medial-lateral length of the inner wall 66. The foam material may be configured to, when the shoe 12 is worn, resemble Fig.10 The foam material configuration shown is curved around at least a portion of the ankle above the heel. In this embodiment, the user's foot can compress the foam material during foot insertion. After the foot is inserted, the foam material can expand to its fully uncompressed configuration or partially expand to improve the security of the foot within the shoe 12. Thinner foam materials can be used to line other portions of the heel cup 52.

[0057] The rigid heel cup 52 can be used in conjunction with an upper 16 having at least one elastic region 78 located on the side of the upper between the heel cup 52 and the front of the shoe opening 48 that receives the foot. The elastic region 78 can have one or more elastic materials that allow the rear portion of the heel counter 32 to temporarily move rearward to widen the shoe opening 48 that receives the foot, thereby making it easier to insert the foot into the shoe 12. Fig.11 As shown, the elastic material can be a gusset 80 configured to be fixed in the cavity of the upper on the medial shoe waist or the lateral shoe waist or both, such as in the form of a gusset. The elastic material can be in any interval between the heel cup 52 and the upper portion located at the shoe waist 30 or the front upper 24 or possible shoe tongue. The elastic material can also be configured as a series of elastic strips or webbing extending between the heel cup 52 to the medial and lateral sides of the front upper 24 or possible shoe tongue.

[0058] Mid-Vamp Support. In some embodiments, a mid-vamp support can be used to help prevent the instep of a user's foot from dragging a portion of the mid-vamp or tongue portion into the throat area of ​​the shoe when the user is wearing the shoe in some circumstances.

[0059] In some Fig.14In the embodiment of the shoe tongue 126 shown, the inner side of the upper portion 132 of the shoe tongue 126 is attached to the first end or proximal end of the inner elastic band 128, and the outer side of the upper portion 132 of the shoe tongue 126 is attached to the first end or proximal end of the outer elastic band 130. The front lower portion of the shoe tongue is directly attached to the upper. Each of the inner elastic band and the outer elastic band can be directly attached to the lining of the upper at its second end or distal end. In an alternative embodiment, the elastic band can extend through the opening of the lining of the inner side shoe waist and the outer side shoe waist, respectively. The second end of each of the inner elastic band and the outer elastic band can terminate at the area within the sole, the sockliner, or the inner lining of the upper, respectively. When the user wears the shoe, the role of the elastic band is to maintain the approximate positioning of the shoe tongue.

[0060] In other embodiments, each of the inner and outer sides of the edge of the tongue or the upper portion of the tongue is attached to the lining of the upper of the inner and outer sides of the upper by a gusset that can be made of an elastic material. Similarly, the gusset can function to maintain the approximate positioning of the tongue when the user wears the shoe. In another embodiment of the tongue, at least a portion of the inner and outer edges of the tongue can be directly fixed or sewn to the upper and the inner portion of the tongue. In addition, the tongue can extend wider than a conventional tongue in the upper portion of the tongue in the medial-lateral direction, and the edge or some portions of the extended portion can be fixed or sewn to the inner portion of the upper.

[0061] In other embodiments, a mid-upper or tongue support made of a sheet material that is stiffer than the textile of the mid-upper or tongue can be attached to the outer surface of the tongue, or embedded between the outer layer of the tongue facing the shoe opening and the inner layer of the tongue. The mid-upper or tongue support can reduce or prevent the mid-upper or tongue from collapsing during foot insertion. Fig.14 In one embodiment shown, the tongue support 134 can be a more rigid material, such as a thermoplastic polymer configured to be more rigid than the tongue. In some embodiments, the mid-upper or tongue support can have a thickness of 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The mid-upper support can be coextensive with the mid-upper or tongue, or it can extend beyond the medial or lateral side of the mid-upper or tongue. Fig.14 In the illustrated embodiment, the tongue support 134 may be narrower and shorter than the mid-vamp or tongue.

[0062] In one embodiment, the reinforcing waist element may extend from the heel counter to the middle of the upper or the eyelet. Figure 11 to Figure 12The reinforcing shoe waist element can extend from the heel back 52 along the front lower edge of the gusset and around the top edge of the shoe collar to the middle of the upper, the area near the front help 24, or the shoe eye near the tongue. The reinforcing shoe waist element can be harder than the upper or the shoe waist material. The reinforcing shoe waist element material can be made of leather, plastic, or rigid textiles. The reinforcing shoe waist element can be attached to the upper by bonding or stitching. The reinforcing shoe waist element can be configured as an elongated shape, such as a strip extending along the front lower edge of the gusset and the shoe collar portion. The reinforcing shoe waist element can be located on the external surface, or can be an internal layer of the upper, such as a layer embedded in the upper or along a part of the lining of the upper. The reinforcing shoe waist element can provide greater stability for the opening of the shoe, so that when the foot is inserted into the shoe and pushes the heel cup backward, the reinforcing shoe waist element provides resistance to the collapse of the shoe waist and the middle area of ​​the upper or moving inwardly into the opening of the shoe.

[0063] When the reinforced upper element is used in conjunction with the eyelet layer used in lace-up shoes, the eyelet layer can add additional structural support, providing resistance to the upper and mid-upper portion collapsing or moving inwardly into the shoe opening. Therefore, when the foot pushes against the heel cup and the gusset stretches backward, the reinforced waist element is not pulled significantly backward. Therefore, when the foot is inserted into the shoe and pushes the heel cup backward, the shoe opening can achieve a wider opening.

[0064] Compressible Liner. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the heel counter and the heel / ankle collar may have a portion having a compressible layer, such as a foam layer. The compressible layer may extend into the shoe opening. During the wearing or removal of the shoe, the compressible layer is compressed under load. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the foam layer may fully or partially expand to its uncompressed configuration, and such expansion may enhance the fixation of the foot in the shoe.

[0065] In one exemplary embodiment, compressible layer 100 is embedded within at least a portion of ankle collar 140 and an upper region of heel counter 32. Figures 15 to 19 The compressible layer 100 extends into the opening of the shoe. During wearing of the shoe, the foot applies a load on the compressible layer, thereby expanding the opening of the shoe through momentary compression of the compressible layer. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the compressible layer partially or completely expands back to its original shape. The expansion of the compressible layer causes the foam to expand around the foot, which can enhance the comfort and stability of the foot. In some embodiments, the compressible layer extends over and / or around the heel bone of the user's foot and extends around at least a portion of the ankle area of ​​the foot.

[0066] The compressible layer may be made of a foam material, such as EVA or polyurethane foam. The shape of the compressible layer may be preformed by molding the material and fixing the compressible layer between at least two layers of textile material. The shape of the compressible layer may have an at least partially rounded outer surface that extends into the opening of the shoe and / or the ankle collar of the shoe. The volume of the compressible layer is larger in the rear portion of the heel counter and gradually narrows in the longitudinal direction of the inner portion of the foam layer on both sides of the shoe, such as Figure 17 to Figure 18 As shown. The compressible layer may also be gradually narrowed or rounded along the vertical axis, and the compressible layer may be larger in the upper portion of the ankle collar 140 and smaller in the lower portion of the ankle collar 140. Figure 18 to Figure 19 The compressible layer can be used to form the entire heel cup without the need for an additional heel cup or heel counter. Alternatively, the compressible layer can be used in conjunction with a compressible heel cup, such as Figure 1 The heel cup may define an exterior surface of the upper, the heel cup may define an interior surface of the upper, or the heel cup may define an interior layer, for example, if embedded within a compressible layer.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower flange 118 can extend downward from the ankle collar and be configured to attach to the upper. The lower flange can be configured to any size required to secure the ankle collar to the upper. The length of the lower flange can also vary. In some embodiments, the lower flange can define a portion of the ankle collar that is attached to the upper and not extend downward from the ankle collar at all. In other embodiments, the lower flange can extend partially or completely downward to the bottom of the upper. In some embodiments, the lower flange can be configured to form a heel counter. In other embodiments, the heel cup, such as Figure 1 As shown, it can be partially or completely embedded in the lower flange.

[0068] The compressible layer 100 can be covered by any type of textile. The textile can be elastic and can have wicking properties. The textile can be matched in form to the outer shape of the compressible layer. In a preferred embodiment, an adhesive such as a thermoplastic-based adhesive is applied to the compressible layer, after which the compressible layer is inserted into an elastic textile sleeve. Depending on the desired pattern of the ankle collar 140, the final product can also be secured by any means, such as gluing or sewing. The textile can also include a thermoplastic material, and after the compressible layer 100 is inserted into the textile sleeve, heat can be applied to fuse the textile to the compressible layer 100. In a preferred embodiment, steam can be applied so that the textile conforms to a pre-formed shape that forms a portion of the ankle collar and / or heel counter.

[0069] In addition to the exemplary embodiment, the ankle collar 140 has no seams or seams on its upper portion and may have seams on the bottom portion attached to the vamp 16. The seamless ankle collar 140 may extend from the medial shoe waist around the heel to the lateral shoe waist. When the user's foot is inserted into the shoe, the user's heel presses the compressible layer 100 toward the heel cup. When the user's heel presses down the compressible layer 100, the heel cup can maintain the structural integrity of a portion of the heel area of ​​the vamp 16 from collapsing, thereby allowing the user's foot to enter the shoe more easily without the user's hand or external shoe horn. Once the user's heel is fully inserted into the shoe, the compressible layer can rebound and can apply force to the back of the user's heel above the calcaneus and around a portion of the ankle area, which can help provide comfort and secure the user's foot in the shoe.

[0070] In addition to the exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the seamless upper portion of the ankle collar 140 is substantially circular. The ankle collar 140 can be divided into a front portion 142 and a rear portion 144. Each of the front portion and the rear portion is similar to the approximately circular cross-section 22 or a semicircular cross-section, wherein the radius of the front portion is greater than the radius of the rear portion. Figure 18 to Figure 19 The compressible layer may be attached directly to the inner structure of the heel counter or by means of a textile sleeve covering the compressible layer material.

[0071] Compressible heel counter with heel counter support. In another exemplary embodiment, the heel counter support 96 can partially form the outer layer of the shoe and extend from the medial shoe waist to the lateral shoe waist around the heel portion of the upper 16, as shown in Figures 20 to 21. Fig. 22As shown. In other embodiments, the heel counter support member can be further extended along a part of the shoe waist, along the entire shoe waist, or along the entire shoe waist and extend into the front part of the shoe. The heel counter support member 96 can have different heights at different areas of the shoe. In an exemplary embodiment, the medial end and the lateral end of the heel counter support member 96 gradually decrease in height to the base of the upper 16 just above the sole 14. The heel counter support member 96 can have an inner area of ​​maximum height on the inner side of the heel portion of the upper, and has a maximum height on the outer side of the heel portion of the upper. The heel counter support member 96 extends at least a portion of the height of the upper 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the medial and lateral heel portions 98 of the upper 16 is about 5 cm above the last surface 116, and the maximum height of the heel counter support member 96 on the medial and lateral sides of the heel portion is about 3 cm above the last surface 116. The height of the heel counter support 96 can gradually decrease from its maximum height area to an area of ​​substantially uniform height along the rear of the heel portion 98 of the upper 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the height along the heel portion 98 of the upper 16 extends to approximately 3 centimeters above the last surface 116, and the substantially uniform height of the portion forming the rear portion of the heel counter support 96 is approximately 2 centimeters above the last surface 116.

[0072] The heel counter support 96 can partially form an outer surface of the upper 16. The heel counter support 96 can have an inner surface that contacts the outer surface of the heel portion 98 of the upper 16. The heel counter support 96 can have a different thickness from its outer surface to its inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the angled strip 102 forms a portion of the increased thickness of the heel counter support 96. The angled strip 102 can provide increased rigidity for the heel counter support 96 and is configured to accommodate the compressible member 100.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the angled strip 102 has hollow protrusions on the inside and outside of the shoe 12, and the ends of the compressible member 100 are fixed in the hollow protrusions. The compressible member 100 can be a tube, wherein each end of the tube is fixed in the hollow protrusion 102. The hollow protrusion of the angled strip 102 can extend partially or completely around the surface of the compressible member 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressible member 100 can be formed of polyoxymethylene, or any other material with similar durability and sufficient rigidity to support the load of the foot and flexibility to bend from the inside to the outside of the heel portion of the shoe 12. The central portion 104 of the compressible member 100 can extend behind the ankle opening and above the heel counter of the shoe 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the angled strip 102 can be designed to accommodate the compressible member 100 at a certain angle, so that the compressible member 100 extends from the inside of the hollow protrusion 102 toward the back of the shoe 12 at a backward inclination A2. The rearward inclination A2 of the compressible member 100 is approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane of the floor 88. Fig. 20A The foam layer 92 extending over the rear heel portion 98 of the upper 16 at the rear portion of the heel opening may have a rearward slope A2 that is coextensive with the compressible member 100. The rearward slope A2 of the foam layer 92 may help guide the user's foot into the shoe 12 when the shoe is worn.

[0074] The central portion 104 of the compressible member 100 can extend to the rearmost portion of the upper 16 and can pass through one or more guide channels 106 in the upper 16. In an exemplary embodiment, a strip of leather material is sewn to the foam layer 92 and the strip extends over the upper at the rear portion of the heel opening. The ends of the leather strip are sewn together to form the guide channel 106 through which the compressible member passes.

[0075] When wearing the shoe 12, the user's foot can press the compressible member 100 and / or the rearwardly inclined foam layer 92 downwardly and rearwardly from the shoe opening. Once the user's foot has completely entered the shoe 12, the compressible member 100 and the rearwardly inclined foam layer 92 return to their initial raised positions.

[0076] The additional internal heel support 114 made of foam material can have sufficient thickness to enhance the fixation of the foot at the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus can be located under the additional internal heel support 114 once the user wears the shoe 12. The internal heel support 114 can have sufficient height to be located above the calcaneus once the foot has been inserted into the shoe.

[0077] In addition to the exemplary embodiment, the shoe can have a heel cup 52 made of a flexible material, which is configured to accommodate the rear portion of the heel. In one embodiment, the heel cup is a thermoplastic material that provides sufficient support as a heel counter. The internal heel support 114 can be a foam material lining to provide the necessary comfort to the user's heel.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and variations may be made to the sole structure without departing from the intended scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shoe, characterized in that: Including heel counter; The heel counter includes a heel cup; The heel cup is molded with an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion wherein the upper portion has a smaller medial-lateral length than the middle portion; wherein the thickness of the heel cup decreases from the peripheral portion of the heel cup toward the central region of the middle portion; wherein the central region of the middle portion provides flexibility of the heel cup, and Wherein, the rearmost portion of the heel cup has an overall vertical "S" wave-shaped cross section.

2. The shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that The heel cup is a compressible heel cup.

3. The shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that The heel cup is uniformly molded with the upper portion, the middle portion, and the lower portion.

4. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The central region of the midsection also provides curvature to the heel cup.

5. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The upper portion of the heel cup has a first configuration and is configured to deform to a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user wears the shoe, wherein in the second configuration at least a portion of the upper portion is lowered relative to the first configuration, and the upper portion is configured to return to the first configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed.

6. The shoe according to claim 5, characterized in that Deformation of the heel cup to the second configuration includes widening of the heel counter as the medial and lateral sides of the heel cup move outwardly, thereby widening the opening of the shoe.

7. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The peripheral portion forms an area at a perimeter of the heel cup.

8. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The intermediate portion includes the peripheral portion having a first thickness and a central portion having a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness.

9. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The middle portion and the lower portion form a concave structure configured to receive a heel.

10. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that An inner wall of the upper portion of the heel cup includes a convex curvature facing toward a shoe opening.

11. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The heel cup is attached to at least the inner foam layer.

12. The shoe according to claim 11, characterized in that The inner foam layer projects around the upper portion and the middle portion of the heel cup and extends into the shoe opening.

13. The shoe according to claim 11, characterized in that The inner foam layer forms a portion of a collar of the shoe opening.

14. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The thickness of the heel cup gradually decreases from a peripheral portion of the heel cup toward the central area of ​​the intermediate portion.

15. A shoe (12), characterized in that: including heel counter (32); The heel counter includes a heel cup (52); The heel cup is molded with an upper portion (64), a middle portion (58) and a lower portion (54); wherein the upper portion has a smaller medial-lateral length than the middle portion; wherein a midpoint region of the heel cup is thinner than a surrounding region of the heel cup, and Wherein, the rearmost portion of the heel cup has an overall vertical "S" wave-shaped cross section.

16. The shoe according to claim 15, wherein: The heel cup is a compressible heel cup.

17. The shoe according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The heel cup is uniformly molded with the upper portion, the middle portion, and the lower portion.

Images