Footwear heel counter for easier entry and removal

Abstract

shoe (12) comprising a sole (14) and an upper (16); wherein the upper part (16) includes a heel cap (32), and wherein the upper part (16) forms a shoe opening (48) for receiving a foot; wherein the heel cap (32) comprises a heel cup (52); wherein the heel cup (52) is uniformly shaped with an upper section (64), a middle section (58) and a lower section (54); wherein in a vertical cross-section the heel cup (52) has an “S” wave shape; wherein the thickness of the heel cup (52) gradually decreases from a peripheral section (70), which forms an area at a periphery of the heel cup (52), towards a central region (50) of the middle section (58) of the heel cup (52); wherein the heel cup (52) is attached to an inner compressible layer; wherein the compressible layer extends into the shoe opening (48); and wherein the compressible layer is configured to be compressed by a user's foot during insertion or removal of the user's foot, and is configured to expand at least partially to hold an ankle of the user's foot once the foot is inserted.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present disclosure claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 63 / 256,521, filed October 15, 2021. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a heel counter or a component of a heel counter of a shoe, and more particularly to a heel counter configured to facilitate easier entry of the wearer's foot into the shoe. BACKGROUND

[0003] When putting on footwear, such as athletic shoes, the wearer often has to use one or both hands or operate a shoehorn separate from the shoe to properly insert / place the foot into the shoe and prevent the quarters from collapsing under the heel. BRIEF SUMMARY OF REVELATION

[0004] Aspects of this invention relate to an article of footwear having a structure that can deform to facilitate foot insertion.

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, a heel cup can be uniformly formed with an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion has a shorter mediolateral length than the middle portion. The middle portion and the lower portion can form a concave structure configured to receive the heel. The upper portion of the heel cup has a first configuration in its original state and is capable of deforming into a second configuration under the load of a user's foot when the user puts on the footwear. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the upper portion is depressed relative to the first configuration, and the upper portion is capable of returning to the first configuration after the load on the user's foot is removed.The central portion may have a peripheral portion having a first thickness and a central portion having a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness.

[0006] In another aspect of the invention, the upper portion of a heel cup has a first configuration in its original state and is capable of deforming into a second configuration under a load from a user's foot when the user puts on the footwear, and the heel cup is capable of returning to the first configuration after the load from the user's foot is removed. In the first configuration, the upper portion has a downward incline with a first angle relative to a vertical line perpendicular to a horizontal surface of the ground, and the upper portion in the second configuration has an incline with a second angle greater than the first angle.Additionally, in the second configuration, a lower region of a central portion of the heel cup extends outward in a direction away from the shoe opening, causing the shoe opening to widen along the mediolateral direction.

[0007] In another aspect of the invention, a footwear upper comprises a U-shaped foamed ankle collar that is substantially tubular and forms the uppermost region of the foot-receiving shoe opening. The foamed ankle collar can extend at least partially around and over the foot-receiving shoe opening and can be compressed by the wearer's heel upon insertion of the foot. The ankle collar can apply pressure to the wearer's ankle once the foot is inserted into the footwear. The ankle collar can also have a flattened region along its length that forms a downward angle from the uppermost region toward (or toward) the front of the footwear article.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a heel counter support is disposed on the upper and above the sole structure. The heel counter support may have at least two hollow receptacles with rearward angles. Additionally, each of the two hollow receptacles receives one end of a compressible component. The compressible component has a first configuration in its original state, and the compressible component is capable of deforming into a second configuration under the load of a user's foot when the user puts on the footwear, and is capable of automatically returning to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the footwear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Selected embodiments and aspects of the present invention are described below by way of example only. Each description refers to a figure ("Fig.") showing the subject matter described. Some of the figures shown in the drawings or photographs accompanying this description may apply to footwear intended for either the left or right foot. Each figure contains one or more labels for one or more parts or elements of the invention.

[0010] Various embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a front view of a compressible heel cup. Fig. 2 a perspective view of the compressible heel cup of Fig. 1 is. Fig. 3 a side view of the compressible heel cup from Fig. 1 is. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B each show a side-by-side perspective front view of the compressible heel cup of Fig. 1 in its compressed configuration (4A) or its uncompressed configuration (4B). Fig. 4C and Fig. 4D each show a side-by-side plan view of the compressible heel cup from Fig. 1 in a shoe in its compressed configuration (4C) or its non-compressed configuration (4D). Fig. Figure 5 is a front view of a heel cup designed to have a series of intersecting bars. Fig. 6A is a schematic representation of a cross-section of arc lengths of the rearmost portion of the heel cup of Fig. 1 is. Fig. 6B a cross-sectional view of the heel cup of Fig. 1 is taken on lines 6-6 in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a side view of a heel counter with a heel cup located inside the heel counter. Fig. 8 a top view of the heel cap Fig. 7 is. Fig. 9 a perspective view of the heel cap from Fig. 7 is. Fig. 10 a cross-sectional view of the heel cap from Fig. 8, taken on lines 10-10 in Fig. 8. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a shoe with a heel counter incorporating a rigid heel cup. Fig. 12 a side view of the shoe Fig. 11 is. Fig. 13 a rear view of the shoe Fig. 11 is. Fig. 14 is a bottom view of a shoe tongue and an instep support. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a shoe with a padded lining. Fig. 16 a side view of the padded lining from Fig. 15 is. Fig. 17 a perspective view of the padded lining of Fig. 15 is. Fig. 18 a plan view of the padded lining of Fig. 15 is. Fig. 19 a cross-sectional view of the padded lining of Fig. 18, taken on lines 19-19 in Fig. 18. Fig. 20A is a side view of a shoe with a heel counter support. Fig. 20B is a perspective view of a shoe with a heel counter support. Fig. 20C a rear view of the shoe Fig. 20A is. Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the underside of the upper part of the shoe from Fig. 20 is. Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the sole and heel counter support of a shoe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] A shoe may include a sole and an upper. The sole may include an outsole, a midsole, and / or an integrally molded outsole and midsole. The upper may include a toe box, a vamp, a tongue, a medial quarter, a lateral quarter, and a heel counter. The shoe includes a forefoot portion, a rear portion, a medial side, and a lateral side. The upper may include an outer layer, inner layers, or an internal structure and / or an inner lining. The upper may form a shoe opening capable of receiving a user's foot when the user puts on the shoe.

[0012] The heel counter or the rear portion of the upper may have one or more structures that allow for easier insertion of the foot into the shoe opening. The structure(s) may also assist in easier removal of the foot. The heel counter or the rear portion of the upper may also have a temporary expansion when the user puts on or takes off the shoe. The expansion of the shoe opening may be triggered by the user applying a load to the heel counter or the rear portion of the upper, which may be exerted by the user's foot with minimal or no assistance from the user's hands. In other embodiments of the invention, the heel counter may be compressible when subjected to a sufficient load and return to its uncompressed state. Lowering the heel counter may also allow for easier insertion of the user's foot.Once a foot is inserted into the shoe, the heel counter may have a compressible layer, such as a foam component, that secures or enhances the securement of the foot during normal wear of the shoe by the user.

[0013] Compressible heel cup. With reference to the embodiments of the Fig. 1-10, a heel counter 32 may include a compressible heel cup 52, which may be an internal component of the upper 16, a portion of the inner lining 46, or an attachment adjacent to the inner lining 46 of the upper 16 such that the heel cup 52 contacts the foot, or a portion of the outer layer 42 of the upper 16, or an attachment of an outer surface of the outer layer 42 of the upper 16.

[0014] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4, the heel cup 52 has a shape substantially corresponding to a heel cover and has a profile resembling a pear shape. The heel cup has a mediolateral width near the heel cup collar 84 that is less than the mediolateral width of the lower portion 54, as shown in Fig. 1-2 shown.

[0015] As in Fig. 2, the inner wall 66 of the upper portion 64 of the heel cup at the rearmost portion of the heel cup may have a downward slope of 0 to 90 degrees relative to a vertical line 86 perpendicular to the horizontal surface 88 of the ground. In this exemplary embodiment, the upper portion 66 may have a downward slope of 30 degrees. The inner wall 66 of the upper portion 64 of the heel cup 52 may also have a convex curvature facing the shoe opening 48. The upper portion of the convex curvature has a downward slope A1 of 30 degrees. The lower portion of the convex curvature extends just above the portion of the heel cup 52 that receives the heel.The lower portion of the convex curve may have a lesser downward slope than the downward slope A1 and gradually decreases as it approaches an inclination corresponding to the vertical line 86. The heel cup 52 has a concave curve that surrounds the posterior portion of the heel. The medial and lateral sides of the heel cup 52 may also extend over part of the quarter and even to the vamp, forming a support therefor.

[0016] The thickness of the heel cup 52 may be reduced in various locations. The upper edge line 88 may have a taper of the inner surface of the heel cup 52 and the outer surface of the heel cup 52. The heel cup 52 may have a greater thickness T1 along the other peripheral edges, e.g., 2 to 3 mm. In another exemplary embodiment, the thickness T1 may be reduced in certain areas to provide more flexibility to the heel cup 52 when putting on and taking off the shoe 12. In one embodiment, the thickness T1 of the heel cup 52 may gradually decrease from a peripheral portion 70, which forms an area at the periphery of the heel cup 52, toward the central portion or region 50 of the central portion 58.The minimum thickness T1 in the central region 50 of the mid-section 58 may be approximately, but not limited to, 1 / 4 to 1 / 6 the thickness compared to the thickest portions at the periphery of the heel cup 52, e.g., 0.5 to 1 mm. The thickest region of the top section may be greater than the thickest region of the bottom section. The reduced thickness T1 of the central region of the mid-section 58 may allow the heel cup 52 to compress under sufficient load. In an alternative embodiment, the thickness T1 may be reduced over the entire mediolateral section or in multiple regions, such as regions of the mid-section 58 and / or regions of the top section 64.The thinner regions may provide increased flexibility and bending of the heel cup 52, providing the necessary compressibility under the load of a user's foot, e.g., when putting on a shoe 12. Such compression may allow the upper portion 64 and / or the mid-portion 58 of the heel cup 52 to move rearward and widen the shoe opening 48 to allow easier entry of the foot. The heel cup 52 is capable of deforming from a first configuration in its original state to a second configuration under the load of a user's foot as the user puts on the shoe.For example, the heel cup 52 may be partially compressed such that the upper portion 64 and / or the mid-portion 58 of the heel cup 52 are lowered sufficiently to allow insertion of the user's foot. See, for example, FIG. Fig. 9. Once the user's foot is inserted into the shoe 12, the heel cup 52 can return to its uncompressed configuration.

[0017] Continuing with this embodiment, when a user puts on the shoe 12, the upper portion of the convex curvature of the heel cup 52 or the uppermost segment of the heel counter 32 of the shoe 12 may be lowered and extend rearwardly away from the foot as the heel counter 32 is compressed, as shown in Fig. 4A. In this way, the user's foot can be inserted into the shoe opening 48 with a lesser degree of plantar flexion. During compression of the heel cup 52, portions of the heel cup 52 may move forward toward the forefoot portion. The deformation of the heel cup 52 may involve the attached heel counter 32 widening, with the medial and lateral sides of the heel cup moving outward, thereby widening the opening of the shoe. The mediolateral widening of the shoe opening 48 allows for easier entry, e.g., easier insertion of the forefoot portion of the user's foot. In an exemplary embodiment, the 7.5 cm shoe opening may widen by up to 4 cm, or about 50%. See Fig. 4C and Fig. 4D. Depending on the shoe size and the flexibility of the heel cup, the desired width may be smaller or larger. For some shoes, the desired width may be smaller or larger, depending on the securing needs and usage.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the heel cup 52, as shown in Fig. 1-4, the thickness T1 of a heel cup 52 made of a polymer material, such as Dupont Hytrel, can be between 0.4 millimeters and 4 millimeters. The range of thickness T1 of the heel cup can be thinner or thicker in different regions, depending on the desired elastic / resilience and durable / durability properties of the material. For example, the center region can be thinner than the surrounding regions, and in particular, a central portion can be thinner, as shown in Fig. 6B. The central portion may be spaced from the medial and lateral edges, with the peripheral edges having greater thickness. Other suitable materials may include other thermoplastic elastomers or other polymers capable of providing the compressible / compression properties of the heel cup.

[0019] In another exemplary embodiment, the heel cup may be configured to have a series of intersecting bars forming an egg-crate-like configuration. Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment with beams in a diagonal configuration. In an alternative embodiment, the beams can also be arranged in a vertical and lateral configuration. The openings between the beams can be approximately the same size. The beams can be uniform in their dimensions or vary in thickness and width. Thinner or narrower beams can be used to improve flexibility and compressibility in certain locations, while thicker or wider beams provide a varying degree of rigid support. For example, the beams can be thinner in the midsection, particularly in the central portion of the midsection away from the edges. The surrounding beams can be thicker than the central portion. The central portion can allow greater flexibility to deform under a load.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the rearmost portion of the heel cup 52 may have an overall vertical cross-sectional shape that approximately resembles an S-wave, as shown in a cross-sectional diagram of Fig. 6A. The upper and lower sections of the S-wave can be distinguished at point P1 by a horizontal plane, i.e., the midline 90, which runs 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 (A U ) and width (W U ) of the arc of the upper portion of the S-wave may differ from the amplitude (A L ) and width (W L ) of the lower arc of the lower portion of the S-wave. In the exemplary embodiment, W U approximately 0.44 times W L . A U is approximately 1 / 3 of A LIn one possible embodiment, W U about 2 centimeters and W L approximately 4.5 centimeters. The A U is approximately 3 millimeters and the A L approximately 9 millimeters. The S-configuration takes both A U / A L as well as regarding W U / W L in the cross-sections in the areas extending from the cross-section of the heel cup 52 of the rearmost portion, and may consist only of the lower portion 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 to be understood as exemplary.

[0021] The central region of the heel cup's midsection may have a single opening or multiple openings. Just as the central region of the midsection 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 heel cup's midsection may be constructed with a material that has greater flexibility than the material forming its periphery. The resulting effects of the central region having a single opening, multiple openings, a smaller thickness, and / or a material with greater flexibility may serve to facilitate the user's entry and exit of the shoe.

[0022] Further referring to the exemplary embodiment, the heel cup 52 may also be attached to at least one inner foam layer 92, as in Fig. 10. The heel cup 52 may be located inside the heel cap 32 of the upper 16, as shown in Fig. 8-10. The foam layer 92 may line both the inner wall 66 of the heel cup 52 and the outer wall of the heel cup 52. Around the upper portion and the middle portion, the foam layer 92 may protrude and extend further into the shoe opening 48. The foam layer 92 may be thicker at or near the upper portion 64 and the middle portion 58 of the heel cup 52, thereby forming part of the cuff of the shoe opening 48. The thicker foam layer 92 may provide security for the user's foot once inserted into the shoe 12 because the foam is located over the calcaneus bone region of the user's foot and extends around at least portions of the ankle region of the foot.Because the foam is compressible, the foam can be compressed by the heel during insertion or removal of the foot and can hold the ankle of the user's foot once the foot is inserted.

[0023] Rigid heel cup. In an exemplary embodiment, a shoe 12 may have a heel counter 32 located at the rear portion 36 of a shoe upper 16, as shown in the Fig. 11-13. The heel counter 32 may include a heel cup 52, which may be an internal component of the upper 16, a portion of the inner lining 46, or an attachment adjacent to the inner lining 46 of the upper 16 such that the heel cup 52 contacts the foot, or contacts a portion of the outer layer 42 of the upper 16, or an attachment of an outer surface of the outer layer 42 of the upper 16.

[0024] The heel cup may have a lower portion forming a heel cup configured to receive the heel of the foot. The lower portion of the heel cup may also have lateral extensions on or along both the medial and lateral sides. The heel cup may have a mid-portion located above the lower portion of the heel cup and curves inward over the heel bone, or may be formed from an opening. The heel cup may have an opening at the rear of the heel cup. Further to this embodiment, the heel cup may be a rigid heel cup made of a material that is substantially incompressible under the loading of the foot.

[0025] At least one opening can be incorporated into the center section of the rigid heel cup to improve the fit of the shoe around the base of the heel. The upper material layers covering the opening can comprise an elastic material so that the material stretches around or along the contours of the heel. The tension created by the elastic material during stretching can improve foot support during normal use of the shoe.

[0026] The upper portion of the heel cup may be provided with a gentle curve extending downwardly from the upper edge of the heel cup toward the shoe opening 48. The inner wall of the upper portion has a generally downward slope extending from the curved upper edge of the upper portion toward the interior of the upper 16. The inner wall of the upper portion may have dimensions similar to a shoehorn, such that the smooth curvature and angle of the downward slope of the upper portion allow the heel of the foot to slide into the shoe 12 with greater ease. The heel cup may be made of a rigid material that does not compress significantly under the load of the user's foot.In an alternative embodiment, the heel cup may have some flexibility such that the upper portion of the heel cup has a slight flexibility sufficient to bend downward and away from the shoe opening and / or to widen / expand the shoe opening 48 to facilitate insertion and / or removal of the foot.

[0027] As in Fig. 11, the upper edge 72 of the heel counter 32 may also form a resilient support structure of the rear heel collar 74. When the heel cup 52 is incorporated into the upper 16, a fabric material (or materials) or a suitable material (or materials) known in the art may be used to cover the heel cup 52, thereby forming the outer layer 42 and the inner layers or structures 44 of the upper. The fabric material may extend over the heel cup 52, thereby forming an extension of the heel collar 74.

[0028] As an inner, compressible layer of the upper part 16 of the Fig. 11, foam or any inner lining material(s) known in the art may be used. The foam material 76 may be bonded to the inner surface of the heel cup 52 to provide cushioning against the rigid material of the heel cup. The thickness of the foam may be uniform or vary in specific locations, depending on the desired cushioning or support of the foot. In an exemplary embodiment, thicker foam material may be located on the inner wall 66 of the upper portion 64 and extend at least a portion along the mediolateral length of the inner wall 66. The foam material may be configured to curve around at least a portion of the ankle above the heel when the shoe 12 is worn, similar to the Fig. 10. In this embodiment, the user's foot can compress the foam material upon foot insertion. Following foot insertion, the foam can expand or partially expand to its uncompressed state, thereby improving the security of the foot within the shoe 12. A thinner foam can be used to line the other portions of the heel cup 52.

[0029] The rigid heel cup 52 may be used in combination with a shoe upper 16 having at least one elastic region 78 located on the sides of the upper between the heel cup 52 and the front portion of the foot-receiving shoe opening 48. The elastic region 78 may comprise one or more elastic materials that allow the rear portion of the heel counter 32 to be temporarily retracted to expand / widen the foot-receiving shoe opening 48 and thus facilitate insertion of the foot into the shoe 12. As shown in Fig. 11, the elastic material may be a wedge member 80 configured to be secured within a gap of the upper, e.g., in the form of a gusset on the medial quarter or the lateral quarter, or both. The elastic material may be located at any distance between the heel cup 52 and the upper portion located at the quarters 30 or the vamp 24, or possibly a tongue. The elastic material may also be configured as a series of elastic strips or webbing extending between the heel cup 52 and the medial and lateral sides of the vamp 24, or possibly a tongue.

[0030] Instep support. In some embodiments, an instep support may be used to help prevent, in some cases, the instep of the wearer's foot from pulling a portion of the instep or tongue partially into the throat area when the wearer puts on the shoe.

[0031] In some embodiments with a tongue 126, as in Fig. 14, the medial side of the upper portion 132 of the tongue 126 is attached to the first or proximal end of a medial elastic band 128, and the lateral side of the upper portion 132 of the tongue 126 is attached to the first or proximal end of a lateral elastic band 130. The front lower portion of the tongue is directly connected to the upper. Each of the medial and lateral elastic bands may be attached directly to the inner lining of the upper at their second or distal ends. In an alternative embodiment, the elastic bands may each extend through an opening in the inner lining of the medial quarter and / or the lateral quarter, respectively. The second end of each of the medial and lateral elastic bands may each terminate at the sole, the insole, or a region within the inner lining of the upper.The elastic bands serve to maintain the overall positioning of the tongue when the user puts on the shoe.

[0032] In other embodiments, each of the medial and lateral sides of the tongue edge or an upper portion of the tongue is attached to the inner lining of the upper, the medial quarter, and the lateral quarter of the upper by a gusset, which may be made of elastic material. The gusset may similarly serve to maintain the general positioning of the tongue when the user puts on the shoe. In another embodiment of the tongue, at least a portion of the medial and lateral edges of the tongue may be directly attached or sewn to the inner portion of the upper and the tongue. Furthermore, the tongue may be extended wider than a conventional tongue along the mediolateral direction in the upper portion of the tongue, and the edges or a portion of the extended / extended portion may be attached or sewn to the inner portion of the upper.

[0033] In other embodiments, an instep or tongue support, which may be made of a sheet material with greater hardness than the fabric of the instep or tongue, may be attached to the outer surface of the tongue or embedded between an outer tongue layer and an inner tongue layer facing the shoe opening. The instep or tongue support may reduce or prevent the collapse of the instep or tongue during insertion of the foot. In one Fig. 14, the tongue support 134 may be a stiffer material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, configured to be stiffer than the tongue. In some embodiments, the instep or tongue support may have a thickness of 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The instep support may be coextensive with the instep or tongue, or may extend beyond the medial or lateral side of the instep or tongue. In the embodiment shown in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the tongue support 134 may be narrower and shorter than the instep or the tongue.

[0034] In one embodiment, a reinforcing quarter element may extend from the heel counter to the instep or to the eyelet. If a gusset, such as the gusset 80 in Fig. 11-12, a reinforcing quarter element may extend from the heel cup 52 along the front lower edge of the gusset and around the top edge of the collar to the instep, to a region near the vamp 24, or to an eyestay adjacent the tongue. A reinforcing quarter element may be stiffer than the upper or quarter material. The material of the reinforcing quarter element may be made of leather, plastic, or strong fabric. The reinforcing quarter element may be connected to the upper by gluing or sewing. The reinforcing quarter element may be configured as an elongated shape, such as a strip extending along the front lower edge of the gusset and collar portion. The reinforcing quarter element may be on the outer surface or be an inner layer of the upper, such asA layer embedded in the upper or along a section of the upper's inner lining. A reinforcing quarter element can provide greater stability to the shoe's opening, providing resistance to the quarters and instep region collapsing or moving inward into the shoe's opening as the foot is inserted into the shoe and pushes the heel cup backward.

[0035] When used in combination with an eyelet layer in lace-up shoes, the eyelet layer can provide additional structural support, resisting the quarters and instep from collapsing or moving inward into the shoe opening. Thus, when a foot presses against the heel cup and the gusset is stretched backward, the reinforcing quarter element is not significantly pulled backward. Accordingly, the shoe opening can be wider as the foot is inserted into the shoe and the heel cup is pushed backward.

[0036] Compressible lining. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the heel counter and heel / ankle collar may include a portion with a compressible layer, such as a foam layer. The compressible layer may extend into the shoe opening. The compressible layer is compressed under load when putting on and taking off the shoe. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the foam layer may fully or partially expand to its uncompressed state, and this expansion may improve the securing of the foot within the shoe.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the compressible layer 100 is embedded in at least a portion of the ankle collar 140 and the upper region of the heel counter 32. See Fig. 15-19. The compressible layer 100 extends into the opening of the shoe. During shoe donning, the foot exerts a load on the compressible layer, thereby expanding the opening of the shoe through the temporary 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 improve comfort and foot security. In some embodiments, the compressible layer extends over and / or around the calcaneus of the user's foot and around at least portions of the ankle region of the foot.

[0038] 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 securing the compressible layer between at least two layers of textile material. The shape of the compressible layer may at least partially have a rounded outer surface that protrudes into the opening of the shoe and / or the ankle collar of the shoe. The volume of the compressible layer may be larger in the rear portion of the heel counter and taper along the longitudinal direction of the inner portion of the foam layer on both sides of the shoe, as shown in Fig. 17-18. The compressible layer may also be tapered or rounded along the vertical axis, and the compressible layer may be larger in volume in / at the upper portion of the ankle collar 140 and smaller in / at the lower portion of the ankle collar 140. See Fig. 18-19. The compressible layer can be used to form the entire heel cup without the need for an additional heel cup or heel cap. Alternatively, the compressible layer can be used in combination with a compressible heel cup, as in Fig. 1. The heel cup may define an outer surface of the upper, the heel cup may define an inner surface of the upper, or the heel cup may define an inner layer, for example, when embedded in the compressible layer.

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment, a lower flange 118 may extend downward from the ankle collar and is configured to be attached to the upper. The lower flange may be configured in any dimensions necessary to attach the ankle collar to the upper. The lower flange may also vary in length. In some embodiments, the lower flange may define the portion of the ankle collar that is attached to the upper without extending downward from the ankle collar at all. In other embodiments, the lower flange may extend partially or completely to the underside of the upper. In some embodiments, the lower flange may be configured to form the heel counter. In other embodiments, a heel cup, as in Fig. 1, may be partially or completely embedded in the lower flange.

[0040] The compressible layer 100 can be covered with any type of textile. The textile can be elastic and have wicking properties. The textile can be adapted to the outer shape of the compressible layer. In a preferred embodiment, an adhesive, e.g., a thermoplastic-based adhesive, is applied to the compressible layer, after which the compressible layer is inserted into an elastic textile sleeve. The resulting product can also be attached by other means, such as adhesive or stitching, according to the desired pattern of the ankle collar 140. The textile can also contain thermoplastic material, and after the compressible layer 100 has been inserted into the textile sleeve, heat can be applied to fuse the textile to the compressible layer 100.In a preferred embodiment, steam may be applied to cause the textile to conform to the pre-formed shape forming a portion of the ankle collar and / or heel counter.

[0041] Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the ankle collar 140 is free of stitches or seams at its upper portion and may have a seam at the bottom portion where it is attached to the upper 16. The seamless ankle collar 140 may extend from the medial quarter around the heel to the lateral quarter. As the user's foot is inserted into the footwear, the user's heel presses the compressible layer 100 against the heel cup. The heel cup may protect the structural integrity of a portion of the heel region of the upper 16 from collapsing when the user's heel presses against the compressible layer 100, thus allowing the user's foot to enter the shoe more easily without the use of the user's hands or an external shoehorn.Once the user's heel is fully inserted into the shoe, the compressible layer can rebound and apply force against the back of the user's heel above the calcaneus bone and around sections of the ankle region, which can help provide comfort and secure the user's foot within the shoe.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the seamless upper portion of the ankle collar 140 is substantially circular. The ankle collar 140 may be divided into a front portion 142 and a rear portion 144. Both the front portion and the rear portion resemble an approximately circular cross-section 22 or a semicircular cross-section, with the radius of the front portion being larger than the radius of the rear portion. See Fig. 18-19. The compressible layer can be attached directly to the inner structure of the heel counter or via the textile cover that covers the material of the compressible layer.

[0043] Compressible heel counter with heel counter support. In another exemplary embodiment, the heel counter support 96 may partially form an outer layer of the shoe and extend around the heel portion of the upper 16 from the medial quarter of the shoe to the lateral quarter of the shoe, as shown in the Fig. 20-22. In other embodiments, the heel counter support may extend further along a portion of the quarter, along the entire quarter, or along the entire quarter and into the vamp portion of the shoe. The heel counter support 96 may vary in height in different regions of the shoe. In the exemplary embodiment, the height of the medial and lateral ends of the heel counter support 96 gradually decreases to the base of the upper 16 just above the sole 14. The heel counter support 96 may have a medial region with a maximum height on the medial side of the heel portion of the upper and with a maximum height on the lateral side of the heel portion of the upper. The heel counter support 96 extends at least a portion of the height of the upper 16.In the exemplary embodiment, the height of the medial and lateral sides of the heel portion 98 of the upper 16 is approximately 5 cm above the lasting surface 116, and the maximum height of the heel counter support 96 on the medial and lateral sides of the heel portion is approximately 3 cm above the lasting surface 116. The height of the heel counter support 96 may gradually decrease from the region of its maximum height to a region of approximately uniform height along the rear of the heel portion 98 of the upper 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the height extends along the heel portion 98 of the upper 16 to approximately 3 centimeters above the lasting surface 116, and the approximately uniform height of the portion forming the rear portion of the heel counter support 96 is approximately 2 centimeters above the lasting surface 116.

[0044] The heel counter support 96 may partially form an outer surface of the upper 16. The heel counter support 96 may have an inner surface that contacts an outer surface of the heel portion 98 of the upper 16. The heel counter support 96 may have a varying thickness across its outer surface to its inner surface. In the exemplary embodiment, angular strips 102 form sections of increased thickness of the heel counter support 96. The angular strips 102 may provide increased rigidity to the heel counter support 96 and may be configured to accommodate the compressible component 100.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiments, the angular strips 102 on the medial and lateral sides of the shoe 12 include hollowed protrusions into which the ends of the compressible component 100 are secured. The compressible component 100 may be a tube, with each end of the tube secured in the hollowed protrusions 102. A hollowed protrusion of the angular strips 102 may extend partially or completely around the surfaces of the compressible component 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the compressible component 100 may be formed of polyoxymethylene or another material with similar durability and sufficient stiffness to support the loading of a foot and flexibility to flex from the medial to the lateral sides of the heel portion of the shoe 12.The central segment 104 of the compressible component 100 may extend behind the ankle opening and above the heel counter of the shoe 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the angled tabs 102 may be configured to receive the compressible component 100 at an angle such that the compressible component 100 extends from within the hollowed protrusions 102 toward the rear of the shoe 12 at a rearward slope A2. The rearward slope A2 of the compressible component 100 is approximately 45 degrees relative to a flat surface of the floor 88. See . Fig.20A. A foam layer 92 extending above the rear heel portion 98 of the upper 16 at the rear portion of the heel opening may have a rearward slope A2 coextensive with the compressible component 100. The rearward slope A2 of the foam layer 92 may assist in guiding the user's foot into the shoe 12 during shoe donning.

[0046] The central segment 104 of the compressible component 100 may extend behind the rearmost portion of the upper 16 and may be threaded through one or more guide tunnels 106 in the upper 16. In the exemplary embodiment, strips of leather material are sewn to the foam layer 92 and extend above the upper at the rear portion of the heel opening. The ends of the leather strips are sewn together to form guide tunnels 106 through which the compressible component is threaded.

[0047] When putting on the shoe 12, the user's foot can push the compressible component 100 and / or the rearwardly inclined foam layer 92 downward and rearward from the shoe opening. Once the user's foot has fully entered the shoe 12, the compressible component 100 and the rearwardly inclined foam layer 92 return to their original, elevated positions.

[0048] The additional inner heel support 114, which is made of foam material, may be of sufficient thickness to enhance the securing of the foot to the Achilles tendon, and once the user puts on the shoe 12, the calcaneus may be located below the additional inner heel support 114. The inner heel support 114 may be of sufficient height to be located above the calcaneus once the foot is inserted into the shoe.

[0049] Continuing with the exemplary embodiment, the shoe may further include a heel cup 52 made of a flexible material and 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 may be a foam material lining to provide the necessary comfort to the wearer's heel.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that changes and variations may be made to the sole construction without departing from the intended scope of the invention.

[0051] The application discloses embodiments described by the following numbered items: 1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper and a sole structure; wherein the upper defines a shoe opening for receiving a foot; a heel cup attached to the upper and extending from the sole structure to at least a portion of the rear heel collar of the upper; wherein the heel cup is uniformly shaped with an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion, the upper portion having a smaller mediolateral length than the middle portion, and the middle portion and the lower portion forming a concave structure configured to receive the heel; wherein the upper portion has a first configuration; wherein the upper portion is capable of deforming into a second configuration under a load of a user's foot when the user puts on the footwear; wherein in the second configuration, at least a portion of the upper portion is lowered compared to the first configuration; wherein the upper portion is capable of returning to the first configuration after the load on the user's foot is removed; wherein the central portion defines a peripheral portion and a central portion; wherein the peripheral portion has a first thickness; and the central portion has a second thickness; wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness. 2. The article of footwear according to item 1, wherein the first thickness gradually decreases to the second thickness in a direction extending from the peripheral portion to the central portion. 3. The article of footwear according to item 1, wherein at least a portion of the upper portion and a portion of the lower portion have a thickness that is approximately equal to or greater than the first thickness. 4. The article of footwear according to item 1, wherein a lower region of the central portion extends outwardly in a direction away from the shoe opening, causing the shoe opening to widen along the mediolateral direction. 5. The article of footwear of item 1, wherein in the first configuration the upper portion has a downward slope at a first angle relative to a vertical line perpendicular to a horizontal surface of the ground, and wherein in the second configuration the upper portion has a slope at a second angle, and wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle. 6. The article of footwear according to item 1, wherein in the second configuration an upper region of the central portion of the middle portion is closer to the front of the article of footwear than in the first configuration. 7. The article of footwear according to item 1, wherein in the second configuration the peripheral portion of the central portion extends outwardly along the mediolateral width of the article of footwear to a greater extent than in the first configuration. 8. The article of footwear according to item 1, wherein the second thickness is at least 1 / 6 of the first thickness. 9. The article of footwear according to item 1, wherein the first thickness is no more than 3.07 mm and the second thickness is at least 0.5 mm. 10. The article of footwear according to item 1, wherein an elastic member is located between the heel cup and a front portion of the foot-receiving shoe opening. 11. The article of footwear according to item 1, further comprising a tongue, wherein a support member is attached to the tongue, the support member preventing deformation of the tongue when the user puts on the article of footwear. 12. The article of footwear according to item 11, wherein the support member is a connector connecting a portion of the tongue to the upper. 13. The article of footwear according to item 11, wherein the support member is a rigid member that is / extends at least partially coextensive with the tongue. 14. The article of footwear of item 1, wherein a foam component is located on at least an interior surface of the upper portion and the middle portion of the heel cup; wherein the foam component is compressed by the heel of the user during foot insertion; and wherein the foam component is capable of applying pressure to the ankle of the user once the foot is inserted. 15. The article of footwear of item 14, wherein the foam component extends from both sides of the upper portion of the heel cup along at least a portion of the inner surface of the upper to form side portions of the foam component. 16. The article of footwear according to item 15, wherein the foam component tapers at the side portions. 17. The article of footwear according to item 16, wherein the rear portion of the foam component curves inwardly and tapers vertically downwardly along a concave structure of the heel cup. 18. An article of footwear comprising: an upper and a sole structure; wherein the upper defines a shoe opening for receiving a foot; a heel cup attached to the upper and extending from the sole structure to at least a portion of the rear heel collar of the upper; wherein the heel cup is uniformly shaped with an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion, the upper portion having a smaller mediolateral length than the middle portion, and the middle portion and the lower portion forming a concave structure configured to enclose the heel; wherein the upper portion has a first configuration; wherein the upper portion is capable of deforming into a second configuration under a load of a user's foot when the user puts on the footwear; wherein the upper portion is capable of returning to the first configuration after the load on the user's foot has been removed; and wherein the upper portion in the first configuration has a downward slope at a first angle relative to a vertical line perpendicular to a horizontal surface of the ground; the upper portion in the second configuration has an inclination at a second angle; and the second angle is greater than the first angle; and a lower region of the central portion extends outward in a direction away from the shoe opening, causing the shoe opening to widen along the mediolateral direction. 19. The article of footwear of item 18, wherein the medial portion defines a peripheral portion and a central portion, the peripheral portion having a first thickness and the central portion having a second thickness; wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness of the heel cup. 20. An upper of an article of footwear comprising: a shoe opening to accommodate a foot; a U-shaped, foamed ankle collar which is essentially tubular; wherein the ankle collar forms the uppermost region of the foot-receiving shoe opening; wherein the foamed ankle collar extends at least partially around and over the foot-receiving shoe opening; wherein the ankle collar is capable of being compressed by a heel of the user during insertion of a foot, and wherein the ankle collar is capable of exerting pressure on the ankle of the user once the foot is inserted; and wherein the ankle collar has a flattened region along its length forming a downward angle from the uppermost region toward the front of the article of footwear. 21. The top of item 20, wherein the lower portion of the ankle collar has a fastening member attached to the top. 22. The top of item 20, wherein the ankle collar has no stitches or seams on an upper portion of the ankle collar. 23. The upper of item 20, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the ankle collar has a first portion and a second portion; wherein the first portion is approximately a semicircle with a first radius; wherein the second portion is approximately a semicircle with a second radius; and wherein the first radius is greater than the second radius. 24. The upper of item 20, further comprising a heel cup; wherein the heel cup has a first configuration; wherein the heel cup is capable of deforming into a second configuration under a load of a user's foot when the user puts on the footwear; wherein the heel cup is capable of automatically returning to the first configuration after a user's foot is fully inserted into the footwear; and wherein the ankle collar is disposed above the heel cup. 25. An upper of an article of footwear comprising: a shoe opening to accommodate a foot; a U-shaped, foamed ankle collar which is essentially tubular; wherein the ankle collar forms the uppermost region of the foot-receiving shoe opening; wherein the foamed ankle collar extends at least partially around and over the foot-receiving shoe opening; and wherein the ankle collar is capable of being compressed by a user's heel during foot insertion, and wherein the ankle collar can exert pressure on the user's ankle once the foot is inserted; wherein the ankle collar has a flattened region along its length forming a downward angle from the uppermost region toward the front of the article of footwear. 26. The top of item 25, wherein the lower portion of the ankle collar has a fastening member attached to the top. 27. The top of item 25, wherein the ankle collar has no stitches or seams on an upper portion of the ankle collar. 28. The upper of item 25, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the ankle collar has a first portion and a second portion; wherein the first portion is approximately a semicircle with a first radius; wherein the second portion is approximately a semicircle with a second radius; and wherein the first radius is greater than the second radius. 29. The upper of item 25, further comprising a heel cup; wherein the heel cup has a first configuration; wherein the heel cup is capable of deforming into a second configuration under a load of a user's foot when the user puts on the footwear; wherein the heel cup is capable of automatically returning to the first configuration after a user's foot is fully inserted into the footwear; and wherein the ankle collar is disposed above the heel cup. 30. The upper of item 25, wherein the heel cup defines a peripheral portion and a central portion; wherein the peripheral portion has a first thickness; wherein the first thickness defines the maximum thickness of the heel cup; wherein the central portion has a second thickness; wherein the second thickness defines the minimum thickness of the heel cup; and wherein the first thickness gradually decreases to the second thickness in a direction extending from the peripheral portion toward the central portion. 31. An article of footwear comprising: an upper and a sole structure wherein the upper defines a shoe opening for receiving a foot; a heel counter support located on the upper and above the sole structure; wherein the heel counter support has at least two hollow receptacles with rearward angles; a compressible component comprising two ends; wherein each of the two hollow receptacles receives one end of the compressible component; wherein the compressible component has a first configuration; wherein the compressible component is capable of deforming into a second configuration under the load of a user's foot when the user puts on the footwear; and wherein the compressible component is capable of automatically returning to the first configuration after a user's foot has been fully inserted into the footwear. 32. The article of footwear according to item 31, wherein the heel counter support defines an outer layer of the upper. 33. The article of footwear according to item 31, wherein the compressible component is cylindrical. 34. The article of footwear according to item 31, wherein the compressible component extends from the medial quarter above the foot-receiving shoe opening to the lateral quarter. 35. The article of footwear according to item 31, wherein the compressible component extends through a tunnel attached to the upper. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 256,521

[0001]

Claims

[1] Shoe (12) comprising a sole (14) and an upper (16); wherein the upper (16) comprises a heel cap (32), and wherein the upper (16) forms a shoe opening (48) for receiving a foot; wherein the heel cap (32) comprises a heel cup (52); wherein the heel cup (52) is uniformly shaped with an upper portion (64), a middle portion (58) and a lower portion (54); wherein in a vertical cross-section the heel cup (52) has an “S” wave shape; wherein a thickness of the heel cup (52) gradually decreases from a peripheral portion (70) forming a region at a periphery of the heel cup (52) toward a central region (50) of the central portion (58) of the heel cup (52); wherein the heel cup (52) is attached to an inner compressible layer; wherein the compressible layer extends into the shoe opening (48); and wherein the compressible layer is configured to be compressed by a user's foot during insertion or removal of the user's foot, and is configured to at least partially expand to support an ankle of the user's foot once the foot is inserted. [2] The shoe (12) of claim 1, wherein the peripheral portion (70) forms an area at a periphery of the heel cup (52). [3] The shoe (12) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the central portion (58) comprises the peripheral portion (70) having a first thickness and a central portion (50) having a second thickness, the second thickness being less than the first thickness. [4] Shoe (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a minimum thickness in the central region (50) of the middle section (58) is between 1 / 4 and 1 / 6 of a maximum thickness at the periphery of the heel cup (52). [5] A shoe (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical cross-section in which the heel cup has the shape of an "S" wave is a vertical cross-section of a rearmost portion of the heel cup (52). [6] Shoe (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an inner wall (66) of the upper portion (64) of the heel cup (52) has a convex curvature which points towards the shoe opening (48) / which faces the shoe opening (48). [7] Shoe (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner wall (66) of the upper portion (64) has a downward slope at a rearmost portion of the heel cup (52); preferably wherein: the downward slope extends from a curved upper edge of the upper portion (64) towards an interior of the upper part (16); and / or the upper portion (64) has a curvature which extends from an upper edge of the heel cup (52) and is curved downwards towards the shoe opening (48). [8] The shoe (12) of any preceding claim, wherein the compressible layer protrudes into the shoe opening (48) and extends into the shoe opening (48) around the upper portion (64) and the middle portion (58) of the heel cup (52). [9] A shoe (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressible layer extends over a calcaneus of a user's foot and extends around at least a portion of an ankle region of the user's foot. [10] Shoe (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressible layer is thicker at the upper portion (64) and at the middle portion (58) than at the lower portion (54) of the heel cup (52); preferably wherein: the thicker portion of the compressible layer is disposed above a calcaneal region of a user's foot and extends around at least a portion of an ankle region of the user's foot; and / or the thicker portion of the compressible layer extends at least over a portion along a mediolateral length of an inner wall (66) of the heel cup (52). [11] The shoe (12) of any preceding claim, wherein the compressible layer extends from both sides of the upper portion (64) of the heel cup (52) along at least a portion of the inner surface of the upper (16) to form side portions of the compressible layer; wherein the compressible layer tapers at the side portions; and wherein a rear portion of the compressible layer curves inwardly and tapers vertically downwardly along a concave structure of the heel cup (52). [12] Shoe (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressible layer comprises a foam layer. [13] Shoe (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressible layer lines both an inner wall (66) and an outer wall of the heel cup (52). [14] Shoe (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressible layer has an at least partially rounded outer surface which extends into the shoe opening (48). [15] Shoe (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a volume of the compressible layer: is larger in a rear portion of the heel counter (32) and tapers along a longitudinal direction of the compressible layer on both sides of the shoe (12). [16] Shoe (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressible layer tapers along a vertical axis and has a larger volume in an upper portion than in a lower portion of an ankle collar (140) of the shoe (12). [17] Shoe (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper (16) has a tongue (126) and wherein the shoe (12) further comprises medial and lateral elastic bands (128, 130) extending between an upper portion (132) of the tongue (126) and an inner lining (46) of the upper (16); preferably wherein: the upper part (16) comprises a medial quarter and a lateral quarter, and wherein the elastic bands (128, 130) extend through an opening in the inner lining (46) of the medial quarter and the lateral quarter; and / or each elastic band has a first end attached to an upper portion (132) of the tongue (126) and a second end attached to an inner lining of the upper (16) or a sole (14) or an insole of the shoe (12). [18] The shoe (12) of any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion (64) of the heel cup (52) has a first configuration and is configured to deform into a second configuration under a load of a user's foot when the user puts on the shoe (12), wherein in the second configuration at least a portion of the upper portion (64) is lowered compared to the first configuration, and wherein the upper portion (64) is configured to return to the first configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed; preferably wherein the deformation of the heel cup (52) into the second configuration comprises a widening of the heel counter (32) in which medial and lateral sides of the heel cup (52) move outwardly, thereby widening an opening of the shoe (12). [19] Shoe (12) according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the heel cup (52) is rigid. [20] The shoe (12) of any preceding claim, wherein the upper (16) comprises at least one elastic region (78) located on a side of the upper (16) between the heel cup (52) and a front portion of the shoe opening (48); and wherein the at least one elastic region (78) is configured to stretch to allow a rear portion of the heel counter (32) to temporarily retract to widen the shoe opening (48) for easier insertion of a user's foot into the shoe (12); preferably wherein the elastic region is disposed between the heel cup (52) and a tongue (126) of the upper (16).

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