Improved closure device for use with a footwear

Abstract

A closure device (1) for use with a footwear (3) in a hands-free manner, comprising a rear component (5), at least one protruding side component (7) and a pivoting component (11). The pivoting component (11) is operatively provided about the rear component (5) and operable between opposite operating configurations, wherein in a first operating configuration, the pivoting component (11) is configured to operatively project inwardly into an insertion cavity of the footwear (3) for receiving a corresponding heel of a given user of the footwear (3), and in a second operating configuration, the pivoting component (11) is further configured to operatively swivel back towards the rear component (5) via a downward force of the corresponding heel of the user of the footwear (3), such that the closure device (1) and associated components constrict onto one another, and thus provide automatic closure and support to the foot of the user. Also described is a resulting footwear (3) provided with such a closure device (1).

Description

[0001] IMPROVED CLOSURE DEVICE FOR USE WITH A FOOTWEAR

[0002] Field of the invention:

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of footwear and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a new and improved closure device for use with a footwear (hereinafter referred to also simply as "shoe", etc.), and also relates to a resulting footwear provided with the closure device, as well as to a kit with corresponding components for assembling the same, and to corresponding methods of manufacturing, assembling and / or use associated thereto.

[0004] Background:

[0005] Closure devices for footwear and the like, are well known in the art.

[0006] For example, known in the art is the technology having been developed by the same Assignee of the present case, namely, the technology being described in corresponding US patent No. 8,087,188 B2, granted on January 3rd, 2012, in the name of LABBE, and relating to a "weight-activated tying shoe", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. This document describes a weight-activated tying shoe wherein user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe, will depress a movable inner sole. This activates a side mechanism composed of a winch with a cable system used to close the tongue of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user simply uses his weight to activate the mechanism. Using his other foot, the user can move a pedal to release the mechanism's tension. Most of the mechanical components are located on both sides of the shoe body. Also known in the art is the technology having also been developed by the same Assignee of the present case, namely, the technology being described in corresponding US patent No. 10,271 ,616 B2, granted on April 30th, 2019, in the name of LABBE as well, and relating to a "closure system", the content of which is also incorporated herein by reference. This document describes a closure system including a body for receiving an object. An activation device is connected to a base structure, and is activated by placement of the object within the closure system. The activation device operates between a raised or depressed configuration, depending on the position of the object within the closure system. A tightening mechanism is responsive to the operation of the activation device. When the activation device is in the raised configuration, the tightening mechanism is loose. When the user depresses the activation device, the tightening mechanism tightens around the object. A movable displacer in a locking device for locking the configuration of the closure system and removably insertable into a recess helps better control tension within the tightening mechanism and improves comfort by disengaging the activation device from the tightening mechanism. A lace lock for locking a lace is disclosed. A lace tension distributor is also disclosed.

[0007] Also known to the Applicant(s) are the following American patents and / or patent applications: US 1 ,686,175; US 2,736,110; US 3,146,535; US 5,282,327; US 6,880,272 B2; US 7,178,270 B2; US 7,793,438 B1 ; US 8,209,886 B2; US 8,769,845 B2; US 10,159,304 B2; US 10,617,174 B1 ; US 10,638,810 B1 ; US 10,653,209 B2; US 10,743,616 B2; US 10,813,405 B2; US 11 ,064,761 B2; US 11 ,154,115 B2; US 11 ,185,125 B2; US 11 ,191 ,320 B2; US 11 ,191 ,321 B2; US 11 ,219,274 B2; US 2005 / 0039348 A1 ; US 2012 / 0317839 A1 ; US 2016 / 0374427 A1 ; US 2017 / 0303632 A1 ; US 2018 / 0235314 A1 ; US 2021 / 0282495 A1 ; US 2021 / 0330033 A1 ; and US 2021 / 0378356 A1.

[0008] Also known to the Applicant(s) are the following non-US patents and / or patent applications: EP1059044A1 ; EP2465373A1 ; GB2517399A; KR100976255B1 ; KR101716442B1 ; KR20090130804A; JP3195071 U; and WO2013054358A2.

[0009] Despite these types of improvements over the years, there is always a need to continue innovating and finding better and / or different ways of rapid entry into and / or tightening of footwear, and to do so, in a quicker, simpler, more precise, more efficient, more economical, more reliable, more adjustable, more versatile, more adaptable, more durable, more environmentally conscientious, more functional, more sustainable, more desirable, and / or improved manner, than what is possible with the actual way of doing things.

[0010] Therefore, it would be particularly useful to be able to provide such a new closure device and resulting footwear which would be able to overcome or at the very least minimize some of known drawbacks associated with conventional footwears and / or the conventional ways of rapid entry into and / or tightening of footwear.

[0011] Summary of the invention:

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a closure device which, by virtue of its design and components, would be an improvement over other related conventional closure devices, footwears and / or associated ways of rapid entry into and / or tightening of footwear being known in the prior art. In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood from the present description, with a closure device and associated resulting footwear (also referred to herein simply as "shoe", "product", "system", etc.) such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawing(s).

[0013] More particularly, according to one aspect of the present invention, an object is to provide a closure device for use with a footwear in a hands-free manner, the closure device comprising: a rear component being positioned, shaped and sized for cooperating with a corresponding heel portion of the footwear; at least one protruding side component having a body component projecting out from the rear component of the closure device, and being positioned, shaped and sized for cooperating with an adjacent body portion of the footwear; a pivoting component operatively provided about the rear component and operable between opposite first and second operating configurations, wherein in a first operating configuration, the pivoting component is positioned, shaped and sized with respect to the rear component of the closure device to operatively project inwardly into an insertion cavity of the footwear for receiving a corresponding heel of a given user of the footwear and corresponding closure device, and wherein in a second operating configuration, the pivoting component is further positioned, shaped and sized to operatively swivel back towards the rear component via a downward force of the corresponding heel of the user of the footwear and corresponding closure device, such that the closure device and associated components constrict onto one another, and thus provide automatic closure and support to the foot of the user. According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a footwear including (ex. being provided with, comprising, incorporating, integrating, etc.) the above-mentioned closure device.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of manufacturing components of the above-mentioned closure device and / or footwear.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned closure device and / or footwear.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of using the above-mentioned closure device, footwear and / or component(s) thereof.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a kit with components for assembling the above-mentioned closure device and / or footwear.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a set of components for interchanging with components of the above-mentioned kit.

[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit and / or set.

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of doing business with the above-mentioned closure device, footwear, component(s) thereof, kit, set and / or method(s). The objects, advantages, and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawing(s).

[0021] Brief description of the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a schematic representation of a closure device according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, with schematic arrows illustrating possibles movements / adjustments of different components of the closure device according to possible embodiment(s).

[0023] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a schematic representation of a closure device according to another possible embodiment of the present invention, the closure device being shown in a given "closed" configuration.

[0024] Figure 3 is another illustrative view of what is shown in Figure 2.

[0025] Figure 4 is another top perspective view of the closure device of Figure 2, the closure device being now shown in a given "opened" configuration.

[0026] Figure 5 is another illustrative view of what is shown in Figure 4.

[0027] Figure 6 is a "side-by-side" comparation of side views of the configuration (i.e. "closed" configuration) of the closure device shown in Figure 2 with the configuration (i.e. "opened configuration") of the closure device shown in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a side view of a schematic representation of a footwear provided with a closure device according to another possible embodiment of the present invention, the closure device being shown in a given "opened" configuration.

[0028] Figure 8 is another side view of what is shown in Figure 7, after a foot of a user has been inserted into the footwear and interacted with the closure device, said closure device being shown in a given "closed" configuration.

[0029] Figure 9 is a side view of a schematic representation of a footwear provided with a closure device according to another possible embodiment of the present invention, the closure device being shown in a given "opened" configuration, for receiving a corresponding foot of a user of the footwear and corresponding closure device.

[0030] Figure 10 is a side view of a schematic representation of a footwear provided with a closure device according to another possible embodiment of the present invention, the closure device being shown in a given "opened" configuration, for receiving a corresponding foot of a user of the footwear and corresponding closure device.

[0031] Figure 11 is a front perspective view of a schematic representation of a closure device according to another possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 12 is a top perspective view of a schematic representation of a closure device according to another possible embodiment of the present invention, the closure device being shown in a given "opened" configuration, for receiving a corresponding foot of a user of the footwear. Figure 13 is another top perspective view of the closure device of Figure 2, the closure device being now shown in a given "closed" configuration.

[0033] Figure 14 is a side view of a schematic representation of a footwear provided with a closure device according to another possible embodiment of the present invention, the footwear and associated closure device being shown prior to full insertion of a foot of a user into the footwear, and part of the heel portion of the footwear being shown fragmentarily removed and a partial sectional view of the closure device being also provided so as to better illustrate the closure device assembly operated in a given "opened" configuration.

[0034] Figure 15 is another side view of what is shown in Figure 14, after full insertion of the foot of the user into the footwear and associated closure device, part of the heel portion of the footwear being again shown fragmentarily removed and a partial sectional view of the closure device being also provided so as to better illustrate the closure device assembly operated in a given "closed" configuration.

[0035] Figure 16 is another side view of the footwear and associated closure device shown in Figure 14, prior to full insertion of a foot of a user into the footwear and associated closure device, part of the heel portion of the footwear being again shown fragmentarily removed and a partial sectional view of the closure device being also provided so as to better illustrate the closure device assembly operated in the given "opened" configuration.

[0036] Figure 17 is another side view of the footwear and associated closure device shown in Figure 15, after full insertion of the foot of the user into the footwear and associated closure device, part of the heel portion of the footwear being again shown fragmentarily removed and a partial sectional view of the closure device being also provided so as to better illustrate the closure device assembly operated in the given "opened" configuration.

[0037] Figure 18 is a side view of the closure device assembly and associated heel portion of the footwear of Figure 14, part of the heel portion of the footwear being again shown fragmentarily removed and a partial sectional view of the closure device being also provided so as to better illustrate the closure device assembly operated in the given "opened" configuration according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 19 is a side view of the closure device assembly and associated heel portion of the footwear of Figure 15, part of the heel portion of the footwear being again shown fragmentarily removed and a partial sectional view of the closure device being also provided so as to better illustrate the closure device assembly operated in the given "closed" configuration according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the closure device assembly shown in Figure 18 according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 21 is a side view of the closure device shown in Figure 18, part of the closure device being shown fragmentarily removed and a partial sectional view of the closure device being also provided so as to better illustrate inner component(s) and / or operation of the closure device assembly in the given "opened" configuration according to a possible embodiment of the present invention

[0041] Figure 22 is a top view of what is shown in Figure 20. Figure 23 is an elevational view of what is shown in Figure 20.

[0042] Figure 24 is a side view of a schematic representation of a footwear provided with a closure device, the footwear and associated closure device being shown prior to full insertion of a foot of a user into the footwear, with the closure device operated in a given "opened" configuration and cooperating with at least one tightening link and associated components / accessories, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 25 is another side view of what is shown in Figure 24, after full insertion of the foot of the user into the footwear and associated closure device, the closure device being now shown operated in a given "closed" configuration and cooperating with the at least one tightening link and associated components / accessories, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 26 is a side view of a schematic representation of a footwear provided with a closure device, the footwear and associated closure device being shown prior to full insertion of a foot of a user into the footwear, with the closure device operated in a given "opened" configuration and cooperating with at least one tightening link and associated components / accessories, according to another possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 27 is another side view of what is shown in Figure 26, after full insertion of the foot of the user into the footwear and associated closure device, the closure device being now shown operated in a given "closed" configuration and cooperating with the at least one tightening link and associated components / accessories, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention. Figure 28 is a top perspective view of a closure device with schematic representation(s) of possible preparation of part(s), including an exemplification of how bonding and / or stitching of biasing component(s) (ex. spring component(s), etc.) can be done to the shell of the closure device according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 29 is a top perspective view of a closure device cooperating with schematic representation(s) of part of a heel portion of a footwear (ex. cushioning(s) and / or lining(s), etc.), including an exemplification of certain possible feature(s) (ex. collar foam with gap on both sides to allow pivoting; inner lining polyester mesh with 2mm padding, folded under the spring and stitched along the edge; bottom lining of microfiber, underneath the spring, for example) according to possible embodiment(s) of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 30 is a side view of a schematic representation of a footwear provided with a closure device assembly, with part of the heel portion of the footwear being shown fragmentarily removed and a partial sectional view of the closure device being also provided so as to better illustrate the closure device assembly operated in a given "closed" configuration, including an exemplification of certain possible feature(s) (ex. no lining being provided behind the spring part, for example) according to possible embodiment(s) of the present invention.

[0048] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:

[0049] In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several reference numbers, only some figures have been provided with reference numbers, and components and features of the present invention illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and / or dimensions shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only.

[0050] Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed as a "closure" and / or "tightening" device for use with footwear (ex. shoe(s), etc.), as typically used for "rapid entry" footwear, in a "hands-free" manner, for example, it may be used with other objects and / or in other types of applications, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as "closure", "tightening", "footwear", "shoe", "rapid entry", hands-free", etc., used herein should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention and include all other kinds of objects and / or applications with which the present invention could be used and may be useful, such as boot(s), skate(s) and / or the like, for example, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0051] Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "footwear", "shoe", "product", "system", "assembly", "closure", "tightening", "rapid entry", "device", "apparatus", "unit", "equipment", "method" and "kit", as well as any other equivalent expression(s) and / or compound word(s) thereof known in the art will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) "closing", "fastening", "securing", "gripping", "wrapping", "attaching", "tying", "enclosing", "bracing", etc.; b) "lace", "rope", "band", "strip", "link", etc.; as well as for any other mutually equivalent expression(s), pertaining to the aforementioned expression(s) and / or to any other structural and / or functional aspect(s) of the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. Also, in the context of the present description, expressions such as "can", "may", "might", "will", "could", "should", "would", etc., may also be used interchangeably, whenever appropriate, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered that all elongated objects will have an implicit "longitudinal axis" or "centerline", such as the longitudinal axis of a shoe or a sole, for example, or the centerline of a coiled spring, for example, and that expressions such as "connected" and "connectable", or "mounted" and "mountable", may be interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully- assembled and fully-operational footwear, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0052] Moreover, components of the present system(s) and / or steps of the method(s) described herein could be modified, simplified, altered, omitted and / or interchanged, without departing from the scope of the present invention, depending on the particular application(s) which the present invention is intended for, and the desired end result(s), as briefly exemplified herein and as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0053] In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprise various components, and although the preferred embodiments of the present closure device and associated resulting footwear and corresponding portion(s) / part(s) / component(s) as shown consist of certain geometrical configurations, as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the present closure device, associated resulting footwear and corresponding portion(s) / part(s) / component(s) according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0054] List of numerical references for some of the com illustrated in the drawinq(s):

[0055] I . closure device (and / or system - ex. for use with footwear, etc.)

[0056] 1 a. central upper portion (of closure device)

[0057] 1 b. lower portion(s) (of closure device - ex. left and right distal portions)

[0058] 3. footwear (ex. shoe, boot, skate, etc.)

[0059] 3a. heal portion (of footwear)

[0060] 3b. collar (of footwear)

[0061] 3c. inner lining (of footwear)

[0062] 3d. bottom lining (of footwear)

[0063] 5. rear component (of closure device)

[0064] 7. protruding side component (of closure device)

[0065] 9. body component (of closure device)

[0066] I I . pivoting component (of closure device)

[0067] 13. outer-defining edge (of closure device)

[0068] 13a. bottom side edge (of body component)

[0069] 13b. upper side edge (of body component)

[0070] 13c. intermediate side edge (of body component)

[0071] 13d. upper rear edge (of rear component)

[0072] 15. distal end (of body component)

[0073] 17. rearward slit

[0074] 17a. first end (of rearward slit)

[0075] 17b. second end (of rearward slit) 19. side orifice

[0076] 21. tightening link(s)

[0077] 23. connecting component (ex. for tightening link(s))

[0078] 23a. first connecting component (ex. for tightening link(s))

[0079] 23b. second connecting component (ex. for tightening link(s))

[0080] 25. adjustment component (ex. for adjusting and / or securing link(s))

[0081] 27. swiveling component (ex. "shoehorn" component, etc.)

[0082] 29. rearward tab component

[0083] 31 . biasing component (ex. for spring-like, elastic and / or resilient bias, etc.)

[0084] 33. reeling component (ex. winding component, tweaking component, etc.)

[0085] 35. accessory(ies) (ex. of tightening link(s), lace(s), etc.)

[0086] 37. channel (of the footwear - ex. for receiving and / or concealing link(s))

[0087] 39. quick-release component (ex. for releasing and / or disengaging link(s)) 101 . pivot point (of closure device with respect to heel portion of footwear) 111. imaginary longitudinal axis / plane (of the closure device)

[0088] Broadly described, and as better exemplified in the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a closure device (1 ) and associated resulting footwear (3) which is an improvement over conventional ways of rapid entry into and / or tightening of footwear. Therefore, and as will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow, the present closure device (1 ) and associated resulting footwear (3) according to the present system provides various advantages in terms of "ease" and / or "convenience", as well as "securement" and / or "support", when compared to conventional closure devices and corresponding rapid entry footwear.

[0089] As can be easily understood from the present patent specification and the accompanying drawings, the present closure device (1 ) and / or associated resulting footwear (3) may come in the form of a closure device and / or associated resulting footwear (and / or various other associated inventive aspects) including one and / or several of the following possible components and features (and / or different possible combination(s) and / or permutation(s) thereof): i.) A closure device (1 ) for use with a footwear (3) in a hands-free manner, the closure device (1 ) comprising: a rear component (5) being positioned, shaped and sized for cooperating with a corresponding heel portion of the footwear (3) (ex. the rear component capable of being inserted, integrated, assembled and / or manufactured into the corresponding heel portion of the footwear and / or lining thereof, as exemplified in the accompanying drawings); at least one protruding side component (7) having a body component (9) projecting out from the rear component (5) of the closure device (1 ), and being positioned, shaped and sized for cooperating with an adjacent body portion of the footwear (3) (ex., and similarly to the above, the at least one protruding side component capable of being inserted, integrated, assembled and / or manufactured into the corresponding heel portion of the footwear and / or lining thereof, as exemplified in the accompanying drawings); a pivoting component (11 ) operatively provided about the rear component (5) (ex. either directly and / or indirectly) and operable between opposite first and second operating configurations, wherein in a first operating configuration (ex. "opened" configuration of the closure device (1 )), the pivoting component (11 ) is positioned, shaped and sized with respect to the rear component (5) of the closure device (1 ) to operatively project inwardly into an insertion cavity of the footwear (3) for receiving a corresponding heel of a given user of the footwear (3) and corresponding closure device (1 ), and wherein in a second operating configuration (ex. "closed" configuration of the closure device (1 )), the pivoting component (11 ) is further positioned, shaped and sized to operatively swivel back towards the rear component (5) via a downward force of the corresponding heel of the user of the footwear (3) and corresponding closure device (1 ), such that the closure device (1 ) and associated components constrict onto one another, and thus provide automatic closure and support to the foot of the user. ii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7) is a substantially hollow body component (9), with corresponding outerdefining edges (13). iii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7) is a substantially full body component (9), with corresponding outerdefining edges (13). iv.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7) includes a substantially straight bottom side edge (13a). v.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7) includes an upper side edge (13b). vi.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the upper side edge (13b) of the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7) extends at variable length with respect a bottommost outer-defining edge (13) (ex. the substantially straight bottom side edge (13a), etc.) of said body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7). vii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the upper side edge (13b) of the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7) has a substantially arched profile. viii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the upper side edge (13b) is positioned, shaped and sized so as to taper towards a distal end (15) of the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7). ix.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the distal end (15) of the body component (9) of the least one protruding side component (7) is a substantially rounded distal end (15) (although other appropriate shapes and / or forms are contemplated for the present device / system, etc.). x.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the closure device (1 ) includes a rearward slit (17) provided about at least one of the rear component (5) and the least one protruding side component (7), the rearward slit (17) being positioned, shaped and sized for facilitating a swiveling movement of the pivoting component (11 ) between the opposite first and second operating configurations. xi.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the rearward slit (17) is provided about both the rear component (5) and the least one protruding side component (7). xii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the rearward slit (17) extends equidistantly along opposite sides of the closure device (1 ) with respect to an imaginary median plane (111 ) of said closure device (1 ). xiii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the rearward slit (17) includes a substantially elongated profile (although other appropriate shapes and / or forms are contemplated for the present device / system, etc.). xiv.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the rearward slit (17) includes a substantially rectangular profile (although other appropriate shapes and / or forms are contemplated for the present device / system, etc.). xv.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the rearward slit (17) includes substantially rounded opposite first and second ends (17a, 17b) (although other appropriate shapes and / or forms are contemplated for the present device / system, etc.). xvi.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein a side orifice (19) is provided about at least one of the rear component (5) and the least one protruding side component (7), the side orifice (19) being positioned, shaped and sized for further facilitating a swiveling movement of the pivoting component (11 ) between the opposite first and second operating configurations. xvii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the side orifice (19) is provided about the at the least one protruding side component (7). xviii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the side orifice (19) is substantially ellipsoidal (although other appropriate shapes and / or forms are contemplated for the present device / system, etc.). xix.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the side orifice (19) is substantially circular (although other appropriate shapes and / or forms are contemplated for the present device / system, etc.). xx.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one protruding side component (7) includes a pair of left and right protruding side components (7), each protruding side component (7) projecting from a corresponding side of the rear component (5) of the closure device (1 ). xxi.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the closure device (1 ) includes a single and common rearward slit (17), and at least one pair of left and right side orifices (19). xxii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the rear component (5) comprises an upper rear edge (13d). xxiii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the upper rear edge (13d) of the rear component (5), and upper side edges (13b) of the left and right protruding side components (7), provide the closure device (1 ) with a substantially continuous operative upper edge. xxiv.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the upper rear edge (13d) of the rear component (5) defines a substantially curved and raised upper rear edge (13d) with respect to the upper side edges (13b) of the left and right protruding side components (7) respectively. xxv.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the substantially continuous operative upper edge tapers from a central upper portion (1a) of the closure device (1 ) to opposite left and right lower portions (1 b) (ex. distal portions, distal ends, distal tips, etc.). xxvi.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the closure device (1 ) is substantially symmetrical with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis (111 ) of said closure device (1 ). xxvii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the closure device (1 ) comprises at least one tightening link (21 ) cooperating with a corresponding front portion of the footwear (3), for urging said corresponding front portion of the footwear (3) towards the foot of the user upon activation of the closure device (1 ) into the second operating configuration, for an increased closure and support to the foot of the user, via the closure device (1 ) and corresponding at least one tightening link (21 ). xxviii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) is operatively extendable between a first connecting component (23a) provided about the closure device (1 ) and a second connecting component (23b) provided about the closure device (1 ) as well. xxix.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first and second connecting components (23a, 23b) provided about the closure device (1 ) are operatively distinct connecting components (23,23). xxx.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first and second connecting components (23a, 23b) provided about the closure device (1 ) operatively cooperate with one another as a same common connecting component (23). xxxi.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) is operatively extendable between a first connecting component (23a) provided about the closure device (1 ) and a second connecting component (23b) provided about the corresponding front portion of the footwear (3). xxxii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second connecting component (23b) of the at least one tightening link (21 ) provided about the corresponding front portion of the footwear (3) is selected from the group consisting of a tongue, an eyestay, an eyelet and a lace of said corresponding front portion of the footwear (3). xxxiii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the lace of said corresponding front portion of the footwear (3) is operatively connectable to a reeling component (33) (ex. a boa dial or closure system, etc.) cooperable with a given portion of the lace for selectively and operatively reeling said given portion of the lace, in order to provide a corresponding tightening of the lace. xxxiv.)A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first connecting component (23a) of the at least one tightening link (21 ) provided about the closure device (1 ) is selected from the group consisting of rear component (5), at least one protruding side component (7) and pivoting component (11 ). xxxv.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first connecting component (23a) of the at least one tightening link (21 ) provided about the closure device (1 ) is operatively provided about the pivoting component (11 ) of the closure device (1 ). xxxvi.)A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) is substantially elastic. xxxvii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) is substantially nonelastic. xxxviii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the closure device (1 ) further includes an adjustment component (25) (ex. a modulating component, a tweaking component, a calibrating component, and / or etc.) cooperable with the at least one tightening link (21 ) for selectively and operatively adjusting at least one given parameter of the at least one tightening link (21 ) between the first and second connecting components (23a, 23b) of the footwear (3). xxxix.)A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the adjustment component (25) is positioned, shaped and sized, as well as cooperable with the at least one tightening link (21 ), for selectively and operatively adjusting (ex. presetting, varying, etc.) an effective length of the at least one tightening link (21 ) between the first and second connecting components (23a, 23b) of the footwear (3). xl.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the adjustment component (25) is positioned, shaped and sized, as well as cooperable with the at least one tightening link (21 ), for selectively and operatively securing (ex. limiting, delimiting, immobilizing, etc.) an effective length of the at least one tightening link (21 ) between the first and second connecting components (23a, 23b) of the footwear (3). xli.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the adjustment component (25) is positioned, shaped and sized, as well as cooperable with the at least one tightening link (21 ), for selectively and operatively adjusting as well as securing (ex. limiting, delimiting, immobilizing, etc.) an effective length of the at least one tightening link (21 ) between the first and second connecting components (23a, 23b) of the footwear (3). xlii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the adjustment component (25) is selected from the group consisting of a fastener, a cable tie and cam assembly (ex. eccentric cam assembly). xliii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) includes at least one pair of left and right tightening links (21 ), each tightening link (21 ) cooperating along a corresponding side of the closure device (1 ) and associated footwear (3). xliv.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the left and right tightening links (21 ), as well as associated accessories, are substantially symmetrical with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis (111 ) of the closure device (1 ). xlv.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the left and right tightening links (21 ), as well as associated accessories, are substantially asymmetrical with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis (111 ) of the closure device (1 ). xlvi.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) is extendable and concealable along a given corresponding channel (37) (ex. sleeve, embossed material, internal passage, conduit, etc.) of the footwear (3). xlvii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) is provided with a quickrelease component (39) (ex. a pulling loop, etc.) for selectively disengaging closure and support to the foot of the user, via an activation (ex. pulling, overriding, etc.) of the quick-release component (39). xlviii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein at least a portion of an upper side edge (13b) of the at least protruding component is operatively provided with a swiveling component (27) (ex. a "shoehorn" component). xlix.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the swiveling component (27) is positioned, shaped and sized so as to be retractably-opened when the pivoting component (11 ) is operated in a first given operating configuration (ex. "opened" configuration of the closure device (1 )) and to be retractably-closed when the pivoting component (11 ) is operated in a second given operating configuration (ex. "closed" configuration of the closure device (1 )).

[0090] I.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the closure device (1 ) comprises at least one pair of corresponding left and right swiveling components (27) provided about upper side edges (13b) of corresponding left and right protruding side components (9) respectively of the closure device (1 ). li.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the closure device (1 ) comprises a rearward tab component (29), said rearward tab component (29) being positioned, shaped and sized so as to be elevated with respect to an adjacent protruding side component (7) of the closure device (1 ). lii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the closure device (1 ) is pivotably operable (ex. mountable, connectable, movable, and / or etc.) about a corresponding pivot point (101 ) of the corresponding heel portion of the footwear (3). liii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the closure device (1 ) comprises at least one biasing component (31 ) operatively extendable between at least one given protruding side component (7) and the rear component (5), and being further positioned, shaped and sized for biasing movement of the rear component (5) between the first and second operating configurations. liv.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one biasing component (31 ) includes a first lateral portion being hingedly connectable (ex. operable, mountable, movable, and / or etc.) with respect to the at least one given protruding side component (7).

[0091] Iv.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one biasing component (31 ) includes a second lateral portion being hingedly connectable (ex. operable, mountable, movable, and / or etc.) with respect to the rear component (5).

[0092] Ivi.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one biasing component (31 ) is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a spring material, an elastic material, a resilient material and a deformable material.

[0093] Ivii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the closure device (1 ) comprises a pair of left and right biasing components (31 ) being disposed about left and right sides of the rear component (5).

[0094] Iviii.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the rear component (5) and corresponding pair of left and right biasing components (31 ) are substantially symmetrical with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis (111 ) of the closure device (1 ). lix.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the closure device (1 ) and associated components thereof (ex. rear component (5), protruding side component(s) (7), pivoting component(s) (11 ), body component(s) (9), tab component (29), swiveling component(s) (27), biasing component(s) (31 ), and / or etc.) are made integral to one another (ex. made of a single piece and of a single material). lx.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the closure device (1 ) and given components thereof (ex. rear component (5), protruding side component(s) (7), pivoting component(s) (11 ), body component(s) (9), tab component (29), swiveling component(s) (27), biasing component(s) (31 ), and / or etc.) are made separate to one another (ex. made of different piece(s) and / or of different material(s)).

[0095] Ixi.) A closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the components of the closure device (1 ) are made of a material selected from the group consisting of a substantially elastic material and a substantially polymeric material.

[0096] Ixii.) A kit with corresponding components for assembling a closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s).

[0097] Ixiii.) A kit with corresponding components for assembling a corresponding footwear (3) being provided with a closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s).

[0098] Ixiv.) A footwear (3) being provided with a closure device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s).

[0099] As can be easily understood, in addition to the various innovative components and features of the present system, and explained and / or exemplified in the present patent specification, the closure device (1 ) and associated resulting footwear (3) according to the present invention could also be provided with various other known components and features of other conventional footwear and the like being well known (ex. self-lacing component(s) and / or system(s), etc.), as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0100] As may now be better appreciated, the present closure device (1 ) and associated resulting footwear (3) is a considerable improvement over conventional systems in that it overcomes the many drawbacks and inconveniences associated with conventional footwear, in that the present system provides various advantages in terms of "ease" and / or "convenience", as well as "securement" and / or "support", when compared to conventional closure device and corresponding rapid entry footwear.

[0101] Namely, the present closure device (1 ) (assembly, system, etc.) is particularly advantageous in that it can be easily integrated (ex. incorporated, assembled and / or manufactured, etc.) into the corresponding heel portion (3a) of a given footwear (3), and also enables to offer a corresponding contact surface (ex. provided by the rear component (5) and associated pivoting component (11 ), etc.) which is meant to easily facilitate entry of a foot of a user into the footwear (3), in a first operating operation (ex. "opened" configuration), with this very same closure device (1 ) and associated contact surface providing a corresponding support to the foot of the user as well when in a second operating operation (ex. "closed" configuration). Furthermore, when the present closure device (1 ) is provided with biasing component(s) (31 ), for example, whether separate to and / or integrated into the very same component(s) of the present closure device (1 ), such a closure device (1 ) is capable of being in a "spring-loaded" manner, by default, in the first operating operation (ex. "opened" configuration), which further facilitate things in terms of "ease" and / or "convenience", as well as "securement" and / or "support", because the present closure device (1 ) simply "snaps" into the second operating operation (ex. "closed" configuration) upon entry of a foot of a user into the associated resulting footwear (3) provided with the present closure device (1 ).

[0102] Furthermore, the present closure device (1 ) and associated resulting footwear (3) is advantageous in that it offers an innovative design with minimal components that can be modular and / or interchangeable depending on the applications(s) for which the footwear is intended for, and the desired end result(s), and the present closure device (1 ) and associated resulting footwear (3) is also advantageous in that it enables to provide a great variety of different types of configuration(s) and / or application(s) with a same footwear design and corresponding manufacturing process(es), in a quicker, simpler, more precise, more efficient, more economical, more reliable, more adjustable, more versatile, more adaptable, more durable, more environmentally conscientious, more functional, more sustainable, more desirable, and / or improved manner, than what is possible with the actual way of doing things.

[0103] The present closure device (1 ) and / or associated system, and / or resulting product (ex. footwear (3), etc.), is also particularly advantageous in that, as can easily be understood from the accompanying drawings, it can be easily and conveniently designed to offer a "hands-free" solution featuring: a) a very easy stepping into the shoes - namely, the rear slope guides the foot forward by gliding the heel on a sleek surface; b) a smooth transition from opened to closed states (i.e. configurations, modes, etc.), with little and / or no pressure point(s); c) a comfortable experience with excellent cushioning at the heel collar; d) an outstanding support for a "hands-free" shoe, with the heel counter narrowing over the heel bone when in a closed state; e) a compact and discreet solution, especially when in a closed state, allowing a flexible and fashionable design - namely, the pivoting heel counter can be seamlessly installed into the lining of the footwear; f) a low cost with simple components and easy assembly, workable with standard footwear processes; g) an adaptable to existing soles design and lasts without compromising the fit and grading; and / or h) etc.

[0104] Finally, and according to the present invention, the present footwear (3) and its corresponding parts are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as hardened polymers, composite materials, and / or any other appropriate material, for certain parts of the closure device (1 ) and / or footwear (3), whereas the other components of the system according to the present invention, in order to obtain the advantages discussed above, could be made of any other appropriate material, such as polymeric materials (ex. plastic, rubber, etc.), and / or any other suitable material, depending on the particular applications for which the system is intended for and the different parameters in cause (ex. loads being involved, overall weight of the shoe being desired, flexibility of the shoe being required, etc.), as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0105] For example, possible recommended material(s) that could be used for the "shell component" could be the following: extra hard rubber, TPE or TPV (60-70 ShD, compression or injection molded), whereas for the "spring component": TPEE 50 ShD to 60 ShD (injection molded). According to other possible embodiment(s): a) collar foam with gap could be provided on both sides to allow pivoting; b) inner lining could be made of polyester mesh with 2mm padding, and folded under the spring and stitched along the edge; c) bottom lining could be made of microfiber, and provided underneath the spring; and / or d) etc. Obviously, these possible and / or recommended embodiments are given as way of exemplifications only, and are not meant in any way to limit the various components, features, materials, interactions and / or other considerations that could be used for the present closure device (1 ) and / or associated system, and / or resulting product (ex. footwear (3), etc.), given that various other mechanical equivalents and / or completely different alternatives could also be used and / or may be useful and / or provide different / better results, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0106] Although the present invention has been previously explained by way of preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that any modification to these preferred embodiments is not considered changing nor altering the nature and the scope of the present invention. Indeed, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the possible embodiments set forth in the example(s), but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

[0107] Furthermore, although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been briefly described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various changes and modifications could be made without departing form the scope and spirit of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims and as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A closure device (1) for use with a footwear (3) in a hands-free manner, the closure device (1) comprising: a rear component (5) being positioned, shaped and sized for cooperating with a corresponding heel portion of the footwear (3); at least one protruding side component (7) having a body component (9) projecting out from the rear component (5) of the closure device (1), and being positioned, shaped and sized for cooperating with an adjacent body portion of the footwear (3); a pivoting component (11) operatively provided about the rear component (5) and operable between opposite first and second operating configurations, wherein in a first operating configuration, the pivoting component (11) is positioned, shaped and sized with respect to the rear component (5) of the closure device (1) to operatively project inwardly into an insertion cavity of the footwear (3) for receiving a corresponding heel of a given user of the footwear (3) and corresponding closure device (1), and wherein in a second operating configuration, the pivoting component (11) is further positioned, shaped and sized to operatively swivel back towards the rear component (5) via a downward force of the corresponding heel of the user of the footwear (3) and corresponding closure device (1), such that the closure device (1) and associated components constrict onto one another, and thus provide automatic closure and support to the foot of the user.

2. A closure device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7) is a substantially hollow body component (9), with corresponding outer-defining edges (13).

3. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7) is a substantially full body component (9), with corresponding outer-defining edges (13).

4. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7) includes a substantially straight bottom side edge (13a).

5. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7) includes an upper side edge (13b).

6. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the upper side edge (13b) of the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7) extends at variable length with respect a bottommost outer-defining edge (13) of said body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7).

7. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the upper side edge (13b) of the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7) has a substantially arched profile.

8. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the upper side edge (13b) is positioned, shaped and sized so as to taper towards a distal end (15) of the body component (9) of the at least one protruding side component (7).

9. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein the distal end (15) of the body component (9) of the least one protruding side component (7) is a substantially rounded distal end (15).

10. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the closure device (1 ) includes a rearward slit (17) provided about at least one of the rear component (5) and the least one protruding side component (7), the rearward slit (17) being positioned, shaped and sized for facilitating a swiveling movement of the pivoting component (11 ) between the opposite first and second operating configurations.

11. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the rearward slit (17) is provided about both the rear component (5) and the least one protruding side component (7).

12. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the rearward slit (17) extends equidistantly along opposite sides of the closure device (1 ) with respect to an imaginary median plane (111 ) of said closure device (1 ).

13. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the rearward slit (17) includes a substantially elongated profile.

14. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein the rearward slit (17) includes a substantially rectangular profile.

15. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 10-14, wherein the rearward slit (17) includes substantially rounded opposite first and second ends (17a, 17b).

16. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -15, wherein a side orifice (19) is provided about at least one of the rear component (5) and the least one protruding side component (7), the side orifice (19) being positioned, shaped and sized for further facilitating a swiveling movement of the pivoting component (11 ) between the opposite first and second operating configurations.

17. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 16, wherein the side orifice (19) is provided about the at the least one protruding side component (7).

18. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the side orifice (19) is substantially ellipsoidal.

19. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein the side orifice (19) is substantially circular.

20. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein the at least one protruding side component (7) includes a pair of left and right protruding side components (7), each protruding side component (7) projecting from a corresponding side of the rear component (5) of the closure device (1 ).

21. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 20, wherein the closure device (1 ) includes a single and common rearward slit (17), and at least one pair of left and right side orifices (19).

22. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the rear component (5) comprises an upper rear edge (13d).

23. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 22, wherein the upper rear edge (13d) of the rear component (5), and upper side edges (13b) of the left and right protruding side components (7), provide the closure device (1 ) with a substantially continuous operative upper edge.

24. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 23, wherein the upper rear edgeedge (13d) with respect to the upper side edges (13b) of the left and right protruding side components (7) respectively.

25. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the substantially continuous operative upper edge tapers from a central upper portion (1a) of the closure device (1 ) to opposite left and right lower portions (1 b).

26. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-25, wherein the closure device (1 ) is substantially symmetrical with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis (111 ) of said closure device (1 ).

27. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-26, wherein the closure device (1 ) comprises at least one tightening link (21 ) cooperating with a corresponding front portion of the footwear (3), for urging said corresponding front portion of the footwear (3) towards the foot of the user upon activation of the closure device (1) into the second operating configuration, for an increased closure and support to the foot of the user, via the closure device (1 ) and corresponding at least one tightening link (21 ).

28. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 27, wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) is operatively extendable between a first connecting component (23a) provided about the closure device (1 ) and a second connecting component (23b) provided about the closure device (1 ) as well.

29. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 28, wherein the first and second connecting components (23a, 23b) provided about the closure device (1 ) are operatively distinct connecting components (23,23).

30. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 28, wherein the first and second connecting components (23a, 23b) provided about the closure device (1 ) operatively cooperate with one another as a same common connecting component (23).

31. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 27, wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) is operatively extendable between a first connecting component (23a) provided about the closure device (1 ) and a second connecting component (23b) provided about the corresponding front portion of the footwear (3).

32. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 31 , wherein the second connecting component (23b) of the at least one tightening link (21 ) provided about the corresponding front portion of the footwear (3) is selected from the group consisting of a tongue, an eyestay, an eyelet and a lace of said corresponding front portion of the footwear (3).

33. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 32, wherein the lace of said corresponding front portion of the footwear (3) is operatively connectable to a reeling component (33) cooperable with a given portion of the lace for selectively and operatively reeling said given portion of the lace, in order to provide a corresponding tightening of the lace.

34. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 28-33, wherein the first connecting component (23a) of the at least one tightening link (21 ) provided about the closure device (1 ) is selected from the group consisting of rear component (5), at least one protruding side component (7) and pivoting component (11 ).

35. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 28-34, wherein the first connecting component (23a) of the at least one tightening link (21 ) provided aboutthe closure device (1 ) is operatively provided about the pivoting component (11 ) of the closure device (1 ).

36. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 27-35, wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) is substantially elastic.

37. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 27-35, wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) is substantially non-elastic.

38. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 27-37, wherein the closure device (1 ) further includes an adjustment component (25) cooperable with the at least one tightening link (21 ) for selectively and operatively adjusting at least one given parameter of the at least one tightening link (21 ) between the first and second connecting components (23a, 23b) of the footwear (3).

39. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 38, wherein the adjustment component (25) is positioned, shaped and sized, as well as cooperable with the at least one tightening link (21 ), for selectively and operatively adjusting an effective length of the at least one tightening link (21 ) between the first and second connecting components (23a, 23b) of the footwear (3).

40. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 38, wherein the adjustment component (25) is positioned, shaped and sized, as well as cooperable with the at least one tightening link (21 ), for selectively and operatively securing an effective length of the at least one tightening link (21 ) between the first and second connecting components (23a, 23b) of the footwear (3).

41. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 38, wherein the adjustment component (25) is positioned, shaped and sized, as well as cooperable with the at least one tightening link (21 ), for selectively and operatively adjusting as well assecuring an effective length of the at least one tightening link (21 ) between the first and second connecting components (23a, 23b) of the footwear (3).

42. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 38-41 , wherein the adjustment component (25) is selected from the group consisting of a fastener, a cable tie and cam assembly.

43. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 38-42, wherein the at least one tightening link (21) includes at least one pair of left and right tightening links (21 ), each tightening link (21 ) cooperating along a corresponding side of the closure device (1 ) and associated footwear (3).

44. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 43, wherein the left and right tightening links (21), as well as associated accessories, are substantially symmetrical with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis (111 ) of the closure device (1 ).

45. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 43, wherein the left and right tightening links (21 ), as well as associated accessories, are substantially asymmetrical with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis (111 ) of the closure device (1 ).

46. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 27-45, wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) is extendable and concealable along a given corresponding channel (37) of the footwear (3).

47. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 27-45, wherein the at least one tightening link (21 ) is provided with a quick-release component (39) for selectively disengaging closure and support to the foot of the user, via an activation of the quickrelease component (39).

48. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -47, wherein at least a portion of an upper side edge (13b) of the at least protruding component is operatively provided with a swiveling component (27).

49. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 48, wherein the swiveling component (27) is positioned, shaped and sized so as to be retractably-opened when the pivoting component (11 ) is operated in a first given operating configuration and to be retractably-closed when the pivoting component (11 ) is operated in a second given operating configuration.

50. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-49, wherein the closure device (1 ) comprises at least one pair of corresponding left and right swiveling components (27) provided about upper side edges (13b) of corresponding left and right protruding side components (9) respectively of the closure device (1 ).

51. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-50, wherein the closure device (1 ) comprises a rearward tab component (29), said rearward tab component (29) being positioned, shaped and sized so as to be elevated with respect to an adjacent protruding side component (7) of the closure device (1 ).

52. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-52, wherein the closure device (1 ) is pivotably operable about a corresponding pivot point (101 ) of the corresponding heel portion of the footwear (3).

53. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-52, wherein the closure device (1 ) comprises at least one biasing component (31 ) operatively extendable between at least one given protruding side component (7) and the rear component (5), and being further positioned, shaped and sized for biasing movement of the rear component (5) between the first and second operating configurations.

54. A closure device (1 ) according to any claim 53, wherein the at least one biasing component (31 ) includes a first lateral portion being hingedly connectable with respect to the at least one given protruding side component (7).

55. A closure device (1 ) according to claim 54, wherein the at least one biasing component (31 ) includes a second lateral portion being hingedly connectable with respect to the rear component (5).

56. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 53-55, wherein the at least one biasing component (31 ) is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a spring material, an elastic material, a resilient material and a deformable material.

57. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-56, wherein the closure device (1) comprises a pair of left and right biasing components (31 ) being disposed about left and right sides of the rear component (5).

58. A closure device (1) according to claim 57, wherein the rear component (5) and corresponding pair of left and right biasing components (31 ) are substantially symmetrical with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis (111 ) of the closure device (1)-59. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-58, wherein the closure device (1) and associated components thereof are made integral to one another.

60. A closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-58, wherein the closure device (1 ) and given components thereof are made separate to one another.

61. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 1-60, wherein the components of the closure device (1) are made of a material selected from the group consisting of a substantially elastic material and a substantially polymeric material.

62. A kit with corresponding components for assembling a closure device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -61 .

63. A kit with corresponding components for assembling a corresponding footwear (3) being provided with a closure device (1) according to any one of claims 1-61.

64. A footwear (3) being provided with a closure device (1) according to any one of claims 1-61 .

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