Footwear counter for easier entry and removal

Abstract

To provide a footwear counter for supporting easier insertion of a foot when a user wears footwear.SOLUTION: An article of footwear includes a heel cup attached to an upper and extending from a sole structure to at least a portion of a rear heel collar of the upper. The heel cup is uniformly molded with an upper portion, midportion, and lower portion and the upper portion has a smaller mediolateral length than the midportion, and the midportion and lower portion forms a concave structure configured to receive the heel. The upper portion is capable of distorting from a first configuration into a second configuration under a load of a user's foot when the user is donning the footwear. In the second configuration, at least part of the upper portion is lowered relative to the first configuration and is capable of returning to the first configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed. The midportion includes a peripheral portion thicker than a central portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This disclosure claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 256,521, filed October 15, 2021.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to shoe heel counters or heel counter components, and more particularly to heel counters designed to facilitate entry of a wearer's foot into a shoe. [Background technology]

[0003] Traditionally, when putting on footwear such as sports shoes, a user often had to use one or both hands, or operate a shoe horn separate from the shoe, to properly place the foot in the shoe and prevent the quarter from collapsing under the heel. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Aspects of the invention relate to articles of footwear having deformable structures to aid in easier foot insertion.

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, the heel cup may be uniformly shaped with an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion, the upper portion having a shorter medial-lateral length than the middle portion. The middle portion and the lower portion may form a concave structure configured to receive a heel. The upper portion of the heel cup has a first configuration in a natural state and may deform to a second configuration under the load of a user's foot when the user is wearing the footwear. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the upper portion may lower relative to the first configuration, and the upper portion may return to the first configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed. The middle portion may include a peripheral portion having a first thickness and a central portion having a second thickness, the second thickness being less than the first thickness.

[0006] In another aspect of the invention, the upper part of the heel cup has a first configuration in its natural state and can be deformed to a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user is wearing the footwear, and the heel cup can return to the first configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed. In the first configuration, the upper part has a downward slope at a first angle relative to a vertical line perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the floor, and in the second configuration, the upper part has a slope at a second angle greater than the first angle. Also, in the second configuration, a lower region of a central portion of the heel cup that widens the shoe opening along the medial-lateral direction extends outwardly in a direction away from the shoe opening.

[0007] In another aspect of the invention, an upper of an article of footwear includes a substantially tubular U-shaped foam ankle collar that forms a top region of a foot-receiving shoe opening. The foam ankle collar at least partially surrounds and extends over the foot-receiving shoe opening and can be compressed by a user's heel upon foot insertion. The ankle collar can apply pressure to the user's ankle upon foot insertion. The ankle collar can also have a flat region along its length that forms a downward angle from the top region toward the front of the footwear article.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a heel counter support is located on the upper and above the sole structure. The heel counter support can have at least two hollow receptacles with backward angles, and each of the two hollow receptacles receives one end of a compressible component. The compressible component has a first configuration in its natural state, and the compressible component can be deformed to a second configuration under the load of a user's foot when the user is wearing the footwear, and can automatically return to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the footwear.

[0009] Selected embodiments and aspects of the present invention are described below by way of example only. In each description, reference is made to a figure ("FIG.") illustrating the matter being described. Some of the figures shown in the drawings or photographs accompanying this specification may represent footwear for either the left or right foot. Each figure includes one or more identifiers representing one or more parts or elements of the present invention.

[0010] Various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 13 is a front view of the compressible heel cup. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compressible heel cup of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the compressible heel cup of FIG. 1. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the compressible heel cup of FIG. 1 in a compressed configuration. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the compressible heel cup of FIG. 1 in an uncompressed configuration. [Figure 4C] FIG. 2 is a top view of the compressible heel cup of FIG. 1 placed in a shoe in a compressed configuration. [Figure 4D] FIG. 2 is a top view of the compressible heel cup of FIG. 1 placed in a shoe in an uncompressed configuration. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a front view of a heel cup configured with a series of cross beams. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the arc length of the rearmost part of the heel cup of FIG. 1. [Figure 6B] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the heel cup of FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view of a heel counter with a heel cup disposed therein. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of the heel counter of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the heel counter of FIG. [Figure 10]10 is a cross-sectional view of the heel counter of FIG. 8 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe having a heel counter incorporating a rigid heel cup. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of the shoe of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the shoe of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the tongue and instep support. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe having a cushioned lining. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of the cushioned lining of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cushioned lining of FIG. 15. [Figure 18] FIG. 16 is a top view of the cushioned lining of FIG. [Figure 19] 19 is a cross-sectional view of the cushioned lining of FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18. [Figure 20A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe having a heel counter support. [Figure 20B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe having a heel counter support. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20B is a rear view of the shoe of FIG. 20A. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the bottom of the shoe upper of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the sole and heel counter support of the shoe of FIG. 23. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The shoe may include a sole and an upper. The sole may include an outsole, a midsole, and / or an integrally formed 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 has a forefoot portion, a rear portion, a medial side, and a lateral side. The upper may include exterior layers, interior layers or structures, and / or an inner lining. The upper may define a shoe opening that can receive a user's foot when the user is wearing the shoe.

[0013] The heel counter or rear of the upper may include structure(s) that allow for easy insertion of the foot into the shoe opening. These structures may also assist in easy removal of the foot. Additionally, the heel counter or rear of the upper may temporarily expand when the user is putting on or taking off the shoe. The expansion of the shoe opening may be initiated by the user applying a load to the heel counter or rear of the upper that can be exerted by the user's foot with minimal or no manual assistance from the user. In other embodiments of the invention, the heel counter may be compressible when subjected to a sufficient load and may also return to an uncompressed state. Lowering of the heel counter may also allow for easier insertion of the user's foot. The heel counter may have a compressible layer, such as a foam element, that ensures or enhances fixation of the foot when the foot is inserted into the shoe during normal wear of the shoe by the user.

[0014] Compressible heel cup Referring to the embodiment of Figures 1-10, the heel counter 32 can include a compressible heel cup 52 which can be an internal component of the upper 16, or which can be part of or an attachment adjacent to the medial lining 46 of the upper 16 such that the heel cup 52 contacts the foot, or which can be part of or an attachment on the outer surface of the outer layer 42 of the upper 16.

[0015] 1-4, the heel cup 52 has a shape that corresponds substantially to the heel cover and has a profile resembling a pear-shaped shape. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the heel cup has a smaller medial-lateral width near the heel cup collar 84 than the medial-lateral width of the lower portion 54.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the inner wall 66 of the upper part 64 of the heel cup at the rearmost part of the heel cup can have a downward inclination of 0 degrees to 90 degrees with respect to a vertical line 86 perpendicular to a horizontal plane 88 of the floor. In this exemplary embodiment, the upper part 66 can have a downward inclination of 30 degrees. The inner wall 66 of the upper part 64 of the heel cup 52 can also have a convex curvature facing the shoe opening 48. The upper part of the convex curvature has a downward inclination A1 of 30 degrees. The lower part of the convex curvature extends directly above the heel-receiving part of the heel cup 52. The lower part of the convex curvature can have a downward inclination that gradually decreases as it approaches an inclination equal to the vertical line 86, which is smaller than the downward inclination of A1. The heel cup 52 has a concave curvature that surrounds the rear of the heel. The inner and outer surfaces of the heel cup 52 can also extend to a part of the quarter and even to the vamp to form the support thereof.

[0017] The thickness of the heel cup 52 can be reduced at various locations. The top edge 88 can have a tapering of the inner surface of the heel cup 52 and the outer surface of the heel cup 52. The heel cup 52 can have an increased thickness T1, such as 2-3 mm, along other perimeter edges. In another exemplary embodiment, the thickness T1 can be reduced in some areas to increase the flexibility of the heel cup 52 when putting on and taking off the shoe 12. In one embodiment, the thickness T1 of the heel cup 52 can be gradually reduced from the peripheral portion 70, which forms the peripheral area of ​​the heel cup 52, to the central portion or central region 50 of the intermediate portion 58. The minimum thickness T1 in the central region 50 of the intermediate portion 58 can be, but is not limited to, 1 / 4-1 / 6 of the thickness of the thickest portion of the perimeter of the heel cup 52, such as 0.5-1 mm. The thickest region at the top can be thicker than the thickest region at the bottom. The reduced thickness T1 in the central region of the intermediate portion 58 can allow the heel cup 52 to be compressed under a sufficient load. In another embodiment, the thickness T1 can be reduced throughout the entire medial-lateral portion or in multiple regions, such as in the region at the intermediate portion 58 and / or in the region at the upper portion 64. The thinner regions can increase the flexibility and flexibility of the heel cup 52 to provide the necessary compressibility under the load of a user's foot, such as while the shoe 12 is being worn. Such compression can move the upper portion 64 and / or the intermediate portion 58 of the heel cup 52 rearward to widen the shoe opening 48 and facilitate the insertion of the foot. The heel cup 52 can transform from a first configuration, which is natural, to a second configuration under the load of a user's foot when the user is wearing the footwear. For example, the heel cup 52 can be partially compressed such that the upper portion 64 and / or the intermediate portion 58 of the heel cup 52 are retracted sufficiently to allow the insertion of the user's foot. See, for example, FIG. 9. Once the user's foot is inserted into the shoe 12, the heel cup 52 can return to its uncompressed configuration.

[0018] Further to this embodiment, when the user puts on the shoe 12, as the heel counter 32 is compressed as shown in FIG. 4A, the top of the convex curve of the heel cup 52 or the top segment of the heel counter 32 of the shoe 12 can retract and widen backwards, away from the foot. This action allows the user to insert the foot into the shoe opening 48 with a low degree of plantar flexion. During compression of the heel cup 52, a portion of the heel cup 52 can advance in the direction of the forefoot. The deformation of the heel cup 52 can include the attached heel counter 32 expanding, causing the medial and lateral sides of the heel cup to move outward, thereby widening the shoe opening. The medial-lateral widening of the shoe opening 48 allows for easier entry, such as easy insertion of the forefoot of the user's foot. In one exemplary embodiment, a 7.5 cm shoe opening can widen up to 4 cm or approximately 50%. See FIGS. 4C and 4D. This widening can be less or more depending on the size of the shoe and the flexibility of the heel cup. In some shoes, the desired spread can be smaller or larger depending on the needs of fixation and use.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the heel cup 52 as shown in Figures 1-4, the heel cup 52 formed of a polymeric material such as Dupont Hytrel can have a thickness T1 ranging from 0.4 millimeters to 4 millimeters. The heel cup thickness T1 range can be thinner or thicker in various areas depending on the desired elastic and durability properties of the material. For example, the center portion can be thinner than the periphery, specifically the central portion as shown in Figure 6B. The central portion can be spaced from the inner and outer edges and can have a greater thickness at the periphery. Other suitable materials can include other thermoplastic elastomers or other polymers that can provide the compressible properties of the heel cup.

[0020] In another exemplary embodiment, the heel cup can be configured with a series of cross beams that form an egg crate-like configuration. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment with beams in a diagonal configuration. In another embodiment, the beams can be configured vertically and horizontally. The apertures between the beams can be generally uniform in size. The beams can be of uniform dimensions or can vary in thickness and width. Thinner or narrower beams are used to increase flexibility and compressibility at designated locations, while thicker or wider beams provide varying degrees of rigid support. For example, the beams can be thinner in the middle, specifically the central portion of the middle spaced from the edges. The perimeter beams can be thicker than the central portion. The central portion can allow for greater flexibility to deform under load.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the rearmost portion of the heel cup 52 may have an overall vertical cross-sectional shape that generally resembles an S-wave as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A. The upper and lower portions of the S-wave may be distinguished at a point P1 drawn between the upper and lower arc ends of the S-wave and passing through a horizontal plane that intersects the heel counter 52 and the inflection point of the S-wave, i.e., the midline 90. The amplitude (AU) and width (WU) of the upper arc of the S-wave may be different from the amplitude (AL) and width (WL) of the lower arc of the S-wave. In an exemplary embodiment, WU is about 0.44 times WL. AU is about 1 / 3 of AL. In one possible embodiment, WU is about 2 centimeters and WL is about 4.5 centimeters. AU is about 3 millimeters and AL is about 9 millimeters. This S-shaped configuration reduces both AU / AL and WU / WL in cross-section in the area extending from the cross-section of the posteriormost portion of the heel cup 52, and can consist of only a lower arc along the medial and lateral sides of the heel cup 52. The measurements at the posteriormost portion of the heel cup 52 in the exemplary embodiment are intended to be exemplary.

[0022] The central region of the intermediate heel cup may have a single aperture or multiple apertures. Just as the central region of the intermediate heel cup may be constructed of less material than the maximum thickness of the collar and / or the maximum thickness of the base, the central region of the intermediate heel cup may be constructed of a more flexible material than the material forming its periphery. The resulting effect of the central region including a single aperture, multiple apertures, less thickness and / or more flexible material may serve to facilitate the user's entry and exit of the shoe.

[0023] Further to this exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the heel cup 52 can be attached to at least an inner foam layer 92. As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the heel cup 52 can be positioned inside the heel counter 32 of the upper 16. The foam layer 92 can cover both the inner wall 66 of the heel cup 52 and the outer wall of the heel cup 52. The foam layer 92 can extend further around the top and middle portion and protrude into the shoe opening 48. The foam layer 92 can be thicker at or near the top 64 and middle portion 58 of the heel cup 52 to form part of the cuff of the shoe opening 48. The thick foam layer 92 can secure the user's foot when the foot is inserted into the shoe 12 because the foam is located above the calcaneus region of the user's foot and extends around at least a portion of the ankle region of the foot. The foam is compressible so that the foam can be compressed by the heel during insertion and removal of the foot and hold the ankle when the foot is inserted.

[0024] - Rigid heel cup In one exemplary embodiment, the shoe 12 can have a heel counter 32 located at the rear 36 of the shoe upper 16 as shown in Figures 11-13. The heel counter 32 can include a heel cup 52 which can be an internal component of the upper 16, or which can be a part of or an attachment adjacent to the medial lining 46 of the upper 16 such that the heel cup 52 contacts the foot, or which can be a part of or an attachment on the outer layer 42 of the upper 16 or on the outer surface of the outer layer 42 of the upper 16.

[0025] The heel cup can have a lower portion forming a heel cup configured to receive the heel of the foot. The lower portion of the heel cup can further have side extensions around both the medial and lateral sides. The heel cup can have a middle portion that is located above the lower portion of the heel cup and curves inward above the calcaneus or can be comprised of an aperture. The heel cup can have an aperture located at the rear of the heel cup. In addition to this embodiment, the heel cup can also be a rigid heel cup constructed of a material that is substantially incompressible under the load of the foot.

[0026] The intermediate portion of the rigid heel cup can incorporate at least one aperture that can be added to enhance the fit of the shoe around the foot at the heel. The upper material layer covering the aperture can include an elastic material such that the material stretches around the contour of the heel. The tension created as the elastic material stretches can enhance fixation of the foot during normal shoe wear.

[0027] The upper portion of the heel cup may be configured with a smooth curvature that extends from the top of the heel cup in a downward curve toward the shoe opening 48. The interior wall of the upper portion may have a general downward slope that extends from the curved upper edge of the upper portion toward the interior of the upper 16. The interior wall of the upper portion may have dimensions similar to a shoe horn such that the smooth curvature of the upper portion and the angle of the downward slope may facilitate the heel of the foot sliding into the shoe 12. The heel cup may be constructed of a rigid material that does not substantially compress under the load of the user's foot. In another embodiment, the heel cup may have some flexibility such that the upper portion of the heel cup has sufficient flexibility to bend downward and away from the shoe opening and / or to widen the shoe opening 48 to facilitate insertion and / or removal of the foot.

[0028] 11, the upper edge 72 of the heel counter 32 may also form a resilient support structure for a rear heel collar 74. When the heel cup 52 is incorporated into the upper 16, a fabric material(s) or suitable material(s) known in the art may be used to cover the heel cup 52 to form the outer layer 42 and the inner layer or structure 44 of the upper. The fabric material may extend above the heel cup 52 to form an extension of the heel collar 74.

[0029] The inner compressible layer of the upper 16 of FIG. 11 may be a foam material or any inner lining material(s) known in the art. The foam material 76 may be bonded to the inner surface of the heel cup 52 to provide cushioning against a hard heel cup material. The thickness of the foam material may be uniform or may vary at a particular location depending on the desired cushioning or support for the foot. In one exemplary embodiment, an increased thickness of foam material may be disposed on the inner wall 66 of the upper 64 and may extend at least partially further along the medial-lateral 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 foam material configuration shown in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, the user's foot may compress the foam material during insertion of the foot. After insertion of the foot, the foam material may expand to a fully uncompressed state or may expand partially to improve the fixation of the foot within the shoe 12. A thinner foam material may be used to cover other portions of the heel cup 52.

[0030] 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 side of the upper between the heel cup 52 and a forward portion of the foot-receiving shoe opening 48. The elastic region 78 may have one or more elastic materials that allow the rear of the heel counter 32 to temporarily retract and widen the foot-receiving shoe opening 48 to facilitate insertion of the foot into the shoe 12. As shown in FIG. 11, the elastic material may be a gore piece 80 configured to be secured within a void in the upper, such as in the form of a gusset in the medial or lateral quarter or both. The elastic material may be present within any space between the heel cup 52 and the quarter 30, or the vamp 24, or an upper portion located on the tongue as the case may be. The elastic material may also be configured as a series of elastic strips or webbing that extend between the heel cup 52 and the medial and lateral surfaces of the vamp 24, or of the tongue as the case may be.

[0031] Instep Support In some embodiments, an instep support can be used to help prevent the top of the user's foot from pulling part of the instep or the tongue partially into the throat area when the user puts on the shoe.

[0032] In some embodiments having a tongue 126 as shown in FIG. 14, the inner surface of the upper portion 132 of the tongue 126 is attached to a first or proximal end of the inner elastic strap 128, and the outer surface of the upper portion 132 of the tongue 126 is attached to a first or proximal end of the outer elastic strap 130. The front lower portion of the tongue is attached directly to the upper. Each of the inner and outer elastic straps can have its second or distal end attached directly to the inner lining of the upper. In another embodiment, the elastic straps can extend through openings in the inner lining of the inner and outer quarters, respectively. The second ends of the inner and outer elastic straps can terminate in the sole, insole, or area of ​​the inner lining of the upper, respectively. The elastic straps function to maintain the general position of the tongue when the user is wearing the shoe.

[0033] In other embodiments, the inner and outer sides of the tongue edges, or the top of the tongue, are attached to the inner linings of the inner and outer quarters of the upper by gussets made of elastic material. The gussets can also function to maintain the general position of the tongue when the user is wearing the shoe. In another embodiment of the tongue, at least a portion of the inner and outer edges of the tongue can be affixed or sewn directly to the interior of the upper and to the tongue. Additionally, at the top of the tongue, the tongue can extend wider along the medial-lateral direction than a conventional tongue, and an edge or a portion of this extension can be affixed or sewn to the interior of the upper.

[0034] In other embodiments, an instep or tongue support may be attached to the outer surface of the tongue, or embedded between the outer tongue layer and the inner tongue layer facing the shoe opening, which may include a sheet-like material that is stiffer than the fabric of the instep or tongue. The instep or tongue support may limit or prevent the instep or tongue from collapsing during foot insertion. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the tongue support 134 may be a rigid 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 surface of the instep or tongue. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the tongue support 134 may be narrower and shorter than the instep or tongue.

[0035] In one embodiment, a reinforcing quarter element can extend from the heel counter to the instep or eyestay. If a gusset such as gusset 80 of FIGS. 11-12 is incorporated, the reinforcing quarter element can extend from the heel counter 52 along the front lower edge of the gusset, around the upper edge of the collar to the instep, the area near the vamp 24, or the eyestay adjacent to the tongue. The reinforcing quarter element can be more rigid than the upper or quarter material. The reinforcing quarter element material can be constructed of leather, plastic, or a stiff fabric. The reinforcing quarter element can be attached to the upper by gluing or sewing. The reinforcing quarter element can be constructed as an elongated shape such as a strip that extends along the front lower edge of the gusset and the collar portion. The reinforcing quarter element can be located on the exterior surface or can be an interior layer of the upper, such as a layer embedded within the upper or a layer along a portion of the inner lining of the upper. The reinforcing quarter element can provide greater stability to the shoe opening such that when the foot is inserted into the shoe and pushes rearward against the heel cup, the quarter and instep areas resist collapsing or moving inwardly into the shoe opening.

[0036] When the reinforcing quarter element is used in combination with an eyestay layer used in laced shoes, the eyestay can add additional structural support in providing resistance to the quarter and instep from collapsing or moving inwardly into the shoe opening. Thus, when the foot presses against the heel cup and the gusset is stretched backwards, the reinforcing quarter element is not pulled backwards as much. Thus, the shoe opening can achieve a wider opening when the foot is inserted into the shoe and presses against the heel cup backwards.

[0037] Compressible Lining In some embodiments, the inner surface of the heel counter and the heel / ankle collar can have a portion with a compressible layer, such as a foam layer. The compressible layer can extend within the shoe opening. The compressible layer is compressed under load during shoe on and off. The foam layer expands completely or partially to a non-compressed state after the foot is inserted into the shoe, and such expansion can enhance the fixation of the foot within the shoe.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment, the compressible layer 100 is embedded at least within a portion of the ankle collar 140 and an upper region of the heel counter 32. See FIGS. 15-19. The compressible layer 100 extends within the shoe opening. During wearing of the shoe, the foot expands the shoe opening through temporary compression of the compressible layer by applying a load to the compressible layer. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the compressible layer expands partially or completely back to its original shape. As the compressible layer expands, the foam expands around the foot to enhance foot comfort and fixation. In some embodiments, the compressible layer extends above and / or around the user's heel bone of the foot and around at least a portion of the ankle region of the foot.

[0039] 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 to attach the compressible layer between at least two layers of textile material. The shape of the compressible layer may have an at least partially rounded outer surface that extends into the opening of the shoe and / or the ankle collar of the shoe. As shown in Figures 17-18, the volume of the compressible layer may be larger at the rear of the heel counter and tapered along the length of the inner portion of the foam layer on both sides of the shoe. The compressible layer may be tapered or rounded along a vertical axis, with the compressible layer having a larger volume at the top of the ankle collar 140 and a smaller volume at the bottom of the ankle collar 140. See Figures 18-19. The compressible layer may be used to form the entire heel cup without the need for an additional heel cup or heel counter. Alternatively, the compressible layer may be used in combination with a compressible heel cup as shown in Figure 1. The heel cup can define an exterior surface of the upper, the heel cup can define an interior surface of the upper, or the heel cup can define an inner layer, for example when embedded within a compressible layer.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, a lower flange 118 extends downward from the ankle collar and is configured to attach to the upper. The lower flange can be configured with any dimension necessary to secure the ankle collar to the upper. The lower flange can also vary in length. In some embodiments, the lower flange can define a 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 can extend downward partially or completely to the bottom of the upper. In some embodiments, the lower flange can be configured to form a heel counter. In other embodiments, a heel cup, such as that shown in FIG. 1, can be partially or completely recessed into the lower flange.

[0041] The compressible layer 100 can be covered by any type of fabric. The fabric can be elastic and have wicking properties. The fabric can conform to the contours of the compressible layer. In a preferred embodiment, an adhesive, such as a thermoplastic-based adhesive, is applied to the compressible layer before it is inserted into the elastic fabric sleeve. The resulting product can be attached by any means, such as adhesive or stitching, according to the desired pattern of the ankle collar 140. The fabric can also include a thermoplastic material, and heat can be applied to fuse the fabric to the compressible layer 100 after the compressible layer 100 is inserted into the fabric sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, steam can be applied to make the fabric conform to a preformed shape that forms part of the ankle collar and / or heel counter.

[0042] In addition to this exemplary embodiment, the ankle collar 140 may have no stitching or seams at its top, but may have a seam at its bottom where it is attached to the upper 16. The seamless ankle collar 140 may extend from the medial quarter, around the heel, and to the lateral quarter. When 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 prevent 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 easily enter the shoe without the use of the user's hand or an external shoe horn. When the user's heel is fully inserted into the shoe, the compressible layer may rebound and exert a force against the back of the user's heel above the calcaneus and around a portion of the ankle region to provide comfort and help secure the user's foot in the shoe.

[0043] Further to this exemplary embodiment, the seamless upper section of the ankle collar 140 is substantially circular in cross section. The ankle collar 140 may be separated into a front portion 142 and a rear portion 144. Each of the front and rear portions resembles the generally circular or semi-circular cross section 22 with the radius of the front portion being larger than the radius of the rear portion. See Figures 18-19. The compressible layer may be attached directly to the inner structure of the heel counter or via a fabric sleeve that covers the material of the compressible layer.

[0044] Compressible heel counter with heel counter support In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 20-22, the heel counter support 96 may partially form the outer layer of the shoe and extend from the medial quarter of the shoe around the heel portion of the upper 16 to the lateral quarter of the shoe. 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 to the vamp portion of the shoe. The heel counter support 96 may vary in height in different areas of the shoe. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the medial and lateral ends of the heel counter support 96 gradually decreases toward the base of the upper 16 just above the sole 14. The heel counter support 96 may have a medial region of maximum height at the medial surface of the heel portion of the upper and a lateral region of maximum height at the lateral surface 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 an exemplary embodiment, the height of the medial and lateral heel portions 98 of the upper 16 is approximately 5 centimeters from 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 centimeters from the lasting surface 116. The heel counter support 96 may gradually decrease in height from its maximum height region to a region of approximately uniform height along the rear of the heel portion 98 of the upper 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the height along the heel portion 98 of the upper 16 extends to approximately 3 centimeters above the lasting surface 116, and the approximately uniform height of the portion forming the rear of the heel counter support 96 is approximately 2 centimeters above the lasting surface 116.

[0045] The heel counter support 96 may partially form an exterior surface of the upper 16. The heel counter support 96 may have an interior surface that abuts the exterior surface of the heel portion 98 of the upper 16. The heel counter support 96 may have a thickness that varies from its exterior surface to its interior surface. In an exemplary embodiment, angular strips 102 form the portions of increased thickness of the heel counter support 96. The angled strips 102 increase the stiffness of the heel counter support 96 and may be configured to receive the compressible element 100.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the angled strip 102 has hollow protrusions on the medial and lateral sides of the shoe 12 to which ends of the compressible element 100 are fixed. The compressible element 100 can be a pipe, with each end of the pipe fixed within the hollow protrusions 102. The hollow protrusions of the angled strip 102 can extend partially or completely around the surface of the compressible element 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressible element 100 can be made of polyoxymethylene or any other material having similar durability, sufficient stiffness to support the load of the foot, and flexibility to curve from the medial side to the lateral side of the heel portion of the shoe 12. A central segment 104 of the compressible element 100 can extend above the heel counter of the shoe 12 behind the ankle opening. In an exemplary embodiment, the angled strip 102 can be designed to receive the compressible element 100 at an angle such that the compressible element 100 extends from within the hollow protrusion 102 toward the rear of the shoe 12 at a rearward slope A2. The rearward slope A2 of the compressible element 100 is approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane of the floor 88. See FIG. 20A. The foam layer 92, which extends above the rear heel portion 98 of the upper 16 at the rear of the heel opening, can have a rearward slope A2 similar to that of the compressible element 100. The rearward slope A2 of the foam layer 92 can help guide the user's foot into the shoe 12 when the user puts on the shoe.

[0047] A central segment 104 of the compressible element 100 may extend behind the rearmost portion of the upper 16 and pass through one or more guide tunnels 106 in the upper 16. In an exemplary embodiment, a strip of leather material is sewn to the foam layer 92 and extends above the upper behind the heel opening. The ends of the leather strip are sewn together to form the guide tunnels 106 through which the compressible element is threaded.

[0048] When putting on the shoe 12, the user's foot may press downward and rearward through the shoe opening against the compressible element 100 and / or rearwardly angled foam layer 92. Once the user's foot is fully within the shoe 12, the compressible element 100 and rearwardly angled foam layer 92 return to their initial raised positions.

[0049] The foam further internal heel support 114 may be thick enough to provide additional fixation of the foot at the Achilles tendon, and the calcaneus may rest below the further internal heel support 114 when the user is wearing the shoe 12. The medial heel support 114 may be tall enough to rest above the calcaneus when the foot is inserted into the shoe.

[0050] Further to this exemplary embodiment, the shoe can include a heel cup 52 of flexible material configured to receive the rear of the heel. In one embodiment, the heel cup is a thermoplastic material that provides sufficient support as a heel counter. The internal heel support 114 can be a foam material lining that provides the necessary comfort for the user's heel.

[0051] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and variations can be made in the sole construction without departing from the intended scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper and sole structure defining 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 a rear heel collar of the upper; Including, the heel cup being uniformly molded having an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a shorter medial-lateral length than the middle portion, the middle portion and the lower portion forming a concave structure configured to receive a heel; the upper portion has a first configuration; the upper is deformable to a second configuration under a load of the user's foot when the user is wearing the footwear; In the second configuration, at least a portion of the upper portion is lowered relative to the first configuration; the upper portion is capable of returning to the first configuration after the load on the user's foot is removed; the intermediate portion defines a peripheral portion and a central portion; the peripheral portion has a first thickness; the central portion has a second thickness; The second thickness is less than the first thickness. Footwear articles.

2. the first thickness gradually decreases to the second thickness in a direction from the peripheral portion to the central portion; 10. The article of footwear of claim 1.

3. 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.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1.

4. a lower region of the central portion extends outwardly, away from the shoe opening, thereby widening the shoe opening along the medial-lateral direction; 10. The article of footwear of claim 1.

5. the upper portion in the first configuration has a downward slope at a first angle relative to a vertical line perpendicular to a horizontal plane of a floor, and the upper portion in the second configuration has a slope at a second angle, the second angle being greater than the first angle; 10. The article of footwear of claim 1.

6. In the second configuration, an upper region of the central portion of the intermediate section is closer to a front of the article of footwear than in the first configuration.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1.

7. In the second configuration, the peripheral portion of the intermediate section extends significantly outward along a medial-lateral width of the article of footwear than in the first configuration.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1.

8. The second thickness is at least 1 / 6 of the first thickness.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1.

9. The first thickness is less than or equal to 3.07 mm, and the second thickness is at least 0.5 mm.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1.

10. an elastic member disposed between the heel cup and a front portion of the shoe receiving opening; 10. The article of footwear of claim 1.

11. and a tongue having a support member attached to the tongue, the support member preventing deformation of the tongue when the user is wearing the footwear.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1.

12. The support member is a connector that connects a portion of the tongue to the upper.

12. The article of footwear of claim 11.

13. the support member being a rigid member at least partially coextensive with the tongue; 12. The article of footwear of claim 11.

14. a foam element is disposed on at least an inner surface of the upper and middle portions of the heel cup, the foam element being compressed by the heel of the user upon foot insertion, the foam element being capable of applying pressure to the ankle of the user upon foot insertion; 10. The article of footwear of claim 1.

15. the foam element extends from either side of the top of the heel cup along at least a portion of the inner surface of the upper to form sides of the foam element; 15. The article of footwear of claim 14.

16. The foam element has tapered sides.

16. The article of footwear of claim 15.

17. a rear portion of the foam element curves inwardly and tapers vertically downwardly to conform to the concave structure of the heel cup; 17. The article of footwear of claim 16.

18. 1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper and sole structure defining 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 a rear heel collar of the upper; Including, the heel cup being uniformly molded having an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a shorter medial-lateral length than the middle portion, the middle portion and the lower portion forming a concave structure configured to receive a heel; the upper portion has a first configuration; the upper is deformable to a second configuration under a load of the user's foot when the user is wearing the footwear; the upper portion is capable of returning to the first configuration after the load on the user's foot is removed; the upper portion in the first configuration has a downward slope at a first angle relative to a vertical line perpendicular to a horizontal plane of the floor; the top portion in the second configuration has a second angle of inclination, the second angle being greater than the first angle; a lower region of the central portion extends outwardly, away from the shoe opening, thereby widening the shoe opening along the medial-lateral direction; Footwear articles.

19. the intermediate portion defines a peripheral portion and a central portion, the peripheral portion having a first thickness and the central portion having a second thickness, the second thickness of the heel cup being less than the first thickness; 20. The article of footwear of claim 18.

20. 1. An upper for an article of footwear, comprising: a shoe opening for receiving a foot; a substantially tubular U-shaped foam ankle collar; Including, the ankle collar defines an uppermost region of the shoe opening for receiving the foot; the foam ankle collar extends at least partially around and over the foot-receiving shoe opening; the ankle collar may be compressed by the heel of a user during foot insertion to apply pressure to the ankle of the user upon foot insertion; the ankle collar has a flattened region along its length that forms a downward angle from the top region toward the front of the article of footwear; upper.

21. The lower portion of the ankle collar has an attachment piece that is attached to the upper.

21. The upper of claim 20.

22. the ankle collar has no stitching or seams on the top of the ankle collar; 21. The upper of claim 20.

23. a cross-sectional shape of the ankle collar having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being generally semicircular having a first radius, the second portion being generally semicircular having a second radius, the first radius being greater than the second radius; 21. The upper of claim 20.

24. and a heel cup, the heel cup having a first configuration, the heel cup capable of deforming to a second configuration under a load of the user's foot when the user is wearing the footwear, the heel cup capable of automatically returning to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the footwear, and the ankle collar located above the heel cup.

21. The upper of claim 20.

25. 1. An upper for an article of footwear, comprising: a shoe opening for receiving a foot; a substantially tubular U-shaped foam ankle collar; Including, the ankle collar defines an uppermost region of the shoe opening for receiving the foot; the foam ankle collar extends at least partially around and over the foot-receiving shoe opening; the ankle collar may be compressed by the heel of a user during foot insertion to apply pressure to the ankle of the user upon foot insertion; the ankle collar has a flattened region along its length that forms a downward angle from the top region toward the front of the article of footwear; upper.

26. The lower portion of the ankle collar has an attachment piece that is attached to the upper.

26. The upper of claim 25.

27. the ankle collar has no stitching or seams on the top of the ankle collar; 26. The upper of claim 25.

28. a cross-sectional shape of the ankle collar having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being generally semicircular having a first radius, the second portion being generally semicircular having a second radius, the first radius being greater than the second radius; 26. The upper of claim 25.

29. and a heel cup, the heel cup having a first configuration, the heel cup capable of deforming to a second configuration under a load of the user's foot when the user is wearing the footwear, the heel cup capable of automatically returning to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the footwear, and the ankle collar located above the heel cup.

26. The upper of claim 25.

30. the heel cup includes a peripheral portion and a central portion, the peripheral portion having a first thickness, the first thickness defining a maximum thickness of the heel cup, the central portion having a second thickness, the second thickness defining a minimum thickness of the heel cup, the first thickness gradually decreasing to the second thickness in a direction from the peripheral portion to the central portion; 26. The upper of claim 25.

31. 1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper and sole structure defining a shoe opening for receiving a foot; a heel counter support located on the upper and above the sole structure, the heel counter support having at least two hollow receptacles having rearward angles; a compressible element having two ends; Including, Each of the two hollow receptacles receives one end of the compressible element; the compressible element has a first configuration; the compressible element is capable of deforming to a second configuration under a load of a user's foot when the user is wearing the footwear; the compressible element may automatically return to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the footwear. Footwear articles.

32. The heel counter support defines an outer layer of the upper.

32. The article of footwear of claim 31.

33. the compressible element is cylindrical; 32. The article of footwear of claim 31.

34. the compressible element extends from an inner quarter above the foot-receiving shoe opening to an outer quarter; 32. The article of footwear of claim 31.

35. The compressible element extends through a tunnel attached to the upper.

32. The article of footwear of claim 31.

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