Footwear counter for easy on and off

Abstract

It assists in easier insertion of the foot when putting on footwear. [Solution] The footwear article includes a heel cup attached to the upper and extending from the sole structure to at least a portion of the rear heel collar of the upper. The heel cup is uniformly molded having an upper, middle, and lower portion, the upper having a shorter inward-outward length than the middle portion, and the middle and lower portions forming a concave structure configured to receive the heel. The upper can deform from a first configuration to a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user puts on the footwear. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the upper is lower than the first configuration and can return to the first configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed. The middle portion includes a peripheral portion that is thicker than the central portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This disclosure claims the benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 256,521, filed on October 15, 2021.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a heel counter of a shoe or a component of a heel counter, and more specifically to a heel counter designed to facilitate the insertion of a wearer's foot into the shoe.

Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, when wearing footwear such as sports shoes, users often have to use one or both hands or operate a shoehorn separate from the shoe to correctly insert their foot into the shoe and prevent the insole from being crushed under the heel.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Aspects of the present invention relate to an article of footwear having a structure that can be deformed to assist in easier foot insertion.

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, the heel cup preferably has an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion and is uniformly molded, and the upper portion has a shorter inner - outer length than the middle portion. The middle portion and the lower portion can form a concave structure configured to receive the heel. The upper portion of the heel cup has a first configuration in a natural state and can be deformed into a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user wears the footwear. In the second configuration, at least a part of the upper portion is lowered relative to the first configuration, and the upper portion can return to the first configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed. The middle portion can include a peripheral portion having a first thickness and a central portion having a second thickness, and the second thickness is smaller than the first thickness.

[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, the upper part of the heel cup has a first configuration in its natural state, can deform into a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user puts on footwear, and 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 inclination of a first angle with respect to a vertical line perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the floor, and in the second configuration, the upper part has an inclination of a second angle which is greater than the first angle. In the second configuration, the lower region of the central part of the heel cup that widens the shoe opening in the inward and outward directions extends outward in the direction away from the shoe opening.

[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, the upper of the footwear article includes a substantially tubular U-shaped foam ankle collar that forms the uppermost region of the shoe opening into which the foot is inserted. The foam ankle collar expands to at least partially surround and cover the shoe opening into which the foot is inserted and can be compressed by the user's heel when the foot is inserted. The ankle collar can apply pressure to the user's ankle when the foot is inserted. The ankle collar may also have a flat region along its length that forms a downward angle from the uppermost region toward the front of the footwear article.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, a heel counter support is located on the upper and above the sole structure. The heel counter support may have at least two hollow receptacles having backward angles. 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 can deform into a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user puts on the footwear, and can automatically return to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the footwear.

[0009] The following describes some selective embodiments and aspects of the present invention as examples only. Each description refers to an illustrative figure ("FIG."). 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 will be described with reference to the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a compressible heel cup. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the compressible heel cup. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a side view of the compressible heel cup. [Figure 4A] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the compressible heel cup in a compression configuration. [Figure 4B] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the compressible heel cup in its uncompressed configuration. [Figure 4C] Figure 1 is a top view of the compressible heel cup, which is positioned inside the shoe in a compression configuration. [Figure 4D] Figure 1 is a top view of the compressible heel cup positioned inside the shoe in an uncompressed configuration. [Figure 5] This is a front view of a heel cup configured to have a series of cross beams. [Figure 6A] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the arc length at the rearmost part of the heel cup. [Figure 6B] This is a cross-sectional view of the heel cup in Figure 1, taken along line 6-6 in Figure 1. [Figure 7] This is a side view of a heel counter with a heel cup positioned inside. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a top view of the heel counter. [Figure 9] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the heel controller. [Figure 10]It is a cross-sectional view of the heel counter of FIG. 8 cut along line 10-10 of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of a shoe having a heel counter incorporating a rigid heel cup. [Figure 12] It is a side view of the shoe of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a rear view of the shoe of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] It is a bottom view of the vamp and in-step support. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of a shoe having a cushioned lining. [Figure 16] It is a side view of the cushioned lining of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view of the cushioned lining of FIG. 15. [Figure 18] It is a top view of the cushioned lining of FIG. 15. [Figure 19] It is a cross-sectional view of the cushioned lining of FIG. 18 cut along line 19-19 of FIG. 18. [Figure 20A] It is a side view of a shoe having a heel counter support. [Figure 20B] It is a perspective view of a shoe having a heel counter support. [Figure 20C] It is a rear view of the shoe of FIG. 20A. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view of the bottom of the upper of the shoe of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] It is a perspective view of the sole and heel counter support of the shoe of FIG. 23.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] A 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. A shoe may have a forefoot portion, a rear portion, a medial side, and a lateral side. The upper may include an exterior layer, interior layers, or an interior structure, and / or an inner lining. The upper may form a shoe opening that allows the user's foot to be received when putting on the shoe.

[0013] The heel counter or the rear of the upper may include (single or double) structures that allow for easy insertion of the foot into the shoe opening. These structures can also assist in easy removal of the foot. Furthermore, the heel counter or the rear of the upper may be temporarily expanded when the user puts on or takes off the shoe. The expansion of the shoe opening can be initiated by the user applying a load to the heel counter or the rear of the upper that can be exerted by the user's foot with little or no assistance from the user's hand. In other embodiments of the present invention, the heel counter may be compressible when subjected to sufficient load and also return to an uncompressed state. Lowering of the heel counter can also allow for easier insertion of the user's foot. The heel counter may have a compressible layer, such as a foamed material, that ensures or enhances foot fixation when the foot is inserted into the shoe during normal shoe wear by the user.

[0014] Compressionable heel cup Referring to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 10, the heel counter 32 may include a compressible heel cup 52, which may be an internal component of the upper 16, an attachment adjacent to or part of the inner lining 46 of the upper 16 so as to contact the foot, or an attachment to the outer surface of the outer layer 42 of the upper 16.

[0015] Referring to the exemplary embodiments in Figures 1 to 4, the heel cup 52 has a shape substantially corresponding to the heel cover and has a profile similar to a pear shape. As shown in Figures 1 to 2, the mediolateral width of the heel cup near the heel cup collar 84 is smaller than the mediolateral width of the lower part 54.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the inner wall 66 of the upper part 64 of the heel cup at the rearmost part of the heel cup may have a downward slope of 0 to 90 degrees with respect to a vertical line 86 perpendicular to the horizontal plane 88 of the floor. In this exemplary embodiment, the upper part 66 may have a downward slope of 30 degrees. The inner wall 66 of the upper part 64 of the heel cup 52 may also have a convex curved portion facing toward the shoe opening 48. The upper part of the convex curved portion has a downward slope A1 of 30 degrees. The lower part of the convex curved portion extends directly above the heel-supporting portion of the heel cup 52. The lower part of the convex curved portion may have a downward slope that is smaller than the downward slope of A1 and gradually decreases as it approaches a slope equal to the vertical line 86. The heel cup 52 has a concave curved portion surrounding the rear of the heel. The inner and outer surfaces of the heel cup 52 may also extend to part of the quarter and even to the bump to form these support portions.

[0017] The thickness of the heel cup 52 can be reduced at various points. The upper edge line 88 may have tapering on the inner and outer surfaces of the heel cup 52. The heel cup 52 may have an increased thickness T1, such as 2-3 mm, along the other perimeter edges. In another exemplary embodiment, the thickness T1 can be reduced in several areas to increase the flexibility of the heel cup 52 when putting on or taking off the shoe 12. In one embodiment, the thickness T1 of the heel cup 52 can gradually decrease from the peripheral portion 70 that forms the perimeter area of ​​the heel cup 52 toward 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, 0.5-1 mm, which is 1 / 4-1 / 6 of the thickness of the thickest part of the perimeter of the heel cup 52. The thickest region at the top may 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 sufficient load. In another embodiment, the thickness T1 can be reduced across the entire inward-outward portion or in multiple regions, such as a region in the intermediate portion 58 and / or a region in the upper portion 64. The thinner region can provide the necessary compressibility under the load of the user's foot, such as when wearing the shoe 12, by increasing the flexibility and bendability of the heel cup 52. Such compression can move the upper portion 64 and / or intermediate portion 58 of the heel cup 52 backward, widening the shoe opening 48 and making it easier to insert the foot. The heel cup 52 can deform from a first configuration in its natural state to a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user puts on the footwear. For example, the heel cup 52 can be partially compressed so that the upper portion 64 and / or intermediate portion 58 of the heel cup 52 retract sufficiently to allow insertion of the user's foot. See, for example, Figure 9. Once the user's foot is inserted into the shoe 12, the heel cup 52 can return to its uncompressed configuration.

[0018] In addition to this embodiment, when a user puts on the shoe 12, as shown in Figure 4A, the heel counter 32 is compressed, causing the uppermost part of the convex curve of the heel cup 52 or the uppermost segment of the heel counter 32 of the shoe 12 to retract and spread backward away from the foot. This action allows the user to insert their 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 toward the forefoot. The deformation of the heel cup 52 may include widening the shoe opening by expanding the attached heel counter 32, causing the inner and outer surfaces of the heel cup to move outward. The inward and outward widening of the shoe opening 48 allows for easier entry, such as easier insertion of the forefoot of the user's foot. In one exemplary embodiment, a 7.5 cm shoe opening can widen by up to 4 cm or about 50%. See Figures 4C and 4D. This widening can be smaller or larger depending on the shoe size and the flexibility of the heel cup. In some shoes, the desired spread can be made smaller or larger depending on the needs of fastening and use.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments of the heel cup 52 shown in Figures 1 to 4, the thickness T1 of the heel cup 52, which is formed from a polymer material such as DuPont Hytrel, can range from 0.4 mm to 4 mm. The thickness T1 of the heel cup can be made thinner or thicker in various regions depending on the desired elastic and durable properties of the material. For example, the central part can be made thinner than the peripheral part, specifically the central part can be made thinner as shown in Figure 6B. The central part can be spaced apart from the inner and outer edges, and the peripheral part can have a greater thickness. Other suitable materials include other thermoplastic elastomers or other polymers that can provide compressible properties to the heel cup.

[0020] In another exemplary embodiment, the heel cup may be configured to have a series of cross beams forming an egg crate-like structure. Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment with diagonally arranged beams. In another embodiment, the beams may be arranged longitudinally and transversely. The apertures between the beams may be of generally uniform size. The beams may be of uniform dimensions or may vary in thickness and width. Thinner or narrower beams are used to increase flexibility and compressibility at a given location, while thicker or wider beams provide varying degrees of rigidity support. For example, the beams may be thinner in the intermediate section, specifically in the central part of the intermediate section spaced away from the edges. The surrounding beams may be thicker than the central section. The central section may allow for greater flexibility to deform under load.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the rearmost part of the heel cup 52 may have an overall vertical cross-sectional shape that is roughly similar to an S-wave, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6A. The upper and lower parts of the S-wave can be distinguished at a point P1 that passes through the midline 90, a horizontal plane drawn between the upper and lower arc ends of the S-wave and intersects the heel counter 52 and the inflection point of the S-wave. The amplitude (AU) and width (WU) of the upper arc of the S-wave may differ from the amplitude (AL) and width (WL) of the lower arc of the S-wave. In exemplary embodiments, 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 can consist only of the lower arc along the inner and outer surfaces of the heel cup 52, with both AU / AL and WU / WL decreasing in the cross-section of the area extending from the rearmost cross-section of the heel cup 52. The measurements at the rearmost part of the heel cup 52 in the exemplary embodiment are intended to be illustrative.

[0022] The central region of the heel cup midsection may have a single aperture or multiple apertures. Just as the central region of the heel cup midsection 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 heel cup midsection may be constructed of a more flexible material than the material forming its periphery. The resulting effect of the central region containing a single aperture, multiple apertures, a small thickness, and / or a highly flexible material can play a role in facilitating the user's foot to enter and exit the shoe.

[0023] In addition to this exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the heel cup 52 can be attached to at least an internal foam layer 92. As shown in Figures 8 to 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 and the outer wall of the heel cup 52. The foam layer 92 can further protrude into the shoe opening 48 around the upper and middle portions. The foam layer 92 can form part of the cuff of the shoe opening 48 by becoming thicker at or near the upper 64 and middle portions 58 of the heel cup 52. With a thicker foam layer 92, the foam is positioned above the calcaneal region of the user's foot and extends around at least part of the ankle region of the foot, so that the foot can be secured when the user's foot is inserted into the shoe 12. Because the foam is compressible, the foam is compressed by the heel during insertion and removal of the foot, so that the ankle can be held in place when the foot is inserted.

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

[0025] The heel cup may have a lower portion that forms a heel cup configured to receive the heel of the foot. The lower portion of the heel cup may further have side extensions around both the medial and lateral surfaces. The heel cup may have an intermediate portion located above the lower portion of the heel cup and curving inward above the calcaneus, or which may be composed of an aperture. The heel cup may have an aperture located at the rear of the heel cup. In addition to this embodiment, the heel cup may also be a rigid heel cup made of a material that is substantially incompressible under the load of the foot.

[0026] The midsection of the rigid heel cup may incorporate at least one additional aperture to enhance the fit of the shoe around the heel of the foot. The upper material layer covering the aperture may include an elastic material so that the material stretches around the contour of the heel. The tension generated when this elastic material stretches can enhance the foot's stability during normal shoe use.

[0027] The upper part of the heel cup may be configured to have a smooth curvature that curves downward from the upper end of the heel cup toward the shoe opening 48. The inner wall of the upper part has an overall downward slope that curves downward from the upper edge toward the interior of the upper 16. The inner wall of the upper part may have shoehorn-like dimensions so that the smooth curvature and downward slope angle of the upper part facilitate the heel of the foot sliding into the shoe 12. The heel cup may be constructed of a rigid material that is substantially incompressible under the load of the user's foot. In another embodiment, the heel cup may have some flexibility so that the upper part of the heel cup has enough flexibility to bend downward away from the shoe opening and / or widen the shoe opening 48 so as to facilitate the insertion and / or removal of the foot.

[0028] As shown in Figure 11, the upper edge 72 of the heel counter 32 can also form an elastic support structure for the rear heel collar 74. When incorporating the heel cup 52 into the upper 16, the outer layer 42 and inner layer or internal structure 44 of the upper can be formed by covering the heel cup 52 with (single or double) fabric material or other suitable (single or double) material known in the art. The fabric material can extend above the heel cup 52 to form an extension of the heel collar 74.

[0029] As the inner compressible layer of the upper 16 in Figure 11, a foam material or any (single or double) inner lining material known in the art can be used. The foam material 76 can be bonded to the inner surface of the heel cup 52 to provide cushioning against the rigid heel cup material. The thickness of the foam material can be uniform or vary at specific locations depending on the desired cushioning or support for the foot. In one exemplary embodiment, a thicker foam material is placed on the inner wall 66 of the upper 64 and can further extend at least partially along the inward-outward length of the inner wall 66. This foam material can 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 Figure 10. In this embodiment, the foot can compress the foam material during insertion of the user's foot. After insertion of the foot, the foam material can expand to a fully uncompressed state or partially expand to improve the foot's fixation within the shoe 12. A thin foam material can also be used to cover other parts of the heel cup 52.

[0030] The rigid heel cup 52 can be used in combination with a shoe upper 16 having at least one elastic region 78 located between the heel cup 52 on the side of the upper and the front portion of the shoe opening 48 that receives the foot. 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 shoe opening 48 that receives the foot in order to facilitate insertion of the foot into the shoe 12. As shown in Figure 11, the elastic material may be a gore piece 80 configured to be fixed within the gap of the upper, such as a gusset in the inner quarter or outer quarter or both. The elastic material may be present in the space between the heel cup 52 and the quarter 30, or the bump 24, or optionally the upper located on the tongue. The elastic material may also be configured as a series of elastic strips or webbing extending between the heel cup 52 and the inner and outer surfaces of the bump 24, or optionally the tongue.

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

[0032] In some embodiments having a tongue 126 as shown in Figure 14, the inner surface of the upper part 132 of the tongue 126 is attached to the first or proximal end of the inner elastic strap 128, and the outer surface of the upper part 132 of the tongue 126 is attached to the first or proximal end of the outer elastic strap 130. The front lower part 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 approximate position of the tongue when the user puts on the shoe.

[0033] In other embodiments, the inner and outer edges of the tongue's rim, or the upper part of the tongue, are attached to the inner and outer quarter linings of the upper by gussets made of elastic material. Similarly, the gussets can also function to maintain the approximate position of the tongue when the user puts on the shoe. In another embodiment of the tongue, at least a portion of the inner and outer edges of the tongue can be directly glued or sewn to the inside of the upper and the tongue itself. Furthermore, at the top of the tongue, the tongue can be extended more widely in the inward and outward directions than a conventional tongue, and the edge or a portion of this extension can be glued or sewn to the inside of the upper.

[0034] In other embodiments, an instep or tongue support, which may include a sheet-like material that is stiffer than the instep or tongue fabric, can 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. The instep or tongue support can limit or prevent the instep or tongue from collapsing during foot insertion. In one embodiment shown in Figure 14, the tongue support 134 can be made of a rigid material such as a thermoplastic polymer configured to be more rigid than the tongue. In some embodiments, the instep or tongue support can have a thickness of 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The instep support may have the same extent as the instep or tongue, or it may extend beyond the inner or outer surface of the instep or tongue. In the embodiment shown in Figure 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 the gusset 80 shown in Figures 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, an area near the bump 24, or the eyestay adjacent to the tongue. The reinforcing quarter element can be more rigid than the upper or quarter material. The material of the reinforcing quarter element can be leather, plastic, or a stiff fabric. The reinforcing quarter element can be attached to the upper by adhesive or stitching. The reinforcing quarter element can be configured as an elongated shape, such as a strip extending along the front lower edge and collar portion of the gusset. The reinforcing quarter element can be positioned on the outer surface, or it can be an internal layer of the upper, such as a layer embedded within the upper or a layer along part of the inner lining of the upper. The reinforcing quarter element can provide greater stability to the opening of the shoe, resisting the quarter and instep area from collapsing or moving inward within the shoe's opening when the foot is inserted into the shoe and the heel cup is pushed backward.

[0036] When reinforcing quarter elements are used in combination with the eye stay layer used in laced shoes, the eye stay can provide additional structural support in resisting the quarter and instep from collapsing or shifting inward within the shoe opening. Thus, when the foot pushes against the heel cup and the gusset is stretched backward, the reinforcing quarter elements are not pulled too far backward. Consequently, when the foot is inserted into the shoe and the heel cup is pushed backward, a wider opening can be achieved in the shoe opening.

[0037] Compressible lining In some embodiments, the inner surfaces of the heel counter and heel / ankle collar may have portions having a compressible layer, such as a foam layer. The compressible layer can expand into the shoe opening. The compressible layer is compressed under load during putting on and taking off the shoe. The foam layer expands completely or partially to become uncompressible after the foot is inserted into the shoe, and such expansion can enhance the foot's secureness within the shoe.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment, the compressible layer 100 is embedded in at least a portion of the ankle collar 140 and the upper region of the heel counter 32. See Figures 15–19. The compressible layer 100 expands within the opening of the shoe. While wearing the shoe, the foot applies pressure to the compressible layer, widening the opening of the shoe through the temporary compression of the compressible layer. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the compressible layer expands partially or completely to its original shape. As the compressible layer expands, the foam can expand around the foot to enhance foot comfort and support. In some embodiments, the compressible layer expands above and / or around the calcaneus of the user's foot, and around at least a portion of the ankle region of the foot.

[0039] The compressible layer can be made of a foamed material such as EVA or polyurethane foam. The shape of the compressible layer can be pre-formed by molding the material and attaching the compressible layer between at least two layers of fibrous material. The shape of the compressible layer can have at least a 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 can be larger at the rear of the heel counter and tapered along the longitudinal direction of the inner portion of the foam on both sides of the shoe. The compressible layer can be tapered or rounded along the vertical axis, and this compressible layer has 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 can be used to form the entire heel cup without requiring a further heel cup or heel counter. Alternatively, the compressible layer can be used in combination with a compressible heel cup as shown in Figure 1. The heel cup can define the outer surface of the upper, the inner surface of the upper, or, for example, if embedded in a compressible layer, the heel cup can define the inner layer.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, a lower flange 118 extends downward from the ankle collar and is configured to attach to the upper. The lower flange can be configured to any dimensions necessary to secure the ankle collar to the upper. The length of the lower flange can also vary. In some embodiments, the lower flange can define the portion of the ankle collar 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, as shown in Figure 1, can be partially or completely embedded in the lower flange.

[0041] The compressible layer 100 can be covered with any type of fiber, which may be elastic and have wicking properties. The fiber can conform to the shape of the compressible layer. In a preferred embodiment, the compressible layer is inserted into an elastic fiber sleeve after an adhesive, such as a thermoplastic-based adhesive, has been applied to it. The resulting product can then be attached to the ankle collar 140 by adhesive or by sewing, according to a desired pattern. The fiber may also be made of a thermoplastic material, and after the compressible layer 100 has been inserted into the fiber sleeve, heat may be applied to fuse the fiber to the compressible layer 100. In a preferred embodiment, steam may be applied to conform the fiber to a pre-formed 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 on its upper part, but may have seams on the bottom where it is attached to the upper 16. A seamless ankle collar 140 may extend from the inner quarter around the heel to the outer quarter. When the user's foot is inserted into the footwear, the user's heel presses the compressive layer 100 against the heel cup. The heel cup prevents the structural integrity of a portion of the heel area of ​​the upper 16 from collapsing when the user's heel presses against the compressive layer 100, thus allowing the user's foot to easily enter the shoe without the use of the user's hand or an external shoehorn. Once the user's heel is fully inserted into the shoe, the compressive layer can help to provide comfort and secure the user's foot in the shoe by rebounding and exerting force on the back of the user's heel above the calcaneus and around a portion of the ankle area.

[0043] In addition to this exemplary embodiment, the seamless upper cross section of the ankle collar 140 is substantially circular. The ankle collar 140 can be separated into a front section 142 and a rear section 144. Each of the front and rear sections is similar to a substantially circular cross section 22 or a semicircular cross section, where the radius of the front section is greater than the radius of the rear section. See Figures 18-19. The compressible layer can be attached directly to the internal structure of the heel counter or via a fiber sleeve covering 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 can partially form the outer layer of the shoe, extending from the inner quarter to the outer quarter of the shoe around the heel portion of the upper 16. In other embodiments, the heel counter support can further extend 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 can vary in height in different areas of the shoe. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the inner and outer ends of the heel counter support 96 gradually decreases towards the base of the upper 16 directly above the sole 14. The heel counter support 96 can have an inner region of maximum height on the inner surface of the heel portion of the upper and an outer region of maximum height on the outer 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 inner and outer 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 inner and outer surfaces of the heel portion is approximately 3 centimeters from the lasting surface 116. The heel counter support 96 can gradually decrease in height from its maximum height region to a region of substantially uniform height along the rear of the heel portion 98 of the upper 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the height along the heel portion 98 of the upper 16 extends to approximately 3 centimeters above the lasting surface 116, and the substantially 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 can partially form the outer surface of the upper 16. The heel counter support 96 can have an inner surface that contacts the outer surface of the heel portion 98 of the upper 16. The heel counter support 96 can have a thickness that varies from its outer surface to its inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, angular strips 102 form the increased thickness portion of the heel counter support 96. The angular strips 102 can increase the rigidity of the heel counter support 96 and be configured to receive the compressible element 100.

[0046] In exemplary embodiments, the angled strip 102 has hollowed protrusions on the inner and outer surfaces of the shoe 12 to which the 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 hollowed protrusions 102. The hollowed protrusions of the angled strip 102 can extend partially or completely around the surface of the compressible element 100. In exemplary embodiments, the compressible element 100 can be formed of polyoxymethylene, or of any other material having similar durability, sufficient rigidity to support the load of the foot, and flexibility to curve from the inner to the outer surface of the heel portion of the shoe 12. The 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 may be designed to receive the compressible element 100 at an angle such that the compressible element 100 extends from within the hollow projection 102 toward the rear of the shoe 12 at a rearward inclination A2. The rearward inclination A2 of the compressible element 100 is approximately 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane of the floor 88. See Figure 20A. A foam layer 92 extending above the rear heel portion 98 of the upper 16 at the rear of the heel opening may have a rearward inclination A2 similar to that of the compressible element 100. The rearward inclination 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] The central segment 104 of the compressible element 100 extends behind the rearmost part of the upper 16 and can pass through one or more guide tunnels 106 of the upper 16. In an exemplary embodiment, strips of leather material are sewn to the foam layer 92 and extend upward above the upper at the rear of the heel opening. The ends of the leather strips are sewn together to form guide tunnels 106 through which the compressible element passes.

[0048] When putting on the shoe 12, the user's foot can press down and backward from the shoe opening against the compressible element 100 and / or the rearward-sloping foam layer 92. Once the user's foot is fully inside the shoe 12, the compressible element 100 and the rearward-sloping foam layer 92 return to their initial raised position.

[0049] The additional internal heel support 114 made of foam material can have sufficient thickness to reinforce foot fixation at the Achilles tendon, and when the user puts on the shoe 12, the calcaneus can be positioned below the additional internal heel support 114. The internal heel support 114 can have sufficient height to be positioned above the calcaneus when the foot is inserted into the shoe.

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

[0051] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that the sole structure can be modified and altered without departing from the intended scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Footwear, The upper and sole structure define the opening of the shoe that receives the foot, A heel cup attached to the upper and extending from the sole structure to at least a portion of the rear heel collar of the upper, Includes, The heel cup is integrally molded and has an upper part, a middle part, and a lower part, the upper part has a shorter inward-outward length than the middle part, and the middle part and the lower part form a concave structure configured to enclose the heel. The upper part has the first configuration, The upper part can be deformed into a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user puts on footwear. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the upper part is lower than in the first configuration. The upper part can return to the first configuration after the load on the user's foot is removed. The aforementioned intermediate portion defines the peripheral portion and the central portion, The aforementioned peripheral portion has a first thickness, The aforementioned central portion has a second thickness, The second thickness is smaller than the first thickness. Footwear.

2. The first thickness gradually decreases from the peripheral portion to the central portion up to the second thickness. The footwear product according to claim 1.

3. At least a portion of the upper part and a portion of the lower part have a thickness that is approximately equal to or greater than the first thickness. The footwear article according to claim 1.

4. The lower region of the central part extends outward in a direction away from the shoe opening, thereby widening the shoe opening along the inward and outward directions. The footwear article according to claim 1.

5. In the first configuration, the upper part has a downward inclination of a first angle with respect to a vertical line perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the floor, and in the second configuration, the upper part has an inclination of a second angle, the second angle being greater than the first angle. The footwear article according to claim 1.

6. In the second configuration, the upper region of the central part of the intermediate section is closer to the front of the footwear than in the first configuration. The footwear article according to claim 1.

7. In the second configuration, the peripheral portion of the intermediate part extends outward significantly more than in the first configuration, along the inward-outward width of the footwear article. The footwear article according to claim 1.

8. The second thickness is at least 1 / 6 of the first thickness. The footwear article according to claim 1.

9. The first thickness is 3.07 mm or less, and the second thickness is at least 0.5 mm. The footwear article according to claim 1.

10. An elastic member is positioned between the heel cup and the front portion of the shoe opening that receives the foot. The footwear article according to claim 1.

11. The tongue further includes a support member attached to the tongue, the support member preventing deformation of the tongue when the user puts on the footwear. The footwear article according to claim 1.

12. The support member is a connector that connects a part of the tongue to the upper. The footwear article according to claim 11.

13. The support member is a rigid member that extends at least partially in the same direction as the tongue. The footwear article according to claim 11.

14. A foam member is placed on at least the inner surface of the upper and middle portions of the heel cup, and the foam member is compressed by the user's heel when the foot is inserted, and the foam member can apply pressure to the user's ankle at the time the foot is inserted. The footwear product according to claim 1.

15. The foam member extends from both sides of the upper part of the heel cup along at least a portion of the inner surface of the upper, forming the side portion of the foam member. The footwear article according to claim 14.

16. The foamed member has a tapered side surface. The footwear article according to claim 15.

17. The rear portion of the foam member is curved inward and tapered vertically downward along the concave structure of the heel cup. The footwear article according to claim 16.

18. Footwear, The upper and sole structure define the opening of the shoe that receives the foot, A heel cup attached to the upper and extending from the sole structure to at least a portion of the rear heel collar of the upper, Includes, The heel cup is uniformly molded to have an upper part, a middle part, and a lower part, the upper part having a shorter inward-outward length than the middle part, and the middle part and the lower part form a concave structure configured to receive the heel. The upper part has the first configuration, The upper part can be deformed into a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user puts on footwear. The upper part can return to the first configuration after the load on the user's foot is removed. The upper part in the first configuration has a downward inclination at a first angle with respect to a vertical line perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the floor, The upper part in the second configuration has an inclination of a second angle, and the second angle is greater than the first angle. The lower region of the central part extends outward in a direction away from the shoe opening, thereby widening the shoe opening along the inward and outward directions. Footwear.

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

20. The upper of a footwear item, The shoe opening that accepts the foot, A U-shaped foam ankle collar that is essentially tubular, Includes, The ankle collar forms the uppermost region of the shoe opening that receives the foot. The foam ankle collar extends at least partially around and over the shoe opening that receives the foot. The ankle collar is compressed by the user's heel during foot insertion, and can apply pressure to the user's ankle when the foot is inserted. The ankle collar has a flat region along its length that forms a downward angle from the uppermost region toward the front of the footwear article. upper.

21. The lower part of the ankle collar has an attachment piece that attaches to the upper. The upper according to claim 20.

22. The ankle collar does not have stitching or seams on the upper part of the ankle collar. The upper according to claim 20.

23. The cross-sectional shape of the ankle collar has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being a substantially semicircle having a first radius, and the second portion being a substantially semicircle having a second radius, the first radius being larger than the second radius. The upper according to claim 20.

24. The footwear further includes a heel cup, the heel cup having a first configuration, the heel cup being able to deform to a second configuration under the weight of the user's foot when the user puts on the footwear, the heel cup being able to automatically return to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the footwear, and the ankle collar being positioned above the heel cup. The upper according to claim 20.

25. The upper of a footwear item, The shoe opening that accepts the foot, A U-shaped foam ankle collar that is essentially tubular, Includes, The ankle collar forms the uppermost region of the shoe opening that receives the foot. The foam ankle collar extends at least partially around and over the shoe opening that receives the foot. The ankle collar is compressed by the user's heel during foot insertion, and can apply pressure to the user's ankle when the foot is inserted. The ankle collar has a flat region along its length that forms a downward angle from the uppermost region toward the front of the footwear article. upper.

26. The lower part of the ankle collar has an attachment piece that attaches to the upper. The upper according to claim 25.

27. The ankle collar does not have stitching or seams on the upper part of the ankle collar. The upper according to claim 25.

28. The cross-sectional shape of the ankle collar has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being a substantially semicircle having a first radius, and the second portion being a substantially semicircle having a second radius, the first radius being larger than the second radius. The upper according to claim 25.

29. The footwear further includes a heel cup, the heel cup having a first configuration, the heel cup being able to deform to a second configuration under the weight of the user's foot when the user puts on the footwear, the heel cup being able to automatically return to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the footwear, and the ankle collar being positioned above the heel cup. The upper according to claim 25.

30. The heel cup includes a peripheral portion and a central portion, the peripheral portion having a first thickness which determines the maximum thickness of the heel cup, the central portion having a second thickness which determines the minimum thickness of the heel cup, and the first thickness gradually decreases from the peripheral portion to the central portion to the second thickness. The upper according to claim 25.

31. Footwear, The upper and sole structure define the opening of the shoe that receives the foot, A heel counter support having at least two hollow receptacles having a rearward angle, located on the upper and above the sole structure, A compressible element having two ends, Includes, Each of the two hollow receptacles receives one end of the compressible element, The compressible element has a first configuration, The compressible element can be deformed into a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user puts on footwear. The compressible element can automatically return to the first configuration after the user's foot has been fully inserted into the footwear. Footwear.

32. The heel counter support defines the outer layer of the upper. The footwear article according to claim 31.

33. The compressible element is cylindrical. The footwear article according to claim 31.

34. The compressible element extends from the upper inner quarter to the outer quarter of the shoe opening that receives the foot. The footwear article according to claim 31.

35. The compressible element extends through a tunnel attached to the upper, The footwear article according to claim 31.

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