Footwear counter for easy attachment and detachment

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 based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 256,521, filed on October 15, 2021.

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

Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, when wearing footwear such as sports shoes, users often have to use one or both hands or operate a separate shoehorn to correctly insert their feet into the shoes 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 its natural state and can deform to a second configuration under the load of the user's foot when the user is wearing 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 and can deform into 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 on the user's foot is removed. In the first configuration, the upper part has a downward inclination at 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 at a second angle greater than the first angle. Also, in the second configuration, the lower region of the central part of the heel cup that widens the shoe opening in the inner and outer directions extends outward in a 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 for receiving the foot. The foam ankle collar surrounds at least partially the shoe opening for receiving the foot and spreads to cover the shoe opening for receiving the foot, 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 can also have a flat region that forms a downward angle along its length from the uppermost region towards 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 can have at least two hollow receptacles with backward angles. Also, 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 deform into a second configuration under the load of the 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] The following describes selected embodiments and aspects of the present invention by way of example only. In each description, reference is made to a figure (a "FIG.") showing the matter being described. Some of the figures shown in the drawings or photographs attached to this specification can 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 Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] A shoe can include a sole and an upper. The sole can include an outsole, a midsole, and / or an integrally formed outsole and midsole. The upper can 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 can include an exterior layer, interior layers or interior structure, and / or an inner lining. The upper can form a shoe opening that can receive a user's foot when the user is wearing the shoe.

[0013] The heel counter or the rear portion of the upper can include a (single or plural) structure that enables easy insertion of the foot into the shoe opening. These structures can also assist in the easy removal of the foot. Further, the heel counter or the rear portion of the upper can expand temporarily when the user is wearing or removing the shoe. The expansion of the shoe opening can be initiated by the user applying a load on the heel counter or the rear portion of the upper with the user's foot with minimal or no assistance by the user's hand. In other embodiments of the present invention, the heel counter can be compressible when receiving a sufficient load and can also return to an uncompressed state. The lowering of the heel counter can also enable easier insertion of the user's foot. The heel counter can have a compressible layer such as a foaming element that ensures or enhances the fixation of the foot when the foot is inserted into the shoe during normal shoe wearing by the user.

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

[0015] Referring to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 - 4, the heel cup 52 has a shape that substantially corresponds to a heel cover and has a profile similar to a pear - like shape. As shown in FIGS. 1 - 2, the heel cup has a smaller mediolateral width near the heel cup collar 84 than at the lower portion 54.

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

[0017] The thickness of the heel cup 52 can be decreased at various positions. The upper end line 88 can have tapering on 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 decreased in some areas so as to enhance the flexibility of the heel cup 52 when the shoe 12 is put on and taken off. In one embodiment, the thickness T1 of the heel cup 52 can gradually decrease from the peripheral portion 70 forming the area of the perimeter of the heel cup 52 towards 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 to 1 / 6 of the thickest portion at the perimeter of the heel cup 52, with a thickness such as 0.5-1 mm. The thickest region at the upper part can be thicker than the thickest region at the lower part. The decreased thickness T1 in the central region of the intermediate portion 58 can enable the heel cup 52 to be compressed under sufficient load. In another embodiment, the thickness T1 can decrease across the entire inner-outer direction portion, or in a plurality of regions such as the region in the intermediate portion 58 and / or the region in the upper portion 64. The thin regions can provide the required compressibility under the load of the user's foot, such as when the shoe 12 is being worn, by enhancing the flexibility and bendability of the heel cup 52. 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 make it easier to insert the foot. The heel cup 52 can deform from a first configuration in a natural state to a second configuration under the load of the 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 retracts sufficiently to allow the insertion of the user's foot. For example, refer to FIG. 9. When 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 the user wears the shoe 12, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the heel counter 32 is compressed, the uppermost part of the convex curved portion of the heel cup 52 or the uppermost segment of the heel counter 32 of the shoe 12 can retreat and move away from the foot and spread rearward. This action enables the user to insert the foot into the shoe opening 48 with a low degree of plantar flexion. During the compression of the heel cup 52, a part of the heel cup 52 can move forward in the direction of the forefoot. The deformation of the heel cup 52 can include widening the shoe opening by the attached heel counter 32 expanding and the inner and outer surfaces of the heel cup moving outward. The inward and outward expansion of the shoe opening 48 allows for easier entry such as the easy insertion of the forefoot of the user's foot. In one exemplary embodiment, a 7.5 cm shoe opening can expand up to 4 cm or about 50%. See FIGS. 4C and 4D. This expansion can be made smaller or larger depending on the size of the shoe and the flexibility of the heel cup. In some shoes, the desired expansion can be made smaller or larger depending on the needs of fixation and use.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the heel cup 52 as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the thickness T1 of the heel cup 52 formed of a polymeric material such as Dupont Hytrel can range from 0.4 millimeters to 4 millimeters. The range of 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 FIG. 6B. The central part can be spaced from the inner and outer edges, and the peripheral part can have a greater thickness. Other suitable materials can include other thermoplastic elastomers or other polymers that can provide compressible properties of the heel cup.

[0020] In another exemplary embodiment, the heel cup can be configured to have a series of cross beams that form an egg crate-like configuration. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment having diagonally configured beams. In another embodiment, the beams can be arranged in a vertical and horizontal configuration. The apertures between the beams can be of generally uniform size. The beams can be of uniform dimensions or can have different thicknesses and widths. Thin or narrow beams are used to increase flexibility and compressibility at designated locations, while thick or wide beams provide varying degrees of rigid support. For example, in the middle portion, specifically the central portion spaced from the edges, the beams can be made thinner. The surrounding beams can be made thicker than the central portion. The central portion can be made highly flexible to deform under load.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the rearmost portion of the heel cup 52 can have an overall vertical cross-sectional shape generally similar to an S-wave as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A. The upper and lower portions of the S-wave can be distinguished at a horizontal plane, i.e., at point P1 passing through the center line 90, which is drawn between the upper arc end and the lower arc end of the S-wave and intersects the inflection point of the heel counter 52 and the S-wave. The amplitude (AU) and width (WU) of the upper arc of the S-wave can 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 can consist of only 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 cross-section of the rearmost portion of the heel cup 52. The measurements at the rearmost portion of the heel cup 52 in the exemplary embodiment are intended to be exemplary.

[0022] The central region of the middle part of the heel cup can have a single aperture or a plurality of apertures. In exactly the same way that the central region of the middle part of the heel cup can be composed of a material with a thickness less than the maximum thickness of the color and / or the base, the central region of the middle part of the heel cup can be composed of a material that is more flexible than the material forming its peripheral part. The effects resulting from the central region including a single aperture, a plurality of apertures, a small thickness, and / or a highly flexible material can play a role in facilitating the insertion and removal of the user's foot into and out of the shoe.

[0023] In addition to this exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the heel cup 52 can be attached at least to the internal foam layer 92. As shown in FIGS. 8 - 10, the heel cup 52 can be disposed 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 project and spread into the shoe opening 48 around the upper and middle parts. The foam layer 92 can form part of the cuff of the shoe opening 48 by becoming thicker at or near the upper part 64 and the middle part 58 of the heel cup 52. In the thick foam layer 92, since the foam is located above the calcaneus region of the user's foot and spreads around at least a part of the ankle region of the foot, the foot can be fixed when the user's foot is inserted into the shoe 12. Since the foam is compressible, the foam can be compressed by the heel during the insertion and removal of the foot, and can 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 portion 36 of the shoe upper 16 as shown in FIGS. 11-13. The heel counter 32 can include a heel cup 52, and the heel cup 52 can be an internal component of the upper 16, or a part of the inner lining 46 of the upper 16 or an attachment adjacent to the inner lining 46 such that the heel cup 52 contacts the foot, or a part of the outer layer 42 of the upper 16 or an attachment on the outer surface of the outer layer 42 of the upper 16.

[0025] The heel cup can have a lower portion that forms 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 inner and outer surfaces. The heel cup can have an intermediate portion located above the lower portion of the heel cup and curving inwardly above the calcaneus bone, or can be configured with 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 be a rigid heel cup composed of a material that is substantially non-compressible under the load of the foot.

[0026] At least one aperture can be incorporated into the intermediate portion of the rigid heel cup to add to enhance the fit of the shoe around the heel of the foot. 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 generated when this elastic material stretches can enhance the fixation of the foot during normal shoe use.

[0027] The upper portion of the heel cup can be configured to have a smooth curvature that curves downwardly and extends from the upper end of the heel cup toward the shoe opening 48. The inner wall of the upper portion has an overall downward inclination that extends from the curved upper edge of the upper portion toward the interior of the upper 16. The inner wall of the upper portion can have dimensions similar to a shoe last such that the smooth curvature and the angle of the downward inclination of the upper portion facilitate the slipping of the heel of the foot into the shoe 12. The heel cup can be constructed of a rigid material that is not substantially compressed under the load of the user's foot. In another embodiment, the heel cup has some flexibility such that the upper portion of the heel cup has sufficient flexibility to bend away downwardly from the shoe opening and / or to expand the shoe opening 48 to facilitate the insertion and / or removal of the foot.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 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 the inner layer or internal structure 44 of the upper can be formed by covering the heel cup 52 with a (single or plural) fabric material or a (single or plural) suitable material well known in the art. The fabric material can form an extension of the heel collar 74 by extending above the heel cup 52.

[0029] As the inner compressible layer of the upper 16 of FIG. 11, a foam material or any (single or multiple) inner lining material well-known in the art can be used. The foam material 76 can be adhered to the inner surface of the heel cup 52 to provide cushioning against the hard heel cup material. The thickness of the foam material can be uniform according to the desired cushioning or support force for the foot, or can vary at specific positions. In one exemplary embodiment, a foam material with an increased thickness is disposed on the inner wall 66 of the upper 64 and can further extend at least partially along the inner-outer direction length of the inner wall 66. This foam material can be configured to curve around at least a part 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 foot can compress the foam material during the insertion of the user's foot. After the foot is inserted, the foam material can expand to a fully uncompressed state or partially expand to improve the fixation of the foot 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 can have one or more elastic materials that allow the rear portion of the heel counter 32 to temporarily retreat to widen the shoe opening 48 for easier insertion of the foot into the shoe 12. As shown in FIG. 11, the elastic material can be a gore piece 80 configured to be fixed within the void of the upper in the form of, for example, a gusset in the inner quarter or the outer quarter or both. The elastic material can be present within any interval between the heel cup 52 and the quarter 30, or the bump 24, or in some cases the upper located at the vamp. The elastic material can also be configured as a series of elastic strips or webbing that extend between the heel cup 52 and the inner and outer surfaces of the bump 24 or, in some cases, the vamp.

[0031] Instep support In some embodiments, an instep support can be used to help prevent the user's instep from partially or tangentially drawing into the throat area when the user wears the shoe.

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

[0033] In other embodiments, each of the inner and outer surfaces of the edge of the tang or the upper part of the tang is attached to the inner lining of the inner and outer quarters of the upper by a gusset made of elastic material. Similarly, the gusset can also function to maintain the general position of the tang when the user wears the shoe. In another embodiment of the tang, at least a part of the inner and outer edges of the tang can be directly adhered or sewn to the inside of the upper and the tang. Further, at the upper part of the tang, the tang can be extended wider along the inner and outer directions than a conventional tang, and the edge or a part of this extended portion can be adhered or sewn to the inside of the upper.

[0034] In other embodiments, an instep or tongue support that can include a sheet-like material harder than the fabric of the instep or tongue can be attached to the outer surface of the tongue or embedded between an outer tongue layer and an inner tongue layer facing the shoe opening. The instep or tongue support can limit or prevent the instep or tongue from collapsing during foot insertion. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the tongue support 134 can be made of a rigid material such as a thermoplastic polymer configured to be stiffer 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 can have the same spread as the instep or tongue, or can extend beyond the inner or outer surface of the instep or tongue. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the tongue support 134 can be made 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. When 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, an area near the bump 24, or the eyestay adjacent to the vamp. The reinforcing quarter element can be stiffer than the upper or quarter material. The material of the reinforcing quarter element can be composed of leather, plastic, or a stiff fabric. The reinforcing quarter element can be attached to the upper by adhesion or stitching. The reinforcing quarter element can be configured in an elongated shape such as a strip extending along the front lower edge of the gusset and the collar portion. The reinforcing quarter element can be disposed on the outer surface or can be an inner layer of the upper, such as a layer embedded within the upper or a layer along a part of the inner lining of the upper. The reinforcing quarter element can provide great stability to the shoe opening so as to resist the quarter and instep regions from collapsing or moving inwards within the shoe opening when the foot is inserted into the shoe and the heel cup is pushed rearward.

[0036] When the reinforcing quarter element is used in combination with an eyestay layer used in laced shoes, the eyestay can provide additional structural support in resisting the quarter and instep from collapsing or moving inwards within the shoe opening. Thus, when the foot presses on the heel cup and the gusset is stretched rearward, the reinforcing quarter element is not greatly pulled rearward. Thus, a wider opening of the shoe opening can be achieved when the foot is inserted into the shoe and the heel cup is pushed rearward.

[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 / off. The foam layer expands fully 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 wear, 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 fully 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 can be composed 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 within the ankle collar of the shoe. As shown in FIGS. 17-18, the volume of the compressible layer can be large at the rear of the heel counter and tapered along the longitudinal direction of the inner portion of the foamed layer on both sides of the shoe. The compressible layer can be tapered or rounded along a vertical axis, and this compressible layer has a large volume at the upper part of the ankle collar 140 and a small volume at the lower part of the ankle collar 140. See FIGS. 18-19. The compressible layer can be used to form the entire heel cup without the need for an additional heel cup or heel counter. Alternatively, the compressible layer can also be used in combination with a compressible heel cup as shown in FIG. 1. The heel cup can define the outer surface of the upper, the heel cup can define the inner surface of the upper, or the heel cup can define the inner layer when, for example, it is embedded within the 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 dimensions not necessary for fixing 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 at all from the ankle collar. 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 FIG. 1 can be partially or completely embedded within the lower flange.

[0041] The compressible layer 100 can be covered by any type of fiber. This fiber can be elastic and can have wicking properties. This fiber can conform to the outer shape of the compressible layer. In a preferred embodiment, after an adhesive such as a thermoplastic-based adhesive is applied to the compressible layer, the compressible layer is inserted into an elastic fiber sleeve. The resulting product can also be attached by any means such as adhesive or sewing according to the desired pattern of the ankle collar 140. The fiber can also include a thermoplastic material, and after the compressible layer 100 is inserted into the fiber sleeve, heat can be applied to fuse the fiber to the compressible layer 100. In a preferred embodiment, steam can be applied so that the fiber conforms 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 can have no stitching or seams on its upper part and can have seams on the bottom attached to the upper 16. The seamless ankle collar 140 can 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 compressible layer 100 against the heel cup. The heel cup prevents the structural integrity of a part of the heel region of the upper 16 from collapsing when the user's heel presses on the compressible layer 100, and thus enables the user's foot to easily enter the shoe without using the user's hand or an external shoehorn. When the user's heel is fully inserted into the shoe, the compressible layer rebounds and exerts a force against the back of the user's heel above the calcaneus and around a part of the ankle region, thereby providing comfort and helping to secure the user's foot in the shoe.

[0043] In addition to this exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the seamless top of the ankle collar 140 is substantially circular. The ankle collar 140 can be separated into a front portion 142 and a rear portion 144. Each of the front portion and the rear portion is similar to a generally circular cross-section 22 or a semi-circular cross-section in which the radius of the front portion is greater than the radius of the rear portion. See FIGS. 18-19. The compressible layer can be attached directly to the internal structure of the heel counter or via a fiber sleeve that covers the material of the compressible layer.

[0044] Compressible Heel Counter with Heel Counter Support In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20-22, the heel counter support 96 partially forms the outer layer of the shoe and can extend 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 bump portion of the shoe. The height of the heel counter support 96 can vary in different regions 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 about 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 about 3 centimeters from the lasting surface 116. The height of the heel counter support 96 can gradually decrease from the region of its maximum height to a region of substantially uniform height along the rear portion 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 about 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 about 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 portions of increased thickness of the heel counter support 96. The angular strips 102 can enhance the rigidity of the heel counter support 96 and can be configured to receive the compressible element 100.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the angular strips 102 have hollowed protrusions on the inner and outer surfaces of the shoe 12 where the ends of the compressible element 100 are fixed. The compressible element 100 can be a pipe, and each end of the pipe is fixed within the hollow protrusions 102. The hollow protrusions of the angular strips 102 can extend partially or completely around the surface of the compressible element 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressible element 100 can be formed of polyoxymethylene or any other material having similar durability, sufficient rigidity to support the load of the foot, and flexibility to curve from the inner surface to the outer surface of the heel portion of the shoe 12. The central segment 104 of the compressible element 100 can extend behind the ankle opening and above the heel counter of the shoe 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the angular strips 102 can be designed to receive the compressible element 100 obliquely such that the compressible element 100 extends rearwardly at a rearward inclination A2 from within the hollow protrusions 102 towards the back of the shoe 12. The rearward inclination A2 of the compressible element 100 is about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane of the floor 88. See FIG. 20A. The foam layer 92 that extends above the rear heel portion 98 of the upper 16 at the rear of the heel opening can 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, a strip of leather material is stitched to the foam layer 92 and extends upwardly of the upper at the rear of the heel opening. The ends of the leather strips are stitched to each other to form the guide tunnels 106 through which the compressible element is passed.

[0048] When the shoe 12 is worn, the user's foot can press the compressible element 100 and / or the rearwardly inclined foam layer 92 downwardly and rearwardly from the shoe opening. When the user's foot is fully inserted into the shoe 12, the compressible element 100 and the rearwardly inclined foam layer 92 return to their original raised positions.

[0049] A further internal heel support 114 made of a foam material can have a sufficient thickness to enhance the fixation of the foot at the Achilles tendon, and the calcaneus bone can be positioned below the further internal heel support 114 when the user wears the shoe 12. The inner heel support 114 can have a sufficient height to be positioned above the calcaneus bone when the foot is inserted into the shoe.

[0050] In addition to this exemplary embodiment, the shoe can include a heel cup 52 of a 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 inner heel support 114 can be a foam material lining that provides the comfort required for the user's heel.

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

Claims

1. 1. An upper for an article of footwear, comprising: a shoe opening for receiving a foot; A 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 the user during foot insertion to apply pressure to the ankle of the user when the foot is inserted; the ankle collar has a flattened region along a length of the ankle collar that forms a downward angle from the top region toward the front of the article of footwear; The ankle collar is disposed along at least a portion of an inner surface of the heel cup; the heel cup is configured to have a shoehorn configuration; the ankle collar reduces a size of the shoe opening when uncompressed; the heel cup has a first configuration; the heel cup is deformable to a second configuration under a load of the user's foot when the user is wearing the article of footwear; the heel cup may automatically return to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the article of footwear; 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; upper.

2. The lower portion of the ankle collar has an attachment piece attached to the upper. The upper of claim 1 .

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

4. 1. An upper for an article of footwear, comprising: a shoe opening for receiving a foot; A 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 the user during foot insertion to apply pressure to the ankle of the user when the foot is inserted; the ankle collar has a flattened region along a length of the ankle collar that forms a downward angle from the top region toward the front of the article of footwear; a heel cup having a rearwardly extending upper portion with a sloping surface capable of receiving a foot; the heel cup has a first configuration; the heel cup is deformable to a second configuration under a load of the user's foot when the user is wearing the article of footwear; the heel cup may automatically return to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the article of footwear; The ankle collar is disposed along at least a portion of the heel cup; said heel cup defines a central portion horizontally flanked on either side by peripheral portions, said peripheral portions having a first thickness, said first thickness defining a maximum thickness of said heel cup, said central portion having a second thickness, said second thickness defining a minimum thickness of said heel cup, said first thickness gradually decreasing to said second thickness in a direction from said peripheral portions to said central portion; upper.

5. 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; The upper of claim 4.

6. a portion of the ankle collar disposed along an inner surface of the compressible portion of the heel cup; The upper of claim 4.

7. an elastic member disposed between the heel cup and a front portion of the shoe receiving opening; The upper of claim 4.

8. A portion of the ankle collar is disposed along an inner surface of an upper portion of the heel cup. The upper of claim 4.

9. the heel cup having upper, intermediate and lower portions having a generally S-wave vertical cross-sectional shape, the central portion being at least partially located at an inflection point of the S-wave shape; The upper of claim 4.

10. the middle portion is thinner than the upper and lower portions; The upper of claim 9.

11. the heel cup having upper, intermediate and lower portions having a generally S-wave vertical cross-sectional shape, the central portion being at least partially located at an inflection point of the S-wave shape; The upper of claim 4.

12. the middle portion is thinner than the upper and lower portions; The upper of claim 11.

13. 1. An upper for an article of footwear, comprising: a shoe opening for receiving a foot; A 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 the user during foot insertion to apply pressure to the ankle of the user when the foot is inserted; the ankle collar has a flattened region along a length of the ankle collar that forms a downward angle from the top region toward the front of the article of footwear; a heel cup having a rearwardly extending upper portion with a sloping surface capable of receiving a foot; the heel cup has a first configuration; the heel cup is deformable to a second configuration under a load of the user's foot when the user is wearing the article of footwear; the heel cup may automatically return to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the article of footwear; The ankle collar is disposed along at least a portion of the heel cup; 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; upper.

14. 1. An upper for an article of footwear, comprising: a shoe opening for receiving a foot; A 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 the user during foot insertion to apply pressure to the ankle of the user when the foot is inserted; the ankle collar has a flattened region along a length of the ankle collar that forms a downward angle from the top region toward the front of the article of footwear; The ankle collar is disposed along at least a portion of an inner surface of the heel cup; the heel cup is configured to have a shoehorn configuration; the ankle collar reduces a size of the shoe opening when uncompressed; the heel cup has a first configuration; the heel cup is deformable to a second configuration under a load of the user's foot when the user is wearing the article of footwear; the heel cup may automatically return to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the article of footwear; said heel cup defines a central portion horizontally flanked on either side by peripheral portions, said peripheral portions having a first thickness, said first thickness defining a maximum thickness of said heel cup, said central portion having a second thickness, said second thickness defining a minimum thickness of said heel cup, said first thickness gradually decreasing to said second thickness in a direction from said peripheral portions to said central portion; upper.

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