Heel cup assembly and method for tuning heel cup assembly for hands-free footware

Abstract

A heel cup assembly includes a heel cup for surrounding at least a portion of a heel of a user. The heel cup has a heel base and a heel back for supporting and retaining the heel of the user in a closed configuration. The heel cup assembly also includes a fixation structure outside of the heel cup and located at or adjacent an interface between a back end of the heel base and the heel back configured for pivotally mounting the heel cup on a footbed of a shoe. The heel cup assembly also includes a latching structure at or adjacent a front end of the heel base opposite the heel back for opposing rotation about the axis of rotation. A force greater than a latching force for the latching structure is applied to transition the heel cup from the closed configuration to an open configuration.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / US2024 / 044148, filed Aug. 28, 2024, which takes priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 535,232, filed on Aug. 29, 2023, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure relates to a heel cup assembly for use in binding a user's foot into an article of footwear, such as a shoe. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a heel cup assembly for hands-free securing of a shoe to a user and hands-free removal of a shoe by a user.BACKGROUND

[0003] Over the course of human history there has been a continuing and ever-present need to utilize various types of footwear suitable for differing purposes. For example, athletic shoes typically comprise a rubber sole combined with a lightweight, breathable mesh upper; work boots are frequently made of a tough rubber sole, leather upper, and are reinforced with a steel toe; and sandals have an open-toe design, consisting merely of some form of sole accompanied by straps to secure the sole to the user's foot. No matter its design or intended purpose, footwear often includes a manner of securely, or semi-securely, fastening or binding the article to the foot.

[0004] A number of fastening devices and methods are presently utilized with the preferred manner of securing the various types of footwear to the user's feet being dependent on the specific application, environmental considerations, user preferences, and the physical capabilities of the user. Traditional securing mechanisms include the utilization of shoelaces, zippers, Velcro, buckles, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, straps, snaps, and ropes. However, each of these fasteners typically requires the use of one's hands for efficient operation.

[0005] The process of securing footwear to the user's feet also requires a certain degree of dexterity, physical maneuverability, and flexibility. This may pose a problem for individuals who are physically challenged such as the elderly, impaired, disabled, or for individuals with cognitive impairments such as autism or dementia. Furthermore, there exists a desire for persons of ordinary ability to be able to quickly and easily fasten and / or unfasten footwear by means of hands-free operation. Such capability may be desirable merely for convenience, for use in emergency situations, or under hazardous conditions.

[0006] Various slip-on shoe styles are well known. Such shoes may be fitted so as to stay on a user's foot while walking, and may be constructed of materials of differing elasticity. Slip-on shoes formed from typical shoe materials, such as leather or synthetic textiles, may be suitable for walking if properly fitted, but may not be suitable for more rigorous activity. Further, such shoes may still fall off of a user's feet inadvertently. Further, such slip-on shoes, if sufficiently tight to stay on a user's feet, may require a user to hold or pull on a heel section with their hand or a shoehorn while inserting a foot.

[0007] Some slip-on styles may be formed with more elastic components, such as heel collars, such that once applied to a user's foot, the shoe may be more suitable for rigorous activities. However, such a heel collar typically requires a user to hold or pull on the heel section while inserting their foot, or even stretch the heel outward to allow for entry. Accordingly, while no fastening is required for slip-on shoes, such shoes typically require significant dexterity and maneuverability to target a relatively small entry area, and often use of hands and bending over, to apply shoes to feet.

[0008] Some hands-free shoe designs have been proposed recently in which a complete shoe flexes to an open position for entry of a user's foot and then closes on the user's foot by way of elastic straps. Such shoes often require a user to first configure the shoe to a foot entry configuration. Such shoes may also require a user to use a second foot in order to remove their foot or open the shoe. Accordingly, such shoes may not be suitable for a user having limited capability but seeking independence.

[0009] Further, hands-free shoe designs typically generate a closure force due to integrated features, such as elasticity of portions of the shoe. Accordingly, such shoe designs cannot be easily modified to provide additional closure force for a user who seeks to perform more rigorous activity or a less closure force for a user who seeks a shoe more easily removed. Similarly, such shoe designs cannot be easily customizable for users with different needs due to, e.g., different physical characteristics.

[0010] There is a need for a shoe and mechanism for providing easy entrance for a user's foot without requiring significant dexterity, without requiring a use of a hand or second foot and without the need to bend over. There is a further need for such a shoe and mechanism that closes securely such that a user can walk or run without risk of the shoe opening unintentionally. There is yet a further need for such a shoe and mechanism in which an opening force needed to remove the shoe is customizable to the abilities and needs of the wearer.SUMMARY

[0011] A heel cup assembly and a heel cup kit are provided for use in hands-free footwear. An article of footwear is provided as well.

[0012] A heel cup assembly includes a heel cup for surrounding at least a portion of a heel of a user. The heel cup has a heel base for supporting the heel of the user and a heel back for retaining the heel of the user when the heel cup assembly is in a closed configuration.

[0013] The heel cup assembly also includes a fixation structure outside of the heel cup and located at or adjacent an interface between a back end of the heel base and the heel back. The fixation structure is configured for pivotally mounting the heel cup on a footbed of a shoe. An axis of rotation for such pivotal mounting extends substantially parallel to a width of the heel cup.

[0014] The heel cup assembly also includes a latching structure at or adjacent a front end of the heel base opposite the heel back for removably fixing the front end of the heel base to the footbed and opposing rotation of the heel cup about the axis of rotation. The latching structure retains the heel cup in a closed configuration when a force is applied up to a latching force, and a force greater than the latching force is applied in order to force rotation about the axis of rotation and transition the heel cup from the closed configuration to an open configuration.

[0015] In some embodiments, the heel cup assembly further includes an insole board configured to be fixed at a first end to the footbed or an insole layer mounted on the footbed. The insole board extends from the first end to a second end, the second end resting within the heel cup when the heel cup is in the closed configuration.

[0016] In some such embodiments, the insole board includes a ramp section and a tongue extending from the ramp section. The ramp section has a first end that coincides with the first end of the insole board and a second end thicker than the first end. The second end of the ramp section rests adjacent the heel cup when the heel cup is in the closed configuration. The thickness of the second end of the ramp section is then selected to correspond to a height difference between the footbed or lower insole layer and the heel base of the heel cup.

[0017] In some such embodiments, the tongue extends from the second end of the ramp section, and the tongue rests in a depression in the heel base of the heel cup sized to allow for the tongue when the heel cup is in the closed configuration.

[0018] In some embodiments utilizing an insole board, a length from the first end to the second end of the insole board is selected such that when the heel cup is in the open configuration and the first end of the insole board is fixed to the footbed or a lower insole layer, the front end of the heel base supports and props up the second end up the insole board.

[0019] In some embodiments, the latching structure includes a principal latching structure that interacts with a complementary latching structure fixed to or integrated into the footbed, and wherein the interaction between the principal latching structure and the complementary latching structure at least partially defines the latching force.

[0020] In some such embodiments, the principal latching structure is one of a protrusion extending from a bottom of the heel base and at least one clip, and wherein the complementary latching structure is the other of the protrusion and the at least one clip. In some such embodiments, the clip is selected from a plurality of potential clips, wherein the latching force at least partially defined by the selected clip is different than a corresponding latching force at least partially defined by an unselected clip of the plurality of potential clips, and wherein the selection is at least partially based on a desired latching force. In some such embodiments, the desired latching force is based at least partially on at least one of a user's size, a user's desired activities, a user's mobility, and a user's ability.

[0021] In some embodiments in which a principal latching structure and a complementary latching structure at least partially define a latching force, one of the principal latching structure and the complementary latching structure is a magnet, and the magnet is selected from a plurality of magnets, each of which at least partially defines a distinct latching force.

[0022] In some embodiments, a user strikes his heel on a surface in order to transition the heel cup from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and the user steps into the heel cup in order to transition the heel cup from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0023] Also provided is an article of footwear for hands-free use. Such an article of footwear includes a footbed, a heel cup for surrounding at least a portion of a heel of a user, the heel cup having a heel base for supporting the heel of the user and a heel back for retaining the heel of the user when the heel cup is in a closed configuration, and a fixation structure outside of the heel cup and located at or adjacent an interface between a back end of the heel base and the heel back. The fixation structure is for pivotally mounting the heel cup on the footbed such that an axis of rotation for such pivotal mounting extends substantially parallel to a width of the heel cup and a width of the footbed.

[0024] The article of footwear also includes a principal latching structure at or adjacent a front end of the heel base opposite the heel back for removably fixing the front end of the heel base to the footbed and opposing rotation of the heel cup about the axis of rotation. A portion of the fixation structure is integrated into the footbed, and a complementary latching structure for removably fixing the front end of the heel base is integrated into the footbed, and the principal latching structure retains the heel cup in a closed configuration when a force is applied up to a latching force. A force greater than the latching force is applied in order to force rotation about the axis of rotation and transition the heel cup from the closed configuration to a open configuration.

[0025] In some embodiments, the article of footwear includes an insole board fixed at a first end to the footbed or a lower insole layer mounted on the footbed. The insole board extends from the first end to a second end, the second end resting within the heel cup when the heel cup is in the closed configuration, and the second end resting on and propped up by the heel base when the heel cup is in the open configuration.

[0026] In some such embodiments, the article of footwear also includes an insole supported by the insole board such that as the heel cup transitions from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the insole is lifted by the insole board. Pressure on the heel of the insole when the heel cup is in the open configuration then forces a transition to the closed configuration.

[0027] In some embodiments of an article of footwear the complementary latching structure is selected from a plurality of potential complementary latching structures, and the latching force is at least partially based on a characteristic of the complementary latching structure such that each of the potential complementary latching structures defines a different latching force.

[0028] In some embodiments of an article of footwear, the heel cup is integrated into a fabric or fabric-like material and forms a shoe back.

[0029] In some embodiments of an article of footwear, the fixation structure includes an integral limiter. The integral limiter then limits a range of rotation of the heel cup about the axis of rotation.

[0030] Also provided is a heel cup kit for use in hands-free footwear. Such a heel cup kit may include a heel cup for surrounding at least a portion of a heel of a user, the heel cup having a heel base for supporting the heel of the user and a heel back for retaining the heel of the user when the heel cup is in a closed configuration, and a fixation structure outside of the heel cup and located at or adjacent an interface between a back end of the heel base and the heel back. The fixation structure is configured for pivotally mounting the heel cup on a footbed of a shoe, and an axis of rotation for such a pivotal mounting extends substantially parallel to a width of the heel cup.

[0031] The heel cup kit also includes a principal latching structure at or adjacent a front end of the heel base opposite the heel back for removably fixing the front end of the heel base to the footbed and opposing rotation of the heel cup about the axis of rotation. The kit then includes a plurality of potential complementary latching structures for interacting with the principal latching structure. The interaction between the principal latching structure and each potential complementary latching structure defines a distinct corresponding latching force.

[0032] The principal latching structure then retains the heel cup in a closed configuration when a force is applied up to the latching force, and a force greater than the latching force is applied in order to force rotation about the axis of rotation and transition the heel cup from the closed configuration to a open configuration.

[0033] In some embodiments, the kit includes the footbed for mounting the heel cup, and the heel cup is one of several potential heel cups mountable to the footbed. Each heel cup is then interchangeably fixable to the footbed and has a different physical characteristic. In some such embodiments, the physical characteristic is at least one of width, height, length, rigidity, softness, and cushioning.

[0034] In some embodiments of a kit, the front end of the heel base is removably fixed to the footbed by the latching structure by way of an interim structure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe with a heel cup assembly in accordance with this disclosure shown in a closed configuration.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a side view of the shoe of FIG. 1 shown in an open configuration.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shoe of FIG. 1 shown in the closed configuration.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shoe of FIG. 1 shown in the open configuration.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heel cup assembly of the shoe of FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a side view of a portion of the heel cup assembly of FIG. 5.

[0041] FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of the portion of the heel cup assembly of FIG. 6.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a lower perspective view of the portion of the heel cup assembly of FIG. 7.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a side view of the heel cup assembly of FIG. 5 in the closed configuration.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a side view of the heel cup assembly of FIG. 5 transitioning from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a side view of the heel cup assembly of FIG. 5 in the open configuration.

[0046] FIG. 12 illustrates schematically a method for removing a shoe with the heel cup assembly of FIG. 5.

[0047] FIG. 13 illustrates schematically a method for putting on a shoe with the heel cup assembly of FIG. 5.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,”“upper,”“horizontal,”“vertical,”“above,”“below,”“up,”“down,”“top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,”“downwardly,”“upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,”“affixed,”“connected,”“coupled,”“interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0049] This disclosure describes the best mode or modes of practicing the invention as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but provides an example of the invention presented solely for illustrative purposes by reference to the accompanying drawings to advise one of ordinary skill in the art of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a side view shoe 100 with a heel cup assembly 500 in accordance with this disclosure shown in a closed configuration. FIG. 2 is a side view of the shoe 100 of FIG. 1 shown in an open configuration. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shoe 100 of FIG. 1 shown in the closed configuration. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shoe 100 of FIG. 1 shown in the open configuration.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heel cup assembly 500 of the shoe 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a side view of a portion of the heel cup 500 assembly of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of the portion of the heel cup assembly 500 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a lower perspective view of the portion of the heel cup 500 assembly of FIG. 7.

[0052] As shown, an article of footwear, such as a shoe 100, is provided with a heel cup assembly 500. The heel cup assembly 500 includes a heel cup 510 for supporting at least a portion of a heel of a user. The heel cup 510 typically has a heel base 520 for supporting the heel of the user and a heel back 530 for retaining the heel of the user when the heel cup is in the closed configuration. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the heel back 530 may be integrated into a fabric material, or other shoe body material, thereby forming a shoe back 110.

[0053] A fixation structure 540 is provided outside of the heel cup 510 and is located at or adjacent an interface between a back end 550 of the heel base 520 and the heel back 530. The fixation structure 540 is configured for pivotally mounting the heel cup 510 on a footbed 560 of the shoe 100. An axis of rotation 570 for the pivotal mounting of the heel cup 510 typically extends substantially in parallel to a width 580 of the heel cup.

[0054] The fixation structure 540 may include one or more component integrated into or fixed to the heel base 520 in combination with one or more component integrated into the footbed 560 or a sturdy base integrated into a shoe 100. The fixation structure 540 may further include an axle 545 that supports rotation of the heel cup 510 relative to the footbed 560. The fixation structure 540 may further define a range of motion such that the heel cup 510 does not rotate beyond a defined open configuration. Accordingly, the fixation structure may comprise at least one integral limiter 553, such that when the heel cup 510 reaches the end of its range of rotation, the integral limiter 553 impacts a stopper 556 that prevents further rotation.

[0055] Accordingly, in use, the heel cup 510 can rotate from a closed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 6-8, to an open configuration, shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. A transition between these two configurations is discussed in more detail below in the context of FIGS. 9-11.

[0056] The heel cup assembly 500 further includes a latching structure 590 at or adjacent a front end 600 of the heel base 520 opposite the heel back 530. Such a latching structure 590 removably fixes the front end 600 of the heel base 520 to the footbed 560. A latching force from the latching structure 590 typically opposes rotation of the heel cup 510 about the axis of rotation 570, thereby retaining the shoe 100 in the closed configuration.

[0057] In some embodiments, the fixation structure 540 may be spring loaded or otherwise biased towards the open configuration. For example, a torsion spring 610 may be provided at the axis of rotation 570 to apply such a bias. In such embodiments, the torsion spring 610 acts in opposition to the latching structure 590, and during use of the shoe 100, the latching structure maintains the shoe in the closed configuration. However, once a user initiates a transition from the closed configuration to the open configuration, such a transition may be aided by the bias from the torsion spring 610. The torsion spring 610 may further maintain the shoe 100 in the open position once opened.

[0058] Accordingly, the latching structure 590 retains the heel cup 510 in the closed configuration when a force is applied up to a latching force, and a force greater than the latching force is applied in order to force rotation about the axis of rotation 570 and transition the heel cup 510 from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0059] It will be understood that while both the fixation structure 540 and the latching structure 590 are discussed in terms of the relationship between the heel cup assembly 500 and the footbed 560, in some embodiments, the fixation structure and the latching structure may instead be defined relative to a mounting structure or interim structure, or some other shoe component installed on the footbed 560. In any event, once assembled, the fixation structure 540 and the latching structure 590 define a relationship between the footbed 560 and the heel cup assembly 500.

[0060] Typically, the heel cup assembly 500 described herein is installed below an insole 620, such that the insole can provide additional comfort to a user. In some embodiments, the heel cup assembly 500 further includes an insole board 630 for providing additional rigidity to the insole 620 during use. Accordingly, the insole board 630 may be configured to be fixed at a first end 640 to the footbed 560 or a lower insole layer 660 mounted above the footbed. The insole board 630 then extends from the first end 640 to a second end 650, and the second end rests within the heel cup 510 when the heel cup is in the closed configuration.

[0061] Typically, the insole board 630 is rigid or semi-rigid, and is more rigid than the insole 620 or the lower insole layer 660, such that the insole board can provide some additional structural integrity or rigidity during transition between the open and closed configurations.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown, the insole board 630 has a ramp section 670 and a tongue 680 extending from the ramp section. The ramp section may then have a first end that coincides with the first end 640 of the insole board itself 630 and a second end 690 that rests adjacent the heel cup 510 when the heel cup is in the closed configuration. A thickness 700 of the second end 690 of the ramp section 670 may then be selected to correspond to a height difference between the footbed 560 or the lower insole layer 660 and the heel base 520 of the heel cup 510.

[0063] In such an embodiment, the tongue 680 may extend from the second end 690 of the ramp section 670, and the tongue may rest in a depression 710 in the heel base 520 of the heel cup 510 sized to allow for the tongue 680 when the heel cup 510 is in the closed configuration. Accordingly, when closed, the tongue 680 rests inside the depression 710 and the insole 620 rests on a flush surface comprised of the tongue 680 and an upper surface of the heel cup base 520.

[0064] It will be understood that while an insole board 630 having a ramp section 670 and a tongue 680 are shown and described, no such configuration is necessary for the insole board to be functional. Accordingly, a flat surface may be provided, so long as the insole board 630 is sufficiently long to have a second end 650 that rests within the heel cup 510.

[0065] Typically, a length from the first end 640 to the second end 650 of the insole board 630 is selected such that when the heel cup 510 is in the open configuration and the first end 640 of the insole board 630 is fixed to the footbed 560 or lower insole layer 660, the front end 600 of the heel base 520 supports and props up the second end 650 of the insole board. Accordingly, as discussed below, as the heel cup assembly 500 transitions from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the insole board 630 remains above the heel base 520 of the heel cup 510. The insole board 630 thereby supports the insole 620 itself above the heel base 520, even when the assembly 500 is in the open configuration.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4, this allows the insole 620 to be propped up and presented to a user when the shoe 100 and heel cup assembly 500 are in the open configuration. When a user puts their foot into the open shoe 100, they can then apply a downward force to the heel of the insole 620, which in turn applies pressure to the insole board 630, which in turn applies force to the front end 600 of the heel base 520, which initiates the transition from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0067] As shown, the latching structure 590 typically includes a principal latching structure 720 that interacts with a complementary latching structure 730. The principal latching structure 720 is typically fixed to or integrated into or adjacent to the front end 600 of the heel base 520. The complementary latching structure 730 may then be fixed to or integrated into the footbed 560. An interaction between the principal latching structure 720 and the complementary latching structure 730 then at least partially defines the latching force.

[0068] As shown, the principal latching structure 720 may be a protrusion extending from a bottom of the heel base 520 adjacent the front end 600. In such a scenario, the complementary latching structure 730 may be at least one clip fixed to or integrated into the footbed 560. Alternatively, the principal latching structure 720 may be a clip while the complementary latching structure is a protrusion. In some embodiments, rather than a protrusion, a gripping location may be integrated into either the heel base 520 or the footbed 560, or a clip may grip the front end 600 of the heel base 520 itself.

[0069] The clip, or set of clips, shown as the complementary latching structure 730, may be selected from a plurality of potential clips. The latching force may then be at least partially defined by the selected clip or set of clips. Different clips of the plurality of potential clips may then provide or result in different latching forces. Accordingly, the latching force partially defined by, or generated as a result of the selection of, a particular clip or set of clips is different than a corresponding latching force defined by an unselected clip of the plurality of potential clips. Accordingly, the selection is at least partially based on a desired latching force.

[0070] The desired latching force then controls how easily the heel cup assembly 500, and the shoe 100 built around the corresponding assembly, can be transitioned from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Accordingly, if a user is generally less mobile or capable, a person designing or configuring their shoe may determine that they will need to be able to open the shoe with little force and at the same time, they are unlikely to pursue rigorous activities, such as running, that would require a greater closure force. Accordingly, the desired latching force may be based, at least partially, on at least one of a user's size, a user's desired activities, a user's mobility, and a user's ability.

[0071] In the embodiments shown, the latching structure 590 includes a protrusion and a clip, but alternate latching structures are contemplated as well. For example, in some embodiments, one of the principal latching structure 720 and the complementary latching structure 730 may be a magnet, while the other structure is formed of a material that fixes to the magnet, such as a ferrous metal. Accordingly, one of the latching structures may be a ferrous shim. In such an embodiment, the magnet may be selected from a plurality of magnets, where each of the magnets defines a distinct latching force.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a side view of the heel cup assembly 500 of FIG. 5 in the closed configuration. FIG. 10 is a side view of the heel cup assembly 500 of FIG. 5 transitioning from the closed configuration to the open configuration. FIG. 11 is a side view of the heel cup assembly 500 of FIG. 5 in the open configuration. FIG. 12 illustrates schematically a method for removing a shoe 100 with the heel cup assembly 500 of FIG. 5. FIG. 13 illustrates schematically a method for putting on a shoe 100 with the heel cup assembly 500 of FIG. 5.

[0073] As discussed above, when the heel cup assembly 500 is in the closed configuration, shown in FIG. 9, at least a portion of the insole board 630 rests within the heel cup 510. Accordingly, the first end 640 is fixed to the footbed 560 or a lower insole layer 660 mounted above the footbed, and the second end 650 rests within the heel cup 510. An insole 620 then rests on top of the insole board 630.

[0074] When transitioning the heel cup assembly 500 to the open configuration, as shown in FIG. 10, the front 600 of the heel base 520 props up a portion of the insole board 630. Where the insole board 630 has a tongue, 650, the tongue may be propped up. The stiffness of the insole board may allow the insole 620 to be supported thereon.

[0075] In order to transition the heel cup assembly 500 from the closed configuration shown in FIG. 9 to the open configuration shown in FIG. 11, a user may then strike his heel 120 on a surface 1200 such that a force is applied to the rear portion 1210 of the sole 1220 of the shoe 100, as shown in FIG. 12. This action would then result in backwards force applied to heel back 530 of the heel cup 510. This then applies rotational force at the axis of rotation 570 sufficient to overcome the latching force, thereby rotating the heel cup 510 about the axis of rotation 570.

[0076] In order to transition the heel cup assembly 500 from the open configuration shown in FIG. 11 to the closed configuration shown in FIG. 9, a user may simply step into a shoe 100 utilizing the assembly. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 13, when in the open configuration, a mouth 1300 of the shoe 100 is in an expanded condition, forming a large target, and an insole 620 is presented to a user. The user then steps on the insole 620, which applies force to the insole board 630 which in turn pushes the front end 600 of the heel base 520 downwards, thereby rotating the heel cup 510 about the axis of rotation 570. The user continues to step downward until the latching structure 590 engages.

[0077] In some embodiments, the heel cup assembly 500 is provided in the context of a kit, where the kit allows for various adjustments to account for different user physical characteristics or abilities. Such a kit typically includes a heel cup 510, such as that discussed above, for surrounding at least a portion of a heel of a user. The heel cup 510 has a heel base 520 for supporting the heel of the user and a heel back 530 for retaining the heel of the user when the heel cup is in a closed configuration.

[0078] In some cases, the kit provided includes a shoe 100, while in other cases the kit components may be retrofitted to an existing shoe, or a shoe body may be provided separately, such that heel cup kits and shoe bodies are interchangeable.

[0079] The kit further includes a fixation structure 540 outside of the heel cup 510 and is located at or adjacent an interface between a back end 550 of the heel base 520 and the heel back 530. The fixation structure 540 is configured for pivotally mounting the heel cup 510 on a footbed 560 of the shoe 100. An axis of rotation 570 for the pivotal mounting of the heel cup 510 typically extends substantially in parallel to a width 580 of the heel cup.

[0080] The kit then includes a principal latching structure 720 at or adjacent a front end 600 of the heel base 520 opposite the heel back 530 for removably fixing the front end of the heel base 520 to the footbed 560 and opposing rotation of the heel cup 510 about the axis of rotation 570. The kit further includes a plurality of potential complementary latching structures 730 for interacting with the principal latching structure. An interaction between the principal latching structure 720 and each potential complementary latching structure 730 defines a distinct corresponding latching force.

[0081] As noted above, while the principal and complementary latching structures 720, 730 are described as a protrusion extending from the heel cup 510 and a clip fixed to the footbed 560, those elements may be reversed, such that the clip is instead fixed to the heel cup 510. Similarly, as discussed above, different latching mechanisms are contemplated as well. For example, the complementary latching structure 730 may be a magnet selected from a set of magnets of different strengths.

[0082] The principal latching structure 720 retains the heel cup 510 in a closed configuration when a force is applied up to the latching force. When a force greater than the latching force is applied in order to force rotation about the axis of rotation 570, the heel cup 510 transitions from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0083] In some embodiments, the kit further includes the footbed 560 for mounting the heel cup 510. In some embodiments, the heel cup 510 is one of several potential heel cups mountable to the footbed 560. Each heel cup 510 is then interchangeably fixable to the footbed and has at least one different physical characteristic. For example, different heel cups may be provided with different widths, heights, lengths, rigidity, softness, and cushioning, among other characteristics. Accordingly, different heel cups may be appropriate for users having different physical characteristics, such as size, weight, or foot shape, as well as users having different ability levels or preferences.

[0084] While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A heel cup assembly comprising:a heel cup for surrounding at least a portion of a heel of a user, the heel cup having a heel base for supporting the heel of the user and a heel back for retaining the heel of the user when the heel cup assembly is in a closed configuration;a fixation structure outside of the heel cup and located at or adjacent an interface between a back end of the heel base and the heel back, the fixation structure configured for pivotally mounting the heel cup on a footbed of a shoe, and wherein an axis of rotation for such pivotal mounting extends substantially parallel to a width of the heel cup;a latching structure at or adjacent a front end of the heel base opposite the heel back for removably fixing the front end of the heel base to the footbed and opposing rotation of the heel cup about the axis of rotation,wherein the latching structure retains the heel cup in a closed configuration when a force is applied up to a latching force, and wherein a force greater than the latching force is applied in order to force rotation about the axis of rotation and transition the heel cup from the closed configuration to an open configuration.

2. The heel cup assembly of claim 1 further comprising an insole board configured to be fixed at a first end to the footbed or an insole layer mounted on the footbed, wherein the insole board extends from the first end to a second end, the second end resting within the heel cup when the heel cup is in the closed configuration.

3. The heel cup assembly of claim 2, wherein the insole board comprises a ramp section and a tongue extending from the ramp section, wherein the ramp section has a first end that coincides with the first end of the insole board and a second end thicker than the first end, wherein the second end of the ramp section rests adjacent the heel cup when the heel cup is in the closed configuration, and wherein a thickness of the second end of the ramp section is selected to correspond to a height difference between the footbed or lower insole layer and the heel base of the heel cup.

4. The heel cup assembly of claim 3, wherein the tongue extends from the second end of the ramp section, and wherein the tongue rests in a depression in the heel base of the heel cup sized to allow for the tongue when the heel cup is in the closed configuration.

5. The heel cup assembly of claim 2, wherein a length from the first end to the second end of the insole board is selected such that when the heel cup is in the open configuration and the first end of the insole board is fixed to the footbed or a lower insole layer, the front end of the heel base supports and props up the second end up the insole board.

6. The heel cup assembly of claim 1, wherein the latching structure comprises a principal latching structure that interacts with a complementary latching structure fixed to or integrated into the footbed, and wherein the interaction between the principal latching structure and the complementary latching structure at least partially defines the latching force.

7. The heel cup assembly of claim 6, wherein the principal latching structure is one of a protrusion extending from a bottom of the heel base and at least one clip, and wherein the complementary latching structure is the other of the protrusion and the at least one clip.

8. The heel cup assembly of claim 7, wherein the clip is selected from a plurality of potential clips, wherein the latching force at least partially defined by the selected clip is different than a corresponding latching force at least partially defined by an unselected clip of the plurality of potential clips, and wherein the selection is at least partially based on a desired latching force.

9. The heel cup assembly of claim 8, wherein the desired latching force is based at least partially on at least one of a user's size, a user's desired activities, a user's mobility, and a user's ability.

10. The heel cup assembly of claim 6, wherein one of the principal latching structure and the complementary latching structure is a magnet, and wherein the magnet is selected from a plurality of magnets, each of which at least partially defines a distinct latching force.

11. The heel cup assembly of claim 1, wherein a user strikes his heel on a surface in order to transition the heel cup from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and wherein the user steps into the heel cup in order to transition the heel cup from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

12. An article of footwear comprising:a footbed;a heel cup for surrounding at least a portion of a heel of a user, the heel cup having a heel base for supporting the heel of the user and a heel back for retaining the heel of the user when the heel cup is in a closed configuration;a fixation structure outside of the heel cup and located at or adjacent an interface between a back end of the heel base and the heel back, the fixation structure pivotally mounting the heel cup on the footbed, wherein an axis of rotation for pivotal mounting extends substantially parallel to a width of the heel cup and a width of the footbed;a principal latching structure at or adjacent a front end of the heel base opposite the heel back for removably fixing the front end of the heel base to the footbed and opposing rotation of the heel cup about the axis of rotation,wherein a portion of the fixation structure is integrated into the footbed, and wherein a complementary latching structure for removably fixing the front end of the heel base is integrated into the footbed, andwherein the principal latching structure retains the heel cup in a closed configuration when a force is applied up to a latching force, and wherein a force greater than the latching force is applied in order to force rotation about the axis of rotation and transition the heel cup from the closed configuration to a open configuration.

13. The article of footwear of claim 12 further comprising an insole board fixed at a first end to the footbed or a lower insole layer mounted on the footbed, wherein the insole board extends from the first end to a second end, the second end resting within the heel cup when the heel cup is in the closed configuration, and the second end resting on and propped up by the heel base when the heel cup is in the open configuration.

14. The article of footwear of claim 13 further comprising an insole supported by the insole board such that as the heel cup transitions from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the insole is lifted by the insole board, and where pressure on the heel of the insole when the heel cup is in the open configuration forces a transition to the closed configuration.

15. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the complementary latching structure is selected from a plurality of potential complementary latching structures, and wherein the latching force is at least partially based on a characteristic of the complementary latching structure such that each of the potential complementary latching structures defines a different latching force.

16. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the heel cup is integrated into a fabric or fabric-like material and forms a shoe back.

17. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the fixation structure further comprises an integral limiter, wherein the integral limiter limits a range of rotation of the heel cup about the axis of rotation.

18. A heel cup kit comprising:a heel cup for surrounding at least a portion of a heel of a user, the heel cup having a heel base for supporting the heel of the user and a heel back for retaining the heel of the user when the heel cup is in a closed configuration;a fixation structure outside of the heel cup and located at or adjacent an interface between a back end of the heel base and the heel back, the fixation structure configured for pivotally mounting the heel cup on a footbed of a shoe, and wherein an axis of rotation for such pivotal mounting extends substantially parallel to a width of the heel cup;a principal latching structure at or adjacent a front end of the heel base opposite the heel back for removably fixing the front end of the heel base to the footbed and opposing rotation of the heel cup about the axis of rotation,a plurality of potential complementary latching structures for interacting with the principal latching structure, wherein an interaction between the principal latching structure and each potential complementary latching structure defines a distinct corresponding latching force,wherein the principal latching structure retains the heel cup in a closed configuration when a force is applied up to the latching force, and wherein a force greater than the latching force is applied in order to force rotation about the axis of rotation and transition the heel cup from the closed configuration to a open configuration.

19. The kit of claim 18 further comprising the footbed for mounting the heel cup, wherein the heel cup is one of several potential heel cups mountable to the footbed, and wherein each heel cup is interchangeably fixable to the footbed and has a different physical characteristic.

20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the physical characteristic is at least one of width, height, length, rigidity, softness, and cushioning.

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