Side flap double entry shoe upper

Abstract

A shoe includes a sole and an upper. The upper includes a hinge side, a free side, a main flap, and a top flap. The main flap is hinged on the hinge side and adapted to be secured to the free side using a fastening system. The top flap is located above the main flap and is configured to adjust a tightness at an instep.

Description

O / R Docket No.7032.002PCT SIDE FLAP DOUBLE ENTRY SHOE UPPER CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional application 63 / 688,138, titled “Side Flap Double Entry Shoe Upper”, filed August 28, 2024 the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to shoes and, in particular, to a shoe upper for shoes. BACKGROUND

[0003] Neurological disease and injury will often result in the inability to control certain muscles or all of the muscles of the body. One joint of particular interest is the ankle, which makes it difficult to walk. One of the most common clinically applied tools to allow people to resume walking is the ankle-foot-orthosis brace (AFO). The AFO limits ankle movement. Some AFOs are completely rigid, and others allow for some limited movement of the ankle depending on the user. In some cases, clinicians will recommend other ankle braces to limit the inversion-eversion movements while permitting the plantar-dorsiflexion degree of freedom. Ankle braces make it easier to walk for the person wearing it if they have reduced control of the ankle joint.

[0004] While the AFO brace makes it easier to walk, it is difficult to enter and exit a shoe while wearing an AFO. The AFO brace is bulky and reduces movement of the ankle, so it is difficult to maneuver the foot into the shoe. A common comorbidity of people wearing an AFO is loss of function in one or more arms, hands and fingers making it difficult to lace traditional shoes and / or to use traditional methods for donning or doffing footwear. Furthermore, AFOs by nature are rigid and sometimes will have protrusions due toO / R Docket No.7032.002PCT hardware or hinges. The nature of the material and the geometry of the AFOs may wear out shoes in areas that contact the AFO, specifically the part inside of the rim (heel collar) and the footbed of the shoe upper. SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect, a shoe includes a sole and an upper. The upper including a hinge side, a free side, a main flap, and a top flap. The main flap hinged on the hinge side and adapted to be secured to the free side using a fastening system. The top flap located above the main flap and configured to adjust a tightness at an instep.

[0006] According to another aspect, a shoe includes a sole and an upper. The upper including a hinge side, a free side, a main flap, and a soft protruded section. The main flap is hinged on the hinge side and adapted to secure to the free side using a fastening system. The soft protruded section is positioned underneath the main flap along a section of the main flap, wherein the soft protruded section is configured to equalize pressure atop a foot positioned in the shoe to simulate a typical padded shoe tongue. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of the free side of a shoe with a side flap double entry shoe upper with both the main flap and the top flap fastened to the free side, according to some embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a top view of a side flap double entry shoe upper with the main flap and top flap unfastened, showing the underside of both the main flap and the top flap, according to some embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a top view of a side flap double entry shoe upper with the main flap and top flap fastened, according to some embodiments.O / R Docket No.7032.002PCT

[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of the hinge side of a side flap double entry shoe upper with the main flap and top flap removed, to highlight the hinge side wall edge and the free side wall edge, and to show the hinge line, according to some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of the hinge side of a side flap double entry shoe upper illustrating the hinge line and attachment methods, according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of the free side of a side flap double entry shoe upper with the main flap attached to the free side and the top flap unattached and out of view behind the side flap double entry shoe upper, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a variable friction sole that may be used for a shoe with a side flap double entry shoe upper, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure describes / provides a side flap double entry upper directed to the problem of entering and exiting a shoe in general but especially for people that wear an AFO brace or other form of ankle brace. The material used on the heel collar and foot bed of the shoe counteracts the abrasion and pressure based wear from the AFO.

[0015] Embodiments of a side flap double entry shoe upper disclosed herein offer a beneficial way to enter and exit a shoe for users, specifically those with disabilities wearing an AFO because it combines a wide-open entry with a main flap and a top flap. The wide-open entry permits a user to easily insert the foot and AFO inside of the shoe before closing the top of the shoe. Embodiments of a side flap double entry shoe upper disclosed herein allow the wearer to don the shoe by a simple method of engaging two flaps in contrast to typical methods that include ties or other means that rely on dexterity and hand manipulation. Embodiments of a side flap double entry shoe upper disclosed herein are ideal for people with disabilities that require ankle braces that limit the mobility of the ankle. In at least one embodiment, the materials used in the heel collar and footbed reduce wear and extend the lifespan of the shoe.

[0016] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate features of a shoe that includes a shoe upper 100 and a sole 50. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate features of a shoe upper 100, also referred to herein as a side flapO / R Docket No.7032.002PCT double entry shoe upper. In at least one embodiment, the side flap double entry shoe upper 100 is extra wide and / or extra deep to accommodate the extra width and / or extra depth of AFO braces. For example, the width of the side flap double entry shoe upper 100 may be a 4E width or a 6E width.

[0017] The side flap double entry shoe upper 100 may be made of an upper material comprising at least one of or a combination of the group comprising: leather, false leather, and / or textile. In at least one embodiment, the side flap double entry shoe upper 100 has two sides, a hinge side 30 and a free side 40 (see e.g., FIG. 2). In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge side 30 is positioned on the medial side of the shoe, but the hinge side 30 may also be positioned on the lateral side of the shoe.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the shoe upper 100 includes a main flap 10 that hinges from the hinge side 30 and attaches to the free side 40 (see e.g., FIG. 1). FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 show an exemplary view of the main flap outline 14 showing where the main flap will cover the shoe upper when closed. This outline may extend in all directions. It is shown merely to illustrate the concept of a side flap double entry shoe upper. The main flap 10 is configured to be the tongue of the shoe upper 100. The tongue of a shoe is piece of material used to fully enclose the shoe atop the foot. In at least one embodiment, the main flap 10 is also configured to tighten the shoe upper 100 above the midfoot. The midfoot typically includes the region of the foot from the proximal half of the metatarsals to the navicular but can extend beyond or within that bound and is above the main surface on top of the human foot. In at least one embodiment, the main flap 10 hinges over a hinge line 31 built into the shoe (see e.g., FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the hinge is made of the material of the shoe upper 100 which can naturally bend as shown in FIG. 5. The hinge may be constructed of sewn thread in intermittent stitched areas 33, 34, may be sewn across the full length of the hinge line 31, or may be constructed by some combination of intermittent stitched areas and the full length of the hinge line 31. In other embodiments, the hinge provides mechanical means to create a revolute joint.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the user can set the tightness of the main flap 10 by pulling the main flap 10 towards the free side 40. In some embodiments, aO / R Docket No.7032.002PCT fastener / fastening system secures the main flap 10 and the free side 40 together. In an exemplary embodiment, a hook and loop fastening system couples the main flap 10 and the free side 40 together. Other fastening methods include but are not limited to one or more of: a magnetic latch, a hook and a loop, a tie, a spring-loaded tab, a through-hole button, or a snap button. Although, as shown in FIG. 2, the exemplary hook and loop fastening system includes a main flap loop area 12 and a main flap hook area 15 with the main flap loop area 12 fixed on the underside of the main flap 10 and the main flap hook area 15 fixed to the free side 40, the hook and loop areas can be interchanged with the main flap loop area 12 fixed to the free side 40 and the main flap hook area 15 fixed on the underside of the main flap 10.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, a top flap 20 is located on top of the main flap 10 to secure the side flap double entry shoe upper 100 above the instep of the foot. In some embodiments, the top flap 20 is configured to adjust the tightness at the instep of the tongue feature provided by the main flap 10. The instep is defined as the area above the Talus, Navicular, or calcaneus bones of the human foot. In an exemplary embodiment, the top flap 20 is hinged on the same side as the hinge of the main flap 10. In another embodiment, the top flap 20 is hinged on the opposite side of the hinge of the main flap 10.

[0021] The user may set the tightness of the top flap 20 by pulling the top flap 20 towards the opposite side. A fastening method / system may be employed to secure the top flap 20 to the opposite side. In an exemplary fastening method embodiment, the top flap 20 attaches to the free side 40 via a hook and loop fastening system, but other fastening methods / systems that may be used, include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: a magnetic latch, a hook and a loop, a tie, a spring-loaded tab, a through-hole button, and / or a snap button. In an exemplary hook and loop fastening method, the top flap loop area 22 is fixed on the underside of the top flap 20 and the top flap hook area 25 is fixed to the free side 40. However, the hook and loop areas can be interchanged. In at least one embodiment, each hinge is attached to the respective hinge side. In some embodiments, the hinges are not attached to zippers or other movable components.O / R Docket No.7032.002PCT

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the top flap 20 attaches to the top of the main flap 10 via the main-top junction 16 in addition to the opposite side to hold the top of the main flap in place. The attachment used between the main flap 10 and top flap 20 may be permanent in nature or removable. Examples of permanent connections include but are not limited to: stitches and / or adhesives. Examples of removable connections include but are not limited to: a magnetic latch, a hook and a loop section, a tie, a spring-loaded tab, a through-hole button, and / or a snap button. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the main-top junction 16 includes a patch of hooks, which connect to the top flap loop area 22 on the underside of the top flap 20. An advantage of this construction is that the top flap loop area 22 can secure the top flap 20 to both the main flap 20 and the free side 40, which reduces the number of user movements needed to don and doff the shoe.

[0023] In an exemplary configuration, the main flap 10 has a soft protruded section 13 underneath the flap 10 (see e.g., FIG. 2). In one aspect, the soft protruded section 13 may increase comfort for the wearer by equalizing pressure on the top of the foot. This may simulate the feel of a typical padded shoe tongue. In at least one embodiment, the hinge side wall edge 32 and the free side wall edge 42 are positioned below the top of the foot or AFO as it is placed inside of the shoe (see e.g., FIG. 4). In other words, the heights of the side walls are configured to place the side wall edges 32,34 below the top of the foot or AFO as it is placed inside of the shoe. In at least one embodiment, the soft protruded section 13 provides the function of a typical padded shoe tongue. In some embodiments, the shoe lacks a typical padded shoe tongue. A difference between the main flap 10 as disclosed herein and a typical tongue is that the main flap 10 hinges from the side rather than the anterior portion of the shoe upper. The soft protruded section 13 may extend along the entire width of the main flap 10 or along a section of the main flap 10 as shown in FIG. 2. The function of a typical shoe tongue is to comfortably contact the top of the foot and encompass the foot. As disclosed herein, the tongue is integrated into the main flap 10.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, one or more finger loops are employed on the side flap double entry shoe upper 100 to assist with removal of the flaps for doffing the shoe.O / R Docket No.7032.002PCT FIG 1 shows an exemplary configuration of a main flap finger loop 11 on the main flap 10. In some embodiments, the main flap finger loop 11 is permanently connected to the main flap 10 and adapted to have an opening broader than a human finger so that a person may remove the main flap 10 with a single finger. In other embodiments, a top flap finger loop 21 is permanently connected to the top flap 20. In additional embodiments, the top flap finger loop 21 is permanently connected to the top flap 20 and adapted to have an opening broader than a human finger so that a person may remove the top flap 20 with a single finger. In at least one embodiment, a main flap finger loop 11 is permanently connected to the main flap 10 and a top flap finger loop 21 is permanently connected to the top flap 20.

[0025] The construction of the top flap 20 may be accomplished with a single piece of material or, as shown in FIG. 3, formed of multiple pieces of material. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the top flap 20 that is constructed from multiple pieces of material including the top flap laces 27 and the top flap strap 28. An advantage of using multiple materials to form the top flap 20 is that materials with different properties may be utilized. This may increase comfort and / or ease of use. For example, the top flap laces 27 may be elastic or inelastic but allow the top flap 20 to rest fully open so that when disengaged, the top flap 20 may fall fully away from top flap hinge side of the side flap double entry shoe upper 100. In an example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the main flap 10 includes main flap laces 17. The main flap laces 17 are non-functional and a means for aesthetics.

[0026] The shoe upper 100 may include a heel collar 62 (see FIG. 2). In at least one embodiment, the material used for the heel collar 62 the side flap double entry shoe upper 100 includes an enhanced abrasion resistant material. Some non-limiting examples of enhanced abrasion resistant materials include ballistic nylon, brushed ballistic nylon, and / or rip-stop nylon. This is in contrast to the materials of a typical shoe upper made of soft fabrics to accommodate bare human feet or socks. An abrasion resistant material such as those listed will be rougher and will be uncomfortable for socks or bare feet. The soft materials used in traditional shoe uppers wears quickly for AFOs. In at least oneO / R Docket No.7032.002PCT embodiment, the foam in the heel collar 62 is 50%-100% less than an amount of foam utilized for a heel collar of a typical shoes. A thickness of a typical heel collar is between 10-12mm. In contrast, the thickness of the heel collar 62 of the side flap double entry shoe upper 100 in at least one embodiment is less than 7mm in thickness when considering materials on inside and outside. Utilizing less foam than a typical shoe may reduce long-term compressive set around the heel collar 62. In some embodiments, the heel collar includes a built-in plate positioned between the outside and inside materials of the heel collar 62 to provide stability.

[0027] The shoe upper 100 may include a footbed 61 (see e.g., FIG. 2). In at least one embodiment, the footbed 61 of the side flap double entry shoe upper 100 includes extra durable material. Utilizing extra durable material for the footbed 61 may increase the durability of the footbed 61. For example, the reinforced footbed 61 may withstand concentrated compressive forces that occur when a rigid object contacts the footbed 61. In some embodiments, the footbed 61 is reinforced with high strength nylon polymer threads.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the side flap double entry shoe upper 100 is coupled to a sole of a shoe. A sole is defined as a walking surface that is attached to the upper. In an exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 6, the side flap double entry shoe upper 100 is used atop a variable friction sole 50 to add additional functionality to the shoe. The variable friction sole 50 offers a low-friction surface when ground reaction forces are low and a higher friction surface with increasing ground reaction forces. More specifically, the variable friction sole includes more than one coefficient of friction between the outsole and a specific walking surface. In contrast, a typical shoe has only one coefficient of friction between the outsole and a specific walking surface. An exemplary embodiment of a variable friction sole 50 is illustrated in FIG. 7. In at least one embodiment, the variable friction sole is constructed with a low-friction material 51. Low-friction refers to a low coefficient of friction between the low-friction material 51 and the ground such that the coefficient of friction is below the value between the low- friction material 51 and the ground. In some embodiments, the variable friction shoeO / R Docket No.7032.002PCT includes a high-friction material 52 that exhibits friction properties like an elastomer. More specifically, the coefficient of friction of the high-friction material 52 and the ground is greater than that of the low friction material 51 and the ground. Although not illustrated in FIG. 7, the variable friction sole 50 may include at least one groove pattern. For example, the groove pattern may include parallel grooves or grooves oriented at different angles. Grooves oriented at different angles may define a geometric shape (e.g., triangle, square, rectangular, etc.). The variable friction sole 50 may also comprise a soft compliant foam 53 (see e.g., FIG. 6). For example, the anterior portion of the variable friction sole 50 may include a soft compliant foam 53. For these embodiments, when weight is applied to the anterior portion of the variable friction sole 50, the low friction material 51 will retract upwards into the shoe by compressing the soft compliant foam 53, which will allow the high-friction material 52 to contact the walking surface. The ground can be understood as any ground surface including but not limited to the group comprising: asphalt, concrete, carpet, hard wood, or tile. In other embodiments, the side flap double entry shoe upper 100 is used with a typical shoe sole, still providing the usability benefits of the side flap double entry shoe upper 100 without employing the benefits of a variable friction sole 50.

[0029] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Discussion of Possible Embodiments

[0030] The following statements are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of a shoe as disclosed herein.O / R Docket No.7032.002PCT

[0031] According to one aspect, a shoe may include a sole and an upper that includes a main flap and a top flap.

[0032] The upper may be sized to accommodate an AFO brace.

[0033] The upper may include a hinge side and a free side.

[0034] The upper may further include a main flap junction that removably connects the top flap to the main flap.

[0035] The upper may may further include a soft protruded section.

[0036] The upper may further include a heel collar.

[0037] The upper may further include a footbed.

[0038] The main flap may include a hinge on the hinge side.

[0039] The hinge may be constructed of: a. a material that naturally bends; and / or b. a sewn thread.

[0040] The sewn thread may: a. be positioned in intermittent stitched areas; and / or b. extend a full length of the hinge line.

[0041] The hinge may be a mechanical means to create a revolute joint.

[0042] The main flap may be adapted to secure to the free side using a fastening system.

[0043] The fastening system for the main flap may be a hook and loop system.

[0044] The main flap may further include a main flap finger loop adapted to have an opening broader than a human finger.

[0045] The main flap may further include non-functional laces.

[0046] The top flap may be located on top of the main flap.

[0047] The top flap may be configured to adjust the tightness at the instep.

[0048] The top flap may be adapted to: a. hinge on the hinge side and secure to the free side using a fastening system; or b. hinge on the free side and secure to the hinge side using a fastening system.O / R Docket No.7032.002PCT

[0049] The fastening system for the top flap may be a hook and loop system.

[0050] The top flap may further include a top flap finger loop adapted to have an opening broader than a human finger.

[0051] The top flap may be constructed from multiples pieces of material.

[0052] The multiple pieces of material may include top flap laces and a top flap strap.

[0053] The soft protruded section may be positioned underneath the underside of the main flap.

[0054] The soft protruded section may exist in a section of the main flap.

[0055] The soft protruded section may equalize pressure atop the foot in a way that simulates a typical padded shoe tongue.

[0056] The free side may include a wall edge having a height configured to place the free side wall edge below: a. a top of the foot positioned within the shoe; or b. an ankle-foot-orthosis brace (AFO) within the shoe.

[0057] The heel collar may be constructed one or more materials.

[0058] An enhanced abrasion resistant material may be utilized to manufacture the heel collar.

[0059] The heel collar may be constructed from ballistic nylon, brushed ballistic nylon, and / or rip-stop nylon.

[0060] The heel collar may include a foam material.

[0061] The foam material may be 50%-100% less than an amount of foam material utilized for a heel collar of a typical shoe.

[0062] The heel collar may have a thickness of less than 7mm.

[0063] The footbed may be manufactured from an extra durable material.

[0064] The footbed may be reinforced.

[0065] The footbed may be reinforced with high strength nylon polymer threads.

[0066] The sole may be a variable friction sole configured to provide a low-friction surface when ground reaction forces are low and a higher friction surface with increasing ground reaction forces.

Claims

O / R Docket No.7032.002PCT CLAIMS:

1. A shoe comprising: a sole; and an upper comprising: a hinge side; a free side; a main flap hinged on the hinge side and adapted to be secured to the free side using a fastening system; and a top flap located above the main flap and configured to adjust a tightness at an instep.

2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the top flap is adapted to: hinge on the hinge side and secure to the free side using a fastening system; or hinge on the free side and secure to the hinge side using a fastening system.

3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the fastening system for the main flap is a hook and loop system.

4. The shoe of claim 3, wherein the fastening system for the top flap is a hook and loop system.

5. The shoe of claim 1, the upper further comprising a soft protruded section positioned underneath the main flap, wherein the soft protruded section is configured to equalize pressure atop a foot positioned in the shoe to simulate a typical padded shoe tongue.O / R Docket No.7032.002PCT 6. The shoe of claim 5, wherein the soft protruded section exists in a section of the main flap.

7. The shoe of claim 1, further including a main flap finger loop on the main flap, adapted to have an opening broader than a human finger.

8. The shoe of claim 1, further including a top flap finger loop on the top flap, adapted to have an opening broader than a human finger.

9. The shoe of claim 1, further including a main flap junction that removably connects the top flap to the main flap.

10. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the sole is a variable friction sole configured to provide a low-friction surface when ground reaction forces are low and a higher friction surface with increasing ground reaction forces.

11. The shoe of claim 1, the hinge side comprising a side wall edge having a height configured to place the side wall edge below: a top of a foot positioned within the shoe; or an ankle-foot-orthosis brace (AFO) positioned within the shoe.

12. The shoe of claim 1, the free side comprising a wall edge having a height configured to place the free side wall edge below: a top of the foot positioned within the shoe; orO / R Docket No.7032.002PCT an ankle-foot-orthosis brace (AFO) within the shoe.

13. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the top flap is constructed from multiples pieces of material including top flap laces and a top flap strap.

14. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the upper is sized to accommodate an AFO brace.

15. A shoe comprising: a sole; and an upper comprising: a hinge side; a free side; a main flap, wherein the main flap is hinged on the hinge side and adapted to secure to the free side using a fastening system; and a soft protruded section positioned underneath the main flap along a section of the main flap, wherein the soft protruded section is configured to equalize pressure atop a foot positioned in the shoe to simulate a typical padded shoe tongue.

16. The shoe of claim 15, the main flap further including a main flap finger loop adapted to have an opening broader than a human finger.O / R Docket No.7032.002PCT 17. The shoe of claim 15, wherein the fastening system for the main flap is a hook and loop system.

18. The shoe of claim 15, the upper further including a top flap configured to adjust a tightness at an instep.

19. The shoe of claim 18, wherein the top flap is adapted to: hinge on the hinge side and secure to the free side using a fastening system; or hinge on the free side and secure to the hinge side using a fastening system.

20. The shoe of claim 18, wherein the fastening system for the top flap is a hook and loop system.

21. The shoe of claim 18, the top flap further including a top flap finger loop adapted to have an opening broader than a human finger.

22. The shoe of claim 18, the upper further including a main flap junction that removably connects the top flap to the main flap.

23. The shoe of claim 18, wherein the sole is a variable friction sole configured to provide a low-friction surface when ground reaction forces are low and a higher friction surface with increasing ground reaction forces.

24. The shoe of claim 18, the hinge side comprising a side wall edge having a height configured to place the side wall edge below:O / R Docket No.7032.002PCT a top of a foot positioned within the shoe; or an AFO within the shoe.

25. The shoe of claim 15, the free side comprising a wall edge having a height configured to place the free side wall edge below: a top of a foot positioned within the shoe; or an AFO within the shoe.

26. The shoe of claim 18, wherein the top flap is constructed from multiples pieces of material including top flap laces and a top flap strap.

27. The shoe of claim 15, wherein the upper is sized to accommodate an AFO brace.

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