High-Top Footwear Side Insertion Opening for Secure Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-top athletic footwear and boots are difficult to put on and remove due to lacing systems that require substantial loosening, increasing the time and frustration involved in donning and doffing these shoes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a foot insertion opening that widely opens the side and/or rear area of the shoe, featuring a closure system with a strap, lace, or elastic elements that allow for easy entry and removal, including a zipper system and elastic components to secure the shoe to the foot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lacing systems are used to secure high-top footwear, then the shoe provides a secure fit and protection, but the shoe becomes difficult to put on and remove, increasing the time and effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into separate panels that can be independently positioned and secured. The lateral panel and medial panel are separated by the foot insertion opening, allowing the foot to be inserted first, then the panels are brought together and secured using the closure system, eliminating the need to loosen laces for insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The foot insertion opening is pre-formed in the upper structure, allowing the foot to be inserted before the closure system is engaged. This preliminary opening eliminates the need to loosen laces beforehand, and the closure system is designed to be easily engaged after foot insertion
2Reliability
If lacing systems are used to secure high-top footwear, then the shoe provides a secure fit, but the process of putting on and removing the shoe becomes time-consuming and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system uses movable components such as zippers, hooks, or Velcro that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. The lateral and medial panels can be dynamically adjusted and secured in seconds rather than requiring time-consuming lacing and unlacing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The foot insertion opening is pre-formed in the upper structure, allowing the foot to be inserted before the closure system is engaged. This preliminary opening eliminates the need to loosen laces beforehand, and the closure system is designed to be quickly engaged after foot insertion
3Reliability
If the upper extends up to or over the ankle (hightop style), then the shoe provides enhanced protection and support, but the shoe becomes more difficult to put on and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into separate panels including lateral and medial panels that extend to or over the ankle. These panels are separated by the foot insertion opening, allowing the foot to be inserted first, then the panels are brought together and secured, making the high-top style easy to don and doff
Solution Approach 2:
The foot insertion opening provides an additional dimensional access path for inserting the foot, rather than requiring the foot to be inserted through the front opening while dealing with laces. The opening can extend along the lateral or medial side or around the heel, providing a different geometric approach to insertion
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An article of footwear, including a hightop hightop upper including a leg opening, wherein the hightop upper includes a foot insertion opening extending rearwardly and downwardly from a front portion of the leg opening to a heel area of the hightop upper, a closure system for releasably closing the foot insertion opening, and a sole structure engaged with the hightop upper.