Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
  • A43B1/0018—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially of flexible, bellow-like shaped material
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B11/00—Footwear with arrangements to facilitate putting-on or removing, e.g. with straps
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
  • A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
  • A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
  • A43B23/028—Resilient uppers, e.g. shock absorbing
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
  • A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
  • A43B23/04—Uppers made of one piece; Uppers with inserted gussets
  • A43B23/045—Uppers with inserted gussets
  • A43B23/047—Uppers with inserted gussets the gusset being elastic

Definitions

• the field of the present disclosure and the related embodiments relate to the field of footwear, and, more particularly but not exclusively, to footwear, such as a shoe, enabling easy entry of a foot into the shoe.
• an article of wear such as a shoe including a sole and a shoe upper, the shoe upper including a shoe opening for entering the shoe, the shoe opening defined by a rear part, a medial part, a lateral part, and a front part, the rear part including a top portion, reinforced by a firm material, a bottom portion, reinforced by a firm material, a center portion, located between the top portion and the bottom portion, the center portion made of a flexible material, and a spring element.
• the top part of the spring element being attached to the top portion of the rear part, and the bottom part of the spring element being attached to the bottom portion of the rear part.
• an article of wear such as a shoe including shoe including a sole and a shoe upper, the shoe upper including a shoe opening for entering the shoe, the shoe opening defined by a rear part, a medial part, a lateral part, and a front part, the rear part including a top portion, reinforced by a firm material, a flexible material, located between the top portion and the sole, and a compression spring element.
• the top part of the compression spring element being attached to the top portion of the rear part, and the bottom part of the compression spring element being attached to the sole.
• an article of wear such as a shoe where the spring element is made of a circular compression spring.
• an article of wear such as a shoe where the spring element is made of a garter compression spring.
• an article of wear such as a shoe where the spring element is made of a sinusoidal compression spring.
• an article of wear such as a shoe where at least one of the medial part and the lateral part of the shoe includes an elastic element.
• an article of wear such as a shoe where the spring element is mounted vertically, at the horizontal middle of the rear part of the shoe.
• an article of wear such as a shoe where the spring element is curved vertically, upwards and forward, according to vertical curvature of the rear part of the shoe; and/or curved horizontally according to horizontal curvature of the rear part of the shoe.
• a method for entering a shoe including the steps of providing a shoe including a sole and a shoe upper, the shoe upper including a shoe opening for entering the shoe, the shoe opening defined by a rear part, a medial part, a lateral part, and a front part, Where the rear part of the shoe includes a top portion reinforced by a firm material, a bottom portion reinforced by a firm material, a center portion between the top portion and the bottom portion, the center portion made of a flexible material, and a compression spring element. Where the top part of the compression spring element is attached to the top portion of the rear part, and the bottom part of the compression spring element is attached to the bottom portion of the rear part.
• a method for entering a shoe including the steps of providing a shoe including a sole and a shoe upper, the shoe upper including a shoe opening for entering the shoe, the shoe opening defined by a rear part, a medial part, a lateral part, and a front part, Where the rear part of the shoe includes a top portion reinforced by a firm material, a center portion between the top portion and the bottom portion, the center portion made of a flexible material, and a compression spring element. Where the top part of the compression spring element is attached to the top portion of the rear part, and the bottom part of the compression spring element is attached to the sole of the shoe.
• FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a side view of an easy entry footwear with a rear spring
• FIG. 2A is a simplified illustration of a rear view of the interior of rear part of an easy entry footwear with a circular rear spring;
• FIG. 2B is a simplified illustration of a rear view of the interior of rear part of an easy entry footwear with a garter rear spring
• FIG. 3 A is a simplified illustrations of a rear view of the interior of rear part of the easy entry footwear, with rear spring of an open circular shape with its two edges not connected to each other, and in uncompressed mode;
• FIG. 3B is a simplified illustrations of a rear view of the interior of rear part of the easy entry footwear, with rear spring of an open circular shape with its two edges not connected to each other, and in compressed mode;
• FIG. 4A is a simplified illustrations of a rear view of the interior of rear part of the easy entry footwear, with a sinusoidal compression spring, in uncompressed mode;
• Fig. 4B is a simplified illustrations of a rear view of the interior of rear part of the easy entry footwear, with a sinusoidal compression spring, in compressed mode;
• Fig. 5A is a simplified illustration of a side view of the easy entry footwear with rear part in an uncompressed position, and with an elastic element in an unstretched position;
• Fig. 5B is a simplified illustration of a side view of the easy entry footwear with rear part in a compressed position, and with an elastic element in a stretched position.
• the terms 'a' or “an 1 , as used herein, are defined as one or more than one.
• the term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two.
• the term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more.
• the terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising.
• the term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
• the term ‘flexible’ or ‘elastic’ may refer to a material of a part of a shoe that may be stretched and/or compressed and/or folded by exerting a force, and may assume the original shape when the force is removed (elastic) and can be forced to the original shape.
• the term ‘firm’ or ‘rigid’ may refer to a material of a part of a shoe that is not ‘flexible’ or ‘elastic’ and may thus retain its shape under the force that stretches and/or compresses the ‘flexible’ or ‘elastic’ material or part of the shoe.
• FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a side view of an easy-entry footwear 10 with a rear spring 11, according to one embodiment.
• Footwear, or shoe, 10 of Fig. 1 is a right-shoe adapted for a right foot of a human user (not shown in Fig. 1).
• a left shoe adapted for a left foot of a human user may be similar to footwear, or a shoe, 10 of Fig. 1.
• Footwear, or shoe 10 may include a sole 12 and an upper 13.
• the upper 13 may have a shoe opening 14 for receiving a foot of a user into the shoe 10.
• the shoe opening 14 may be defined by a rear part 15, a medial part 16, a lateral part 17 and a front part 18.
• Footwear, or shoe 10 may also include a tongue part 19 and a lacing system 20.
• tongue part 19, lacing system 20 and other closure systems are contemplated, including but not limited to closed shoes with elastic or stretchable material, VELCRO or hook and loop type connectors, zippers, snaps, buckles, as well as other types of closure systems.
• Rear part 15 may include a top part 21, a bottom part 22, and a center part 23 located between top part 21 and bottom part 22.
• Top part 21 and bottom part 22 may be made of a firm and/or rigid material, that may not bend forward under the force exerted by a foot while it is being entered into the shoe 10 and while pressing down top part 21.
• Center part 23 may be made from an elastic and/or flexible material that may be compressed under the force exerted by a foot while it is being entered into the shoe 10.
• FIG. 2A is a simplified illustration of a rear view of the interior of rear part 15 with a circular spring 24, according to one embodiment
• Fig. 2B is a simplified illustration of a rear view of the interior of rear part 15 with a garter spring 25, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 2A and Fig. 2B may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figures. Of course, however, the illustrations of Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.
• rear spring 11 may be a compression spring mounted between top part 21 and bottom part 22.
• rear spring 11, or compression spring 11 may be mounted between top part 21 and sole 12.
• Rear spring 11 may be coupled on one of its ends to top part 21, and to bottom part 22 on its other end.
• Rear spring 11 may be mounted over (on the outside of) center part 23, or within center part 23.
• Rear spring 11, or compression spring 11, may be a single spring element of any shape and form and may be made to conform to the shape of rear part 15 of shoe 10.
• Rear spring 11, or compression spring 11 may be mounted at about the horizontal middle of rear part 15, at the very rear end of shoe 10.
• Rear spring 11, or compression spring 11 may be the only spring element coupling between top part 21 and bottom part 22 or sole 12.
• top part 21 When a foot is entered into the shoe 10 and presses down the top part 21, top part 21 may move down with respect to or towards bottom part 22, thus compressing rear spring 11.
• FIG. 2A shows a rear spring 11 in the form of circular garter spring 25.
• Garter 25 spring may comprise a coiled spring made of carbon steel, stainless steel or any other material, which is connected at each end to create a circular shape.
• circular spring 24, and/or garter spring 25, may be coupled by its top portion 26 to top part 21, and by its bottom portion 27 to bottom part 22.
• circular spring 24 may be coupled by its top portion 26 to top part 21, and by its bottom part 27 to sole 12.
• FIG. 3 A and Fig. 3B are simplified illustrations of a rear view of the interior of rear part 15 of shoe 10 with circular spring 28 where its two edges are not connected, according to one embodiment.
• Fig. 3 A depicts rear part 15 and spring 28 in uncompressed mode
• Fig. 3B depicts rear part 15 and spring 28 in a compressed mode.
• FIG. 3 A and Fig. 3B may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous Figures. Of course, however, the illustrations of Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3B may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.
• spring 28 is another example of rear spring 11 and/ or circular spring 24 with a shape of a partial circle, wherein its two edges are not connected.
• Spring 28 may be coupled by its top portion 26 to top part 21, and by its bottom portion 27 to bottom part 22.
• spring 28 may be coupled by spring top portion 26 to top part 21, and by its bottom portion 27 to sole 12.
• top edge 29 of rear part 15 is lower than top edge 29 of rear part 15 in Fig. 3 A, thus when top part 21 is depressed it offers more space for a foot to enter the shoe from the rear side of the shoe.
• FIG. 4A and Fig. 4B are simplified illustrations of a rear view of the interior of rear part 15 of shoe 10 with a sinusoidal compression spring 30, according to one embodiment.
• Fig. 4A depicts rear part 15 and/or sinusoidal compression spring 30 in uncompressed mode
• Fig. 4B depicts rear part 15 and/or sinusoidal compression spring 30 in a compressed mode.
• FIG. 4A and Fig. 4B may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous Figures. Of course, however, the illustrations of Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.
• sinusoidal compression spring 30 is a rear spring 11 shaped as with repetitive form of sharp angles, and/or sharp curves. Any alternative repetitive form is also contemplated, such as a sinusoidal form, whether such form is periodic or aperiodic. As shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, sinusoidal compression spring
• FIG. 30 may be mounted to contract vertically, and may be shaped in a laterally flat form, and may be mounted inside a sleeve (not shown in Figures 4A and 4B), on the interior or exterior surface of the rear part 15 and/or embedded within the rear part 15.
• sinusoidal compression spring 30 may be attached to top part 21 in area 26, and to bottom part 22 in area 27.
• Spring 30 may be attached to rear part 15 over (on the outside of) center part 23 or within center part 23.
• sinusoidal compression spring 30 may be attached to top part 21 in area 26 and to sole 12 (not shown in Figs. 4A and 4B).
• FIG. 5A is a simplified illustration of a side view of shoe 10 with rear part 15 in an uncompressed position, and with an elastic element 31 in an unstretched position
• Fig. 5B is a simplified illustration of a side view of shoe 10 with rear part 15 in a compressed position, and with an elastic element
• FIG. 5 A and Fig. 5B may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figures. Of course, however, the illustrations of Fig. 5 A and Fig. 5B may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.
• At least one part of shoe opening 14, such as, for example, elastic element 31, may be made of elastic material, such as a rubber strap as a non -limiting example.
• Elastic element 31 is shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B as part of lateral part 17, however, elastic element 31 may be alternatively mounted as part of medial part 16, or alternatively, as part of both medial part 16 and lateral part 17.
• the elastic material of elastic element 31 stretches, thus enabling top portion 21 of rear part 15 to move down, and at the same time, allows shoe opening 14 to expand, providing enough space for the foot to go through the shoe opening.
• the elastic material may be allowed to contract once the foot enters the shoe, keeping the foot secured inside the shoe.
• rear spring 11 as described above or of any other shape and form, may be adapted to the shape of rear part 15.
• rear spring 11 may be curved vertically, upwards and forward, according to the curvature of rear part 15.
• rear spring 11 may be curved horizontally according to the curvature of rear part 15.
• the elastic part 31 maybe embedded within the interior of the lateral part 17, medial part 16 and/or rear part 15 and a slit or kerf in the lateral part 17, medial part 16 and/or rear part 15 can be forced open by the foot but then drawn back together by the force of the elastic part 31.
• the material that the rear part 15, or a portion of the rear part 15 can in and of itself be constructed of an elastic material that can be compress by force but then return to its pre-compressed state upon the removal of the force.
• the center part 23 maybe constructed of a material that can be compressed under a force and then rebound to its noncompressed state upon the removal of the force.

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• Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

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• 2021
  • 2021-09-28 US US17/488,032 patent/US11622598B2/en active Active
• 2022
  • 2022-08-16 WO PCT/US2022/040411 patent/WO2023023019A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2022-08-16 CN CN202280007845.6A patent/CN116546899B/zh active Active
  • 2022-08-16 AU AU2022329950A patent/AU2022329950A1/en active Pending
  • 2022-08-16 EP EP22859020.4A patent/EP4240198A4/en active Pending
  • 2022-08-16 JP JP2023528095A patent/JP2023554585A/ja active Pending
  • 2022-08-16 CA CA3197533A patent/CA3197533C/en active Active
• 2024
  • 2024-06-12 JP JP2024095047A patent/JP2024107364A/ja not_active Withdrawn
• 2025
  • 2025-04-01 JP JP2025060407A patent/JP2025089582A/ja active Pending

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