US20210112916A1 - Footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for footwear with a handless entry construction. A heel band may be provided in the footwear that is sufficiently deformable and sufficiently resilient to handlessly a) facilitate insertion of a wearer's foot into the footwear and b) move upward relative to a ground surface to engage a heel of the wearer's foot in order to aid in securing the wearer's foot within the footwear.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present disclosure relates generally to footwear, and more particularly to footwear that can be slipped on a wearer's foot and held securely on the wearer's foot, and a method for making the same.
BACKGROUND
• There are a variety of conventional footwear designs in the market that enable a user to easily put on the footwear without substantial use of their hands. This type of conventional footwear is often described as a slip-on design, where, often times, the user puts on the footwear by inserting their foot through any opening in the footwear and pushing forward.
• One type of conventional slip-on footwear incorporates gores on sides of the foot in the forefoot region of the footwear. The gores are defined by a void between a portion of the footwear that covers the toes and upper portion of the forefoot (i.e., the vamp) and the portions of the footwear in the forefoot that cover the medial and lateral sides of the foot (i.e., the side panels). A piece of elastic is secured in the gore, allowing the void to expand and provide additional room for the foot to be inserted into the footwear. After the foot has been inserted, the elastic can retract to reduce the size of the void and secure the foot within the footwear.
• Another type of conventional slip-on footwear incorporates stalks or rods that extend into an inner layer of a sole support at multiple connection points. These stalks or rods may be deformable elements that deform relative to the connection points from a native position to which the deformable element naturally returns when no deforming force is present. The connection points are considered to provide a point of failure for this type of slip-on footwear, and increase the manufacturing cost over the conventional gore-type of slip-on footwear. This type of footwear also has the downside that the stalks or rods, in order to be sufficiently rigid to return to the natural state, can provide ridges that rub or provide discomfort to the wearer. The result is footwear that often costs more and feels worse than more conventional slip-on footwear, similar to the conventional slip-on footwear described above with the gores and elastic.
• However, it is noted that the conventional gore-type slip-on footwear is not without its own downsides. Many wearers have complained that this type of conventional slip-on footwear feels as though it is poorly secured due in large part to the gore design. The elastic may stretch as the user walks, creating the feeling that the footwear is loose or going to slip off. The wearer may appreciate the ease of slipping on the footwear but may limit their use of the footwear to circumstances that avoid the loose feeling, such as preferring casual walking over running.
SUMMARY
• A system and method according to one embodiment may include footwear with a handless entry construction. A heel band may be provided in the footwear that is sufficiently deformable and sufficiently resilient to handlessly a) facilitate insertion of a wearer's foot into the footwear and b) move upward relative to a ground surface to engage a heel of the wearer's foot in order to aid in securing the wearer's foot within the footwear.
• In one embodiment, a footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot, and a sole assembly secured to the upper and having a longitudinal axis extending from a forefoot region to a heel region of the sole assembly. The sole assembly may be positioned between the foot and a ground surface. The sole assembly may include an outsole configured to provide traction with respect to the ground surface.
• The sole assembly may include a heel band integral with a sole portion of the sole assembly, where the heel band is movable from a resting state to a deformed state to allow hands-free insertion of the foot into the upper. The heel band may be resilient to move away from the deformed state to secure a heel of the foot in response to insertion of the foot within the upper.
• In one embodiment, an outsole may be integral to the sole assembly and may be the sole portion of the sole assembly that is integral with the heel band.
• In one embodiment, the heel band may include a dynamic pivot integral to the sole assembly and configured to resiliently support the heel band to cantilever about the sole assembly. The dynamic pivot may operate as a type of spring element integral to the sole assembly that is sufficiently tensioned to allow handless insertion of the foot into the footwear and to urge the heel band to secure the heel of the foot after the foot is inserted into the footwear. The dynamic pivot may define at least a portion of a sidewall of the sole assembly.
• In one embodiment, the upper may be attached or joined with an interior surface of the heel band, such that movement of the heel band results in a corresponding movement of the upper. The upper may be flexible to distort in conjunction with the heel band to aid hands-free insertion and securement of the foot within the footwear. In one embodiment, the upper may include a flexible heel counter that distorts as the heel band moves down toward the outsole of the footwear.
• In one embodiment, a footwear is provided with a foot receiving space capable of receiving a foot, and a sole portion operable to provide support for the foot in the foot receiving space, where the sole portion has a longitudinal axis extending from a forefoot region to a heel region of the footwear. The footwear may also include a heel band integral with the sole portion, where the heel band is movable from a resting state to a deformed state to provide hands-free insertion of the foot into the foot receiving space. The heel band may be resilient to move away from the deformed state to secure a heel of the foot in response to insertion of the foot within the foot receiving space.
• The footwear in one embodiment may include an upper that defines at least a portion of the foot receiving space for insertion of the foot.
• The heel band in one embodiment may include a medial-side dynamic pivot and a lateral-side dynamic pivot. The heel band may include an interior heel support surface extending from the medial-side dynamic pivot to the lateral-side dynamic pivot of the sole portion, and the heel band may be curved such that the interior heel support surface is operable to engage and support the heel of the foot.
• A method of manufacturing footwear is provided in accordance with one embodiment, and includes providing an upper constructed to receive a foot, and molding a one-piece sole assembly having a sole portion and a heel band. The one-piece sole assembly may include a longitudinal axis extending from a forefoot region to a heel region, where the one-piece sole assembly is positionable between the foot and a ground surface. The method may include attaching, to the heel band, an upper that is constructed to receive the foot, and the molding step may include providing a resilient material to facilitate deformation of the heel band to allow hands-free insertion of the foot within the upper.
• Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 shows a lateral side view of footwear in accordance with one embodiment.
• FIG. 2 shows an expanded view of the footwear inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 shows a medial side view of the footwear inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 shows an expanded view of the footwear inFIG. 3.
• FIG. 5 shows a medial side view of a sole assembly in accordance with one embodiment.
• FIG. 6 shows a top view of the sole assembly inFIG. 5.
• FIG. 7 shows a front view of the sole assembly inFIG. 5.
• FIG. 8 shows a rear view of the sole assembly inFIG. 5.
• FIG. 9 shows a lateral side view of the sole assembly ofFIG. 5.
• FIG. 10. shows a bottom view of the sole assembly ofFIG. 5.
• FIG. 11 shows a lateral side view of the footwear in a resting state in accordance with one embodiment.
• FIG. 12 shows a lateral side view of the footwear in a distorted state in accordance with one embodiment.
• FIG. 13 shows a lateral side view of the footwear in a secured state in accordance with one embodiment.
• FIG. 14 shows a top view of the footwear in a resting state in accordance with one embodiment.
• FIG. 15 shows a top view of the footwear in a distorted state in accordance with one embodiment.
• FIG. 16 shows a top view of the footwear in a secured state in accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• A system and method according to one embodiment may include footwear with a handless entry construction. A heel band may be provided in the footwear that is sufficiently movable and sufficiently resilient to handlessly a) facilitate insertion of a wearer's foot into the footwear and b) move upward relative to a ground surface to engage a heel of the wearer's foot in order to aid in securing the wearer's foot within the footwear.
• I. Overview
• Footwear in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown inFIGS. 1-10 and generally designated100. Thefootwear100 includes an upper120 joined with asole assembly130. The upper120 defines an opening140 (e.g., an ankle opening) through which a foot F may be placed to slip a wearer's foot F into thefootwear100. The upper120 may also define, at least in part, aspace150 or void in which the foot F is inserted and secured within thefootwear100.
• A handless entry construction is provided in accordance with one embodiment to facilitate entry of the foot F through theopening140 into and securely held within thespace150. The handless entry construction may include aheel band200 that is resilient and movable from a resting state to an insertion state (e.g., a deformed state) that facilitates entry of the foot F into thespace150. Theheel band200 may also be sufficiently resilient to displace itself from the insertion state to a secured state in which theheel band200 engages a heel H of the foot F to facilitate securing the foot F within thespace150 of thefootwear100. Theheel band200 in one embodiment may be integral to thesole assembly130, and theheel band200 may include one or moredynamic pivots210,212 constructed to allow theheel band200 to cantilever relative to thesole assembly130.
• The upper120 may be affixed to at least a portion of theheel band200, such as to an interior surface of theheel band200, and may deform in a heel region of the upper120 in response to deformation or movement of theheel band200 in accordance with one embodiment. Theheel band200 may urge this region of the upper120 and may engage the heel H of the foot F after the foot F has been inserted within thespace150 of thefootwear100.
• II. Footwear Structure Overview
• As described herein, thefootwear100 in the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 1-10 may include asole assembly130 and an upper120. Thesole assembly130 may include aheel band200 capable of facilitating handless insertion and securement of the foot F within aspace150 of thefootwear100.
• Thesole assembly130 may include anoutsole132 that provides traction with respect to the ground on which the wearer may walk or run. Thesole assembly130 may include amidsole134 disposed between theoutsole132 and the upper120. Themidsole134 in the illustrated embodiment is integral to theoutsole132; however, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not so limited. For example, themidsole134 may be a separate structure adhered or joined with theoutsole132. As another example, themidsole134 may be disposed continuously between theoutsole132 and the upper120 or implemented in discrete parts. Themidsole134 may be constructed to provide a mechanical interface between the upper120 and theoutsole132. Such a mechanical interface may be a cushion interface or an adhesive interface, or a combination thereof.
• Theoutsole132 may form a tread constructed to contact the ground for traction purposes during use. Theoutsole132 in the illustrated embodiment may include a base surface from which one or more features or shapes project to provide a traction surface for theoutsole132. The base surface may include features or shapes that do not project to provide a primary traction surface but rather provide other aesthetic or functional aspects, such as grooves for controlling flex of theoutsole132 during use or sipes to direct water, or both.
• Theoutsole132 may be manufactured from a conventional outsole material that is selected to provide the desired balance between comfort, wear, traction, and cost. For example, theoutsole132 may be manufactured from a conventional rubber compound or from other suitable wear-resistant materials. Thesole assembly130, including theoutsole132, maybe manufactured using injection or pour molding techniques utilizing conventional molding apparatuses.
• Generally speaking, themidsole134 provides cushioning for the wearer's foot F and theoutsole132 provides durability and traction for thefootwear100. Although themidsole134 may vary from application to application, themidsole134 of the illustrated embodiment is manufactured from a relatively resilient material selected to provide thefootwear100 with a desired level of cushioning. Themidsole134 in the illustrated embodiment is formed of the same materials as theoutsole132 of thesole assembly130. Alternatively, themidsole134 may be formed of a different material. Example materials for themidsole134 include ethyl vinyl acetate (“EVA”) or polyurethane. Themidsole134 generally includes anupper surface144, and may include a lower surface in configurations where themidsole134 is separate from theoutsole132 or not integrated as a single piece with theoutsole132.
• Themidsole134 may be secured to the upper120 according to a variety of techniques. To provide some examples, themidsole134 may be adhered to the upper120, or a Strobel board (not shown) may be adhered to themidsole134, and the upper120 may be stitched to the Strobel board. As another example, themidsole134 may be molded directly onto the bottom of the upper120 in direct contact with a lasting board. In yet another example, the upper120 may be slip lasted and adhered to themidsole134 or attached to themidsole134 in the molding process for themidsole134.
• In one embodiment, as discussed herein, asole assembly130 may include both theoutsole132 and themidsole134 in an integrated one-piece construction. For instance, theoutsole132 and themidsole134 may be molded as a single piece. Alternatively, thesole assembly130 may be formed by securing theoutsole132 to the lower surface of themidsole134.
• The upper120 may be manufactured in a variety of ways, and may be formed of a variety of materials. For instance, the upper120 may include one or more fabric, leather, or polymer-based elements, or any combination thereof. In one example, the upper120 may include a knit or woven fabric manufactured to form the upper120 as a single piece construction or unitary construction. As another example, the upper120 may include multiple elements joined together (e.g., via adhesive and/or stitching), and which may be the same or different materials.
• In one embodiment, thefootwear100 may include one or more cushioning layers positioned above thesole assembly130. For instance, the one or more cushioning layers may include a footbed or insole that can be positioned inside thespace150 of the upper120. The one or more cushioning layers may include a sock liner positioned inside the upper120, where the sock liner may be perforated to allow airflow through the sock liner. For example, the sock liner may be covered with an array of small apertures that extend vertically through the sock liner. The apertures may cover substantially the entire surface of the sock liner. Alternatively, the apertures may exist only in select regions of the sock liner. The sock liner may include alternative structure for allowing air to flow through the sock liner.
• III. Heal Structure
• As described herein, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, thesole assembly130 may include aheel band200. Theheel band200 may be integrated with a sole portion of thesole assembly130 to provide a unitary construction. As discussed herein, the sole portion of thesole assembly130 that is integrated with theheel band200 may include theoutsole132 or themidsole134, or both. As an example, theheel band200 and theoutsole132 may be molded or manufactured as a unitary component.
• Theheel band200, as described herein, may include aninterior heel surface220 extending from alateral side162 to amedial side164 of thefootwear100, relative tolongitudinal axis160 of thefootwear100 that extends from a forefoot region to a heel region of thefootwear100. Theheel band200 may be integrally joined with the sole portion of thesole assembly130 proximate a medial-sidedynamic pivot210 and proximate a lateral-sidedynamic pivot212. Theheel band200 may be shaped to conform generally to the heel H of a foot F, such that theheel band200 curves from the medial-sidedynamic pivot210 to the lateral-sidedynamic pivot212. InFIG. 5, theheel band200 extends upward at anangle173 relative to abase plane170, which corresponds generally to a plane parallel to a ground contacting plane of theoutsole132. Arear portion224 of theheel band200 may define an apex of the curvature from the medial tolateral sides164,162, such that starting from themedial side164, theheel band200 extends upward along apath172 at anangle173 and curves toward thelongitudinal axis160, which generally intersects therear portion224 of theheel band200. The lateral side of theheel band200 may generally mirror this curvature of the medial side of theheel band200, relative to thelongitudinal axis160.
• Alternatively, the lateral and medial sides of theheel band200, including the curvatures thereof, may be different from each other. As an example, the positions of the medial-side and lateral-sidedynamic pivots210,212 along thelongitudinal axis160 may be different from each other—although they are shown to be even or aligned with each other in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 6.
• In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 6, both the medial-sidedynamic pivot210 and the lateral-sidedynamic pivot212 are positioned along thelongitudinal axis160 to align with an arch region or midfoot region of thesole assembly130. It is to be understood that the positions of the medial-side and lateral-sidedynamic pivots210,212 may be shifted forward or backward relative to the positions shown in the illustrated embodiments, depending on the application. The position of the medial-side and lateral-sidedynamic pivots210,212 along thelongitudinal axis160 may affect theangle173 of theheel band200 relative to theoutsole132 orupper surface144 of themidsole134.
• Theinterior heel surface220 may extend from the medial-sidedynamic pivot210, located proximate to an arch region or midfoot region of the sole, to the lateral-sidedynamic pivot212, and may be shaped to conform generally to the heel H of a foot F. Theheel band200 may include arear portion224 that, in one embodiment, forms both the uppermost and rearmost portion of theheel band200. Therear portion224 may also form the apex of curvature for theinterior heel surface220 in its extension from the medial-side to the lateral-side and to generally conform to the contour of a heel H of the foot F.
• Theangle173 in the illustrated embodiment is about 40°; however, theangle173 may change depending on the application. For instance, theangle173 may be changed to accommodate a different look or feel for thefootwear100. As another example, as discussed herein, theangle173 may be changed to affect hands-free insertion and securement of the foot F within thefootwear100.
• It is noted that theangle173 may affect the properties of theheel band200 related to ease of deformability for hands-free insertion of the foot F into thespace150 and resiliency of theheel band200 to displace from the deformed position to engage the heel H of the foot F and help secure the foot F within thespace150. As described herein, theheel band200 may move and distort (e.g., thedynamic pivots210,212 may distort) to enable hands-free insertion into thespace150. This may involve thedynamic pivots210,212 allowing theheel band200 to cantilever relative to thebase plane170, such that theangle173 and therear portion224 is displaced closer to thebase plane170 or thesole assembly130. Decreasing theangle173 lessens the change in angle provided to allow handsfree insertion of the foot F into thespace150. As a result, less movement and less distortion may be provided to allow handsfree insertion of the foot F into thespace150. Increasing theangle173 increases the change in angle provided to allow handsfree insertion of the foot F into thespace150, yielding more distortion and more movement to allow handsfree insertion.
• Theangle173 may also affect properties of theheel band200 that relate to the ability of thefootwear100 to secure the heel H of the foot F after insertion of the foot F into thespace150 in a handsfree manner. For instance, increasing theangle173 increases the amount of distortion on thedynamic pivots210,212 used to provide handsfree insertion. And increased distortion may yield greater spring force in thedynamic pivots210,212 to urge therear portion224 of theheel band200 over the heel H of the foot F into a secured position after the foot F has been inserted into thespace150. Decreasing theangle173 may have the opposite effect. Decreasing theangle173, decreases the distortion provided to allow hands-free insertion of the foot F, and reduces the amount of spring force in thedynamic pivots210,212 to urge therear portion224 to the secured position after the foot F has been inserted into thespace150.
• Material properties of theheel band200, including the medial-sidedynamic pivot210 and the lateral-sidedynamic pivot212, may also affect operation as it relates to ease of insertion of the foot F in a handsfree manner and displacement of theheel band200 for securement of the foot F after insertion. For instance, properties, such as elasticity and hardness, may affect ease of distortion and movement of theheel band200 in response to hands-free insertion of the foot F into thespace150. These properties may also affect the amount of spring force built up in theheel band200 as the foot F is inserted into thespace150 and theheel band200 is distorted. In one embodiment, there may be a tradeoff between a) the ease of insertion and b) the spring force necessary for moving theheel band200 to a secured position relative to the heel H after insertion of the foot F. This tradeoff may lead to selection of anangle173 and material properties that yielddynamic pivots210,212 capable of satisfying these constraints. In the illustrated embodiment, theangle173 is about 40°, the durometer or hardness of theheel band200 is about 55C+/−3.
• It is noted that material thickness of theheel band200 in one or more regions of thereof, including thedynamic pivots210,212, may affect ease of hands-free insertion and operability to secure the heel H in a hands-free manner after insertion. For instance, increasing the thickness or the amount of material in thedynamic pivots210,212 may decrease the elasticity of thedynamic pivots210,212, thereby making thedynamic pivots210,212 more resistant to distortion during insertion of the foot F, and increasing the spring force built up in thedynamic pivots210,212 after insertion of the foot F in order to move therear portion224 of theheel band200 from the distorted position to a secured position in which theheel band200 substantially secures the heel H of the foot F. In other words, making thedynamic pivots210,212 more or less elastic can be achieved in a variety of ways, including via material selection, changing theangle173, and changing the material thickness. The elasticity and hardness of thedynamic pivots210,212 may affect the spring force in theheel band200 that urges theheel band200 to cantilever upward from a distorted position to allow theheel band200 to secure the heel H in a handsfree manner. Theheel band200 may be pushed down by the foot F as the wearer wiggles her foot F into thefootwear100, and after the foot F is wiggled into thefootwear100, theheel band200 may pop up to secure the heel H of the foot F within thefootwear100.
• Theinterior heel surface220 of theheel band200 that is proximate therear portion224, in one embodiment, may tilt in response to theheel band200 being pushed down by the foot F. For instance, as depicted in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 12, theinterior heel surface220 near therear portion224 is tilted somewhat to face toward the heel H of the foot F in response to the foot F pushing down theheel band200. In other words, theheel band200 may stretch in the area proximate therear portion224 such that theinterior heel surface220 tilts relative to the remaining portions of theinterior heel surface220. This tilt of theinterior heel surface220 may facilitate entry of the foot F in a handsfree manner. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the tilting of theinterior heel surface220 in the manner shown inFIG. 12. For instance, theinterior heel surface220 may be configured such that the angle of theinterior heel surface220 proximate therear portion224 remains substantially the same relative to the remaining portions of theinterior heel surface220 as theheel band200 is pushed downward.
• Thedynamic pivots210,212, in one embodiment, may be at least partially displaced away from thelongitudinal axis160 as theheel band200 cantilevers toward thebase plane170 during insertion of the foot F into thespace150. This displacement may facilitate widening of thespace150 during insertion of the foot F, thereby aiding handsfree insertion of the foot F into thespace150. This outward distortion or widening can be seem in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 15.
• In the illustrated embodiment, as discussed herein, the upper120 may be connected to theinterior heel surface220 of theheel band200 such that the upper120 may flex in response to movement of theheel band200. As an example, the upper120 may be stitched to therear portion224 of theheel band200, with anoptional recess226 in an outer surface of theheel band200 configured to accept the stiches. The recess may substantially prevent the stiches from protruding from the outer surface of theheel band200, such that in one embodiment, if theheel band200 is inverted, a wearer's foot F does not rub or abrade the stiches proximal to the outer surface during insertion of the foot F.
• In addition to alternative to stitching, adhesive may be utilized to join the upper120 to theheel band200. For instance, a portion of the upper120 adhered to a region corresponding to theinterior heel surface220 and thedynamic pivots210,212 may be displaced away or outwardly from thelongitudinal axis160 in response to outward movement of thedynamic pivots210,212 during insertion of the foot F into thespace150. This displacement of the portion of the upper120 near thedynamic pivots210,212 may widen the upper120 in this region, facilitating insertion of the foot F into thespace150.
• As another example, a portion of the upper120 adhered to a region corresponding to theinterior heel surface220 and therear portion224 may be displaced toward thebase plane170 along with therear portion224 in response to insertion of the foot F through theopening140 and in to thespace150. This portion of the upper120 may be displaced upwardly along with therear portion224 after the foot F is fully inserted into thespace150 and the heel H of the foot F clears therear portion224 of theheel band200.
• In an alternative embodiment, theheel band200 may be manufactured separate from the sole portion of thesole assembly130. In this configuration, theheel band200 may be attached to the sole portion in a variety of ways, including adhesive or a fastener. Theheel band200, for instance, may include a medial end and a lateral end. The medial end may be connected to a medial side of thesole assembly130 and the lateral end may be connected to a lateral side of thesole assembly130. Arear portion224 of theheel band200, as discussed herein, may be positioned to deform to facilitate handless entry of a foot F within thespace150 of thefootwear100, and after the foot F is inserted within thespace150, theheel band200 may be sufficiently resilient to displace from the deformed position to a position that secures the heel H of the foot F to facilitate securing the foot F within thespace150.
• Theheel band200 in this alternative construction may form all or a portion of adynamic pivot210,212 to enable theheel band200 to cantilever relative to the sole portion of thesole assembly130. For instance, the joint or connection between the medial end of theheel band200 and the sole portion may form thedynamic pivot210,212, such that part of theheel band200 and part of the sole portion provide thedynamic pivot210,212.
• A method of manufacturing the footwear with the heel structure is provided in accordance with one embodiment. The method may include providing an upper120 constructed to receive a foot F, and molding a one-piecesole assembly130 having a sole portion and aheel band200. The one-piecesole assembly130 may include alongitudinal axis160 extending from a forefoot region to a heel region, where the one-piecesole assembly130 is positionable between the foot F and a ground surface.
• The method may include attaching, to theheel band200, an upper120 that is constructed to receive the foot F. Theheel band200 may be formed of a resilient material to facilitate deformation of theheel band200 to allow hands-free insertion of the foot F within the upper120. The sole portion may be anoutsole132 in one embodiment.
• The molding process in one embodiment may include molding adynamic pivot210,212 between theheel band200 and theoutsole132, where thedynamic pivot210,212 allows theheel band200 to cantilever about theoutsole132 in response to insertion of the foot F within the upper120.
• The molding process, as described herein, may involve injection molding in multiple layers with different or similar types of materials. The materials may vary from application to application. As an example, the material may include foam bead material, such as expanded polystyrene, expanded polypropylene, expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), expanded thermoplastic polyethylene (eTPE), or expanded polyetherblockamide (PEBA), or a combination thereof. As another example, the materials may include rubber or plastic.
• IV. Method of Operation
• A method of inserting the foot F into thespace150 of thefootwear100 is shown in the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 11-16. The method may include insertion of the foot F into thefootwear100 in a hands-free manner, such that the wearer need not use her hands to put on thefootwear100. It is to be understood that the wearer could use her hands if desired; however, in the method described herein, use of hands is considered unnecessary to insert and secure the foot F within thefootwear100.
• The method may include providing thefootwear100 in accordance with one embodiment described herein, as shown inFIGS. 11 and 14. Thefootwear100 in the illustrated embodiment is shown in a resting state on a ground surface prior to an attempt to insert the foot F through theopening140 and into thespace150. As depicted in the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 12 and 15, the wearer may insert her foot F through theopening140 with the bottom of her heel H contacting therear portion224 of theheel band200, causing theheel band200 to distort. Specifically, thedynamic pivots210,212 of theheel band200 may distort allowing therear portion224 to be displaced toward thebase plane170. With this distortion, theopening140 may be sufficient for the wearer to slide her entire foot F into thespace150. This state of thefootwear100 may be considered a distorted state.
• After the foot F has been received in thespace150 and the heel H has cleared therear portion224 of theheel band200, as shown in the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 13 and 16, thedynamic pivots210,212 may cause theheel band200 to cantilever upward away from thebase plane170. Theheel band200 may substantially secure the heel H of the foot F at this stage, facilitating securement of the foot F within thefootwear100. This may be considered a secured state of thefootwear100. It is noted that theheel band200 may be positioned slightly differently between the secured state and the resting state due in part to the position and shape of the wearer's foot F. However, these two positions may be similar with theangle173 in the secured state and the resting state being similar or the same.
• In one embodiment, in the resting state, therear portion224 of theheel band200 is disposed to be even with, or forward of, a rear outsole portion of theoutsole132 along thelongitudinal axis160. In the deformed state, theheel band200 is pivoted toward theoutsole132 such that therear portion224 is disposed aft of the rear outsole portion of theoutsole132 along thelongitudinal axis160. This may facilitate allowing the heel H to clear theheel band200 as the foot F is inserted into thespace150 and to move to a secured position, thereby providing hands-free securement of the foot F within thefootwear100.
• In an alternative embodiment, the wearer of thefootwear100 may insert her foot F into thespace150 by contacting theheel band200 causing it to invert such that theinterior heel surface220 curves toward the forefoot and potentially down toward thesole assembly130, and perhaps contacting the bottom surface of thespace150. The foot F may slide over theheel band200 into thespace150, and after the foot F is received within thespace150, theheel band200 may be sufficiently resilient to slide out from under the foot F and move to secure the heel H similar to that shown inFIGS. 13 and 16.
• Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).
• The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

Claims (23)

1. A footwear comprising:

an upper configured to receive a foot;

a sole assembly secured to said upper and having a longitudinal axis extending from a forefoot region to a heel region of said sole assembly, said sole assembly positioned between the foot and a ground surface;

said sole assembly including an outsole configured to provide traction with respect to the ground surface; and

said sole assembly including a heel band that is integral with a sole portion of the sole assembly, said heel band being deformable from a resting state to a deformed state to provide hands-free insertion of the foot into said upper, said heel band being resilient to move away from said deformed state to secure a heel of the foot in response to insertion of the foot within said upper.

2. The footwear ofclaim 1 wherein said outsole is integral with said sole assembly, and wherein said sole portion is said outsole.

3. The footwear ofclaim 1 wherein said heel band includes a dynamic pivot integral to the sole assembly, wherein said dynamic pivot is configured to resiliently support said heel band to cantilever about said dynamic pivot.

4. The footwear ofclaim 3 wherein said dynamic pivot defines a sidewall of said sole assembly, and wherein said dynamic pivot is deformed in said deformed state of said heel band such that said sidewall of said sole assembly is displaced away from said longitudinal axis.

5. The footwear ofclaim 4 wherein said upper formed of a flexible material that defines a void capable of receiving the foot and an ankle opening through which the foot is insertable into said void.

6. The footwear ofclaim 5 wherein said upper is attached to an interior heel support surface of said heel band, and wherein, in said deformed state, said flexible material of said upper is displaced laterally relative to said longitudinal axis, whereby lateral displacement of said flexible material of said upper provides additional lateral space for inserting the foot into said void of said upper.

7. The footwear ofclaim 4 wherein said upper includes a heel counter, and wherein said heel counter is movable in response to deformation of said heel support to allow insertion of the foot into said upper.

8. The footwear ofclaim 3 wherein:

said heel band includes a medial-side dynamic pivot and a lateral-side dynamic pivot;

said heel band includes an interior heel support surface extending from said medial-side dynamic pivot to said lateral-side dynamic pivot of said sole assembly; and

said heel band is curved such that said interior heel support surface is operable to engage and support the heel of the foot.

9. The footwear ofclaim 8 wherein, in said deformed state, said heel band is inverted relative to said medial-side dynamic pivot and said lateral-side dynamic pivot such that a rear band portion of said heel band is displaced forward relative to a position of said rear band portion in said resting state along said longitudinal axis.

10. The footwear ofclaim 9 wherein, in said deformed state, said rear band portion of said heel band is displaced toward said outsole relative to a position of said rear band portion in said resting state.

11. The footwear ofclaim 8 wherein, in said resting state, a rear band portion of said heel band is disposed to be even with or forward of a rear outsole portion of said outsole along said longitudinal axis, and wherein, in said deformed state, said heel band is pivoted toward said outsole such that said rear band portion is disposed aft of said rear outsole portion of said outsole along said longitudinal axis.

12. The footwear ofclaim 1 wherein said sole assembly is injection molded as a one-piece sole assembly that integrally includes said heel band and said outsole.

13. The footwear ofclaim 1 wherein said heel band is sufficiently resilient to move from said deformed state, in which the heel is insufficiently secured, to slip over the heel to securely support the heel in a hands-free manner.

14. The footwear ofclaim 1 wherein said sole assembly includes a midsole that is said sole portion.

15. A footwear comprising:

a foot receiving space capable of receiving a foot;

a sole portion operable to provide support for the foot in said foot receiving space, said sole portion having a longitudinal axis extending from a forefoot region to a heel region of the footwear; and

a heel band being integral with said sole portion, said heel band being movable from a resting state to a deformed state to provide hands-free insertion of the foot into said foot receiving space, said heel band being resilient to move away from said deformed state to secure a heel of the foot in response to insertion of the foot within said foot receiving space.

16. The footwear ofclaim 15 wherein said sole portion is an outsole, and wherein said outsole is configured to provide traction with respect to a ground surface.

17. The footwear ofclaim 15 wherein said heel band includes a dynamic pivot that is integral to said sole portion, wherein said dynamic pivot is configured to resiliently support said heel band to cantilever about said dynamic pivot.

18. The footwear ofclaim 15 comprising an upper that defines at least a portion of said foot receiving space for insertion of the foot.

19. The footwear ofclaim 15 wherein:

said heel band includes a medial-side dynamic pivot and a lateral-side dynamic pivot;

said heel band includes an interior heel support surface extending from said medial-side dynamic pivot to said lateral-side dynamic pivot of said sole portion; and

said heel band is curved such that said interior heel support surface is operable to engage and support the heel of the foot.

20. The footwear ofclaim 15 comprising a forefoot band coupled to said sole portion, wherein said forefoot band and said heel band are operable to define said foot receiving space.

21. A method of manufacturing footwear, said method comprising:

providing an upper constructed to receive a foot;

molding a one-piece sole assembly having a sole portion and a heel band, the one-piece sole assembly including a longitudinal axis extending from a forefoot region to a heel region, the one-piece sole assembly being positionable between the foot and a ground surface;

attaching, to the heel band, an upper that is constructed to receive the foot; and

said molding the one-piece sole assembly including providing a resilient material to facilitate deformation of the heel band to allow hands-free insertion of the foot within the upper.

22. The method ofclaim 21 wherein the sole portion is an outsole, and wherein said molding the one-piece sole assembly includes molding a dynamic pivot between the heel band and the outsole, wherein the dynamic pivot allows the heel band to cantilever about the outsole in response to insertion of the foot within the upper.

23. The method ofclaim 21 wherein said molding includes providing:

the heel band including a medial-side dynamic pivot and a lateral-side dynamic pivot;

the heel band including an interior heel support surface extending from the medial-side dynamic pivot to the lateral-side dynamic pivot of the one-piece sole assembly; and

the heel band being curved such that the interior heel support surface is operable to engage and support a heel of the foot.

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