INVENTORS: CRAIG CHENEY, AISLYNN EDWARDS

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to footwear, and more particularly to rapid-entry footwear.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Whether due to inconvenience or inability, donning and doffing of shoes, including tying or otherwise securing the same, may be undesirable and/or present difficulties to some individuals. The present disclosure addresses this need.

SUMMARY

[0003] Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, is rapid-entry footwear having rotatable straps.

[0004] A rapid-entry shoe, in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, comprises a forward strap, a rearward strap and a sole portion. In example embodiments, the forward strap is coupled to the rearward strap on a medial side of the rapid-entry shoe at a medial intersection, and the forward strap is coupled to the rearward strap on a lateral side of the rapid-entry shoe at a lateral intersection. In example embodiments, the forward strap extends forward between the medial intersection and the lateral intersection, and the rearward strap extends rearward between the medial intersection and the lateral intersection.

[0005] In example embodiments, the forward strap and the rearward strap are configured to resiliently pivot relative to the other from the medial intersection and/or the lateral intersection. In example embodiments, the forward strap and the rearward strap are configured to rotate relative to the rapid-entry shoe about an axis of rotation.

[0006] In example embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe is biased from an open configuration toward a closed configuration, the forward strap and the rearward strap being generally further apart from one another when the rapid- entry shoe is in the open configuration to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual donning the rapid-entry shoe.

[0007] In example embodiments of the present disclosure, the forward strap and the rearward strap are coupled to each other with a resilient member. In other example embodiments, the forward strap and the rearward strap are a unitary structure comprised of a resilient material. In still other example embodiments, the forward strap and the rearward strap are a unitary structure comprising a living hinge.

[0008] In example embodiments of the present disclosure, an upper of the rapid-entry shoe is coupled to the forward strap and/or the rearward strap. [0009] In example embodiments of the present disclosure, the medial intersection and the lateral intersection are below an upper surface of the sole portion. In other example embodiments, the medial intersection and the lateral intersection are above an upper surface of the sole portion.

[0010] In example embodiments of the present disclosure, the axis of rotation is below an upper surface of the sole portion. In other example embodiments, the axis of rotation is above an upper surface of the sole portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011 ] The accompanying drawings may provide a further understanding of example embodiments of the present disclosure and are incorporated in, and constitute a part of, this specification. In the accompanying drawings, only one rapid-entry shoe (either a left shoe or a right shoe) may be illustrated, however, it should be understood that in such instances, the illustrated shoe may be mirror-imaged so as to be the other shoe. The use of like reference numerals throughout the accompanying drawings is for convenience only, and should not be construed as implying that any of the illustrated embodiments are equivalent. The accompanying drawings are for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

[0012] Figures 1A-1 D illustrate a rapid-entry shoe having distinct straps, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0013] Figures 2A-2D illustrate a rapid-entry shoe having a unitary strap, in accordance with an example embodiment. [0014] Figures 3A-3C illustrate a rapid-entry shoe having a living hinge, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0015] Figures 4A-4D illustrate a rapid-entry shoe comprising an upper, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0016] Figures 5A-5C illustrate a rapid-entry shoe having a strap intersection above an upper surface of a sole portion, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0017] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate rotation of straps of a rapid-entry shoe, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0018] Figures 7A-7C illustrate detachment of a resilient member of a rapid- entry shoe, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0019] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a forward strap and a rearward strap configured to be bistable, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0020] Figures 9A-9D illustrate a rapid-entry shoe comprising an adjustment bracket, in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described in sufficient detail in this detailed description to enable persons having ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the present disclosure, however, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that mechanical and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, this detailed description is for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

[0022] For example, unless the context dictates otherwise, example embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments described herein. Similarly, references to "example embodiment," "example embodiments" and the like indicate that the embodiment(s) described may comprise a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily comprise the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such references may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s). Any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to plural includes singular embodiments. [0023] Any reference to coupled, connected, attached or the like may be temporary or permanent, removeable or not, non-integral or integral, partial or full, and may be facilitated by one or more of adhesives, stitches, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, clips, grommets, zippers and other means known in the art or hereinafter developed.

[0024] As used herein, the transitional term “comprising”, which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. The transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps “and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)” of the claimed invention.

[0025] No claim limitation is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph or the like unless it explicitly uses the term “means” and includes functional language.

[0026] In describing example embodiments of the rapid-entry footwear, certain directional terms may be used. By way of example, terms such as “right,” “left,” “medial,” “lateral,” “front,” “back,” “forward,” “backward,” “rearward,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “up,” “down,” and the like may be used to describe example embodiments of the rapid-entry footwear. These terms should be given meaning according to the manner in which the rapid- entry footwear is most typically designed for use, with the rapid-entry footwear on a user’s foot and with the user’s shod foot disposed on or ready for placement on an underlying surface. Thus, these directions may be understood relative to the rapid-entry footwear in such use. Similarly, as the rapid-entry footwear is intended primarily for use as footwear, terms such as “inner,” “inward,” “outer,” “outward,” “innermost,” “outermost,” “inside,” “outside,” and the like should be understood in reference to the rapid-entry footwear’s intended use, such that inner, inward, innermost, inside, and the like signify relatively closer to the user’s foot, and outer, outward, outermost, outside, and the like signify relatively farther from the user’s foot when the rapid-entry footwear is being used for its intended purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the foregoing definitional guidance is contradicted by an individual use herein of any of the foregoing terms, the term should be understood and read according to the definition that gives life and meaning to the particular instance of the term.

[0027] As used herein, a “rapid-entry shoe” refers to an athleisure shoe, a casual shoe, a formal shoe, a dress shoe, a heel, a sports/athletic shoe (e.g., a tennis shoe, a golf shoe, a bowling shoe, a running shoe, a basketball shoe, a soccer shoe, a ballet shoe, etc.), a walking shoe, a sandal, a boot, or other suitable type of shoe. Additionally, a rapid-entry shoe can be sized and configured to be worn by men, women, or children.

[0028] With reference to Figures 1A-1 D, a rapid-entry shoe 100 in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a forward strap 110, a rearward strap 120 and a sole portion 130. Example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to both a forward strap 110 and a rearward strap 120, however, a single strap is also contemplated, as are additional straps.

[0029] As used herein, a “strap” of a rapid-entry shoe refers to a distinct strip of material or a portion of an upper. In example embodiments, a strap of the present disclosure is not merely a commonly-used upper material (e.g., canvas, leather, nylon), but is instead a material exhibiting sufficient rigidity for the purposes of the present disclosure, for example, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, urethane or another polymer material, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), silicone, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS), nylon, acetal homopolymer/polyoxymethylene, aluminum, TPU, TPC- ET, polypropylene, acrylic resin, rubber, ABS, and polycarbonate. In general, a strap of the present disclosure can be comprised of a material exhibiting resilient deformability.

[0030] As used herein, a “sole portion” of a rapid-entry shoe refers to an outsole or portions thereof, a midsole or portions thereof, an insole or portions thereof, a wedge or portions thereof, or other suitable structure disposed between and/or adjacent to the foregoing parts of a rapid-entry shoe.

[0031] In some embodiments, one or both of the forward strap and the rearward strap can extend between, and be coupled to, medial and lateral sides of the sole portion. In other embodiments, one or both of the forward strap and the rearward strap can extend from one but not both of medial and lateral sides of the sole portion.

[0032] More broadly, in example embodiments, the forward strap 110 is coupled to the rearward strap 120 on a medial side of the rapid-entry shoe 100 at a medial intersection 112, and the forward strap 110 is coupled to the rearward strap 120 on a lateral side of the rapid-entry shoe 100 at a lateral intersection 114. In example embodiments, the forward strap 110 extends forward between the medial intersection 112 and the lateral intersection 114, and the rearward strap 120 extends rearward between the medial intersection 112 and the lateral intersection 114.

[0033] As used herein, a strap “intersection” refers to a location where a plurality of distinct straps merge with each other, whether being coupled, overlapping, being a unitary structure, or otherwise.

[0034] In various embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe has an open configuration in which an opening of the rapid-entry shoe is expanded to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual donning the rapid-entry shoe. In various embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe has a closed configuration in which the opening is unexpanded to retain a foot within the rapid-entry shoe. In the open configuration, the forward and rearward straps are generally further apart from one another, and the shoe 100 has a generally larger opening for receiving a user’s foot, than in the closed configuration. In example embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe is biased toward the closed configuration. For the avoidance of doubt, example rapid-entry shoes in an open configuration are illustrated in Figures 1 C, 2C and 3B, while example rapid-entry shoes in a closed configuration are illustrated in Figures 1 D, 2D and 3C.

[0035] In this regard, in example embodiments, the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 are configured to pivot (e.g., resiliently) relative to the other away from the medial intersection 112 and/or the lateral intersection 114. [0036] In some embodiments, and with momentary reference to Figures. 6A and 6B, the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 are directly coupled to each other at a strap intersection with a pin member (e.g., a pin or dowel), the pin member configured to permit the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 to pivot relative to each other. [0037] In other embodiments, and with continued reference to Figures. 1A- 1 D, the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 are indirectly coupled to each other at strap intersection 112 or 114 by a resilient member 150 (or other bridge member) configured to permit the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 to pivot relative to each other, and also (in some but not all embodiments) configured to bias the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 toward each another (e.g., from an open configuration toward a closed configuration). A resilient member 150 can be coupled to an end of a forward strap 110 or rearward strap 120. Alternatively, a resilient member 150 can be coupled to an inner or outer surface of a forward strap 110 or rearward strap 120. A pin member as described above can also be used in connection with a resilient member 150.

[0038] In example embodiments, an end of the forward strap 110 can comprise an angled edge corresponding to an angled edge of the rearward strap 120, wherein the angles are selected based on the desired opening for receiving a user’s foot. For example, edges having a shallower angle would result in a smaller opening.

[0039] With reference to Figures 2A-2D, a forward strap and a rearward strap can be a unitary structure (e.g., formed from a single continuous piece, formed from a common mold) comprised of a resilient material (e.g., capable of resilient deformation). Thus, in example embodiments, instead of comprising a resilient member, or in addition to, one or both of the straps can themselves be resilient to be able to resiliently pivot relative to the other away from a strap intersection 112 or 114.

[0040] With reference to Figures 3A-3C, the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 are a unitary structure comprising a living hinge 155 at a strap intersection 112 or 114. A living hinge can comprise a cut extending completely from one side of strap intersection 112 or 114, or a material or portion thereof weaker or thinner (e.g., scored or perforated) than an adjacent material or portion thereof. In such embodiments, the living hinge 155 can be configured to permit the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 to resiliently pivot relative to each other away from a strap intersection 112 or 114. [0041 ] With reference to Figures 4A-4D, one or both of a forward strap 110 and a rearward strap 120 can be coupled to (e.g., inside, outside, between layers), or comprised of, a portion (e.g., an edge) of an upper 170 (e.g., a closed-toe upper or a toe strap).

[0042] In connection with the foregoing embodiments, a forward strap 110 and a rearward strap 120 (or a strap intersection) can terminate at, or otherwise overlap or encompass, an axis of rotation 140, discussed below. For example, in some embodiments the forward strap 110 and/or the rearward strap 120 are coupled to each other and also to the sole portion 130 at an axis of rotation 140 with a pin member (e.g., a pin or dowel). In this regard, in some embodiments the forward strap 110 and/or the rearward strap 120 are configured to pivot relative to each other about the same axis about which the forward strap 110 and/or the rearward strap 120 are configured to rotate relative to the rapid-entry shoe 100 (e.g., a sole portion 130 of the rapid-entry shoe 100).

[0043] However, in connection with any of the foregoing embodiments, and with particular reference to Figures 5A-5C, a forward strap 110 and a rearward strap 120 need not terminate at, or otherwise overlap or encompass, an axis of rotation 140. That is, a strap intersection can comprise a strap extension, the strap extension forming a Y shape together with the strap intersection, and the bottom of the Y shape terminating at, or otherwise overlapping or encompassing, an axis of rotation 140. In such embodiments, the forward strap 110 and/or the rearward strap 120 are configured to pivot relative to each other about an axis distinct from the axis about which the forward strap 110 and/or the rearward strap 120 are configured to rotate relative to the rapid-entry shoe 100 (e.g., a sole portion 130 of the rapid-entry shoe 100).

[0044] In this regard, in example embodiments of the present disclosure, an example strap intersection can be partially or exclusively below an upper surface of the sole portion. However, in other example embodiments, an example strap intersection can be partially or exclusively above an upper surface of the sole portion.

[0045] With further reference to Figures 5A-5C, an embodiment having a strap intersection partially or exclusively above an upper surface of the sole portion can comprise any of the structures above (e.g., resilient member, resilient material, living hinge) such that the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 are configured to pivot relative to the other. Similarly, a strap having a strap intersection partially or exclusively above an upper surface of the sole portion can be coupled to an upper.

[0046] In example embodiments, as alluded to above, the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120 are further configured to rotate relative to the rapid- entry shoe 100 (e.g., a sole portion 130 of the rapid-entry shoe 100) about an axis of rotation 140 (e.g., at a pin member). In this regard, in example embodiments of the present disclosure, the axis of rotation 140 is partially or exclusively below an upper surface of the sole portion 130 (e.g., through a rear portion of the sole portion 130). In other example embodiments, the axis of rotation 140 is partially or exclusively above an upper surface of the sole portion 130 (e.g., above a rear portion of the sole portion 130).

[0047] Notwithstanding some of the drawings, and with continued reference to Figures 5A-5C, any strap intersection and an end of any strap or strap extension can be coupled into a recess 132 within an upper surface of the sole portion 130 (e.g., so as to not be visible), the recess 132 configured to permit relative movement of the straps.

[0048] With reference to Figures 6A and 6B, one or both of a forward strap 110 and a rearward strap 120 of a rapid-entry shoe 100 can be rotated rearward beyond the end of the sole portion 130 to surround the sole portion 130 (e.g., for storage, when not in use). Thus, the radius of a curve defined by a forward strap 110 and/or a rearward strap 120 can be greater than the distance from the end of the sole portion 130 to the axis of rotation 140.

[0049] A resilient member 150 can be detachable from one or both of the forward strap 110 and the rearward strap 120. Alternatively, or additionally, and with particular reference to Figures 7A-7C, a resilient member 150 of a rapid- entry shoe 100 can be detachable between its ends, for example, at a coupling 152, which may comprise a magnet, buckle, ratchet, hook and loop fastener, etc. In such embodiments, a rearward strap 120 can be rotated rearward, as discussed above, and/or a forward strap 110 can be rotated forward.

[0050] With reference now to Figures 8A and 8B, a forward strap 110 and a rearward strap 120 of a rapid-entry shoe 100 can be bistable. In this regard, one of a forward strap 110 and a rearward strap 120 can be configured to be folded flat below an axis of rotation 140 so that a resilient member 150 becomes over centered and holds the forward strap 110 and/or the rearward strap 120 down to the sole portion 130.

[0051] With reference to Figures 9A-9D, a rapid-entry shoe 100 can further comprise an adjustment bracket 160 on one (lateral or medial) or both sides at the axis of rotation or a strap intersection to engage with a sole portion 130 and one or both of a forward strap 110 and a rearward strap 120. In example embodiments, an adjustment bracket 160 comprises a pie or triangle shape and has a plurality of pegs along its arc and/or a side. In example embodiments, selective engagement between the adjustment bracket 160 (e.g., pegs extending therefrom) and one or both of a forward strap 110 and a rearward strap 120 (e.g., holes extending there through) can provide for strap length and/or angle adjustability. While an adjustment bracket 160 comprising pegs and holes is illustrated, other adjustment brackets are contemplated, for example, comprising one or more of a magnet, buckle, ratchet, hook and loop fastener, etc.

[0052] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the embodiments described herein cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0053] Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the preceding description, including various alternatives together with details of the structure and function of the devices and/or methods. The disclosure is intended as illustrative only and as such is not intended to be exhaustive. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made, especially in matters of structure, materials, elements, components, shape, size and arrangement of parts including combinations within the principles of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. To the extent that these various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be encompassed therein.