The present disclosure relates to footwear, and more particularly to rapid-entry footwear with rebounding fit system.
Shoes come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, functionalities, and purposes. While it is relatively easy to remove many types of shoes, it may not be so simple to put all such shoes back on again. Instead, many shoes require several steps to put the shoes on, including lacing and tying the shoes, using other fasteners, or the like, and such steps may include loosening and/or untying shoes that were not properly loosened or untied the last time the shoes were worn. In addition, many shoes require a shoe horn to make it easier to get the shoe on.
Disclosed herein, according to various embodiments, is a rapid-entry and rebounding fit shoe having one or both of a rapid-entry heel structure and a rapid-entry tongue element, wherein both snap back for fit. The rapid-entry shoe directs a user's foot into or otherwise accommodates a user's foot with respect to, a shoe opening, and thereafter secures a rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe about a user's heel as well as forefoot.
The forgoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated herein otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation of the disclosed embodiments will become more apparent in light of the following description and accompanying drawings.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in, and constitute a part of, this specification, illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings, only one shoe (either a left shoe or a right shoe) is illustrated. It is understood that the illustrated structure may be mirror-imaged to fit the opposite shoe.
The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures.
The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical, chemical, mechanical and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.
For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, coupled or the like may include permanent (e.g., integral), removable, temporary, partial, full, and/or any other possible attachment option. Any of the components may be coupled to each other via bolts, dowels, glue, stitching, welding, soldering, brazing, sleeves, brackets, clips or other manners known in the art or hereinafter developed. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.
The present disclosure is directed toward rapid-entry footwear (e.g., a shoe) with rebounding fit system. The rapid-entry shoe, according to various embodiments, advantageously allows the user to put on and take off his or her shoes without the use of hands and/or without having to bend down to tie the laces, without having to use a shoe horn, or without using other such adjustment features, elements, or mechanisms for fit. In various embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe may include a one-time adjustment feature (e.g., an adjustment element that is not intended to be used each time a user puts on the rapid-entry shoe). For example, the rapid-entry shoe may include a hook-and-loop type fastener arrangement (e.g., Velcro®) that is intended to be adjusted upon purchase/initial use of the shoe. In another embodiment, a length or other dimension of one or more deformable elements may be adjusted/changed by a user to correspondingly adjust/change the circumference, tightness, or other dimension of the shoe opening. The rapid-entry shoe allows easy and rapid putting on and removal of the shoe and secures the shoe tightly and snugly to the user's foot. In some embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe does not include laces.
In various embodiments, the rapid-entry shoe includes one or both of a rapid-entry heel structure and a rapid-entry snap back fit tongue element. A rapid-entry heel structure, in turn, can include one or more anchors, deformable elements, and/or heel pieces, as described in greater detail below, while a rapid-entry tongue element can include one or more tongue flares, cross elements, and/or tongue stiffeners. Additional elements and features are disclosed for use in connection with the present disclosure. A rapid-entry shoe, in accordance with the example embodiments, easily allows or directs a user's foot into, or otherwise accommodates, a user's foot with respect to, a shoe opening. A rapid-entry shoe, as disclosed herein, can collapse when a user's foot enters the shoe opening and then rebound from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration, to thereby secure a rear portion of rapid-entry shoe about a user's heel, quarter panel and/or in-step.
In discussing the illustrated embodiments of the rapid-entry shoe, certain directional words may be used. By way of example, words such as “right,” “left,” “front,” “back,” “forward,” “backward,” “rearward,” “upper,” “lower,” “up,” “down,” and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the rapid-entry shoe. These words should be given meaning according to the manner in which a rapid-entry shoe is most typically designed for use, with the rapid-entry shoe 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 shoe in such use. Similarly, as the rapid-entry shoe is intended primarily for use as footwear, words such as “inner,” “inward,” “outer,” “outward,” “innermost,” “outermost,” “inside,” “outside,” and the like should be understood in reference to a rapid-entry shoe's intended use, such that inner, inward, innermost, and the like signify relatively closer to the user's foot, and outer, outward, outermost, and the like signify relatively farther from the user's foot when the rapid-entry shoe 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.
With reference now to
Rapid-entry shoe 100 can include a rapid-entry heel structure 110, as referenced in
In this regard, heel structure 110 can, itself, have a collapsed configuration 136 (momentary reference to
In a collapsed configuration, heel structure 110 can direct a user's foot into, or otherwise accommodate a user's foot with respect to, a shoe opening. The collapsed configuration can be caused by the user's foot pushing against or downward on heel structure 110 while at the same time expanding a shoe opening using, for example, a goring element or panel 170 (as described below with reference to, for example,
The amount of the expansion of the shoe opening can vary with the shoe style and size. In various embodiments, the rear portion 105 in the collapsed configuration is pushed downward or is compressed. In various embodiments, the heel height in the collapsed configuration is about 50% lower than the heel height in the uncollapsed configuration, however, as with other parameters, this may vary depending on the shoe style and size.
Once the user's foot is within rapid-entry shoe 100 or removed from rapid-entry shoe 100, the heel structure 110 returns to the uncollapsed configuration (i.e., its original position). In a collapsed configuration of example embodiments, heel structure 110 exhibits a return force toward an uncollapsed configuration of between about 1 pound-force and about 10 pound-force. In various embodiments, in a collapsed configuration the heel structure 110 exhibits a return force toward an uncollapsed configuration of between about 4 pound-force and about 8 pound-force. In various embodiments, in a collapsed configuration the heel structure 110 exhibits a return force toward an uncollapsed configuration of between about 5 pound-force and about 7 pound-force.
In various embodiments, the return force is strong enough such that the rear portion 105 of the shoe rebounds back up and snugly fits around the user's heel. In example embodiments, heel structure 110 returns from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration in less than about 1 second. In various embodiments, the heel structure 110 returns from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration in less than about 0.5 seconds. In various embodiments, the heel structure 110 returns from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration in less than about 0.2 seconds. This rebound time is measured absent any external forces, e.g., as may be imparted by the user's heel.
Heel structure 110 can be manufactured as a standalone product, for incorporation into finished shoes, or can be manufactured to be integral with or within finished shoes.
In various embodiments, and with continued reference to
The deformable element(s) 130 is/are coupled to the base 120, according to various embodiments. The term “base” may refer to a rigid portion or section of the rapid-entry shoe 100 to which the deformable element(s) 130 is/are coupled. Said differently, the base 120 refers to an anchoring connection point(s) to which the deformable element(s) 130 is/are coupled. The base 120 may refer to an outsole or portions thereof, a midsole or portions thereof, an insole or portions thereof, a wedge or portions thereof, the upper or portions thereof (e.g., a heel counter), or other suitable structure disposed between and/or adjacent to these listed parts of the rapid-entry shoe 100.
While in various embodiments the deformable element 130 is directly coupled, mounted, or attached to the base 120, in other embodiments the base 120 may optionally include one or more anchors 121. In various embodiments, the anchor 121 may be a portion of the base 120 that engages and retains the deformable element(s) 130 in place. In various embodiments, the anchor(s) 121 can be integrally formed with, coupled to and/or located within or between, or outside of an insole, midsole, outsole, upper, or other rear portion 105 of rapid-entry shoe 100. In various embodiments, for example, the anchor 121 is disposed in a block or a wedge. Anchor 121 can be located in the upper, in the heel counter 125 (with reference to
Anchor 121 is generally a structure provided to secure deformable elements 130 and/or heel pieces 140 to rapid-entry shoe 100. For example, and with reference to
Anchor 121 can include one or more materials such as nylon, acetal homopolymer/polyoxymethylene, aluminum, graphite, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC-ET), polypropylene, acrylic resin, rubber, titanium, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate.
Deformable element 130, as briefly introduced above, is generally a structure provided to return heel structure 110 from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration. Heel structure 110 can include one or more deformable elements 130, for example, one on either side of rapid-entry shoe 100. As an example, a single deformable element 130 can travel from one side of shoe 100 to the other side of shoe 100 and can be attached to one or more anchors 121.
Deformable element 130 can include one or more of a tube, a wire, a spring, a shape memory structure or material, and the like. In example embodiments, deformable element 130 includes a single, unitary piece. For instance, and according to various embodiments, a first end of deformable element 130 can be embedded in or attached to a left anchor 121 (or the left side of a unitary anchor 121), a second end of deformable element 130 can be embedded in or attached to a right anchor 121 (or the right side of a unitary anchor 121), and a middle portion of deformable element 130 can extend around the heel (or be coupled to or be embedded within a heel piece 140), according to various embodiments.
In various embodiments, the first and second ends of the deformable element 130 are disposed below the footbed of the rapid-entry shoe 100. Said differently, the connection locations (e.g., anchors 121) of the base 120, to which the deformable element 130 is connected, are positioned below the footbed of the rapid-entry shoe 100. In various embodiments, the heel structure 110 may be configured so rear portion 105 remains positioned above the footbed of the rapid-entry shoe 100 at all times. Said differently, regardless of whether the heel structure 110 is in the collapsed configuration 136 or the uncollapsed configuration 138, rear portion 105 may remain above the footbed of the rapid-entry shoe 100, according to various embodiments.
In other embodiments, deformable element 130 includes a plurality of separate and distinct components. For instance, deformable element 130 can include two separate components, with a first component having a first end embedded in or attached to a left anchor 121 (or the left side of a unitary anchor 121) and a second end embedded in or attached to the left side of heel piece 140 (or a left paddle of heel piece 140, as described below), and with a second component having a first end embedded in or attached to a right anchor 121 (or the right side of a unitary anchor 121) and a second end embedded in or attached to the right side of heel piece 140 (or a right paddle of heel piece 140, as described below). The plurality of separate and distinct components can be secured together, for example, with one or more of a tape wrap, woven encasing, overmold (e.g., TPU), heat shrink tube, and the like, each of which can provide different stabilities and strengths. By way of non-limiting example, and with reference to
Deformable element 130 can have variable mechanical properties along its length and/or at distinct points along its length. Such variation can be provided by deformable element 130, one or more of its plurality of separate and distinct components, and/or a securement surrounding all or a portion of deformable element(s) 130, having a variable cross-section, density, material, and/or the like along its length. A variable cross-section, in turn, can be provided by variation in thickness or shape, or twisting of deformable element 130 otherwise having a constant thickness or shape along its length. In various embodiments, the plurality of deformable elements 130 can comprise the same or different mechanical properties, for example, they can flex independent of each other.
In various embodiments, and with momentary reference to
Deformable element 130 can further have directional biases. Such biases can be provided as described above, by deformable element 130, one or more of its plurality of separate and distinct components, and/or a securement surrounding all or a portion of deformable element(s) 130, having a variable cross-section, density, material, and/or the like along its length. By way of non-limiting example, deformable element 130 can include a first component or wire (e.g., nitinol) that is sufficiently resiliently flexible to return heel structure 110 from a collapsed configuration to an uncollapsed configuration, and can further include a second component or wire (e.g., graphite) that directs one or more desired arc(s) of curvature of deformable element 130 (e.g., an arc viewed from a side of a shoe, and an arc viewed from an end of a shoe). These two components can be covered or encased with a plastic coating or shield, as described above, as will be described in greater detail below with reference to
With reference to
An arc of curvature can originate from anchor 121, however, in example embodiments, deformable element 130 does not pivot (i.e., is non-pivoting) about the base 120 (e.g., about an insole, midsole, or outsole) of the rapid-entry shoe 100. Said differently, the deformable element 130 may be non-rotatably coupled to the base 120. In various embodiments, engagement between the deformable element 130 and the base 120 (or anchor 121) is free of play, meaning that there is little or no relative movement between the two components 130, 120.
In some embodiments, an arc of curvature is constant along its length, while in other embodiments, an arc varies along its length and/or at distinct points along its length, for example, by exhibiting variable mechanical properties, as described above. In some embodiments, variation between an uncollapsed configuration and a collapsed configuration may be due to the constraints of the upper construction of the shoe.
With particular reference to
Deformable element 130 can include one or more materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, nickel titanium (nitinol) and other metals and alloys (shape-memory or otherwise), polymers (shape-memory or otherwise), composite materials, foam materials, graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, TPC-ET, silicone, TPU, and polycarbonate. For example, deformable element 130 can include titanium or be a titanium wire. Also, one or more deformable elements 130 can be made of a first material, e.g., titanium, and one or more deformable elements 130 can be made of a second material, e.g., graphite, which advantageously allow easier deformation of heel structure 110 while at the same time providing faster rebounding of heel structure 110 to its original position (i.e., the uncollapsed configuration).
In various embodiments, and with reference to
At least a portion of the deformable element 130 may be connected to the rear portion 105 of the shoe. For example, the deformable element 130 may be coupled to the shoe in proximity to the topline of the shoe opening so that the rear portion 105 of the shoe collapses in response to the heel structure 110 changing to the collapsed configuration and the rear portion 105 of the shoe rebounds in response to the heel structure 110 reverting back to the uncollapsed configuration. In various embodiments, portions of the deformable element 130 may move within the rear portion 105 (e.g., the quarter) of the shoe. For example, the deformable element 130 may be disposed between, an inner surface and an outer surface of the quarter or heel counter of the shoe and, in response to deformation of the deformable element 130, may move relative to the inner and outer surfaces of the shoe. In example embodiments, the deformable element 130 or heel piece 140 can be completely contained within the rear portion 105 of the shoe 100. While the deformable element 130 is visible by a user in some embodiments, in other embodiments, the deformable element 130 is not visible by a user.
In various embodiments, and with reference to
In various embodiments, as mentioned above, the base 120 may include an anchor 121 and an anchor receptacle 122. The anchor 121 may be able to be installed/coupled to the anchor receptacle 122, for example, via a resistance fit, compression fit, a snap fit, or via an interlocking mechanism/configuration. In such embodiments, the deformable element 130 may be first coupled to the anchor 121 and then the anchor 121 may be installed/coupled to the anchor receptacle 122.
Optional heel piece 140 is generally a structure provided to secure a rear portion 105 of rapid-entry shoe 100 about a user's heel when heel structure 110 is in an uncollapsed configuration, and direct a user's foot into, or otherwise accommodate a user's foot with respect to, a shoe opening when heel structure 110 is in a collapsed configuration. Heel structure 110 can include a plurality of heel pieces 140.
With reference to
In example embodiments, no portion of any deformable element 130 extends completely through heel piece 140. Stated another way, in example embodiments, deformable element 130 is not continuous between medial and lateral sides of rapid-entry shoe 100. For example, paddles 142 can be rotatably coupled to deformable element 130. In various embodiments, the deformable element 130 can rotate to a certain degree about its longitudinal axis (e.g., torsion about is longitudinal axis). In other embodiments, the deformable element 130 extends completely through the heel piece 140 and/or forms the heel piece 140.
In some embodiments, lower bridge or neck 146 prevents inward rotation of paddles 142 about deformable element 130 (i.e., roll-in of paddles 142). More specifically, lower bridge or neck 146 can prevent the lower portions of paddles 142 from spreading apart. In example embodiments, a gap or opening is present between necks 144, 146. Alternatively, a single bridge or neck may be used to connect paddles 142.
Outward rotation of paddles 142 about deformable element 130 (i.e., flaring of paddles 142), as depicted by the arrows in
Outward rotation of a paddle of heel piece 140 about deformable element 130 can be further assisted by the collapsing of the heel piece or the heel material of the upper, as illustrated in
Heel piece 140 can include one or more bendable or flexible materials such as thermoplastic rubber (TPR), silicone, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS), nylon, acetal homopolymer/polyoxymethylene, aluminum, TPU, TPC-ET, polypropylene, acrylic resin, rubber, ABS, and polycarbonate.
Heel piece 140 may be manufactured of differing materials in the paddles 142 and necks 144, 146. Additionally, heel piece 140 may include differing layers of material to provide adequate stiffness and strength overall while providing a desired soft feel on the surfaces directed toward the user's foot or otherwise for the comfort of the user.
It will be evident to those skilled in the art that, in some embodiments, rapid-entry shoe 100 can have one or more traditional tightening/loosening features, such as laces, allowing a user to adjust the tightness of the fit of rapid-entry shoe 100. In addition to, or in lieu of such feature(s), and with reference to
The cross element 154, in example embodiments, can be associated with the quarter of rapid-entry shoe 100, either as a separate panel or integrally formed as part of the quarter. The cross element 154 can also be a lace, webbing or other material sewn into or movable in the upper. In general, cross element 154 provides a semi-rigid area for the tongue to flex around when pushed outward by a user's foot entering rapid-entry shoe 100. In some embodiments, cross element 154 may be adjustable up and/or down to vary the amount of flex allowed to the tongue and to adjust the tightness of the fit. Adjustment up and/or down can be accomplished with a slide mechanism. In example embodiments, once an appropriate flex or tightness is achieved, cross element 154 is only rarely used. In another embodiment, there is no cross element. Instead, the vamp of the shoe extends up to a desired location on the tongue and performs the same function as the cross element 154.
With reference now to
In various embodiments, a rapid-entry shoe of the present disclosure can include one or more collapse elements and/or additional features described below with continued reference to
In some embodiments, rapid-entry shoe 100 includes a heel or material stiffener 160. The welded TPU protects the user and the liner material from rubbing against the wire. In example embodiments, heel or material stiffener 160 directs collapse of a more flexible heel material for consistent collapse. Material stiffener 160 can be shaped to flare at its widest point as the heel collapses, guiding the more flexible heel material to fold inward in a controlled way. Material stiffener 160 can be raised above the shoe outsole of a rear portion 105 of rapid-entry shoe 100, providing resistance and further guiding the more flexible heel material to fold inward. Material stiffener 160 can be applied to an outer or inner surface of rapid-entry shoe 100, or anywhere there between. Material stiffener 160 can include a TPU weld, a backing or the like. Alternatively, and with momentary reference to
In various embodiments, and with reference to
In various embodiments, the split 170 does not extend along the entire height of the quarter/upper of the shoe. The split 170 may extend from about 30% to about 40% of the distance between the topline 173 and the footbed, however, as with other parameters, this may vary depending on the shoe style and size.
In some embodiments, rapid-entry shoe 100 includes a kick plate 180. In example embodiments, kick plate 180 is forms or is otherwise integral with the anchor receptacle 122 described above with reference to
In accordance with example embodiments, as shown in
Having described the numerous rapid-entry features of the present disclosure,
When the user wishes to put on rapid-entry shoe 100, he/she begins by inserting the user's foot into the traditional shoe opening, as shown in
As the user's foot is inserted into rapid-entry shoe 100, the increasing amount of the user's foot in rapid-entry shoe 100 begins to press downward on the rear of the upper, causing it to deflect downward against the tension imparted to the rear of the upper by deformable element 130. As the user's foot nears full entry into rapid-entry shoe 100, the rear of the upper is almost fully depressed. Given the extent of deformation of the rear of rapid-entry shoe 100 in example embodiments, it will be appreciated that the materials of the quarter will generally be selected to permit a desired amount of deformation while maintaining a desired appearance. In some embodiment, the materials of the quarter are selected to direct or otherwise facilitate a desired deformation. For example, with continued reference to
As the user's foot fully enters rapid-entry shoe 100, the tension in deformable element 130 causes the rear part of the upper to rebound upward around the user's foot, until rapid-entry shoe 100 again assumes its natural configuration, as shown in
The user can then wear rapid-entry shoe 100 as normal until the user wishes to remove rapid-entry shoe 100, at which time rapid-entry shoe 100 can be rapidly removed. While many shoes cannot be removed without being untied, the rapid-entry features provided by the heel element and the tongue element further facilitate removal. The user simply presses down on the kick plate 180 either with the other foot or with the hand or another object, greatly easing the foot's removal from rapid-entry shoe 100. In example embodiments, contact by the toe or other portion of the opposite shoe with kick plate 180 facilitates removal of rapid-entry shoe 100 for hands-free operation.
As the user's foot enters and leaves rapid-entry shoe 100, different portions of the user's foot contact heel piece 140. These different portions of the user's foot have different contours, and the construction of heel piece 140 allows heel piece 140 to deform and generally conform to the portion of the user's foot then contacting heel piece 140. For example, as the user's foot enters rapid-entry shoe 100 (e.g., as shown in
Referring to
According to various embodiments, and with reference to
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. For example, while the present disclosure has been described primarily with reference to shoes, those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure may be applied to various apparatuses having foot restraints as integral components, for example, water skis. 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.
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.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure.
The steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.
Any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. Surface shading lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts or areas but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials. In some cases, reference coordinates may be specific to each figure.
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “various embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.
Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/368,497, filed Jul. 29, 2016 entitled “RAPID-ENTRY FOOTWEAR WITH REBOUNDING FIT SYSTEM,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/326,650, filed Apr. 22, 2016 entitled “RAPID-ENTRY SHOE,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20170303632 A1 | Oct 2017 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62368497 | Jul 2016 | US | |
62326650 | Apr 2016 | US |