Abstract: A shoe has an upper with a foot receiving shoe opening. A heel counter is located at a rear portion of the upper and includes a rigid heel cup. The heel cup has a lower portion, a midportion, and an upper portion having a curvature extending from a top edge of the heel cup and that is curved downward towards the shoe opening. On a vertical cross-section, the heel cup has a S wave shape. A compressible layer is located along an inner wall of the heel cup and is configured to curve around a portion of a user's ankle above the user's heel once donned. The compressible layer may be compressed during donning of the shoe and may at least partially expand to secure the foot within the shoe once donned.

Abstract: A rapid-entry and rebounding fit shoe having one or both of a rapid-entry heel element and a rapid-entry tongue element and 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 rapid-entry shoe about a user's heel as well as forefoot.

Abstract: A rapid-entry and rebounding fit shoe having one or both of a rapid-entry heel element and a rapid-entry tongue element and 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 rapid-entry shoe about a user's heel as well as forefoot.

Abstract: A footwear article includes an upper defining apertures spaced apart from one another in a first arrangement. A heel structure has a deformable element attached to a base. The deformable element has pegs spaced apart from one another in the first arrangement and extending through the apertures in the upper. A method of manufacturing a footwear article includes placing a deformable element between an inner layer and an outer layer of an upper and attaching the deformable element to a rigid base. The deformable element includes at least one peg extending outward toward the outer layer. The method includes inserting the peg through the outer layer so that the peg extends through the outer layer and is exposed at an exterior surface of the outer layer. After inserting the peg of the footwear element through the outer layer of the upper, the peg is secured at the exterior surface of the outer layer.

Abstract: Footwear includes one or more of: (a) an upper portion at least partially defining a foot-receiving chamber; (b) a track component integrally formed or engaged with the upper portion; (c) a heel engaging component movable with respect to the upper portion via the track component between a closed configuration and an open configuration; (d) a locking system, e.g., holding the heel engaging component in the closed configuration; (e) a biasing system, e.g., applying force to the heel engaging component toward the open configuration; (f) a stop system, e.g., keeping the heel engaging component from completely disengaging from the track component; and/or (g) a sole structure. When the footwear is supported upright on a horizontal surface, the heel engaging component may move rearward (and in some examples upward) via the track component when changing from the closed to the open configuration.

Abstract: A footwear article includes a collar elevator to raise an ankle collar from a lowered position to a raised position. For example, the ankle collar may be lowered when a wearer slides a foot into or out of the footwear article. The collar elevator may include a forwardly inclined angle. In addition, the footwear article may include a doffing ledge, in some instances, which includes characteristics based on the forwardly inclined angle.

Abstract: A footwear article includes a collar slide that is conducive to hands-free donning to secure the wearer's foot during wear. A footwear article capable of hands-free donning comprises a sole including a ground-contacting surface and a foot-facing surface and an upper having a heel region. The footwear article also includes a strobel, the strobel affixed to the foot-facing surface of the sole and a collar elevator comprising a heel structure, the collar elevator connected with the strobel and coupled with the upper in the heel region. The collar elevator includes a collar slide forming a ramp interface during a donning operation.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure that has a front midsole component and a rear midsole component. A connecting member connects the front midsole component to the rear midsole component. The connecting member defines a groove at a lower side of the sole structure between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component. The front midsole component and the rear midsole component are pivotable relative to one another at the groove between a use position and an access position. Confronting surfaces of the connecting member at the groove are closer to one another in the access position than in the use position so that the groove is relatively open in the use position, and the groove is relatively closed in the access position.

Abstract: Footwear includes one or more of: (a) an upper portion at least partially defining a foot-receiving chamber; (b) a track component integrally formed or engaged with the upper portion; (c) a heel engaging component movable with respect to the upper portion via the track component between a closed configuration and an open configuration; (d) a locking system, e.g., holding the heel engaging component in the closed configuration; (e) a biasing system, e.g., applying force to the heel engaging component toward the open configuration; (f) a stop system, e.g., keeping the heel engaging component from completely disengaging from the track component; and/or (g) a sole structure. When the footwear is supported upright on a horizontal surface, the heel engaging component may move rearward (and in some examples upward) via the track component when changing from the closed to the open configuration.

Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe having a sole portion and a rebounding portion being comprised of the same material and being a unified structure. The rapid-entry shoe has a collapsed configuration in which a perimeter of the topline is expanded and an uncollapsed configuration in which the perimeter of the topline is unexpanded, and the rapid-entry shoe is biased by the rebounding portion toward the uncollapsed configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a knitted component for an article of footwear. The knitted component may include a first side and a second side, where the first side and the second side form an overfoot portion. An underfoot portion may be located between the first side and the second side, where at least a portion of the first side and at least a portion of the second side of the knitted component are located on one of a medial side and a lateral side of the overfoot portion, and where a knitted course extends from the first side, through the underfoot portion, and to the second side.

Abstract: The pivotable footwear including a front portion, a heel portion, a flexible sole defining a channel extending across the flexible sole, a shoe upper attached to the flexible sole, and a lockable hinge mechanism disposed within the channel. The lockable hinge has an unlocked position wherein the heel portion of said footwear is free to pivot about the channel relative to the front portion of the footwear, and a locked position wherein the heel portion of the footwear is locked into position relative to the front portion of said footwear. The lockable hinge mechanism is electronically actuated and battery operated and controlled to move between the locked position and the unlocked position by actuation of an electronic remote control. That is, actuation of the electronic remote control causes the hinge to move the footwear to an open, foot insertion position and a wearable locked position.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a unitary midsole having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. A bottom surface of the unitary midsole defines a groove extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the unitary midsole, and a top surface of the unitary midsole defines a slit disposed over the groove and extending from the medial side to the lateral side. The unitary midsole forms a living hinge at the groove and the slit, with the living hinge connecting the first portion to the second portion so that the first portion and the second portion are selectively pivotable relative to one another at the living hinge between a first orientation and a second orientation. The groove is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, and the slit is wider in the second orientation.

Abstract: A device for actuating a drawstring in a shoe with a drawstring device includes a winding disc, an actuating member movable in the axial direction relative to the winding disc, and a return spring arrangement which counteracts the force exerted by the wearer of the shoe. A simpler and clearer construction and a high level of functional safety and reliability can be achieved in that the carrier embedded in the sole of the shoe is designed as a closed housing with a base and a cover penetrated by an upper pushbutton of the actuating member. A fixed pin protrudes from the base of the housing and is assigned to a central through recess of the winding disc. The return spring arrangement engages on the winding disc and/or the actuating member and, when the blocking device is released, returns the winding disc and the actuating member to the respective starting position.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure that has a heel portion with a rear, a lateral side, and a medial side. The article of footwear includes a heel extender that has a rear segment disposed at the rear of the heel portion, a lateral arm disposed at the lateral side of the heel portion, and a medial arm disposed at the medial side of the heel portion. The heel extender has a protuberance that establishes a rearmost extent of the article of footwear. The sole structure has a first hardness and the protuberance has a second hardness greater than the first hardness.

Abstract: A heel portion for a footwear including: a heel assembly having a brace member including a first support member and a second support member, a U-shaped guide fixedly secured to and extending generally perpendicularly from the second support member, and a key having a first engagement member fixedly secured to the first support member, a base member, a locking mechanism fixedly secured to the base member having an activation arm, a locking lug portion including a first lug portion opening, a second lug portion opening and a first engagement lug disposed within the first lug portion opening and adapted to releasably engage the first engagement member, the locking lug portion is connected to the activation arm, a spacer including a first spacer opening and a second spacer opening, the first spacer opening substantially aligned with the first lug portion opening and the second spacer opening substantially aligned with the second lug portion opening, and a spring disposed within the second lug portion opening and

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure that has a heel portion with a rear, a lateral side, and a medial side. The article of footwear includes a heel extender that has a rear segment disposed at the rear of the heel portion, a lateral arm disposed at the lateral side of the heel portion, and a medial arm disposed at the medial side of the heel portion. The heel extender has a protuberance that establishes a rearmost extent of the article of footwear. The sole structure has a first hardness and the protuberance has a second hardness greater than the first hardness.

Abstract: A footwear structure comprising a shoe having sidewalls and including gaps provided in the sidewalls extending from the sole and positioned on either side of the footwear in alignment with the medial and lateral malleoli; closure systems are provided to partially close the gaps for applying a selected force to the wearer's foot through internal pads bridging the respective gap and contacting the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A branched braid member has a central braid portion and one or more tensile strands or small braids at either end of the central braid portion. The branched braid member may be incorporated into a shoe upper.

Abstract: A shoe have a sole and a shoe upper is provided with a mechanism for automatically tightening the shoe on a foot to a preset level of tightness that has been stored in memory. The wearer can select and change the level of tightness as desired.

Abstract: An automated tightening shoe with a single crisscrossed laces or closure panel and a tightening mechanism which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the crisscrossed laces or closure panel to tighten the shoe about a wearer's foot, and which can be released easily so that the shoe can be removed from the wearer's foot. An actuating wheel partially projecting from the rear sole of the shoe provides a convenient and reliable actuating means for movement of the automated tightening mechanism in the tightening direction.

Abstract: An automated tightening shoe with a single crisscrossed laces or closure panel and a tightening mechanism which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the crisscrossed laces or closure panel to tighten the shoe about a wearer's foot, and which can be released easily so that the shoe can be removed from the wearer's foot. An actuating wheel partially projecting from the rear sole of the shoe provides a convenient and reliable actuating means for movement of the automated tightening mechanism in the tightening direction.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole and an upper extending from the sole. The upper having an eyelet which carries a strap. The strap extends between a first end and a second end. The second end is attached to the upper and the first end includes a catch. The catch is adapted for manipulation with a dressing stick, such that the dressing stick enables a user to fasten the shoe with the aid of the catch.

Abstract: Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include one or more of: (a) a sole structure; (b) an upper having lateral and medial side elements engaged with the sole structure, the upper made from a polymer matrix structure that extends through at least a heel region; (c) a size adjustment mechanism located at the heel region; (d) a heel tongue element located adjacent the size adjustment mechanism; (e) a shoe securing mechanism; (f) an instep tongue member; and/or (g) a bootie member located at least partially within the foot-receiving chamber. Methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear also are disclosed.

Abstract: A protective overshoe has a collapsible upper portion attached to a stretchable lower portion with a collapsible sole. The collapsible sole may be coated directly on the lower portion of a fabric overshoe body. The coating may be applied by dipping the lower portion of the fabric overshoe body into a bath of liquid rubber. Separate toe and heel outsole portions may be provided on the rubber coated lower portion of the fabric overshoe body. The lower portion may further comprise a reinforcing heel insert which is adapted to clip on the heel of the wearer's shoe while providing the required form holding properties to maintain an unobstructed heel opening when the lower portion of the overshoe is longitudinally stretched.

Abstract: A shoe that is conveniently put on and taken off includes an outsole, an upper, a supporting piece, and a guiding piece. The upper is attached on the outsole and has a counter and a collar extending upward from the counter and configured as a shoehorn. The supporting piece is attached to the counter and the collar of the upper. The guiding piece is attached to an instep of the upper. Because of the supporting piece having a predetermined hardness and the collar having a shape like a shoehorn, the rear of the upper can be served as a shoehorn for helping a user's foot in slipping into the shoe. In addition, the guiding piece can avoid the instep of the upper from becoming crease and unsmooth. As a result, the shoe is convenient for the user to put on without bending his back and using his hand.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a tongue opening and a heel opening. The tongue opening extends through a tongue of the upper, and the tongue opening is located in a rearward area of the tongue. The heel opening extends into a heel region of the upper. In donning an article of footwear a first finger may extend through an opening in a tongue of the article of footwear. A second finger is located through an opening in a heel region of the article of footwear. The fingers are separated to expand a size of an ankle aperture of the article of footwear, and foot is inserted into the article of footwear through the ankle aperture.

Abstract: A boot includes a lacing system having an upper zone of action associated with an upper portion of the boot body and a lower zone of action associated with a lower portion of the boot body. The lacing system includes a single bootlace, the first end of which is anchored in the upper zone of action and the second end of which is anchored in the lower zone of action. The boot also includes a common lace-tightening device, having a handpiece, for the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system. The common lace-tightening device cooperates with the bootlace in such a way that, on operation of the handpiece, the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system are acted upon simultaneously in respect of lacing up and opening the boot.

Abstract: A hands-free fastening mechanism for releasably securing a user's foot to footwear is disclosed. The fastening mechanism comprises at least one pivotable strap which is coupled to a hinge mechanism which, in turn, is secured to the footwear. The hinge mechanism allows the strap to pivot between an open and a closed position. The strap is further coupled to a lever which is engageable by a user's foot so as to cause the strap to move from the open position to the closed position. When the strap moves to the closed position, a catch will engage, thereby securing the user's foot within the footwear. The footwear may then be removed by using the other foot to apply pressure to a protruding member or by striking the heel on a hard surface and then withdrawing the secured foot such that the catch is disengaged and the foot is released.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles with cavities capable of receiving objects as a result of extending an opening into a cavity capable of receiving the objects. For example, the opening in an article of footwear can be extended into the toe box to allow for the easier insertion and removal of a foot. The present invention also relates to systems that permit the article to be secured to the object after it has been inserted.

Abstract: An overshoe that covers a footwear structure for protecting a walking surface. The overshoe includes a base and an upstanding portion, which extends around at least a portion of the base. A protrusion extends inwardly from an inner surface of the upstanding portion. The protrusion engages the footwear structure for releasably retaining the overshoe to the footwear structure.

Abstract: Engaging elements may be included in foot-receiving devices, such as footwear, bindings, clips, or the like. Such elements may include a bimodal spring member movable between two independent stable positions and an arm that moves in response to the bimodal spring member changing between its stable positions. The engaging elements additionally may include a retaining element extending from the arm and/or an arm/bimodal spring interface that induces changes in position of the arm in response to the bimodal spring member changing its stable position. The bimodal spring member, the arm, the retaining element, and/or the arm/bimodal spring interface may form an integral unit. Additionally, methods of engaging a foot-receiving device with a user's foot are disclosed.

Abstract: A hands-free fastening mechanism for releasably securing a user's foot to footwear is disclosed. The fastening mechanism comprises at least one pivotable strap which is coupled to a hinge mechanism which, in turn, is secured to the footwear. The hinge mechanism allows the strap to pivot between an open and a closed position. The strap is further coupled to a lever which is engageable by a user's foot so as to cause the strap to move from the open position to the closed position. When the strap moves to the closed position, a catch will engage, thereby securing the user's foot within the footwear. The footwear may then be removed by using the other foot to apply pressure to a protruding member and then withdrawing the secured foot such that the catch is disengaged and the foot is released.

Abstract: The invention provides a compactly contained multiple-component sensing device for detecting toe-walking and other physical conditions and providing repetitive positive reinforcement stimuli to correct the same. A comprehensive software system enables therapeutic management of the sensing and stimulus device and easy changes in therapy, stimulus content, stimulus frequency and other factors. A variety of circuit and housing arrangements allow adaptability to manufacture, user, and treatment professional demands.

Abstract: Footwear includes a shaft and a shell connected to the shaft. The shaft includes an expandable portion adapted to expand to facilitate ease of entry and exit of a heel of a foot into and out of the shell. The expandable portion is surrounded by a material forming the shaft.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a shank area located between a forefoot portion and a rear foot portion of the sole, an upper including an inner counter and an outer counter, and a pivot mechanism attaching the outer counter to the sole so as to permit the outer counter to pivot relative to the inner counter at a pivot point located at the shank area of the sole. The outer counter pivots between an open position away from the inner counter and a closed position in supporting engagement with the inner counter. The pivot mechanism may be a mechanical, composite, or living hinge. The article of footwear may further include a locking mechanism for selectively securing the outer counter in the closed position in supporting engagement with the inner counter.

Abstract: The automatic shoe lace tightening system or power lace has a switch on the shoe upper to activate a small battery powered slow speed motor fixed into a recess in the heel which winds in onto the winder spool the smooth plastic or wire lacing cord passing through guiding tubes positioned across the shoe tongue and down the side of the shoe through to the motor housing upon which the tightening cord draws together the lace loop plates fixed either side of the shoe's upper adjacent to the tongue by passing in a zig-zag through cord loops fixed to and along the lace plates with the end of the cord attached to the bottom of one of the plates and the desired tension of the cord and shoe fit is automatically held in place as the cord passes through a sprung loaded clamp which can then be manually released to loosen the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear with heel webbing is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an elastic member along a heel portion. The elastic member is associated with a heel protector. The heel protector is attached to the outsole of the article of footwear at one end and to a portion of the elastic member at another end.

Abstract: Engaging elements may be included in foot-receiving devices, such as footwear, bindings, clips, or the like. Such elements may include a bimodal spring member movable between two independent stable positions and an arm that moves in response to the bimodal spring member changing between its stable positions. The engaging elements additionally may include a retaining element extending from the arm and/or an arm/bimodal spring interface that induces changes in position of the arm in response to the bimodal spring member changing its stable position. The bimodal spring member, the arm, the retaining element, and/or the arm/bimodal spring interface may form an integral unit. Additionally, methods of engaging a foot-receiving device with a user's foot are disclosed.

Abstract: Footwear architecture(s) and associated closure systems. A footwear closure system is described with an anchor section, affixed to a forefoot portion of an upper of the footwear, and an engagement section, coupled with the anchor section through an elastomeric material, to removably engage a rearfoot portion of the upper of the footwear, securing the rearfoot portion to the forefoot portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fitted, supportive, comfortable shoe upper with a laceless closure device comprising one interlaced strap capable of rapid adjustment in multiple planes of movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding in the donning of a foot covering is provided. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a base supported by the floor with a surface oriented at an angle to the floor so that it is not parallel to the floor. The surface has an area sufficient for contact with at least a portion of the bottom of a foot of a user. A foot covering retaining member is provided and is carried by the base. The foot covering retaining member is configured for receiving a foot covering and holding open an opening of the foot covering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles with cavities capable of receiving objects as a result of extending an opening into a cavity capable of receiving the objects. For example, the opening in an article of footwear can be extended into the toe box to allow for the easier insertion and removal of a foot. The present invention also relates to systems that permit the article to be secured to the object after it has been inserted.

Abstract: The present invention provides articles of footwear for use by firefighters in different activities such as emergency and rescue situations, as well as daily activity in and around the firehouse. Integrated handles enable the firefighter to quickly and easily put the article of footwear on while minimizing the possibility of accidentally catching on equipment, apparel or debris. Locking bands that wrap around the upper are used to adjust for comfort and a secure fit. A dual lacing and zipper system enables the firefighter to initially adjust for fit by selectively tightening the lace, while the zipper provides a quick means for securing the article of footwear. Different outsole lug configurations are suitable for different surfaces, wet, dry and of varying and extreme temperatures. Added protection is available with a tibia/shin protector and ankle protectors.

Abstract: The invention is for a lace gripper comprising an upper body and a lower body that may be joined together whereby a tied lace is secured between the two bodies. Preferable the upper body is designed to receive inserts, charms, lights, recording devices, alarm and locating audible signals and locating devices, to allow the user to customize the lace gripper to their personal preference. The lace gripper can additionally be utilized to maintain a memo and would be secured to an object of daily use, such as a key ring or purse.

Abstract: An overshoe that covers a shoe or boot for isolating the mud, dirt, grass, debris, or contaminated fluid on the shoe or boot from clean surfaces. The article has a front upright and a rear upright with built-in retaining protrusions that grab and hold onto the shoe or boot when it is inserted inside the article. A base with a fabric liner absorbs mud and liquid. The bottom of the base is provides traction and prevents slippage. The base also has a tab for easy removal of the overshoe from the shoe or boot.

Abstract: Engaging elements may be included in foot-receiving devices, such as footwear, bindings, clips, or the like. Such elements may include a bimodal spring member movable between two independent stable positions and an arm that moves in response to the bimodal spring member changing between its stable positions. The engaging elements additionally may include a retaining element extending from the arm and/or an arm/bimodal spring interface that induces changes in position of the arm in response to the bimodal spring member changing its stable position. The bimodal spring member, the arm, the retaining element, and/or the arm/bimodal spring interface may form an integral unit. Additionally, methods of engaging a foot-receiving device with a user's foot are disclosed.

Abstract: A protector for toes is provided including a toe enclosure configured to block exposure of the toes to an environment external of the enclosure. The toe enclosure may be a footwear article configured to protect the toes. A pedicure shoe system is also provided for protecting freshly painted toe-nails from contact with foreign objects. The pedicure shoe system includes a pedicure shoe and a pedicure slipper. The pedicure slipper is positionable in the pedicure shoe, and spacer members ensure adequate space between the pedicure shoe and the toe-nails.

Abstract: Shoe having a rear attachment element (5) joined to a mobile support (6) that moves from an open position in which it is separated from the heel of the foot and a closed position in which it holds the heel piece, also connected to a mechanism housed in said heel piece (3), which mechanism can be actuated by applying pressure with the heel of the user's foot on the heel piece (3) to displace the mobile support (6) from the open to the closed position, where it is kept by first retaining-releasing means (10, 26, 50, 70, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160), while the other foot of the user acts on a member (24, 36, 51, 71, 91, 101, 111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 152) of the mechanism for moving said mobile support (6) from the closed to the open position, where it is maintained by second elastic retaining-releasing means (7, 25, 52, 72, 92, 102, 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162).

Abstract: The combination of a boot having a boot shell with a heel region and a step-in step-out aid having an elevated position and an inserted position cooperating with the boot shell, wherein the aid is at least one elongated heel wedge displaceably mounted in the heel region of the boot shell. The aid in its elevated position protrudes out of the boot shell, and in its inserted position at least partially fills the space between the boot shell and a person's heel that has been inserted into the boot shell.