Footwear Heel Support Device

This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 18/756,463, filed Jun. 27, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 18/545,318, filed Dec. 19, 2023, now United Stated patent No. 12,059,056, issued Aug. 13, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 18/328,000, filed Jun. 2, 2023, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,963,581, issued Apr. 23, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 17/516,762, filed Nov. 2, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,700,916, issued Jul. 18, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 16/751,508, filed Jan. 24, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,191,321, issued Dec. 7, 2021, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/805,037 filed Feb. 13, 2019, and all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present disclosure generally relates to an article of footwear with a heel support device configured for ease of foot entry.

Traditionally, placing footwear on a foot often requires the use of one or both hands to stretch the ankle opening of a footwear upper, and hold the rear portion during foot insertion, especially in the case of a relatively soft upper and/or an upper that does not have a heel counter secured to a flexible fabric rearward of the ankle opening.

Various heel support devices and articles of footwear having the heel support devices are disclosed herein that enable relatively easy foot entry and removal in a hands-free manner. In an example, an article of footwear may include an upper and a heel support device. The upper may define a foot-receiving cavity with a heel region. The heel support device may be disposed at a rear portion of the upper, and may extend around the rear of the heel region. For example, the heel support device may be disposed in the rear portion of the upper, secured in position at the rear portion of the upper, or both. The heel support device may include a plurality of slats and a base. Each slat may have a center segment and an arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the center segment to the base. Each slat may be resiliently bendable between an unloaded position and a loaded position when depressed toward the base from the unloaded position to the loaded position. The center segment may be spaced further apart from the base in the unloaded position than in the loaded position. The plurality of slats may include an uppermost slat, a lowermost slat closer to the base than the uppermost slat, and at least one intermediate slat disposed between the uppermost slat and the lowermost slat. The plurality of slats may include a progressive gradient of widths from the lowermost slat to the uppermost slat. Additionally, in some example heel support devices, the plurality of slats may include a progressive gradient of lengths from the lowermost slat to the uppermost slat. For example, the lowermost slat may be shorter and thinner than the at least one intermediate slat, and the at least one intermediate slat may be shorter and thinner than the uppermost slat. Each slat may be considered to act similar to a beam fixed at one end and free at the center segment when a downward load is applied to the center segment. For a given downward applied load to the center segment of such a slat, downward deflection is greater for a longer slat than for a shorter slat, and for a narrower slat than for a wider slat (e.g., where length is measured along the longitudinal center axis of the slat and thickness is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slat), and assuming that the cross-sectional area of the narrower slat is less than the cross-sectional area of the wider slat. Accordingly, configuring the device with a plurality of slats with a progressive gradient of widths, a progressive gradient of lengths, or both, may enable each slat to tend to deflect a similar amount under a given load.

In an aspect of the disclosure, the heel support device may include a peg extending through an aperture in the upper and secured at a surface of the upper. For example, a portion of the peg extending outward of the aperture may be secured by radio-frequency welding or otherwise to an exterior surface of the upper. In some embodiments, the upper may include an inner layer and an outer layer. The aperture may extend through the outer layer. The heel support device may be disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. In one example, the peg extends outward from the center segment of the lowermost slat of the plurality of slats, and may be the only peg extending outward from the plurality of slats. Because the lowermost one of the slats is the thinnest slat, in order to enable the peg to have a larger diameter, the center segment of the lowermost one of the slats from which the peg extends may have a thickened region from which the peg extends. In other examples, the peg may extend outward from the center segment of a different one of the slats and/or one or more additional pegs may extend outward from the rear of the base or from the sides of the base.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the center segment of one slat of the plurality of slats may include an elongated tip extending rearwardly. The elongated tip serves to increase the surface area upon which a foot may rest while applying a downward force and moving into the foot-receiving cavity of the upper. For example, the elongated tip may extend from the uppermost slat of the plurality of slats. In some implementations, the upper is configured to receive the elongated tip. For example, the upper may have a heel collar defining an opening into the foot-receiving cavity. The upper may have a tapered extension extending rearward from the heel collar. The tapered extension of the heel collar may overlay the elongated tip. The tapered extension of the heel collar may form an internal cavity, and the elongated tip may be disposed in the internal cavity of the tapered extension of the heel collar. An upper surface of the elongated tip may slope downward and inward toward the foot-receiving cavity. In some embodiments, a slope of the upper surface of the elongated tip may increase in a forward direction along a longitudinal midline of the article of footwear, providing a ramp. This may help to case the foot into the foot-receiving cavity. In some embodiments, an outer perimeter of the center segment may have a discontinuity point at the elongated tip. Stated differently, the outer perimeter angles outward at the elongated tip. For example, there may be a discontinuity point on either side of the elongated tip. The location of the elongated tip is more easily determined from above due to the discontinuity point(s) in comparison to a center segment without a discontinuity at the outer perimeter, increasing the case with which the heel of the foot may be aligned with and rest on the elongated tip during depression of the heel support device and insertion of the foot into the foot-receiving cavity.

In another aspect, the heel support device may be configured to enable easy and accurate securement of the upper to the heel support device during manufacturing. For example, the base of the heel support device may include a relatively thick portion adjacent an uppermost extent of the base and a relatively thin portion adjacent a lowermost extent of the base. The upper may be sewn or adhered to the relatively thin portion of the base. Due to its relative thinness, a sewing needle may more easily penetrate the relatively thin portion during sewing of the upper to the heel support device. Additionally, the bounds of the relatively thin portion may be readily apparent due to the contrast with the thicker portion of the base, facilitating accurate alignment and placement of the upper against the relatively thin portion during stitching or adhering processes.

In a configuration, an article of footwear may include an upper and a heel support device. The upper may define a foot-receiving cavity with a heel region, the upper may have a heel collar defining an opening into the foot-receiving cavity, and the upper may have a tapered extension extending rearward from the heel collar. The heel support device may extend around a rear of a heel region and may include a control bar and a base. The control bar may have a center segment and an arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the center segment to the base. The control bar may be resiliently bendable between an unloaded position and a loaded position, and may be depressible toward the base from the unloaded position to the loaded position. The center segment may be spaced further apart from the base in the unloaded position than in the loaded position. The center segment may include an elongated tip extending rearwardly. The tapered extension of the heel collar may overlay the elongated tip. The tapered extension of the heel collar may form an internal cavity, and the elongated tip may be disposed in the internal cavity of the tapered extension of the heel collar. For example, the tapered extension may be configured, shaped, and dimensioned so that the internal cavity closely matches the shape and dimensions of the elongated tip, the tapered extension serving as a pocket that helps to closely fit the upper around the elongated tip of the heel support device.

In a configuration, an article of footwear may include an upper and a heel support device. The upper may define a foot-receiving cavity with a heel region, and the upper may have a heel collar defining an opening into the foot-receiving cavity. The heel support device may extend around a rear of a heel region and may include a control bar and a base. The control bar may have a center segment and an arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the center segment to the base. The control bar may be resiliently bendable between an unloaded position and a loaded position, and may be depressible toward the base from the unloaded position to the loaded position. The center segment may be spaced further apart from the base in the unloaded position than in the loaded position. The center segment may include an elongated tip extending rearwardly. The upper may overlay at least one of the arm and the elongated tip. In some implementations, the upper may overlay each of the arm and the elongated tip.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components throughout the views, embodiments of heel support devices are depicted with various features advantageous for promoting foot entry into an article of footwear potentially in a hands-free manner.shows a heel support devicethat includes a plurality of slatsand a base. The slatsmay also be referred to collectively herein as a control bar. In some embodiments of heel support devices disclosed herein, there may be only a single slat that may be referred to as a control bar. The deviceis shown as an integral, unitary, one-piece component, with each slat of the plurality of slatsas well as the baseconfigured as a continuous arc extending around a rearof the devicefrom a medial sideto a lateral side.

The material of the deviceis selected to provide the ability to elastically deform by elastic bending to a loaded or access position, as described, and store potential energy, such as elastic energy, that returns the deviceto an unstressed position (referred to as an unloaded position, unstressed position, or use position). Example materials for the deviceinclude plastics (such as thermoplastics), composites, and nylon. An example material for the deviceis a polyether block amide such as PEBAX® available from Arkema, Inc. in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania USA. Another example material for the deviceis a fiberglass reinforced polyamide. An example fiberglass reinforced polyamide is RISLAN® BZM 7 0 TL available from Arkema, Inc. in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania USA. Such a fiberglass reinforced polyamide may have a density of 1.07 grams per cubic centimeter under ISO 1183 test method, an instantaneous hardness of 75 on a Shore D scale under ISO 868 test method, a tensile modulus of 1800 MPa under ISO 527 test method (with samples conditioned 15 days at 23 degrees Celsius with 50% relative humidity), and a flexural modulus of 1500 MPa under ISO 178 test method (with samples conditioned 15 days at 23 degrees Celsius with 50% relative humidity). Another example material for the deviceis Nylon 12 (with or without glass fiber), such as RTP 200F or RTP 201F available from RTP Company of Winona, Minnesota USA. Another example material for the deviceis rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (with or without glass fiber), such as RTP 2300 or RTP 2301 available from RTP Company of Winona, Minnesota USA. Still another example material for the device is Acetal (Polyoxymethylene (POM)) (with or without glass fiber), such as RTP 800 or RTP 801 available from RTP Company of Winona, Minnesota USA. The materials specifically named above are intended only as examples, not as an exclusive listing, and in combination with the entire provided description, inform an ordinarily skilled artisan regarding alternative materials having similar properties that may be useful when formed according to one or more of the structural embodiments disclosed herein.

As shown in, the plurality of slatsincludes a total of four slats, including an uppermost slatA, a first intermediate slatB, a second intermediate slatC, and a lowermost slatD. The first intermediate slatB is disposed between the uppermost slatA and the second intermediate slatC. The second intermediate slatC is disposed between the first intermediate slatB and the lowermost slatD. Within the scope of the disclosure, the plurality of slatscould include only one of the intermediate slatsB orC, for a total of three slats, or could include more than two intermediate slats for a total of more than four slats.

Each slatA-D has a center segment, a medial armextending downwardly and forwardly from the center segmentto the base, and a lateral armextending downwardly and forwardly from the center segmentto the base. In some embodiments disclosed herein with only a single slat or a plurality of slats, each slat may include only a medial arm or only a lateral arm extending from the center segment to the base. Lower ends of the medial and lateral arms,are integrally formed with the baseso that the arms,function as resiliently bendable junctions near their connection to the base, as described herein. When in the unloaded position shown in(also referred to as the use position) adjacent slats are separated from one another by slots(e.g., air gaps).

The center segmentD of the lowermost slatD is disposed closer to the basethan the center segmentA of the uppermost slatA and also closer to the basethan the center segmentsB andC of the first and second intermediate slatsB andC, respectively. As further discussed herein, when the plurality of slatsis depressed downward toward the baseby a force such as the force of a foot entering an article of footwear, each of the slats elastically bends toward the base, and adjacent slatsmay come into contact with one another at the center segments. When in the loaded position shown in, the slotsclose and adjacent slatscontact one another at the center segments.

The plurality of slatsincludes a progressive gradient of widths and lengths from the lowermost slatD to the uppermost slatA. Stated differently, and with reference to, and the thicknesses and lengths of the slatsincrease in order of progression of the slatsfrom the lowermost slatD to the uppermost slatA. The lowermost slatD has the smallest thickness Tand the shortest length L. The second intermediate slatC has a thickness Tgreater than thickness Tand a length Lgreater than length L. The first intermediate slatB has a thickness Tgreater than thickness Tand a length Lgreater than length L. The uppermost slatA has a thickness Tgreater than thickness Tand a length Lgreater than length L. In one non-limiting example, the thickness Tmay be 5 mm, thickness Tmay be 4.5 mm, thickness Tmay be 4 mm, and the thickness Tmay be 2.5 mm. In non-limiting examples, ranges of widths of the slats may be between 1.5 mm to 6.5 mm in the order of progression discussed. Because the bending moment of a beam-like object (such as any of the slatsA,B,D, andD) is proportional to its thickness and its length (e.g., where thickness is measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the slat and length is measured along the longitudinal axis of the slat), configuring the devicewith a plurality of slatsenables bending at a lower force than if a single, thicker slat were used that had a thickness extending from the top of the uppermost slatA to the bottom of the lowermost slatD. Each slatA,B,C, andD bends under an applied load (e.g., force F in), deflecting in proportion to its individual thickness and length (where thicker slats deflect less under a given load than a thinner slat of the same length, and longer slats deflect more under a given load than a shorter slat of the same thickness). Accordingly, each slat deflects a given amount under a lesser force than would the single slat of greater overall thickness. The slatsA,B,C, andD contact one another at the center segmentswhen a downward load is applied to the uppermost slatA. However, the slatsA,B,C, andD slide against one another where they contact so that bending force requirements for a desired amount of deflection do not increase to that of the single wide slat example (e.g., they each act as a separate beam rather than one large beam).

As is apparent in, the slatsA,B,C, andD increase in length from the lowermost slatD to the uppermost slatA, where length is measured from the end of the respective medial armat the baseto the end of the respective lateral armat the base. The lowermost slatD is shorter than the adjacent intermediate slatC because the lowermost slatD is closer to the baseand its ends are rearward of the ends of the adjacent intermediate slatC yet the center segmentsare relatively vertically stacked. Likewise, the second intermediate slatC is shorter than the intermediate slatB, and the first intermediate slatB is shorter than the uppermost slatA. Accordingly, the lowermost slatD is shorter and thinner than the intermediate slatC, which is shorter and thinner than the intermediate slatB, which is shorter and thinner than the uppermost slatA.

As best shown in, each slat is thicker at an end of its respective medial arm() and at an end of its respective lateral arm() (e.g., near the base) than at the center segment. Stated differently, each slat varies in thickness along its length with a minimum thickness at the center segmentand a maximum thickness at the ends of the medial armand the lateral arm. Additionally, the cross-sectional area of each of the medial armand the lateral armat the ends is greater than the cross-sectional area of the center segmentwhere each cross-section is taken perpendicular to the length (e.g., to the longitudinal center axis) of the respective slatA,B,C, orD. The uppermost slatA has a thickness TIA at its ends greater than thickness T. For example, thickness TIA may be 1 mm greater than thickness T. The intermediate slatB has a thickness TA at its ends greater than the thickness T. For example, thickness TA may be 1 mm greater than thickness T. The intermediate slatC has a thickness TA at its ends greater than the thickness T. For example, thickness TA may be 1 mm greater than thickness T. The lowermost slatD has a thickness TA at its ends greater than the thickness T. For example, thickness TA may be 1 mm greater than thickness T. Additionally, the thicknesses at the ends increase in the order TA, TA, TA, TIA, with TA being the thinnest and TIA being the thickest. Because portions of the medial armsand the lateral armsclosest to the baseundergo the most drastic bending when the center segmentsare depressed to the access position (shown in), by making these portions thicker than the center segment(and with a corresponding greater cross-sectional area than the center segment) the stress in these portions is reduced in comparison to a thinner arm.

is a rear view of the heel support device. It is apparent from the views of the heel support devicethat the baseincludes a relatively thick portionA adjacent an uppermost extentof the base, and a relatively thin portionB adjacent a lowermost extentof the base. The relatively thin portionB is sufficiently thin to allow the deviceto be secured to a footwear upper by sewing (e.g., stitching) a lower extent of the upper to the basethrough the relatively thin portionB. Alternatively or in addition, the basemay be adhered to the upper. In some configurations, the basemay be sewn and/or adhered to a sole structure underlying the footwear upper, such as to a midsole. Because the relatively thin portionB is outward of the sole of the foot and nearer to the sole of the foot than the relatively thick portionA when a heel support having the basewith the relatively thick portionA and the relatively thin portionB (such as the heel support device) is secured in an upperof an article of footwearas in, it may provide greater comfort due to its greater flexibility than the relatively thick portion. In various embodiments, the device may be disposed at or in a rear portion of the upper. In some embodiments, the devicemay be secured to the upper at an exterior surface of an outermost layer of the upper. For example, an inner side(shown in) of the devicemay be disposed at an exterior surface of an outer layer of the upper. Alternatively, the devicemay be disposed between layers of the upper (e.g., in the upper) so that it is mostly or completely covered and not viewable from the exterior of the footwear, with the inner sideof the devicesecured to an outer surface of an inner layer of the upper, and an outer layer of the upper outward of an outer sideof the device(shown in).is a bottom view of the device.

shows an article of footwearwith the heel support devicein an unloaded position, also referred to as the use position. The heel support deviceis secured to a rearof an inner layerof a footwear upper, and extends around the rearof a heel regionof the article of footwearfrom the lateral side(shown) to a medial side at which the medial sideof the deviceis disposed. The article of footwearalso includes a midfoot regionand a forefoot region. The deviceand the upperare secured to an underlying sole structure. The upperextends in the heel region, the midfoot region, and the forefoot regionand forms a foot-receiving cavityover the sole structure. The upperhas a heel collarand an ankle openingat the heel collarthat is in communication with the foot-receiving cavityand through which a foot(see) may be inserted. The heel support deviceis shown in hidden lines as it is disposed between the inner layer(represented with hidden lines) and the outer layerof the upper. Alternatively, the devicemay be secured to an exterior of the outer layersuch that it is viewable on the footwear(e.g., from the exterior of the footwear) in some embodiments.

As shown in, the plurality of slatsis depressible under an applied force F from the unloaded position ofto a loaded position of, also referred to as an access position. Under the applied force F of the footon the uppermost slatA at the center segment(e.g., through the upper), the slatsA-D depress so that the center segmentsare closer to the basethan in the unloaded position. The upperis pulled downward by the deviceat the rear of the ankle openingso that the ankle openingopens to a greater extent (e.g., from above and from the rear) than in the use position, allowing the footto more easily enter into the foot-receiving cavity. For example, the use of hands or other tools to stretch or open the ankle openingmay be avoided. If the upperis of a stretchable material, the ankle openingmay be larger in the access position than in the use position. Each slatA-D resiliently bends between the unloaded position ofand the loaded position ofwhen the plurality of slatsis depressed toward the base. When the footcompletes entry, the internal biasing forces of the slatsA-D will return the deviceto the unloaded position, releasing the stored energy input by the footto bend the slatsA-D. The deviceand the rear of the upperwill slip upward over the rear of the heel portion of the footin returning to the unloaded position.

In some embodiments, the heel support device may include at least one peg extending through an aperture in the upper and secured at a surface of the upper. For example, referring to, a heel support deviceis shown that is alike in all aspects to heel support device, except that the heel support deviceincludes only a single pegthat extends from the center segmentof the lowermost slatD.best shows the position of the single pegon the lowermost slatD. A portion of the center segmentof the lowermost slatD has a thickened regionfrom which the pegextends. The thickened regionenables the use of a pegof larger diameter than would be possible if the portion of the lowermost slatD from which the pegextends were as thin as adjoining portions of the center segmentof the lowermost slatD. For example, whereas the adjoining portions may have a thickness Tof about 2.5 mm, the thickened regionmay allow the pegto have a 4 mm diameter.show lateral and medial side views of the device.

show the devicewhen installed in the upperof an article of footwear. The pegextends through an apertureof the upperand is welded (e.g., by radio-frequency welding) to the outer surfaceof the upper. Construction of the pegas well as the method of manufacturing the footwearto weld the pegto the upperis as described in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 16/689,590, filed Nov. 20, 2019 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The apertureextends through the outer layerand is covered by an enlarged head of the pegthat is formed when the pegpartially melts to weld to the outer surfaceof the upper. Because the pegextends from the lowermost slatD, it anchors the outer layerof the upperto the lowermost slatD when it welds thereto. The outer layerand the inner layerare joined to one another at the ankle openingabove the device, such as with stitching at an inverted scam.

When the deviceis depressed under the force F of the footas shown in(e.g., under the applied load of the foot), the footprovides a downward pull on the inner layeras the footcontacts and slides against the inner layerduring foot entry. Because the pegacts as an anchor point of the outer layerat the center of the lowermost slatD, and because the inner layeris secured to the outer layer, the inward pull of the sliding footon the inner layeris transmitted to the peg, and the portion of the outer layerextending between the pegand the inner layeris pulled in a direction over the top of the uppermost slatA and downward with the inner layer, as indicated inby arrow F. Because the slatsA-D slide against one another in the fore-aft direction during depression of the deviceby the force F once the slotsclose, the pull of the upperfrom the lowermost pegup and over to the inner layerhelps to keep all of the slatsA-D moving as a unit with little or no side-to-side tipping relative to one another. In comparison, if the pegwere still the only peg on the devicebut extended from the intermediate slatC (or any one of the slatsA orB) rather than the lowermost slatD, then the lowermost slatD may not be subjected to the pulling forces of the uppergenerated by the footbecause it would be below the anchor point of the upperat the peg. This would make the slatD more susceptible to side-to-side movement relative to the other slatsA,B, andC during depression and foot entry in such an embodiment.

In other embodiments, there may be two or more pegsextending from the heel support device. Providing at least two spaced pegsextending from a heel support device like those shown and described herein enables accurate positioning of the heel support device relative to a footwear upper during manufacturing where the footwear upper is configured with the same number of apertures arranged with the same relative spacing as the multiple pegs. For example,shows an embodiment of a heel support devicethat is alike in all aspects to heel support deviceexcept that an additional pegextends outward from the rear of the base. When this lower pegis extended through a corresponding aperture in the upperand welded to the outer surfaceof the outer layer, it helps to secure the outer layerof the upperto the basein addition to any stitching or adhering of the upper to the base.shows an embodiment of a heel support devicethat is alike in all aspects to heel support deviceexcept that three additional pegs are added for a total or four pegs. In addition to the pegthat extends from the lowermost slatD and the pegthat extends from the rear of the base, a pegextends from the baseat the medial side, and a pegextends from the baseat the lateral side. By providing four pegswith one pegon the lowermost slatD, one pegon the rear of the base, one pegon the medial side of the base, and one pegon the lateral sideof the base, the four pegsare spaced in a first arrangement of four spaced locations not all of which are coplanar. This may allow the deviceto be more accurately positioned relative to an upper having four apertures spaced in the same first arrangement, or more accurately positioned relative to such an upper during manufacturing in a shorter period of time than would a device with only two or three pegs.

Some heel support devices may include an elongated tip that extends rearward from the center segment of the uppermost slat to further increase the case of foot entry.shows a heel support devicealike in all aspects to heel support deviceexcept that the center segmentof the uppermost slatA includes an elongated tipthat extends rearwardly from the center segment. An upper surfaceof the elongated tipslopes downward and inward in a direction toward the foot-receiving cavitywhen the heel support deviceis disposed at and secured in position at the rear of the upperin an article of footwearas shown in. This downward and inward slope provides a ramp for the footthat leads the footinto the foot-receiving cavityof. In, the upper surfacemay have a discontinuity point Pat which the slope of the upper surfaceincreases in a forward direction (e.g., in a direction from the reartoward the frontof the device) and taken along a longitudinal midline LM of the article of footwearin which the deviceis secured (see). For example, the slope of the surfacerearward of the point Pis constant (e.g., the portion of the surfacerearward of the discontinuity point Pis flat), whereas the slope of the portionA of the surfaceforward of the discontinuity point Pis nonlinear. This change in slope of the surfacewill further increase the ramp effect of the elongated tip. Alternatively, the upper surfacemay extend without a discontinuity point, the discontinuity point may be more rearward on the upper surface, or there may be more than one discontinuity point on the upper surfaceat which the slope changes. As shown, the upper surfacerearward of the discontinuity point Pextends generally at the same angle relative to a horizontal plane as do the medial arms() and the lateral arms() when the heel support deviceis in the unloaded position of. Still further the elongated tipmay be configured to tip more forward or more rearward than shown in, which may result in a greater change of curvature at a discontinuity point along the surface.

also shows that the outer perimeterof the center segmentof the uppermost slatA has discontinuity points Pand Pat either side of the elongated tipat which the elongated tipdiverges from the remainder of the slatA. The discontinuity points Pand Pare also shown in the rear view ofand in the medial and lateral views. By providing the discontinuity points Pand P, the position of the elongated tipis easily visually located by a person prior to foot entry as it more sharply and distinctly extends from the uppermost slatA than would an elongated tip that follows the same curvature of the uppermost slatA without a discontinuity point. For example, an alternative elongated tipA without discontinuity points at the outer perimeterof the uppermost slatA is shown extending rearward from the uppermost slatA of the heel support devicein. The heel support deviceis configured identically to the heel support deviceexcept for the alternative elongated tipA. The alternative elongated tipA characterized by the absence of any discontinuity point at the outer perimeterof the uppermost slatA provides the benefit of a broader expanse (e.g., wider elongated tipA) on which to set the foot during depression of the deviceto the loaded position.

is a cross-section taken through the footwearat the longitudinal midline LM. In other words, the cross-section shown inextends along and is taken along the longitudinal midline LM indicated in. The devicehas an inner sideand an outer side. The inner sideis closer to the foot-receiving cavitythan the outer side. The deviceis at least partially disposed in a cavityat least partially formed by and between the inner layerand the outer layer, with the inner layerand the outer layerat least partially enclosing the cavity. The deviceincludes an upper portion (the center segmentsof the slatsA,B,C, andD) at least partially rearward of the ankle opening. The devicefurther includes a lower portion (e.g., the base) adjacent to the sole structure. The center segmentsmay be referred to herein as the upper portionand the basemay be referred to herein as the lower portion. The lower portionis disposed below the upper portionand is at least partially rearward of the foot-receiving cavity. At the cross-section shown in, the upper portionhas a convex curvature at the inner sideand a concave curvature at the outer sideand the lower portionhas a concave curvature at the inner sideand a convex curvature at the outer side. Stated differently, at the rearof the heel region(indicated in) at the cross-section shown in, the heel support deviceand the outer layerform a concave curvature and then a convex curvature at the outer sidefrom the superior endof the heel support devicetoward the sole structureat an exterior of the article of footwear. The upper portionforms the concave curvature with the outer layer. The lower portionforms the convex curvature with the outer layer. The heel support deviceand the inner layerform a convex curvature and then a concave curvature at the inner side(e.g., at the foot-receiving cavity) from the superior endof the heel support devicetoward the sole structure. A surface (e.g., upper surface) of the upper portionat the inner sidefaces at least partially upward, serving as the ramp for foot entry into the foot-receiving cavity. At the cross-section shown in, a lower extent of the upper portion(e.g., where the lower extent is the lowermost slatD at the cross-section) of the deviceis thinner than at the ramp (e.g., where the elongated tipforms the ramp) and thinner than at an upper region of the lower portion(e.g., at least at the relatively thick portionB of the lower portion). Moreover, the upper portionof the heel support deviceis progressively thinner in a direction from the elongated tiptoward the sole structure. For example,shows that elongated tipis thicker than the upper portionat the slatB, the upper portion at the slatB is thicker than the upper portionat the slatC, and the upper portion at the slatC is thicker than the upper portion at the slatD. The upperhas a tapered extensionA extending rearward from the heel collarand overlaying the elongated tip. Because the deviceis disposed within the upper, the upperalso overlays each of the medial armand the lateral armof the uppermost slatA. In other embodiments, the uppermay instead overlay only an arm of the device, such as a medial arm or a lateral arm instead of the elongated tip. In still further embodiments, the upper may overlay only the elongated tip and not the arm or arms of the device. The tapered extensionA forms an internal cavity, and the elongated tipis disposed in the internal cavity. More specifically, the inner layerand the outer layerare stitched to one another at an inverted seam, and the elongated tipas well as paddingis disposed in the internal cavity. The inner layerand the outer layerare joined by the inverted seamproximate a distal end (e.g., the superior end) of the elongated tip. The deviceincludes the elongated tip, also referred to herein simply as a tip, at the superior endof the upper portionof the device. The tipmay form the superior endof the device. The surfaceof the upper portionat the inner sideslopes forward and downward from the elongated tiptoward the foot-receiving cavityat the rearof the heel region. In some embodiments, the interfitting of the elongated tipwith the extensionA of the heel collaris enough to secure the upperrelative to the deviceso that the uppermoves downward with the deviceduring depression to the access position and back upward to the use position after the depressing force F (e.g., the load) is removed such that no pegsor other attachments of the slatsto the upperare included.

With reference again to, the deviceis configured to resiliently deform under an applied downward force F on the surface of the upper portionat the inner side(e.g., on the surfaceof the elongated tip), such that the upper portionof the devicemoves at least partially rearward from a first position (shown inand also referred to as the use position) to a second position (shown inand also referred to as the access position) under the applied downward force F, storing potential energy that returns the deviceto the first position ofupon removal of the applied downward force F.

shows a heel support devicealike in all aspects to heel support deviceexcept that a pegextends rearward from the lowermost slatD. The pegmay extend through an aperture in the outer layerof the upperand be secured to the outer layerof the upperin the same manner (e.g., by radio-frequency welding or otherwise) and providing the same advantages as described with respect to heel support devicein.shows an embodiment of a heel support devicethat is alike in all aspects to heel support deviceexcept that an additional pegextends rearward from the rear of the base. This lower peghelps to secure the outer layerof the upperto the basewhen it extends through a corresponding aperture in the outer layerand is welded to the outer surfaceof the outer layer.shows an embodiment of a heel support devicethat is alike in all aspects to heel support deviceexcept that three additional pegs are added for a total or four pegs. In addition to the pegthat extends from the lowermost slatD and the pegthat extends from the rear of the base, a pegextends from the baseat the medial side, and a pegextends from the baseat the lateral side. The four pegsmay be secured to the upperin a similar manner as the four pegson the heel support deviceof.

The features and advantages of the heel support devices described herein may be provided in combination or separately to enable the increased functionality and case of entry to footwear as described. Additionally, the following commonly-owned, co-pending applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties: U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 15/793,008 filed Oct. 25, 2017 (now published as US 2018/0110292); U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 16/008,797 filed on Jun. 14, 2018 (now published as US2018/0289109); U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 16/689,590 filed Nov. 20, 2019; and U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 16/689,665 filed Nov. 20, 2019.

The following Clauses provide example configurations of an article of footwear disclosed herein.

To assist and clarify the description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims). Additionally, all references referred to are incorporated herein in their entirety.

An “article of footwear”, a “footwear article of manufacture”, and “footwear” may be considered to be both a machine and a manufacture. Assembled, ready to wear footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.), as well as discrete components of footwear articles (such as a midsole, an outsole, an upper component, etc.) prior to final assembly into ready to wear footwear articles, are considered and alternatively referred to herein in either the singular or plural as “article(s) of footwear”.

“A”, “an”, “the”, “at least one”, and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. As used in the description and the accompanying claims, a value is considered to be “approximately” equal to a stated value if it is neither more than 5 percent greater than nor more than 5 percent less than the stated value. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range.

The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of” the referenced items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including “any one of” the referenced claims.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, etc., may be used descriptively relative to the figures, without representing limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

The term “longitudinal” refers to a direction extending a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the shoe. The term “forward” or “anterior” is used to refer to the general direction from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term “rearward” or “posterior” is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward and rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis.

The term “transverse” refers to a direction extending a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of a shoe extends between a lateral side and a medial side of the shoe. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis.

The term “vertical” refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole. The term “upward” or “upwards” refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component, which may include an instep, a fastening region and/or a throat of an upper. The term “downward” or “downwards” refers to the vertical direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the bottom of a component and may generally point towards the bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

The “interior” of an article of footwear, such as a shoe, refers to portions at the space that is occupied by a wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The “inner side” of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is (or will be) oriented toward the interior of the component or article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. The “outer side” or “exterior” of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is (or will be) oriented away from the interior of the shoe in an assembled shoe. In some cases, other components may be between the inner side of a component and the interior in the assembled article of footwear. Similarly, other components may be between an outer side of a component and the space external to the assembled article of footwear. Further, the terms “inward” and “inwardly” refer to the direction toward the interior of the component or article of footwear, such as a shoe, and the terms “outward” and “outwardly” refer to the direction toward the exterior of the component or article of footwear, such as the shoe. In addition, the term “proximal” refers to a direction that is nearer a center of a footwear component, or is closer toward a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user. Likewise, the term “distal” refers to a relative position that is further away from a center of the footwear component or is further from a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be understood to provide generally opposing terms to describe relative spatial positions.

While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

While several modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and exemplary of the entire range of alternative embodiments that an ordinarily skilled artisan would recognize as implied by, structurally and/or functionally equivalent to, or otherwise rendered obvious based upon the included content, and not as limited solely to those explicitly depicted and/or described embodiments.