Rapid-Entry Footwear Having A Stabilizer And An Elastic Element
Patent No. US12121096 (titled "Rapid-Entry Footwear Having A Stabilizer And An Elastic Element") was filed by Siena Lending Group Llc on Mar 19, 2024.
What is this patent about?
’096 is related to the field of footwear, specifically rapid-entry shoes. The background acknowledges the inconvenience or difficulty some individuals face when donning and doffing shoes, especially those requiring tying or securing. The patent aims to address this need by providing a shoe that is easy to slip on and off.
The underlying idea behind ’096 is to create a shoe that can be easily entered and exited without the need for laces or other fasteners. This is achieved through a combination of an elastic element that expands the foot opening and a stabilizer that prevents the rear of the shoe from collapsing, thus maintaining the shoe's structure during entry and exit.
The claims of ’096 focus on a rapid-entry shoe featuring a sole, an upper with a foot opening, a unitary stabilizer extending from the sole towards the rear of the foot opening, and a plurality of elastic elements positioned forward of the rear portion of the upper. These elastic elements enlarge the foot opening when expanded and reduce it when contracted. The claims also specify the arrangement and characteristics of these elastic elements, including their positioning relative to each other and the topline of the upper, as well as the presence of a foam liner for heel retention.
In practice, the elastic elements, strategically placed on the sides and potentially across the tongue, stretch to accommodate the foot as it slides in. Simultaneously, the stabilizer, a rigid or semi-rigid structure integrated into the heel, prevents the shoe's rear from folding or collapsing inward, ensuring a smooth entry. The foam liner then provides a comfortable and secure fit around the heel.
This design differentiates itself from traditional shoes by eliminating the need for laces or other fastening mechanisms. Unlike prior solutions that might rely solely on elastic uppers which can deform excessively, ’096 uses the stabilizer to maintain structural integrity and guide the foot, while the elastic elements provide the necessary give for easy entry and a snug fit once the shoe is on. The multiple elastic elements, with specific positioning and relationships, further refine the fit and flexibility of the shoe.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the late 2010s when ’096 was filed, footwear design was at a time when rapid prototyping and manufacturing techniques were becoming more accessible, allowing for more complex and customized shoe designs. At this time, shoe uppers were typically constructed using traditional stitching or adhesives to join different material components, and elastic elements were commonly used to provide flexibility and a snug fit. Stabilizers in footwear often relied on rigid materials integrated into the sole or heel counter to provide support and prevent excessive movement.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner determined that all claims (1-27) are allowable.
Claims
This patent includes 27 claims, with independent claims numbered 1, 13, and 21. The independent claims are directed to a rapid-entry shoe having a sole, an upper with a foot opening, a stabilizer, and a plurality of elastic elements. The dependent claims generally elaborate on the specific configurations and features of the elastic elements, foam liner, and other components of the rapid-entry shoe.
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Date
Description
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US12121096
- Application Number
- US18610029
- Filing Date
- Mar 19, 2024
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Jul 29, 2040
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents