Rapid-entry footwear having a compressible lattice structure
First Claim
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1. A rapid-entry shoe comprising:
- a base; and
a heel portion comprising a compressible lattice structure,wherein the compressible lattice structure is comprised of a plurality of intersecting ribs,wherein the plurality of intersecting ribs defines a plurality of apertures,wherein the compressible lattice structure has an open position in which an opening of the rapid-entry shoe is expanded to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual donning the rapid-entry shoe, andwherein the compressible lattice structure has a closed position in which the opening is unexpanded to retain the foot within the rapid-entry shoe;
a flange located proximal a bottom edge of the compressible lattice structure;
a stabilizer located proximal a top edge of the compressible lattice structure;
wherein the plurality of intersecting ribs comprises a plurality of larger ribs, each of the plurality of larger ribs being coupled to the flange;
wherein the plurality of intersecting ribs comprises a plurality of smaller ribs, each of the plurality of smaller ribs being coupled to a bottom edge of an uppermost rib of the plurality of larger ribs;
wherein in the open position the compressible lattice structure is compressed downward toward the base of the rapid-entry shoe such that the plurality of apertures are collapsed;
wherein in the closed position the compressible lattice structure is expanded such that the plurality of apertures are un-collapsed; and
wherein the compressible lattice structure biases the rapid-entry shoe toward the closed position.
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Abstract
Disclosed is a shoe having a compressible lattice structure in a heel portion to facilitate rapid, easy donning and doffing of shoes. In example embodiments, the lattice structure includes a plurality of interconnected, overlapping, intersecting and/or woven ribs defining a plurality of apertures. The lattice structure has an open position in which the shoe opening is expanded to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual wearing the rapid-entry shoe, and a closed position in which the shoe opening is smaller to retain the foot within the rapid-entry shoe.
120 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A rapid-entry shoe comprising:
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a base; and a heel portion comprising a compressible lattice structure, wherein the compressible lattice structure is comprised of a plurality of intersecting ribs, wherein the plurality of intersecting ribs defines a plurality of apertures, wherein the compressible lattice structure has an open position in which an opening of the rapid-entry shoe is expanded to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual donning the rapid-entry shoe, and wherein the compressible lattice structure has a closed position in which the opening is unexpanded to retain the foot within the rapid-entry shoe; a flange located proximal a bottom edge of the compressible lattice structure; a stabilizer located proximal a top edge of the compressible lattice structure; wherein the plurality of intersecting ribs comprises a plurality of larger ribs, each of the plurality of larger ribs being coupled to the flange; wherein the plurality of intersecting ribs comprises a plurality of smaller ribs, each of the plurality of smaller ribs being coupled to a bottom edge of an uppermost rib of the plurality of larger ribs; wherein in the open position the compressible lattice structure is compressed downward toward the base of the rapid-entry shoe such that the plurality of apertures are collapsed; wherein in the closed position the compressible lattice structure is expanded such that the plurality of apertures are un-collapsed; and wherein the compressible lattice structure biases the rapid-entry shoe toward the closed position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification