COLLAPSIBLE MECHANISM FOR FOOTWEAR

Abstract

 A collapsible mechanism is described to be inserted into the heel of a footwear, whether for men, women or children, configured to facilitate the entry of a user's foot into the footwear without having to use the hands to open the laces and to maintain itself autonomously, without the help of the hands, in a lowered position when the foot enters the footwear and to bounce upwards after the foot has been inserted into the footwear itself.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention refers to the footwear sector and preferably to footwear comprising a collapsible mechanism in the heel capable of facilitating, without the aid of the hands, the entry of the foot into the footwear itself.

STATE OF THE ART

[0002] It is known in the state of the art that footwear is equipped with laces and to put on a footwear of this type the user must take the footwear in his hand, loosen the laces and open the tongue more so that the opening, suitable for the entry of the foot, is larger. With a larger opening it is easier to insert the tip of the foot first and then the heel. This operation, preliminary to the insertion of the foot, can be done by the user sitting or leaning towards the footwear itself. Once the foot has been inserted into the footwear, the user must place the tongue on the back of the foot and tie the laces. The fact that the user must be leaning towards the footwear could cause back pain and make it difficult for an elderly person to tie the footwear itself.

[0003] In the state of the art, there are also known footwear without laces (for example, slip-on footwear) in which the user must use a shoehorn to insert the foot. In the state of the art, there are also known footwear that include opening/closing systems (for example, zippers or elastic bands) which, however, always imply that the user is bent over the footwear itself, always resulting in the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0004] Recently, footwear is also being developed that includes systems that facilitate the entry of the foot without the user having to use their hands or bend down.

[0005] Among the systems that can facilitate the entry of the foot without the aid of the hands there are different types but they all have the following disadvantages:

• they are made with rubber or similar materials that after a series of uses no longer return to their original position, requiring a manual operation by the user to restore their shape and, if this is not successful, causing discomfort in the fit of the footwear itself;
• they are made with complex metal mechanisms that could jam and therefore prevent them from functioning correctly;
• they are made with systems that could pierce the inner lining of the footwear in the part relating to the heel of the footwear, making it unwearable;
• they are made with systems that could generate folds in both the upper and the inner lining in the heel area of a footwear, causing stress due to the instantaneous folds when fitting the footwear;
• they are made with systems that do not keep the heel upper lowered before the foot is inserted and therefore there is no easy space left for the foot to enter the footwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The Applicant has observed that current footwear that has systems that facilitate the entry of the foot into the footwear does not satisfactorily combine the elegance of the footwear with the need for comfort and the need for ease of construction of the system integrated into the footwear. The technical problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a footwear that has properties of comfort, fit and that, at the same time, can ensure that the system integrated into the footwear, to facilitate the entry of the foot, is made with a mechanism that is at the same time simple, i.e. easy to make, and that its construction takes place by means of components that, if subjected to continuous use, are able to guarantee their performance without deteriorating and therefore hindering their functionality. Furthermore, according to a particular aspect, the problem is also addressed of providing a footwear that has a rebound function in the heel that can facilitate the user in putting the footwear on easily and that prevents the footwear from being easily removed from the foot while it is being worn.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the above problem is solved by a collapsible mechanism as defined by claim 1 and by its preferred embodiments, defined by dependent claims 2-11.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present invention has as its object a footwear comprising said collapsible mechanism defined in claim 12.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention is described in detail below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

• figure 1 shows in figure 1a a first perspective view of a collapsible mechanism included in the heel of a footwear and in figure 1b a second perspective view of the collapsible mechanism of Figure 1a;
• figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first base component of the collapsible mechanism of figure 1;
• figure 3 shows in figure 3a a top perspective view of a second cover component of the collapsible mechanism of figure 1, in figure 3b a bottom perspective view of the second cover component, in figure 3c a side view of the second cover component;
• figure 4 shows in figure 4a a perspective view of a third folding component that can be inserted into the heel part of a footwear and in figure 4b a view from behind of the third folding component of figure 4a;
• figure 5 shows in figure 5a a first perspective view of a slider of the collapsible mechanism of figure 1 and in figure 5b a second perspective view of the slider of figure 5a above which a button is placed;
• figure 6 shows in figure 6a a first perspective view of the collapsible mechanism of figure 1 in the compression phase and in figure 6b a second perspective view of the collapsible mechanism in the compression phase;
• figure 7 shows in figure 7a a top view of the collapsible mechanism of figure 1 in the compression phase, in figure 7b a sectional view of the collapsible mechanism of figure 1, in figure 7c a detail of figure 7b according to the section line E-E of figure 7a;
• figure 8 shows in figure 8a a top view of the collapsible mechanism of figure 1 in the extension phase, in figure 8b a sectional view of the collapsible mechanism of figure 1, in figure 8c a detail of figure 8b according to the section line C-C of figure 8a;
• figure 9 shows in figure 9a a perspective view of the first industrialization phase of the collapsible mechanism of figure 1 without the second cover component and in figure 9b a second perspective view of the first industrialization phase of the collapsible mechanism closed by means of the second cover component;
• figure 10 shows in figure 10a a perspective view of the second industrialization phase of the collapsible mechanism of figure 1 and in figure 10b a detail of figure 10a;
• figure 11 shows a perspective view of the third industrialization phase of the collapsible mechanism of figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, some particular embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail below. In this description, similar or identical elements or components will be indicated in the figures with the same identifying symbol.

[0011] Figs. 1a and 1b show a collapsible mechanism 1 to be inserted into the heel of a footwear, whether it be for men, women or children and where the footwear can be of the elegant type, Oxfords, Derbys, elegant/ sporty moccasins, sneakers, technical shoes, work shoes, casual shoes, slip-ons and made with any type of fabric and/or leather.

[0012] This collapsible mechanism 1 is configured to facilitate the entry of a user's foot into the footwear without having to use the hands to open the laces. In other words, the collapsible mechanism 1 which is the subject of this patent application is configured to remain autonomously, without the help of the hands, in a lowered position when the foot enters the footwear and to bounce upwards after the foot has been inserted into the footwear itself.

[0013] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the collapsible mechanism 1, which is the subject of this patent application, comprises:

• a first portion 1a configured to remain below the heel of a user's foot and comprising:

  ▪ a first base component 2;

  ▪ a second cover component 3 of the first base component 2;

  ▪ a slider 6 interposed between the first base component 2 and the second cover component 3;

  ▪ at least one spring 8 constrained to move in a track defined in a seat obtained in said first base component 2 and bounded by a first protrusion 13 of the first base component 2 and spikes 18 of the slider 6, said spring 8 being moved by said slider 6;

  ▪ a button 9 configured to slide on the slider 6 and protrude from a hole 10 made in the second cover component 3;

• a second portion 1b comprising a third folding component 4 configured to remain around the heel of the user's foot;
• at least one elongated flexible element 11 configured to be simultaneously connected with the slider 6 and the third folding component 4 and slide within a space S defined on a surface of the second cover component 3 in proximity to the heel area;

said collapsible mechanism 1 being able to move from a compression phase to an extension phase and vice versa, where:

• in the compression phase:
  following an external pressure applied on the third folding component 4, it lowers causing the slider 6 to move in the direction of the tip of the foot until it reaches a locking position of the slider 6 itself against a shoulder 19 obtained on the second cover component 3, said locking position coinciding with the maximum extension of the at least one spring 8 and also with the maximum extension of the button 9 to protrude upwards from the hole 10 following the push exerted by the slider 6;
• in the extension phase:
  the button 9 is pushed vertically downwards following the introduction of the foot into the footwear, involving the loss of the locking position between the slider 6 and the shoulder 19, with consequent movement of the slider 6 in the direction of the heel of the foot until the maximum compression of the at least one spring 8 is reached and also the extension into the raised position of the third folding component 4.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the first portion 1a is configured to be carried by a mounting insole while the second portion 1b is configured to be carried by an upper. The term "carried" is to be understood as connected, molded in a single body, sewn or other systems of known art capable of joining said parts together. According to alternative embodiments, the first portion 1a is glued or even injected to another type of insole or is even molded directly with the mounting insole included. According to a preferred embodiment, the elongated flexible element 11 is connected to the slider 6 and the third folding element 4 by means of a connecting device 12. The collapsible mechanism 1 is able to move from a compression configuration to an extension configuration by means of the sliding, within a space S, of the first elongated flexible element 11.

[0015] In Fig. 2, the first base component 2 is shown which is configured to comprise a seat 7 into which a slider 6 is inserted and at least one spring 8 in which an end portion of the spring 8 is retained by a first protrusion 13 of the first base component 2.

[0016] The first base component 2 also comprises a recess 5 for snap-in insertion of a flange 4a of the third folding component 4. Snap-in insertion is ensured by a relief 5a of the recess 5 which can be inserted into a groove 4a' of the flange 4a. The first base component 2 also comprises:

• at least one housing 14 configured to provide for attachment to the second cover component 3 of the collapsible mechanism 1;
• at least one circular portion 15 configured to facilitate, by means of fastening systems (e.g. screws), the union between the second cover component 3 and the first base component 2.

[0017] The lateral profile of the first base component 2 is descending because the collapsible mechanism 1 constitutes, inside the footwear, a riser or in other words a heel lift. The descending profile of the first base component 2 is therefore such as to ensure that the difference in height becomes thinner until it is aligned with the inner sole of the footwear.

[0018] Looking from above, the first base component 2 is curved only in the heel part to allow its insertion into the footwear, while the lateral parts (external side and internal side) have a straight line. In other words, the collapsible mechanism 1 preferably has a U-shape in plan. This U-shape is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis from the center of the heel towards the tip of the foot. The U-shape of the collapsible mechanism 1 serves to avoid having to make a mold for the right foot and a mold for the left foot during the production phase. Therefore, the mechanism 1 can be inserted indifferently into the left or right foot of a footwear as it does not have a specific direction for its insertion.

[0019] Figure 3 shows the second cover component 3 of the collapsible mechanism 1 which, similarly to the first base component 2, has a descending lateral profile and a U-shaped plan shape symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis from the centre of the heel towards the tip of the foot.

[0020] The second cover component 3 is connectable to the first base component 2 by means of at least one releasable coupling system 16 configured to fit into the at least one housing 14 of the first base component 2 and by means of fastening systems insertable into at least one circular portion 15 of the first base component 2. Preferably, the circular portions 15 are four, two in a more rearward position than the remaining two. In other words, two circular portions 15 are located in proximity to the semicircular portion of the second cover component 3 while the remaining two are located between the first two semicircular portions 15 and the at least one releasable coupling system 16.

[0021] The connection between the first 2 and the second 3 components is ensured by tightening fastening systems in the two circular portions 15 located near the semicircular portion of the second component 3 and by attaching at least one releasable coupling system 16 to the housing 14. If an even more efficient connection is desired, fastening systems can also be tightened in the circular portions 15 intermediate between the first circular portions 15 and the releasable coupling system 16.

[0022] The second cover component 3 also comprises wing projections 3a, located on the semicircular portion of the second cover component 3 and projecting from the surface of the second component 3 itself to facilitate a separation from the upper of the footwear and therefore allow an unobstructed sliding of the elongated flexible element 11. The sliding of the elongated flexible element 11 occurs in a space S that originates between the wing projections 3a, that project from the surface of the second component 3, and the second component itself. In other words, the space S is located between the external upper of the footwear and an inner lining and the wing projections 3a are configured to prevent the elongated flexible element 11 from becoming entangled with the inner lining or with the upper of the footwear during the bending of the third folding component 4. The space S therefore serves to facilitate the sliding of the elongated flexible element 11.

[0023] During assembly of the mechanism 1, the button 9 is supported on a first flat part of a tilting portion 6a of the slider 6 (see figure 5b) and protrudes in use from the hole 10 of the second cover component 3. Furthermore, the button 9 comprises flexible fins 9a configured to keep the button 9 fixed in the second cover component 3.

[0024] Button 9 can only move vertically between a pressed position and a released position. This is because button 9 is constrained by the hole 10 into which it is inserted.

[0025] The slider 6 is instead free to move below the button 9. When the collapsible mechanism 1 is in the compression phase, the button 9 is located above a first flat part of a tilting portion 6a of the slider 6 while when the collapsible mechanism 1 is in the extension phase, the button 9 is located above a second flat part of the tilting portion 6a of the slider 6.

[0026] Preferably but not limited to, the first base component 2 and the second cover component 3 are made of a plastic material, in particular a polyamide such as PA6 or a thermoplastic polymer such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene or ABS.

[0027] Figure 4 shows the third folding component 4, preferably made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) type material or any other material capable of bending and therefore with elastic properties intended as a return to shape if subjected to compression.

[0028] The third folding component 4 at the rear includes a slot 17 configured for the insertion of the connecting device 12.

[0029] Figure 5 shows the slider 6 made of plastic material, preferably made of at least one thermoplastic polymer and even more preferably made at least in part with an acetal resin. According to a preferred embodiment, the slider 6 provides that preferably two springs 8 are arranged on it. Therefore, the slider 6 comprises spikes 18 configured to insert the second end of the spring 8 which is therefore constrained to compress/ extend in an ideal track that provides at the ends the first protrusion 13 of the first base component 2 and the spikes 18 of the slider 6.

[0030] The elongated flexible element 11 is hooked onto the tilting portion 6a of the slider 6, which in turn is connected to the connecting device 12.

[0031] Figures 6a and 6b show the compression phase of the collapsible mechanism 1 according to two different perspective views. During the compression phase of the collapsible mechanism 1, the foot enters the footwear.

[0032] On the third folding component 4 the user applies a compression either by means of a hand or by means of a foot. Then, the third folding component 4 lowers allowing the slider 6 to move forward in the direction of expansion of the springs 8 pushed by the elastic force of the springs 8 up to the position of maximum displacement.

[0033] As visible in figures 7a, 7b and 7c, the position of maximum displacement occurs when a wedge-shaped element 6b obtained on the slider 6 fits onto a shoulder 19 obtained on the second cover component 3, preventing the third folding component 4 from returning to its initial position.

[0034] Following the compression exerted by the user, the springs 8 are in a condition of maximum extension and the slider 6 moves, taking with it the button 9 resting on it. When the springs 8 are in a condition of maximum extension, the button 9 is in a condition of maximum protrusion from the hole 10.

[0035] In this configuration the user is assisted in inserting the foot into or removing it from the footwear.

[0036] As shown in figures 8a, 8b and 8c, when the foot is inserted into the footwear, the button 9 is pressed towards the ground and this causes the tilting portion 6a of the slider 6 to bend downwards. In this way, the wedge-shaped element 6b no longer engages the shoulder 19 and the block between the slider 6 and the second cover component 3 is cancelled.

[0037] The third folding component 4 moves from a condition of maximum compression to a condition of maximum extension.

[0038] The spring force of the third folding component 4 forces the slider 6 to move back, compressing the springs 8.

[0039] In this way, the third folding component 4 is completely extended and the foot is inserted inside the footwear.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, which facilitates the assembly phases of the mechanism 1 with the rest of the footwear components, the first portion 1a and the second portion 1b are two distinct parts that can be connected to each other in the assembly phases described below.

[0041] Figures 9a, 9b, 10a and 10b show the assembly phases of the collapsible mechanism 1 of figure 11.

[0042] The assembly phases, shown in figures 9a, 9b, foresee that:

• the slider 6 is inserted into the seat 7,
• at least one spring 8 is fixed between the first protrusion 13 and the spikes 18,
• the first elongated flexible element 11 is connected to the slider 6,
• the at least one releasable coupling system 16 is inserted into the housing 14 such that the second cover component 3 is positioned above the first base component 2,
• to ensure the union between the second cover component 3 and the first base component 2 at least one fastening system (e.g. screws) is inserted in at least one circular portion 15.

[0043] With the above steps the first portion 1a of the collapsible mechanism 1 is assembled. Subsequently, see figures 10a and 10b, we proceed with the insertion of the connecting device 12 into the slot 17 of the rear part of the third folding component 4. In this way the second portion 1b of the collapsible mechanism 1 is assembled.

[0044] The final stage involves attaching the elongated flexible element 11 to the connecting device 12 and snapping the flange 4a of the third folding component 4 into the recess 5 of the first base component 1.

[0045] Alternatively, the first portion 1a and the second portion 1b are a single body in which the third folding component 4 is directly connected to the first base component 2.

[0046] Preferably the elongated flexible element 11 is a cord but alternatively it could also be a thread or even a chain.

[0047] Preferably, the connecting device 12 has a first straight part configured to be inserted into the slot 17 and a second open circular part configured to insert the elongated flexible element 11 into it, but nothing prevents it from being of any shape configured to simultaneously hook the elongated flexible element 11 and the third folding component 4 provided that the shape of the connecting device 12 is such as to remain flat and parallel to the third folding component 4.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the slider 6 is inserted into the seat 7 of the first base component 2 but according to an alternative embodiment it is housed in a seat inside the second cover component 3. The operation of the collapsible mechanism 1 is always the same, in which the elongated flexible element 11 is connected to the first base component 2 and to the slider 6 and is able to slide inside the space S. The collapsible mechanism 1 also in this case compresses and extends meaning that the user is able to easily insert the foot into the footwear. Embodimental variations to the non-limiting example described are possible, without however departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, including all embodiments equivalent to the content of the claims for a technician in the field.

[0049] From the above description, the person skilled in the art is able to realize the object of the invention without introducing further construction details.

LEGEND OF THE COMPONENTS OF THE FIGURES

[0050] 

collapsible mechanism 1

first portion 1a

second portion 1b

first base component 2

second cover component 3

wing protrusions 3a

third folding component 4

flange 4a

groove 4a'

recess 5

relief 5a

slider 6

tilting portion 6a

wedge-shaped elements 6b

seat 7

spring 8

button 9

flexible fins 9a

hole 10

elongated flexible element 11

connecting device 12

first protrusion 13

housing 14

circular portion 15

releasable coupling system 16

slot 17

spikes 18

shoulder 19

space S

Claims

1. Collapsible mechanism (1) for footwear characterised in that it comprises:

- a first portion (1a) configured to remain below the heel of a user's foot and comprising:

▪ a first base component (2);

▪ a second cover component (3) of the first base component (2);

▪ a slider (6) interposed between the first base component (2) and the second cover component (3);

▪ at least one spring (8) constrained to move in a track defined in a seat obtained in said first base component (2) and bounded by a first protrusion (13) of the first base component (2) and spikes (18) of the slider (6), said spring (8) being moved by said slider (6);

▪ a button (9) configured to slide on the slider (6) and protrude from a hole (10) made in the second cover component (3);

- a second portion (1b) comprising a third folding component (4) configured to remain around the heel of the user's foot;

- an elongated flexible element (11) configured to be simultaneously connected with the slider (6) and the third folding component (4) and slide within a space (S) defined on a surface of the second cover component (3) in proximity to the heel area;

said collapsible mechanism (1) being able to move from a compression phase to an extension phase and vice versa, where:

- in the compression phase:
following an external pressure applied on the third folding component (4), it lowers causing the slider (6) to move in the direction of the tip of the foot until it reaches a locking position of the slider (6) itself against a shoulder (19) obtained on the second cover component (3), said locking position coinciding with the maximum extension of the at least one spring (8) and also with the maximum extension of the button (9) to protrude upwards from the hole (10) following the push exerted by the slider (6);

- in the extension phase:
the button (9) is pushed vertically downwards following the introduction of the foot into the footwear, involving the loss of the locking position between the slider (6) and the shoulder (19), with consequent movement of the slider (6) in the direction of the heel of the foot until the maximum compression of the at least one spring (8) is reached and also the extension into the raised position of the third folding component (4).

2. Collapsible mechanism (1) according to claim 1 wherein the space (S) is a space originating between an outer upper of the footwear, an inner lining of the footwear and wing protrusions (3a) located on the semicircular portion of the second cover component (3) and projecting from the surface of the second component (3).

3. Collapsible mechanism (1) according to claim 1 wherein the second cover component (3) is configured to be connected to the first base component (2) by means of at least one releasable coupling system (16) configured to fit into the at least one housing (14) of the first base component (2) and by means of attachment systems inserted into the at least one circular portion (15) of the first base component (2).

4. Collapsible mechanism (1) according to claim 3 wherein the circular portions (15) are four of which two are located near the semicircular portion of the second cover component (3) while the remaining two are located between the first two semicircular portions (15) and the at least one releasable coupling system (16).

5. Collapsible mechanism (1) according to claim 1 wherein the slider (6) is configured to move freely below the button (9):

- when the collapsible mechanism (1) is in the compression phase, the button (9) is located above a first flat portion of a tilting portion (6a) of the slider (6);

- when the collapsible mechanism (1) is in the extension phase, the button (9) is located above a second flat portion of the tilting portion (6a) of the slider (6).

6. Collapsible mechanism (1) according to claim 6 wherein the elongated flexible element (11) is connected to a connecting device (12) having a shape such that it remains flat and parallel with respect to the third folding component (4).

7. Collapsible mechanism (1) according to claim 1 wherein the slider (6) is configured to be inserted in one of the following positions:

- in the first base component (2);

- in the second cover component (3).

8. Collapsible mechanism (1) according to claim 1 wherein the first portion (1a) and the second portion (1b) are:

- two separate elements connectable to each other during assembly by snapping a flange (4a) of the third folding component (4) inside of a recess (5) of the first base component (1); or

- are a single body in which the third folding component (4) is directly connected to the first base component (2).

9. Collapsible mechanism (1) according to the preceding claims wherein the first base component (2) and the second cover component (3) are made of one of the following materials:

- a plastic material of the type a polyamide (PA6)

- in a thermoplastic polymer of the type acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

10. Collapsible mechanism (1) according to the preceding claims wherein the third folding component (4) is made of one of the following materials:

- thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU);

- any other material capable of flexing and having elastic properties understood as shape return when subjected to compression.

11. Collapsible mechanism (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the slider (6) is made of plastic type material, preferably made of at least one thermoplastic polymer and even more preferably made at least in a part from an acetal resin.

12. Footwear comprising a collapsible mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Drawing