Shoe

Abstract

A shoe comprises a sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a top member having an outer surface and an inner surface and mounted on the sole. The top member and sole to together define a space for receiving a foot, and the top member further comprises an opening. A fastener is provided in the top member and extends from the opening and continues over the top member such that a portion of the top member is movable between a first position in which the space is substantially closed and a second position in which a portion of the top member is folded back from the sole to provide access to the space.

Claims

1. A shoe comprising: a sole having an upper surface with an outer edge and a lower surface; a top member having a distal front end portion, a proximal heel end portion, a medial side and a lateral side and mounted on the sole, the top member and sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having an ankle opening with a distal end and a proximal end and a lateral side and a medial side, a lower connective edge, a fold back portion, and a fixed portion; a connection area for connecting the upper surface of the sole at the outer edge thereof and the lower connective edge of the top member, the connection area extending along the outer edge of the upper surface of the sole and the lower connective edge of the top member; and a single fastening means in the form of one continuous zipper fastener in the top member, the zipper fastener extending from a starting point at a midpoint between the distal end and the proximal end of the ankle opening on the lateral side of the ankle opening, traversing the lateral side of the top member at a descending angle directly towards the connection area where the lateral side of the top member becomes the distal front end portion continuing across the distal front end portion of the shoe at the connection area, to where the distal front end portion becomes the medial side of the top member and then traversing the medial side of the connection area, the zipper fastener travelling in a direction towards the proximal heel end portion of the shoe to a zipper termination point located midway between the distal front end portion of the shoe and the distal end of the ankle opening on the medial side of the top member such that the fold back portion of the top member is movable between a first position where the space is closed when the zipper fastener is closed to the ankle opening starting point and a second position where the space is open when the zipper fastener is unzipped to the zipper termination point thereby allowing the fold back portion of the top member to be folded back while the fixed portion of the top member is positioned to provide foot access to the space when the zipper fastener is open, the zipper fastener permitting a single and continuous motion to move completely from the ankle opening starting point to the zipper termination point to effect opening of the space and providing foot access to the space, and from the zipper termination point to the ankle opening starting point to effect closing of the space, respectively.

2. A shoe as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shoe comprises a sneaker shoe including laces and a tongue on the top member.

3. A shoe as claimed in claim 2 wherein the laces are adjusted to vary the size of the space according to the size of the foot accommodated therein.

4. A shoe as claimed in claim 1 wherein the top member is positioned to provide foot access over the distal front end portion to the space when the zipper fastener is open.

5. A shoe as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixed portion comprises a part of the top member from the connection area at the upper surface of the sole extending from where the distal front end of the top member meets the lateral side of the top member and up to the zipper fastener, traversing the lateral side of the top member towards the proximal heel end portion, and once beyond the zipper fastener at the lateral side of the ankle opening the fixed portion increases in height to a dorsal portion of the lateral side of the ankle opening, across the proximal heel mend portion from the connection area to a dorsal plane of the ankle opening and continuing on the medial side where the fixed portion of the medial side mirrors that on the lateral side of the top member in relation to the ankle opening before reducing in height forward of the medial side of the ankle opening, the fixed portion then following a descending fold line comprising the distance between the connection area and the fold line beginning at a highest point where the medial side of the ankle opening and distal end of the ankle opening meet and traversing directly toward to the zipper termination point, the fixed portion offering lateral, medial, and proximal support to the foot once engaged in the shoe.

6. A shoe as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fold back portion comprises the top member across the entire distal portion of the ankle opening then following the zipper fastener on the lateral side from the ankle opening to where the lateral side becomes the distal front end portion, further comprising the width of the distal front end portion to where the distal front end portion meets the medial side and further to the zipper termination point and then following an ascending fold back line on the medial side from the zipper termination point to the distal medial corner of the ankle opening at a dorsal position, the fold back portion having four edges defined as the distal ankle opening edge moving towards the distal front end portion, the lateral side edge above the zipper fastener, the distal front end edge moving towards the ankle opening, and the medial side edge above the fold back line.

7. A shoe comprising: a sole having an upper surface with an outer edge and a lower surface; a top member having a distal front end portion, a proximal heel end portion, a medial side and a lateral side and mounted on the sole, the top member and sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having an ankle opening with a distal end and a proximal end and a lateral side and a medial side, a lower connective edge, a fold back portion, and a fixed portion; a connection area for connecting the upper surface of the sole at the outer edge thereof and the lower connective edge of the top member, the connection area extending along the outer edge of the upper surface of the sole and of the lower connective edge of the top member; and a single fastening means in the form of one continuous zipper fastener in the top member, the zipper fastener extending from a starting point at a midpoint between the distal end and the proximal end of the ankle opening on the lateral side of the ankle opening, traversing the lateral side of the top member at a descending angle directly towards the connection area where the lateral side of the top member becomes the distal front end portion of the shoe, defining a first wall in the top member between the connection area and the zipper fastener, the first wall being at its highest point, and farthest from the sole of the shoe at the zipper fastener starting point at the ankle opening on the lateral side of the top member and descending at a direct angle towards the connection area where the lateral side of the top member becomes the distal front end portion, the zipper fastener thereafter continuing across the distal front end portion of the shoe at the connection area, to where the distal front end portion becomes the medial side of the top member and then traversing the medial side of the top member at the connection area, the zipper fastener travelling in a direction towards the proximal heel end portion of the shoe to a zipper termination point located midway between the distal front end portion of the shoe and the distal end of the ankle opening on the medial side of the top member thus defining a second wall from directly behind the zipper termination point and traversing at an ascending angle directly towards a distal medial corner of the ankle opening at a most dorsal position, such that the top member between the first and second walls is movable between a first position where the space is closed when the zipper fastener is closed at the ankle opening starting point and a second position where the top member between the first and second walls is folded back to provide foot access to the space when the zipper fastener is open to the zipper termination point, the first wall on the lateral side of the top member and the second wall on the medial side of the top member forming guide barriers on each side of the space behind the distal front end portion, the zipper fastener permitting a single and continuous motion to move completely between the first position and the second position to effect closing and opening for foot access to the space respectively.

8. A shoe comprising: a sole having an upper surface with an outer edge and a lower surface; a top member having a front end portion, a rear heel end portion, an outer side and an inner side and mounted on the sole, the top member and sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having an ankle opening with a front end and a rear end and an outer side and an inner side, a lower connective edge, a fold back portion, and a fixed portion; a connection area for connecting the upper surface of the sole at the outer edge thereof and the lower connective edge of the top member, the connection area extending along the outer edge of the upper surface of the sole and the lower connective edge of the top member; and a single fastening means in the form of one continuous zipper fastener in the top member, the zipper fastener extending from a starting point at a midpoint between the front end and the rear end of the ankle opening on the outer side of the ankle opening, traversing the outer side of the top member at a descending angle directly towards the connection area where the outer side becomes the front end portion continuing across the front end portion of the shoe at the connection area, to where the front end portion becomes the inner side of the top member and then traversing the inner side of the connection area, the zipper fastener travelling in a direction towards the rear heel end portion of the shoe to a zipper termination point located midway between the front end portion of the shoe and the front end of the ankle opening on the inner side of the top member such that the fold back portion of the top member is movable between a first position where the space is closed when the zipper fastener is closed to the ankle opening starting point and a second position where the space is open when the zipper fastener is unzipped to the zipper termination point, thereby allowing the fold back portion of the top member to be folded back while the fixed portion of the top member is positioned to provide foot access to the space when the zipper fastener is open, the zipper fastener permitting a single and continuous motion to move completely from the ankle opening starting point to the zipper termination point to effect opening of the space and providing foot access to the space, and from the zipper termination point to the ankle opening starting point to effect closing of the space, respectively.

9. A shoe as claimed in claim 8 whereby the front end portion of the shoe serves as the entry location for the foot allowing a heel of a wearer to enter the front end portion of the shoe and slide back toward a heel area of the shoe.

10. A shoe as claimed in claim 8 wherein the top member is positioned to provide foot access over the front end portion to the space when the zipper fastener is open.

11. A shoe comprising: a sole having an upper surface with an outer edge and a lower surface; a top member having a front end portion, a rear heel end portion, an inner side and an outer side and mounted on the sole, the top member and sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having an ankle opening with a front end and a rear end and an outer side and an inner side, a lower connective edge, a fold back portion, and a fixed portion; a connection area for connecting the upper surface of the sole at the outer edge thereof and the lower connective edge of the top member, the connection area extending along the outer edge of the upper surface of the sole and of the lower connective edge of the top member; and a single fastening means in the form of one continuous zipper fastener in the top member, the zipper fastener extending from a starting point at a midpoint between the front end and the rear end of the ankle opening on the outer side of the ankle opening, traversing the outer side of the top member at a descending angle directly towards the connection area where the outer side becomes the front end portion of the shoe, defining a first wall in the top member between the connection area and the zipper fastener, the first wall having a highest point, and farthest from the sole of the shoe at the zipper fastener starting point at an outer side of the ankle opening and descending at a direct angle towards a lowest point closest to the connection area where the outer side becomes the front end portion, the zipper fastener thereafter continuing across the front end portion of the shoe at the connection area, to where the front end portion becomes the inner side of the top member and then traversing the inner side at the connection area, the zipper fastener travelling in a direction towards the rear heel end portion of the shoe to a zipper termination point located midway between the front end portion of the shoe and the front end of the ankle opening on the inner side of the top member thus defining a second wall from directly behind the zipper termination point and traversing at an ascending angle directly towards a front inner side corner of the ankle opening, such that the top member between the first and second walls is movable between a first position where the space is closed when the zipper fastener is closed at the ankle opening and a second position where the top member between the first and second walls is folded back to provide foot access to the space when the zipper fastener is open to the zipper termination point, the first wall on the outer side of the top member and the second wall on the inner side of the top member forming guide barriers on each side of the space behind the front end portion, the zipper fastener permitting a single and continuous motion to move completely between the first position and the second position to effect closing and opening for foot access to the space respectively.

12. A shoe as claimed in claim 8 wherein the fixed portion comprises a part of the top member from the connection area at the upper surface of the sole extending from where the front end of the top member meets the outer side of the top member and up to the zipper fastener, traversing the outer side of the top member towards the rear heel end portion and once beyond the zipper fastener at the ankle opening at the outer side of the ankle opening the fixed portion increases in height to reach the highest portion of the outer side of the ankle opening, across the rear heel end portion from the connection area to the highest plane of the ankle opening before continuing on the inner side where the fixed portion of the inner side mirrors that of the outer side in relation to the ankle opening before reducing in height once beyond the inner side of the ankle opening, the fixed portion comprising the distance between the connection area and a line beginning at a highest point where the inner side of the ankle opening and front end of the ankle opening meet and traversing directly toward to the zipper termination point, the fixed portion offering inner side, outer side, and rear heel end support to the foot once engaged in the shoe.

13. A shoe as claimed in claim 8 wherein the fold back portion comprises the top member across an entire front portion of the ankle opening then following the zipper fastener along the outer side to where the outer side becomes the front end portion, further comprising the width of the front end portion to where the front end portion meets the inner side and further to the zipper termination point and then following an ascending fold back line on the inner side from the zipper termination point to where the front edge of the ankle opening meets the inner side ankle opening at a highest position, the fold back portion having four edges defined as the front ankle opening edge moving towards the front end portion, the outer side edge above the zipper fastener, the front end edge moving towards the ankle opening, and the inner side edge above the fold back line.

14. A shoe comprising: a sole having an upper surface with an outer edge and a lower surface; a top member having a distal front end portion, a proximal heel end portion, a medial side and a lateral side and mounted on the sole, the top member and sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having an ankle opening with a distal end and a proximal end and a lateral side and a medial side, a lower connective edge, a fold back portion, and a fixed portion; a connection area for connecting the upper surface of the sole at the outer edge thereof and the lower connective edge of the top member, the connection area extending along the outer edge of the upper surface of the sole and the lower connective edge of the top member; and a single fastening means in the form of one continuous zipper fastener in the top member, the zipper fastener extending from a starting point at a midpoint between the distal end and the proximal end on the lateral side of the ankle opening, traversing the lateral side of the top member at a descending angle directly towards the connection area where the lateral side becomes the distal front end portion continuing across the distal front end portion of the shoe at the connection area, to where the distal front end portion becomes the medial side of the shoe and then traversing the medial side of the connection area, the zipper fastener travelling in a direction towards the proximal heel end portion of the shoe to a zipper termination point located midway between the distal front end portion of the shoe and the distal end of the ankle opening on the medial side of the top member; the zipper fastener having an angle of descent that will vary according to the size of a shoe.

15. A shoe comprising: a sole having an upper surface with an outer edge and a lower surface; a top member having a distal front end portion, a proximal heel end portion, a medial side and a lateral side and mounted on the sole, the top member and sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having an ankle opening with a distal end and a proximal end and a lateral side and a medial side, a lower connective edge, a fold back portion, and a fixed portion; a connection area for connecting the upper surface of the sole at the outer edge thereof and the lower connective edge of the top member, the connection area extending along the outer edge of the upper surface of the sole and the lower connective edge of the top member; a single fastening means in the form of one continuous zipper fastener in the top member, the zipper fastener extending from a starting point at a midpoint between the distal end and the proximal end on the lateral side of the ankle opening, traversing the lateral side of the top member at a descending angle directly towards the connection area where the lateral side becomes the distal front end portion the proximal heel end portion of the top member transitioning to the lateral side of the top member and forwardly to the zipper fastener starting point location, and transitioning to the medial side of the top member and forwardly to a fold over line that begins at the point the distal end of the ankle opening meets the medial side of the ankle opening at a most dorsal position, both medial and lateral sides maintaining a consistent height from the connection area to the dorsal plane of the ankle opening that encompasses and supports the proximal heel end portion from the midpoint of the ankle opening between the distal end and proximal end of the ankle opening on both the lateral side and the medial side of the top member.

16. A shoe comprising: a sole having an upper surface with an outer edge and a lower surface; a top member having a distal front end portion, a proximal heel end portion, a medial side and a lateral side and mounted on the sole, the top member and sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having an ankle opening with a distal end and a proximal end and a lateral side and a medial side, a lower connective edge, a fold back portion, and a fixed portion; a connection area for connecting the upper surface of the sole at the outer edge thereof and the lower connective edge of the top member, the connection area extending along the outer edge of the upper surface of the sole and the lower connective edge of the top member; and a single fastening means in the form of one continuous zipper fastener in the top member, the zipper fastener extending from a starting point on the lateral side of the ankle opening, traversing the lateral side of the top member at a descending angle directly towards the connection area where the lateral side of the top member becomes the distal front end portion, continuing across the distal front end portion of the shoe at the connection area, to where the distal front end portion becomes the medial side of the top member and then traversing the medial side of the connection area, the zipper fastener travelling in a direction towards the proximal heel end portion of the shoe to a zipper termination point located midway between the distal front end portion of the shoe and the distal end of the ankle opening on the medial side of the top member such that the fold back portion of the top member is movable between a first position where the space is closed when the zipper fastener is closed to the ankle opening starting point and a second position where the space is open when the zipper fastener is unzipped to the zipper termination point thereby allowing the fold back portion of the top member to be folded back while the fixed portion of the top member is positioned to provide foot access to the space when the zipper fastener is open, the zipper fastener permitting a single and continuous motion to move completely from the ankle opening starting point to the zipper termination point to effect opening of the space and providing foot access to the space, and from the zipper termination point to the ankle opening starting point to effect closing of the space, respectively.

17. A shoe as claimed in claim 16 comprising: a sole having an upper surface with an outer edge and a lower surface; a top member having a distal front end portion, a proximal heel end portion, a medial side and a lateral side and mounted on the sole, the top member and sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having an ankle opening with a distal end and a proximal end and a lateral side and a medial side, a lower connective edge, a fold back portion, and a fixed portion; a connection area for connecting the upper surface of the sole at the outer edge thereof and the lower connective edge of the top member, the connection area extending along the outer edge of the upper surface of the sole and the lower connective edge of the top member; and a single fastening means in the form of one continuous zipper fastener in the top member, the zipper fastener extending from a starting point on the medial side of the ankle opening, traversing the medial side of the top member at a descending angle directly towards the connection area where the medial side of the top member becomes the distal front end portion continuing across the distal front end portion of the shoe at the connection area, to where the distal front end portion becomes the lateral side of the top member and then traversing the lateral side of the connection area, the zipper fastener travelling in a direction towards the proximal heel end portion of the shoe to a zipper termination point located midway between the distal front end portion of the shoe and the distal end of the ankle opening on the lateral side of the top member such that the fold back portion of the top member is movable between a first position where the space is closed when the zipper fastener is closed to the ankle opening starting point and a second position where the space is open when the zipper fastener is unzipped to the zipper termination point thereby allowing the fold back portion of the top member to be folded back while the fixed portion of the top member is positioned to provide foot access to the space when the zipper fastener is open, the zipper fastener permitting a single and continuous motion to move completely from the ankle opening starting point to the zipper termination point to effect opening of the space and providing foot access to the space, and from the zipper termination point to the ankle opening starting point to effect closing of the space, respectively.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a shoe in the closed position in one embodiment of the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings, in the open position;

(4) FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a tall boot style shoe, in the closed position, in accordance with a further aspect of the invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a sneaker style shoe, in the closed position, illustrating a tongue and laces to maintain a visually “normal” shoe, in accordance with a further aspect of the invention;

(6) FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a high heel style shoe, in the closed position, in accordance with a further aspect of the invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a short boot style shoe, in the closed position, utilizing multiple fastener types for opening and closing the shoe in accordance with a further aspect of the invention;

(8) FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D are section views through a shoe of conventional style illustrating in series the insertion of a foot which may have limited or no muscular control into the shoe; and

(9) FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are section views through a shoe constructed in accordance with the present invention illustrating in series the insertion of a foot which may have limited or no muscular control into the shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(10) Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a shoe in accordance with the present invention in various designs and styles. Note that the drawings herein show the potential range and application of a shoe of the present invention, and the invention is not to be considered in any way limited or restricted to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

(11) Reference is now made to FIG. 1 of the drawings which shows a shoe 1 in accordance with one aspect of the invention. The shoe 1 in this drawing is one of generally conventional style and size, but is adapted and configured to open and close in a unique way to facilitate easier insertion and removal of the foot from the shoe 1. The shoe 1 comprises a top flap 2 which is mounted on a sole 4 which forms the base of the shoe 1 upon which the foot will rest when inserted in the shoe 1. The top flap 2 comprises a side and bottom 3 which is fastened to the sole 4. The shoe 1 further comprises an ankle opening 7 and an interior 8 or space for accommodating the foot.

(12) A zipper 5 is formed within the top flap 2, and extends from the rim which forms part of the ankle opening 7. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the zipper 5 extends from a starting point at the rim of the ankle opening 7, continues gradually downwardly along the inside edge of the top flap 2, and curves around the front 24 of the shoe 1. As best seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the zipper 5 thereafter extends a short way around the outer side of the shoe 1.

(13) The opening and closing of the zipper 5 has the effect of opening the shoe 1 and providing access to the interior 8 of the shoe 1 in a manner which substantially facilitates putting on the shoe particularly, but also helps to remove the foot from the shoe more easily. In effect, and as is clearly illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the top flap 2 can be bent away from the sole 4 providing almost unfettered access to the upper part of the sole 4. FIG. 1 shows the shoe 1 in the closed position in which the zipper 5 is closed, while FIG. 2 of the drawings shows the shoe 1 in the open or accessible position in which the zipper 5 has been completely unzipped to provide the simple and advantageous access as described, and enabling the foot to be placed within the shoe without having to the pushed through the ankle opening 7. As will be described with reference to other figures herebelow, forcing the foot into the shoe through the ankle opening 7 may twist or scrunch the toes, especially for a person with disabilities or young children having less control over foot muscles, inhibiting circulation and causing possible swelling and discomfort.

(14) FIG. 2 of the drawings shows that the top flap 2 can be opened or moved away from the upper part of the sole 4 by any desired amount, revealing and exposing the underside 9 of the top flap 2. In this position, the shoe 1 is also in a much better position to facilitate airing and cleaning, as may be desired by the user.

(15) The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 show a shoe 1 which does not have laces or a tongue. In this embodiment, the opening 7 is provided for the ankle and the upper part of the sole 4 receives the foot. The zipper is exposed, and easily operated by a zipper tab 6 to open and close the shoe 1. While the zipper 5 is exposed in this embodiment, it tends to run for the most part along the inside of the shoe, so that it is not as visible or obvious as it would be if it ran around the outside of the shoe. However, it is certainly within the scope of the present invention that the zipper 5 may be positioned in any convenient location on the shoe so as to give effect to the objective of the invention, namely, to provide a shoe where the top flap 2 can be moved relative to the sole 4 to provide the additional access, as described.

(16) In the illustration shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, a user would typically insert the foot in the shoe by first placing the heel of the foot near the open front end, and either sliding the foot backward over the upper surface of the sole 4, or sliding the shoe itself under the foot so that the heel of the foot moves over the upper surface of the sole 4 until it reaches the back of the shoe. With the foot properly and easily located in this way, the zipper 5 can be closed to fasten the top flap 2 to the sole 4 as illustrated in FIG. 1, with the foot comfortably and naturally positioned within the shoe without distorting the foot.

(17) Reference is now made to FIG. 3 of the drawings which shows the invention configured on a tall style boot, whereby the shoe can be adjusted between a closed position with the look of a normal conventional boot and an open position in which the top flap can be moved away to provide a much more substantial opening for improved access to the shoe. In FIG. 3, the boot 1 has a sole 4 upon which is mounted a top flap 2 which includes the side and bottom portion 3. The zipper 5 extends from the opening 7 all the way down the length of the boot, along the inside thereof and around the front of the boot 1, and thereafter a short distance around the other side of the boot 1, in a similar manner to that illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings.

(18) The boot in FIG. 3 of the drawings is shown only in the closed position (as are the other embodiments and examples described below in FIGS. 4 to 6 of the drawings). However, the principle and mechanism for zipping and unzipping the zipper 5 to close and open the shoe respectively is the same as that illustrated above, to thereby provide ready access so that the foot can be inserted in the boot 1 in its natural an extended position, and held in the boot in that way once the zipper 5 has been closed.

(19) FIG. 4 of the drawings shows a sneaker style of shoe 1 which retains its laces 11 and tongue 12. However, in this embodiment, the laces 11 and tongue 12 are more for cosmetic and design purposes and would not have any function in terms of putting on and removing the shoe 1. In this embodiment, the entire combination of laces 11 and shoe tongue 12 are permanently sewn into place, which allows the sneaker to maintain its aesthetic looks, and present the normal look of a sneaker. However, the sneaker 1 has, as illustrated, a zipper 5 which extends from the opening 7 down the side of the sneaker 1, around the front, and a short distance along the other side, as previously described, so that the top flap 2, which in this case includes the shoelaces 11 and shoe tongue 12, can be moved away when the zipper 5 has been unzipped. Ample access is thus provided so that the heel of foot can be moved from the front of the shoe towards the rear thereof, or, alternatively, the shoe can be pushed under the foot so the foot slides into the shoe. In yet another possibility, such as for those with some or limited muscular control over their toes and feet, the opening of the top flap 2 provides sufficient access so that the foot can simply be generally dropped in position on the sole 4, adjusted to ensure proper location, and the zipper 5 closed so as to capture the foot within the sneaker 1.

(20) In FIG. 4, it is also shown that the zipper can be smaller in size when needed. As already mentioned, the starting point for the zipper 5 at the opening 7 can be at any convenient location at the opening 7 and need not be at the precise points or locations as illustrated in any of the drawings.

(21) FIG. 5 of the drawings shows a high heel type shoe with a “princess” style zipper 5. This shoe 1 includes a high heel 4a, and a generally larger opening 7, as is conventional for a woman's high heel shoe. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the zipper 5 has its starting point about midway along the opening 7, and extends downwardly along the side of the shoe, and around the front thereof, as described. In the shoe 1 illustrated in this figure, material may be provided which actually covers the zipper making it more difficult to perceive with a casual glance. The material covering the zipper may actually be configured as part of the style and fashion of the shoe so as to make it even less obvious that the shoe has any special structure which facilitates easier and better access. Further, the zipper tab 6 can be of a decorative nature in an effort to further detract from its more utilitarian function.

(22) FIG. 6 of the drawings shows a biker style short boot shoe type 1. The boot 1 has a sole 4, a top flap 2, laces 11 and a tongue 12. While the laces 11 may be decorative and nonfunctional, they may also be functional in another embodiment, so that they can be loosened or tightened by the wearer to accommodate a foot and ankle of different sizes. In the latter case, the user would tend to set the laces only occasionally, and set the size of the space.

(23) In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings, a zipper 5 extends around the base of the top flap 2, along the inside of the shoe, around the front thereof, and continuing a short distance around the other side of the shoe. Further, there is provided a Velcro fastening, comprising a female strip 14 and a male strip 14a, the Velcro fastening extending from the opening 7 down the side of the boot 1 to the point where the zipper 5 starts. In this embodiment, opening the shoe to provide access as described above requires grasping the zipper tab 6 so as to open the zipper 5 around the shoe, and then separating the Velcro fastening by pulling apart the female strip 14 and male strip 14a. Once these two operations have been executed, the top flap 2 can be easily moved over so as to provide the access opening to the shoe for easy and convenient insertion of the foot in a manner which ensures that the foot and ankle are in as natural a position as possible.

(24) FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D of the drawings show a cross-section through a conventional shoe, and illustrates some of the difficulties that may result when a person who may be disabled or paralyzed tries to push the foot into the shoe through the opening. FIG. 7A shows a foot having a heel 20, arch 22, top 18, ankle bone 21, big toe 15 and toenail 17. The big toe 15 has a top side of the first joint 16 and a bottom of the first joint 19. The initial placement of the foot in the shoe through the opening continues normally until the opening of the shoe constrains the top of the foot 18 and the heel 20, which is located over the back of the shoe. By further forcing the foot into the shoe, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the big toe 15 and other toes do not move easily, and the top of the foot 18 curves around. As seen in FIG. 7C, further forcing of the foot into the shoe causes the big toe to become bent or curled into an unnatural position, and FIG. 7D shows the foot inserted in the shoe with the toe hooked in an unnatural and uncomfortable position. Disabled or paralyzed persons would not have the ability to feel that the foot has been incorrectly placed in the shoe, but there may nevertheless be associated discomfort, swelling, as well as a reduction in circulation which may cause pain and even bruising.

(25) FIG. 7 therefore illustrates the situation where a foot having no muscular control is being pushed into a normal shoe, and the subsequent effect on the toes, the arch, and the top of the foot. The foot becomes cramped and distorted within the shoe, and the toenail may be loosened or injured from rubbing the insole. The end of the toe can become calloused, and the big toe joints may rub up against the shoe due to the absence of space. The joint in the big toe as well as all of the other toes are bent, impeding proper blood flow which may cause the swelling as mentioned above, leading to deterioration of the toe and foot tissue.

(26) FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D of the drawings illustrates the situation where a foot having no muscular control may be more easily and comfortably inserted in a shoe constructed in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 8A, with the top flap 2 in the open or unzipped position, the heel 20 of the foot is placed on the interior bottom of the shoe 8 at the front end thereof, and to which there is easy access. The shoe can then be moved forward in the direction of the arrow on the shoe, and/or the foot moved rearwardly in the direction of the arrow illustrated on the foot. FIG. 8B shows an intermediate position with the heel 20 of the foot moving rearwardly towards the back of the shoe, while FIG. 8C shows the foot in the near completed position and the toes in their natural state moving easily onto the interior bottom of the shoe. Finally, in FIG. 8D, the shoe is comfortably positioned around the foot, with the ankle, arch and toes in a natural comfortable position, and the top flap 2 is closed by closing the zipper 5 to capture and hold the foot snugly within the shoe. With the shoe of the invention, being put on the foot in the manner sequentially illustrated in FIGS. 8A, B, C and D of the drawings, there is little possibility of distortion, cramping or scrunching of the foot and toes. The health of the foot would therefore be preserved, and proper blood circulation can be achieved, while any swelling of the foot can be readily avoided or reduced.

(27) FIG. 8 therefore clearly illustrates the effectiveness and operation of the reverse entry shoe, allowing the toes to maintain the straight joints that are important for robust circulation and tissue health. The space 23 is maintained, unlike the situation as illustrated with respect to a conventional type shoe. When the toes are rolled under the foot, such as shown in FIG. 7D, the entire skeletal structure of the foot changes, the arch rises, and the top of the foot abuts against the top and tongue of the shoe causing an unnatural hump to the shape of the foot. This result can be readily and conveniently avoided entirely when a shoe constructed in accordance with the present invention is used.

(28) Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.

(29) As used herein, “plurality” means two or more. As used herein, a “set” of items may include one or more of such items. As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “carrying”, “having”, “containing”, “involving”, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.