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 lateral side and a medial side and mounted on the sole, the top member and the sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having a foot opening with a distal end and a proximal end and a medial side and a lateral 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 a form of one continuous zipper fastener located in the top member with zipper teeth positioned vertically, the zipper fastener extending from a starting point on the medial side of a foot opening, traversing the medial side of the top member at a descending angle towards the connection area before the medial side of the top member becomes the distal front end portion and dropping below the connection area embedding in the sole, a top of the zipper teeth being below a top of the sole, a flexible barrier embedded into the sole next to the zipper fastener between the zipper fastener teeth and a front most edge of the an inner compartment space that receive a foot, extending above the zipper teeth keeping non shoe related material out of the zipper teeth, the zipper fastener continuing across the distal front end portion of the shoe below 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 top member below the connection area, the zipper fastener traveling in a direction towards the proximal heel end portion of the shoe to a zipper termination point located before a distal end of the foot 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 foot 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 foot opening starting point to the zipper termination point to allow opening of the space and providing foot access to the space, and from the zipper termination point to the foot opening starting point to allow closing of the space, respectively.
2. 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 lateral side and a medial side and mounted on the sole, the top member and the sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having a foot opening with a distal end and a proximal end and a medial side and a lateral 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 a form of one continuous zipper fastener located in the top member with zipper teeth positioned vertically, the zipper fastener extending from a starting point on the lateral side of the foot opening, traversing the lateral side of the top member at a descending angle directly towards the connection area before the lateral side of the top member becomes the distal front end portion and dropping below the connection area embedding in the sole, a top of the zipper teeth being below the top of the sole, a flexible barrier embedded into the sole next to the zipper fastener between the zipper fastener teeth and a front most edge of an inner compartment space that receive a foot, extending above the zipper teeth keeping non shoe related material out of the zipper teeth, the zipper fastener continuing across the distal front end portion of the shoe below 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 below the connection area, the zipper fastener traveling 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 a distal end of the foot 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 foot 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 foot opening starting point to the zipper termination point to allow opening of the space and providing foot access to the space, and from the zipper termination point to the foot opening starting point to allow closing of the space, respectively.
3. 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 lateral side and a medial side and mounted on the sole, the top member and the sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having a foot opening with a distal end and a proximal end and a medial side and a lateral 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 a form of one continuous zipper fastener located in the top member with zipper teeth positioned vertically, a zipper fastener extending from a starting point on the medial side of a foot opening, traversing the medial side of the top member at a descending angle towards the connection area before the medial side of the top member becomes the distal front end portion and dropping below the connection area embedding in the sole, a top of the zipper teeth being below the top of the sole, two flexible barriersembedded in the sole one on either side of the zipper fastener, a first barrier positioned between the zipper fastener and a distal edge of a front most edge of an inner compartment space that receive a foot running in parallel with the zipper and a second barrier positioned on an opposite side of the zipper fastener from the first barrier also running in parallel with the zipper fastener, the first and second barriers extending above the zipper teeth keeping non shoe related material out of the zipper teeth, the zipper fastener continuing across the distal front end portion of the shoe below 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 top member below the connection area, the zipper fastener traveling in a direction towards the proximal heel end portion of the shoe to a zipper termination point located between the distal front end portion of the shoe and a distal end of the foot 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 foot 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 foot opening starting point to the zipper termination point to allow opening of the space and providing foot access to the space, and from the zipper termination point to the foot opening starting point to allow closing of the space, respectively.
4. A shoe as 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 lateral side and a medial side and mounted on the sole, the top member and the sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having a foot opening with a distal end and a proximal end and a medial side and a lateral 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 a form of one continuous zipper fastener located in the top member with the zipper teeth positioned vertically, the zipper fastener extending from a starting point on the lateral side of the foot opening, traversing the lateral side of the top member at a descending angle towards the connection area before the lateral side of the top member becomes the distal front end portion and dropping below the connection area embedding in the sole, a top of the zipper teeth being below a top of the sole, two flexible barriers embedded in the top of the sole one on either side of the zipper fastener, a first barrier positioned between the zipper fastener and a distal edge of a front most edge of an inner compartment space that receive a foot running in parallel with the zipper fastener, and a second barrier positioned on the an opposite side of the zipper fastener from the first also running in parallel with the zipper fastener, the first and second barriers extending above the zipper teeth, keeping non shoe related material out of the zipper teeth, the zipper fastener continuing across the distal front end portion of the shoe below 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 below the connection area, the zipper fastener traveling in a direction towards the proximal heel end portion of the shoe to a zipper termination point located between the distal front end portion of the shoe and a distal end of the foot 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 foot 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 foot opening starting point to the zipper termination point to allow opening of the space and providing foot access to the space, and from the zipper termination point to the foot opening starting point to allow 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;
(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;
(10) FIG. 9, is a side perspective of the top member only detailing how the zipper fastener path drops below the top member and into the area that would be the sole of the shoe;
(11) FIG. 10, is a top side view of the shoe detailing the path of the top of the sole of the shoe and how the top member at the front of the shoe drops below the top of the sole, also shown is a self-concealing style zipper fastener;
(12) FIG. 11, is a side perspective of a shoe further detailing the zipper fastener path dropping below the top of the sole and into the actual sole;
(13) FIG. 12, is a top front perspective of a shoe in the open position showing the zipper fastener path and a barrier between the zipper and the front edge of the sole of the shoe, the barrier allows for the sock of a wearer to be protected from the zipper when the zipper is being engaged for closure;
(14) FIG. 13, is the front end of the sole of a shoe with no top member, showing the zipper embedded in the sole of the shoe, the zipper being below the top of the sole of the shoe is also detailed as well as a flexible barrier to keep any clothing material clear of the zipper when being closed;
(15) FIG. 14, is a cut away drawing of FIG. 13 showing the zipper fastener and barrier set down in the top of the sole at the front edge of the sole of the shoe;
(16) FIG. 15, is a top view of the front of the sole of the shoe without the top member with two barriers one being on either side of the zipper fastener, the inner barrier keeps clothing from the zipper teeth while the zipper is being closed while the outer barrier keeps the material of the top member itself from the zipper teeth while the zipper is being closed;
(17) FIG. 16, is a cut away drawing of FIG. 15 showing the zipper fastener and barriers on either side of the zipper set down in the top of the sole at the front edge of the sole of the shoe; and
(18) FIG. 17, is a cut away drawing of FIG. 16 showing the zipper fastener and barriers on either side of the zipper set down in the top of the sole at the front edge of the sole of the shoe along with the top member in place, the top member covering the zipper fastener with an extended flap of top member material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(19) 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.
(20) 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 foot entry opening 7 and an interior 8 or space for accommodating the foot.
(21) 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.
(22) 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.
(23) 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.
(24) 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.
(25) 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.
(26) 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.
(27) 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 remaining in its natural an healthy extended position, and held in the boot in that way once the zipper 5 has been closed.
(28) 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 slipped 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.
(29) 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.
(30) 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.
(31) FIG. 6 of the drawings shows a short boot shoe style 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 once to configure the space specific to the size of their foot, if at all.
(32) 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.
(33) 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.
(34) 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.
(35) 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. 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.
(36) FIG. 9 shows the top member of a shoe 50, the moveable top member flap area 50A, the foot entry opening 51, the connection area 52, as well as a zipper fastener path 53 and the area that the zipper fastener drops below the top member 54 itself and into the sole of the shoe 60. The zipper fastener being embedded in the sole allows for the wearer’s socks to not engage the zipper teeth when the foot slides into the shoe.
(37) FIG. 10 shows the top member of a shoe 50, the moveable top member flap area 50A, the foot entry opening 51, the connection area 52, as well as a self-concealing zipper fastener 64A, the area that the zipper fastener drops below the top member 54 itself and into the sole of the shoe 60, and the top of the sole interior demarcation line 61A. The zipper path allowing for a completely unimpeded path for the wearer from placing the heel of the foot on the open toe area of the top of the sole and continuing through the entire foot movement back or shoe movement forward until the heel of the wearer rests in the heel area of the shoe.
(38) FIG. 11 illustrates a sneaker style shoe with an exposed zipper fastener 64 in the top member 50, dropping into the sole 60 below the top of the sole demarcation line 61A, the amount of drop indicated by the space 54, this drop in feature removes all mental attention from ones socks getting snagged on the zipper teeth.
(39) The moveable top member portion 50A having laces 70 and a tongue 71 as a conventional shoe which can be utilized to further adjust the fit of the shoe if needed.
(40) FIG. 12 Shows a shoe in the top member moveable portion in the open position exposing the zipper fastener 64, the surface the zipper fastener is embedded into in the top of the sole 61, a flexible barrier 63 positioned between the teeth of the zipper fastener 64 and the front edge of the sole of the shoe 61. The barrier thickness 63 allows for flexibility along with a level of rigidity which allows the barrier to regain its original form once a foot has passed over it. The barrier 63 keeps the front most portion of the wearer’s sock from becoming engaged in the zipper when the removable top member of the shoe is moved to the closed position.
(41) FIG. 13 illustrates the front toe portion of the sole of the shoe 60 clear of the top member to further detail the zipper fastener embedment ledge 62, the zipper fastener teeth 64A embedded in the sole 60, and the barrier 63. Clearly detailed in the difference in height between the top of the sole of the shoe 61 and the top of the zipper teeth 64A as well as the difference in height between the top of the barrier 63 and the top of the sole 61. The relationships of these three components converge to assist in keeping material out of the zipper teeth 64A as they engage for closure.
(42) FIG. 14 shows in cut away view the front end portion of the sole of the shoe. This cut away allows for viewing of the zipper fastener engagement groove 66, and the barrier engagement groove 65.
(43) FIG. 15 details the front top of sole of the shoe showing the top of the sole 61, the top of the zipper fastener teeth 64B, an inner flexible barrier 63, and an outer flexible barrier 67. The inner flexible barrier 63 works much as described in FIG. 14, while the outer flexible barrier 67 provides clearance protection from the top member material engaging the zipper fastener while closing the moveable portion of the top member.
(44) FIG. 16 illustrates in cut away view the inner barrier 63 embedment groove 68 in the sole 60 of the shoe, and the outer barrier 67 embedment groove 69 in the sole 60 of the shoe.
(45) FIG. 17 details in cut away view how the moveable portion of the top member 50A is kept clear of the zipper fastener teeth 64A by the outer flexible barrier 67. This configuration allows the wearer to have no concerns about socks or the moveable portion engaging the zipper fastener while closing the shoe.
(46) 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.
(47) 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.
