Step-In Apparatus, Counter And Shoe

Abstract

A step-in apparatus and counter for a shoe are provided. The step-in apparatus allows a wearer to easily put on and take off a shoe without bending over, manipulating shoe laces, or using a shoe horn. The step-in apparatus and related counter allow the counter to deform and then return to its original shape without damaging the structural integrity of the counter or the shoe. This controlled deformation allows for ease of foot entry and exit without the need for laces, gores, or external devices such as shoe horns. The present invention is useful for those that lack the physical dexterity to bend over, tie shoe laces, or otherwise put on and take off shoes. In addition, the comfort and ease of use of the present invention makes for a new shoe that has universal appeal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A step-in apparatus comprising
 an intrasole plate of a generally planar form;   a counter support attached to one end of the intrasole plate;   a counter support insert placed within the counter support; and   a compressive element between the counter support and the counter support insert.   
     
     
         2 . The step-in apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the compressive element is a spring. 
     
     
         3 . The step-in apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the compressive element is a memory foam. 
     
     
         4 . The step-in apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the compressive element is a metal plate. 
     
     
         5 . The step-in apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a guide operatively connected to an inner surface of the counter support and a channel along the counter support insert such that the channel retains the guide when the counter support insert is placed within the counter support. 
     
     
         6 . The step-in apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a channel along an inner surface of the counter support and a guide operatively connected to the counter support insert such that the channel retains the guide when the counter support insert is placed within the counter support. 
     
     
         7 . The step-in apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a shank hole in the intrasole plate. 
     
     
         8 . The step-in apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a pin attached to the lower surface of the counter support insert. 
     
     
         9 . The step-in apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a spring retention element attached to the pin. 
     
     
         10 . The step-in apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a spring retention element within the counter support. 
     
     
         11 . The step-in apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a detent in the counter support insert for limiting insertion travel of the counter support insert within the counter support. 
     
     
         12 . The step-in apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a conformal line feature in the counter support insert for improving the comfort of a wearer. 
     
     
         13 . A step-in heel counter comprising:
 a heel counter capable of conforming to a heel of a wearer; and   a void in the heel counter for receiving a step-in apparatus.   
     
     
         14 . The step-in heel counter of  claim 13 , wherein the heel counter is a microcellular urethane. 
     
     
         15 . The step-in heel counter of  claim 13 , wherein the heel counter is an ethyl vinyl acetate. 
     
     
         16 . The step-in heel counter of  claim 13 , further comprising a step-in apparatus placed in the void in the heel counter for receiving a step-in apparatus. 
     
     
         17 . A shoe comprising:
 an upper having a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion forming a heel counter capable of conforming to a heel of a wearer;   a midsole placed below the upper;   a step-in apparatus comprising an intrasole plate of a generally planar form, a counter support attached to one end of the intrasole plate, a counter support insert placed within the counter support, and a compressive element between the counter support and the counter support insert;   the intrasole plate of the step-in apparatus being placed below the midsole and the counter support of the step-in apparatus being placed within the heel counter; and   a sole placed below the step-in apparatus and below the insole.   
     
     
         18 . The shoe of  claim 17 , further comprising a shank hole in the intrasole plate. 
     
     
         19 . The shoe of  claim 17 , wherein the heel counter is a microcellular urethane. 
     
     
         20 . The shoe of  claim 17 , wherein the heel counter is an ethyl vinyl acetate.