Prior art — US Patent 12274325

Here is an analysis of the most relevant prior art for US patent 12274325, focusing on patents cited by the examiner and having a priority date earlier than US12274325's priority date of July 29, 2019. The analysis evaluates potential anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102, which requires that a single prior art reference disclose every element of a claim.

Relevant Prior Art Analysis for US12274325

The following examiner-cited prior art references were reviewed for their potential to anticipate claims 1 and 10 of US12274325.

1. US5946825A — Footwear having slow recovery liner

Full Citation: US5946825A, titled "Footwear having slow recovery liner," by Nine West Group, Inc., published September 7, 1999. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: January 31, 1997; Publication Date: September 7, 1999. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Brief Description: This patent describes footwear, primarily dress shoes, featuring a slow recovery foam liner in the heel counter area. The purpose of this liner is to provide a customized and comfortable fit by conforming to the wearer's heel and slowly returning to its original shape upon shoe removal. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:
- Claim 1 (Shoe Apparatus): This reference does not anticipate Claim 1. While it includes a heel counter and a liner, it lacks several key elements of Claim 1, such as a stabilizer made of "rigid material" specifically configured to "prevent downward collapse," a base portion proximate the sole with lateral and medial parts forming a convex structure, and an elevated portion acting as a shoehorn. The foam liner described is for comfort and fit, not explicitly configured as described in Claim 1 (extending beyond lateral/medial portions and oriented downward toward the sole to retain a heel). [cite: The full patent text details this information]
- Claim 10 (Method of Donning): This reference does not anticipate Claim 10. It does not describe a method involving a stabilizer that pivots rearward upon foot contact, nor an elastic element expanding the foot opening. The foam liner in this reference serves a different purpose and lacks the specific structural and functional details (e.g., convex surface at midportion, downward orientation, curved cross-section) required by Claim 10. [cite: The full patent text details this information]

2. US20040111921A1 — Article of footwear, particularly for climbing

Full Citation: US20040111921A1, titled "Article of footwear, particularly for climbing," by Salomon S.A., published June 17, 2004. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: December 12, 2002; Publication Date: June 17, 2004. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Brief Description: This patent describes a climbing shoe with a reinforced rear portion, such as a heel counter, to provide stiffness and maintain shape. It mentions that the counter could be removable or articulated. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:
- Claim 1 (Shoe Apparatus): This reference does not anticipate Claim 1. While it has a heel counter, its primary focus is on stiffness for climbing, not "rapid-entry." It does not disclose the specific connection of a stabilizer to the "rear portion of the sole" with the detailed base portion structure (lateral/medial portions extending from sole, midportion extending upward continuously from sole), an elevated portion acting as a shoehorn, or the specific foam liner for heel retention as described in Claim 1. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
- Claim 10 (Method of Donning): This reference does not anticipate Claim 10. It does not describe a method of donning involving a pivoting rigid stabilizer or an elastic element that expands the foot opening in response to foot insertion. The detailed structure and function of the foam liner in Claim 10 are also not present. [cite: The full patent text details this information]

3. US20120180338A1 — Shoe conveniently put on and taken off

Full Citation: US20120180338A1, titled "Shoe conveniently put on and taken off," by Shu-Hua Lin, published July 19, 2012. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: January 18, 2011; Publication Date: July 19, 2012. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Brief Description: This patent describes a shoe designed for easy donning and doffing, particularly for the elderly. It features a flexible rear portion (heel counter) that can be easily folded down to facilitate entry, along with a pull strap. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:
- Claim 1 (Shoe Apparatus): This reference does not anticipate Claim 1. It describes a flexible and foldable heel counter, which directly contradicts the "rigid material" and "prevent downward collapse" requirements for the stabilizer in Claim 1 of US12274325. The specific base portion structure and shoehorn-acting elevated portion are also not disclosed. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
- Claim 10 (Method of Donning): This reference does not anticipate Claim 10. While it aims for easy donning, its heel counter folds down rather than pivots rigidly from a base, as specified in Claim 10. Furthermore, it does not disclose an elastic element for expanding the foot opening. [cite: The full patent text details this information]

4. US20120317839A1 — Rapid-Entry Shoe

Full Citation: US20120317839A1, titled "Rapid-Entry Shoe," by Ogio International, Inc., published December 20, 2012. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: November 12, 2009; Publication Date: December 20, 2012. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Brief Description: This patent describes a rapid-entry shoe with a collapsible heel portion that folds down for entry and has a resilient member to help it return to an upright position. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:
- Claim 1 (Shoe Apparatus): This reference does not anticipate Claim 1. Similar to US20120180338A1, it describes a collapsible heel portion, which is antithetical to the "rigid material" stabilizer configured to "prevent downward collapse" as claimed in US12274325. The specific structural details of the base portion, continuous extension from the sole, shoehorn function, and foam liner are not disclosed. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
- Claim 10 (Method of Donning): This reference does not anticipate Claim 10. The heel collapses rather than pivots rigidly from a base. The precise details of the cup-shaped base, the specific foam liner with its orientation and retention function, and the elastic element expanding the foot opening are not present. [cite: The full patent text details this information]

5. US7685747B1 — Footwear architecture(s) and associated closure systems

Full Citation: US7685747B1, titled "Footwear architecture(s) and associated closure systems," by Hatchbacks, Inc., published March 30, 2010. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: April 29, 2002; Publication Date: March 30, 2010. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Brief Description: This patent describes footwear with flexible or articulated rear portions (heel counters) to facilitate entry, sometimes allowing the shoe to function as a slide. It emphasizes the deformability of the rear upper. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:
- Claim 1 (Shoe Apparatus): This reference does not anticipate Claim 1. It focuses on flexible or articulated rear portions, contrasting with the "rigid material" stabilizer designed to "prevent downward collapse" in US12274325. The specific base portion structure, shoehorn-acting elevated portion, and detailed foam liner for heel retention are not disclosed. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
- Claim 10 (Method of Donning): This reference does not anticipate Claim 10. While the heel area deforms for entry, the pivoting of a rigid stabilizer from a sole-integrated base, the specific foam liner details for heel retention, and the elastic element for foot opening expansion as claimed are not present. [cite: The full patent text details this information]

6. US10455898B1 — Footwear article with tongue reinforcer

Full Citation: US10455898B1, titled "Footwear article with tongue reinforcer," by Nike, Inc., published October 29, 2019. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: December 21, 2018; Publication Date: October 29, 2019. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Brief Description: This patent describes a footwear article with a reinforcer integrated into the tongue to provide additional support and structure in the instep area. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:
- Claim 1 (Shoe Apparatus): This reference does not anticipate Claim 1 as its focus is on a tongue reinforcer in the forward portion of the shoe, not a stabilizer in the rear portion of the sole with the specific features of Claim 1. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
- Claim 10 (Method of Donning): This reference does not anticipate Claim 10 as it does not describe a method involving a rear stabilizer pivoting rearward due to foot contact or an elastic element expanding the foot opening. [cite: The full patent text details this information]

7. US10617174B1 — Footwear article with doffing ledge

Full Citation: US10617174B1, titled "Footwear article with doffing ledge," by Nike, Inc., published April 14, 2020. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: December 21, 2018; Publication Date: April 14, 2020. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Brief Description: This patent describes footwear with a "doffing ledge" on the heel or rear portion designed to assist in removing the shoe. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:
- Claim 1 (Shoe Apparatus): This reference does not anticipate Claim 1. A doffing ledge primarily aids removal and is structurally distinct from the rapid-entry stabilizer of Claim 1, which functions as a shoehorn, prevents collapse, connects to the sole, and includes a specific foam liner for heel retention. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
- Claim 10 (Method of Donning): This reference does not anticipate Claim 10 as it describes a method for doffing (removal), not donning. It lacks the steps of a pivoting rigid stabilizer, a specific foam liner, and an elastic element expanding the foot opening during insertion. [cite: The full patent text details this information]

8. US10638810B1 — Rapid-entry footwear having a compressible lattice structure

Full Citation: US10638810B1, titled "Rapid-entry footwear having a compressible lattice structure," by Fast IP, LLC, published May 5, 2020. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: January 7, 2019; Publication Date: May 5, 2020. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Brief Description: This patent describes rapid-entry footwear incorporating a compressible lattice structure, typically in the rear portion within a window defined by a stabilizer's arch structure, to facilitate closure after foot insertion. US12274325 explicitly incorporates this patent by reference for the compressible lattice structure. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:
- Claim 1 (Shoe Apparatus): This reference does not anticipate Claim 1. While both share the "rapid-entry" concept and a stabilizer, US10638810B1 primarily focuses on a compressible lattice structure within a window in the stabilizer. It does not explicitly disclose the unique combination of the "stabilizer provided at a rear portion of the sole" with the detailed "base portion" forming a convex structure, the continuous upward extension from the sole, the elevated portion specifically acting as a "shoehorn," and critically, the "foam liner coupled to the stabilizer... oriented downward toward the sole such that the foam liner acts to retain a heel" as defined in Claim 1. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
- Claim 10 (Method of Donning): This reference does not anticipate Claim 10. While it concerns rapid entry, it describes the lattice compressing and assisting closure, rather than a rigid stabilizer pivoting rearward as a result of foot contact as in Claim 10. Moreover, the specific details of the cup-shaped base portion having a foam liner with a convex surface, extending beyond medial/lateral, oriented downward towards the sole, and having a curved cross-section for heel retention, are not present. Instead, it utilizes a compressible lattice. It also doesn't explicitly describe an elastic element expanding the foot opening in response to simultaneous foot contact. [cite: The full patent text details this information]

9. US10897956B2 — Footwear article with asymmetric ankle collar

Full Citation: US10897956B2, titled "Footwear article with asymmetric ankle collar," by Nike, Inc., published January 26, 2021. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: December 21, 2018; Publication Date: January 26, 2021. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Brief Description: This patent describes footwear with an ankle collar having an asymmetric shape to conform to the ankle's anatomy, enhancing comfort or support. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:
- Claim 1 (Shoe Apparatus): This reference does not anticipate Claim 1. Its focus on the ankle collar's shape is distinct from the detailed rear stabilizer and foam liner structure claimed in US12274325. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
- Claim 10 (Method of Donning): This reference does not anticipate Claim 10 as it does not describe a method of donning involving a pivoting rear stabilizer or an elastic element expanding the foot opening. [cite: The full patent text details this information]

10. US11000091B1 — Bimodal shoe

Full Citation: US11000091B1, titled "Bimodal shoe," by Kentigern Kyle, published May 11, 2021. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: September 1, 2017; Publication Date: May 11, 2021. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Brief Description: This patent describes a "bimodal shoe" with a heel counter that can switch between an open configuration for easy entry/exit and a closed configuration for a secure fit, often involving a pivoting or collapsing mechanism. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:
- Claim 1 (Shoe Apparatus): This reference does not anticipate Claim 1. While it addresses easy entry, the "bimodal" nature implies a mechanism for the heel counter to transition (pivot or collapse). This differs from the "rigid material" stabilizer of Claim 1 designed to "prevent downward collapse" and with a specific fixed convex base structure, a continuous upward extension from the sole, and an elevated portion acting as a "shoehorn." Furthermore, the specific foam liner details for heel retention are not explicitly disclosed. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
- Claim 10 (Method of Donning): This reference does not anticipate Claim 10. While it involves a heel counter moving for entry, the specific details of a rigid, cup-shaped base portion with a specialized foam liner (convex surface, extending beyond medial/lateral, downward orientation, curved cross-section) causing a specific pivoting action and functioning for heel retention, along with an elastic element simultaneously expanding the foot opening, are not fully disclosed. [cite: The full patent text details this information]

11. US9820527B2 — Rapid-entry footwear with rebounding fit system

Full Citation: US9820527B2, titled "Rapid-entry footwear with rebounding fit system," by Kizik Design, LLC, published November 7, 2017. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: April 22, 2016; Publication Date: November 7, 2017. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Brief Description: This patent describes rapid-entry footwear with a rear heel portion configured to expand or collapse for foot entry and then rebound to a closed position. It typically uses a resilient element in the heel. US12274325 explicitly incorporates this patent by reference for a "resiliently deformable element" within a window. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:
- Claim 1 (Shoe Apparatus): This reference does not anticipate Claim 1. Its core mechanism involves a heel portion that expands or collapses and rebounds, which is fundamentally different from a "rigid material" stabilizer in Claim 1 designed to "prevent downward collapse." The precise structural definitions of the stabilizer's base portion, its continuous connection from the sole, its elevated portion acting as a shoehorn, and the specific foam liner for heel retention are not explicitly disclosed. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
- Claim 10 (Method of Donning): This reference does not anticipate Claim 10. While it describes the heel area moving for entry, the specific details of the cup-shaped base portion with the specialized foam liner and its unique retention function, causing a pivoting action of the stabilizer, are not present. It also lacks the explicit disclosure of an elastic element independently expanding the foot opening in response to simultaneous foot contact, as specified in Claim 10. [cite: The full patent text details this information]

12. US11564450B2 — Systems and methods for enhancing boot comfort and style

Full Citation: US11564450B2, titled "Systems and methods for enhancing boot comfort and style," by Boot Bam, Inc., published January 31, 2023. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: January 11, 2019; Publication Date: January 31, 2023. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Brief Description: This patent concerns removable and interchangeable inserts or elements for boots to enhance comfort and style. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:
- Claim 1 (Shoe Apparatus): This reference does not anticipate Claim 1. It focuses broadly on comfort and style inserts for boots and does not disclose the specific rapid-entry shoe structure with a rigid stabilizer, its detailed base portion and elevated shoehorn, or the specialized foam liner for heel retention as described in Claim 1. [cite: The full patent text details this information]
- Claim 10 (Method of Donning): This reference does not anticipate Claim 10 as it does not describe a method for donning a shoe involving a pivoting rigid stabilizer and an elastic element expanding the foot opening, combined with the detailed foam liner of Claim 10. [cite: The full patent text details this information]

Conclusion on Anticipation

Based on the detailed review of the examiner-cited prior art with priority dates preceding US12274325, none of the identified references are found to anticipate (i.e., disclose every element of) either independent Claim 1 or Claim 10 of US12274325 under 35 U.S.C. § 102. The distinctions often lie in the specific structural and functional characteristics of the stabilizer (e.g., its rigidity, connection to the sole, shoehorn function), the precise configuration and purpose of the foam liner for heel retention, and the interplay with an elastic element for foot opening expansion. While some references address aspects of easy entry or heel support, they do not combine all the elements as claimed in US12274325.