U.S. patent application number 10/780186 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-18 for self-ventilating shoe assembly.
Invention is credited to Hammonds, Jesse M..
Application Number | 20050178023 10/780186 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34838527 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050178023 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hammonds, Jesse M. |
August 18, 2005 |
Self-ventilating shoe assembly
Abstract
A self-ventilating shoe assembly includes an upper, an outsole
attached to the upper, and an insole located between the upper and
the outsole. A resilient ventilation body is located between the
outsole and the insole, and has an intake communicating with an
exterior of the shoe assembly and an exhaust communicating with an
interior of the shoe assembly. Upon application of pressure against
the resilient body, air is discharged outwardly through the exhaust
to the interior of the shoe assembly, thereby ventilating the shoe
assembly. Upon release of pressure from the resilient body, air is
drawn inwardly from outside of the shoe assembly through the intake
as the body expands to its original form.
Inventors: |
Hammonds, Jesse M.;
(Charlotte, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Schwartz Law Firm, P.C.
SouthPark Towers
Suite 530
6100 Fairview Road
Charlotte
NC
28210
US
|
Family ID: |
34838527 |
Appl. No.: |
10/780186 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/3B ;
36/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/081 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/003.00B ;
036/029 |
International
Class: |
A43B 013/20 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A self-ventilating shoe assembly, comprising: (a) an upper; (b)
an outsole attached to said upper; (c) an insole located between
said upper and said outsole; (d) a resilient ventilation body
located between said outsole and said insole, and comprising an
intake communicating with an exterior of said shoe assembly and an
exhaust communicating with an interior of said shoe assembly, such
that: (i) upon application of pressure against said resilient body,
air is discharged outwardly through said exhaust to the interior of
said shoe assembly, thereby ventilating said shoe assembly; and
(ii) upon release of pressure from said resilient body, air is
drawn inwardly from outside of said shoe assembly through said
intake as said body expands to its original form.
2. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said intake comprises a one-way valve operating to control passage
of air inwardly and outwardly through said intake.
3. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said exhaust comprises a one-way valve operating to control passage
of air inwardly and outwardly through said exhaust.
4. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said ventilation body comprises a plurality of exhausts adapted for
ventilating the interior of said shoe assembly.
5. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said ventilation body comprises a plurality of bellows.
6. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said ventilation body comprises visco-elastic foam.
7. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said ventilation body comprises a compression spring.
8. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 1, and
comprising a toe vent communicating with said ventilation body, and
adapted for discharging air beneath the toes of a wearer.
9. A self-ventilating shoe assembly, comprising: (a) an upper; (b)
an outsole attached to said upper; (c) an insole located between
said upper and said outsole; (d) first and second resilient
ventilation bodies located between said outsole and said insole,
and in respective heel and ball regions of said shoe assembly, each
ventilation body comprising an intake communicating with an
exterior of said shoe assembly and an exhaust communicating with an
interior of said shoe assembly, such that: (i) upon application of
pressure against said resilient body, air is discharged outwardly
through said exhaust to the interior of said shoe assembly, thereby
ventilating said shoe assembly; and (ii) upon release of pressure
from said resilient body, air is drawn inwardly from outside of
said shoe assembly through said intake as said body expands to its
original form.
10. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 9, wherein
said intake comprises a one-way valve operating to control passage
of air inwardly and outwardly through said intake.
11. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 9, wherein
said exhaust comprises a one-way valve operating to control passage
of air inwardly and outwardly through said exhaust.
12. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 9, wherein
said ventilation body comprises a plurality of exhausts adapted for
ventilating the interior of said shoe assembly.
13. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 9, wherein
said ventilation body comprises a plurality of bellows.
14. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 9, wherein
said ventilation body comprises visco-elastic foam.
15. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 9, wherein
said ventilation body comprises a compression spring.
16. A self-ventilating shoe assembly according to claim 9, and
comprising a toe vent communicating with said ventilation body, and
adapted for discharging air beneath the toes of a wearer.
17. A method for ventilating a shoe assembly comprising an upper,
an outsole attached to the upper, and an insole located between the
outsole and the upper, said method comprising the steps of: (a)
locating a resilient ventilation body between the outsole and the
insole of the shoe assembly, the ventilation body comprising an
intake communicating with an exterior of the shoe assembly and an
exhaust communicating with an interior of the shoe assembly; and
(b) compressing the ventilation body to discharge air outwardly
through the exhaust to the interior of the shoe assembly, thereby
ventilating the shoe assembly.
18. A method for ventilating a shoe assembly according to claim 17,
and comprising the step of releasing pressure from the resilient
body, whereby air is drawn inwardly from outside of the shoe
assembly through the intake as the body expands to its original
form.
19. A method for ventilating a shoe assembly according to claim 17,
and comprising the step of discharging air through the exhaust to a
ball and toe region of the shoe assembly.
20. A method for ventilating a shoe assembly according to claim 17,
and comprising discharging air through the exhaust to a heel region
of the shoe assembly.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a self-ventilating shoe assembly.
The invention is applicable in footwear designed for running,
sports, hiking, walking, and other related activities. The
invention operates to repeatedly ventilate the interior of the shoe
assembly, thereby creating a comfortable, healthy, and dry
environment for the foot of the wearer. In further applications,
the invention may be designed especially for construction workers,
landscapers, and others requiring special footwear in order to
safely and effectively perform their jobs.
[0002] One primary object of the invention is to reduce the amount
of sweat that collects in the shoe during wear. This sweat promotes
bacteria growth, and results in conditions ranging from relatively
minor foot odor to more serious fungal infections, including
painful athlete's foot.
[0003] Almost 70% of the population will be affected by athlete's
foot at some time in their lives. In most cases, this condition can
be cured with over-the-counter antifungal powder and basic good
hygiene. If not treated properly and promptly, the infection can be
very stubborn. Even when treated with antifungal drugs, the
infection may take several weeks to disappear. As a means of
preventing athlete's foot, physicians recommend wearing shoes that
breathe. In addition, to control the bacteria population on the
feet, it is also recommend that shoes be allowed to air out for at
least 24 hours before wearing them again.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a
self-ventilating shoe assembly which reduces foot odor and the
incidence of fungal infections.
[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a
self-ventilating shoe assembly which maintains a comfortable,
healthy, and dry environment for the foot of the wearer.
[0006] It is another object of the invention to provide a
self-ventilating shoe assembly is relatively inexpensive to
manufacture.
[0007] It is another object of the invention to provide a
self-ventilating shoe assembly which can be safely worn everyday
without increased risk of fungal infection.
[0008] These and other objects of the present invention are
achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing
a self-ventilating shoe assembly. The shoe assembly includes an
upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and an insole located
between the upper and the outsole. A resilient ventilation body is
located between the outsole and the insole, and has an intake
communicating with an exterior of the shoe assembly and an exhaust
communicating with an interior of the shoe assembly. Upon
application of pressure against the resilient body, air is
discharged outwardly through the exhaust to the interior of the
shoe assembly, thereby ventilating the shoe assembly. Upon release
of pressure from the resilient body, air is drawn inwardly from
outside of the shoe assembly through the intake as the body expands
to its original form.
[0009] According to another preferred embodiment, the intake
includes a one-way valve operating to control passage of air
inwardly and outwardly through the intake.
[0010] According to another preferred embodiment, the exhaust
includes a one-way valve operating to control passage of air
inwardly and outwardly through the exhaust.
[0011] According to another preferred embodiment, the ventilation
body includes a plurality of exhausts adapted for ventilating the
interior of the shoe assembly.
[0012] According to another preferred embodiment, the ventilation
body has a plurality of bellows.
[0013] According to another preferred embodiment, the ventilation
body includes visco-elastic foam.
[0014] According to another preferred embodiment, the ventilation
body includes a compression spring.
[0015] According to another preferred embodiment, a the vent
communicates with the ventilation body, and is adapted for
discharging air beneath the toes of a wearer.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a
self-ventilating shoe assembly having an upper, an outsole attached
to the upper, and an insole located between the upper and the
outsole. First and second resilient ventilation bodies are located
between the outsole and the insole, and in respective heel and ball
regions of the shoe assembly. Each ventilation body has an intake
communicating with an exterior of the shoe assembly and an exhaust
communicating with an interior of the shoe assembly. Upon
application of pressure against the resilient body, air is
discharged outwardly through the exhaust to the interior of the
shoe assembly, thereby ventilating the shoe assembly. Upon release
of pressure from the resilient body, air is drawn inwardly from
outside of the shoe assembly through the intake as the body expands
to its original form.
[0017] In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention is a
method for ventilating a shoe assembly having an upper, an outsole
attached to the upper, and an insole located between the outsole
and the upper. The method includes the steps of locating a
resilient ventilation body between the outsole and the insole of
the shoe assembly. The ventilation body has an intake communicating
with an exterior of the shoe assembly and an exhaust communicating
with an interior of the shoe assembly. The ventilation body is
compressed to discharge air outwardly through the exhaust to the
interior of the shoe assembly, thereby ventilating the shoe
assembly.
[0018] According to another preferred embodiment, the method
includes releasing pressure from the resilient body, whereby air is
drawn inwardly from outside of the shoe assembly through the intake
as the body expands to its original form.
[0019] According to another preferred embodiment, the method
includes discharging air through the exhaust to a ball and toe
region of the shoe assembly.
[0020] According to another preferred embodiment, the method
includes discharging air through the exhaust to a heel region of
the shoe assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth
above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as
the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the
following drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a self-ventilating shoe
assembly according to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention, and showing portions of the insole torn away to better
illustrate the underlying ventilation bodies;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the shoe
assembly with both ventilation bodies in a normal expanded
state;
[0024] FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are sequential views illustrating
operation of the shoe assembly;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a self-ventilating shoe
assembly according to a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 8 is perspective view of a self-ventilating shoe
assembly according to a third preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of
a toe portion of the shoe assembly shown in FIG. 8; and
[0028] FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 are cross-sectional views showing
various ventilation bodies applicable for use in the present shoe
assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE
[0029] Referring now specifically to the drawings, a
self-ventilating shoe assembly according to the present invention
is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral
10. The shoe assembly 10 may be manufactured in a variety of
constructions including a conventional sneaker or high top design
for various sport activities, such as running, basketball, soccer,
and the like. In other applications, the shoe assembly 10 is
especially designed for workers in the construction and landscaping
industries, or may be custom designed for certain medical
conditions.
[0030] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shoe assembly 10
includes an upper 11, an outsole 12 attached to the upper 11, and
an insole 14 located between the upper 11 and the outsole 12. The
upper 11 is formed in a conventional manner using a breathable
leather, nylon or canvas material. The upper 11 is preferably lined
with a moisture wicking fabric (not shown) adapted for moving
moisture away from the foot. The outsole 12 is formed of an
injection-molded rubber or polyurethane, and is cemented directly
to the upper 11 using, for example, a toluene based solvent. The
insole 14 comprises a relatively thin and soft, air-permeable foam
padding. For added stiffness and support, a perforated PVC backing
(not shown) may be attached to the insole padding.
[0031] First and second resilient ventilation bodies 16 and 17 are
located between the outsole 12 and the insole 14, and within
respective cutouts formed in a polyurethane midsole 18. The
ventilation bodies 16, 17 reside in the heel and ball regions of
the shoe assembly 10, and include respective tubular air intakes 21
and 22, and a number of strategically arranged air exhaust ports 23
and 24. The tubular intakes 21, 22 extends outwardly from the
ventilation bodies 16, 17 through the midsole 18 and upwardly along
the back of the heel to an exterior of the shoe assembly 10.
Respective free ends of the intakes 21, 22 communicate with the
exterior of the shoe assembly 10 a safe distance from any ground
water, dirt or debris which may be encountered during normal wear.
Standard one-way valves 21A, 22A are formed adjacent the mouths of
the intakes 21, 22 to regulate and control air flow. The intake
valves 21A, 22A allow one-way air flow inwardly from outside of the
shoe assembly 10, and prevent the escape of fresh air from inside
the ventilation bodies 16, 17. The exhaust ports 23, 24 have
similar one-way valves 23A and 24A. The exhaust valves 23A, 24A
allow air flow in only one direction outwardly from the ventilation
bodies 16, 17 to the interior of the shoe assembly 10.
[0032] FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 illustrate sequential operation of the
shoe assembly 10. As the wearer steps, pressure is generally
applied first to the ventilation body 16 under the heel, as shown
in FIG. 3. The ventilation body 16 compresses causing fresh air to
discharge through the exhaust ports 23. The second ventilation body
17 compresses under the weight of the ball and toes of the foot, as
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The resulting fresh air discharged through
respective exhaust ports 23 and 24 penetrates the insole and
ventilates the interior of the shoe assembly 10. The intake valves
21A, 22A prevent the escape of air from inside the ventilation
bodies 16, 17 to the outside of the shoe assembly 10. When the heel
is raised, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, fresh air is drawn inwardly
from outside of the shoe assembly 10 through the intake 21 as the
resilient ventilation body 16 returns to its original expanded
form. The exhaust valves 23A prevent passage of air from inside the
shoe assembly to the ventilation body 16. When pressure is released
from the ball region of the shoe assembly 10, as shown in FIG. 6,
the second ventilation body 17 returns to its original expanded
form in an identical manner. This process is repeated during each
step of the wearer, thereby effectively ventilating the foot to
keep it comfortable and dry.
[0033] FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a self-ventilating shoe
assembly 30 according to the present invention. Like that described
above, the shoe assembly 30 includes an upper 31, an outsole 32
attached to the upper 31, and an insole 34 located between the
upper 31 and the outsole 32. First and second resilient ventilation
bodies 36 and 37 are located between the outsole 32 and the insole
34, and within respective cutouts formed in a polyurethane midsole
(not shown). The ventilation bodies 36, 37 reside in the heel and
ball regions of the shoe assembly 30, and include respective
tubular air intakes 41 and 42, and a number of strategically
arranged air exhaust ports 43 and 44. The tubular intakes 41, 42
extend outwardly from respective ventilation bodies 36, 37 through
the midsole to a side wall of the outsole 32. Standard one-way
valves 41A and 42A are formed adjacent the mouths of the intakes
41, 42 to regulate and control air flow. The intake valves 41A, 42A
allow one-way air flow inwardly from outside of the shoe assembly
30, and prevent the escape of fresh air from inside the ventilation
bodies 36, 37. The exhaust ports 43, 44 have similar one-way valves
43A and 44A. The shoe assembly 30 operates in a manner identical to
that previously described.
[0034] FIGS. 8 and 9 show yet another preferred embodiment of the
present shoe assembly. The shoe assembly 50 includes each of the
elements of the shoe assembly 10, described above. These common
elements are indicated in prime (') notation in the drawings. In
addition, the shoe assembly 50 includes a slightly curved,
laterally-extending toe vent 51 connected to the second ventilation
body 17'. The toe vent 51 has a number of spaced-apart air ports 52
designed to discharge fresh air directly to the toes of the wearer,
as shown in FIG. 9. A standard ball valve regulates one-way flow of
air outwardly from the ventilation body 17' to the interior of the
shoe assembly 50. As the ventilation body 17' expands to its
original form after compressing under the weight of the wearer, the
ball 53 seats within the socket 54 to restrict air passage through
the toe vent 51 and into the ventilation body 17'. Instead, fresh
air is drawn back into the ventilation 17' through the intake 22'.
The remaining elements of the shoe assembly 50 operate in an
identical manner to that previously described.
[0035] FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 illustrate various constructions of a
ventilation body applicable for use in the present shoe assemblies
10, 30, and 50. The ventilation body 60, shown in FIG. 10, includes
bellows 61 which operate to immediately expand the body 60 when the
foot is raised. The ventilation body 70, shown in FIG. 11, includes
bellows 71 and further incorporates a compression spring 72 for
added resilience. FIG. 12 shows a ventilation body 80 including a
porous, visco-elastic foam 81. This "memory foam" 81 offers
substantial resilience, and effectively moves fresh air into and
out of the ventilation body 80 upon application and removal of
pressure, as previously described. The present invention may
incorporate any one or more these ventilation bodies 60, 70, and
80.
[0036] A self-ventilating shoe assembly is described above. Various
details of the invention may be changed without departing from its
scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred
embodiment of the invention and best mode for practicing the
invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not
for the purpose of limitation--the invention being defined by the
claims.
* * * * *