U.S. patent application number 11/217895 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for footwear with removable insert.
Invention is credited to David Kumle.
Application Number | 20060053656 11/217895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36060507 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060053656 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kumle; David |
March 16, 2006 |
Footwear with removable insert
Abstract
A removable, disposable shoe insert that can increase the
cushion and shock absorbing properties of a shoe without
sacrificing durability or comfort is provided. By using different
materials for the insert, the user has the option of when to
replace the insert. The insert can be of varying sizes, shapes,
hardness, and materials. The insert allows manufactures to make the
outsole of more durable materials extending the life of the
footwear.
Inventors: |
Kumle; David; (Kirkland,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP PLLC
701 FIFTH AVE
SUITE 6300
SEATTLE
WA
98104-7092
US
|
Family ID: |
36060507 |
Appl. No.: |
11/217895 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60609861 |
Sep 13, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/28 ; 36/35R;
36/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/181 20130101;
A43B 7/06 20130101; A43B 21/42 20130101; A43B 13/187 20130101; A43B
21/26 20130101; A43B 7/1465 20130101; A43B 7/144 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/028 ;
036/037; 036/035.00R |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18; A43B 21/06 20060101 A43B021/06; A43B 21/32 20060101
A43B021/32 |
Claims
1. A removable insert for footwear, the insert comprising: a body
formed of resilient material and sized and shaped to be slideably
received within a corresponding opening in the sole of the footwear
such that a face of the body is exposed to the exterior of the
shoe.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein providing the body comprises
sizing and shaping the body to be slideably received within the
opening in the shoe with at least a tight fit.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the body is sized and shaped to
have an interference fit with the opening in the shoe.
4. Footwear, comprising: a shoe having at least an outsole and a
midsole, the midsole having an opening formed therein; and an
insert sized and shaped to be slideably received within the
opening, the insert configured to provide cushioning for a user's
foot.
5. The footwear of claim 4 wherein the shoe has an interior that
communicates with the midsole, and the opening is formed in the
midsole and communicates with the interior of the shoe to enable a
user to place the insert inside the opening from the interior of
the shoe.
6. The footwear of claim 4 wherein the opening in the shoe
communicates with the exterior of the shoe through the outsole only
and extends into the midsole without communicating with an interior
of the shoe such that a user can place the insert into the opening
through the outsole of the shoe only.
7. Footwear for providing comfort and support to the foot of a
user, comprising: a shoe having a body defining an interior to
receive the foot of the user, the body having an open top
communicating with the interior and a closed bottom, the closed
bottom having an opening formed therein; and an insert to be
received within the opening in the bottom of the shoe, the insert
sized and shaped to be slideably received within the opening.
8. The footwear of claim 7 wherein the bottom of the shoe comprises
an outsole on the exterior of the bottom and an insole having an
exposed surface in the interior of the shoe, and the opening is
formed in one of the outsole and the insole in a heel area of the
shoe.
9. The footwear of claim 8, comprising a plurality of inserts, each
insert configured to provide a different level of cushioning.
10. The footwear of claim 9 wherein the insert is inserted within
the opening through the interior of the footwear only to have a
face exposed to the interior of the footwear.
11. The footwear of claim 9 wherein the insert is inserted through
the outsole only of the bottom of the footwear and has a face
exposed through the outsole of the footwear.
12. A method of making footwear, comprising: providing a shoe with
an opening formed in at least a midsole of the shoes; providing a
body of cushioning material sized and shaped to be received within
the opening in the shoe; and inserting the body into the opening in
the shoe.
13. The method of claim 3 wherein providing the body comprises
sizing and shaping the body to be slideably received within the
opening in the shoe with at least a tight fit.
14. The method of claim 4 wherein the body is sized and shaped to
have an interference fit with the opening in the shoe.
15. A shoe, comprising: a body having a closed bottom and an
opening in a top thereof that communicates with an interior through
which a user inserts a foot, the shoe having a toe portion and a
heel portion, the bottom of the shoe formed to have at least an
outsole, the outsole having a bottom surface that is exposed when
the shoe is worn and a top surface, the midsole having a bottom
surface that abuts the top surface of the outsole, and a top
surface, the bottom having a cavity formed therein that opens
through one of the outsole and the midsole; and a plurality of
inserts sized and shaped to be received within the cavity through
an opening formed in one of the outsole and the midsole, each of
the plurality of inserts sized to have a tight fit within the
cavity to retain its position in the cavity and yet permit removal
by the user for replacement with another of the plurality of
inserts.
16. The shoe of claim 15, further comprising an insole having a
bottom surface abutting the top surface of the midsole and a top
surface, the insole having an opening therein to communicate with
the cavity to enable the inserts to be placed in the cavity through
the interior of the shoe.
17. The shoe of claim 15 wherein the cavity has an opening formed
only in the outsole such that when the insert is placed in the
cavity through the outsole, a face of the insert is exposed through
the bottom surface of the outsole.
18. The shoe of claim 16 wherein the cavity formed in the bottom
communicates between the interior of the shoe and an exterior of
the shoe through the outsole, and further wherein at least one of
the plurality of inserts is structured to facilitate the passage of
air therethrough without permitting water to enter the interior of
the shoe.
19. The shoe of claim 18 wherein the at least one insert is
configured to pump air from the interior of the shoe through the
outsole through the exterior of the shoe.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to footwear and, more
particularly, to a removable, disposable shoe insert for cushioning
and absorbing shock, footwear embodying the same, and a method of
making.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Footwear on the market today is designed to reduce stress on
the feet, legs and body of the wearer while providing comfort and
flexibility. Unfortunately over time many materials footwear are
made of breakdown and become harder reducing the ability of the
footwear to provide shock absorption and comfort properties to the
wearer. This holds true for most all types of footwear when
standing, walking, running, or performing a work related task. To
solve this issue three main components of footwear have been
designed to provide comfort, cushion, and shock absorbing
properties.
[0005] The outsole of a shoe that comes in contact with the ground
can be made of various types of materials. One typical material is
a hardened carbon additive rubber outsole that provides durability,
reduce wear, and extend the life of the product. Unfortunately if
the outsole is made of a highly durable material, such as hardened
rubber, its shock absorbing properties are sacrificed, and other
parts of the shoe must be designed to provide shock absorption and
cushion. In some applications footwear is designed with the outsole
as the main component of the shoe, resulting in a hard and ridged
shoe. This may be desirable for durability in a work environment,
but it reduces the comfort level to the wearer.
[0006] Another component of footwear is the insole, typically a
piece designed to provide a barrier between the foot and the
materials from which the footwear is manufactured. Typically an
insole is made of a comfortable material that is not irritating to
the skin. In order to extend the usefulness or improve the comfort
of the footwear or both, improvements have been developed where the
insole is replaced. Unfortunately the insole piece covers the
complete contact area between the foot and the footwear, becoming
costly to replace. The insole is not designed for shock absorption
properties and is typically of thin design. To add shock absorption
properties to the insole can make the insole thicker, thus changing
the configuration and properties of the footwear. The relatively
thin design of some aftermarket replacement insoles makes them
susceptible to replacement in a fraction of the life span of the
footwear. This may result in a costly endeavor due to the various
sizes and shape of footwear.
[0007] The main component of many types of footwear, including
athletic footwear, that is designed to provide shock absorption and
cushion is the midsole. Midsoles that are typically made of
Ethyl-Vinyl-Acetate, rubber, polyethylene or other materials
provide significant shock absorbing and cushioning properties
initially, but they can break down after prolonged use. The midsole
tends to lose its elasticity and will actually reduce in thickness
due to standing or repeated compression from the impact of walking
or running. Once these properties are lost, the footwear becomes
less effective and obsolete.
[0008] Typically, in the design of footwear the midsole is the
focus for providing shock absorbing properties. It is estimated a
good running shoe will perform well for 300 miles. At that point
the midsole has broken down to a harder and thinner form of the
original material and will not provide essential shock absorption.
In the case of many average runners, this is less than a year.
Other components of the shoe at this point may be in good shape but
the midsole component is worn out.
[0009] In some applications, such as work footwear, the product is
designed with only an outsole and insole. The foregoing arguments
hold true here as well. The outsole could be made of a more durable
material, but it would not provide shock absorption or cushion for
the wearer. If the outsole is made of more elastic material for
better cushioning, its wear properties are sacrificed and the life
of the product is short.
[0010] The ideal material providing shock absorbing properties and
wear that returns the midsole, outsole, or insole to its original
size after repeated use has not yet been invented, and many have
been issued trying to solve this problem and extend the useful life
of footwear.
[0011] Numerous patents have been issued describing various methods
and architectures for providing interchangeable insoles and
midsoles. These patents are summarized below.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,936 describes inserts for the forefoot
and heel. Inserts are inserted from the insole side and outsole
side. Inserts are attached using rings to hold in place. This may
prove to be costly for manufacturing and less durable than other
options.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,280 describes many interchangeable
components with interlocking properties. The many parts and
complexity of this arrangement may be costly to manufacture or
replace. In addition wear and stability would be major concern.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,857 describes a removable midsole.
Disadvantage being the size of the insert taking away from the
stability of the shoe, and cost of replacement for different size
shoes.
[0015] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,023,859 and 5,799,417 describe a hinged
part of the outsole to allow for a replaceable insert. The outsole
requires two hinged mechanisms and locking devices to keep the
outsole in place. This may prove to be costly during manufacturing
and cumbersome for use.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,677 describes an adjustable insert which
may be primarily for medical rehabilitative purposes. This type of
design incorporate single or multiple parts of wedge shaped design
which may not be desirable under heavy use.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,061 describes two insert components
slotted and interconnected one from the inside, the other from the
outside of the shoe. Again manufacturing cost may be high and
replacement of insert may be complex or prove to be a disadvantage
when not interlocking correctly.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,158 describes an insole insert. Insole
inserts are generally thin in design and would not provide the
amount of shock absorption or comfort as an insert of significant
depth. In addition an insole insert is typically manufactured of
multiple materials and varying shoe sizes raising the cost of
manufacturing. It is possible to standardize the shape, size or
single material the heel insert is made of. This allows the insert
to be a relatively inexpensive alternative in maintaining footwear
characteristics over the life of a shoe.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,499 describes a fluidic cushioning
solution to improving shock absorption properties. Providing
cushioning by fluid flow is one solution but does not address the
problem with materials breaking down over time and repeated use.
The manufacturing and overall cost may be a negative for this
design. In addition the insert is independent of the forefoot area,
reducing complexity of the design.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 6,751,891 describes a complex springs and
return assembly manufactured into the footwear. Expense of
manufacturing would be an issue. The overall footwear may be
heavier and noisy. In addition there may be a reduction in
performance by the springs over time limiting the life span of the
product. A removable insert eliminates the need for long term
performance, material return characteristics by being removable.
The insert can simply be replaced after it losses its ability to
cushion impact which is determined by the wearer or a recommended
time period based on wear, weight or size of shoe. The insert
improves the shock absorbing properties of the overall shoe by not
requiring durability as one of its main traits. No return system is
required.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,754,982 describes multiple cone system with
a plate that can be used with any different number of pieces. The
plate system adds rigidity, which is an undesirable effect while
the cones are providing shock absorption, a desirable effect. With
a single insert multiple pieces or additional parts are not
required reducing replacement and manufacturing costs.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,058 describes a cartridge that is "U"
shaped with multiple pieces. These types of designs and others like
it require multiple parts or plates increase manufacturing cost,
weight and in some cases create side-to-side stability issues. In
addition with multiple components the chance of failure is greater.
An insert as described in this patent is a single component that is
removable and replaced when the wearer determines the insert has
reached its life. The insert can be manufactured out of inexpensive
materials allowing the user to replace at their convenience.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are
directed to a replaceable insert for footwear, footwear embodying
the same, and a method of making. In accordance with one embodiment
of the invention, an insert is provided formed of cushioned
material sized and shaped to be received in the sole of a shoe, and
preferably within the heel, although multiple inserts may be used
at multiple locations in the shoe.
[0024] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
footwear is provided that includes at least one cushioned insert
removeably positioned in the outsble of the shoe to provide
cushioning to a user and configured for replacement by slideably
removing the same from the shoe.
[0025] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a
method of making footwear with a removable insert is provided, the
method including providing footwear with at least one opening in
the outsole and a cushioned insert sized and shaped to be slideably
received within the opening, and slideably positioning the insert
within the opening.
[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the foregoing
embodiment, providing the opening in the shoe includes sizing and
shaping the opening such that the opening and the insert will have
a tight fit, preferably an interference fit.
[0027] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a
shoe is provided that includes a body having a closed bottom and an
opening in a top thereof that communicates with an interior through
which a user inserts a foot, the shoe having a toe portion and a
heel portion, the bottom of the shoe formed to have at least an
outsole, the outsole having a bottom surface that is exposed when
the shoe is worn and a top surface, the midsole having a bottom
surface that abuts the top surface of the outsole, and a top
surface, the bottom having a cavity formed therein that opens
through one of the outsole and the midsole; and a plurality of
inserts sized and shaped to be received within the cavity through
an opening formed in one of the outsole and the midsole, each of
the plurality of inserts sized to have a tight fit within the
cavity to retain its position in the cavity and yet permit removal
by the user for replacement with another of the plurality of
inserts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present invention will be more readily appreciated as the same
become better understood from the following detailed description
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a side view of footwear having a removable insert
formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the footwear of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is an illustration of various geometric
configurations of the insert formed in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of a shoe with a
heel insert formed in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate footwear, in this case a shoe
10 having an insole 20, a midsole 40, and an outsole 50. FIG. 1
shows the basic configuration of footwear with an added insert
device 30. Some footwear may not include one component such as the
midsole 40. In those cases the insert would be inserted into the
outsole 50, which would include the area displayed as the midsole
40.
[0034] The removable insert 30 is shown inserted through the
midsole 40. An alternate design would have the insert 30 inserted
through the outsole. In this case, the lower face of the insert 30
would be exposed to the elements. This may require removal or
partial removal of the outsole and some type of locking device. The
preferred method for simplicity would be insertion through the
inside of the shoe 10. FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view or top view
illustrating the interior 60 of the shoe 10 with the insert 30 in
place. The insert 30 is located in the midsole 40, or in some
instances the outsole 50 if no or a limited midsole is manufactured
into the shoe 10. The tolerances between the insert and the midsole
or outsole are minimal in order to provide a firm placement and
retention of the insert into the shoe 10.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates the insert design. The insert 30 can be a
cylinder of specific depth and diameter. In different applications
it may be better to manufacture the insert in the form of, but not
limited to a square 70, oval or closed "U" shape design, of varying
depths. The insert 30 is designed to be made of but not limited to
materials such as EVA (Ethyl-Vinyl-Acetate), rubber, polyurethane,
materials the midsole, outsole, insole are typically made from. By
doing this a piece of footwear can be configured to the user's
personal preference or use. An example would be an athletic running
shoe that has a midsole 40 made of EVA, the insert 30 could be made
of EVA returning the footwear to its original intended shock
absorbing parameters each time the insert is replaced. If the
insert 30 was made of a softer porous material the advantage of
greater shock absorbing and cushioning properties could be obtained
without the Worry of repeated use. After a single or limited number
of uses the insert could be replaced, returning the footwear to its
original improved shock absorbing properties.
[0036] This present invention is not limited to athletic footwear
but is applicable to all types of footwear. Examples include, but
are not limited to, athletic, casual, dress, and specialty
footwear.
[0037] The footwear is manufactured or modified after manufacturing
to include a cavity in which the insert is placed. The heel of the
footwear provides most of the shock absorbing requirements for the
wearer during movement such as walking, running, or while
stationary. The preferred location of the cavities in a pair of
shoes in which the insert 30 is ideally directly under the impact
point of the wearer's heels. This location may be offset but it is
most desirable at the point of impact between the heel of the foot
and the center of the insert. For example, insert 30 may be a
cylindrical insert with a circular diameter in the range of 0.5
inch to 3.0 inches and preferably of 2.0 inches for a size 12 shoe.
The size and shape of the insert may vary depending on the size and
application of the footwear. The shape and diameter are not limited
to a specific dimension or to the cylindrical design but are the
most obvious for discussion purposes. Other shapes such as ovals,
rectangles, squares, or a closed "U" shape, with the closed flat
end of the "U" facing the toe may be more desirable for
manufacturing or coverage. The desired goal of the insert 30 is to
provide enough area of impact for shock absorption while
maintaining the footwear integrity and comfort. If the cavity area
is too big, the footwear may not provide the required support or
stability. The insert 30 and cavity in the footwear may vary in
depth. The cavity depth and vertical dimension of the insert 30 may
range from a fraction of an inch from the outside of the outsole 50
to a percentage of that depth. This would be most desirable if the
footwear incorporates other shock absorbing devices or materials
layered into the footwear. The insert 30 would only seat a
percentage of the way between the insole and outside of the outsole
as shown in FIG. 4. The insert 30 may also be made of materials
that do not require the use of an insole. In addition the insert 30
may be designed with holes or notched out areas, may be of a
unitary design, or it may be layered or formed of adhered segments.
An example of varying designs include a single center hole, or a
notched out area on one edge that may be desirable for
manufacturing, removal, material performance or air transfer. In
addition various shapes of this insert 30 may include but are not
limited to a cone, bar or strip of specified depth. The advantage
of these shapes includes providing variance in the area of coverage
for different applications or reduced manufacturing costs.
[0038] By being removable, the insert can be replaced when the
material begins to break down and the ability to provide
shock-absorbing properties decreases. When to replace this insert
30 is dependent on the wearer. The insert can be replaced after
each use or multiple uses over an extended time period. The insert
can be constructed of the same material as the midsole or other
materials that provide better cushioning and shock absorbing
properties but less durable than the midsole or outsole
construction. The shoe can provide optimum durability in the
initial design of the shoe and increased shock absorbing properties
with the disposable insert. In this configuration a shoe can last
for a greater period of time than a shoe that is trying to provide
both durability and shock absorption, sacrificing one and/or the
other providing a mediocre performing shoe.
[0039] Alternative footwear such as work shoes or boots would
provide an ideal application for an insert 30. With some
manufactured work footwear the outsole incorporates the midsole
into its design. For these applications a removable insert 30 is
ideal. The cavity can create an insert 30 area in order to provide
better shock absorption and comfort characteristics to an otherwise
ridged shoe. The design of some work footwear incorporating a
one-piece outsole 50 and midsole 40 is for safety, corrosion
resistance, traction and durability, an ideal application. Other
applications include but not limited to all types of athletic
footwear running, basketball, tennis, cross training, daily
footwear casual, business, and specialty footwear.
[0040] For medical reasons the insert 30 materials could be made
with highly elastic properties that may not last under repeated
use, but would provide the best shock absorption for reduced impact
to feet, legs, hips and back. The specific dimension of the insert,
for example complete depth from insole to a fraction of an inch to
the outside could improve range of motion for the foot. With the
insert made of a softer material that compresses easily this would
allowing the heel to travel with a greater range of motion relative
to the front of the foot. Stretching and recoiling the calf muscle
to greater distances.
[0041] As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the
disclosed embodiments of the present invention provide for a
replaceable insert that enables users to replace worn-out support
in their footwear. In addition, the insert and shoe design of the
present invention enables a user to selectively replace the insert
to facilitate a particular activity, such as a high-impact insert
for running, a low-impact insert for walking, and a medium impact
insert for working conditions. In addition, various environmental
factors may be accommodated, such as designing water resistance or
water-repellant properties in the insert through the use of
materials or architecture. The insert can also be constructed to
facilitate breathability between the interior of the shoe and the
exterior, such as through the midsole and the outsole to the bottom
of the shoe. This can include a pumping-type of action in a one-way
or two-way direction to draw air in through the top of the shoe and
expel it through the bottom of the shoe as the wearer is walking or
running or moving up and down while standing in place.
[0042] More particularly, the disposable insert can be manufactured
of a porous or semipermeable material that permits air to pass into
and out of the interior of the shoe. This would circulate air in
the shoe through repeated compression during movement of the foot.
The material that provides circulation for the shoe itself can be
manufactured with air passages from the sides, top, or bottom of
the shoe or any combination of the foregoing. These passages allow
air into and out of the shoe or in only one direction, depending on
the design and the incorporation of valves in the insert or the
shoe in conjunction with the insert operation. In order to restrict
water from entering the shoe, valves or passageways can be designed
to restrict water or to channel water away from the interior of the
shoe. One design formed in accordance with the present invention;
would enable the insert to be rotated about a longitudinal axis to
open up air passages when the environment is dry and to rotate in
an opposite direction to close air passages between the insert and
the shoe to prevent the passage of air and fluid. Thus, passages in
the shoe may match up or utilize the insert as a means to control
air flow.
[0043] In another embodiment, the insert, which can be disposable,
can incorporate a pump mechanism that utilizes valves or channels
of different designs and quantities to force air movement in
various flow patterns. This would be an actual pump that operates
from the pressure of the foot as it moves in the interior of the
shoe, and in particular as it exerts pressure on the outsole of the
shoe from the interior.
[0044] All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application
publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign
patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this
specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are
incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
[0045] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although
specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended
claims.
* * * * *