U.S. patent application number 11/231535 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-30 for tamper resistant institutional shoe and method.
Invention is credited to Evan B. Trommer.
Application Number | 20060064898 11/231535 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36097415 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060064898 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trommer; Evan B. |
March 30, 2006 |
Tamper resistant institutional shoe and method
Abstract
A tamper resistant institutional shoe and a method for
discouraging concealment of contraband in an institutional setting
includes providing shoes having an outsole that is light
transparent in at least a translucent manner for people confined to
an institution. In addition, the method can include instructing to
inspect said shoes for evidence of tampering or for contraband
concealed therein by viewing the outsole and looking through the
outsole.
Inventors: |
Trommer; Evan B.; (Ogden,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THORPE NORTH & WESTERN, LLP.
8180 SOUTH 700 EAST, SUITE 200
SANDY
UT
84070
US
|
Family ID: |
36097415 |
Appl. No.: |
11/231535 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10819671 |
Apr 6, 2004 |
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11231535 |
Sep 20, 2005 |
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10282916 |
Oct 29, 2002 |
6739074 |
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10819671 |
Apr 6, 2004 |
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60398162 |
Jul 23, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/25R ;
36/30R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/00 20130101; A43B
1/0027 20130101; A43B 23/24 20130101; A43B 3/0078 20130101; A43B
1/0072 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/025.00R ;
036/030.00R |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/14 20060101
A43B013/14; A43B 13/12 20060101 A43B013/12 |
Claims
1. A method for discouraging concealment of contraband in an
institutional setting, comprising the step of: providing people
confined to an institution with shoes having an outsole that is
light transparent in at least a translucent manner such that the
shoes are inspectable for evidence of tampering or for contraband
concealed therein by viewing the outsole and looking through the
outsole.
2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of
providing shoes further includes providing shoes with a colored
insert fixedly disposed on an inner surface of the outsole.
3. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of
providing shoes further includes providing shoes with various
layers adhered with adhesive to adjacent layers; at least one of
the various layers including a material with an internal strength
less than a bond strength of the adhesive.
4. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of
providing shoes further includes providing shoes to inmates of a
correctional facility.
5. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of
providing shoes further includes providing shoes with the outsole
formed of a transparent or translucent material that is solid and
constant across the outsole between a lower surface and an upper
surface such that an insert on the upper surface is visible through
the outsole without visual obstruction within the material.
6. A method for discouraging concealment of contraband in an
institutional setting, comprising the step of: providing an
institution having people confined therein with shoes having an
outsole that is light transparent in at least a translucent manner
such that the shoes are inspectable for evidence of tampering or
for contraband concealed therein by viewing the outsole and looking
through the outsole.
7. A method in accordance with claim 6, wherein the step of
providing shoes further includes providing shoes with a colored
insert fixedly disposed on an inner surface of the outsole.
8. A method in accordance with claim 6, wherein the step of
providing shoes further includes providing shoes with various
layers adhered with adhesive to adjacent layers; at least one of
the various layers including a material with an internal strength
less than a bond strength of the adhesive.
9. A method in accordance with claim 6, wherein the step of
providing shoes further includes providing shoes to a correctional
facility having inmates.
10. A method in accordance with claim 6, wherein the step of
providing shoes further includes providing shoes with the outsole
formed of a transparent or translucent material that is solid and
constant across the outsole between a lower surface and an upper
surface such that an insert on the upper surface is visible through
the outsole without visual obstruction within the material.
11. A method for discouraging concealment of contraband in an
institutional setting, comprising the steps of: a) providing shoes
having an outsole that is light transparent in at least a
translucent manner for people confined to an institution; and b)
instructing to inspect said shoes for evidence of tampering or for
contraband concealed therein by viewing the outsole and looking
through the outsole.
12. A method in accordance with claim 11, wherein the step of
providing shoes further includes providing shoes with a colored
insert fixedly disposed on an inner surface of the outsole.
13. A method in accordance with claim 11, wherein the step of
providing shoes further includes providing shoes with various
layers adhered with adhesive to adjacent layers; at least one of
the various layers including a material with an internal strength
less than a bond strength of the adhesive.
14. A method in accordance with claim 11, wherein the step of
providing shoes further includes providing shoes to inmates of a
correctional facility.
15. A method in accordance with claim 11, wherein the step of
providing shoes further includes providing shoes with the outsole
formed of a transparent or translucent material that is solid and
constant across the outsole between a lower surface and an upper
surface such that an insert on the upper surface is visible through
the outsole without visual obstruction within the material.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/819,671, filed Apr. 6, 2004, which is a divisional of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/282,916, filed Oct. 29, 2002,
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,074, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/398,162, filed Jul. 23, 2002,
all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to institutional
footwear or shoes. More particularly, the present invention relates
to tamper resistant shoes that discourage concealment of contraband
and/or weapons, thus potentially saving lives.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Many institutions, such as prisons, correctional facilities,
asylums, and the like, are charged with incarcerating or otherwise
detaining people. In addition, such a charge often requires that
the institutions restrict such people from various contraband,
including for example, weapons and drugs. It will be appreciated
that such people often expend great effort and go to great lengths
to obtain and conceal such contraband. Such efforts can include
tampering with or modifying personal effects to conceal the
contraband. Tampering with or modifying the personal effects can
damage the personal effects, requiring the institution to replace
the personal effects at great expense to the institution.
[0006] Certain laws and/or court rulings also require that
incarcerated people be provided with certain basic, personal
effects, such as clothing and toiletries. It will be appreciated
that these personal effects often can become the subject of
tampering or modification, as described above, to conceal
contraband. It also will be appreciated that such incarcerated
people often have little or no motivation to maintain their
personal effects. Thus, these personal effects are often subject to
extraordinary wear from lack of care, abuse, and tampering. Because
institutions are required to provide these personal effects, they
are required to replace the worn, abused and/or modified personal
effects, often at great expense to the institution.
[0007] In addition, it will be appreciated that some contraband,
such as concealed weapons, can be used on corrections officers or
other incarcerated persons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to
develop a method and shoe for institutional use that resists
tampering, abuse and wear to reduce replacement costs. In addition,
it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a
shoe that resists concealment of contraband, such as weapons, to
provide additional safety to corrections officers and other
incarcerated persons.
[0009] The invention provides a method for discouraging concealment
of contraband in an institutional setting.
[0010] In one aspect, the invention includes providing people
confined to an institution with shoes having an outsole that is
light transparent in at least a translucent manner such that the
shoes are inspectable for evidence of tampering or for contraband
concealed therein by viewing the outsole and looking through the
outsole.
[0011] In another aspect, the invention includes providing an
institution having people confined therein with shoes having an
outsole that is light transparent in at least a translucent manner
such that the shoes are inspectable for evidence of tampering or
for contraband concealed therein by viewing the outsole and looking
through the outsole.
[0012] In another aspect, the invention includes providing shoes
having an outsole that is light transparent in at least a
translucent manner for people confined to an institution; and
instructing to inspect said shoes for evidence of tampering or for
contraband concealed therein by viewing the outsole and looking
through the outsole.
[0013] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together
illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of an institutional shoe in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the institutional
shoe of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the institutional shoe of FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view of the institutional shoe of FIG. 1;
and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view of the institutional shoe
of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used
herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive
features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the
principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would
occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of
this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the
invention.
[0020] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, an institutional shoe,
indicated generally at 10, in accordance with the present invention
is shown for discouraging and resisting tampering, increasing
durability, discouraging concealment of contraband, and revealing
such contraband. Institutions, such as prisons, correctional
facilities, and asylums, are examples of fields that can benefit
from the use of such a shoe. Such a shoe can be used with
prisoners, incarcerated people, committed people, etc.
[0021] As described above, such incarcerated people often have
little or no motivation to maintain their personal effects, such as
shoes. Thus, these personal effects, including shoes, are often
subject to extraordinary wear from lack of care, abuse, and
tampering. Such incarcerated people may destroy their shoes for
various reasons, including mental or behavior disorders, etc.
Because institutions are required to provide shoes, they are
required to replace the worn, abused and/or modified shoes, often
at great expense to the institution. Therefore, it has been
recognized that it would be advantageous to provide an
institutional shoe that is durable, and resists destructive
behavior.
[0022] In addition, as described above, such incarcerated people
often expend great effort and go to great lengths to obtain and
conceal contraband, such as weapons or drugs. Such efforts can
include tampering with or modifying shoes to conceal the
contraband. Tampering with or modifying the shoes can damage the
shoes, requiring the institution to replace the shoes at great
expense to the institution. In addition, concealed contraband can
harm both those persons who are incarcerated, and institutional
employees, such as corrections officers, etc. Such incarcerated
people may hollow out the sole of their shoe to hide contraband.
Therefore, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to
provide an institutional shoe that discourages tampering and
concealment of contraband, and that reveals such tampering and
concealment.
[0023] The institutional shoe 10 can include an enclosure 14 sized
and shaped to fit around the user's foot. The shoe 10 or enclosure
14 can include an upper shoe or upper portion 18 and an outsole or
lower portion 22. The outsole 22 advantageously is clear or light
transparent in at least a translucent manner to enable visible
inspection through the outsole 22. The transparent outsole 22 can
discourage tampering with the outsole or concealment of contraband
within the outsole or shoe because such tampering or concealment
can be viewed or discovered through the clear outsole. For example,
any cavity formed in the outsole, or between the outsole and the
interior of the shoe, advantageously will be visible through the
transparent outsole. Thus, tampering with the shoe or outsole to
conceal contraband can be discouraged, increasing the likelihood
that the shoe will not be tampered with or destroyed, and reducing
the costs to institutions of replacing such shoes.
[0024] The outsole 22 or lower portion can be sized and shaped to
fit a bottom of the user's foot. The upper shoe 18 or upper portion
can be sized and shaped to fit a top of the user's foot. The upper
shoe 18 and outsole 22 can be separate pieces secured or attached
together. Alternatively, the upper and outsole can be integrally
formed as a unitary, monolithic enclosure. It will be appreciated
that the upper shoe 18 also can be transparent.
[0025] The upper shoe 18 can be formed of a durable material, such
as leather. The leather can include a PVC foam with a backing
cloth. Alternatively, the upper can be formed of canvas, plastic,
etc. The upper shoe 18 can be formed of various portions sewn
together to form the upper shoe, as is known in the art. In
addition, the upper shoe 18 can be predominantly a neutral color,
such as black or white, so as not to be compatible with gang
colors. The color black also resists showing dirt.
[0026] The outsole 22 can include a generally horizontal, lower
portion 26 sized and shaped to fit a bottom of the user's foot, and
a generally vertical perimeter or side and end portion 30 extending
upwardly from a perimeter of the lower portion to fit the sides of
the user's foot. The lower and side portions 26 and 30 can be
integrally formed as a unitary, monolithic outsole. In addition,
both the lower and side portions 26 and 30 can be clear or
translucent, as described above. Thus, bottom, side and end
portions of the outsole 22 can be inspected. In one aspect, the
outsole 22 advantageously is solid, or formed of a solid material,
between the lower side 26 and an upper surface of the outsole, and
from side to side and end to end, without any voids or visual
obstructions. Thus, the outsole 22 can be void of substantial
cavities in which contraband can be disposed, or visual
obstructions that can hamper inspection of the outsole for
tampering. A single cavity can be formed in the outsole at a heel
location to provide for a cushion. In addition, a lower surface of
the outsole 22 can be contoured and/or textured to provide
traction.
[0027] As described above, the upper shoe 18 and outsole 22 can be
attached together. The side portion 26 of the outsole and the upper
18 can be attached together. In one aspect, the side portion 30 and
upper shoe 18 can be sewn or stitched together along a seam 32
extending around an entire periphery of the show or outsole. Such a
sewn or stitched seam is believed to be stronger, and thus the shoe
can be more durable.
[0028] The outsole 22 can be formed of a material that is both
durable and clear, transparent or translucent. For example, the
outsole can be formed from clear rubber-NBR, Neoprene, or natural
rubber; clear TPR-thermoplastic rubber; or synthetic rubber, such
as Dupont brand "Engage". Such materials have been found to provide
the desired characteristics of both transparency and durability. In
addition, such material has been found to provide a frictional,
non-slip surface.
[0029] A sheet or insert 34 advantageously can be disposed in the
shoe 10, on an upper surface of the outsole 22. In one aspect, the
insert 34 is colored, such as white or light-colored, to better
reflect light and facilitate viewing through the outsole. The
light-colored sheet or insert 34 provides a light-colored
background or backdrop to the clear outsole 22 to facilitate
visibility through the outsole, and highlight any contraband
concealed in or behind the outsole. The sheet or insert 34 can be
glued or adhered to the upper surface of the outsole 22 to resist
or prevent removal of the sheet or insert from the outsole. The
light-colored sheet or insert 34 can include an EVA sheet or EVA
foam or compound. The EVA foam or compound 35 can be disposed in
the single cavity 36 at the heel. Thus, the EVA foam or compound
provides for both cushion and a light-colored backdrop. The EVA
sheet can be disposed over the upper surface of the outsole at an
arch and toe location.
[0030] Indicia 37 can be disposed behind the outsole 22, between
the outsole 22 and the light-colored sheet or insert 34. The
indicia 37 can include identifying marks or names of the
institution, logos, instructions, etc. The indicia can be printed
on the upper surface of the outsole 22, or the lower surface of the
light-colored sheet or insert 34. Positioning the indicia behind
the clear outsole allows the indicia to be visible while resisting
tampering or altercation.
[0031] A generally rigid, inner board 38 can be disposed in the
shoe 10, over the outsole 22 and light-colored sheet or insert 34.
The board 38 provides support and resists access to the outsole 22,
insert 34, and EVA foam 6r compound, and thus resists alteration or
tampering, and concealment of contraband. The board 38 can be glued
or adhered to the light-colored sheet or insert 34 to resist
tampering or removal. The board 38 can be formed of a rigid
material, such as Texon.
[0032] An insole lining 42 can be disposed on or over the board 38.
The insole lining 42 can include a cushioning material, such as
latex, to provide support and comfort. Again, the insole lining 42
can be glued or adhered to the board 38 to resist removal. An
insole 46 can be disposed on or over the insole lining 42 and/or
board 38. The insole 46 can include a cushioning material, such as
EVA, to provide support and comfort. The insole 46 can be glued or
adhered to the insole lining 42 and/or the board 38 to resist
removal. A lining 50 can be disposed on or over the insole 46 for
durability. The lining 50 can include a durable material, such as
canvas. The lining 50 can be glued or adhered to the lining to
resist removal.
[0033] The various layers can be glued or adhered with an adhesive.
Adhering the various layers together resists the layers from being
separated. In addition, the selection of the materials, combined
with the glue, causes the materials to come apart, or break apart,
when excessive force is applied. Thus, attempts to separate the
layers from one another generally result in destruction of the
layers without providing concealment.
[0034] It will be appreciated that the various inner layers or
inserts described above are exemplary, and that additional or fewer
layers can be included, or that the layers can be rearranged. It is
believed, however, that the above described configuration provides
a balance of comfort, durability, and resistance to concealment or
tampering.
[0035] The upper 18 can include a slip or gap, as is known in the
art, that allows opposite sides of the upper to be separated as the
shoe is put on or removed. Straps 54 can have one end permanently
attached to one side of the upper, inserted through holes in the
other side, foldable back to the one end and releasably secured to
the one end to releasably and adjustably secure the opposite sides
of the upper while being worn. A releasable fastener, such as
hook-and-loop type fasteners, can be used to releasably secure the
free end of the straps to the upper. Permanently attaching the
straps to the upper resists the straps from being removed from the
shoe and lost or removed for other purposes. A tongue 58 can be
disposed and secured in the shoe and located at the slip or gap
[0036] A toe guard or bumper 62 can be disposed in the shoe at a
toe location to provide support. The toe guard or bumper 62 can be
arcuate and can extend around the toe location. The toe guard or
bumper 62 can be formed of more rigid material. Similarly, a back
counter 66 can be disposed in the shoe at a heel location to
provide support. The back counter 66 can be arcuate and can extend
around the heel location. The back counter can be formed of a more
rigid material.
[0037] The shoe 10 can be configured as a tennis shoe or sneaker.
Thus, the shoe 10 can be relatively flexible, and capable of
bending during use. The materials used for both the upper and
outsole, as well as the interior layers, can thus be relatively
flexible. It is of course understood that the shoe can be
configured in other styles or designs, such as a more formal dress
shoe or a more casual leisure shoe. For example, the shoe can be
configured as a slip-on without the tongue or straps described
above.
[0038] A method for discouraging concealment of contraband in an
institutional setting includes providing incarcerated people, or
people confined to an institution, with institutional shoes 10, as
described above. Thus, the method can include providing people
confined to an institution with shoes having an outsole that is
light transparent in at least a translucent manner such that the
shoes are inspectable for evidence of tampering or for contraband
concealed therein by viewing the outsole and looking through the
outsole. In addition, the method can include providing such shoes
to an institution having people confined therein. Furthermore, the
method can include providing such shoes to an institution, and
instructing to inspect said shoes for evidence of tampering or for
contraband concealed therein by viewing the outsole and looking
through the outsole.
[0039] The institutional shoes 10 are inspected for evidence of
tampering, or for contraband concealed therein, by viewing the
outsole 22 and looking through the outsole. The outsole can be
inspected by looking through the outsole to the colored insert. For
example, referring to FIG. 5, contraband or tampering, indicated at
74, can be viewed through the clear outsole 22. The shoes 10 can be
inspected without requiring the incarcerated people to remove their
shoes. Thus, inspections can be performed quickly. In addition, the
clear nature of the outsoles 22 can discourage the incarcerated
people from even attempting to alter or tamper with their shoes. It
is believed that such discouragement can result in the need for
less shoe replacement by the institution. Such inspections can be
performed by institutional employees or personnel, such as
corrections officers. In addition, such inspections can be carried
out regularly or randomly.
[0040] The inspection also can include the inside of the shoe.
Thus, the shoes can be removed and inspected. As described above,
the various layers resist tampering, and can break apart during
such tampering to reveal such tampering. Thus, the interior of the
shoe can be inspected for evidence of tampering.
[0041] In addition, the shoes can be worn through a metal detector
during processing of inmates. Because the shoes can be provided
without any metal components, the shoes can clear the metal
detectors, resulting in quicker processing of inmates. It will be
appreciated that any metal components in a shoe may set off a metal
detector, requiring further inspection of the shoes, and thus
greater processing time.
[0042] It is to be understood that the above-referenced
arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the
principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and
alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention while the present
invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above
with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently
deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments(s) of the
invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from
the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the
claims.
* * * * *