U.S. patent application number 11/596685 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-27 for shoes capable of buffering shock by air circulation.
Invention is credited to Jong-Hoe Park.
Application Number | 20070294916 11/596685 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35502760 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070294916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Park; Jong-Hoe |
December 27, 2007 |
Shoes Capable of Buffering Shock by Air Circulation
Abstract
The present invention relates to an air-circulation type shock
buffering footwear which can absorb and alleviate a shock applied
on a foot, allow the air ventilation through the inside and give a
pleasant and comfortable feeling to the wearer for many hours. The
inventive shoe comprises the first and second air rooms formed
respectively in the front and rear of and on the underside of the
middle sole layer, said first and second air rooms communicating
with each other through passages; a plurality of sucking holes
formed in the inner sole layer to communicate with throughholes of
the first air room; the first and second buffering members
respectively incorporated in the first and second air rooms for
both alleviating shock and circulating the air; the first check
valve disposed in the front of the second air room to open or close
the passages; and the second check valve disposed in the rear of
the second check valve to communicate with the outside so as to
discharge the air.
Inventors: |
Park; Jong-Hoe;
(Gyeonggi-Do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEYER WEAVER LLP
P.O. BOX 70250
OAKLAND
CA
94612-0250
US
|
Family ID: |
35502760 |
Appl. No.: |
11/596685 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
June 1, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR05/01639 |
371 Date: |
November 13, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/29 ; 36/35B;
36/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/182 20130101;
A43B 13/206 20130101; A43B 13/203 20130101; A43B 7/082
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/029 ;
036/035.00B; 036/044 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/20 20060101
A43B013/20; A43B 13/38 20060101 A43B013/38; A43B 21/28 20060101
A43B021/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 7, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0041282 |
Jun 24, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0047371 |
Claims
1. An air-circulation type shock buffering footwear, with an inner
sole layer (10), a middle sole layer (20) and a bottom sole piece
(30), characterized, in that the footwear (S1) includes further the
first and second air rooms (22 and 23) formed respectively in the
front and rear of and on the underside of the middle sole layer
(20), said first and second air rooms communicating with each other
through passages (21); a plurality of sucking holes (11) formed in
the inner sole layer (10) to communicate with through-holes (22a)
of the first air room (22); the first and second buffering members
(40 and 50) respectively incorporated in the first and second air
rooms (22 and 23) for both alleviating shock and circulating the
air; the first check valve (60) disposed in the front of the second
air room (23) to open or close the passages (21); and the second
check valve (70) disposed in the rear of the second check valve
(23) to communicate with the outside so as to discharge the
air.
2. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 1, wherein the first buffering member (40) communicates with
through-holes (22a) of the first air room (22), and comprise
downward flexible buffering tubes (41) formed with plural cutout
parts (41a).
3. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 2, wherein the buffering tubes (41) are formed integrally
with the middle sole layer (20).
4. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 1, wherein the first buffering member (40) comprises a
plurality of corrugated tubes (44) and guiding tubes (45) formed
respectively to correspond to a top and bottom plate (42 and 43)
and combined with each other; sucking tubes (46) projecting into
the corrugated tubes (44); projections (47) projecting inside the
guiding tubes (45) to open or close the sucking tubes (46);
passages (48) formed on the top of the bottom plate (43) to
communicate with the guiding tubes (45); and springs (49) disposed
inside the corrugated tubes (44) and the first air room (22) is
formed with a passage (22b) to communicate with the sucking tubes
(45).
5. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 1, wherein the second buffering member (50) comprises a
plurality of corrugated tubes (53) and guiding tubes (54) formed
respectively to correspond to a top and bottom plate (51 and 52)
and combined with each other; sucking tubes (55) projecting into
the corrugated tubes (53); projections (56) projecting inside the
guiding tubes (54) to open or close the sucking tubes (55);
passages (57) formed on the top of the bottom plate (52) to
communicate with the guiding tubes (54); and springs (58) disposed
inside the corrugated tubes (53) and the second air room (23) is
formed with a passage (23a) to communicate with the sucking tubes
(55).
6. An air-circulation type shock buffering footwear with an inner
sole layer (100), a middle sole layer (200) and a bottom sole piece
(300), characterized in that the footwear (S2) includes further the
first and second air rooms (320 and 330) formed respectively in the
front and rear of and on the bottom sole piece (300), the first and
second air rooms communicating with each other through passages
(310); a plurality of sucking holes (110 and 210) formed
respectively in the inner and middle sole layers (100 and 200),
said sucking holes communicating with the first air room (320); the
first and second buffering members (400 and 500) respectively
disposed in the first and second air rooms (320 and 330) for both
alleviating shock and circulating the air; the first check valve
(600) disposed in the front of the second air room (330) to open or
close the passages (310); and the second check valve (700) disposed
in the rear of the second air room (330) to communicate with the
outside so as to discharge the air.
7. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 6, wherein the first buffering member (40) communicates with
the sucking holes (210) of the middle sole layer (200), and
comprise downward flexible buffering tubes (410) formed with plural
cutout parts (411).
8. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 7, wherein the buffering tubes (410) are formed integrally
with the middle sole layer (200).
9. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 6, wherein the first buffering member (400) comprises a
plurality of corrugated tubes (440) and guiding tubes (450) formed
respectively to correspond to a top and bottom plate (420 and 430)
and combined with each other; sucking tubes (460) projecting into
the corrugated tubes (440); projections (470) projecting inside the
guiding tubes (450) to open or close the sucking tubes (460);
passages (480) formed on the top of the bottom plate (430) to
communicate with the guiding tubes (450); and springs (490)
disposed inside the corrugated tubes (440) and a passage (220) is
formed on the underside of the middle sole layer (200) to
communicate with the suction tubes (460).
10. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 6, wherein the second buffering member (500) comprises a
plurality of corrugated tubes (530) and guiding tubes (540) formed
respectively to correspond to a top and bottom plate (510 and 520)
and combined with each other; sucking tubes (550) projecting into
the corrugated tubes (530); projections (560) projecting inside the
guiding tubes (540) to open or close the sucking tubes (550);
passages (570) formed on the top of the bottom plate (520) to
communicate with the guiding tubes (540); and springs (580)
disposed inside the corrugated tubes (530) and a passage (230) is
formed on the underside of the middle sole layer (200) to
communicate with the suction tubes (550).
11. An air-circulation type shock buffering footwear with an inner
sole layer (1000), a middle sole layer (2000) and a bottom sole
piece (3000), characterized in that the footwear (S3) includes
further an air room (3100) formed in the rear top of the bottom
sole piece (3000); a plurality of passages (3200) extending from
the air room (3100) toward the front; a plurality of sucking holes
(1100 and 2100) formed in the front of the inner and middle sole
layers (1000 and 2000) in a manner of communicating with the
passages (3200); a buffering member (4000) incorporated in the air
room (3100) for both alleviating shock and circulating air; the
first check valve (5000) disposed in the front of the air room
(3100) to open or close the passages (3200); and the second check
valve (6000) disposed in the rear of the air room (3100) so as to
communicate with the outside to discharge the air.
12. An air-circulation type shock buffering footwear provided with
an inner sole layer (A10) and a bottom sole piece (A20),
characterized in that the footwear (S4) includes further a
plurality of sucking holes (A11) perforated in the front of the
inner sole layer (A10) and a passage (A12) formed on the rear
underside of the inner sole layer (A10); an air room (A21) formed
on the rear top of the bottom sole piece (A20), said air room being
provided with plural nuts (A21a) vertically extending through the
bottom sole piece, and passages (A22) extending toward the front,
starting from the air room (A21); a buffering member (A30) disposed
on the air room (A21), said buffering member being provided with
plural corrugated tubes (A31) and sucking tubes (A32); a prop
member (A40) disposed under the buffering member (A30), said prop
member being provided with plural guiding tubes (A41), assembling
holes (A42) and passages (A43); a plurality of springs (A50)
inserted in the corrugated tubes (A31) said springs having been
introduced through the assembling holes (A42) a plurality of
supporting members (A60) fitted in assembling holes (A42), each of
said supporting members being provided with a screw (A61) to engage
with a nut (A21a), a projection (A62) to open or close a sucking
tube (A32) and a passage (A63); and first check valves (A70)
disposed in the air room (A21) to open or close the passages (A22)
and a second check valve (A80) to discharge air to the outside.
13. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 12, wherein a recess (A61a) is formed on the bottom of each
of the screws (A61) of the supporting members (A60) for easy
screwing or unscrewing.
14. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 12, wherein a slippage preventing irregularity (A61b) is
formed protrusively on the bottom of each of the screws (A61) of
the supporting members (A60).
15. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 12, wherein the supporting members (A60) are formed
integrally with the screws (A61).
16. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 12, wherein an air room (A23) is formed also on the front top
of the bottom sole piece (A20) so as to communicate with passages
(A22), this air room (A23) is also provided with plural nuts (A23a)
vertically extending through the bottom piece, a buffering member
(A30) as well as a prop member (A40) and springs (A50) are also
disposed on the air room (A23), supporting members (A60) are
screw-assembled to the nuts (A23a) and a passage (A13) is also
formed on the front underside of the inner sole layer (A10).
17. He air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 12 or 16, wherein an auxiliary bottom piece (A90) is attached
on the rear underside of the bottom sole piece (A20).
18. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 12 or 16, wherein the first valve installing grove (A24) is
formed in the rear of a passage (A22), the second valve installing
grooves (A25) are disposed respectively on the both upper sides in
the rear of the bottom sole piece (A20), said second valve
installing grooves each provided with a hole (A25a) communicating
with the air room (A21) and with a hole (A25b) communicating with
the outside, the first check valve (A70) is fitted in the first
valve installing grove (A24) and the second check valves (A80) are
respectively fitted in the both second valve installing grooves
(A25).
19. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 18, wherein the first or second check valve (A70 or A80)
comprises a housing (A71 or A81) having an inlet (A71a or 81a) as
well as an outlet (A71b or A81b), a shaft pin (A71c or A81c) and
spouting openings (A71d or A81d); a valve plate (A72 or A82) formed
with a shaft hole (A72a or A82a), the valve plate being intended to
open or close the spouting openings (A71d or A81d), the shaft hole
receiving a shaft pin (A71c or A81c); and a cap (A73 or A83) to be
combined with the housing (A71 or A81) to prevent the valve plate
(A72 or A82) from falling.
20. The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according to
claim 18, wherein a projection (A71e or A81e) for securing position
is provided protrusively on one side of the outer surface of the
housing (A71 or A81), and the first or second valve installing
groove (A24 or A25) is formed with a projection receiving slot
(A24a or A25c) to receive the projection (A71e or A81e).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a footwear to put feet in,
and more specifically to an air-circulation type shock buffering
footwear, which can absorb and alleviate the shock applied on the
feet of a wearer during a walk or run, through the interior of
which air ventilation is smoothly performed during a walk or
jogging and which a wearer can wear for a long time in a
comfortable condition.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Generally, the footwear is used to put feet in for walking,
is indispensable in daily life and is classified into several tens
of kinds, wherein the footwear comprises, according to the use and
function, sporting shoes, ordinary shoes, slippers, basketball
shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, military shoes, and
mountain-climbing boots etc.
[0003] Recently, shoes which became more comfortable and could help
the health by the addition of various functions are being
developed.
[0004] On the other hand, the modern persons actually live with
various physical problems such as corpulence due to insufficient
exercise and over-nourishment.
[0005] These days, many persons are seen to take exercise like
jogging in parks and the like in the morning for the improvement in
health, wherein the joggers wear relatively light footwear and
training suit.
[0006] However, conventional shoes had the problem in that
buffering function to prevent undue shock from being applied to the
leg joints lacked during walking or running, thus doing harm to
cartilages of joints and spine. The conventional shoes also had the
problem that its cushioning action was construction-wise poor to
cause early fatigue of feet and was not suited for increasing
quantity of exercise, giving no much help to health improvement.
Specially, the shock originating from the body weight of a wear was
directly transferred to the feet when walking or running so as to
increase the feeling of tiredness as time lapsed.
[0007] Further, the inward ventilation did not occur due to the
original design in the conventional shoes, resulting in the problem
of fast stagnation of sweat. Furthermore, drying the sweat gathered
on feet could not be conducted to make it impossible to avoid the
bacteria proliferation including mold, with the result that the
problem of smelling on feet or generation of water-eczema
arose.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] The present invention was created to resolve the problem
with the conventional art as described above. The object of the
invention is to provide an air-circulation type shock buffering
footwear, wherein the shock applied on the feet of a wear during
walking or running is absorbed so as to decrease the feet tiredness
and simultaneously to double exercise quantity and additionally the
ventilation into the interior of footwear is smoothly conducted
during walking or running so as to remove the foot smell and
simultaneously to prevent the generation of athlete's foot and thus
to allow the wear to wear the footwear in pleasant condition for a
long time.
[0009] To achieve the above-described object, the present invention
provides according to an aspect that the first and second air rooms
are formed in the front and rear positions under the middle sole
layer, the first and second air rooms communicating with each other
through passages, the inner shoe layer is perforated with a
plurality of sucking holes communicating with the first air room,
the first and second air rooms are provided with the first and
second buffering member for alleviating shock and for circulating
air, the first check valve is installed for opening and closing the
passages in the front of the second air room, and the second check
valve for discharging air to the outside is installed in the rear
of the second air room.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] FIGS. 1 to 21 relate to the first embodiment of the
invention, wherein
[0011] FIG. 1 shows the exploded perspective view of the
invention,
[0012] FIG. 2 shows the cross section of the invention,
[0013] FIG. 3 shows the perspective view illustrating the first
buffering member,
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of FIG. 3,
[0015] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the cross sections illustrating FIG. 3 at
the different operating states,
[0016] FIG. 7 shows the exploded perspective view illustrating the
second buffering member,
[0017] FIG. 8 shows a cross section of FIG. 7 after assembly,
[0018] FIGS. 9 and 10 show the cross sections illustrating FIG. 7
at the different operating states,
[0019] FIG. 11 shows the plan view of a top plate of the second
buffering member,
[0020] FIG. 12 shows the plan view of a top plate of the second
buffering member according to an embodiment varied from FIG.
11,
[0021] FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 show the cross sections illustrating the
operating states of the invention,
[0022] FIG. 16 shows the exploded perspective view illustrating a
variant of the first embodiment,
[0023] FIG. 17 shows the cross section illustrating a different
first buffering member,
[0024] FIG. 18 shows the cross section of FIG. 16,
[0025] FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 show the cross sections illustrating the
operating states of FIG. 16,
[0026] FIGS. 22 to 27 relate to the second embodiment of the
invention, wherein
[0027] FIG. 22 shows the exploded perspective view of the
invention,
[0028] FIG. 23 shows the cross section of the invention,
[0029] FIG. 24 shows the cross section illustrating the second
buffering member,
[0030] FIG. 25 shows the exploded perspective view illustrating a
variant of the second embodiment,
[0031] FIG. 26 shows the cross section of FIG. 25,
[0032] FIG. 27 shows the cross section illustrating a different
first buffering member,
[0033] FIGS. 28 to 30 relate to the third embodiment of the
invention, wherein
[0034] FIG. 28 shows the exploded perspective view of the
invention,
[0035] FIG. 29 shows the cross section of the invention,
[0036] FIG. 30 shows the cross section illustrating the buffering
member,
[0037] FIGS. 31 to 60 relate to the fourth embodiment of the
invention, wherein
[0038] FIG. 31 shows the exploded perspective view of the
invention,
[0039] FIG. 32 shows the cross section of the invention,
[0040] FIG. 33 shows the exploded perspective view of the essential
part of the invention,
[0041] FIG. 34 shows the partly-separated cross section of the
essential part of the invention,
[0042] FIGS. 35, 36, 37 and 38 show the cross sections illustrating
various embodiments of the supporting member,
[0043] FIGS. 39 and 40 show the cross sections illustrating the
different operating states of the buffering member,
[0044] FIGS. 41 and 42 show the cross sections illustrating the
different operating states of the invention,
[0045] FIG. 43 shows the exploded perspective view illustrating a
variant embodiment,
[0046] FIGS. 45, 46 and 47 show the cross sections illustrating the
operating states of FIG. 44,
[0047] FIGS. 48 and 49 show the cross section illustrating a
variant embodiment,
[0048] FIG. 50 shows the exploded perspective view illustrating a
variant embodiment,
[0049] FIGS. 51 and 52 show the cross sections illustrating the
operating states of the first check valve according to FIG. 50,
[0050] FIGS. 53 and 54 show the cross sections illustrating the
operating states of a second check valve according to FIG. 50,
[0051] FIGS. 55 and 56 show the exploded perspective views of the
first check valve and a second check valve,
[0052] FIGS. 57 and 58 show the enlarged cross sections
illustrating the operating states of the first check valve, and
[0053] FIGS. 59 and 60 show the enlarged cross sections
illustrating the operating states of a second check valve.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0054] The technical construction of the invention according to
preferred embodiments of the invention is described in detail below
by referring to the accompanying drawings.
[0055] An air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according
to the first embodiment of the invention, which is provided with an
inner sole layer 10, a middle sole layer 20 and a bottom sole piece
30, is characterized, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 21, in that the
footwear S1 includes further the first and second air rooms 22 and
23 formed respectively in the front and rear of and on the
underside of the middle sole layer 20, said first and second air
rooms communicating with each other through passages 21; a
plurality of sucking holes 11 formed in the inner sole layer 10 to
communicate with through-holes 22a of the first air room 22; the
first and second buffering members 40 and 50 respectively
incorporated in the first and second air rooms 22 and 23 for both
alleviating shock and circulating the air; the first check valve 60
disposed in the front of the second air room 23 to open or close
the passages 21; and the second check valve 70 disposed in the rear
of the second check valve 23 to communicate with the outside so as
to discharge the air.
[0056] The shoe S1, like most of other shoes, comprises an inner
sole layer 10, a middle sole layer 20 and a bottom sole piece 30,
wherein the shoe S1 may be in varied size depending on the age, sex
and foot size of a user. Although the constructional
characteristics of the shoe S1 according to the first embodiment of
the invention can be applied to all sorts of footwear, it is most
preferably applicable to the sporting shoe.
[0057] The sucking holes 11 are perforated in the front of the
inner sole layer, wherein these holes communicate with
through-holes 22a of the first air room 22. Fresh air is introduced
into a number of sucking holes 11 formed on the inner sole layer 10
when the wearer walks.
[0058] The above-described passages 21 are formed midway on the
underside of the middle sole layer 20, wherein the both ends of the
passages 21 communicate with the first and second air rooms 22 and
23 respectively. The passages 21 are formed on the both sides of
the middle sole layer 20.
[0059] The first air room 22 is formed in the front underside of
the middle sole layer 20, wherein plural through-holes 22a are
formed on the top of the first air room 22 to communicate with the
sucking holes 11 of the inner sole layer 10 and the first air room
22 is provided with the first buffering member 40.
[0060] The second air room 23 is formed in the rear underside of
the middle sole layer 20 to communicate with the first air room 22
through the passages 21, wherein the first check valve 60 to open
or close the passages 21 when a wearer walks is disposed in the
front of the second air room 23, while the second check valve 70 is
disposed in the rear of the second air room 23 in order to
discharge the air outside. Here, the second air room 23 is provided
with the second buffering member 50.
[0061] The first buffering member 40 is incorporated in the first
air room 22 to alleviate possible shock during walking and
simultaneously to circulate the air, wherein the first buffering
member 40 according to this embodiment of the invention, as shown
in FIGS. 1 to 15, which communicates with the through-holes 22a of
the first air room 22, includes downward several flexible
thick-walled buffering tubes 41 formed with plural cutout parts
41a. The buffering tubes 41 are formed integrally with the middle
sole layer 20 and the bottoms of the buffering tubes 41 are adhered
to the top of a bottom sole piece 30.
[0062] Accordingly, when the front part of a wearer's foot sole
presses the middle sole layer 20 when the man walks, as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 14, the buffering tubes 41 are caused to compress to
absorb and alleviate shock and further the lower portions of the
respective buffering tubes 41 are spreaded or collapsed outward by
means of many, or four in Figures, cutout parts 41a and their
bottom sides contact tightly the top surface of the bottom sole
piece 30 so as to block the bottom of the through-holes 22a. At
this instant, although a part of the air in the first air room is
discharged, due to the pressure, to the passages 21, the outside
air cannot be introduced due to the closure of through-holes
22a.
[0063] The first buffering member 40 according to a variant
embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 21, is characterized in that
this member comprises plural corrugated tubes 44 and guiding tubes
45 formed respectively to correspond to a top and bottom plate 42
and 43 and combined with each other; sucking tubes 46 projecting
into the corrugated tubes 44; projections 47 projecting inside the
guiding tubes 45 to open and close the sucking tubes 46; passages
48 formed on the top of the bottom plate 43 to communicate with the
guiding tubes 45; and springs 49 housed inside the corrugated tubes
44 and further the first air room 22 is formed with a passage 22b
to communicate with the sucking tubes 45.
[0064] The first buffering member 40 according to this variant
embodiment will be explained more fully in the next section of the
second buffering member 50, because its construction and operation
are identical to the second one.
[0065] The second buffering member 50, which is housed in the
second air room 23 to both alleviate shock and circulate air, is
characterized in that this member comprises plural corrugated tubes
53 and guiding tubes 54 formed respectively to correspond to a top
and bottom plate 51 and 52 and combined with each other; sucking
tubes 55 projecting into the corrugated tubes 53; projections 56
projecting inside the guiding tubes 54 to open and close the
sucking tubes 55; passages 57 formed on the top of the bottom plate
52 to communicate with the guiding tubes 54; and springs 58 housed
inside the corrugated tubes 53, and additionally the second air
room 23 is formed with a passage 23a to communicate with the
sucking tubes 55.
[0066] The top and bottom plates 51 and 52 are made of a pliable
flexible material wherein the top plate 51 is adhered to the second
air room 23 and the bottom plate 52 is adhered to the bottom sole
piece 30. The top plate 51 is so constructed as to have a central
opening as seen in FIG. 11 in order to render pliability to
corrugated tubes 53 and to reduce its weight. The plate 51 may be
constructed to have a recess in the form of + as seen in FIG. 12,
if required. On the other hand, the bottom plate 52 is formed in
conformity with the top plate 51.
[0067] The corrugated tubes 53 are formed in plurality integrally
with and under the top plate 51, so that these corrugated tubes 53
may be compressed and expanded to absorb and damp any shock during
walking.
[0068] The guiding tubes 54, which are formed in plurality
integrally with and on the bottom plate 52, act to guide the
compression and expansion motions of the corrugated plates 53.
[0069] The sucking tubes 55, which project inside and integrally
with the corrugated tubes 53, are each formed, at the center
thereof, with a sucking hole 55a to communicate with a passage 23a
of the second air room 23. The bottoms of sucking tubes 55 are to
be in a round form.
[0070] The projections 56 projecting integrally with and inside the
guiding tubes 54 act to open or close the sucking tubes 55 during
walking and act as stoppers to separate the spacing of the top and
bottom plates 51 and 52. The top of a projection 56 is formed
concavely.
[0071] The passages 57 formed on the top of the bottom plate 52 to
communicate with the guiding tubes 54 act to discharge the air at
the compression cycle of the corrugated tubes 53.
[0072] The above-described springs 58 housed in corrugated tubes 53
act to give elasticity to them.
[0073] On the other hand, the passage 23a of the second air room 23
is formed in the form of ` ` so as to communicate with the passages
55a of the sucking tubes 55, wherein the passage 23a performs the
role of sucking air at the expansion cycle of the corrugated tubes
53.
[0074] Accordingly, when the rear part of a wearer's foot sole is
pressed on the middle sole layer 20 during a walk, as seen FIGS. 9,
13 and 19, the corrugated tubes 53 are contracted by the pressure
to absorb and damp the shock, and the sucking holes 55a are blocked
because of the tight contact of the projections 56 with the sucking
tubes 55, so that the compressed air in the second air room 23 is
discharged to the outside through the second check valve 70. At
this time, although the air in the second air room 23 is discharged
to the outside through the second check valve 70, fresh air is not
introduced into this second room because the pressure in this room
causes the first check valve 60 to close.
[0075] The first check valve 60 disposed in the front of the second
air room 23 acts to close or open the passages 21 during a wearer's
walking, wherein this check valve 60 closes the passages 21 at the
time of compression of the second air room 23 and opens the
passages 21 at the time of expansion of the second air room 23.
[0076] The second check valve 70 is disposed in the rear of the
second air room 23 in a manner of communicating with the outside to
discharge the inside air, wherein this check valve 70 is opened at
the time of the second air room 23 being compressed to discharge
the air outward and on the other hand, this check valve 70 is
closed to prevent the air discharge during the period when the
second air room 23 is in expansion cycle.
[0077] The overall operation of the air-circulation type shock
absorbing footwear according to the first embodiment of the
invention, constructed as above, is described in detail below.
[0078] In the normal time when the shoe S1 is not put on by a
person, the first and second air rooms 22 and 23 stay in expanded
state due to the inherent elasticity of the first and second shock
buffering members 40 and 50.
[0079] When a person walks or runs with the shoes S1 on, the first
and second air rooms 22 and 23 including the first and second
buffering members 40 and 50 are elastically compressed and expanded
to perform the shock buffering function as well as the air
circulation function.
[0080] First, when the rear part of the wearer's foot sole is
pressed on the second air room 23 during walking, as seen in FIGS.
13 and 19, the second air room 23 is compressed due to the downward
pressing, with the result that the corrugated tubes 53 and springs
58 of the second buffering member 50 are compressed to absorb the
shock and concurrently the pressurized air in the second air room
23 is discharged to the outside through the second check valve 70,
as indicated by the arrow mark, while the passages 21 are closed
because the first check valves 60 are firmly touched to the
passages 21 due to the pressure of pressurized air in the second
room 23. At this moment, the air in the corrugated tubes 53, which
air is pressurized mostly by the decreased inside volume of these
tubes 53, is discharged to the second air room 23 through passages
57, while the sucking holes 55a are shut at the limit because the
projections 56 are touched with the sucking tubes 56.
[0081] Next, when the front part of the wearer's foot sole is
pressed on the first air room 22 during walking, as seen in FIGS.
14 and 20, the first air room 22 is subjected to the compression,
with the result that the first buffering member 40 is compressed to
absorb and damp the shock and concurrently a part of the air
pressurized in the first air room 22 is discharged to the passages
21 to open partially the first check valve 60. At the same time,
the buffering tubes 41 of the first buffering member 40 are
contracted so as to collapse the bottom parts of buffering tubes 41
to thereby close through-holes 22a, whereby the sucking holes 11 on
the inner sole layer 10 are closed with respect to the outside air.
That is, the external air is not introduced into the shoe, because
the sucking holes 11 together with through-holes 22a are shut.
[0082] On the other hand, when the shoe S1 is completely isolated
from the ground during walking, as seen in FIGS. 15 and 21, the
first and second air rooms 22 and 23 are returned to the original
expanded state due to the restoring force of the first and second
buffering members 40 and 50, with the result that the sucking force
due to lean air is generated in the second air room 23 because of
the expansion of corrugated tubes 53 and springs 58 in the second
buffering member 50. At the same time, because the first check
valves 60 are automatically opened by the sucking force generated
in the second air room 23, the second air room 23 is communicated
with the first air room 22 via passages 21 and the second check
valve 70 maintains its closed state. At this moment, the sucking
force is automatically generated in the corrugated tubes 53 which
were expanded by the restoring force, while sucking holes 55a are
opened due to the separation of the projections 56 from the sucking
tubes 55.
[0083] Further, sucking force is generated as the first air room 22
in conjunction with the first buffering member 40 returns to the
original expanded state, simultaneously the through-holes 22a being
opened, so that the fresh air is introduced into the first air room
22 through the sucking holes 11 on the inner sole layer 10. Such
fresh air having entered the first air room 22 is naturally
introduced to the second air room 23 through the passages 21,
whereby the fresh air can circulate continuously through the inside
of the shoe S1 when the shoe wearer walks.
[0084] An air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according
to the second embodiment of the invention, which footwear is
provided with an inner sole layer 100, a middle sole layer 200 and
a bottom sole piece 300, is characterized, as shown in FIGS. 22 to
27, in that the footwear S2 includes further the first and second
air rooms 320 and 330 formed respectively in the front and rear of
and above the bottom sole piece 300, the first and second air rooms
communicating with each other through passages 310; a plurality of
sucking holes 110 and 210 formed on the inner and middle sole
layers 100 and 200 to communicate with the first air room 320; the
first and second buffering members 400 and 500 respectively
incorporated in the first and second air rooms 320 and 330 for both
alleviating shock and circulating air; the first check valve 600
disposed in the front of the second air room 330 to open or close
the passages 310; and the second check valve 700 disposed in the
rear of the second air room 330 so as to communicate with the
outside to discharge the air.
[0085] Here, the shoe S2, like most of other shoes, comprises an
inner sole layer 100, a middle sole layer 200 and a bottom sole
piece 300, wherein the shoe S2 may be in varied size depending on
the age, sex and foot size of a user. Although the constructional
characteristics of the shoe S2 according to the second embodiment
of the invention can be applied to all sorts of footwear, it is
most preferably applicable to the ordinary low shoes.
[0086] The sucking holes 110 and 210 are perforated in the front of
the inner and middle sole layers 100 and 200 and connected to each
other, wherein these holes communicate with the first air room 320
formed on the bottom sole layer 300. Fresh air is introduced
through a number of sucking holes 110 formed on the inner sole
layer 100 when the wearer walks.
[0087] The above-described passages 310 are formed in the top
middle locations of the bottom sole piece 300, wherein the both
ends of the passages 310 communicate with the first and second air
rooms 320 and 330 respectively. The passages 310 are formed on the
both sides of the bottom sole piece 300.
[0088] The first air room 320 is formed in the front top of the
bottom sole piece 300, and encloses the first buffering member
400.
[0089] The second air room 330 is formed in the rear top of the
bottom sole piece 300 to communicate with the first air room 320
through the passages 310, wherein the first check valve 600 to open
or close the passages 310 when a wearer walks is disposed in the
front of the second air room 330, while the second check valve 700
is disposed in the rear of the second air room 330 in order to
discharge the air outside. Here, the second air room 330 is
provided with the second buffering member 500.
[0090] The first buffering member 400 is incorporated in the first
air room 320 to alleviate possible shock during walking and
simultaneously to circulate the air, wherein the first buffering
member 400 according to this embodiment of the invention, as shown
in FIGS. 22 and 23, which communicates with the sucking holes 210
of the middle sole layer 200, includes downward several flexible
thick-walled buffering tubes 410 formed, at the lower ends thereof,
with plural cutout parts 411. The buffering tubes 410 are formed
integrally with the middle sole layer 200 and the bottoms of the
buffering tubes 410 are adhered to the bottom of the first air room
320.
[0091] Accordingly, when the front part of a wearer's foot sole
presses the middle sole layer 200 when the man walks, the buffering
tubes 410 are caused to be compressed to absorb and alleviate shock
and further the lower portions of the respective buffering tubes
410 are spreaded or collapsed outward by means of many cutout parts
411 and so their bottom sides contact tightly the bottom of the
first air room 320 so as to block the sucking holes 210. At this
instant, although a part of the air in the first air room 320 is
discharged, due to somewhat higher air pressure, to the passages
310, the outside air cannot be introduced due to the closure of
sucking holes 210.
[0092] The first buffering member 400 according to a variant
embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, is characterized in that
this member 400 comprises plural corrugated tubes 440 and guiding
tubes 450 formed respectively to correspond to a top and bottom
plate 420 and 430 and combined mutually; sucking tubes 460
projecting inside the corrugated tubes 440; projections 470
projecting inside the guiding tubes 450 to open and close the
sucking tubes 460; passages 480 formed on the top of the bottom
plate 430 to communicate with the guiding tubes 450; and springs
490 housed inside the corrugated tubes 440, and additionally a
passage 220 is formed on the underside of the middle sole layer 200
to communicate with the sucking tubes 460.
[0093] The first buffering member 400 according to this variant
embodiment will not be explained again, because its construction
and operation are identical to the second buffering member 50 of
the first embodiment.
[0094] The second buffering member 500, which is housed in the
second air room 330 to both alleviate shock and circulate air, is
characterized in that this member 500 comprises plural corrugated
tubes 530 and guiding tubes 540 formed respectively to correspond
to a top and bottom plate 510 and 520 and combined mutually;
sucking tubes 550 projecting inside the corrugated tubes 530;
projections 560 projecting inside the guiding tubes 540 to open and
close the sucking tubes 550; passages 570 formed on the top surface
of the bottom plate 520 to communicate with the guiding tubes 540;
and springs 580 housed inside the corrugated tubes 530, and
additionally a passage 230 is formed on the underside of the middle
sole layer 200 to communicate with the sucking tubes 550.
[0095] The description of the second buffering member 500 according
to this variant embodiment is omitted, because its structure and
operation is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0096] The first check valve 600 disposed in the front of the
second air room 330 acts to close or open the passages 210 during a
wearer's walking, wherein this check valve 600 closes the passages
210 at the time of the second air room 330 being pressurized or
compressed and opens the passages 210 at the time of the second air
room 330 being depressurized or expanded.
[0097] The second check valve 700 is disposed in the rear of the
second air room 330 in a manner of communicating with the outside
to discharge the inside air, wherein this check valve 700 is opened
at the time of the second air room 330 being compressed to
discharge the air outward and on the other hand, this check valve
700 is closed to prevent the air discharge during the period of
expansion cycle.
[0098] The overall operation of the air-circulation type shock
absorbing footwear according to the second embodiment of the
invention, constructed as above, is described below.
[0099] In the normal time when the shoe S2 is not put on by a
person, the first and second air rooms 320 and 330 stay in expanded
state due to the inherent elasticity of the first and second shock
buffering members 400 and 500.
[0100] When a person walks or runs with the footwear S2 on, the
first and second air rooms 320 and 330 including the first and
second buffering members 400 and 500 are elastically compressed and
expanded to perform the shock buffering function as well as the air
circulation function.
[0101] First, when the rear part of the wearer's foot sole is
pressed on an inner sole layer 100 and a middle sole layer 200
during walking, the second air room 330 is compressed, with the
result that the corrugated tubes 530 and springs 580 of the second
buffering member 500 are compressed to absorb the shock and
concurrently the pressurized air in the second air room 330 is
discharged to the outside through the second check valve 700, while
the passages 310 are closed because the first check valves 600 are
firmly thrust to the passages 310 by the pressurized air in the
second room 330. At this moment, the air in the corrugated tubes
530, which air was pressurized mostly by the decreased inside
volume of these tubes 530, is discharged to the second air room 330
through passages 570, while the sucking tubes 550 come to be shut
at the limit because the projections 560 are brought into contact
with the sucking tubes 550.
[0102] Next, when the front part of the wearer's foot sole is
pressed on an inner sole layer 100 and a middle sole layer 200
during walking, the first air room 320 is subjected to the
compression, with the result that the first buffering member 400 is
compressed to absorb and damp the shock and concurrently a part of
the air pressurized in the first air room 320 is discharged to the
passages 310 to open partially the first check valve 600. At the
same time, the buffering tubes 410 of the first buffering member
400 are contracted so as to collapse the bottom parts of buffering
tubes 410 on the bottom piece to thereby block the latter, whereby
the sucking holes 210 are closed together with the sucking holes
110 on the inner sole layer 100. That is, the external air is not
introduced into the shoe, because the sucking holes 110 and 210 are
shut off.
[0103] On the other hand, as the subsequent step, when the shoe S2
is completely isolated from the ground during walking, the first
and second air rooms 320 and 330 are returned to the original
expanded state due to the restoring force of the first and second
buffering members 400 and 500, with the result that a sucking force
due to the lean air with respect to the outer atmosphere is
generated in the second air room 330 because of the expansion or
increased volume of corrugated tubes 530 in the second air room
330. At the same time, because the first check valve 60 is
automatically opened by the sucking force generated in the second
air room 330, the second air room 330 is communicated with the
first air room 320 via passages 310 and the second check valve 700
maintains its closed state due to the still sub-atmospheric
pressure in this room 330. At this moment, the sucking force is
present in the corrugated tubes 530 which were expanded by the
restoring force, while sucking tubes 550 are unblocked due to their
separation from the projections 560.
[0104] Further, sucking force is also generated as the first air
room 320 in conjunction with the first buffering member 400 returns
to the original expanded state due to the opened state in the
passages 310, simultaneously the sucking holes 210 becoming
unblocked or opened, so that the fresh air is introduced into the
first air room 320 through the sucking holes 110 on the inner sole
layer 100. Such fresh air having entered the first air room 320 is
naturally introduced to the second air room 330 through the
passages 310, whereby the fresh air can circulate steadily through
the inside of the shoe S2 when the shoe wearer walks.
[0105] An air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according
to the third embodiment of the invention, which is provided with an
inner sole layer 1000, a middle sole layer 2000 and a bottom sole
piece 3000, is characterized, as shown in FIGS. 28 to 30, in that
the footwear S3 includes further an air room 3100 formed on the
rear top of the bottom sole piece 3000; plural passages 3200
extending from the air room 3100 to front locations; plural sucking
holes 1100 and 2100 formed in a front location of the inner and
middle sole layers 1000 and 2000 in manner of communicating with
the passages 3200; a buffering member 4000 incorporated in the air
room 3100 for both alleviating shock and circulating air; the first
check valve 5000 disposed in the front of the air room 3100 to open
or close the passages 3200; and the second check valve 6000
disposed in the rear of the air room 3100 so as to communicate with
the outside to discharge the air.
[0106] Here, the shoe S3, like most of other shoes, is provided
with an inner sole layer 1000, a middle sole layer 2000 and a
bottom sole piece 3000, wherein the shoe S3 may be in varied size
depending on the age, sex and foot size of a user. Although the
constructional characteristics of the shoe S3 according to the
third embodiment of the invention can be applied to all sorts of
footwear, it is most preferably applicable to the ordinary low
shoes.
[0107] The sucking holes 1100 and 2100, in the aligned manner, are
perforated in a front location of the inner and middle sole layers
1000 and 2000 to be connected to each other, and communicated with
the passages 3200 formed on the bottom sole layer 3000. Fresh air
is introduced through a number of sucking holes 1100 formed on the
inner sole layer 1000 when the wearer walks.
[0108] The above-described air room 3100 are formed on the top rear
location of the bottom sole piece 3000, wherein the first check
valve 5000 is installed in the front of the air room 3100 to open
or close the passages 3200 during walking while the second check
valve 6000 is installed in the rear of the air room 3100 to
discharge the air to the outside. A buffering member 4000 is
disposed in the air room 3100.
[0109] The passages 3200 formed on the top of the bottom sole piece
3000 extend lengthily forward from sole center and communicate with
the air room 3100. The arrangement of the passages 3200 is shown in
FIG. 28.
[0110] The buffering member 4000, which is disposed in the air room
3100 to both alleviate shock and take part in air circulation, is
characterized in that this member 4000 comprises plural corrugated
tubes 4300 and guiding tubes 4400 formed respectively to correspond
to a top and bottom plate 4100 and 4200 and combined with each
other; sucking tubes 4500 projecting inside the corrugated tubes
4300; projections 4600 projecting inside the guiding tubes 4400 to
open and close the sucking tubes 4500; passages 4700 formed on the
top of the bottom plate 4200 to communicate with the guiding tubes
4400; and springs 4800 housed inside the corrugated tubes 4300, and
additionally a passage 2200 to communicate with the sucking tubes
4500 is formed on the underside of the middle sole layer 2000.
[0111] The further description of this buffering member 4000 is
omitted, because its structure and operation are the same as those
of the second buffering member 50 in the first embodiment of the
invention.
[0112] The first check valve 5000 disposed in the front of the air
room 3100 acts to close or open the passages 3200 during a wearer's
walking, wherein this check valve 5000 closes the passages 3200 at
the time of the air room 3100 being compressed and opens the
passages 3200 at the time of the air room 3100 being expanded.
[0113] The second check valve 6000 is disposed in the rear of the
air room 3100 in a manner of communicating with the outside to
discharge the inside air, wherein this check valve 6000 is opened
at the time of the air room 3100 being compressed to discharge the
air outward and on the other hand, this check valve 6000 is closed
to prevent the air discharge during the period of expansion
cycle.
[0114] The overall operation of the air-circulation type shock
absorbing footwear according to the third embodiment of the
invention, constructed as above, is described in detail below.
[0115] In the normal time when the shoe S3 is not put on by a
person, the air room 3100 maintains the expanded state by the
elasticity of the buffering members 4000.
[0116] When a person walks or runs with the shoes S3 on, both the
shock buffering action and air circulation action are performed
mainly by the air room 3100 and buffering member 4000 based on the
elasticity through repeated compressions and expansions.
[0117] First, when the rear part of the wearer's foot sole is
pressed on the inner and middle sole layer 1000 and 2000 during
walking, the air room 3100 is caused to compress to result in the
compression of the corrugated tubes 4300 and springs 4800 of the
buffering member 4000 so as to absorb the shock. At the same time,
the pressurized air in the air room 3100 is discharged to the
outside through the second check valve 6000, while the passages
3200 come to be blocked because the first check valve 5000 is
firmly pushed to the passages 3200 due to the pressure of
pressurized air in the air room 3100. At this moment, the air in
the corrugated tubes 4300, which air is pressurized mostly by the
decreased inside volume of these tubes 4300, is discharged to the
air room 3100 through passages 4700, while the sucking tubes 4500
are shut because the projections 4600 are touched with these
sucking tubes 4500.
[0118] Next, when the shoe S3 is completely isolated from the
ground during walking, the air room 3100 is returned to the
original expanded state due to the restoring force of the buffering
member 4000, with the result that the sucking force is generated in
the air room 3100 because of the expansion of corrugated tubes 4300
in the buffering member 4000. At the same time, because the first
check valves 5000 is automatically opened by the sucking force
generated in the air room 3100, the air room 3100 is communicated
with the passages 3200 and the second check valve 6000 maintains
its closed state. At this moment, the sucking force is
automatically generated in the corrugated tubes 4300 by the
restoring force, while sucking tubes 4500 are opened due to their
separation from the projections 4600.
[0119] In addition, as indicated above, the passages 3200 are
communicated with the air room 3100 through the opened first check
valve 5000, causing the external fresh air to flow in the passages
3200 through sucking holes 1100 and 2100. The fresh air penetrated
in the passages 3200 is naturally flowed into the air room 3100 due
to the sucking force, whereby the fresh air can steadily enter and
circulate through the inside of shoes S3 in which the wearer's feet
are positioned.
[0120] An air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according
to the fourth embodiment of the invention is characterized, as
shown in FIGS. 31 to 60, in that the footwear S4 provided with an
inner sole layer A10 and a bottom sole piece A20 includes further
plural sucking holes A11 perforated in the front locations of the
inner sole layer A10 and a passage A12 formed in the rear underside
of the inner sole layer A10; an air room A21 formed on the rear top
of the bottom sole piece A20, said air room being provided with
plural nuts A21a vertically extending through the bottom piece, and
passages A22 extending toward the front starting from the air room
A21; a buffering member A30 disposed on the air room A21, said
buffering member being provided with plural corrugated tubes A31
and sucking tubes A32; a prop member A40 disposed under the
buffering member A30, said prop member being provided with plural
guiding tubes A41, assembling holes A42 and passages A43; plural
springs A50 inserted in the corrugated tubes A31, said springs
having been introduced through the assembling holes A42; plural
supporting members A60 fitted in the assembling holes A42, each of
said supporting members being provided with a screw A61 to engage
with the nut A21a, a projection A62 to open or close a sucking tube
A32 and a passage A63; and first check valves A70 disposed in the
air room A21 to open or close the passages A22 and a second check
valve A80 to discharge air to the outside.
[0121] Here, the shoe S4, like most of other shoes, is provided
with an inner sole layer A10 and a bottom sole piece A20, wherein
this shoe S4 may be in varied size depending on the age, sex and
foot size of a user. Although the constructional characteristics of
the shoe S4 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention can
be applied to all sorts of footwear, this kind of shoe is specially
applicable to military shoes.
[0122] The sucking holes A11 are perforated in a front location of
the inner sole layer A10 and are communicated with the passages A22
formed on the bottom sole piece A20. At this time, fresh air is
introduced in the sucking holes A11 formed on the inner sole layer
A10 when a wearer is walks.
[0123] The passage A12 is formed in the rear underside of the inner
sole layer A10 and is formed approximately in the form of ` ` so as
to communicate with the respective sucking tubes A32, wherein this
passage A12 acts to suck or collect the air when the corrugated
tubes A31 of the buffering member A30 expand and contract.
[0124] The air room A21 is formed on the rear top of the bottom
sole piece A20 which is provided with plural nuts A21a, these nuts
having been inserted through the thickness of the bottom piece and
extending vertically. The first check valves A70 are disposed in
the air room A21 to open or close the passages A22 and the second
check valve A80 positioned in the rear or side of the air room A21
serves to discharge air to the outside. The air room A21 is
provided with a buffering member A30, prop member A40 and springs
A50.
[0125] The passages A22 extends lengthily toward the front,
starting from approximate middle points on the top surface of the
bottom sole piece A20, the middle points agreeing with the first
check valves A70 of the air room A21, so that the passages A22 are
communicated with the air room A21. The passages A22 have the form
as shown in FIG. 31.
[0126] The buffering member A30 is disposed on the air room A21 to
absorb shock and take a part in air circulation when a wearer walks
or runs, wherein this buffering member comprises plural corrugated
tubes A31; plural sucking tubes A32 projecting inside the
corrugated tubes A31, the sucking tubes A32 communicating with the
passage A12; and a top plate A33 formed on and integrally with the
several corrugated tubes A31 and sucking tubes A32. The buffering
member A30 is made of a pliable flexible material.
[0127] The corrugated tubes A31 formed, in a plurality, under and
integrally with the top plate A33 act to absorb and alleviate shock
during a walk through expansions and contracts.
[0128] The sucking tubes A32 formed integrally with and projecting
inside the corrugated tubes A31 have their interiors, i.e. sucking
holes to communicate with the passage A12 of the inner sole layer
A10. The lower ends of sucking tubes A32 are formed convexly.
[0129] The prop member A40 disposed under the buffering member A30
acts to support the corrugated tubes A31, wherein this prop member
comprises plural guiding tubes A41 so formed as to receive the
corrugated tubes A31, several assembling holes A42 formed in the
guiding tubes A41, the assembling holes A42 communicating with the
corresponding nuts A21a, a bottom plate A44 formed integrally with
and under the guiding tubes A41 and adhered to the bottom sole
layer A20, and several passages A43 formed on the top surface of
the bottom plate A44 so as to communicate with the guiding tubes
A41 and to run outward beyond the guiding tubes A41. The prop
member A40 is made of a pliable and flexible material.
[0130] The guiding tubes A41, in a plurality, formed integrally
with and on the top of the bottom plate A44 act to guide the
compression and expansion motion of the corrugated tubes A31 during
a walk.
[0131] The assembling holes A42 perforated vertically inside the
guiding tubes A41 are formed to facilitate the replacement of the
springs A50 and are fitted with the supporting members A60.
[0132] The passages A43 formed on the top surface of the bottom
plate A44 so as to communicate with the guiding tubes A41 run
outward beyond the guiding tubes A41 to perform the discharge of
the pressurized air from the corrugated tubes A31 at the
compression cycle.
[0133] The springs A50 disposed in the corrugated tubes A31 of the
buffering member A30 act to add the elasticity to the corrugated
tubes A31.
[0134] The supporting members A60 are screw-assembled, in a
detachable manner, to the nuts A21a of the air room A21 to support
the springs A50 and to facilitate the replacement of springs if
required. Each of these supporting members A60 comprises a screw
part A61 to engage with a nut A21a, a projection A62 formed on the
top of the screw A61 to open or close a sucking tube A32 and a
passage A63 in the communicating relation with a passage A43 of the
prop member A40.
[0135] The screws A61 are formed integrally with the projections
A62 to complete the supporting members A60 or the screws A61 are
attached to the projections A62, wherein the screws A61 are
screw-connected to the nuts A21a in the air room A21 detachably.
Accordingly, the replacement of the springs A50 can be easily
performed by disconnecting the screws A61.
[0136] The projections A62 act to open or close the sucking tubes
A32 during walking and act as stoppers to regulate the spacing
between the top and bottom plates A33 and A34. The top of a
projection A62 is formed concavely.
[0137] The passages A63 formed on the top of the supporting members
A60 to communicate with the passages A43 act to discharge the air
at the compression cycle of the corrugated tubes A31.
[0138] On the other hand, whereas FIGS. 35, 36, 37 and 38 show
various embodiments of supporting member A60, the supporting member
A60 is characterized, according to an embodiment, in that the screw
A61 is formed, at its bottom, with a recess A61a, as shown in FIGS.
35 and 37, to help tighten and loosen the screw A61. A coin, driver
etc. could be fitted in the recess A61a.
[0139] The supporting member A60 is characterized, according to
another embodiment, in that the screw A61 is formed, at its bottom,
with a slippage preventing irregularity A61b, as shown in FIGS. 36
and 38, to prevent slippage during a walk or jump. A tool like a
coin, driver etc. could be fitted in a valley on the irregularity
A61b in assembling or disassembling.
[0140] The supporting member A60 is characterized, according to
still other embodiment, in that a screw A61 made separately is
attached to the underside of a supporting member A60, as shown in
FIGS. 35 and 36. In this case, the supporting member A60 is made of
plastics like urethane, while the screw A61 is made of a metal like
aluminium.
[0141] The supporting member A60 is characterized, according to
still other embodiment, in that a supporting member A60 and a screw
A61 are formed integrally, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. In this
case, the supporting member A60 is made either of plastics like
urethane or of a metal like aluminium.
[0142] Accordingly, when the rear part of a wearer's foot sole is
pressed on the inner sole layer A10 during a walk, as seen FIGS. 39
and 41, the corrugated tubes A31 and springs A50 of the buffering
member A30 are compressed by the pressure to absorb and damp the
shock, and the projections A62 of supporting members A60 are
tightly touched to the sucking tubes A32 of the buffering member
A30, so that the sucking tubes A32 are closed, while the compressed
air in the air room A21 is discharged to the outside through the
second check valve A80. At this time, although the air in the air
room A21 is discharged to the outside through the second check
valve A80, fresh air is not yet introduced into this air room
because the pressure in this room causes the first check valve A70
to be closed.
[0143] Further, as described above, springs A50 can be easily
replaced when needed, e.g. a troubled spring can be exchanged by a
new one, because the screws A61 of supporting members A60 are
screw-connected detachably to the nuts A21a in the air room A21.
Further, the intensity of springs A50 may be appropriately matched
with the body weight of shoe-wearers. Particularly, the springs A50
at different locations of shoe's sole surface may be chosen to vary
in the intensity in response to the average treading force
distribution of a shoe user or shoe users.
[0144] The first check valves A70 disposed in the front of the air
room A21 act to close or open the passages A22 during a wearer's
walking, wherein this check valves close the passages A22 at the
time of compression of the air room A21 and open these passages at
the time of expansion of the air room A21.
[0145] The second check valve A80 is disposed in the rear or side
of the air room A21 in a manner of communicating with the outside
to discharge the inside air, wherein this check valve A80 is opened
at the time of the air room A21 being compressed to discharge the
air outward and on the other hand, this second check valve A80 is
closed to prevent the air discharge during the period when the air
room A21 is in expansion cycle. It is to be noted that the second
check valve A80 may be disposed on one side of the air room A21,
even though it is shown as positioned in the rear of the air room
A21 in the drawings.
[0146] The overall operation of the air-circulation type shock
absorbing footwear according to the fourth embodiment of the
invention, constructed as above, is described in detail below.
[0147] In the normal time when the shoe S4 is not put on by a
person, the air room A21 maintains the expanded state due to the
inherent elasticity of the corrugated tubes A31 and spring A50.
[0148] When a person walks or runs with the footwear S4 on, the air
room A21 and the buffering member A30 as well as springs A50 are
elastically compressed and expanded to perform the shock buffering
function as well as the air circulation function.
[0149] First, when the rear part of the wearer's foot sole is
pressed on the inner sole layer A10 during walking, as shown in
FIG. 41, the air room A21 is compressed to result in the
compression of the corrugated tubes A31 and springs A50 of the
buffering member A30 so as to absorb the shock. At the same time,
the pressurized air in the air room A21 is discharged to the
outside through the second check valve A80, while the passages A22
come to be blocked because the first check valve A70 is firmly
pushed to the passages due to the pressurized air in the air room
A21. At this moment, the air in the corrugated tubes A31, which air
was pressurized, is discharged to the air room A21 through passages
A43 and A63, while the sucking tubes A32 are shut because the
projections A62 contact these sucking tubes A32, Next, as shown in
FIG. 42, when the shoe S4 is completely isolated from the ground
during walking, the air room A21 is returned to the original
expanded state due to the restoring force of the corrugated tubes
A31 and springs A50, with the result that sucking force is
generated in the air room A21 because of the expansion of
corrugated tubes A31 and springs A50 in the buffering member A30.
At the same time, because the first check valves A70 is
automatically opened by the sucking force generated in the air room
A21, the air room A21 is communicated with the passages A22, and
the second check valve A80 maintains its closed state. At this
moment, sucking force is automatically generated in the corrugated
tubes A31 due to its restoring force, while sucking tubes A32 are
opened due to their separation from the projections A62.
[0150] In addition, as indicated above, the passages A22 are
communicated with the air room A21 through the opened first check
valve A70, causing the external fresh air to flow in the passages
A22 through the sucking holes A11 of the inner sole layer A10. The
fresh air penetrated into the passages A22 is automatically flowed
into the air room A21 due to the sucking force, whereby the fresh
air can steadily enter and circulate throughout the inside of shoes
S3 in which the wearer's feet are positioned.
[0151] Further, the springs A50 can be easily replaced when needed,
e.g. a troubled spring can be exchanged by a new one, because the
screws A61 of supporting members A60 are screw-connected detachably
to the nuts A21a in the air room A21. Further, the intensity of
springs A50 may be appropriately matched with the body weight of
shoe-wearers. Particularly, the springs A50 at different locations
of shoe's sole surface may be chosen to vary in the intensity, for
optimum tension, in response to the average treading force
distribution of a shoe user or shoe users.
[0152] An air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according
to a variant embodiment of the invention is characterized, as shown
in FIGS. 43 to 47, in that an air room A23 is formed also on the
front top of the bottom sole piece A20 so as to communicate with
passages A22, this air room A23 is also provided with plural nuts
A23a vertically extending through the bottom piece, a buffering
member A30 as well as a prop member A40 and springs A50 are also
disposed on the air room A23, supporting members A60 are
screw-assembled to the nuts A23a and a passage A13 is also formed
on the front underside of the inner sole layer A10.
[0153] The overall operation of the air-circulation type shock
absorbing footwear according to the above variant embodiment of the
invention, constructed as above, is described in detail below.
[0154] In the normal time when the shoe S4 is not put on by a
person, the front and rear air rooms A23 and A21 maintain the
expanded state due to the inherent elasticity of the corrugated
tubes A31 and springs A50 of buffering members A30 disposed in the
front and rear air rooms A23 and A21.
[0155] When a person walks or runs with the footwear S4 on, the air
rooms A23 and A21 and the corrugated tubes A31 as well as springs
A50 are elastically compressed and expanded to perform the shock
buffering function as well as the air circulation function.
[0156] First, when the rear part of the wearer's foot sole is
pressed on the inner sole layer A10 during walking, as shown in
FIG. 45, the rear air room A21 is compressed to result in the
compression of the corrugated tubes A31 and springs A50 of the
buffering member A30 in this air room so as to absorb the shock. At
the same time, the pressurized air in the rear air room A21 is
discharged to the outside through the second check valve A80, while
the passages A22 come to be blocked because the first check valve
A70 is firmly pushed to the gateways of these passages due to the
pressurized air in the rear air room A21. At this moment, the air
in the corrugated tubes A31, which air was pressurized, is
discharged to the air room A21 through passages A43 and A63, while
the sucking tubes A32 are shut because the projections A62 contact
these sucking tubes A32.
[0157] Next, when the front part of the wearer's foot sole is
pressed on the inner sole layer A10 during walking, as shown in
FIG. 46, the front air room A23 is compressed to result in the
compression of the corrugated tubes A31 and springs A50 of the
buffering member A30 in this air room A23 so as to absorb the
shock. At the same time, a part of the pressurized air in the front
air room A23 is discharged to the passages A22 to open the first
check valve A70, while the corrugated tubes A31 and springs A50 of
the buffering member A30 in this air room A23 are contracted to
cause the contact of the sucking tubes A32 with projections A62 to
thereby close the sucking holes A11 of the inner sole layer A10.
That is, although a part of the pressurized air in the air room A23
may have been discharged to the passages A22, fresh air can not
enter because of the closure of sucking holes A11.
[0158] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 47, when the shoe S4 is
completely isolated from the ground during walking, the front and
rear air rooms A23 and A21 are returned to the original expanded
state due to the restoring force of the corrugated tubes A31 and
springs A50 in the buffering members A30, with the result that
sucking force is generated in the rear air room A21, to begin with,
because of the expansion of the corrugated tubes A31 and springs
A50 in the rear air room A21. At the same time, because the first
check valves A70 is automatically opened by the sucking force
generated in the air room A21, the rear air room A21 is
communicated with the front air room A23 through the passages A22,
and the second check valve A80 maintains its closed state. At this
moment, sucking force is automatically generated in the corrugated
tubes A31 due to its restoring force, while sucking tubes A32 are
opened due to their separation from the projections A62.
[0159] Similarly, the front air room A23 and the corrugated tubes
A31 as well as springs A50 mounted in this air room are also
returned to the original expanded state, with result that the
external fresh air is introduced in this front air room A23 through
the sucking holes A11 on the inner sole layer A10. Then, the fresh
air introduced in the front air room A23 is naturally flowed into
the rear air room A21 through the passages A22, whereby the
external fresh air can circulate incessantly throughout the inside
of the shoe S4.
[0160] An air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according
to a variant embodiment of the invention is characterized, as shown
in FIGS. 48 and 49, in that an auxiliary bottom piece A90 is
attached on the rear underside of the bottom sole piece A20.
Although the constructional characteristics of the shoe S4
according to this embodiment can be applied to all sorts of
footwear, this kind of shoe is specially applicable to low shoes or
military shoes. By taking the chance of replacing the auxiliary
bottom pieces A90, incidentally the separation of supporting member
A60, replacement of springs A50 and the like could be
conducted.
[0161] An air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according
to an other embodiment of the invention is characterized, as shown
in FIGS. 50 to 60, in that the first valve installing grove A24 is
formed in the rear of the passage A22, the second valve installing
grooves A25 are disposed respectively on the both upper sides in
the rear of the bottom sole piece A20, said second valve installing
grooves each provided with a hole A25a communicating with the air
room A21 and with a hole A25b communicating with the outside, the
first check valve A70 is fitted in the first valve installing grove
A24 and the second check valves A80 are respectively fitted in the
both second valve installing grooves A25.
[0162] The above-described first check valve A70, which is mounted
in the first valve installing grove A24 to open or close the
passage A22, is characterized, as shown in FIGS. 55, 57 and 58, in
that it comprises a housing A71 having an inlet A71a as well as an
outlet A71b, a shaft pin A71c and spouting openings A71d; a valve
plate A72 formed with a shaft hole A72a, the valve plate being
intended to open or close the spouting openings A71d, the shaft
hole receiving a shaft pin A71c; and a cap A73 to be combined with
the housing A71 to prevent the valve plate A72 from
falling-off.
[0163] The above-described housing A71 is fitted air-tight in the
first valve installing grove A24, wherein the inlet A71a is formed
on the front bottom of the housing A71, the inlet communicating
with the passage A22, the outlet A71b is formed on the rear top of
the housing A71, the outlet communicating with the air room A21,
the shaft pin A71c projects upward at the center of the housing A71
and a plurality of spouting openings A71d are formed radially
around the shaft pin A71c.
[0164] A projection A71e for securing position is formed
protrusively on an outer side of the housing A71. The first valve
installing groove A24 is provided with a projection receiving slot
A24a to receive the projection A71e. Accordingly, when a housing
A71 is fitted in the first valve installing groove A24, with the
projection A71e aligned with the projection receiving slot A24a, at
the time of assembling, simple communication of the passage A22
with the inlet A71a and of the air room A21 with the outlet A71b
can be easily achieved.
[0165] The valve plate A72 is made of a flexible rubber material to
open or close the spouting openings A71d, wherein the valve plate
A72 is formed, at its center, with the shaft hole A72a in which the
shaft pin A71c is to fitted, as seen in FIG. 55. The valve plate
A72 is positioned on the spouting openings A71d.
[0166] The cap A73 is fitted in the top part of the housing A71 to
prevent the valve plate A72 from falling-off.
[0167] The operation of the first check valve A70 constructed as
above is described. First, as shown in FIGS. 52 and 58, when the
air room A21 is pressed during a walk, the resulting pressurized
air causes the valve plate A72 of the first check valve A70 to be
pressed down firmly on the spouting openings A71d, so that the
spouting openings A71d are closed to thereby block the passage A22,
whereby the pressurized air in the air room can not be discharged
to the passage A22, However, when the air room A21 is expanded due
to the material elasticity during a walk so as to generate the
sucking force here, the valve plate A72 is retreated upward from
the spouting openings A71d so as to open the latter, whereby the
spouting openings A71d maintain the opened state. Therefore, the
fresh air flowing in the passage A22 is naturally flowed in the air
room A21 where the sucking force is now present.
[0168] The above-described second check valves A80, which are
respectively mounted in the both second valve installing groves A25
to discharge the air, is characterized, as shown in FIGS. 56, 59
and 60, in that it comprises a housing A81 having an inlet A81a as
well as an outlet A81b, a shaft pin A81c and spouting openings
A81d; a valve plate A82 formed with a shaft hole A82a, the valve
plate being intended to open or close the spouting openings A81d,
the shaft hole receiving a shaft pin A81c; and a cap A83 to be
combined with the housing A81 to prevent the valve plate A82 from
falling-off.
[0169] The above-described housings A81 are fitted air-tight in the
second valve installing groves A25 on both sides. In FIG. 56, the
inlet A81a is formed on the rear bottom of the housing A81, the
inlet communicating with the air room A21 through a hole A25a, the
outlet A81b is formed on the front top of the housing A81, the
outlet communicating with the outside through a hole A25b, the
shaft pin A81c projects upward at the center of the housing A81 and
a plurality of spouting openings A81d are formed radially around
the shaft pin A81c.
[0170] A projection A81e for securing position is formed
protrusively on an outer side of a housing A81. The second valve
installing grooves A25 are each provided with a projection
receiving slot A25a to receive a projection A81e. Accordingly, when
a housing A81 is fitted in the second valve installing groove A25,
with the projection A81e aligned with the projection receiving slot
A25a, at the time of assembling, simple communication of the hole
A25a with the inlet A81a and of the hole A25b with the outlet A81b
can be easily achieved.
[0171] The valve plates A82 are made of a flexible rubber material
to open or close the spouting openings A81d, wherein the valve
plates A82 are each formed, at its center, with a shaft hole A82a
in which a shaft pin A81c is to fitted, as seen in FIG. 56. The
valve plates A82 are positioned on the spouting openings A81d.
[0172] The caps A83 are each fitted in the top part of the housing
A81 to prevent the valve plate A82 from falling-off.
[0173] The operation of the second check valves A80 constructed as
above is described. First, as shown in FIGS. 53 and 59, when the
air room A21 is pressed during a walk, the resulting pressurized
air causes the valve plates A82 of the second check valves A80 to
be retreated from the spouting openings A81d, so that the spouting
openings A81d are opened, whereby the pressurized air is discharged
to the outside through the outlets A81b and holes A25b. However,
when the air room A21 is expanded due to the elastic restoring
force of the material during a walk so as to generate the sucking
force, as shown in FIGS. 54 and 59, the valve plates A82 are
attracted down firmly to the spouting openings A81d so as to close
the latter, whereby no more air is discharged to the outside. At
this time, for example, the water or other impurities can not
penetrate inside. Particularly, the water can not penetrate inside
the shoes S4, even when the rear part of the shoes is dipped in the
water during a walk.
[0174] The air-circulation type shock buffering footwear according
to various embodiments as described above has the advantages of
having shock absorbing and buffering action and so reducing the
fatigue of the wearer's feet owing to good cushion when the person
walks or runs, helping to improve the health by increasing exercise
quantity based on the construction, and preventing a variety of
adults' diseases caused by the lack in exercise.
[0175] In addition, the air-circulation type shock buffering
footwear has the advantage that the fresh external air can flow in
the interior of the footwear to realize a smooth ventilation when
the wearer walks or jumps so as to remove the smell on the feet and
to prevent the athlete's foot, with the result that the wearer can
wear the footwear in a pleasant and comfortable condition for many
hours.
* * * * *