U.S. patent application number 12/653845 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-02 for layered footwear assembly with an arcuate undersurface.
Invention is credited to Liliana Paez.
Application Number | 20100299969 12/653845 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43218599 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100299969 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Paez; Liliana |
December 2, 2010 |
Layered footwear assembly with an arcuate undersurface
Abstract
A footwear assembly structured to be worn on a user's foot is
presented. In particular, the footwear assembly comprises an upper
engaging component which is cooperatively structured and disposed
to secure to the user's foot during use. In addition, the footwear
assembly comprises at least one cooperatively structured insole,
midsole and outsole. The insole(s) are disposed in an overlying
relation to a top surface of an upper portion of the midsole, and
the outsole is disposed in an underlying relation to at least a
portion of the midsole. In addition, the footwear assembly
comprises at least one insert disposed between the midsole and the
outsole, for example, proximate a front and/or rear portion
thereof, and is structured to provide added support and cushioning.
Further, an undersurface of the outsole is structured to define an
at least partially arcuate contour along its longitudinal length to
facilitate a rocking movement during use.
Inventors: |
Paez; Liliana; (Miami Beach,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MALLOY & MALLOY, P.A.
2800 S.W. Third Avenue, Historic Coral Way
Miami
FL
33129
US
|
Family ID: |
43218599 |
Appl. No.: |
12/653845 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61217484 |
May 29, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/30R ;
36/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/145 20130101;
A43B 13/16 20130101; A43B 13/125 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/30.R ;
36/43 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/12 20060101
A43B013/12; A43B 13/38 20060101 A43B013/38 |
Claims
1. A footwear assembly structured to be worn on a user's foot, said
footwear assembly comprising: an upper engaging component
cooperatively structured and disposed to secure to the user's foot
during use, a midsole component comprising an upper portion and a
lower extension portion, said upper portion of said midsole
component extending beyond a rear end of said lower extension
portion of said midsole component to at least partially define a
rear cavity, an outsole component disposed in an underlying
relation to at least a portion of said midsole component, wherein a
least a portion of said outsole component is connected to said
lower extension portion of said midsole component, a rear insert
disposed at least partially within said rear cavity and between a
rear portion of said midsole component and a rear portion of said
outsole component, and an outer surface of said outsole component
being structured to define an at least partially and continuous
arcuate contour along its length.
2. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said rear
cavity comprises a substantially angled configuration defined by
adjacent rear surfaces of said upper portion and said lower
extension portion of said midsole component.
3. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said rear
insert comprises a top surface, said top surface of said rear
insert comprising a substantially angled configuration
cooperatively structured to abut said substantially angled rear
cavity.
4. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said rear
insert comprises an at least partially soft cushion material.
5. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a
front cavity; said front cavity comprising a substantially angled
configuration defined by adjacent front surfaces of said upper
portion and said lower extension portion of said midsole
component.
6. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 5 further comprising a
front insert disposed at least partially within said front cavity
and between a front portion of said midsole component and a front
portion of said outsole component.
7. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said front
insert comprises a top surface; said top surface of said front
insert comprising a substantially angled configuration
cooperatively structured to abut said substantially angled
configuration of said front cavity.
8. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said front
insert comprises an at least partially soft cushion material.
9. A footwear assembly structured to be worn on a user's foot, said
footwear assembly comprising: an upper engaging component
cooperatively structured and disposed to secure to the user's foot
during use, a midsole component comprising an upper portion and a
lower extension portion, said upper portion of said midsole
component extending beyond a rear peripheral edge of said lower
extension portion to at least partially define a rear cavity, said
upper portion of said midsole component further extending beyond a
front peripheral edge of said lower extension portion to at least
partially define a front cavity, at least one insole component
disposed in an overlying relation to a top surface of said upper
portion of said midsole component, said at least one insole
component being disposed in a direct contact with the user's foot
during use, an outsole component disposed in an underlying relation
to at least a portion of said midsole component, said outsole
component being disposable in a direct contact with a walking
surface during use, a front insert disposed at least partially
within said front cavity and between a front portion of said
midsole component and a front portion of said outsole component, a
rear insert disposed at least partially within said rear cavity and
between a rear portion of said midsole component and a rear portion
of said outsole component, and an outer surface of said outsole
component being structured to define an at least partially arcuate
contour along its length.
10. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said front
and rear cavities each comprise a substantially angled
configuration; said substantially angled configuration of said rear
cavity being defined by adjacent rear surfaces of said upper
portion and said lower extension portion of said midsole component;
said substantially angled configuration of said front cavity being
defined by adjacent front surfaces of said upper portion and said
lower extension portion of said midsole component.
11. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein said rear
insert comprises a substantially angled top surface cooperatively
structured to abut said substantially angled configuration of said
rear cavity.
12. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said front
insert comprises a substantially angled top surface cooperatively
structured to abut said substantially angled configuration of said
front cavity.
13. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said front
insert comprises a bottom surface; said bottom surface of said
front insert comprising an at least partially arcuate
configuration.
14. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said rear
insert comprises a bottom surface; said bottom surface of said rear
insert comprising an at least partially arcuate configuration.
15. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said front
and rear inserts are cooperatively structured to at least partially
define said at least partially arcuate contour of said outer
surface of said outsole component.
16. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said front
and rear inserts each comprise an at least partially soft cushion
material.
17. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said
midsole component comprises polyurethane and rubber.
18. A footwear assembly structured to be worn on a user's foot,
said footwear assembly comprising: a midsole component comprising
an upper portion and a lower extension portion, said upper portion
of said midsole component extending beyond a rear end of said lower
extension portion of said midsole component to at least partially
define a rear cavity, said upper portion of said midsole component
further extending beyond a front peripheral edge of said lower
extension portion to at least partially define a front cavity, said
front and rear cavities each comprising a substantially angled
configuration, wherein said substantially angled configuration of
said rear cavity is defined by adjacent rear surfaces of said upper
portion and said lower extension portion of said midsole component
and said substantially angled configuration of said front cavity is
defined by adjacent front surfaces of said upper portion and said
lower extension portion of said midsole component, said rear insert
comprising a substantially angled top surface cooperatively
structured to abut said substantially angled configuration of said
rear cavity, said front insert comprising a substantially angled
top surface cooperatively structured to abut said substantially
angled configuration of said front cavity, an outsole component
disposed in an underlying relation to at least a portion of said
midsole component, wherein a least a portion of said outsole
component is connected to said lower extension portion of said
midsole component, a rear insert disposed at least partially within
said rear cavity and between a rear portion of said midsole
component and a rear portion of said outsole component, and an
outer surface of said outsole component being structured to define
an at least partially and continuous arcuate contour along its
length.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is based on and a claim to priority
is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a provisional patent
application currently pending in the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office, having Ser. No. 61/217,484 and a filing date of May 29,
2009, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed to a footwear assembly,
including, for instance, a shoe, sandal, flip flop, or other device
cooperatively structured to be worn on a user's foot when walking,
jogging, running, etc. In particular, the footwear assembly of the
various embodiments of the present invention comprises a plurality
of cooperatively structured and disposed components and/or layers,
including at least one insole, midsole, support or wedge insert(s),
and an at least partially arcuate outsole or undersurface.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Physical exercise is an important element in everyone's
lifestyle in that it helps maintain physical fitness, can lead to
maintaining a healthy weight, a healthy muscle and bone structure,
and can promote a general sense of physical and psychological
well-being. Many people in today's society thus purchase
memberships to local gymnasiums and/or purchase bulky exercise
equipment for their own home in an effort to incorporate exercise
into their everyday routines. The problem with these two avenues,
however, is that the local gymnasium and exercise equipment can be
rather expensive, and further, in order to reap the benefits of the
same, the individual must be able to set aside a continuous section
of time out of the already busy day full of work, child care, home
maintenance, errands, etc.
[0006] For those individuals that do not join local gymnasiums or
purchase expensive, bulky in-home exercise equipment, many attempt
to incorporate one or more physical activities into their busy
routine by, for example, going for a walk, jog, or run, and/or by
playing a sport or other physically demanding activity. Again, in
order to reap the benefits of such an activity, the individual must
be able to set aside a particular section of time from the already
busy schedule.
[0007] Many individual are thus always looking for ways to either
reduce the daily exercise time but maintain the physical
advantages, or incorporate exercise into their everyday routines.
As such, there is a need for an improved footwear assembly having
an at least partially arcuate undersurface which is structured to
promote physical fitness and incorporate physical activities into
an individual's everyday routine. The proposed footwear assembly
may be worn during a walk, jog or run, or while shopping, walking a
dog or child, at work, at home, or running errands.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to a layered footwear
assembly having an at least partially arcuate undersurface which is
disposable in a direct contact with the ground or other walking
surface. In particular, the footwear assembly of the various
embodiments of the present invention is structured to provide a
number of benefits to a user over a conventional flat or
substantially flat configuration. In particular, the curved or
arcuate undersurface is structured to reduce the impact on certain
muscles and bones in the user's body during a walk, run, jog, or
other use. Specifically, the arcuate undersurface is structured to
facilitate a rocking or rolling movement of the user's foot from
the user's heel to the user's toes, which, in turn, reduces or
eliminates strain or impact on the user's body, reduces back, knee
and other muscle pains and aches, and further facilitates a proper
posture. In addition, the curved contour of the undersurface causes
the user to work certain muscles during use, for example, muscles
in the user's legs, calf, buttocks, abdomen, back and knees.
Consequently, the user will burn more calories, increase
circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body, and
potentially lose weight and tone the body, for instance, at the
user's legs, buttocks, back and abdomen.
[0009] In addition, at least one embodiment of the present
invention comprises additional support or cushioning proximate the
front and/or rear portions of the shoe, for example, by use of one
or more inserts disposed therein. In particular, as the user walks
or otherwise uses the footwear assembly of the present invention,
the use of additional support or cushion inserts proximate a front
and/or rear portion lessens the negative impacts on the user's
bones, muscles, etc.
[0010] Moreover, as will become apparent from the following
discussion, the various embodiments of the footwear assembly
comprises an upper engaging portion, one or more insole components,
and a cooperatively structured and disposed midsole component,
outsole component, and inserts(s). In particular, the midsole
component comprises an upper portion and a lower extension or
bottom portion. The upper portion of at least one embodiment is
disposed along the entire length of the shoe and comprises a front
and rear ledge that extend beyond the lower extension portion
proximate the front and rear ends thereof so as to at least
partially define a front cavity and a rear cavity respectively. As
will be described in detail below, the inserts of at least one
embodiment are cooperatively structured to be disposed within the
front and/or rear cavities.
[0011] The footwear assembly of the present invention further
comprises an outsole component disposed in a generally vertically
aligned relation to at least a portion of the midsole component.
The outsole component, which is disposable in a direct contact with
the walking surface, may be constructed of leather, rubber, or any
other material structured to facilitate the practice of the present
invention in the intended manner. The undersurface of the outsole
component may include traction elements or other like devices to
facilitate a gripping engagement with the walking surface during
use.
[0012] Moreover, the outsole component of at least one embodiment
is connected to a lower surface of the insert(s) proximate the
front and/or rear portions of the footwear assembly. In particular,
the lower surface(s) of the insert(s) comprise an at least
partially arcuate configuration, which in turn, facilitates the at
least partially arcuate configuration of the outsole or
undersurface of the footwear assembly.
[0013] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as
the detailed description are taken into consideration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of at least one embodiment of
the footwear assembly disclosed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the footwear
assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of the footwear
assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of at least one
embodiment of the footwear assembly disclosed in accordance with
the present invention.
[0019] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and with
primary reference to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention is directed
to a footwear assembly, generally indicated as 10. The footwear
assembly 10 of the present invention is structured to be
operatively worn or otherwise disposed on a user's foot, and thus,
a user may wear two footwear assemblies 10, one constructed for or
worn on the user's left foot, and another constructed for or worn
on the user's right foot. Moreover, as will become apparent from
the following detailed description, the various embodiments of the
footwear assembly 10 of the present invention comprise a plurality
of cooperatively structured layers or components, each disposed in
a generally vertically aligned orientation relative to one another.
The various layers or components of the present invention may be
connected or secured to adjacent layers or components via adhesion,
nails, tacks, or virtually any manner structured to facilitate the
practice of the present invention in the intended manner.
[0021] More in particular, the footwear assembly 10 comprises at
least one upper engaging component 20, which is structured and
disposed to secure, hold, or otherwise removably engage the user's
foot to the footwear assembly 10. As generally illustrated in FIGS.
1-3, the upper engaging component 20 comprises cooperatively
structured laces 22, loops, and/or a foot port 24. The user's foot
may be disposed within the port 24 and the laces 22 may be used to
secure the foot to the footwear assembly 20. In addition, however,
the upper engaging component 20 may comprise one or more straps,
buckles, strings, etc., such as in the case of a sandal or flip
flop, or any other device(s) structured and disposed to secure the
user's foot to the footwear assembly 10. In at least one
embodiment, the upper engaging portion 20 comprises leather, mesh
material, plastics, metals, and other components. Of course, the
upper engaging component 20 may comprise any one or more of a
plurality of designs, configurations, styles, colors, materials,
etc.
[0022] The footwear assembly 10 of at least one embodiment of the
present invention further comprises at least one insole component
30, which, when in use, comes in direct contact with a bottom
portion of the user's foot. Accordingly, the insole component 30 is
the interior bottom portion of the footwear assembly 10. As
illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 4, at least one embodiment
of the footwear assembly 10 of the present invention comprises a
plurality of vertically stacked, aligned, and/or overlying insole
components 30, 30'. In particular, a plurality of insole components
30, 30' of at least one embodiment of the present invention is
generally used for added comfort for the user, to control the
shape, moisture, odor, or smell of the footwear assembly 10, and/or
to combat certain health or posture issues associated with the
user. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the insole
component(s) 30, 30' may be removably disposed within the footwear
assembly 10 for easy replacement, or so as to easily incorporate
additional insole components as the user desires. The insole
component(s) 30, 30' may be configured and/or designed to provide
support for the user's foot, and may be rigid, semi-rigid, or
flexible, and may be constructed of virtually any material,
including, but not limited to wood, latex, fabric, polyurethane,
polypropylene, and/or any derivative or combination thereof.
[0023] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the present
invention comprises a midsole component 40. The midsole component
40 of at least one embodiment comprises an upper portion 42 and a
lower extension or bottom portion 44. As described herein, in at
least one embodiment, the upper portion 42 of the midsole component
40 comprises a front ledge 42' which extends beyond a front
peripheral edge or surface 44' of the lower extension portion 44 to
at least partially define a front cavity. Similarly, the upper
portion 42 of at least one embodiment of the midsole component 40
comprises a rear ledge 42'' which extends beyond a rear end or rear
peripheral edge 44'' to at least partially define a rear cavity. In
addition, the upper portion 42 of the midsole component 40 may
extend the entire length of the shoe, and comprise a contour
generally similar to the contour of the user's foot. Further, when
assembled, in at least one embodiment, the insole component(s) 30,
30' are disposed in an overlying relation to a top surface 43 of
the upper portion 42 of the midsole component 40. The midsole
component 40 may be constructed or made from polyurethane, rubber,
etc, or any derivative or combination thereof. In particular, at
least one embodiment of the midsole component 40 comprises a
composition of approximately 80% polyurethane and 20% rubber. The
midsole component 40 may be connected to the upper engaging
component 20 and/or insole(s) 30, 30 via adhesion, nails, tacks,
etc.
[0024] The footwear assembly 10 of the various embodiments of the
present invention further comprises an outsole component 50
disposed in a generally vertically aligned and/or at least
partially underlying relation to at least a portion of the midsole
component 40, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. In particular, an outer
or under surface 51 of the outsole component 50 of the footwear
assembly 10 is disposable in a direct contact with the ground or
other walking surface. The outsole component 50 may be constructed
of leather, rubber, or any other material structured to facilitate
the practice of the present invention in the intended manner.
[0025] In addition, the under surface 51 of the various embodiments
of the present invention is structured to define an at least
partially, and in at least one embodiment, a substantially arcuate
contour or otherwise curved configuration along its longitudinal
length. The arcuate contour of the outsole component 50 provides a
number of benefits to the user over a conventional flat or
substantially flat configuration. In particular, the curved or
arcuate contour of the outsole component 50 or under surface 51 of
the footwear assembly 10 reduces the impact on certain muscles,
bones, and other portions of the user's body while the user is
walking, running, jogging, or otherwise using the footwear assembly
10. Specifically, during use, the arcuate contour of the under
surface 51 is structured to facilitate a rocking or rolling
movement of the user's foot from the user's heel to the user's
toes. This rocking or rolling type of movement of the user's foot
during use reduces and/or eliminates strain or impact on the user's
body, reduces back, knee, and other muscle pains and aches, and
further facilitates a proper posture for the user. Moreover, the
arcuate contour of the outsole component 50 causes the user to work
certain muscles during use, for instance, muscles in the user's
legs, calf, buttocks, abdomen, back and knees. In particular,
because of the at least partially arcuate configuration, the user
must maintain balance during use. Consequently, the user will burn
more calories, increase circulation of blood and oxygen throughout
the body, and potentially lose weight and tone the body, for
instance, at the user's legs, buttocks, back and abdomen.
[0026] Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, the present invention further
comprises at least one insert or cushioning component 60 disposed
between the midsole component 40 and outsole component 50. The
insert component(s) 60 of the various embodiments of the present
invention may be constructed or made from polyurethane, rubber,
etc, or any derivative or combination thereof, and may further
comprise an at least partially or generally soft cushion
material.
[0027] Particularly, in at least one embodiment, a front insert 62
is at least partially disposed within a front cavity between the
front portion 41 of the midsole component 40 and a front portion 52
of the outsole component 50. In at least one embodiment of the
present invention, the front insert 62 comprises a top portion 63
which is cooperatively structured to connect to, abut with, or at
least partially fit within, a front cavity of the midsole component
40. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the front cavity of the midsole
component 40 is proximate to the front portion 41 of the midsole
component 40 and is at least partially defined by adjacent front
surfaces, such as, a lower, overhanging surface or ledge 42' of the
upper portion 42, and front surface or edge 44' of the lower
extension portion 44. In particular, in at least one embodiment of
the footwear assembly 10 of the present invention, the combined,
adjacent front surfaces 42' and 44' of the midsole component 40 are
structured to define a substantially angled configuration, such as,
for example, a defined obtuse angle therebetween. Accordingly, the
top portion 63 of the front insert 62 of at least one embodiment
comprises a cooperatively structured and substantially angled
configuration so as to abut or fit within the angled configuration
of the front cavity, as defined by adjacent surfaces 42', 44'.
[0028] The front insert 62 of at least one embodiment of the
present invention is structured to provide additional support,
cushioning, or comfort to the front portion of the footwear
assembly 10 and the user's foot. More in particular, as the user
rolls or rocks onto the front portion of the footwear assembly 10
and/or the front portion 52 of the outsole component 50, the front
insert 62 is structured to provide support and/or comfort to the
user.
[0029] Further, at least one embodiment of the present invention
comprises a rear insert 66 at least partially disposed within a
rear cavity between the rear portion 45 of the midsole component 40
and a rear portion 55 of the outsole component 50. The rear insert
66 comprises a top portion 67 which is cooperatively structured to
connect to, abut with, or at least partially fit within, the rear
cavity of the midsole component 40. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the
rear cavity of the midsole component 40 is disposed proximate to
the rear portion 45 of the midsole component 40 and is at least
partially defined by adjacent rear surfaces, such as, a lower
surface or ledge 42'' of the upper portion 42, and a rear surface
or edge 44'' of the lower extension portion 44. More in particular,
in at least one embodiment, the upper surface 67 of the rear insert
66 comprises a substantially and sharply angled configuration.
Likewise, the rear cavity of the midsole component 40, defined by
surfaces 42'' and 44'', is cooperatively structured to define a
similar substantially angled configuration.
[0030] The rear insert 66 of at least one embodiment is structured
to provide additional support, cushioning, or comfort to the rear
portion of the footwear assembly 10 and the user's foot. More in
particular, as the user rolls or rocks onto the rear portion of the
footwear assembly 10 and/or the rear portion 55 of the outsole
component 50, for instance proximate the user's heel, the rear
insert 66 is structured to provide support and/or comfort to the
user.
[0031] Still referring to FIG. 4, and as also illustrated in FIGS.
1 and 2, at least a portion of the outsole component 50 is
connected to the lower extension portion 44 of the midsole
component 40, and in particular, at a location in between the front
and rear inserts 62, 66.
[0032] As best illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the
lower surfaces 64, 68 of the front and/or rear inserts 62, 66,
respectively, are structured to define an at least partially curved
or arcuate configuration. The outsole component 50 of at least one
embodiment of the footwear assembly 10 is connected to the lower
surfaces 64, 68 of the front and rear inserts 62, 66. Accordingly,
the at least partially curved or arcuate configuration of the lower
surfaces 64, 68 of the front and/or rear inserts 62, 66 are thus
structured to facilitate the arcuate contour of the outsole
component 50 when assembled.
[0033] Moreover, as illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 4, in
at least one embodiment of the footwear assembly 10 of the present
invention, each of the layers or components, for instance, the
insole component(s) 30, 30', midsole component 40, outsole
component 50, and front and/or rear inserts 62, 66, are separate
and prior to assembly are initially detached from one another. Such
a configuration and structure provides a footwear assembly 10 that
minimizes impact on certain portions of the user's body or foot.
For instance, because of the initially disjointed nature of the
separate layers or components, an impact at one point of the
footwear assembly 10 during use does not travel well to other
points. Thus, an impact at the heel of the footwear assembly 10 is
less likely to travel to other portions of the footwear assembly 10
and/or the user's body.
[0034] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention,
it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and
shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative
and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention
should be determined by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
[0035] Now that the invention has been described,
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