U.S. patent application number 13/739255 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-06 for ventilating footwear devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael S. Adams, William G. Hardie, Robert J. Wiener.
Application Number | 20130139413 13/739255 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39768868 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130139413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adams; Michael S. ; et
al. |
June 6, 2013 |
Ventilating Footwear Devices
Abstract
Ventilating insole boards, self-ventilating footwear devices and
self-bailing footwear articles and devices are provided.
Inventors: |
Adams; Michael S.; (Oxford,
PA) ; Wiener; Robert J.; (Middletown, DE) ;
Hardie; William G.; (Landenberg, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.; |
Newark |
DE |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
W.L. Gore & Associates,
Inc.
Newark
DE
|
Family ID: |
39768868 |
Appl. No.: |
13/739255 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12142881 |
Jun 20, 2008 |
8375600 |
|
|
13739255 |
|
|
|
|
60945152 |
Jun 20, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/3B |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/12 20130101; A43B
17/08 20130101; A43B 7/081 20130101; A43B 17/102 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/3.B |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/12 20060101
A43B007/12 |
Claims
1. A self-bailing waterproof footwear article comprising: (a) a
waterproof upper region; (b) a waterproof sole region; and (c) a
fluid distribution system having at least one inlet, at least one
outlet, and at least one compressible pump connected to or
integrated with a fluid reservoir; wherein said fluid distribution
system is located in said waterproof sole region, and wherein the
at least one outlet is located in said waterproof upper region and
expels fluid via the compressible pump to an external
environment.
2. The self-bailing waterproof footwear article of claim 1 wherein
the at least one inlet is positioned under a foot of a wearer of
the article.
3. The self-bailing waterproof footwear article of claim 1 wherein
the fluid is a liquid.
4. The self-bailing waterproof footwear article of claim 1 wherein
the at least one compressible pump and fluid reservoir are combined
in a single element.
5. The self-bailing waterproof footwear article of claim 1 wherein
the fluid reservoir has a fluid capacity of at least 10 ml.
6. The self-bailing waterproof footwear article of claim 1 wherein
the at least one compressible pump is located under a heel of a
wearer of the article.
7. The self-bailing waterproof footwear article of claim 1 wherein
the waterproof sole region further comprises a footbed, an insole
board and an outsole.
8. The self-bailing waterproof footwear article of claim 7 wherein
the fluid distribution system is in the footbed.
9. The self-bailing waterproof footwear article of claim 7 wherein
the fluid distribution system is in the outsole.
10. The self-bailing waterproof footwear article of claim 7 wherein
the fluid distribution system is in the insole board.
11. The self-bailing waterproof footwear article of claim 10
wherein the insole board further comprises an insole with a heel
region and a toe region, and a joinable flange extending from a
mid-point on the insole to either the toe or heel region and
wherein the fluid distribution system extends essentially between
the heel region and the toe region of said insole and the joinable
flange.
12. A self-bailing footwear device comprising: (a) a toe region;
(b) a heel region; (c) an insole board extending from said heel
region to said toe region and having at least one compressible pump
having an expelled fluid volume of at least 10 ml; (d) at least one
fluid flow channel having an inlet, an outlet and a fluid reservoir
and extending at least from the heel region to the toe region,
wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the compressible
pump for fluid to be drawn into the fluid reservoir of the fluid
flow channel through the inlet upon decompression of the pump and
wherein the outlet is located so that fluid is expelled to an
external environment through the outlet upon compression of the
pump; and (e) at least one check valve located between the inlet
and the outlet of the at least one fluid flow channel to control
fluid flow direction.
13. The self-bailing footwear device of claim 12 wherein the outlet
of said at least one fluid flow channel is a single opening.
14. The self-bailing footwear device of claim 12 wherein said
compressible pump withstands at least one million compressions.
15. The self-bailing footwear device of claim 12 wherein said
compressible pump is comprised of at least two dissimilar
materials.
16. The self-bailing footwear device of claim 12 wherein said
compressible pump has an efficiency rating of at least 50%.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional application of
allowed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/142,881, filed Jun. 20,
2008, which further claims priority to Provisional Application No.
60/945,152, filed Jun. 20, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to ventilating insole boards,
self-ventilating footwear devices and self-bailing footwear
articles and devices for keeping a user's feet cool and dry.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Shoes which cool and dehumidify one's feet have been
disclosed.
[0004] An example is a shoe with a product built into the sole of
the shoe that cools and dehumidifies one's feet. In this example,
the product is two layers molded or connected to the shoe sole,
wherein the first layer has a liquid-filled area with a liquid
powered turbine and the second layer contains a built-in fan or
fans or other turbines powered by the liquid turbine responding to
movement of the liquid in the first layer.
[0005] Athletic shoes with a self-pumping chamber for producing a
continuous supply of airflow which provides ventilation to the foot
of the wearer and/or improves the fit or cushioning of the shoe
have also been disclosed.
[0006] Another example is an athletic shoe insulated to minimize
heat from solar radiation and heat conduction from the ground and
ventilated to draw into the interior of the shoe cool ambient air
and discharge moist warm air developed as a result of athletic
activity.
[0007] Yet another example is a shoe ventilation apparatus
inclusive of a shoe with a bottom sole, a heel portion, and an
upper portion, as well as pocket attached to the exterior portion
of the shoe inclusive of a bellows with an air-inlet port and an
air-outlet port disposed in the heel portion. All of the prior
examples fail to provide adequate fluid flow around the foot to
achieve wearer comfort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to ventilating insole boards
for use in articles of footwear to keep a user's foot inside the
footwear cool and dry.
[0009] In one embodiment, the ventilating insole board of the
present invention comprises a heel region, a plantar region, a
joinable flange having a first circumference positioned in the heel
region, a pivotable pump having a second circumference located
adjacent to the joinable flange in the heel region and a hinged
connection between the joinable flange and the plantar region
positioned in the heel region of the ventilating insole board.
[0010] In another embodiment, the footwear insole board comprises
an insole board with a heel region and a toe region and an air
distribution device extending from the heel region to the toe
region. In this embodiment, the heel region comprises a joinable
flange, a pivotable pump located adjacent to the flange, and a
hinged connection proximal to the heel region about which the
pivotable pump rotates.
[0011] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
self-ventilating footwear device configured to fit substantially
within a footwear article extending substantially the length of the
footwear article. The self-ventilating footwear device comprises a
toe region, a heel region, an insole board extending from the heel
region to toe region and having at least one resilient,
compressible pump having an expelled fluid volume of at least 10
ml, at least one fluid flow channel having an inlet and an outlet
and extending at least from the heel region to the toe region, and
at least one check valve located within the fluid flow channel
between the inlet and the outlet. In this device, the inlet of the
fluid flow channel is located proximal to the heel region and in
fluid communication with the compressible pump so that air is drawn
into a fluid reservoir connected to or integrated with the pump
through the inlet upon decompression of the pump. The outlet of the
fluid flow chamber of this device is located distal to the toe
region so that air drawn into the compressible pump is expelled
through the outlet upon compression of the pump.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
self-bailing waterproof footwear article.
[0013] In one embodiment, the self-bailing waterproof footwear
article comprises a waterproof upper region, a waterproof sole
region, and a fluid distribution system having at least one inlet,
at least one outlet and at least one compressible pump with a fluid
reservoir connected to or integrated into the pump. The inlet and
the pump with fluid reservoir of the fluid distribution system are
located in the waterproof sole region while the outlet is located
in the upper waterproof region to expel fluid via the pump to the
external environment.
[0014] In another embodiment, the self-bailing footwear device
comprises a toe region, a heel region, an insole board extending
from the heel region to the toe region and having at least one
compressible fluid pump having an expelled fluid volume of at least
10 ml, at least one fluid flow channel having an inlet and an
outlet and extending at least from the heel region to the toe
region, and at least one check valve located between the inlet and
the outlet to control fluid flow direction. The inlet of the fluid
flow channel is in fluid communication with the pump so that fluid
is drawn into the fluid flow channel through the inlet upon
decompression of the pump. The outlet of the fluid flow channel is
located so that fluid is expelled from the fluid flow channel to
the external environment through the outlet upon compression of the
pump.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
ventilating insole board of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an alternative exemplary embodiment
of a ventilating insole board of the present invention with an air
distribution device. The diagram illustrates a hinged connection
proximal to heel region, as opposed to between the heel and plantar
regions, and the air distribution device.
[0017] FIGS. 3A-3J are cross-sectional views of self-ventilating
footwear device fitted into footwear articles. The embodiments
shown include:
[0018] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a Strobel Construction,
Waterproof footwear.
[0019] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a Strobel Construction,
Non-Waterproof footwear.
[0020] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a Cement Lasted
Construction, Waterproof footwear.
[0021] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of a Cement Lasted
Construction, Non-Waterproof footwear.
[0022] FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view of a Single-Lasted
Construction, Waterproof footwear.
[0023] FIG. 3F is a cross-sectional view of a Single-Lasted
Construction, Waterproof footwear.
[0024] FIG. 3G is a cross-sectional view of footwear created with
direct injection to form a waterproof seal.
[0025] FIG. 3H is a cross-sectional view of a Direct Injection
Non-Waterproof footwear.
[0026] FIG. 3I is a view of a Bootie Construction which is
waterproof
[0027] FIG. 3J is a view of a Bootie Construction which is
non-waterproof.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary self-bailing waterproof
footwear article with a preformed cavity for fluid collection.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a
self-bailing waterproof footwear article where the waterproof sole
region further comprises a footbed, an insole board and an
outsole.
[0030] FIG. 6 demonstrates the relative humidity reduction required
for certain perceived comfort utilizing a negative airflow.
[0031] FIG. 7 demonstrates the relative humidity reduction required
for certain perceived comfort utilizing a positive airflow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] The present invention relates to footwear as well as devices
for insertion into footwear which allow for delivery of air to a
region of the footwear and/or removal of fluids from the
footwear.
[0033] The present invention provides ventilating insole boards for
insertion into a shoe or boot.
[0034] In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 1, the ventilating
insole board 2 comprises a heel region 3 and a plantar region 5, a
joinable flange 6 having a first circumference, a pivotable pump 7
having a second circumference and located adjacent to the joinable
flange 6, and a hinged connection 8 between the joinable flange 6
and the pivotable pump. As shown in FIG. 1, the joinable flange 6
and pivotable pump 7 are located in the heel region 3 of the
ventilating insole board 2 while the hinged connection 8 is between
the heel region 3 and plantar region 5 of the insole board 2. In
this embodiment, the first circumference of the joinable flange 6
can be smaller than the second circumference of the pivotable pump
7. Alternatively, the pump may be located in a recess in the heel
of the footwear or below the insole board.
[0035] Materials which are suitable for the construction of the
insole board include but are not limited to: plastics, rubbers,
elastomers, polyvinylchlorides, thermoplastics, polyethylene,
polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVA), thermoplastic
polyurethane (TPU), materials which are able to be radio frequency
(RF) welded, weldable materials, materials which are able to be
ultrasonically (US) welded, materials which are able to be
adhesively joined. Materials which are suitable for the
construction of the joinable include but are not limited to:
plastics, rubbers, elastomers, polyvinylchlorides, thermoplastics,
polyethylene, polypropylene, EVA, TPU, materials which are able to
be radio frequency (RF) welded, weldable materials, materials which
are able to be ultrasonically (US) welded, or other materials which
are able to be adhesively joined. The pivotable pump may be formed
of one part or multiple parts. Materials used in the formation of
the pivotable pump include but are not limited to plastics,
rubbers, elastomers, polyvinylchlorides, thermoplastics,
polyethylene, polypropylene, EVA, TPU, materials which are able to
be radio frequency (RF) welded, weldable materials, materials which
are able to be ultrasonically (US) welded, materials which are able
to be adhesively joined, other materials suited to construct a
compressible pump body. The hinged connection may be formed from
welding or adhering the pump to the insole board.
[0036] As depicted in FIG. 2, the footwear insole board may further
comprise an air distribution device 10 extending from the at least
the heel region 3 of the insole board 2 to about the toe region 4
of the insole board. In this embodiment, the joinable flange 6 and
pivotable pump 7 located adjacent to the joinable flange 6 are
positioned in the heel region 3 and have a hinged connection 8
proximal to the heel region 3 about which the pivotable pump 7
hingedly rotates. The air distribution device 10 of this embodiment
preferably has an expelled volume of at least 10 ml, more
preferably at least 20 ml. The air distribution device may be
comprised of fluid channels which are connected to the pivotable
pump.
[0037] The present invention also provides self-ventilating
footwear devices.
[0038] FIGS. 3A-3J show aspects of an exemplary self-ventilating
footwear device of the present invention comprising a toe region 4,
a heel region 3, an insole board 2 which extends from the heel
region 3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear device, at least one
resilient, pivotable pump 7, at least one fluid flow channel 14
having an inlet 15 and an outlet 16 which also extends from the
heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear device 20, and at
least one check valve 17 located within the fluid flow channel 14
between the inlet 15 and the outlet 16. It is to be noted that the
fluid flow channel 14 may be integrated into either the insole
board or the strobel board or may exist independent of either.
[0039] In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the footwear comprises a upper including
at least a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer and
an outer layer laminated thereto. The upper 30 is connected via
stitches 35 to a strobel board to form a closed upper having an
inner surface, an outer surface, an open top, and a closed bottom.
A waterproof gasket material 36 is adhered to the inner surface of
the closed bottom of the closed upper, covering the strobel board,
the stitching and at least a perimeter edge of the upper. In this
embodiment, the insole board is connected to the lining 31 which
allows the lining to be conformed to a desired form. A sole 42 may
then be added. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a strobel
construction which is similar to FIG. 3A, but does not require a
lining. In this embodiment the insole board may be connected
directly to the upper forming a non-waterproof shoe or boot.
[0040] FIGS. 3C and 3D show a cross-sectional view of cement lasted
footwear construction. FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of a
cement lasted construction which is waterproof and comprising a toe
region 4, a heel region 3, an insole board 2 which extends from the
heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear device, at least
one resilient, pivotable pump 7, at least one fluid flow channel 14
having an inlet 15 and an outlet 16 which also extends from the
heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear device 20, and at
least one check valve 17 located within the fluid flow channel 14
between the inlet 15 and the outlet 16. In FIG. 3C, the lasting
board 50 is adhered via adhesive 100 to the upper 35 forming a
construct located above the sole 42. In FIG. 3D the upper 30 is
bonded to the lining 31. The lasting board 50 is adhered directly
to the lining 31 via an adhesive 100, and a sole is then added in
contact with the lasting board.
[0041] FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view of a single-lasted
construction which is waterproof and comprises a toe region 4, a
heel region 3, an insole board 2 which extends from the heel region
3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear device 20, at least one
resilient, pivotable pump 7, at least one fluid flow channel 14
having an inlet 15 and an outlet 16 which also extends from the
heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear device 20, and at
least one check valve 17 located within the fluid flow channel 14
between the inlet 15 and the outlet 16. An extruded polymer 102 is
used to join the edge of the lining to the lasting board and form a
seal. This embodiment enables simplified manufacturing processes by
filling spaces with extruded polymers as shown and also fills sole
42 openings or cavities.
[0042] FIG. 3F is a cross-sectional view of a single-lasted
footwear construction which is waterproof and comprises a toe
region 4, a heel region 3, an insole board 2 which extends from the
heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear device 20, at
least one resilient, pivotable pump 7, at least one fluid flow
channel 14 having an inlet 15 and an outlet 16 which also extends
from the heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear device
20, and at least one check valve 17 located within the fluid flow
channel 14 between the inlet 15 and the outlet 16. The edge of the
upper 30 is joined to the lasting board and forms a seal via cement
or adhesive 100.
[0043] FIG. 3G is a cross-sectional view of a direct injection shoe
with a waterproof lining 31. This embodiment is comprising a toe
region 4, a heel region 3, an insole board 2 which extends from the
heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear device 20, at
least one resilient, pivotable pump 7, at least one fluid flow
channel 14 having an inlet 15 and an outlet 16 which also extends
from the heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear device
20, and at least one check valve 17 located within the fluid flow
channel 14 between the inlet 15 and the outlet 16. A net band 102
allows the sole to be attached to the insole board 2 without the
need for any added material between the insole board and the sole,
leading to more flexibility and the option of making the shoe
lighter weight and increased cushioning. The net band 102 may be
held in place by stitches 35. The net board may also join the upper
30 to the lining 31.
[0044] FIG. 3H is a cross-sectional view of a direct injection
non-waterproof, This embodiment is comprising a toe region 4, a
heel region 3, an insole board 2 which extends from the heel region
3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear device at least one
resilient, pivotable pump 7, at least one fluid flow channel 14
having an inlet 15 and an outlet 16 which also extends from the
heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear device, and at
least one check within the fluid flow channel 14 between the inlet
15 and the outlet 16. The pivotable pump may be hollow or may
comprise a center filler material to aid in shape retention or
comfort. The insole board 2 is connected to the upper 30 via
stitches 35 or other affixing means. The sole 42 is directly
injected to the insole board 2.
[0045] FIGS. 3I and 3J show bootie type construction. FIG. 3I shows
a bootie construction with a strobel board 32 used above the sole
12. This aspect of the invention allows the footwear to have a
bootie like construct and waterproof features. This aspect
comprises a toe region 4, a heel region 3, an insole board 2 which
extends form the heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear
device 20, at least one resilient, pivotable pump 7, at least one
fluid flow channel 14 having an inlet 15 and an outlet 16 which
also extends from the heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the
footwear device 20, and at least one check valve 17 located within
the fluid flow channel 4 between the inlet 15 and the outlet 16.
The insole board 3 is able to be connected via stitches 35 to the
lining 31 and a seam tape 40 is able to be applied over the seams
and make the stitched seams waterproof. The insole board 2 is then
able to be located directly under the foot of a wearer. The upper
30 is attached as shown via stitches to the strobel board to form
an outer shell surrounding the lining 31 and pump construct. The
sole 12 is able to be either injection molded, glued or otherwise
attached to the upper and strobel board construct.
[0046] FIG. 3J shows a bootie construction which is non-waterproof
and comprises a toe region 4, a heel region 3, an insole board 2
which extends from the heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the
footwear device, at least one resilient, pivotable pump 7, at least
one fluid flow channel 14 having an inlet 15 and an outlet 16 which
also extends from the heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the
footwear device 20, and at least one check valve 17 located within
the fluid flow channel 14 between the inlet 15 and the outlet 16.
An extruded polymer or adhesive 100 is used to join the edge of the
upper to a lasting board 50 and form a seal. A lasting board 50 is
used to provide a shape to the shoe. The lasting board 50 may be
secured between the upper 30 and the lining 31.
[0047] The upper can be a textile fabric or leather. Textile
fabrics used in the embodiments can be woven, knit, mesh, nonwoven,
felt constructions, etc. Textiles can be produced from natural
fibers such as cotton, or from synthetic fibers such as polyesters,
polyamides, polypropylenes, polyolefins, or blends thereof. The
upper is relatively durable, abrasion resistant and provides an
aesthetically pleasing appearance.
[0048] The inlet 15 of the fluid flow channel 14 is located
proximal to the heel region 3 and in fluid communication with the
pump 12 so that air is drawn into the pump 12 through the inlet 15
upon decompression of the pump 12. In some embodiments the inlet of
the fluid flow channel may have an inlet cover 25 which fits over
the inlet to keep debris and water from entering into the flow
channel, see for example, FIG. 3F. The inlet cover also protects
the durability of the pump by providing a protective cover against
water or debris entry into the channel. In another aspect the inlet
cover may be configured so that the fluid flow channel may be shut
off via a plug, screw or other means of closing the air flow
channel.
[0049] The outlet 16 of the fluid flow channel 14 is located in the
toe region or distal to the toe region 4 for air drawn into the
pump 12 to be expelled through the outlet 16 of the fluid flow
channel 14 upon compression of the pump. The outlet may comprise a
single opening or a plurality of openings.
[0050] The pump of the self ventilating footwear device expels
fluid, preferably air, at a volume of at least 10 ml, more
preferably at least 20 ml. It is expected that the relative
humidity will decrease by about fifteen percent when at least 10 ml
of air is able to be expelled. Preferably, the compressible pump
used in the present invention withstands and delivers at least 10
ml of expelled air per step after at least 250,000 compressions in
one embodiment and of at least 500,000 compressions in other
desired embodiments. In some embodiments of this footwear device,
the compressible pump is comprised of at least two dissimilar
materials such as those listed in the preceding description. It is
preferred that the pump used in the footwear device of the present
invention have an efficiency rating of at least 50%, preferably at
least 60%, more preferably at least 75%.
[0051] The self-ventilating footwear device is configured to fit
inside a footwear article and extend substantially the length of
the footwear article.
[0052] Further provided in the present invention are self-bailing
waterproof footwear articles. An exemplary self-bailing waterproof
footwear article is depicted in FIG. 4 As shown therein, the
self-bailing waterproof footwear article comprises a waterproof
upper region 30, a waterproof sole region 31, and a fluid
distribution system 32.
[0053] The fluid distribution system 32 has at least one inlet 15
connected to at least one compressible pump 12 connected to or
integrated with a fluid reservoir 35, all located in the waterproof
sole region 31, a check valve 17 located between the inlet 15 and
outlet 16, a flow channel 14 and an outlet 16 located in the
waterproof upper region 30 which expels fluid from the footwear
article to the external environment via the pump. In one
embodiment, the fluid reservoir 35 has a fluid capacity of at least
10 ml, more preferably 20 ml. An optional cavity 70 may be formed
around the pump for comfort or to allow fluids to collect under the
footbed.
[0054] In one embodiment, the inlet is positioned under the foot of
a wearer of the article, although the inlet may be located in any
desirable location in which the fluid may enter.
[0055] In one embodiment, the compressible pump 12 is located under
the heel of a wearer of the article, although it may be positioned
elsewhere, e.g. beneath the ball of the foot.
[0056] In one embodiment, such as depicted in FIG. 5, the
waterproof sole region further comprises an optional footbed 37, an
insole board 2 and an outsole 39. In this embodiment, the fluid
distribution system 32 can be positioned in the footbed, the insole
board or the outsole. In addition, in this embodiment, wherein the
fluid distribution system 32 is positioned in the insole board 2,
the insole board may further comprise an insole with a heel region
3 and a toe region 4, and a joinable flange 6 so that the fluid
distribution system 32 can extend essentially between the heel
region 3 and the toe region 4 and the joinable flange 6 can extend
from a mid-point on the insole board 2 to either the toe region 4
or the heel region 3. See FIG. 5.
[0057] Also further exemplified in FIG. 5, the self-bailing
footwear device comprises a toe region 4, a heel region 3, an
insole board 2 extending from the heel region 3 to toe region 4
with at least one compressible pump 12, at least one fluid flow
channel 14 having a fluid reservoir 35, an inlet 15 and an outlet
16 and extending at least from the heel region 3 to the toe region
4, and at least one check valve 17 located between the inlet 15 and
the outlet 16 to control fluid flow direction. The compressible
pump 12 used in this exemplary self bailing footwear device expels
fluid through a fluid outlet. The outlet 16 may be located in any
desired position on the footwear. The inlet 15 of the fluid flow
channel 14 is in fluid communication with the pump 12 so that fluid
can be drawn into the fluid reservoir 35 of the fluid flow channel
14 through the inlet 15 upon decompression of the pump 12. The
outlet 16 of the fluid flow channel 14 is located so that fluid is
expelled from the footwear article to the external environment
through the outlet 16 of the fluid flow channel 14 upon compression
of the pump 12.
[0058] In one embodiment, the outlet 16 of the fluid flow channel
14 is a single opening, although it can have a plurality of
openings.
[0059] Preferably the compressible pump used in this embodiment of
the present invention withstands at least one million compressions
before failure. In some embodiments of this footwear device, the
compressible pump is comprised of at least two dissimilar
materials, for example a polyurethane may be joined to a
polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride may be joined to a TPU, or some
other material combination of desired materials may be
assembled.
[0060] In one aspect, the embodiments of the present invention may
further comprise air conditioning means present within the air flow
channel. Such air conditioning means include but are not limited
to: perfumes, deodorants, heat packs, anti-microbial additives and
other desired conditioners. It is also possible to incorporate
fluid conditioning means into the fluid flow channel such as
perfumes, deodorants, heat packs, anti-microbial additives and
other desired conditioners.
[0061] In yet another embodiment, a hybrid bailing-ventilating
footwear device of the present invention comprises ventilating
system of a toe region 4, a heel region 3, an insole board 2 which
extends from the heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the footwear
device, at least one resilient, pivotable pump 7, at least one
fluid flow channel 14 having an inlet 15 and an outlet 16 which
also extends from the heel region 3 to the toe region 4 of the
footwear device 20, and at least one check valve 17 located within
the fluid flow channel 14 between the inlet 15 and the outlet 16.
In addition, the footwear comprises bailing system of a waterproof
upper 30, a waterproof sole region, and a fluid distribution system
32 having at least one inlet 15 connected to at least one
compressible pump 12 connected to or integrated with a fluid
reservoir 35. The wearer of the hybrid bailing-ventilating footwear
device may choose to have the device operate as either a bailing
device or a ventilating device by modulating the device in a manner
so as to enable either the bailing system or alternatively the
ventilating system.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0062] To measure performance in samples, an air
collection/measurement device consists of the following: an
inverted funnel is submerged in a large water bath, and an inverted
graduated cylinder is placed on top of the funnel, with the open
end of the graduated cylinder under water. Each airflow/pump device
is tested in the following way: the airflow device is placed in the
water bath with the air inlet above the waterline and the air
outlet submerged and directly below the wide end of the funnel; the
airflow device is pumped manually, and the air flows through the
device, through the funnel, and is collected in the inverted
graduated cylinder.
[0063] A series of fluid expulsion pumps were utilized, and the
total displaced volume of air collected in the graduated cylinder
is divided by the total number of pumps to determine the amount of
air expelled from the airflow device per pump.
[0064] Samples B, C, and D were comparative examples using standard
footwear pump-like components for air flow. The footwear was broken
down into its core components to more clearly read displacement
capability. The samples' pump assemblies were then used directly to
collect the data for the sample as shown in Table 1A.
Example 2
[0065] Tables 1A and 1B show the total volume displacement for the
samples tested in Example 1 above.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1A Data Displacement Inventive prototype
Sample B system trial # displacement in ml displacement in ml 1 15
4 2 16 4 3 19 4 4 23 4 5 17 5 6 18 5 7 19 4 8 21 4 9 21 4 10 21 4
11 21 5 12 20 5 13 20 4 14 20 4 15 21 4 16 22 4 17 23 4 18 22 5 19
21 4 20 24 4 Avg 20.20 4.25 displacement
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1B Sample C Sample D Displacement displacement
in ml displacement in ml trial # 4 1 1 4 2 2 4 1 3 4 1 4 3 1 5 3 1
6 5 1 7 5 2 8 3 1 9 4 1 10 4 1 11 3 1 12 5 1 13 5 1 14 4 2 15 4 1
16 4 1 17 4 18 19 20 4.00 1.176 Avg displacement
Example 3
[0066] What is meant by "Waterproof footwear" is determined as
follows. The footwear is placed on top of a piece of blotter paper.
The inside of the footwear is filled with room temperature water to
a height of about 30 mm (measured from the insole at the heel area
of the footwear). The water is allowed to stand in the footwear for
two hours. At the end of the two hour period the blotter paper and
footwear upper are examined to determine if water has reached the
blotter paper or the outer layer of the upper. If no water has
reached the blotter paper or the outer layer of the upper, then the
footwear is waterproof.
Example 4
[0067] As used herein the "waterproof, water vapor permeable
functional layer" and the "waterproof gasket material" are
"waterproof" if, when combined to form the footwear according to
the invention, they result in the footwear being "waterproof" as
defined above.
Example 5
[0068] A shoe fitted with an airflow pump device is placed on a
walking simulator. An air collection/measurement device is placed
nearby and consists of a large graduated cylinder, partially filled
with water and also containing a smaller, inverted graduated
cylinder floating in the water. One end of a tube is placed on the
outlet of the airflow device, and the other end runs into the large
graduated cylinder, under the waterline and into the smaller,
inverted graduated cylinder. As the walking simulator "walks", the
airflow device's pump is compressed, and the air passes through the
outlet, through the tube and into the air collection/measurement
device, causing the smaller, inverted graduated cylinder to rise in
the water. A series of steps is counted, and the total air volume
displacement in the smaller, inverted graduated cylinder is divided
by the number of steps taken to determine the volume of air
expelled from the airflow device per step.
Example 6
[0069] An air collection/measurement device consists of the
following: an inverted funnel is submerged in a large water bath,
and an inverted graduated cylinder is placed on top of the funnel,
with the open end of the graduated cylinder under water. Each
airflow/pump device is tested in the following way: the airflow
device is placed in the water bath with the air inlet above the
waterline and the air outlet submerged and directly below the wide
end of the funnel; the airflow device is pumped manually, and the
air flows through the device, through the funnel, and is collected
in the inverted graduated cylinder. A series of pumps is made, and
the total displaced volume of air collected in the graduated
cylinder is divided by the total number of pumps to determine the
amount of air expelled from the airflow device per pump.
Example 7
[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, a casual shoe was modified to allow the
delivery of air at the toe. The humidity of the ventilating air was
the same as ambient relative humidity (RH). Temperature and
relative humidity was monitored at 3 sites, instep, sole, heel.
During each trial the weight change of the shoe and sock was
measured. The duration of each trial was one hour. The flow of air
through the footwear was regulated at: 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90
ml/stride positive airflow, and 5, 10, 20, 30 ml/stride negative
airflow. Stride frequency (cadence) was simulated at 2 Hz(fast
walking pace).
[0071] Data logging equipment was attached to the body (i.e.:
attach T and RH sensors to three sites on foot; attach memory card
to leg) and put on inventive shoe on foot, non-inventive shoe on
the other foot. In the case of this test, simply perform normal
duties in the office for a period of three hours (some walking,
some sitting, some standing in conditions .about.70 F and 40% RH).
Results show significant climate comfort benefit to inventive
technology.
Example 8
[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, using the test protocol of Example 7, a
microclimate (relative humidity RH) reduction of at least 15% in a
system is provided by a system that will deliver greater than 10 ml
of expelled fluid volume per step. It is believed that a system
which delivers this level of airflow will satisfy most consumers
under most environments and activities. Whereas, the delivered air
flow above 30 ml/step showed no measurable user benefit under these
test conditions.
[0073] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described herein, the present invention should
not be limited to such illustrations and descriptions. It should be
apparent that changes and modifications may be incorporated and
embodied as part of the present invention within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *