U.S. patent application number 14/694343 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-29 for pneumatically inflatable air bladder devices contained entirely within shoe sole or configured as shoe inserts.
The applicant listed for this patent is Harold S. Doyle. Invention is credited to Harold S. Doyle.
Application Number | 20150305436 14/694343 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54333534 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150305436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doyle; Harold S. |
October 29, 2015 |
PNEUMATICALLY INFLATABLE AIR BLADDER DEVICES CONTAINED ENTIRELY
WITHIN SHOE SOLE OR CONFIGURED AS SHOE INSERTS
Abstract
A pneumatically cushioned shoe or shoe insert device including a
plastic layer forming air bladders; a cloth layer covering a top
surface of the plastic layer; a rubber layer covering a toe portion
of a bottom surface of the plastic layer; a C shaped indentation on
the plastic layer forming an arch region air bladder; and circle or
oval shaped indentations forming interconnected air bladder regions
having respective air bladders and including an inner heel, outer
heel, and metatarsal air bladder regions. The rubber layer
including cutting lines for sizing for regular or wide foot sizes
and a lower thicker line defining a do not cut below region. The
cloth layer including cutting lines for sizing for the other of
regular or wide foot sizes. The air bladders pre-filled with air
during manufacturing or filled with air by a user.
Inventors: |
Doyle; Harold S.;
(Schaumburg, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Doyle; Harold S. |
Schaumburg |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54333534 |
Appl. No.: |
14/694343 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61984184 |
Apr 25, 2014 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/203 20130101;
A43B 17/035 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/20 20060101
A43B013/20; A43B 7/24 20060101 A43B007/24; A43B 17/03 20060101
A43B017/03 |
Claims
1. A pneumatically cushioned shoe or shoe insert device,
comprising: a plastic layer configured to form air bladders; a
cloth layer covering a top surface of the plastic layer; a rubber
layer covering a toe portion of a bottom surface of the plastic
layer; a C shaped indentation provided on the plastic layer to form
an arch region air bladder; a plurality of circle or oval shaped
indentation distributed throughout the plastic layer to form a
plurality of interconnected air bladder regions, each air bladder
region including one or more respective air bladders, the
interconnected regions including an inner heel air bladder region,
an outer heel air bladder region, and a metatarsal air bladder
region; the rubber layer including cutting lines for sizing for one
of regular and wide foot sizes and a lower thicker line defining a
do not cut below region; the cloth layer including cutting lines
for sizing for the other of regular and wide foot sizes; and the
air bladders pre-filled with air during manufacturing or filled
with air by a user.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a self-sealing valve
disposed on respective of the air bladder regions and configured to
allow air to enter the respective air bladder regions through the
valve while maintaining air pressure with in the air bladder
regions; and the self-sealing valve configured to allow air to
escape through the valve via an air pump needle or via an
integrated pump and release valve device.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein one or more of the respective air
bladders regions are configured in a predetermined shape so as to
correct for a corresponding type of foot pronation when
inflated.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is integrated into a
sole of a shoe.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the valve is disposed on the shoe
so as to be accessible external to the shoe for inflation and
deflation via the air pump needle or via the integrated pump and
release valve device.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured as a
shoe insert with the valve disposed on the shoe insert so as to be
accessible for inflation and deflation via the air pump needle or
via the integrated pump and release valve device.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the self-sealing valve is
configured to allow air to escape through the valve via an
integrated pump and release valve device, including: a housing; a
pump having an integral air release valve and included in the
housing; and a pump actuator included in the pump with the integral
air release valve, wherein the pump actuator movable from a first
position in a linear direction to pump air, and the pump actuator
movable from a second position further in the same linear direction
to allow air to escape.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS
[0001] The present invention claims benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/984,184 filed Apr. 25, 2014,
and is a continuation in part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/237,566 filed Sep. 20, 2011, which claims benefit of
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/386,274
filed Sep. 24, 2010, and is related to commonly-assigned U.S.
Patent Application No. 12/884,132, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,222,312;
6,305,102; and 6,725,573 of Harold S. DOYLE, the entire disclosures
of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to shoes, and, more
particularly, to pneumatic cushioning therein.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Background
[0005] There is a variety of prior art shoes including a variety of
inflation devices disposed at different locations therein. However,
many of such designs still suffer from various problems relating to
air bladder placement, and inflation thereof, and complex
manufacturing for integrating the inflation devices within the
shoes themselves.
[0006] It is, therefore, desirable to provide for improved
pneumatic cushioning in footwear so as to avoid many of the
problems with prior art shoe designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore, a need addressed by the present invention
includes providing an improved pneumatic cushioning system for
shoes that overcomes some of the problems with the prior art
systems.
[0008] Accordingly, in exemplary aspects of the present invention
there is provided a pneumatically cushioned shoe or shoe insert
device including a plastic layer forming air bladders; a cloth
layer covering a top surface of the plastic layer; a rubber layer
covering a toe portion of a bottom surface of the plastic layer; a
C shaped indentation on the plastic layer forming an arch region
air bladder; and circle or oval shaped indentations forming
interconnected air bladder regions having respective air bladders
and including an inner heel, outer heel, and metatarsal air bladder
regions. The rubber layer including cutting lines for sizing for
regular or wide foot sizes and a lower thicker line defining a do
not cut below region. The cloth layer including cutting lines for
sizing for the other of regular or wide foot sizes. The air
bladders pre-filled with air during manufacturing or filled with
air by a user.
[0009] A self-sealing valve can be disposed on respective of the
air bladder regions and configured to allow air to enter the
respective air bladder regions through the valve while maintaining
air pressure with in the air bladder regions. The self-sealing
valve can be configured to allow air to escape through the valve
via an air pump needle or via an integrated pump and release valve
device.
[0010] One or more of the respective air bladders regions can be
configured in a predetermined shape so as to correct for a
corresponding type of foot pronation when inflated.
[0011] The device can be integrated into a sole of a shoe.
[0012] The valve can be disposed on the shoe so as to be accessible
external to the shoe for inflation and deflation via the air pump
needle or via the integrated pump and release valve device.
[0013] The device can be configured as a shoe insert with the valve
disposed on the shoe insert so as to be accessible for inflation
and deflation via the air pump needle or via the integrated pump
and release valve device.
[0014] The self-sealing valve can be configured to allow air to
escape through the valve via an integrated pump and release valve
device, including a housing; a pump having an integral air release
valve and included in the housing; and a pump actuator included in
the pump with the integral air release valve. The pump actuator can
be movable from a first position in a linear direction to pump air,
and the pump actuator movable from a second position further in the
same linear direction to allow air to escape.
[0015] Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present
invention are readily apparent from the following detailed
description, by illustrating a number of exemplary embodiments and
implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying
out the present invention. The present invention is also capable of
other and different embodiments, and its several details can be
modified in various respects, all without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and
descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not
as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by
way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the
accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to
similar elements and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a general schematic of the inflating arrangement
utilized in the shoe;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross section of the shoe sole,
revealing the inflation bladders and conduits;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of the shoe showing transparent
conduits and the flow switching device;
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a side bellows air pressurization unit coupled
with an air release valve and a flow switching device;
[0021] FIG. 5 shows the air pressurization unit in the closed
position;
[0022] FIG. 6 shows the air pressurization unit in the open
position;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a switching input device;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the switching input device in
a second position;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the switching device in a
closed position;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a bladder with a foam
core;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross section of the shoe sole,
revealing the inflation bladder and conduits;
[0028] FIG. 12A is prospective view of a side of the inventive
shoe;
[0029] FIG. 12B is a prospective view of the back of the inventive
shoe;
[0030] FIG. 13A is a side view of the piston rod and cap
disconnected;
[0031] FIG. 13B is a prospective view of the pump actuator and pump
cylinder;
[0032] FIG. 13C is a side view of the pump cylinder and
pump-cylinder top disconnected;
[0033] FIGS. 14A-14D are side views of an integrated air pump and
air release valve that can be used with the embodiments of FIGS.
1-13;
[0034] FIGS. 15A-15B, and 16 are used to illustrate one or more of
the embodiments of FIGS. 1-14 configured as a shoe insert and that
can employ one or more of the various features thereof;
[0035] FIGS. 17A-17C are used to illustrate one or more of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-16 configured for pronation correction and
that can employ one or more of the various features thereof;
[0036] FIGS. 18A-18B are used to illustrate the use of an Ethylene
Vinyl Acetate (EVA) material for securing air bladders in one or
more of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-16;
[0037] FIG. 19 is used to illustrate one or more of the embodiments
of FIGS. 1-18 configured for individual air bladder selection via a
flow switching device and employing an external pumping mechanism;
and
[0038] FIGS. 20, 21A-21B, and 22-23 are used to illustrate one or
more of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-19 configured as a shoe insert
and that can employ one or more of the various features
thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the
several views, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is
illustrated
[0040] The present invention is directed to a shoe with a pneumatic
inflating device disposed therein. The general schematic of the
shoe inflating arrangement is shown in FIG. 1 and includes three
bladder sets. However, it will be apparent that the arrangement is
adaptable to any plurality of bladder sets. The arrangement
includes a pump 12 with an inlet 14 and an outlet 16. Outlet 16 is
connected to a flow switching device 18 at a flow switching input
20. Flow switching device 18 operates as a selective valve which
allows air flow into at least two outlets, the preferred embodiment
having a first outlet 22, a second outlet 24, and a third outlet
26. Each outlet 22, 24, and 26 is connected to a corresponding
conduit 28, 30, and 32. Each conduit 28, 30, and 32 is associated
with corresponding unidirectional flow valves 34, 36, and 38. Each
unidirectional flow valve 34, 36, and 38 is connected to
corresponding conduit 40, 42, and 44. Each conduit 40, 42, and 44
is further associated with corresponding pressure release valves
46, 48, and 50. Conduits 52, 54, and 56 are connected to release
valves 46, 48, and 50 and each conduit is connected to
corresponding bladder sets 58, 60, and 62.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows one arrangement of separate bladder sets 58, 60
and 62 in the sole of shoe 100 in which forefoot bladder 62 is
comprised of mid-forefoot bladder 64 and toe forefoot bladder 66.
Bladders 64 and 66 are interconnected by conduits 68 and 70. This
multiple bladder configuration may also be implemented on the other
bladder sets.
[0042] To pressurize the pneumatic system, the wearer preferably
engages outlet 16 of pump 12 with switching input 20. Pump 12 is
mounted on a base portion 74 in which inlet 14 comprises an orifice
76 having an unidirectional inlet valve 78. As the bellows 82 is
lifted, the change in volume of air chamber 80 causes a
corresponding reduction in pressure, thus causing air to flow
through orifice 76 and valve 78 into chamber 80. Bellows 82 is
operatively connected with cover 84 pivotally connected at hinge
portion 86. Cover 84 is latchable to lock 88 through means of
flange 90 engaging lock 88. Cover 84 is releasable through use of a
semi-rigid material in its construction which will enable flexing
and thereby cause disengagement of flange 90 from latch 88. The
wearer then compresses bellows 82 which allows air flow into
switching input 20. This in turn allows air to fill the selected
bladder set via flow switching device 18 in which the wearer can
selectively control the air input to bladder sets 58, 60, and 62.
The wearer may also adjust the pressure in each bladder set via the
respective pressure release valve.
[0043] The invention can be adapted to utilize a number of
different combinations of elements to effectuate the goals of the
invention. Thus, in FIG. 3, pump 12 could utilize an integral heel
mounted plunger-type pump, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,312,
which is incorporated by reference herein. The plunger type pump
could also be disposed in the sole of the shoe, or for that matter,
located at any convenient place on the shoe. As an alternative to
the plunger-type pump 12, the bellows-type pump of FIGS. 4, 5, and
6 could also be used.
[0044] Another variation is in the use, in the alternative, of
different arrangements for flow switching device 18. A first
embodiment could utilize a simple "lie" type flow switching device
in which pressure at input 20 is applied equally at each of
conduits 52, 54, and 56 applying equilibrium pressure at 20 using
pump 12 and valves 34, 36, and 38 would result in equal
pressurization of each bladder arrangement 58, 60, and 62.
Customization of pressures could be accomplished by the simple
expedient of bleeding off high pressure to reduce pressure in one
or more of the selected bladder arrangements 58, 60, and 62. Well
known valves of the Schrader type could be utilized with push
button release or variations such as the Presta type which is
effectively lockable for the tightening of a threaded collar on the
valve needle.
[0045] A second alternative is to use a specially designed flow
switching device having both flow directional control and valve
control. Thus, switching device 118 in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 uses rotor
122 contained within circumferential wall 124 of body 126 of device
118. Body 126 also has a floor 128 and a top (not shown) to
completely define an enclosed plenum 130. Rotor 122 is sealed
against wall 126 in such manner that rotor 122 may be turned in a
plurality of positions. In FIG. 7, inlet chamber 132 is aligned
with inlet 20 and in communication with passageway 134 that, in
FIG. 7, further communicates to outlet 24. By comparison, in FIG.
8, rotor 122 has been turned so that conduit 134 is now in
communication with outlet 22 while chamber 132 owing to its
elongated configuration. In FIG. 9, rotor 122 has been further
turned so that both chamber 132 and conduit 134 abut wall 126,
thereby restricting passage of air between inlet 20 and any of
outlets 22, 24, or 26. In like manner, of course, the rotor could
be aligned with outlet 26 and inlet 20. It is also possible to
adapt flow switching device 118 to a greater or lesser number of
outlets, as desired. In the preferred embodiment, outlets 22, 24,
and 26 would be associated with valves 34, 36, and 38,
respectively. As described above, these could be of the Schrader or
other improved Schrader types. Use of this approach in addition to
the positional adjustment of rotor 122 to the closed position as
shown in FIG. 9 would minimize pressure loss from bladders 58, 60,
and 62.
[0046] Nevertheless, with the use of suitable sealing materials,
and an integral pump, the user could dispense with all valves save
the flow switching device 118. Use of a resilient, air impervious
rotor 122 could provide self-sealing while appropriate coatings or
seals, in the nature of gaskets or 0-rings, could also be
utilized.
[0047] An additional variation would be to use a separable pump.
This would save the user the bulk of having an attached pump,
further enabling the use of a larger capacity pump obviating bulk
or weight concerns and enabling the use of higher strength or more
economical materials than would be desirable with an integral,
attached pump. Use of a separable pump would be more likely to take
advantage of the use of a valve 72 associated with inlet 20, in the
manner shown in FIG. 5.
[0048] The bladders 58, 60, and 62 can be any plastic envelope. The
bladder membranes forming the envelope are resistant to the passage
of gas molecules but need not be totally impermeable. The gas
within the bladder should not escape so rapidly that re-inflation
of the bladder will be needed more often than every thirty minutes
of use. The bladder may also contain a foam core 61 where the foam
may be any foam such as ethyl vinyl acetate, polyurethane, a
composite using these materials, or any other resilient sponge
material known or that may become known in the footwear industry.
One face of the foam core is secured to one interior wall or
surface of the bladder. In the preferred embodiment shown in cross
section in FIG. 10, the top surface of the foam core 61 is secured
by an adhesive 63 to the interior surface of the top membrane 55 of
the inflatable bladder 57. The adhesive 63 may be contact cement,
heat activated cement, or solvent based cement. Alternatively, the
bladder membrane may be attached to the foam core 61 by heat or
radio welding.
[0049] Alternative embodiments are the attachment of the bladder
membrane to the sides of the foam core or attachment of the lower
membrane in the lower surface of the foam element.
[0050] FIGS. 11, 12A and 12B, and 13A, 13B and 13C depict the
preferred inflation device disposed completely within the shoe
sole.
[0051] FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross section of the shoe sole,
revealing the inflation bladder and conduits. The embodiment shown
includes only one inflatable bladder 58.
[0052] Pump 12 is received within the recess occupied by bladder 58
so that the space necessary for pump 12 is minimized. Pump 12 is
positioned substantially perpendicular to the axis passing from the
heel to the toes. Pump 12 is positioned between heel-pressure
portion 250 and forefoot-pressure portion 260 so that pump 12 is
not damaged through normal shoe use.
[0053] Pump actuator 210 is positioned within pump 12 (and is shown
in phantom withdrawn from pump 12). Actuator 210 comprises a piston
rod 230 with at least one radially extending side 234. Radially
extending side 234 fits within slot 280 on cylinder top 242 so that
piston rod 230 may be moved in and out of pump cylinder 240. Piston
rod 230 includes gap 236 which is positioned between cap 200 and
radially extending side 234. When pump actuator 210 is inserted
completely within the shoe sole, slot 260 and gap 236 are
juxtaposed, thus allowing pump actuator 210 to be rotated. When
radially extending side 234 is moved to a position not in-line with
slot 236, pump actuator 210 cannot be withdrawn from pump cylinder
240 and is locked in position. As shown in FIG. 12A, cap 200 can be
moved in the direction of the arrows to either lock or unlock pump
actuator 210. Cap 200 is flush with the outer wall 220 of the sole
when pump actuator 210 is locked in position.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 13C, cylinder top 242 is removable from
pump cylinder 240 to allow for the insertion of pump actuator 210
therein. Cylinder 242 is thereafter sufficiently secured to
cylinder 240 to prevent non-intentional removal thereof.
[0055] FIG. 13A depicts cap 200 disengaged from distal end 232 of
piston rod 230. In use cap 200 is sufficiently secured to rod 230
so that separation does not occur. Piston 238 is sized such that
movement into cylinder 240 causes air to be force out of the pump
chamber into the bladder.
[0056] Pump 12 is connected to bladder 58 via inlet conduit 28 and
unidirectional valve 34. Unidirectional valve 34 prevents air from
escaping bladder 58 back into inlet conduit 28. Bladder 58 is
connected to pressure-release valve 46 via exit conduit 52.
[0057] FIGS. 14A-14D are side views of an integrated air pump and
air release valve 1400 that can be used with the embodiments of
FIGS. 1-13. In FIG. 14A, the integrated air pump and air release
valve 1400, include a piston heel 302, stopper(s) 304, a piston
306, a holder 308, a first spring 310, a first rubber gasket 312, a
second spring 314, a second rubber gasket 316, an integrated check
valve 318, and a cylindrical housing 320.
[0058] In FIG. 14A, the integrated air pump and air release valve
1400 is shown in the opened position, configured for starting the
pumping of air into the system. In FIG. 14B, the integrated air
pump and air release valve 1400 is shown in the pumping down stroke
position, configured for pumping air into the system via the
integrated check valve 318, as shown by arrow 322. In FIG. 14C, the
integrated air pump and air release valve 1400 is shown in the
locked position configured for maintaining air pumped into the
system in the system via the integrated check valve 318. In FIG.
14D, the integrated air pump and air release valve 1400 is shown in
the air release position, configured for releasing air from the
system via the integrated check valve 318, as shown by arrow 324.
Advantageously, by integrating the air pump and the air release
valve, as described with respect to FIGS. 14A-14D, the overall size
of the system can be reduced.
[0059] FIGS. 15A-15B, and 16 are used to illustrate one or more of
the embodiments of FIGS. 1-14 configured as a shoe insert and that
can employ one or more of the various features thereof. In FIG.
15A, a shoe insert 1500 (e.g., made from a molded plastic material,
etc.) can be configured with a plurality of interconnected 1512 or
individual air bladder sections 1502-1508 (e.g., for the inner
heel, outer heel, arch, and metatarsal areas of the foot, etc.).
Advantageously, with this embodiment, an external pumping mechanism
can be employed, such that the area taken up by the air bladder
sections 1502-1508 can be increased. In FIG. 15B, the shoe insert
1500 is shown with respective self-sealing valves 1510 (e.g., as
used in basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, etc.).
Advantageously, the integrated air pump and air release valve 1400
can be employed in this embodiment, such that the use of air
release valves to release air from the air bladders 1502-1508 need
not be employed. If the bladders 1502-1508 are interconnected at
1512, the shoe insert 1500 need only employ a single of the
self-sealing valves 1510.
[0060] In FIG. 16, a shoe insert 1600 (e.g., made from a molded
plastic material, etc.) also includes the respective self-sealing
valves 1610 (e.g., as used in basketballs, footballs, soccer balls,
etc.). Advantageously, a conventional air pump 1612 with needle
1614 (e.g., based on the type used to inflate basketballs,
footballs, soccer balls, etc.) can be employed in this embodiment,
and such that the use of air release valves to release air from the
air bladders 1502-1508 need not be employed. With this embodiment,
air can be individually released from the air bladder 1502-1508 by
inserting the needle 1614 in the respective valve 1610 without the
pump 1612 attached. The shoe insert 1600 works in a similar manner
as the shoe insert 1500 when a single valve 1610 is employed and
the bladders 1502-1508 are interconnected.
[0061] FIGS. 17A-17C are used to illustrate one or more of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-16 configured for pronation correction and
that can employ one or more of the various features thereof. In
FIGS. 17A-17C, the air bladder 1502 is configured in a wedge shape,
such that inflation thereof can be used to correct for pronation.
FIG. 17B shows the air bladder 1502 in a deflated configuration,
and FIG. 17C shows the air bladder 1502 in an inflated
configuration so as to correct for pronation. The bladder 1502 can
be provided between an outsole 1702 and an insole 1704 with a layer
1706 (e.g., made from an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) material,
etc.) surrounding the bladder 1502 to firmly hold the bladder 1502
in place. A raised ridge 1708 (e.g., raised by about 1.5 to 2.5 mm,
etc.) is provided on the outsole 1702 to contain the air bladder
1502 therewithin. Advantageously, the air bladder 1502 can be
configured in any suitable shape and location to correct for any
suitable type of pronation. Similarly, one or more of the air
bladders 1504-1508 can be configured as described with respect to
the air bladder 1502, advantageously, to correct for pronation
within their respective areas.
[0062] FIGS. 18A-18B are used to illustrate the use of an EVA
material for securing air bladders in one or more of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-16. In FIG. 18A-18B, raised and rounded EVA
ridges 1706 (e.g., raised by about 1.5-2.5 mm, etc.) are provided
to secure the air bladder 1502 firmly in place. FIG. 18A shows the
air bladder 1502 in a deflated configuration, and FIG. 18B shows
the air bladder 1502 in an inflated configuration. The ridges 1706
are configured (e.g., about 3 to 4 mm below the bladder 1502) such
that when the air bladder 1502 is deflated the ridges 1706 are
level with the air bladder 1502, so the ridges 1702 cannot be felt
when the air bladder 1502 is deflated, as shown in FIG. 18A. The
EVA material 1706 can be glued down to the outsole 1702 (e.g.,
using any suitable adhesive, etc.) so that a rigid area is provided
underneath the air bladder 1502 for support therefor.
Advantageously, one or more of the air bladders 1504-1508 can be
configured as described with respect to the air bladder 1502.
[0063] FIG. 19 is used to illustrate one or more of the embodiments
of FIGS. 1-18 configured for individual air bladder selection via a
flow switching device and/or employing an external pumping
mechanism. In FIG. 19, an air flow switching device 18 (e.g., as
previously described and configured as a dial, etc.) with
individual connections 1902 and/or self-sealing valves 1904 on the
respective air bladders 1502-1508 can be employed to individually
fill one or more of the air bladders 1502-1508 and can be used with
a suitable pumping mechanism (e.g., the pumping mechanisms 1400,
1612, etc.). The an air flow switching device 18 cam be used to
selectively inflate or deflate each of the respective air bladders
1502-1508. If one or more of the self-sealing valves 1904 are
employed, the switching device 18 need not be employed. For
example, the bladders 1502-1508 can each connect to the air flow
switching device 18, which acts as a single valve for all of the
bladders 1502-1508.
[0064] For use as shoe inserts, the air bladders 1502-1508 of the
inflating device can be made thinner than when integrated within a
shoe, and can include a soft sock type liner (e.g., made of deer
skin leather, EVA material, etc.) provided thereover.
[0065] FIGS. 20, 21A-21B, and 22-23 are used to illustrate one or
more of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-19 configured as a shoe insert
and that can employ one or more of the various features thereof. In
FIG. 20, the bottom side (e.g., shoe side) of an inflatable
mid-sole or insert 2000 is shown. The mid-sole or insert 2000 can
be inflated and deflated by an on board pumping mechanism, a hand
held pumping mechanism and/or an automatic pumping mechanism, as
previously described, or during manufacturing, and the like. The
mid-sole or insert materials employed can vary as needed based on
application. Indentations 2007 are used to form air bladders and
allow the air within the bladders to collapse upon impact, where
when collapsed, the bladders create a boost/push of return energy
by each indentation 2007. Each indentation 2007 causes the feet to
experience less impact, while relieving stress buildup at various
points on the feet. To maintain this effect, without disturbance
for the duration of the inserts or mid-soles 2000, the air is can
be customized by the volume of air employed, and then sealed and/or
individually customized by the end user with the hand held or
onboard the footwear pumping mechanism.
[0066] Advantageously, the indentations 2007 can be configured to
form one interconnected air bladder or one or more separate air
bladders. For example, air bladder arch region 2001 can be formed
with the indentations 2007 and so as to provide an air inflating
area in the arch region that can pre-inflated and/or customized
with air by the end user. This can provide a true energized resting
place for the arch of the feet to resist painful pulling of the
foot muscles and other benefits, such as fallen arch support and
with overall support to prevent foot fatigue, and the like.
Similarly, other bladder regions 2002, for example, the heel, top
of foot, and the like, can be formed to provide support and a
resting place for the respective parts of the feet. The inserts or
mid-soles 2000 thus can be injected and sealed with air when
pre-inflated and/or customized by the end user when not
pre-inflated, for example, to prevent pronation in the wearer's
inner and outer heel, other parts of the foot, and the like.
[0067] If the resulting air bladders are configured as
interconnected bladders, a single self-sealing valve or air input
2003 can be employed. Otherwise, multiple inlet valves/areas
2003-2005 can be employed to customize the air for each respective
air bladder region. For example, the inlet 2004 can be used to
customize the air for the heel region, the inlet 2005 can be used
to customize the air for the rest of the insert or mid-sole 2000. A
sizing and cutting zone 2009 layer (e.g., made of rubber or foam
material) with cutting guides 2008 (e.g., based on standard shoe
sizes) is provided on top of a layer 2006 (e.g., made of an
inflatable plastic material) that is configured with the
indentations 2007 to form the air bladders. The described mid-soles
and inserts can be applied to various footwear types, and can vary
in shape and sizes and with respect to inflation/deflation methods,
as previously described.
[0068] FIG. 21A illustrates the top side (e.g., foot side) of the
insert 2000 of FIG. 20. In FIGS. 20 and 21A, cutting lines 2008 and
2108 serve two purposes. For example, the cutting lines 2008 on the
bottom of the insert 2000 can be positioned for sizing of wide
footwear, while the cutting lines 2108 on the other side of the
insert 2000 can be positioned for sizing of narrow footwear, and
the like. A "no cutting zone area," for example, defined by cutline
2101 is provided to prevent cutting below this line, so as to
prevent damage and releasing of the sealed in air from the formed
air bladders. A layer 2102 (e.g., foam, cloth, etc.) is provided
over the entire top side (e.g., foot side) of the insert 2000. The
cutting lines 2008 and 2108 can have a cutting allowance of 1/2
inch, and the like, so that sizing can be made precise, and the
like.
[0069] FIG. 21B is a cut away view along line B-B of FIG. 21A. In
FIG. 21B, the resulting layers include the cloth or foam layer
2102, the plastic layer 2006, the rubber layer 2009, as previously
described, and which connected with each other using any suitable
method (e.g., heat bonding and/or adhesives). Various types of
other suitable materials can be employed for the layer 2102, 2006
and 2009, so that the inserts or mid soles 2000 can be configured
for various shoe types (e.g., work shoes, sport shoes, ladies
shoes, etc.).
[0070] For example, FIG. 22 illustrates the embodiments of FIGS.
1-21 configured as a women's high heel shoe 2200. In FIG. 22, a
pumping mechanism 2201 is provided and coupled to inserts or mid
soles 2202, as previously described. The pumping mechanism 2201 can
be placed in any suitable location on the high heel shoe 2200. The
volume of air into the mid-sole can be stored and released from any
suitable form of air cells/air bags, previously described.
[0071] FIG. 23 illustrates forefoot 2302 and heel 2301 openings
within an insert or mid-sole 2300 and which can be used with the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-22. In FIG. 23, each opening 2301-2302 can
used together or individually when inflated therearound, allowing
the wearer's weight to cause sinking at the point of collapse, and
return energy as the foot is forced up by the motion of movement.
For example, opening 2301 can be configured to sink the heel area
when stepped on. Similarly, opening 2302 can be configure to sink
the forefoot area when stepped on. The action of the sink holes
2301-2302 allow a power boost when the wearer steps either downward
or from the heel to create a force of springiness. Such action
within the mid-sole or insert 2300 is relevant to centrifugal
force, which is the apparent force equal and opposite to
centripetal force, drawing a rotating body away from the center of
rotation, caused by the lack of inertia/inaction of the feet. In
other words, movement either forward or backward causes the above
reactions. An inflation point 2303 is provided and which can be
sealed and filled with a predetermined amount of air therein and/or
left unsealed for individualized air filing via the inflation point
2303. Accordingly, an air inflating area 2304 of the entire foot
region can be formed.
[0072] The air placement and release for the mid-soles and inserts
of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23 can vary as to how the air
pressure is applied and/or the air pressure is released, and can be
self-customized with suitable pumping mechanisms and release valves
and/or can customized with a certain amount of volume of air,
sealed and with resulting air pressure locked in (e.g., soft,
medium, hard, etc.).
[0073] Although the configurations depicting the inflating device
being positioned entirely within the sole or as a shoe insert can
include one set of air bladders, inlet and exit conduits, and
pressure-release valves, etc., it is understood that such an
inflating device could be used with each of the above-described
configurations which utilize more than one such set.
[0074] Although configurations are shown depicting the inflating
device employing an integrated air pump and air release valve to
maintain air pressure within the air bladders, additional one-way,
two-way, and the like, air valves can be employed downstream of the
integrated air pump and air release valve to help maintain air
pressure within the air bladders and reduce the air pressure load
on the integrated air pump and air release valve.
[0075] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23, various material
compositions, shapes, forms, layout directions, and the like, can
be employed. For example, various covering materials can be used
over the mid-soles and/or inserts to provide soft regions, for
extended softness, and usability (e.g., memory foam, gel, soft
materials, etc.). Such materials can be placed on top of the insert
or mid-sole covering materials to create an extensive top coat that
brings out the further character enhancement of inserts or
mid-soles.
[0076] Thus, it should be apparent that there has been provided, in
accordance with the present invention, a shoe or shoe insert with
an inflation device for providing pneumatic cushioning and with the
noted advantages thereof.
[0077] While the present invention have been described in
connection with a number of exemplary embodiments and
implementations, the present invention is not so limited, but
rather covers various modifications and equivalent arrangements,
which fall within the purview of the appended claims.
* * * * *