U.S. patent application number 14/626668 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-21 for footwear having surface-detecting protrusions.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ronald Jay Cohen. Invention is credited to Ronald Jay Cohen.
Application Number | 20160206043 14/626668 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56406814 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160206043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cohen; Ronald Jay |
July 21, 2016 |
FOOTWEAR HAVING SURFACE-DETECTING PROTRUSIONS
Abstract
A piece of footwear including an upper portion operably
configured to at least partially surround a user's foot, a sole
having an outsole and an insole, and at least one surface-detecting
protrusion spanning through the sole. The insole and the upper
portion define a foot placement zone. The at least one
surface-detecting protrusion includes a proximal end defining a
foot contact surface disposed within the foot placement zone. The
proximal end is in a spaced relationship away from the insole. The
at least one surface-detecting protrusion also includes a distal
end, opposite the proximal end. The distal end defines an outer
contact surface disposed in a spaced relationship away from the
outsole. The foot contact surface is operably configured to
translate when the outer contact surface is subjected to a
compression force.
Inventors: |
Cohen; Ronald Jay; (Boynton
Beach, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cohen; Ronald Jay |
Boynton Beach |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56406814 |
Appl. No.: |
14/626668 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62105940 |
Jan 21, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/146 20130101;
A43B 13/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/22 20060101
A43B013/22 |
Claims
1. A piece of footwear comprising: an upper portion of the piece of
footwear; a sole having an outsole including a ground contact
portion and an insole including an upper-most inner surface for
making contact with a user's foot, the upper-most inner surface of
the insole and the upper portion of the piece of footwear being
configured to surround the user's foot and defining a foot
placement zone sized to receive the user's foot; and at least one
surface-detecting protrusion extending through the sole, the
surface-detecting protrusion comprising a proximal end and a distal
end opposite the proximal end, wherein: the proximal end defines a
foot contact surface disposed within the foot placement zone and in
a spaced relationship a distance above the upper-most inner surface
of the insole; the distal end defines an outer contact surface
disposed in a spaced relationship a distance below the ground
contact portion of the outsole; and the surface-detecting
protrusion is configured to move through the sole when the outer
contact surface is subjected to a compression force for providing
sensory feedback from the user's foot.
2. The piece of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising:
a web coupling the surface-detecting protrusion to the sole,
wherein the web is of an elasticity property different than both a
material of the surface-detecting protrusion and a material of the
outsole.
3. The piece of footwear according to claim 2, wherein: the web
surrounds an outer perimeter of the surface-detecting
protrusion.
4. The piece of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: the
surface-detecting protrusion upwardly tapers into the foot
placement zone.
5. The piece of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: the
surface-detecting protrusion is of a slender shape.
6. The piece of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: one
surface-detecting protrusion is disposed in a front portion and
another surface-detecting protrusion is disposed in a heel portion
of the piece of footwear; and the surface-detecting protrusion is
of cylindrical, square, or rectangular shape.
7. The piece of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: the outsole
is directly coupled to the insole, and the surface-detecting
protrusion is fixedly coupled to the sole.
8. The piece of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: the
surface-detecting protrusion is removably couplable to the
sole.
9. The piece of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising:
a hinge-like device disposed between the proximal end of the
surface-detecting protrusion and the distal end of the
surface-detecting protrusion.
10. The piece of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of surface-detecting protrusions spanning through the
sole and disposed along a front portion of the sole in a first
direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sole and
disposed along a second portion of the sole in a second direction
with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sole, the first
direction different than the second direction.
11. A piece of footwear comprising: an upper portion of the piece
of footwear; a sole having an insole including an upper-most inner
surface for making contact with a user's foot and an outsole, the
upper-most inner surface of the insole and the upper portion of the
piece of footwear being configured to surround the user's foot and
defining a foot placement zone sized to receive the user's foot,
the outsole having a ground contact portion; and a plurality of
surface-detecting protrusions each extending through a width of the
sole, each of the plurality of surface-detecting protrusions
comprising a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal
end, wherein: the proximal end defines a foot contact surface
disposed within the foot placement zone; the distal ends defines a
ground contact surface disposed a distance below the ground contact
portion of the outsole; and the surface-detecting protrusions are
each configured to move through the width of the sole when the
proximal end is subjected to a compression force of the user's foot
for providing sensory feedback from the user's foot.
12. The piece of footwear according to claim 11, further
comprising: a web coupling the plurality of surface-detecting
protrusions to the sole, wherein the web is made of an elastic
property different than a material of the plurality of
surface-detecting protrusions and a material of the outsole.
13. The piece of footwear according to claim 12, wherein: the web
surrounds an outer perimeter of each of the plurality of
surface-detecting protrusions.
14. The piece of footwear according to claim 11, wherein: the
plurality of surface-detecting protrusions disposed within a front
portion of the sole are of a size and shape different than a size
and shape of the plurality of surface-detecting protrusions
disposed within a heel portion of the sole.
15. The piece of footwear according to claim 11, wherein: the
plurality of surface-detecting protrusions are made of an
elastomeric material.
16. The piece of footwear according to claim 11, wherein: the
outsole is directly coupled to the insole, and the plurality of
surface-detecting protrusions are fixedly coupled to the sole.
17. A piece of footwear comprising: an upper portion of the piece
of footwear; a sole having an outsole including a ground contact
portion and an insole including an upper-most inner surface for
making contact with a user's foot, the upper-most inner surface of
the insole and the upper portion of the piece of footwear being
configured to surround a user's foot and defining a foot placement
zone sized to receive the user's foot; and at least one
surface-detecting protrusion extending through the sole, the
surface-detecting protrusion comprising a first portion and a
second portion aligned with the first portion, wherein: the first
portion defines a foot contact surface disposed within the foot
placement zone and in a spaced relationship a distance above the
upper-most inner surface of the insole; the second portion defines
an outer contact surface disposed in a spaced relationship a
distance below the ground contact portion of the outsole; and the
surface-detecting protrusion is configured to move through the sole
when the outer contact surface is subjected to a compression force
for providing sensory feedback from the user's foot.
18. The piece of footwear according to claim 17, wherein: the first
portion of the surface-detecting protrusion and the second portion
of the surface-detecting protrusion are continuously aligned along
a common axis.
19. The piece of footwear according to claim 17, wherein the
surface-detecting protrusion further comprises: a hinge-like device
coupling the first portion of the surface-detecting protrusion to
the second portion of the surface-detecting protrusion.
20. The piece of footwear according to claim 17, wherein: the first
portion of the surface-detecting protrusion is coupled to the
second portion of the surface-detecting protrusion, and movement of
the first portion of the surface-detecting protrusion results in a
corresponding movement of the second portion of the
surface-detecting protrusion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/105,940 filed on Jan. 21, 2015, the entirety of
which is incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to footwear, and
more particularly, relates to footwear having a sole and a
plurality of surface-detecting protrusions spanning through the
sole.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The human foot contains numerous nerve receptors that
provide sensory feedback to the brain. The sensory information
provided by the feet informs the brain of the type of environment
underneath the feet. The brain utilizes this feedback of
information to produce many varied adaptive movements of the body.
These adaptive movements may serve the purpose of protecting the
feet from harmful surfaces, maintaining balance, and ensuring
coordinated movement. While driving, the brain processes sensory
information from the feet that also serves adaptive functions.
Since visual attention must be focused on the road, drivers rely
heavily on sensory feedback from the foot to identify where the gas
pedal and the brake pedal are in space. Additionally, sensory
feedback from the foot must be coordinated with visual cues to
properly judge how much pressure is to be applied to each pedal. If
sensory feedback from the foot to the brain is compromised during a
task such as driving, the results can be catastrophic. It would be
advisable for a person with such a deficit to use appropriate
available means to remediate, or compensate for, diminished sensory
input to the brain from the feet.
[0004] A number of medical complications, including diabetes, can
impair the body's ability to provide appropriate sensory feedback.
According to statistics, as of the year 2015, an estimated 200
million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, many of which also
suffer from neuropathy, i.e., nerve damage. Factors such as
obesity, physical inactivity, aging, and population growth will
likely cause the number of people suffering from diabetes to
increase to approximately 300 million people by the year 2030.
Existing data indicates that about one-half of all individuals with
diabetes eventually develop neuropathy. In fact, diabetic
neuropathy is the most common variety of neuropathy in the Western
world. Individuals with diabetic neuropathy often experience a wide
variety of sensory, motor, and autonomic complications. For
example, diabetic neuropathy often strikes the feet, compromising
one's sense of touch, i.e., haptic sense, as well as one's ability
to identify where one's foot is in space, i.e., proprioception.
Here, proprioception refers to the process of the nerves of the
feet providing continuous input to the brain as to their position
and movement. The nerves receive this sensory information from
exteroceptors in the feet which essentially gather information from
the outside world.
[0005] Compromised haptic sense and proprioception can become
particularly problematic in real world tasks. For example,
individuals having diabetic neuropathy of the feet, often have
difficulty sensing where the gas and brake pedals are while
driving. Compromised sense of touch in the feet may also result in
problems in sustaining adequate pressure on the gas or brake
pedals. This condition is especially problematic, if not dangerous
and even life-threatening, when the driver so impaired fails to
maintain adequate pressure on the brake at a red light or in
stop-and-go traffic. Depending upon the extent of the diabetic
neuropathy, it may be advisable for some people to cease driving
altogether. This is especially true in cases where proprioception
has been compromised such that there is marked difficulty and
consequential delays when shifting to and from the gas and brake
pedals.
[0006] Numerous other examples may be cited of how reduced sensory
feedback, as a result of diabetes or other conditions, may
adversely affect an individual. Diminished sensory feedback may
lead to toe scuffing which can present its own special challenges
to individuals with diabetes in terms of healing. Diminished
sensory feedback may also lead to a greater risk of tripping and
falling which carry with them their own great risk for harm and
injury.
[0007] Typically, individuals with diabetic neuropathy wear
specially constructed diabetic shoes. Unfortunately, the typical
design of a diabetic shoe has nothing at all to do with enhancing
haptics, proprioception or sensory feedback in general. Existing
diabetic shoes are often constructed to reduce the risk of skin
breakdown. Diabetic shoes are characteristically custom molded from
certain materials, such as real leather, Zennon, or similar
materials with an emphasis on preventing strains, ulcers, calluses,
and injuries that result in infections that may ultimately
necessitate amputation of a limb. Contrary to the benefit of
enhancing sensory feedback, customary diabetic footwear lifts a
user's foot a distance from the ground such that the foot no longer
contacts the ground surface. This lift from the ground, especially
when combined with other typical features of current diabetic shoes
(e.g., extra padding in the shoe for extra interior comfort or a
very heavy sole designed to maximize gripping and minimize
slipping), all combine to decrease exteroceptor feedback which, in
turn, has the effect of further minimizing or obscuring sensory
feedback to the brain regarding the surface that the foot is in
contact with.
[0008] Various industries utilize specialized footwear for
specialized and customized purposes. For example, known footwear is
often developed for therapeutic applications, such as physical
therapy or rehabilitation. Military personnel often require
specialized footwear for walking on certain surfaces such as those
found underwater, on sand, or on slippery surfaces. In addition,
active individuals, and sports enthusiasts, such as baseball
players, mounting climbers, skiers, runners, and other fitness
enthusiasts, often purchase specialized footwear, such as cleats,
hiking boots, snow boots, and the like. However, known footwear
supplied for these, as well as all other known industries and
recreational and other applications, provides the wearer with
neither the added benefit of enhanced sensory feedback from the
surface touched by the footwear, nor enhancement of the wearer's
proprioception or haptic sense.
[0009] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the
prior art as discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention provides a piece of footwear that overcomes
the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known
devices of this general type and which provides the piece of
footwear a having a plurality of surface-detecting protrusions
spanning through a sole of the piece of footwear.
[0011] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is
provided, in accordance with the invention, a piece of footwear
including an upper portion operably configured to at least
partially surround a user's foot, and a sole having an outsole and
an insole. The insole and the upper portion define a foot placement
zone. The piece of footwear includes at least one surface-detecting
protrusion spanning through the sole and having a proximal end
defining a foot contact surface disposed within the foot placement
zone and in a spaced relationship away from the insole. The piece
of footwear further includes a distal end, opposite the proximal
end. The distal end defines an outer contact surface disposed in a
spaced relationship away from the outsole. The foot contact surface
is operably configured to translate when the outer contact surface
is subjected to a compression force.
[0012] In accordance with a further feature of the present
invention, the piece of footwear includes a web coupling the at
least one surface-detecting protrusion to the sole. The web may be
made of an elasticity property different than both a material of
the surface-detecting protrusion and a material of the outsole.
[0013] In accordance with another feature of the present invention,
the web surrounds an outer perimeter of the least one
surface-detecting protrusion.
[0014] In accordance with yet another feature of the present
invention, the at least one surface-detecting protrusion upwardly
tapers into the foot placement zone.
[0015] In accordance with a further feature of the present
invention, the at least one surface-detecting protrusion is
slender.
[0016] In accordance with yet another feature of the present
invention, an embodiment of the present invention includes the
piece of footwear having the at least one surface-detecting
protrusion disposed in at least one of a front portion and a heel
portion of the piece of footwear. The at least one
surface-detecting protrusion may be at least one of cylindrical,
square, and rectangular.
[0017] In accordance with an additional feature of the present
invention, another embodiment of the present invention includes the
outsole directly coupled to the insole, and the at least one
surface-detecting protrusion fixedly coupled to the sole.
[0018] In accordance with yet another feature of the present
invention an embodiment of the present invention includes the at
least one surface-detecting protrusion removably couplable to the
sole.
[0019] In accordance with an additional feature of the present
invention, an embodiment of the present invention includes the
surface-detecting protrusion having a hinge-like device disposed
between the proximal end of the at least one surface-detecting
protrusion and the distal end of the at least one surface-detecting
protrusion.
[0020] In accordance with an additional feature of the present
invention, an embodiment of the present invention includes the
piece of footwear including a plurality of surface-detecting
protrusions spanning through the sole and disposed along a front
portion of the sole in a first direction with respect to a
longitudinal axis of the sole and disposed along a second portion
of the sole in a second direction with respect to the longitudinal
axis of the sole, the first direction being different than the
second direction.
[0021] In accordance with the present invention, an embodiment of
the piece of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper portion
operably configured to at least partially surround a user's foot
and a sole having an insole and an outsole. The insole and the
upper portion define a foot placement zone and the outsole includes
a ground contact portion. The piece of footwear includes a
plurality of surface-detecting protrusions each spanning a
thickness of the sole. The plurality of surface-detecting
protrusions include a proximal end defining a foot contact surface
disposed within the foot placement zone and a distal end defining a
ground contact surface disposed a distance below the ground contact
portion of the outsole. The distal end is operably configured to
translate when the proximal end is subjected to a compression force
of a user's foot.
[0022] In accordance with a further feature of the present
invention, the piece of footwear includes a web coupling the
plurality of surface-detecting protrusions to the sole, wherein the
web is made of an elastic property different than a material of the
plurality of surface-detecting protrusions and a material of the
outsole.
[0023] In accordance with yet another feature of the present
invention, the web surrounds an outer perimeter of each of the
plurality of surface-detecting protrusions.
[0024] In accordance with an additional feature of the present
invention, an embodiment of the present invention includes the
plurality of surface-detecting protrusions disposed within a front
portion of the sole being of a size and shape different than a size
and shape of the plurality of surface-detecting protrusions
disposed within a heel portion of the sole.
[0025] In accordance with yet another feature of the present
invention, the plurality of surface-detecting protrusions are made
of an elastomeric material.
[0026] In accordance with a further feature of the present
invention, the outsole is directly coupled to the insole, and the
plurality of surface-detecting protrusions are fixedly coupled to
the sole.
[0027] In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the
present invention includes, a piece of footwear having an upper
portion operably configured to at least partially surround a user's
foot and a sole having an outsole and an insole. The insole and the
upper portion define a foot placement zone. The piece of footwear
includes at least one surface-detecting protrusion spanning through
the sole and having a first portion including a foot contact
surface disposed within the foot placement zone and in a spaced
relationship away from the insole and a second portion aligned with
the first portion. The second portion defines an outer contact
surface disposed in a spaced relationship away from the outsole.
The foot contact surface is operably configured to upwardly
translate when the outer contact surface is subjected to a
compression force.
[0028] In accordance with a further feature of the present
invention, the first portion of the at least one surface-detecting
protrusion and the second portion of the at least one
surface-detecting protrusion are continuously aligned along a
common axis.
[0029] In accordance with yet another feature of the present
invention, the at least one surface-detecting protrusion further
includes a hinge-like device coupling the first portion of the at
least one surface-detecting protrusion to the second portion of the
at least one surface-detecting protrusion.
[0030] In accordance with another feature of the present invention,
the first portion of the at least one surface-detecting protrusion
is coupled to the second portion of the at least one
surface-detecting protrusion, and movement of the first portion of
the at least one surface-detecting protrusion results in a
corresponding movement of the second portion of the at least one
surface-detecting protrusion.
[0031] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in a piece of footwear having surface-detecting
protrusions, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the
details shown because various modifications and structural changes
may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the
invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the
claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments
of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted
so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
[0032] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the
invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required,
detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein;
however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various
forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the
present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed
structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not
intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable
description of the invention. While the specification concludes
with claims defining the features of the invention that are
regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better
understood from a consideration of the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference
numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not
drawn to scale.
[0033] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it
is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not
intended to be limiting. The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are
defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality," as used
herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another," as
used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms
"including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as
comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used
herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly,
and not necessarily mechanically. The term "providing" is defined
herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical
existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or
something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period
of time.
[0034] As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" apply
to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These
terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in
the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e.,
having the same function or result). In many instances these terms
may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant
figure. In this document, the term "longitudinal" should be
understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated
direction of the piece of footwear, or from a front end of the toe
cap to the distal end of the heel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve
to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various
principles and advantages all in accordance with the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a piece of footwear having
at least one surface-detecting protrusion in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 2 is an elevational side view of the piece of footwear
of FIG. 1, having a plurality of surface-detecting protrusions in
accordance with the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the piece of footwear of
FIG. 1 along section A-A of FIG. 2, showing the plurality of
surface-detecting protrusions spanning through a sole of the piece
of footwear of FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the piece of footwear of
FIG. 1 along section A-A of FIG. 2, showing the piece of footwear
being worn by a user in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 5 is an exploded, fragmentary cross-sectional
elevational side view of the at least one surface-detecting
protrusion of FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 6 is an exploded, fragmentary cross-sectional
elevational side view of the at least one surface-detecting
protrusion of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 7 is a bottom elevational view of an outsole of the
piece of footwear of FIG. 1 including a web; and
[0043] FIG. 8 is a bottom elevational view of the outsole of the
piece of footwear of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] While the specification concludes with the claims defining
the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is
believed that the invention will be better understood from a
consideration of the following description in conjunction with the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried
forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various
forms. The present invention relates to a key improvement in
footwear designed to provide significant benefits to any individual
who has diminished sensation in the feet, such as individuals
suffering from neuropathy in their lower limbs. More specifically,
the present invention provides a novel and efficient piece of
footwear that facilitates sensory feedback relevant to
foot-to-surface-contact through the use of at least one
surface-detecting protrusion spanning from a user's foot to a
ground contact surface.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present
invention is shown in a perspective view. FIG. 1 shows several
advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be
described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes,
sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers
and functions of the components. The first example of a piece of
footwear 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes an upper portion 102
operably configured to at least partially surround a user's foot, a
sole 104, and at least one surface-detecting protrusion 106
spanning through the sole 104. The term "piece of footwear" may be
referred to herein as "footwear." The term "footwear" is used in
the broadest possible sense and refers to any durable covering of
the foot including, but not limited to conventional shoes,
slippers, sandals, high heels, and boots constructed of any
material. The term "spanning" is defined generally as extending
throughout the thickness 114 of the sole. The upper portion 102 and
the sole 104 may define, generally, the whole piece of footwear
100, in some embodiments.
[0046] The surface-detecting protrusion 106 is operably configured
to make contact with a user's foot and a ground surface, to provide
sensation to a user's foot, thereby enhancing haptic and
proprioceptive information to the brain. Said another way, through
the use of the surface-detecting protrusion 106, the piece of
footwear 100 provides a sense of contact and enhanced feeling
sensation with surfaces, e.g., a ground surface, a vehicle pedal,
etc., touched during activities such as walking, running, standing,
driving, and any other activity that people conceivably engage in
while wearing footwear. The term "surface" is used in the broadest
possible sense and is generally defined herein as the outermost or
uppermost layer of an object or area.
[0047] Advantageously, the footwear 100 may be useful for those
suffering from medical conditions, as well as in various
applications, such as athletic training. For example, in use during
athletic training, the footwear 100, more specifically, the
surface-detecting protrusion 106, may assist a baseball player in
developing a more effective batting stance by providing enhanced
proprioception as to the amount of weight placed on the balls of
the user's feet. Similarly, enhanced feedback regarding exactly how
one's feet are set may be of value to an individual seeking to
improve a golf or tennis swing. As an added advantage, the footwear
100 may aid in industrial applications, such as helping a user to
better ambulate through muddy or sticky ground surfaces, especially
where enhanced feedback regarding the surfaces being detected is
critical. In addition, the surface-detecting protrusion 106 so
instrumental in enhancing sensory feedback, may be constructed in a
customized variation so as to provide the user with massage-type
sensory stimulation while the user is walking or otherwise moving
the foot while wearing the footwear 100. In this latter
recreational use, the enhanced stimulation and massage-type action
of the footwear 100 is therapeutic to the extent that it is being
used primarily as a means to stimulate or revitalize what might
otherwise be characterized as tired or achy feet. Persons who are
sedentary, fly on long air trips, or who have jobs where they must
sit by computer screens for long periods of time may find the
footwear 100 medically beneficial if they use it to purposely
stimulate and "self-massage" feet that would otherwise be
relatively stationary. In another embodiment, for this sort of
self-massage, the surface-detecting protrusion 106 may include a
hinge-like device 600 (FIG. 6) in such fashion as to make it
amenable to being pushed back-and-forth as a means of "toe
exercise." Here, the surface-detecting protrusion 106 itself serves
as the object designed to focus and train sensory feedback in an
individual whose capacity for such may have been compromised.
[0048] The surface-detecting protrusion 106 may be located at any
point along the sole 104, such as, on a front portion 108, a
mid-portion 110, or a heel portion 112 of the sole 104. The front
portion 108 generally includes the region extending from the user's
toe box to the forefoot. The mid-portion 110 generally includes the
mid-foot, and the heel portion 112 generally includes the region
extending from the user's mid-foot to the heel area, i.e.,
rear-foot.
[0049] In one embodiment, the footwear 100 includes a plurality of
surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n, wherein the indicator "a-n"
is intended to represent any number of surface-detecting
protrusions, with "a" indicating 1 and "n" indicating any number
greater than 1. FIG. 1 depicts the surface-detecting protrusions
106a-n arranged in pairs along the front portion 108, the
mid-portion 110, and the heel portion 112 of the footwear 100. In
one embodiment, the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n are
concentrated in a particular area of the sole 104. In other
embodiments, the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n may extend in
any number along the sole 104.
[0050] In one embodiment, the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n
are disposed along the front portion 108 of the sole 104 in a first
direction, with respect to a longitudinal axis 116 of the sole 104
and are disposed along a second portion of the sole 104 in a second
direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 116 of the sole
104, wherein the first direction is different than the second
direction. In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 1, the first
direction of the surface-detecting protrusion 106b is angled toward
the front portion 108 and the second direction of the
surface-detecting protrusion 106a is upright, in other words,
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 116 of the sole 104. In
other embodiments, the first direction and the second direction of
the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n may be angled toward the
front portion 108, vertical, angled toward the heel portion 112, or
any combination thereof. Advantageously, the various directions and
orientations provide stimulation to various portions of the user's
foot from different angles, which may be especially beneficial for
the previously described use of self-massage of the user's
feet.
[0051] In one embodiment, the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n
are fixedly coupled to the sole 104. The term "fixedly" is defined
herein intended to indicate a fastening to, an attachment to, or a
placement on another structure or object so as to be firm and not
readily movable. In another embodiment, the surface-detecting
protrusions 106a-n are removably couplable to the sole 104. As
such, the sole 104 and the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n may
be conveniently replaced following normal wear and tear.
[0052] With reference now to FIG. 2, which depicts an elevational
side view of the footwear 100, the sole 104 can be seen having an
outsole 200 and an insole 202. In one embodiment, the insole 202
and the upper portion 102 define a foot placement zone 204. In
other embodiments, the insole 202 and the upper portion 102 do not
completely define the foot placement zone 204, rather, other
components of the footwear 100 may also define the foot placement
zone 204. Generally speaking, the foot placement zone 204 is the
portion of the footwear 100 sized and shaped to receive a user's
foot. Naturally, the size, i.e., dimensions, of the foot placement
zone 204 may vary, depending on the size of the user's foot.
[0053] The sole 104 can be made from a variety of materials and may
have a variety of properties associated therewith to increase
friction, increase durability, and reduce resistance to sweat,
water, and other fluids. The insole 202 is the portion of the
footwear 100 that sits directly beneath a user's foot and which
receives much of a user's weight during activities such as walking,
running, standing, or driving. The insole 202 may be made of a soft
foam or gel, a durable foam, a silicone, or another type of
material that provides comfort and durability to the user's foot.
The outsole 200 is the exposed part of the sole 104 that is in
contact with a ground surface. More specifically, the outsole 200
includes a ground contact portion 206. The outsole 200 may be made
of a rubber, a composite material, or any other similar material
operable to withstand elements commonly found outdoors and on
ground surfaces.
[0054] In one embodiment, the outsole 200 is coupled to the insole
202. In one embodiment, the outsole 200 is directly coupled to the
insole 202 with no other existing material between. In other
embodiments, a midsole may be coupled between the outsole 200 and
the insole 202, as is commonly found in footwear. The outsole 200
may be fixedly or removably coupled to the insole 202.
[0055] With reference now to FIG. 3, which depicts a cross
sectional view of the footwear 100 along section A-A, the
surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n can be seen spanning through a
width 300 of the sole 104. As will be appreciable by those of
ordinary skill in the art, the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n
may also be considered herein as defining the outsole 200 and the
insole 202. The surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n each include a
first portion 302 having a proximal end 304 defining a foot contact
surface 306 disposed within the foot placement zone 204. The foot
contact surface 306 is the portion of the surface-detecting
protrusion 106 configured to contact a user's foot, thereby
providing the user with sensory feedback to the brain and
stimulation to help the user obtain feedback from whatever surface
or object is being touched. As depicted by the surface-detecting
protrusion 106n in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the surface-detecting
protrusion 106n upwardly tapers into the foot placement zone 204.
Advantageously, the tapering configuration provides a shape that
contacts a user foot from a more forceful angle than a non-tapering
configuration.
[0056] The surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n each include a
second portion 308 having a distal end 310 opposite the proximal
end 304. In one embodiment, the first portion 302 and the second
portion 308 may each include approximately half of a total length
400 (FIG. 4) of the surface-detecting protrusion 106a-b. In other
embodiments, the first portion 302 may be shorter or longer than
the second portion 308, but within 40-60% of the total length 400
(FIG. 4).
[0057] The distal end 310 defines an outer contact surface 312
disposed in a spaced relationship away from the outsole 200. In one
embodiment, the spaced relationship 314 of the distal end 310 to
the ground contact portion 206 of the outsole 200 is approximately
1/4-3/4 of an inch. In other embodiments, the spaced relationship
can vary outside of this range, but is generally no longer than 2
inches and no shorter than 1/32 of an inch. In a similar manner,
the spaced relationship 316 of the proximal end 304 to a foot
contacting inner surface 318 of the insole 202 may be approximately
1/4-3/4 of an inch. In other embodiments, the spaced relationship
316 of the proximal end 304 can vary outside of this range, but is
generally no longer than 2 inches and no shorter than 1/32 of an
inch. For example, a user may prefer the spaced relationship 316 to
be approximately 1/4 of an inch for massage capabilities and 1/2 of
an inch during driving.
[0058] With reference to FIG. 4, the foot contact surface 306 is
operably configured to translate when the outer contact surface 312
is subjected to a compression force. In the same vein, the outer
contact surface 312 is operably configured to translate when the
foot contact surface 306 is subject to a compression force. The
term "translate" is defined herein as moving from one location to
another, mainly, but not necessarily, in upward-downward
directions. The term "compression force" is defined herein as the
application of a force, pressure, or exertion that results in the
squeezing or compacting of an object, such as the surface-detecting
protrusion 106. The foot contact surface 306 may translate upward
to contact a user's foot when subjected to a compression force,
such as that resulting from a user stepping on a ground surface,
such as gravel, clay, asphalt, wood flooring, etc. or that which
results from driving, when pressure is exerted to a gas or brake
pedal. Similarly, the outer contact surface 312 may translate
downward toward the ground surface, pedal, or the like, when
pressure is exerted by a user's foot, such as that which occurs
during stepping, standing, driving, or other similar
activities.
[0059] In order to withstand the compression force and provide
varying degrees of pressure on the user's foot, the
surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n may be made from a multitude
of materials, ranging from, for example, an elastomeric material
e.g., PVC plastic, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, or
the like, to a sponge-like material, e.g., foam rubber. The
material described herein is not intended to be limiting, but
rather illustrative of the type of material that may be used to
make the surface-detecting protrusion 106. The material may be
compressible, e.g., that which is capable of changing its shape and
returning back to its static-state shape after its change in shape,
or may be non-compressible in some embodiments. Advantageously, the
variety of materials provide the surface-detecting protrusions
106a-n which may be used in a wide array of activities. For
example, a user may prefer the sponge-like material during driving
and the elastomeric material to gain traction on a soft surface
during sporting events, such as baseball. In contrast to
traditional footwear, the footwear 100 provides a user with
enhanced haptic and proprioceptive feedback regarding where the
foot is in space and the surface being touched. Said another way,
the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n provide an increased
pressure experienced by the user to inform the user that contact is
being made with a surface, e.g., a ground surface, gas or brake
pedal, or the like.
[0060] As depicted in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the
surface-detecting protrusion 106a is slender. The term "slender" is
defined herein as having the length 400 that exceeds a width 402 of
the surface-detecting protrusion 106. In one embodiment the length
400 of the surface-detecting protrusion 106 is between
approximately 1.0-2.0 inches and the width 402 is between
approximately 1/4-1/2 of an inch. In other embodiments, the length
400 and the width 402 may be outside of these ranges.
[0061] In one embodiment, the surface-detecting protrusion 106 may
be in the shape of at least one of a cylinder, a square, and a
rectangle. In other embodiments, the surface-detecting protrusions
106a-n may be depicted in a variety of shapes, including, but not
limited to circular, triangular, curved, or any combination
thereof. FIG. 4 depicts the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n
disposed with the front portion 108 of the sole 104 having a size
and shape different than a size and shape of the surface-detecting
protrusions 106a-n disposed within the heel portion 112 of the sole
104. In other embodiments, the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n
may be depicted in different shapes, and may be tapered or
non-tapered, when located in the same portion of the sole 104.
[0062] With reference now to FIG. 5, the surface-detecting
protrusion 106 can be seen extending continuously through the sole
104. More specifically, the first portion 302 and the second
portion 308 of the surface-detecting protrusion 106 are
continuously aligned with one another along a common axis 500,
i.e., vertical axis, with respect to the longitudinal axis 116,
i.e., horizontal axis, of the sole 104. The term "continuously" is
defined herein as extending the length 114 of the sole 104 void of
any gaps. In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 5, the first
portion 302 and the second portion 308 of the surface-detecting
protrusion 106 are formed as a single unit.
[0063] In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 6, the
surface-detecting protrusion 106 may be two separate units coupled
to each other. More specifically, FIG. 6 depicts the first portion
302 coupled to the second portion 308 to form the surface-detecting
protrusion 106. In one embodiment, the first portion 302 and the
second portion 308 are coupled to each other through the hinge-like
device 600. The "hinge-like device" is a device for holding
together two parts such that one can move relative to the other,
e.g., a hinge, spring, coil, or another similar connection
mechanism that allows relative movement. In another embodiment, the
surface-detecting protrusion 106 may be formed as a single unit
having the hinge-like device 600 or another similar mechanism
operable to facilitate movement. In one embodiment, the hinge
like-device 600 may be disposed between the proximal end 304 of the
surface-detecting protrusion 106 and the distal end 310 of the
object sensing protrusion 106, thereby facilitating translation of
the foot contact surface 306 when the outer contact surface 312 is
subjected to a compression force. In the same vein, the hinge-like
device 600 may facilitate the movement of the outer contact surface
312 when the foot contact surface 306 is subjected to a compression
force. In one embodiment, in use, movement of the first portion 302
results in a corresponding movement of the second portion 308. In
another embodiment, the first portion 302 may move independently of
the second portion 308.
[0064] Advantageously, the hinge-like device 600 provides varying
degrees of flexibility of the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n
for use in various activities, such as running, walking, driving,
and the like. For example, during a rigorous activity such as
running, a user may prefer to utilize the surface-detecting
protrusion 106 having the hinge-like device 600 due to the higher
degree of flexibility when compared to the non-hinged
surface-detecting protrusion 106 depicted in FIG. 5.
[0065] FIG. 7 is an elevational bottom view of the footwear 100,
depicting one embodiment of the outsole 200, more specifically, the
ground contact portion 206, including a web 700 coupling the
surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n to the sole 104 (FIG. 1). In
one embodiment, the web 700 includes a plurality of securing
members 702 arranged diagonally to surround an outer perimeter 704
of the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n. In other embodiments,
the securing members 702 may be arranged horizontally, vertically,
or in any combination of diagonal, horizontal, and vertical.
[0066] In one embodiment, the web 700 is of an elasticity property
different than both a material of the surface-detecting protrusions
106a-n and a material of outsole 200, e.g., rubber. In other
embodiments, the web 700 made be made of the same material as the
outsole 200. The web 700 may be installed beneath the outsole 200
or may be installed between the outsole 200 and the insole 202
(FIG. 2).
[0067] FIG. 8 is an elevational bottom view of the footwear 100,
depicting one embodiment of the outsole 200 defining a plurality of
apertures 800. The surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n may be
inserted through the apertures 800 to couple the surface-detecting
protrusions 106a-n to the sole 104 (FIG. 1). Naturally, the size
and shape of the apertures 800 may vary to conform to the size and
shape of the apertures 106a-n in order to ensure a snug fit between
the outer perimeter 704 of each of the surface-detecting
protrusions 106a-n to prevent outside elements from entering an
interior of the footwear 100. The snug fit however, would still
permit the surface-detecting protrusions 106a-n to translate
relative to the sole 104 (FIG. 1).
[0068] A piece of footwear has been disclosed that provides a novel
and efficient dual-soled piece of footwear that facilitates users,
and in particular those suffering from neuropathy in their lower
limbs, in receiving sensory feedback from the surfaces they come in
contact with their feet through the use of at least one
surface-detecting protrusion. The surface-detecting protrusions may
be provided in a myriad of shapes and sizes for use during a wide
array of activities involving pressure exerted on a user's
feet.
* * * * *