U.S. patent application number 14/604094 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-28 for ventilated footwear construction.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wolverine World Wide, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kiyotaka Nakano.
Application Number | 20160213090 14/604094 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56433669 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160213090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakano; Kiyotaka |
July 28, 2016 |
VENTILATED FOOTWEAR CONSTRUCTION
Abstract
A ventilation system for an article of footwear including a
ventilated midsole and a ventilated wing for routing warm/moist air
from around a wearer's foot to at least one vent in the upper. The
ventilated midsole and wings may be integrally formed from a sheet
of ventilated material. Alternatively, the ventilated midsole and
the ventilated wing are separately formed and fitted together
within the article of footwear. When formed separately, the
ventilated midsole may be molded with a cavity in the bottom
surface to receive the wing. The wing may include a first portion
disposed in the cavity and a second portion providing a flow path
to the vent. The ventilation system may be used with a
waterproof/breathable bootie. The ventilation system may be
positioned inside or outside the bootie. The tongue may also
include a tongue ventilation system with a tongue ventilation
insert and a tongue vent.
Inventors: |
Nakano; Kiyotaka; (Rockford,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. |
Rockford |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56433669 |
Appl. No.: |
14/604094 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/085 20130101;
A43B 13/38 20130101; A43B 7/125 20130101; A43B 23/26 20130101; A43B
23/0245 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/08 20060101
A43B007/08; A43B 23/02 20060101 A43B023/02; A43B 13/38 20060101
A43B013/38; A43B 23/26 20060101 A43B023/26 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper defining an interior
and at least one vent; a sole secured to said upper; a ventilation
system fitted within said interior of said upper, said ventilation
system including a ventilation insert having a ventilated midsole
and at least one ventilated wing, said ventilated midsole and said
ventilated wing being one piece and defining air flow passages that
provide fluid communication between said ventilated midsole and
said ventilated wing.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein said upper includes
an outer layer and a waterproof/breathable bootie, said bootie
fitted into said outer layer.
3. The article of footwear of claim 2 wherein said ventilation
insert is disposed between said bootie and said outer layer.
4. The article of footwear of claim 3 wherein said ventilation
insert is further defined as including at least two ventilated
wings and at least two vents.
5. The article of footwear of claim 4 wherein one of said
ventilated wings extends from a lateral side of said ventilated
midsole and another of said ventilated wings extends from a medial
side of said ventilated midsole.
6. The article of footwear of claim 5 wherein one of said vents is
disposed on a lateral side of said upper and another of said vents
is disposed on a medial side of said upper.
7. The article of footwear of claim 6 wherein at least one of said
vent includes a frame and a cover, said frame secured to said upper
and defining a central opening, said cover secured to said frame
over said central opening.
8. The article of footwear of claim 6 wherein said upper includes a
tongue including an inner layer and an outer layer; and further
including a tongue ventilation system fitted into said tongue, said
tongue ventilation system including a ventilated tongue insert and
a tongue vent, said ventilated tongue insert disposed between said
inner layer and said outer layer, said tongue vent secured to said
outer layer.
9. The article of footwear of claim 8 wherein said tongue include a
cushioning layer disposed between said inner layer of said tongue
and said outer layer of said tongue, said ventilated tongue insert
having a lower portion disposed between said cushioning layer and
said inner layer, said ventilated tongue insert having an upper
portion disposed between said cushioning layer and said outer
layer.
10. An article of footwear comprising: an upper defining an
interior foot-receiving space and at least one vent; a sole secured
to said upper; and a ventilation system having a ventilated midsole
and a ventilated wing, said ventilated midsole defining a cavity,
said wing having a first portion fitted into said cavity and a
second portion extending upwardly from said first portion to said
vent.
11. The article of footwear of claim 10 wherein said ventilated
midsole includes longitudinal top channels and lateral bottom
channels, said top channels and said bottom channel intersecting to
define openings providing fluid communication between said top
channels and said bottom channels.
12. The article of footwear of claim 11 wherein said top channels
are in direct fluid communication with said cavity.
13. The article of footwear of claim 12 wherein said upper includes
an outer layer and a waterproof/breathable bootie, said bootie
fitted into said outer layer.
14. The article of footwear of claim 13 wherein said ventilated
midsole is disposed between said bootie and said sole.
15. The article of footwear of claim 14 wherein said ventilated
wing is disposed between said bootie and said outer layer, said
ventilated wing providing fluid communication between said
ventilated midsole and said vent.
16. The article of footwear of claim 15 wherein said vent includes
a frame and a cover, said frame secured to said outer layer and
defining a central opening, said cover secured to said frame and
filling said central opening.
17. The article of footwear of claim 16 wherein said upper includes
a tongue including an inner layer and an outer layer; and further
including a tongue ventilation system fitted into said tongue, said
tongue ventilation system including a ventilated tongue insert and
a tongue vent, said ventilated tongue insert disposed between said
inner layer and said outer layer, said tongue vent secured to said
outer layer.
18. The article of footwear of claim 17 wherein said tongue include
a cushioning layer disposed between said inner layer of said tongue
and said outer layer of said tongue, said ventilated tongue insert
having a lower portion disposed between said cushioning layer and
said inner layer, said ventilated tongue insert having an upper
portion disposed between said cushioning layer and said outer
layer.
19. An article of footwear comprising: an upper having a tongue,
said tongue having an inner layer and outer layer; a sole secured
to said upper; and a tongue ventilation system fitted into said
tongue, said tongue ventilation system including a ventilated
tongue insert and a tongue vent, said ventilated tongue insert
disposed between said inner layer and said outer layer, said tongue
vent secured to and defining an opening through said outer
layer.
20. The article of footwear of claim 19 wherein said ventilated
tongue insert having an inner surface and an outer surface, said
ventilated tongue insert defining a plurality of flow passages
providing fluid communication between said inner surface and said
outer surface.
21. The article of claim 19 wherein said ventilated tongue insert
having an inner surface and an outer surface, said ventilated
tongue insert defining a plurality of inner channels in said inner
surface and a plurality of outer channels in said outer surface,
said inner channels and said outer channels intersecting to define
a plurality of openings providing fluid communication between said
inner surface and said outer surface.
22. The article of claim 21 wherein said tongue include a
cushioning layer disposed between said inner layer of said tongue
and said outer layer of said tongue, said ventilated tongue insert
having a lower portion disposed between said cushioning layer and
said inner layer of said tongue, said ventilated tongue insert
having an upper portion disposed between said cushioning layer and
said outer layer of said tongue.
23. The article of claim 22 wherein said upper includes a
waterproof/breathable bootie disposed within said interior, said
inner layer of said tongue being defined by a portion of said
bootie.
24. The article of claim 22 wherein said cushioning layer defines a
slit, said ventilation insert fitted through said slit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to ventilated footwear and
more particularly to an article of footwear with internal venting
channels.
[0002] One common objective in developing footwear is to provide
ventilation to help to remove heat and moisture from around the
foot. A variety of different constructions have been developed that
allow air flow between the environment and the interior of an
article of footwear. In perhaps its simplest form, an upper is
formed from materials, such as open mesh materials, that allow air
to flow through the walls of the upper. Similarly, there have been
a number of constructions that provide an air flow path from the
interior of the article of footwear to environment through the
sole, such as the midsole or the outsole.
[0003] In another conventional construction, a boot is provided
with a one-way ventilation system in which air enters the interior
of the boot on one side, flows from the interior down through an
insole and then exits the boot on the other side. Inlet and outlet
vents are provided on opposite sides of the upper toward the top of
the boot. An air inlet plate member extends down from the inlet
vent to convey air to the interior of the boot. The insole has
vertical apertures that allow the air to flow from the interior
through the insole to its undersurface and channels on its
undersurface. An air outlet plate member extends from the insole to
the outlet vent to convey air from the insole to the outlet vent. A
one-way flow valve is positioned between the insole and the air
outlet plate to control the direction of air flow through the
system. As can be seen, this is a complex system that requires a
one-way valve and attempts to provide a complete flow path into,
through and out of the boot.
[0004] Ventilation can be particularly difficult to provide in
waterproof footwear. Most efforts to ventilate waterproof footwear
have focused on the use of waterproof and vapor permeable materials
that prevent water from entering the footwear while still allowing
heat and water vapor to escape. Although waterproof/breathable
materials provide significantly greater ventilation than
conventional waterproof/non-breathable materials, conventional
waterproof/vapor permeable constructions do not provide sufficient
ventilation for a wide range of applications. As a result, despite
the advancement made possible by waterproof and vapor-permeable
materials, there continues to be a desire for footwear with
enhanced ventilation capabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a footwear construction
having a ventilation system to provide improved ventilation for the
interior of the upper. The ventilation system includes a ventilated
midsole and one or more ventilated wings that cooperatively route
warm air and moisture from around a wearer's foot to the
environment through one or more vents in the upper. The ventilation
system may be used in combination with a waterproof and
vapor-permeable bootie. In some embodiments, the ventilated midsole
and ventilated wing(s) are positioned outside the bootie between
the bootie and the outer layer of the upper. In other embodiments,
the ventilated midsole and the ventilated wing(s) are fitted into
the bootie. When fitted inside the bootie, the wing(s) may extend
upwardly beyond the upper end of the bootie and vent through the
upper above the bootie.
[0006] In one embodiment, the ventilated midsole and wings are
integrally formed as a one-piece ventilation insert that is die cut
from a sheet of ventilated material. In one embodiment, the
ventilated material has an arrangement of channels in opposite
sides of the ventilated material that run perpendicular to one
another and intersect. The intersection of the channels may form
through-holes that provide fluid communication between the channels
on opposite sides of the ventilated material. The ventilation
insert may be formed in a shape that forms a ventilated midsole
with a pair of wings that extend in opposite directions from the
lateral and medial sides of the midsole. The wings may extend from
the central region (or arch region) of the ventilated of the
midsole. In use, the wings can be folded up to extend substantially
vertically along the upper.
[0007] In one embodiment, the ventilation system includes a
ventilated midsole and a ventilated wing that are separately formed
and fitted together within the article of footwear. In this
embodiment, the ventilated midsole may be injection molded with
ventilation channels in opposite sides and with a cavity in the
bottom surface. The injection molded midsole may be a substantial
cushioning structure and may have variations in shape that are
difficult to achieve in sheet stock. The wing may be die cut from a
ventilated material, such as the sheet stock discussed above, and
may include an extension portion that is fitted into the cavity in
the bottom of the midsole and an upright portion that extends
vertically to a vent in the upper.
[0008] In one embodiment, the tongue may also include a ventilation
insert. The tongue may generally include an inner layer, an outer
layer and a cushioning layer disposed between the inner and outer
layers. The inner layer may be a fabric that is sufficiently open
to allow ventilation from the interior of the boot through the
inner layer. The inner layer of the tongue may be a portion of a
waterproof/vapor-permeable bootie. The outer layer may include a
vent located toward the top of the tongue. The tongue ventilation
insert may be disposed between the inner and outer layers. The
ventilation insert may include a lower portion that extends between
the inner layer and the cushioning material and an upper portion
that extends between the cushioning material and the outer layer.
To facilitate this configuration, the cushioning layer may define a
slit and the ventilation insert may be threaded through a slit.
[0009] The present invention provides a simple and effective
ventilation system that is capable of providing a high degree of
ventilation even when combined with a waterproof/vapor permeable
membrane. In those embodiments that utilize a one-piece die cut
construction, the ventilation insert is inexpensive to manufacture
and easily incorporated into an article of footwear with a high
degree of reliability. The channels in the sheet material provide
fluid communication between the midsole and wing(s) without the
need to provide alignment or registration between the components.
In those embodiments that utilize separate midsole and wing
components, the midsole can be formed using a manufacturing
technique, such as injection molding or compression molding, that
permits the midsole to be formed with contours and other
characteristics that are typically not practical with sheet
materials. As a result, the use of separate midsole and wing
components may allow the ventilation midsole to have enhanced
cushioning properties. In some application, the ventilation midsole
may provide sufficient cushioning to eliminate the need for any
additional midsole component. Further, the use of a cavity in the
undersurface of the midsole provides simple and reliable
registration of the wing(s) while yielding effective air flow. When
desired, the tongue ventilation insert can be readily added to
essentially any article of footwear to supplement the midsole/wing
ventilation system and enhance overall ventilation. Those
embodiments that use a tongue ventilation insert laced through the
cushioning layer can provide effective air flow using a simple and
inexpensive manufacturing technique.
[0010] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the
invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by
reference to the description of the current embodiment and the
drawings.
[0011] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to
the details of operation or to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be
implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or
being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed
herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and
"comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items
listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional
items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in
the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly
stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting
the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor
should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the
scope of the invention any additional steps or components that
might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.
Any reference to claim elements as "at least one of X, Y and Z" is
meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any
combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y,
Z.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an article of footwear
incorporating a ventilation system in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a ventilation
insert.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a ventilation
insert.
[0015] FIG. 4A is a sectional view of the ventilation insert taken
along line 4A-4A of FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the ventilation insert taken
along line 4B-4B of FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a partially sectional view of the article of
footwear taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the article of footwear
illustrating air flow through the ventilation system taken along
line 6-6 of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a first alternative
article of footwear incorporating an alternative ventilation
system.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an alternative
ventilation insert.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the alternative ventilation
insert taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a partially sectional view of the first
alternative article of footwear taken along line 10-10 of FIG.
7.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the first alternative article
of footwear illustrating air flow through the ventilation system
taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 7.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the first alternative article
of footwear similar to FIG. 10, expect including a tongue
ventilation system.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 10 showing a
second alternative article of footwear in which the ventilation
system is fitted into the bootie.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 11 showing the
second alternative article of footwear in which the ventilation
system is fitted into the bootie.
[0027] FIG. 15 is perspective view of a ventilation insert assembly
for a third alternative article of footwear.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the alternative ventilated
midsole.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the alternative ventilated
wing.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 11 showing the
third alternative article of footwear.
[0031] FIGS. 19A-F are schematic representations of the steps
associated with assembly of the third alternative article of
footwear.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a schematic representation showing potential
regions of adhesive application between the lasting board,
ventilated midsole and bootie.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a front view of a tongue portion of an article of
footwear with a tongue ventilation system.
[0034] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a tongue ventilation
insert.
[0035] FIG. 23 is a sectional view of a tongue showing the tongue
ventilation system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT
[0036] An article of footwear 10 incorporating a ventilation system
16 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is
shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the article of footwear 10
includes an upper 12 and a sole 14. The ventilation system 16
generally includes a ventilated midsole 18 that is fitted into the
upper 12 above the sole 14, and a pair of wings 20 that extend
upwardly from the ventilated midsole 18 along opposite sides of the
upper 12 and terminate adjacent to vents 60, 62. The ventilated
midsole 18 includes a plurality of channels 50, 52 that the allow
air to flow through and across the ventilated midsole 12.
Similarly, the wings 14 may include a plurality of channels 50, 52
that allow air to flow up the wings 14 and escape from the vents
60, 62. If desired, the ventilation system 16 may be integrated
into an article of footwear 10 having a conventional internal
bootie 28 manufactured from a waterproof and vapor permeable
material, such as Gore-Tex.RTM.. In such applications, the
ventilation system 16 may be fitted inside the bootie 28 or
positioned outside between the bootie 28 and the outer layer 40 of
the upper 12. In an alternative embodiment, the ventilation system
216 may include a ventilated midsole 218 and a wing 220 that are
separately manufactured and fitted together after manufacture. In
this alternative embodiment, the ventilated midsole 218 may be
molded with a plurality of channels 250, 252 and may be contoured
to correspond with the wearer's foot. The ventilated midsole 218
may define a cavity 230 configured to receive the wing 220. The
channels 250, 252 may provide air flow paths that allow air to move
through the midsole into the cavity 230. In this embodiment, the
wing 220 generally includes an extension portion 232 and an upright
portion 234 that defines a plurality of channels 250, 252. The
extension portion 232 is fitted into the cavity 230 to receive air
from the ventilated midsole 218 and the upright portion 234 extends
upwardly to move air to a vent 260 in the upper 212. The
ventilation system 16, 216 may be supplemented by a tongue
ventilation system 316. The tongue ventilation system 316 may
include a ventilation insert 318 that is fitted into the tongue 36
of the upper 12. The ventilation insert 318 may include a plurality
of channels 350, 352 to provide air flow paths through the tongue
ventilation insert 318. The tongue 36 may include a cushioning
layer 38. The ventilation insert 318 may extend along the inner
side of the cushioning layer 38 to receive air from inside the
upper 12. The upper end of the ventilation insert 318 may extend
through the cushioning layer 38 to a vent 64 that allows air to
exit the upper 12.
[0037] Directional terms, such as "vertical," "horizontal," "top,"
"bottom," "upper," "lower," "inner," "inwardly," "outer" and
"outwardly," are used to assist in describing the invention based
on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations.
The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the
invention to any specific orientation(s).
[0038] Although the present invention is described in the context
of a conventional mid-height boot (e.g. 6 inches), the invention
may be incorporated into a wide range of footwear. For example, the
present invention may be incorporated into full-height boots (e.g.
8-10 inches), hiking shoes, running shoes, pac boots, ski boots or
essentially any other footwear that includes a sole and an upper
whether enhanced ventilation may be desired.
[0039] As noted above, the footwear 10 of FIG. 1 generally includes
an upper 12 and a sole 14. The present invention may be
incorporated into footwear that includes essentially any upper
construction and any sole construction. However, for the purposes
of disclosure, the present invention is described in the context of
a conventional mid-height work boot. For example, in this
embodiment, the article of footwear 10 is a 6 inch work boot. In
the illustrated embodiment, the upper 12 is generally conventional
and includes an outer layer 40 and a waterproof/vapor-permeable
bootie 28. The outer layer 40 may be manufactured from one or more
pieces of material that are joined together to form a foot
containing space. The outer layer 40 may be manufacture from a
single type of material or from a combination of two or more
materials. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer
layer includes a primary material, such as leather (e.g. full grain
leather), and a secondary material, such as nylon fabric (e.g. 1680
denier nylon fabric) that are joined together by sewing and/or
adhesive. The upper 12 may also include internal lining materials.
The upper 12 may include additional components, such as a heel
counter, a composite toe and/or internal padding. For example, in
the illustrated embodiment, the upper 12 includes padding in the
collar 78 where the top portion of the upper 12 will engage the
wearer's leg. The bottom of the upper 12 may be closed using an
insole board, such as lasting board 72. For example, the upper 12
may be fitted over a last and its bottom peripheral edge may be
secured to the lasting board 72 using conventional techniques and
apparatus. The upper 12 may be closed using alternative
constructions, such as other types of lasting boards.
[0040] As described in more detail below, the upper 12 may include
a plurality of vents 22 that allow air to escape from the interior
of the article of footwear 10 to the environment. The location of
the vents 22 may vary from application to application. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, a lateral vent 60 is positioned in the
upper 12 toward the top of the foot on the lateral side and a
medial vent 62 is positioned in the upper 12 toward the top of the
foot on the medial side (See, e.g. FIGS. 1 and 6. These vents 60,
62 provide ventilation for wings 20 on opposite sides of the upper
12. In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 7-11 (described below),
the upper 12' includes a single wing vent 60' that is located on
the lateral side of the collar 78 near the top edge of the article
of footwear 10. Vent 60' provides ventilation for a single wing 60'
extending along the lateral side of the upper 12'. Further, in
applications that include a tongue ventilation system 316, a tongue
vent 64 is positioned toward the top of the tongue (See FIGS. 12,
13, 21 and 23). The tongue vent 64 provides ventilation for a
ventilated tongue insert 318 fitted within the tongue 36.
[0041] The design and configuration of the vents 60, 62 and 64 may
vary from application to application. However, in the illustrated
embodiments, each vent 60, 62 and 64 includes a frame 66 and a
cover 68 that are mounted in or over a corresponding opening
through the outer layer 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the
frame 66 is a molded plastic component that can be secured to the
upper 12, for example, by sewing or adhesives. The frame 66 may
include integral stitch grooves (not shown) to recess the stitches
and protect them from damage during use. For example, the frame 66
may be molded with a shallow stitch groove that extends
peripherally around the frame 66 near the peripheral edge. The
frame 66 may, however, be manufactured from other suitable
materials and may be secured to the upper 12 using other suitable
techniques. In the illustrated embodiment, each cover 68 is section
of monofilament mesh with intersecting monofilaments configured to
provide the desired ventilation. The monofilament mesh may be
manufactured from nylon, polyester or other suitable materials. The
size (e.g. diameter) of the monofilaments and the spacing between
adjacent monofilaments may vary from application to application.
The intersecting strands of the monofilament mesh may be interwoven
or non-interwoven and they may be welded or non-welded, as desired.
The covers 68 may alternatively be manufactured from other
materials capable of allowing air flow. For example, the covers 68
may be manufactured from other fabrics that are sufficiently open
to allow adequate air flow, such as a mesh fabric or an open-weave
fabric. As another example, the covers 68 may be manufactured from
screen, such as nylon, polyester or metal screen. In some
applications, the frames 66 may be eliminated and the covers 68 may
be secured directly to the upper 12. For example, the covers 68 may
be sewn directly to the upper 12. In some applications, the vents
62, 64 and 66 may be formed by perforations or other openings in
the upper 12 rather than by separate frames 66 and covers 68. For
example, the vents 22 may be formed by an array of small circular
openings die cut through the upper 12.
[0042] As noted above, the article of footwear 10 is waterproof and
includes a waterproof/vapor permeable bootie. The bootie 28 is a
generally conventional waterproof/vapor-permeable bootie 28 formed
from a waterproof/vapor-permeable material, such as Gore-Tex.RTM.
fabric. A variety of waterproof/vapor-permeable booties are
commercially available. For example, suitable booties are available
from W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Waterproof/vapor-permeable
booties are well-known in the footwear industry and therefore will
not be described in detail. Although the illustrated article of
footwear 10 is waterproof, the upper 12 need not be waterproof and
the bootie 28 may be eliminated. In applications that do not
include a bootie, the upper 12 may include an alternative internal
liner formed from any of a wide variety of lining materials. The
bootie 28 may be fitted into the article of footwear 10 and secured
to the upper 12 and/or the sole 14 using essentially any suitable
techniques and apparatus. Referring now to FIG. 1, the bootie 28
may be attached to the outer layer 40 of the upper 12 to secure it
in place within the interior of the article of footwear 10. In this
embodiment, the upper edge of the bootie 28 is sewn to the upper 12
near the top of the article of footwear 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the
outer layer 40 of the upper 12 folds over and extends down into the
collar 78 where it is joined to the top edge of the bootie 28, for
example, along seam 79. The bootie 28 may alternatively or
additionally be secured to the upper using other techniques and
apparatus. For example, the bootie 28 may be secured to the upper
12 and/or sole 14 in select regions, such as the toe and heel,
using adhesive.
[0043] The article of footwear 10 may include essentially any sole
construction. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole 14 generally
includes a midsole 42 and an outsole 44. Generally speaking, the
midsole 42 provides cushioning for the wearer's foot and the
outsole 44 provides durability and traction for the article of
footwear 10. Although the midsole 42 may vary from application to
application, the midsole 42 of the illustrated embodiment is
manufactured from a relatively resilient material selected to
provide the article of footwear 10 with a desired level of
cushioning. For example, the midsole 42 may be formed from ethyl
vinyl acetate ("EVA") or polyurethane. The midsole 42 generally
includes an upper surface 46 and a lower surface 48. The upper
surface 46 is configured to be secured to the lasting board 72, for
example, by adhesives, and the lower surface 48 is configured to be
secured to the outsole 44, for example, by adhesives. The midsole
42 may be secured to the upper 12 using other techniques and
apparatus. For example, the midsole 42 may be molded directly onto
the bottom of the upper 12 in direct contact with the lasting board
72.
[0044] In this embodiment, the outsole 44 is secured to the lower
surface 48 of the midsole 42, and is configured to engage the
ground and form the wear surface of the article of footwear 10. The
outsole 44 may be manufactured from a conventional outsole material
that is selected provide the desired balance between comfort, wear,
traction and cost. For example, the outsole 44 may be manufactured
from a conventional rubber compound or from other suitable
wear-resistant materials. The outsole 44 may include treads and/or
lugs or be otherwise configured to enhance traction. The outsole 44
maybe manufactured using injection or poor molding techniques
utilizing conventional molding apparatuses. In the illustrated
embodiment, the outsole 44 is secured to the lower surface 48 of
the midsole 42 using cement or other suitable adhesives. The
midsole 42 and outsole 44 may be secured using alternative
techniques, if desired. For example, the midsole 42 may be
integrally molded onto the outsole 44 or vice versa.
[0045] The sole 14 may also include a sock liner 74. The sock liner
74 may be positioned inside the bootie 28 to provide cushioning for
the foot. In the illustrated embodiment, sock liner 74 is
perforated to allow airflow through the sock liner 74. For example,
the sock liner 74 may be covered with an array of small apertures
76 that extend vertically through the sock liner 74. In the
illustrated embodiment, the apertures 76 cover substantially the
entire surface of the sock liner 74. Alternatively, the apertures
76 may exist only in select regions of the sock liner 74. The sock
liner 74 may include alternative structure for allowing air to flow
through the sock liner 74. For example, as an alternative to
vertical apertures 76, the sock liner 74 may include an arrangement
of intersecting top and bottom channels (not shown), such as those
disclosed below in connection with ventilated midsole 18.
[0046] As noted above, the article of footwear 10 includes a
ventilation system 16 that allows air to ventilate through the
article of footwear 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the
ventilation system 16 is disposed between the outer layer 40 and
the bootie 28. The ventilation system 16 of this embodiment
generally includes a ventilated midsole 18 and a pair of wings 20.
In this embodiment, the ventilated midsole 18 underlies and is
substantially coextensive with the upper surface 46 of the midsole
42 and the bottom surface of the bootie 28. The size and shape of
the ventilated midsole 18 may, however, vary from application to
application. Rather than being substantially coextensive with the
midsole 42 and the bootie 28, the ventilated midsole 18 may extend
through only one or more select regions of the article of footwear
10. For example, the ventilated midsole 18 may extend only through
the forefoot region, the arch region, the heel region or any
combination thereof. The ventilated wings 20 extend upwardly from
opposite lateral edges of the ventilated midsole 18 along opposite
sides upper 12 and terminate adjacent to vents 22. In the
illustrated embodiments, the wings 20 overlie the vents 22. The
wings 20 of this embodiment are positioned toward the middle of the
ventilated midsole 18. Although the ventilation system 16 of the
illustrated embodiment includes a pair of ventilated wings 20 that
extend from opposite sides of the ventilated midsole 18, the
ventilation system 16 may include a different number of wings 20.
For example, the ventilation system 16 may include only a single
wing 20 that extends upwardly from the medial or lateral side of
the ventilated midsole 18 (See, e.g., FIGS. 7-12). The single wing
construction may be desirable when the article of footwear 10
includes a zipper or other closing structure on the medial side of
the upper 12. As another example, the ventilation system 16 may
include a plurality of wings 20 extending from one or both sides of
the ventilated midsole 18 (not illustrated). This may include two
wings 20 extending from the medial side of the ventilated midsole
18 and/or two wings 20 extending from the lateral side of the
ventilated midsole 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the wings 20
extend upwardly from the middle region of the ventilated midsole
18. However, the wings 20 may extend upwardly from other regions of
the ventilated midsole 18. For example, the ventilation system 16
may include a wing 20 that extends upwardly from the heel region of
the ventilated midsole 18 (not shown). The heel wing 20 may extend
upwardly along the rear of the article of footwear 10, or it may be
positioned on the lateral or medial side of the heel. If desired,
the peripheral edges of the wings 20 may be skived to eliminate
harsh edges. The taper may vary from application to
application.
[0047] The location of the vents 22 may vary from application to
application. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the vents
60, 62 are located toward the top the foot. In this embodiment, the
wings 20 extend upwardly and forwardly to provide a flow path from
the ventilated midsole 18 to the vents 60, 62. As another example,
in the embodiments of FIGS. 7-20, a single vent 60 is located in
the collar 78 near the top of the article of footwear 10', 210 to
provide ventilation using a single wing 20', 220. These alternative
embodiments are described in more detail below.
[0048] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the ventilated midsole 18 and
the ventilated wings 20 are integrally formed as a one-piece
ventilation insert 21 from a single sheet of material (See FIGS. 2
and 3). For example, the ventilated midsole 18 and wings 20 maybe
die cut in one-piece from a sheet of ventilated material. As
illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 2, the wings 20 may be folded
upwardly during assembly to extend in a generally vertical
configuration. The ventilated material may include essentially any
ventilation structure that provides the desired air flow through
the ventilated material. In the illustrated embodiment, the
ventilated material has an arrangement of channels defined in
opposite sides of the material. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the
channels in one side of the ventilated material run at an angle to
the channels in the opposite side. For example, the channels 50 in
the top side of the ventilated material may extend in a direction
that is perpendicular to the channels 52 in the bottom side of the
ventilated material (Compare FIGS. 2 and 3). The angular offset
between the top channels 50 and the bottom channels 52 vary from
application to application. As shown, the bottom channels 52 may
extend laterally across the article of footwear from lateral to
medial side (See FIG. 3), while the top channels 50 may extend
longitudinally along the article footwear from heel to toe (See
FIG. 2). The top channels 50 and the bottom channels 52 may cover
the entire top and bottom surfaces of the ventilated material.
Alternatively, the top channels 50 and the bottom channels 52 may
be present in only select portions of the top and bottom surfaces
of the ventilated material. The top channels 50 and the bottom
channels 52 may extend the full length and width of the article of
footwear 10. Alternatively, one or more of the top channels 50 or
the bottom channels 52 may extend only partially through the length
and/or width of the article of footwear 10. The top channels 50 and
the bottom channels 52 may be reversed with the top channels 50
extending laterally and the bottom channels 52 extending
longitudinally. The configuration, number, location and size of the
channels 50 and 52 may vary as desired from application to
application. As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the channels
50 and 52 are generally rectangular in cross section. The channels
50 and 52 may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as V-shaped
grooves, half circles, ellipses and other rectilinear or curved
regular or irregular shapes.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the depths of the channels 50
and 52 are selected so that the top channels 50 and the bottom
channels 52 intersect to create openings 54 that allow fluid
communication between the top channels 50 and the bottom channels
52 (See FIG. 4A and 4B). The size and shape of the defined openings
54 may vary from location to location, depending on the shape,
width and depth of the channels 50 and 52, as well as the angle of
intersection of the channels 50 and 52. Alternatively, the
characteristics of the channels 50 and 52 may be selected such that
the top channels 50 and bottom channels 52 do not intersect. With
this alternative, openings may be provided by supplemental passages
(not shown) defined in the ventilated material to interconnect and
create fluid communication between the top channels 50 and the
bottom channels 52. In the illustrated embodiment, openings 54 are
defined at every intersection point between the top channels 50 in
the bottom channels 52. It is not necessary, however, for openings
54 to exist at each intersection. Instead, openings 54 may be
provided only in one or more portions of the ventilated midsole 18
or wings 20.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the channels in the
ventilated midsole 18 are in fluid communication with the channels
in the ventilated wings 20. As such, the wings 20 provide a flow
path between the vents 22 and the ventilated midsole 18. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the bottom channels 52 extend continuously
across the ventilated sheet material and are oriented to extend
laterally across the ventilated midsole 18 and vertically up the
ventilated wings 20 when assembled in the article of footwear 10.
The configuration of channels may, however, vary so that fluid
communication between the ventilated midsole 18 and the wings 20 is
provided by either or both of the top and bottom channels 50, 52,
or by supplemental air flow passages in the ventilated midsole 18,
wings 20 or an additional component interposed between the
ventilated midsole 18 and the wings 20.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the ventilation system 16 is
secured in the interior of the article of footwear 10. FIGS. 5 and
6 are sectional views showing the ventilation system 16 within the
assembled article of footwear 10. To facilitate disclosure, FIG. 5
is shown as a partial sectional view in which the lateral wing 20
and a portion of the upper 12 containing the lateral vent 60 are
shown. As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ventilated midsole 18
is situation above the lasting board 72 and below the bootie 28. As
perhaps best shown in FIG. 6, the wings 20 extend upwardly from the
ventilated midsole 18 between the outer layer 40 and the bootie 28
to terminate above the lateral vent 60 and the medial vent 62. The
overlapping relationship between the wings 20 and the vents 60, 62
facilitates airflow between the wings 20 and the vents 60, 62. In
the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the ventilation system 16 is
permanently assembled within the article of footwear 10. For
example, the uppermost ends of the wings 20 may be sewn or
otherwise secured to the upper 12. In this embodiment, the
uppermost ends of the wings 20 are secured to the outer layer 40 by
one or more lines of stitching (not shown). The wings 20 may be
affixed to the upper 12 at alternative or additional locations, as
desired. For example, the wings 20 may be stitched to the outer
layer 40 along its entire periphery or along select portions of its
periphery. In the illustrated embodiment, the ventilated midsole 18
is not directly secured to the upper 12. The ventilated midsole 18
may, however, be directly secured, for example, by cementing to the
bottom of the bootie 28 or to the top of the lasting board 72.
[0052] In use, the ventilation system 16 provides improved air flow
through the article of footwear 10. For example, with reference to
FIGS. 5 and 6, hot and moist air may flow from within the interior
of the article of footwear 10 to the exterior as shown by arrows A.
As shown, air within the interior of the upper 12 may flow down
through the perforations in sock liner 74, through the breathable
bootie 28 and into the air flow paths in the ventilated midsole 18.
The top and bottom channels 50, 52 allow air to enter and flow
along essentially the full length and width of the ventilated
midsole 18. From the ventilated midsole 18, air is free to flow
into the wings 20 on the lateral and/or medial side of the
ventilation insert 21. Air may then flow up the wings 20 to the
vents 60, 62, and then out of the article of footwear 10. The flow
of air may be facilitated by convection as hot/warm air within the
article of footwear 10 flows up the wings 20 to create a chimney
effect. It should be noted that, in the illustrated embodiment,
there are no valves or directional flow components in the
ventilation system 16, and air is free to flow in and through the
ventilation insert 21, including the ventilated midsole 18 and
wings 20, in essentially any direction.
[0053] The ventilation system 16 of FIGS. 1-6 includes a pairs of
wings 20 that extend from opposite sides of the ventilated midsole
18 to vents 60, 62 position toward the top of the foot. As noted
above, the number and configuration of wings may vary from
application to application. As an example, an alternative
ventilation system 16' with a single wing 20' is shown in FIGS.
7-11. The article of footwear 10' shown in FIGS. 7-11 is
essentially identical to the article of footwear 10 shown in FIGS.
1-6, except to the extent described or shown in FIGS. 7-11. In this
embodiment, the ventilation system 16' includes a one-piece
ventilation insert 21' with a ventilated midsole 18' and a single
wing 20' (See FIG. 8). The ventilation insert 21' may be die cut
from the ventilation material described above in connection with
the ventilation insert 21. Alternatively, the ventilation insert
21' may be assembled from separately manufactured components. As
show in FIG. 8, the wing 20' may extend from one side of the
ventilated midsole 18' and may be configured to reach a vent 60'
located in the collar 78' near the top of the article of footwear
10'. As shown in phantom lines in FIG. 8, the wing 20' may be
folded into an upright position at the edge of the ventilated
midsole 18'. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 9, the peripheral edges
of the wing 20' may be skived to provide the wing 20' with a
tapered peripheral edge. This may soften the edges of the wing 20'.
Sectional views of the article of footwear 10' showing the
ventilation system 16' are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. To facilitate
disclosure, FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view in which the wing
20' and a portion of the upper 12' containing the vent 60' are
shown. Referring now to FIG. 10, the ventilated midsole 18' of this
embodiment is sandwiched between the top of the lasting board 72'
and the bottom of the bootie 28'. In this embodiment, the
ventilated midsole 18' is not directly secured to the lasting board
72' or the bootie 28'. However, the ventilated midsole 18' may be
attached if desired. For example, the ventilated midsole 18' may be
cemented to the lasting board 72' and/or the bootie 28', if
desired. The wing 20' extends along the lateral side of the article
of footwear 10' between the bootie 28' and the outer layer 40' (See
FIG. 11). The upper end of the wing 20' may be stitched or
otherwise secured to the outer layer 40'. For example, a single
line of stitching may join the top edge of the wing 20' to the
outer layer 40.' The wing 20' may overlap the vent 60' to
facilitate air flow between the wing 20' and the vent 60'. In use,
air may flow through the article of footwear 10' as illustrated by
arrows A in FIGS. 10 and 11. As can be seen, air may flow from the
interior of the article of footwear 10' through the sock liner 74',
through the bootie 28', and into the ventilated midsole 18'. From
the ventilated midsole 18', the air may flow up the lateral wing
20' to the lateral vent 60'.
[0054] As noted above, an article of footwear may be provided with
a tongue ventilation system 316 that facilitates air flow through
the tongue 36. Although the tongue ventilation system 316 is
described in more detail below, FIG. 12 shows a partially sectional
view similar to FIG. 10 illustrating air flow through an
alternative embodiment of article of footwear 10' with a tongue
ventilation system 316. As shown, air from within the article of
footwear 10' is free to flow though the bootie 28' into the tongue
36 where it may enter the tongue ventilation insert 318. Air may
then flow along the channels in the tongue ventilation insert 318
to the tongue vent 64, where it may exit into the environment.
[0055] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-12, the ventilation system 16,
16' is positioned outside the bootie 28, 28'. The ventilation
system 16, 16' may alternatively be positioned inside the bootie
28, 28', if desired. For example, an alternative article of
footwear 10'' with a ventilation system 16'' internal to the bootie
28'' is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In this embodiment, the
ventilation system 16'' is essentially identical to ventilated
midsole 18' and ventilated wing 20' of FIG. 12, including tongue
ventilation insert 318. The ventilation insert 21'' includes a
ventilated midsole 18'' and a single wing 20'' extending upwardly
along the lateral side of the upper 12''. In this embodiment, the
bootie 28'' terminates below the lateral vent 60'' and the tongue
64'' (e.g. approximately 75-80% of the height of the article of
footwear 10''). The lateral wing 20'' and the tongue insert 318
extend upwardly beyond the uppermost extent of the bootie 28'' to
the lateral vent 60'' and the tongue vent 64''. This avoids any
need to provide openings through the bootie 28'' to provide fluid
communication between the wing 20'' and the lateral vent 60'' or
between the tongue ventilation insert 318 and the tongue vent 64''.
The ventilation insert 21'' and tongue ventilation insert 318 may
be secured in essentially any suitable manner. For example, the top
edges of the wing 20'' and tongue ventilation insert 318 may be
sewn to the upper 12''. Other portions of the ventilation insert
21'' and the tongue ventilation insert 318 may be secured to the
outer layer 40'' or the bootie 28'' using stitching or adhesives.
For example, the bottom edge of the tongue ventilation insert 318
may be cemented to the inside of the bootie 28''. Although not
shown, the upper 12'' may include an additional internal liner to
cover the ventilation insert 21'' and the tongue ventilation insert
318 to separate them from the wearer's foot. For example, a
separate bootie-like liner manufactured from a lining material may
be manufactured and sewn into the article of footwear 10'' inside
the bootie 28''. The separate bootie-like liner may be made in the
shape of a sock and may be sewn to the upper 12'' (e.g. outer layer
40'') along its upper edge. The bootie-like liner may then be
fitted into the waterproof/breathable bootie 28'' to provide a
cover layer over the various components of the ventilation system
16, including the tongue ventilation system 316.
[0056] As shown, the wing 20'' and the tongue ventilation insert
318 of this embodiment extend beyond the uppermost extent of the
bootie 28''. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the bootie
28'' may extend above the vents 60'', 64''. In alternative
embodiments of this nature, the bootie 28'' may be provided with
openings (not shown) that allow the air to flow between the wings
20' and the vents 60' and 62'. For example, the openings in the
bootie 28'' may be aligned with the lateral vent 60'' and the
tongue vent 64'' to provide a flow path from outwardly-facing air
flow passages in the wing 20'' to lateral vent 60'' and from
outwardly-facing air flow passages in the tongue ventilation insert
318 to the tongue vent 64''. As another example, the upper portion
of the wing 20'' may extend from the interior of the bootie 28''
through an opening so that the wing 20'' extends between the bootie
28'' and the outer layer 40'' to overlie the lateral vents 60''.
Similarly, the upper portion of the tongue ventilation insert 318
may extend through an opening in the bootie 28'' to overlie the
tongue vent 64''.
[0057] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-14, the ventilated
midsole 18 and ventilated wings 20 are manufactured from a single
sheet of ventilated stock material. As an alternative, the
ventilated midsole 18 and the ventilated wings 20 may be separately
manufactured, if desired. For example, FIGS. 15-20 illustrate an
alternative embodiment in which the ventilation system 216 includes
a ventilated midsole 218 and a wing 220 that are manufactured
separately and fitted together after manufacture. FIG. 15 shows the
ventilated midsole 218 and the wing 220 assembled into a
ventilation insert 221. In this embodiment, the article of footwear
210 is generally identical to the article of footwear 10 discussed
above, except as shown and described. In this embodiment, the
ventilated midsole 218 is significantly thicker than the ventilated
midsole 18 manufactured from sheet stock. As a result, the
ventilated midsole 218 may be configured to provide more cushioning
than provided by ventilated midsole 18. In this embodiment, the
ventilated midsole 218 is of sufficient thickness to eliminate the
need for a separate midsole. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8, the
outsole 244 may be secured directly to the undersurface of the
lasting board 272 without any midsole.
[0058] In this alternative embodiment, the ventilated midsole 218
defines a plurality of top channels 250 and bottom channels 252
that allow lateral and longitudinal air flow along and through the
ventilated midsole 218 (See FIGS. 15 and 16). The top channels 250
and bottom channels 252 may be joined by openings 254 to allow
fluid communication therebetween. The openings 254 may be defined
by the intersection between the top and bottom channels 250, 252,
or they may be separate passages that extend between the top and
bottom channels 250, 252. The ventilated midsole 218 of this
embodiment may be manufactured using conventional molding
techniques and apparatus, such as compression molding, injection
molding and pour molding. Given that the ventilated midsole 218 is
molded rather than formed from sheet stock, it can be provided with
the desired shape, including variations in thickness and contoured
major surfaces that are relatively difficult to form with sheet
stock. In the illustrated embodiment, the ventilated midsole 218 is
a relatively deep sole component that is intended to function as a
high performance cushioning layer. Although not shown, the
ventilated midsole 218 may include an upper surface that is
contoured to correspond with the shape of the wearer's foot. This
may be particularly beneficial when the ventilated midsole 218 is
intended to function as a footbed or inner sole. As perhaps best
shown in FIG. 16, the ventilated midsole 218 may define a cavity
230 in its undersurface to receive the wing 220. The channels
224a-b may provide air flow paths that allow air to move through
the midsole 218 into the cavity 230. Although the illustrated
embodiment includes a single cavity 230 disposed in the arch
region, the number, size, shape and configurations of the cavity
may vary from application to application. For example, additional
cavities may be provided to accommodate additional wings.
[0059] In this embodiment, the wing 220 generally includes an
extension portion 232 and an upright portion 234. The extension
portion 232 and the upright portion 234 are ventilated to allow air
to flow through and along the wing 220. The extension portion 232
is fitted into the cavity 230 to provide fluid communication
between the wing 220 and the ventilated midsole 218 and the upright
portion 234 extends upwardly to provide fluid communication between
the extension portion 232 and the vent 260 in the upper 212. In
this embodiment, the wing 220 is a one-piece component manufactured
from ventilated sheet material, such as the ventilated sheet
material described above in connection with ventilated midsole 18
and vented wings 20. For example, a top view of the wing 220 is
shown in FIG. 17. The ventilated sheet material may be die cut and
then bent approximately ninety degrees to form the extension
portion 232 and the upright 234. The wing 220 may be secured to the
ventilated midsole 218 when desired. For example, the extension
portion 232 may be secured in the cavity 230 by friction,
mechanical interlock, adhesive or stitching. The wing 220 may also
be secured to the upper 212, as desired. For example, the upper end
of the upright portion 234 may be secured to the upper 212 by
stitching or adhesive. Although the illustrated embodiment includes
a single wing 220, the ventilation system 216 may include a
plurality of wings 220. For example, the ventilation system 216 may
include a pair of wings 220 disposed on opposite sides of the
ventilated midsole 218. In this alternative embodiment, both wings
220 may be formed from a single piece of ventilated sheet stock
that has upright portions extending from opposite lateral sides of
the extension portion 232. As with ventilation system 16,
ventilation system 216 may be fitted into the bootie 228 or it may
be positioned between the bootie 228 and the upper 212.
[0060] Assembly of article of footwear 210 will now be described
with reference to FIGS. 19A-F. FIG. 19A is an illustration of the
upper 212 manufactured generally in accordance with conventional
techniques and apparatus. In FIG. 19A, the lasting margin of the
upper 212 extends downwardly ready to be wrapped over the lasting
board 272. FIG. 19A also shows the eventual position of the wing
220 in phantom lines. The upper 212 includes outer layer 240 and
bootie 228. The outer layer 240 and bootie 228 are generally
conventional and therefore will not be described in detail. Suffice
it to say that the outer layer 240 includes lateral vent 260 and
tongue vent 264, and that the bootie 228 is a waterproof/breathable
bootie.
[0061] FIG. 19B shows the wing 220 attached to the upper 212 with
the extension portion 232 extending downwardly. As can be seen, an
upper portion of the wing 220 overlies the lateral vent 260 so that
air can easily flow between the wing 220 and the environment. The
wing 220 may be die cut from ventilated sheet stock, such as the
sheet stock described above. In this embodiment, the upper edge of
the wing 220 is sewn to the outer layer 240. The wing 220 may be
attached to the upper 212 using additional or alternative
attachments. For example, the wing 220 may be sewn or cemented to
the upper 212 at additional or alternative locations. FIG. 19B also
shows the bottom edge of the bootie 28 in broken lines.
[0062] FIG. 19C is a sectional view illustrating attachment of the
lasting board 272 to the undersurface of the ventilated midsole
218. In this embodiment, the lasting board 272 is joined to the
bottom of the ventilated midsole 218 by cement or other adhesives.
Referring to FIG. 20, cement may be applied between the ventilated
midsole 218 through the forefoot and heel regions, excluding only
the central region that corresponds with cavity 230. As can be
seen, the sectional view of FIG. 19C is drawn through cavity 230.
As a result of cavity 230, the ventilated midsole 218 and lasting
board 272 cooperatively define an opening capable of receiving the
extension portion 232 of the wing 220. In this embodiment, the
cavity 230 is configured to closely receive the extension portion
232.
[0063] FIG. 19D illustrates insertion of the ventilated midsole
218/lasting board 272 combination into the bottom of the upper 212.
Although the last is not shown, this step may be performed with the
upper 212 and bootie 228 fitted over a last. The upper surface of
the ventilated midsole 218 may be cemented to the bottom surface of
the bootie 228, if desired. For example, as shown in FIG. 20,
cement may be applied between the ventilated midsole 218 and the
bootie 228 only in the heel and toe regions. The amount of area
receiving cement may be limited to limit the impact of cement on
the breathability of the bootie 228. It is not necessary to join
the ventilated midsole 218 to the bootie 228, and the cement may be
eliminated in some applications, if desired.
[0064] FIG. 19E illustrates insertion of the extension portion 232
of wing 220 into cavity 230. As noted above, the cavity 230 may be
sized and shaped to closely receive the extension portion 232. As a
result, the extension portion 232 may be retained in the cavity 230
by a frictional fit. The extension portion 232 may be secured in
place, if desired. For example, the extension portion 232 may be
cemented in the cavity 230 by applying cement between the extension
portion 232 and the ventilated midsole 218 and/or lasting board
272. In this embodiment, the extension portion 232 is fitted into
the cavity 230 while the upper 212 is fitted over the last.
[0065] FIG. 19F shows the upper 212 being closed over the lasting
board 272. As illustrated, the lasting margin of the upper 212 may
be pulled over and secured to the lasting board 272. For example,
the lasting margin may be cemented to the undersurface of the
lasting board 272. The upper 212 may be secured to the lasting
board 272 using additional or alternative technique and
apparatus.
[0066] As noted above, the ventilation system 16, 216 may be
supplemented by a tongue ventilation system 316. An exemplary
tongue ventilation system 318 is shown in FIGS. 21-23. In the
illustrated embodiment, the tongue ventilation system 316 is
configured to provide ventilation from inside the upper 12 through
the tongue 36. The tongue ventilation system 316 includes a
ventilation insert 318 that is fitted into the tongue 36 of the
upper 12. The ventilation insert 318 includes air flow passages
that facilitate the flow of air through the tongue 36. In this
embodiment, the ventilation insert 318 includes a plurality of top
channels 350 and bottom channels 352 that define the air flow
passages. The ventilation insert 318 may include essentially any
alternative ventilating passage arrangement. The ventilation insert
318 may be manufactured from the ventilated sheet material
discussed above in connection with the one-piece ventilated midsole
18/ventilated wing 20 combination of FIGS. 1-6. Although the
ventilated tongue insert 318 of FIGS. 21-23 is die cut from
ventilated sheet stock, it may be manufactured using other
materials and other manufacturing techniques. For example, the
ventilated tongue insert 318 may be compression molded, injection
molded or pour molded. In this embodiment, the tongue 36 generally
includes an inner layer 330, an outer layer 332 and a cushioning
layer 38 disposed between the inner and outer layers 330, 332. The
inner layer 330 may be a fabric or other material that is
sufficiently open to allow air flow through the inner layer 330.
For example, the inner layer 330 may be manufactured from an
open-weave fabric or a mesh fabric. In those embodiments that
include a waterproof/breathable bootie, the inner layer 330 may be
formed in whole or in part by the bootie 28. The outer layer 332
may be manufactured from essentially any desired material, such as
any of a wide range of conventional tongue materials. The tongue
vent 364 is located toward the top of the tongue 36 in this
embodiment, but it may vary from application to application. As
discussed above, the tongue vent 364 of the illustrated embodiment
includes a frame 60 that is secured to the tongue 36, for example,
to the outer layer 332, and a cover 62 that is configured to allow
air flow. In the illustrated embodiment, the cushioning layer 38 is
disposed between the inner layer 330 and the outer layer 332 along
substantially the full length and width of the tongue 36. The
cushioning layer 38 may define a slit 334 positioned toward the top
end of the tongue 36. The cushioning layer 38 is not necessary may
be eliminated, if desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the
ventilation insert 318 is threaded through the slit 334 so that it
includes a lower portion 336 that extends between the inner layer
330 and the cushioning layer 38 and an upper portion 338 that
extends between the cushioning layer 38 and the outer layer 332. As
a result, the lower portion 336 of the ventilation insert 318
exchanges air with the inside of the upper 12 and the upper portion
338 of the ventilation insert 318 exchanges air with the vent
64.
[0067] The above description is that of current embodiments of the
invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as
defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in
accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine
of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative
purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description
of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the
claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in
connection with these embodiments. For example, and without
limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention
may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially
similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This
includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such
as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art,
and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such
as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development,
recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments
include a plurality of features that are described in concert and
that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The
present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that
include all of these features or that provide all of the stated
benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the
issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for
example, using the articles "a," "an," "the" or "said," is not to
be construed as limiting the element to the singular.
* * * * *