U.S. patent application number 16/900880 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-18 for flexible hollow objects in a flexible hollow container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Karoly Nagy. Invention is credited to Karoly Nagy.
Application Number | 20210353000 16/900880 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004938888 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210353000 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nagy; Karoly |
November 18, 2021 |
FLEXIBLE HOLLOW OBJECTS IN A FLEXIBLE HOLLOW CONTAINER
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to shock absorbing
systems. These can be employed in such diverse objects as footwear
apparel, mattresses, chair pillows, and seat covers. The present
invention revolutionizes the field of shock absorbing systems. It
utilizes a mass of flexible objects, such as air-filled balls,
within a flexible container. The present invention utilizes a more
comfortable mix than the mix of rubber and plastic sold in
commercial footwear. The present invention utilizes layering and
lubrication to increase flexibility and comfort.
Inventors: |
Nagy; Karoly; (Largo,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nagy; Karoly |
Largo |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004938888 |
Appl. No.: |
16/900880 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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63026129 |
May 17, 2020 |
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63030269 |
May 26, 2020 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 31/11 20130101;
A47C 7/24 20130101; A43B 13/187 20130101; A47C 27/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18; A47C 27/00 20060101 A47C027/00; A47C 7/24 20060101
A47C007/24; A47C 31/11 20060101 A47C031/11 |
Claims
1. A shock absorbing system comprising at least one layer of hollow
materials filled in a hollow container.
2. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the hollow
materials comprise cylindrical rings.
3. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the hollow
materials comprise hollow balls.
4. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the hollow
materials comprise a mixture of cylindrical rings and hollow
balls.
5. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein there are two
layers of hollow materials filled in a hollow container.
6. The shock absorbing system of claim 5 wherein the hollow
materials comprise cylindrical rings.
7. The shock absorbing system of claim 5 wherein the hollow
materials comprise hollow balls.
8. The shock absorbing system of claim 5 wherein the hollow
materials comprise a mixture of cylindrical rings and hollow
balls.
9. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the system is used
in a shoe.
10. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the system is
used in a mattress.
11. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the system is
used in a chair pillow.
12. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the system is
used in a seat cover.
13. A shock absorbing system of enhanced durability, comprising at
least one layer of hollow materials filled in a hollow container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 63/026,129, filed on May 17, 2020, and to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 63/030,269, filed on May 26,
2020.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to shock absorbing
systems. These can be employed in such diverse objects as footwear
apparel, mattresses, chair pillows, and seat covers.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] There are numerous non-dynamic shock absorbing system. Most
of these employ a kind of natural rubber, synthetic foam, or some
flexible structure, such as honeycomb (or other pattern) structured
gel pillows.
[0004] Unfortunately, foam or gel materials get `tired` after a
while because of the repeated usage presses. As a result, they
gradually become more flat and lose their absorbing effectiveness
and ability over time. This can happen over a few days or several
months, but it is unavoidable. For footwear, this happens faster
due to the sustained hammering on the insole by the foot.
[0005] There are numerous attempt within the prior art to address
these issues.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,254,906 discloses an improvement in foot
cushioning constructs and shock absorbing systems for a constructed
article of footwear to be worn by a person. The invention employs a
deformable and re-formable elastic stretchsole joined as a planar
sheet to the perimeter edge of the shoe upper and forms an elastic
end closure for the shoe upper
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,401,420 discloses a sole component and a
method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In
general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a
reinforcing structure extending around the bladder.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 9,119,440 discloses an invention that relates
to an insole, and to an article of footwear provided with such an
insole, with application to the design of shoes wherein an
improvement in comfort is sought. The insole includes a principal
portion 1 designed to accommodate the pressure of a user's foot,
comprising at least one deformable cavity 2, 5 filled with a
compressible, fluid-permeable material 3, 6 and provided on the one
hand with at least one inlet E1, E2 for fluid intake and on the
other hand with at least one outlet S1, S2, S3 for exhausting the
fluid.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 9,486,034 discloses a shoe has an insole
having a heel in a customary supportive hard rubber-like material
about 3 inches thick. The same rubber-like material surrounds the
entire sole with a change in thickness beginning at the arch, where
it slopes down, leveling out at a thickness of about 11/4 inches.
This change in thickness creates a frontal recess, leaving a bead
of rubber at the outer edge.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 10,098,412 discloses an article of footwear
has an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The
outsole includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface
disposed on opposite sides. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom
surface disposed on opposite sides. The bottom surface opposes the
inner surface to define a cavity therebetween.
[0011] US Patent App. Publ. No. 2019/0126580 discloses a sole
component molded with different portions molded from different bead
foams where there is a gradual transition between the different
bead foams, as well as a method and apparatus for manufacturing the
same. The molding system includes a mold cavity that is partially
divided into at least two adjacent mold regions by at least one
blade.
[0012] US Patent App. Publ. No. 2019/0366668 discloses a conforming
cushion pod contains a plurality of independent and discrete foamed
beads. The filling of the cushion pod includes a system comprised
of a bead source, a weighing station, a metering station, and a
filling station.
[0013] Footwear incorporating the prior art is sold by NIKE and
PUMA. However, these utilize shock absorbing beads that are an
uncomfortable mix of rubber and plastic. Further, the containers
which contain the shock absorbing system are inflexible and lead to
cracking. In addition, the beads that they contain are not hollow
and lack lubrication.
[0014] The prior art does not disclose the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A shock absorbing system comprising at least one layer of
hollow materials filled in a hollow container.
[0016] The shock absorbing system of [0014] wherein the hollow
materials comprise cylindrical rings.
[0017] The shock absorbing system of [0014] wherein the hollow
materials comprise hollow balls.
[0018] The shock absorbing system of [0014] wherein the hollow
materials comprise a mixture of cylindrical rings and hollow
balls.
[0019] The shock absorbing system of [0014] wherein there are two
layers of hollow materials filled in a hollow container.
[0020] The shock absorbing system of [0018] wherein the hollow
materials comprise cylindrical rings.
[0021] The shock absorbing system of [0018] wherein the hollow
materials comprise hollow balls.
[0022] The shock absorbing system of [0018] wherein the hollow
materials comprise a mixture of cylindrical rings and hollow
balls.
[0023] The shock absorbing system of [0014] wherein the system is
used in a shoe.
[0024] The shock absorbing system of [0014] wherein the system is
used in a mattress.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts seven representative hollow materials
according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 depicts the respective size, flexibility, and
compressibility of the flexible hollow objects according to the
present invention.
[0027] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict the various flexible hollow objects
within flexible hollow containers according to the present
invention.
[0028] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict the compressibility of the various
flexible hollow objects within flexible hollow containers according
to the present invention.
[0029] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D depict the various flexible hollow
objects within flexible hollow containers according to the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 6 depicts the use of partial segmentary walls within
the flexible hollow containers according to the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 7 depicts the compressibility of the various flexible
hollow objects within flexible hollow containers according to the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 8 depicts the use of the present invention in
footwear.
[0033] FIGS. 9A and 9B depict the use of the present invention in
footwear.
[0034] FIG. 10 depicts the use of the present invention in
mattresses.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The present invention solves a number of problems of the
prior art.
[0036] The present invention revolutionizes the field of shock
absorbing systems. It utilizes a mass of flexible objects, such as
air-filled balls, within a flexible container.
[0037] The present invention utilizes a more comfortable mix than
the mix of rubber and plastic sold in commercial footwear. The
present invention utilizes layering and lubrication to increase
flexibility and comfort.
[0038] The present invention incorporates both hollow objects in a
flexible hollow contained. The present invention has the surprising
enhanced attributes of flexibility in terms of material, shape,
thickness, and air.
[0039] The present invention is also dynamic as the materials shift
around during use.
[0040] The present invention incorporates a level of randomness as
the materials shift around during use.
[0041] Function
[0042] The shock absorbing system functions as follows: when the
resilient container is compressed, it defoi ins where the pressure
occurs, The flexible objects within the hollow container also are
deformed, but push against each other and the internal walls of the
hollow container. These act to gently resist the compression so
that when the compression is lifted, both the flexible objects and
the hollow container return to their original shape.
Advantages
[0043] The present invention has numerous major advantages compared
to other shock absorbing systems. These include safety, increased
durability (as compared to shock absorbents made of foam or
gel-structures), it quickly returns to the original form (unlike
memory foam which is slow), a high energy return (important for
running shoes, work boots, floor mats, and the like), and retains
functionality after it is damaging (it can still function after
being pierced or cut).
[0044] Applications
[0045] The present invention can be used anywhere where soft and or
more gentle shock absorption is needed. Specifically, it can be
employed where anything presses against a human body.
[0046] Non-limiting applications of this include pillows
(including, chair pillows, seat pillows), chair cushions (public
chairs, benches, and outdoor chairs); car or other vehicle seat
covers and back covers, car interiors (having a safe protecting
layer in case of accident), buses, delivery vehicles and trucks,
ships, airplanes, airport luggage delivery, footwear insoles,
bicycle and motorcycle seats, safety equipment (knee pads, helmets,
and the like); furniture (sofas, love seats, couches, bed
mattresses, bunk beds); insulation to prevent falls in buildings
buildings (staircases (sides and bottom), and rooms where people
can slip and fall) kindergartens, gyms, ball rooms; padding around
water pools (where children taking bath or swim) or water parks,
amusement parks, yoga mats; floor covers (in); padding in
specialized baggage (luggage, guitar bag, laptop bags, musical
instruments bags, delivering sensitive products like electronics,
computers, monitors, or breakable products like light bulbs or
mirrors or other glass products), and the like.
[0047] It could be used for different machines, where machines (or
their parts) could press or hit other machines. These include
working machines, forklift, zoom-boom, construction machines and
vehicles, factory machines, and the like.
[0048] Material
[0049] The materials according to the present invention can made of
any flexible, elastic, or stretchy fabric or material. Non-limiting
examples include natural or synthetic elastomers, such as rubber,
latex, gel, silicone, sorbothane, polyurethane, polymer,
polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, polychloroprene,
neoprene, Baypren, plasticized PVC, Butyl rubber, Styrene-butadiene
Rubber, and the like.
[0050] Lubrication
[0051] For better function, the hollow objects can be lubricated
with a lubricated liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the
lubricating liquid is chemically inert to the materials of the
balls and does not destroy or degrade them.
[0052] Non-limiting examples of lubricants included any viscous
liquids, lubricating greases, and gelling agents. These include
silicone-based lubes or silicone oils (i.e., simeticone), or
natural-based lubricants such as zokerite, xanthan gum,
carboxymethylcellulose, ethylhexyl palmitate, and sorbitol. Other
examples include White Petrolatum (i.e., petroleum jelly),
glycerin, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carbomer
934P, carbomer 940, carbomer 941, carboxymethylcellulose,
Polyacrylate, sodium hydroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate,
polyquaternium 15, and molybdenum disulfide.
[0053] Non-Limiting Examples
[0054] Reference is made to FIG. 1.
[0055] FIG. 1 shows various representative flexible and hollow
materials according to the present invention. These include
cylindrical rings (Items #2A, #2B, #2C, #2D, and #4), gas-filled
balls (or miniature balloons) (Items #3A and #3B), a walnut or
pillow shaped material (Item #5), cuboidal (Item#6), and
tablet-shaped (Item#7).
[0056] Reference is made to FIG. 2.
[0057] FIG. 2 depicts the respective size, flexibility, and
compressibility of the flexible hollow objects according to the
present invention. In particular, it shows a human hand compressing
a cylindrical ring (Item #2C) and a gas-filled ball (Item #3A)
[0058] Use in hollow containers
[0059] Reference is made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which depict the
various flexible hollow objects within flexible hollow containers
according to the present invention.
[0060] In particular, FIG. 3A depicts cylindrical rings of two
different sizes (Items #2B and #2C) in a long rectangular hollow
container (Item #1) in a cross-sectional view. FIG. 3B depicts
hollow balls (Item #3A) in a long rectangular hollow container (#1)
in a cross-sectional view.
[0061] The shape and size of the hollow container depends on its
ultimate use and application. For example, a rectangular hollow
container would be applicable for a a seat pillow. A square hollow
container would be applicable for an anti-fatigue kitchen mat. A
hollow container in the shape of an insole would be applicable for
a footwear.
[0062] The resistance power or hardness is dependent on the wall
thickness of the hollow objects as well as the hollow
containers.
[0063] Dynamic System
[0064] The present invention is a dynamic system. Unlike foams or
fixed shock absorbing structure, many internal parts randomly turn,
move, and change positions when external compression is applied.
When the pressure is lifted, the hollow materials return, but are
shifted. Therefore, the next application of external pressure will
be applied to a different internal arrangement of the hollow
materials. This prolongs their use and prevents wear and tear.
[0065] Reference is made to FIGS. 4A and 4B. These depict the
compressibility of the various flexible hollow objects within
flexible hollow containers according to the present invention. In
FIG. 4A, cylindrical rings of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C) are
compressed and shifted in random ways, as depicted by the
directional arrows. In FIG. 4B, the balls of varying sizes (Items
#3A and #3B) are compressed and shifted in random ways, as depicted
by the directional arrows.
[0066] Variations
[0067] The shock absorbing system of the present invention can
employ variations of both the hollow containers and hollow
objects.
[0068] FIGS. 3A and 3B show the basic form of this shock absorbing
system as one undivided container in a single layer. However, more
variations are presented.
[0069] Reference is made to FIG. 5A. This figure depicts a vertical
layering of the hollow containers employed in the invention, as
viewed from a side cross-section. Both the top layer and the bottom
layer are filled with cylindrical rings of various sizes (Items #2B
and #2C).
[0070] Reference is made to FIG. 5B. This figure depicts a vertical
layering of the hollow containers employed in the invention, as
viewed from a side cross-section. The top layer contains the
smaller balls (Item #3A) as fill while the bottom layer are filled
with larger hollow balls (Item #3B),
[0071] Reference is made to FIG. 5C, This figure depicst a vertical
layering of the hollow containers employed in the invention, as
viewed from a side cross-section, The top layer is filled with
cylinders of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C) while the bottom
layer is filled with hollow balls (Item #3B).
[0072] Reference is made to FIG. 5D. This figure depicts a vertical
layering of the hollow containers employed in the invention, as
viewed from a side cross-section. The top layer is filled with tube
pieces (Item #4) while the bottom layer is filled with cylindrical
rings of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C).
[0073] Reference is made to FIG. 6. This depicts another
variation--the half-closed chambers. Partial stopper walls (#8)
rise from the bottom of hollow container which impedes the movement
of the cylinders of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C) along the
bottom of the hollow container, but not the top. This allows the
fill to move between the various half-chambers (sections) of the
hollow container as depicted in the directional arrows.
[0074] These variations could give even more perspectives in
concerning certain demands, depends on the possible need of certain
people and products, all depends on the need of the user(s) of that
certain product, or possible demands of that protected personal
equipment or tool or machine or object.
[0075] It has numerous (undetermined number and undetermined size)
resilient cylinders, could be the same or different sizes. It is
crucial that each one of them could be pressed together and when
released the cylinders (and the container's wall) will bounce back
to its shape immediately.
[0076] Reference is made to FIG. 7. This depicts the present
invention as a shock absorber for a footwear. In particular, a
double-layer of cylinders is used to enhance the shock absorbance
and the user's foot presses the layers and the cylinders together
to flat at the center. As depicted, the top layer of fill is
comprised of cylinders of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C).
[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the use of layers increases the
ability of more gradual and deeper shock absorbing and a higher
comfort level with softer feeling.
[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the use of chambers (or sections)
within a certain layer results more local firmness of certain area
within the product or equipment.
[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the use of half-closed chambers
(stopper walls on the bottom) work well in insoles, chair pillows,
and seat covers.
[0080] In a preferred embodiment, utilizing different fill of
various sizes and shapes helps to the prolong the life of this
invention. This is because it adds extra randomness to the motion
of the fill during compression and release.
[0081] Potential variations include a multiplicity of layers and
sections within the layers. It is envisioned that a third or fourth
layer employing different kinds hollow materials would add more
shock absorbance.
[0082] Reference is made to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B. These depict a
sole (the container as a `pool`) with a large number of cylinders.
FIG. 8 depicts a single large container of a pool of fill
comprising cylinders of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C). Item #1
is present in the form of the border of the hollow container. Item
#9 depicts the border of the shoe.
[0083] FIGS. 9A and 9B depict a single large container of a pool of
fill comprising cylinders of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C) in
the bottom layer of the shoe. It also depicts a top layer comprised
of a three-section pool (Item #11) which contain tube pieces (Item
#12). Item #13, as depicted in FIG. 9B, is a covering for the top
layer of the shoe's cushioning.
[0084] As used herein, Item #12 can be used with the following
dimensions: Outside diameter of 3/8 inch, inside diameter of 1/4
inch, and a wall thickness of 1/16 inch. This is enough cushion for
a person of regular weight (i.e., approximately 150-160
pounds).
[0085] For children shoes, Item #12 can be utilized with the
following dimensions: 1/4 inch, inside diameter of 3/16 inch, and a
wall thickness of 1/32 inch.
[0086] In a preferred embodiment, there should be some air space
between the fill. The more space, the more the compression and less
firm resistance.
[0087] It is envisioned that the sole could be an insole or
mid-sole or even built in the outsole (with a harder protective
layer at the very bottom).
[0088] Application in Mattresses
[0089] Reference is made to FIG. 10. This depicts a small mattress
with double layers and several chambers of the shock absorbing
system according to the present invention.
[0090] In particular #14 is the upper layer of the mattress. #15 is
the lower layer of the mattress. #16 is the first chamber of the
upper layer. #17 is the second chamber of the upper layer. #18 is
the third chamber of the upper layer, and #19 is the fourth chamber
of the upper layer.
[0091] It is further envisioned that the mattress could employ a
third or fourth layer, each with different numbers and positions of
chambers, each with different sizes of cylinders (or balls) and
made of different materials of different flexibility.
[0092] The use of the present invention in mattresses helps
alleviate sagging that mattresses experience over time.
[0093] The foregoing description comprises illustrative embodiments
of the present invention.
[0094] As will be appreciated, the foregoing objects and examples
are exemplary and embodiments need not meet all or any of the
foregoing objects, and need not include all or any of the exemplary
features described herein. Additional aspects and embodiments
within the scope of the claims will be devised by those having
skill in the art based on the teachings set forth herein.
[0095] While the invention has been described in connection with
what are considered to be exemplary embodiments, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed
embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various
modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *