_Λ BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field Of The Invention t

This invention relates to an inflatable lining for wearing apparel such as footwear, headgear and gloves, and in

5 particular, relates to a multiple co partmented inflatable lining having a single valve to individually connect a pump to pressurize each compartment of the lining and to induce air circulation through the apparel, and to connect to a pressure control valve to control the pressure and, hence, the

10 firmness, shock absorbency, stability, resiliency and comfort and fit of each compartment of the lining. Brief Statement Of The Prior Art

Inner soles have been provided for shoes and boots which are formed of a compressible, elastic material such as

15 cellular plastic foams, foam rubber, etc. These inner soles have provided only limited shock absorbency, resulting in little or no significant improvement in wearer comfort.

Some prior investigators have provided inner soles with inflated cushions at either the toe and heel areas, and some

20 have provide cushions at both areas with circulation between the two cushions. The cushions have been provided with mechanisms to circulate air and ventilate the shoe or boot during walking activities. Examples of these are: U.K. Patents 2,189,679 and 357,391; U.S. Patents 3,180,039,

25 2,716,293, 1,213,941 and German Patent 3,144,207.

In some foot apparel, notably in ski boots, an outer shell is molded from plastic and is lined with an inner shoe. Adjustment has been made to the tightness of the outer shell and air bags have been provided across the instep region of

' 30 the shoe, and elsewhere, and have been provided with an air pump to pressure the air bags, creating pressure about the foot and snugness of the fit of the ski boot. U.S. Patent 4,730,403 and German Patent 2,321,817 are representative of these ski boots.

A water-filled inner sole for shoes has recently been marketed under the tradena e "Walk On Water". While this is an attempt to increase wearer comfort, water is heavy, non- compressible and the inner sole cannot be adjusted for firmness, and cannot provide shock absorbency. Additionally, water is unsuited for use in freezing climates. Also, a leak will wet the inside of the bootwear, and this inner is not breathable.

Another recently marketed innovation is that disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,183,156; 4,340,626 and 4,817,304 in which an inflatable inner sole or sole insert is permanently inflated with halogenated hydrocarbon gases. Since it is impossible to preclude diffusion of gases through the plastic, the inflatable insert or inner sole is acknowledged to experience a rapid increase in pressure shortly after manufacture, followed by a slowly declining pressure, thus failing to provide a stable condition. The pressure of the inflatable member also can not be adjusted by the wearer for varying conditions of use and comfort. None of the aforementioned prior devices provides a simple, inexpensive solution to comfortable wear and walking in a shoe or boot. The foam inner soles have only a limited value and limited shock absorbency. The remainder of the prior devices, including the pressurization system for ski boots are relatively complex and costly and are often too bulky and cumbersome. Consequently, these devices are not readily acceptable for everyday activities.

Headgear such as helmets for sports, particularly football helmets have been provided with inflatable liners to improve the fit. These liners, however, require use of an extraneous air pump, and have not utilized multiple compartments, nor flexibility in adjustment of air pressure.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION It is an objective of this invention to provide an inflatable lining for apparel and protective gear such as helmets and shields or splints with an integral air pump for

pressurization.

It is also an objective of this invention to provide the aforementioned inflatable lining with a plurality of compartments which are provided with independent pressure control valves whereby the pressure, and hence softness of the lining of each compartment can be controlled.

It is an added objective of this invention to provide a single valve which can be used to connect, individually, each of the multiple compartments of the lining to the inflation pump, and/or to a pressure relief valve whereby the pressure in each compartment can be separately adjusted and controlled.

It is a further objective of this invention to provide the aforementioned inflatable lining with an inexpensive construction. It is an additional objective of this invention to provide an inflatable lining which is subdivided into separated sealed chambers, each of which is provided with a pressure control valve, and/or a separate air pump.

It is also a further additional objective of this invention to provide an inflatable lining with an integral air pump which can be operated manually.

It is still a further objective of this invention to provide a light weight, shock-absorbing resilient lining which enhances the fit, stability and comfort of the wearing apparel to the wearer.

It is also an additional objection of this invention to provide an inflatable inner sole for footwear such as shoes, boots and sandals, having an arch pillow and a contour conforming to the wearer's foot, which preferably will massage the wearer's foot.

It is also a further objective of this invention to provide an inflatable lining which includes an inflatable inner sole.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide the aforementioned lining for footwear with the air pump strategically located such that the normal walking activities will inflate and pressurize the inflatable lining, and if

desired, induce forced air circulation through the footwear. It is a further additional objective of this invention to provide air circulation channels and apertures in the aforementioned inner sole and/or upper lining whereby normal walking activities will force air circulation through the inner sole and footwear.

It is another further additional objective of this invention to provide an inflatable lining for the sole, or uppers, or both, which can be inserted into footwear. It is another objective of this invention to provide a liner for footwear such as a shoe or boot that provides an inflatable inner sole and an inflatable upper lining which also can be pressured with an air pump and which can provide forced air circulation through a boot. It is another further objective of this invention to provide a liner for footwear such as a shoe or boot that provides an inflatable upper lining which is pressured with an air pump to a pressure controlled with a pressure relief valve. It is yet another objective of this invention to provide footwear with an inflatable inner sole having an air pump which has an internal spring to facilitate its pumping action, and to enhance the shock absorbency of the footwear.

It is still another objective of this invention to provide the aforementioned air pump with an internal spring which can be replaced to provide adjustable spring force to accommodate varied weights of wearers and special activities.

Other and related objectives will be apparent from the following description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention comprises an inflatable lining for selected inner surfaces of apparel such as footwear and gloves, and other protective gear such as headgear and arm, wrist and leg shields and splints. The inflatable lining is formed of first and second plastic sheets having the shape and size of the selected inner surface. The lining can be an

integral part of the apparel, or can be an insertable lining. The plastic sheets are bonded together in a continuous seam about their peripheral edges thereby forming a sealed interior chamber. A plurality of discontinuous seams are formed between the first and second sheets to create within the sealed interior chamber a plurality of interconnecting tubular passageways, and at least one continuous seam is provided which transverses the sealed interior chamber, forming two or more subdivided sealed interior chambers or compartments. The inflatable liner is provided with an air pump that preferably is contained within a preselected region of the liner. The air pump has a flexible resilient bulb with an inlet valve and has a discharge port opening into a flexible tube which extends, preferably, to a pressure relief valve and then to the interior chambers of the inflatable inner sole through at least one selector valve having an integral pressure relief valve which permits independent adjustment of the pressure within each interior chamber. The pressure relief valves is a normally closed valve, which can be manually opened. In some applications, the relief valve can automatically relieve pressure in their respective chambers, and most preferably, the valves are manually adjustable to permit variation of the relief pressures, thus providing a controlled adjustability of the pressures within each chamber of the inflatable liner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the figures of which;

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of an inflatable inner sole with a pump and adjustable relief valve; FIGURE 2 is a view of the inner sole of FIGURE 1 without the air pump and pressure relief valve;

FIGURE 3 illustrates the pump and relief valve assembly which is used with the inflatable inner sole of FIGURE l; FIGURE 4 illustrates an alternative air pump and relief valve assembly for the use with the inflatable inner sole of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the inflatable inner sole of FIGURE 1;

FIGURES 6 and 7 are sectional elevational and plan views of the pump used in the inner sole of FIGURE 1; FIGURES 8 and 9 are sectional elevational and plan views of the alternative pump shown in FIGURE 4;

FIGURES 10, 11 and 12 are views of the adjustable pressure control valve used in the invention;

FIGURE 13 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner sole with a hand pump and pressure relief valve;

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of the inner sole, hand pump and pressure relief valve shown in FIGURE 13; FIGURE 15 is a sectional plan view of the air pump used in the embodiment shown in FIGURE 13;

FIGURES 16 and 18 are sectional elevational views of the check valves of the pump of FIGURE 15;

FIGURE 17 is a view along line 17-17' of FIGURE 16; FIGURE 19 is a sectional view along line 19-19' of FIGURES 1 and 13;

FIGURE 20 is a sectional view along line 20-20' of FIGURES 13, 22 and 29;

FIGURE 21 is an enlarged sectional view through an aperture of an alternative embodiment having a lining about the inner sole;

FIGURE 22 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner sole having an inflatable side flap at its heel;

FIGURE 23 is a sectional plan view along line 23-23' of FIGURE 24, showing the hand pump used in the alternative inflatable inner sole of FIGURES 22, 29 and 30;

FIGURE 24 is a sectional elevational view along line 24-24' Of FIGURE 23; FIGURE 25 is a sectional elevational view along line

25-25' of FIGURE 23;

FIGURES 26 and 27 are sectional views through the

check valves used in the pump of FIGURES 23-25;

FIGURE 28 is an enlarged plan view of the inflatable side flap located at the heel of the inflatable inner sole shown in FIGURE 22; FIGURE 29 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner sole with medial and lateral inflatable flaps which fold over the instep of the shoe;

FIGURE 30 is an inflatable boot liner which has an air pressurization and forced air circulation system; FIGURE 31 is an enlarged sectional elevational view along line 31-31' of FIGURE 32 showing a blower to circulate air in the boot liner of FIGURE 30;

FIGURE 32 is a sectional view along line 32-32' of FIGURE 31; FIGURE 33 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner sole;

FIGURE 34 is a sectional view along line 34-34' of FIGURE 33;

FIGURE 35 is a sectional view along line 35-35' of FIGURE 33;

FIGURE 36 is a sectional view along line 36-36' of FIGURE 33;

FIGURE 37 is a sectional view along line 37-37' of FIGURE 36; FIGURE 38 is an enlarged view of the area within the line 38-38' of FIGURE 36;

FIGURE 39 is a perspective view of the inflatable inner sole shown in FIGURE 33;

FIGURE 40 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner sole;

FIGURE 41 is a sectional view along line 41-41' of FIGURE 40;

FIGURE 42 is a sectional view along line 42-42* of FIGURE 40; FIGURE 43 is a an enlarged view of the area within the line 43-43' of FIGURE 41;

FIGURE 44 is an exploded perspective view of the

inflatable inner sole of FIGURE 40;

FIGURE 45 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner sole for a sandal;

FIGURE 46 is a sectional view along line 46-46' of FIGURE 45;

FIGURE 47 is a sectional view along line 47-47' of FIGURE 45;

FIGURE 48 is a sectional view along line 48-48* of FIGURE 45; FIGURE 49 is a perspective view of the inflatable inner sole of FIGURE 45;

FIGURE 50 is a plan view of an inflatable inner sole with a heel pump and a remotely-located, adjustable relief valve; FIGURE 51 is a plan view of an inflatable inner sole with three interior chamber and separate air pumps for each interior chamber.

FIGURE 52 is a plan view of an inflatable inner sole with three interior chambers, and separate, remotely located pressure control valves for each of the three interior chambers;

FIGURE 53 is a plan view of an inflatable inner sole without a heel pump and with three interior chambers, and a separate, manual air pump for each of the three interior chambers;

FIGURE 54 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner sole with rear and medial and lateral inflatable chambers and an arch pillow, each having an independent air pump and pressure relief valve; FIGURE 55 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable liner with a rear and medial and lateral inflatable flaps which provide linings for the heel and instep sides of the upper inner surfaces of a shoe;

FIGURE 56 is an alternative inflatable lining to that shown in FIGURE 55;

FIGURE 57 is a perspective view of a shoe fitted with the upper lining shown in FIGURE 56;

FIGURE 58 is a plan view of an inflatable lining having an inflatable inner sole and upper air bag with a manual pump and relief valve;

FIGURE 59 is a perspective view of a shoe fitted with the lining of FIGURE 58;

FIGURE 60 is a plan view of an alternative lining to that shown in FIGURE 58;

FIGURE 61 is a perspective view of a shoe, in phantom outline, fitted with the lining of FIGURE 60; FIGURE 62 is a perspective view of the shoe, in solid lines, and liner shown in FIGURE 61;

FIGURE 63 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner sole;

FIGURE 64 is a perspective view of a shoe, in solid lines, fitted with the liner shown in FIGURE 63;

FIGURE 65 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable upper liner with a rear and medial and lateral inflatable chambers which provide linings for the upper inner surfaces of a shoe; FIGURE 66 is a perspective view of a shoe fitted with the upper lining shown in FIGURE 65;

FIGURE 67 is a sectional elevational view of an air pump used in the invention;

FIGURE 68 is a sectional elevational view of an alternative air pump for use in the invention;

FIGURE 69 is an assembly view of an embodiment of the invention showing an inflatable inner sole in plan view as having several chambers and an air pump in the heel of the inner sole, with separate pressure control valves for each chamber;

FIGURE 70 is a view of an upper liner for footwear which has two chambers, each with a separate pressure control valve;

FIGURE 71 is an assembly view of an inflatable inner sole shown in plan view similar to that of FIGURE 69, but intended for use with a hand air pump;

FIGURE 72 is a plan view of an inflatable upper

liner similar to that of FIGURE 70 for use with a hand air pump;

FIGURES 73 through 76 illustrate footwear with an inflatable upper liner and inflatable inner sole having an air pump in the heel, each with multiple chambers and a connector/pressure control valve shown in FIGURE 76;

FIGURE 77 illustrates an inflatable liner similar to that of FIGURE 73 for use with a hand air pump;

FIGURE 78 is a plan view of an inflatable upper liner similar to those of FIGURES 70, 72 and 74 for use with a hand air pump;

FIGURES 79 and 80 illustrate a collar housing for the footwear of FIGURE 73 which contains the connector/control valves of the inflatable liners; FIGURES 81 through 83 illustrate alternative housings for the connector/control valves;

FIGURE 84 is an assembly view of an embodiment of the invention showing an inflatable inner sole in plan view as having two chambers and an air pump in the heel of the inner sole, with separate pressure control valves for each chamber;

FIGURE 85 is an assembly view of an inflatable inner sole shown in plan view which is similar to that of FIGURE 84, but intended for use with a hand air pump; FIGURE 86 is an elevational sectional view of an air pump alternative to that shown in FIGURE 42, with the section line along line 42-42' of FIGURE 40;

FIGURE 87 is an elevational sectional view of another alternative air pump to those shown in FIGURES 42 and 86;

FIGURE 88 is an elevational sectional view along line 88-88' of FIGURE 73 illustrating in detail the air pump and inflatable inner sole and liner;

FIGURE 89 is an elevational sectional view also along line 88-88' of FIGURE 73 illustrating an alternative air pump to that shown in FIGURE 88;

FIGURES 90 through 98 illustrate footwear with an

inflatable upper liner and inflatable inner sole having an air pump in the heel, each with multiple chambers and with two switching valves to connect the chambers to the air pump and/or a pressure control valve; FIGURES 99 through 102 illustrate alternative constructions for a single switching valve useful with the embodiment shown in FIGURES 90 through 94;

FIGURE 103 illustrates an inflatable inner sole similar to that of FIGURE 90 for use with a hand air pump;

FIGURE 104 illustrates an inflatable upper liner useful in combination with the inner sole shown in FIGURE 103;

FIGURE 105 is a perspective view of footwear with the linings of FIGURES 103 and 104;

FIGURE 106 is a sectional view of a hand pump for use with the linings of FIGURES 103 and 104;

FIGURES 107 through 110 illustrate the inflatable lining of the invention applied in a glove; FIGURES 111-117 illustrate the inflatable lining of the invention applied to a helmet;

FIGURE 118 illustrates the inflatable lining of the invention applied to a boxer's headgear; and

FIGURE 119 illustrates the inflatable lining of the invention applied to a protective shield.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIGURE 1, the inflatable insole 10 of the invention is shown in plan view. The inner sole 10 is formed by a first sheet 12 and a coextensive second sheet 14 of substantially the same shape and size. The first and second sheets 12 and 14 are bonded together in a continuous peripheral seam 16 that extends about the toe, the lateral side of the inner sole 10, the heel and medially about the instep. The seams are shown in the figures as cross hatched areas. This is intended to show seamed areas only and not to represent sectional views.

The first and second sheets 12 and 14 are preferably plastic and most preferably are thermoplastic, so that conventional heat sealing can be used for forming the seams. The most preferred thermoplastic material is polyurethane, however, other suitable materials include ethylene, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc. Natural or synthetic rubber can also be used.

The first sheet 12 and second sheet 14 are also bonded together with a plurality of discontinuous seams 34, 36 and 37 which form tubular, interconnecting passageways 28 through the inner sole 10. The spacing between adjacent seams controls the size (diameter) of the passageways 28. Also, unseamed expanses will form air pillows such as the arch pillow 45 and toe pillow 47. The size and space of the pillows can easily be varied during manufacture to adapt the inner sole to the particular shoe. Thus, if intended to fit conventional shoes with integral arch supports, the arch pillow can be reduced in size. It can also be enlarged for use with shoes having flat or near flat soles, to provide an arch support, the firmness of which can be regulated by adjustment of the air pressure within the inner sole.

Preferably, the seams have a plurality of through perforations or apertures 32 which extend entirely thorough the first and second sheets 12 and 14 and are entirely surrounded by a seamed area 30. For this purpose, the seams can be expanded to provide an annular seam area 30 that entirely surrounds each circular aperture 32 through the first and second plastic sheets. Each seam and seamed channels along the first and second sheets, described with reference to FIGURES 19-21, and the apertures 32 establish communication between the channels above and below the inner sole 10.

As illustrated, the instep is provided with several longitudinal discontinuous seams 34, 36 and 37 which extend to a generally transverse discontinuous seam 38 that subdivides the instep from the toe of the inner sole 10. The toe is also subdivided into tubular passageways by additional

discontinuous seams such as 40. Seams 23 are provided transversely across the area between the toe and instep to improve the flexing of the inner sole 10 in this area. The spacing, size and number of these discontinuous seams can be varied greatly, as desired, to provide the maximum comfort and convenience to the wearer of a shoe fitted with the inflatable inner sole.

At the heel of the inflatable inner sole 10, a continuous loop seam 42 is provided, preferably as a circle surrounding a circular aperture 44 which extends through the first and second plastic sheets. The circular aperture 44 receives the air pump 50 of the invention. The air pump 50 has an inlet port along its bottom surface with a flapper valve 56

(described in greater deal hereinafter) and is functional to discharge air through an integral flexible tube 48 toward pressure control valve 58. The flexible tube 48 is placed beneath a wide seam 39, lying in the channel formed on the undersurface of the inner sole 10 by seam 39. Check valve 68 is also connected between tube 48 and flexible tube 70 which is connected to the pressure control valve 58.

The pressure control valve 58, also described in greater detail hereinafter, has a manual adjustment knob 60 for the controlled fixed adjustability of the pressure within the inflatable inner sole 10. The pressure control valve 58 has a discharge port 72 which is connected to a flexible tube 64 that extends through the continuous peripheral seam 16 and discharges directly into the sealed interior chamber between the first and second plastic sheets, preferably into the toe of the inflatable inner sole. Referring now to FIGURE 2, there is illustrated a plan view of the inflatable inner sole 10 without the pressure relief valve and the air pump. As there illustrated, the flexible tube 64 which communicates through the peripheral seam 16 is permanently positioned in the inflatable liner. Referring to FIGURE 3, there is illustrated a plan view of the air pump 50 and pressure control valve 58 used in the inflatable inner sole shown in FIGURE 1. As there

illustrated, the air pump 50 comprises a generally flat, flexible, resilient bulb 66 that has an internal flapper valve 56 that seals an inlet port, aperture 52, in its bottom wall. The air pump is integrally connected to a flexible tube 48 that discharges through a check valve 68 and into a short flexible tube 70 which is connected to the pressure relief valve 58. The pressure relief valve 58 has two discharge ports 72 and 74. Discharge port 72 is in direct communication to the flexible tube 64 that discharges into the toe of the inflatable liner 10, while discharge port 74 is connected to a short flexible tube 76 that discharges externally of the inflatable liner 10. As shown in FIGURE 1, tube 76 is preferably placed beneath a wide seamed area 51, lying within the channel formed in the undersurface of the inner sole 10, thereby directing the excess air through these channels where it will flow upwardly through the apertures 32 of the inner sole 10. This establishes a forced air circulation in the shoe. Alternatively, the excess air could be vented to the outside of the shoe. Access to the second port 74 is controlled by the internal pressure regulation of the valve 58 which is fixedly adjustable by the adjustment knob 60.

FIGURE 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an air pump 57 used in the invention. In the embodiment shown in

FIGURE 4, the flapper valve and inlet port in the bottom surface of the bulb has been removed and an inlet port 78 is provided in a Y-branch 80 of flexible tubing which is connected to a check valve 82 to serve as a fresh air inlet to the system. The remainder of the structure is substantially as described with reference to FIGURE 3. The inflatable inner sole 10 of FIGURE 1 is shown in perspective view in FIGURE 5. The circular aperture 44 at the heel which houses the air pump 50, and the tubular passageways which are formed between the discontinuous seams of the inner sole are apparent in this illustration. Also, the size and position of the pressure control valve 58 and adjustment knob

60 can be seen in the illustration.

Referring now to FIGURES 6 and 7, the structure of the

air pump 50 shown in FIGURE 1 will be described in greater detail. FIGURE 6 is a sectional view through the air pump 50 and illustrates that the air pump 50 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 84 on the undersurface of its bottom wall to permit free air passage beneath its undersurface. The bottom wall of the air pump is perforated with a single aperture 52 to provide an inlet port to the interior of the air pump and a single flap 86 of flexible plastic extends over this aperture and is hinged at one side edge thereof to function as a flapper valve 56.

Referring now to FIGURES 8 and 9, the alternative air pump 57 which is shown in FIGURE 4 has no protrusions on its bottom wall and does not have the aperture 52 in its bottom wall and the flapper valve 56, as these functions are supplied by the externally mounted check valve 82, previously described with reference to FIGURE 4.

FIGURES 10 through 12 illustrate the pressure control valve 58. The pressure control valve 58 has a housing 90 with a single through longitudinal passage 92 that is intersected by a lateral passage 94 which communicates with a pressure valve. The pressure valve has a ball 98 as its valve member that is seated against a valve seat 100 of the lateral passage 94. The ball 98 is resiliently biased to a normally closed position by a coil spring 102 that has a spring stop 103 on the end of a threadable plug 104 that is received in an internally threaded bore 106 that opens into the lateral passage 94. By threadable adjustment of the plug 104, the tension of the spring 102 which compression the ball 98 against the valve seat 100 can be fixedly adjusted, thereby controlling the degree of pressure required to lift the ball off the valve seat. The internally threaded bore has a discharge passage 108 that communicates upstream of the pressure valve and that discharges through a discharge port 74 into the flexible tube 76. Referring now to FIGURES 13 and 14, an alternative embodiment of the inflatable inner sole is shown in plan view. This embodiment is shown in perspective view in FIGURE 14.

The first sheet 12 and the second sheet 14 are bonded together with a continuous peripheral seam 16 extending entirely about these two sheets and forming a sealed interior chamber. A flexible tube 64 is molded in the seam. The flexible tube 64 is connected to a pressure regulation valve 58 and to a manually operated air pump 112. These elements are shown in greater detail in FIGURES 15-18. The air pump 112 is positioned medially of the inner sole 10 in a position where it can be manipulated by hand to permit pressurization of the inflatable inner sole. At this location, the hand pump doesn't contact or abrade the wearer's foot. As with the previous embodiment, the inflatable inner sole shown in FIGURE 13 has a plurality of discontinuous seams 134, 136 and 137 that are spaced at preselected locations across its surface. Preferably a first seam 134 extends from the toe, laterally to the heel. At the heel, a semi-circular seam 116 is provided with a medially extending discontinuous seam 118 which extends to the peripheral seam 16, and two additional longitudinal seams 136 and 137 extend from the heel across the instep to the toe of the inner sole. A plurality of transverse seams such as 123 are provided to provide for laterally extending tubular passageways between the first and second sheets. These transverse seams 123 impart a flexing capability to the inner sole 10. An arch pillow 45 and a toe pillow 47 are also provided. Referring to FIGURE 20, the enclosed space 139 which lies beneath the seam 116 and tubular passage 119 will collapse when the wearer's weight is placed on the area about seam 116 and will flex into the illustrated configuration when the wearer's weight is removed. The result is that the enclosed space 139 continuously varies in volume during walking, and thus functions as an air blower to induce flow of air down the channels beneath the insole and through the apertures 32.

Referring now to FIGURES 15 through 18, the subassembly of the pressure regulation valve 58 and air pump 112 will be described. As shown in FIGURE 15, the pressure regulation valve 58 is substantially the same as previously described

with reference to FIGURES 10-12. The air pump 112, however, is a generally ovaloid, flexible and resilient bulb 120 which is placed laterally against the inside ankle of the wearer of the shoe. At its opposite ends, the air pump 112 is provided with check valves which can be of varied design and configuration.

FIGURE 16 illustrates a suitable discharge check valve 128 which has a valve chamber 130 formed by a washer 132 placed across the discharge passageway 124 of the air pump 112. A support spider 126 with vertical legs 138 is placed within the chamber 130 and supports at its center a valve member formed by resilient plug 140 and a flat disc 142 that seats against a port 144 in the bottom wall 146 of the valve chamber 130. Referring now to FIGURE 18, substantially the same valve configuration is used to provide an inlet check valve 148 of the air pump 112. The air pump 112 has an inlet valve chamber 150 with an annular disc 152 which extends across the chamber 150. This disc is fixedly secured within the chamber. A spider member 126 with support legs 138 is provided within the chamber and positions from its center a resilient valve plug 140 with a disc 142 that seats against a port 154 in the annular disc 152 and functions as the valve member of the inlet valve. The bottom wall 158 of the flexible resilient bulb 120 has a port 157 which communicates with the valve chamber 150.

As previously mentioned, the various seams between the first and second plastic sheet form tubular passageways when the inner sole is inflated. FIGURE 19 is a sectional view along line 19-19' of FIGURES 1 and 13, and illustrates the inflated shape or contour of the inner sole. As there illustrated, the peripheral seam 16 secures the upper sheet 12 and second sheet 14 together while the discontinuous inner seams 34, 36 and 37 form generally tubular passageways 28 and arch pillow 45. As there illustrated, the first sheet 12 and second sheet 14 are also shown beyond peripheral seam 16. Also, they could be cut flush with peripheral seam 16, except

at the area which forms flap 156. Seam 16 can be made sufficiently wide to provide a seaming or bonding area to secure the inner sole to the footwear.

FIGURE 19 also shows that the pressure control valve 58 in the assembly is located beneath an upwardly folded flap 156 of the first and second plastic sheets, thereby avoiding any rubbing contact between the valve 58 and the wearer's foot.

Also, the valve could be increased by a soft fabric or sponge layer (not shown) . Also, as previously mentioned, the seams form coextensive channels 155 which are indented into the undersurface of the inner sole 10. These channels 155 interconnect in a communicating network on the pattern of the seams shown in FIGURES 1 or 13. This network forms a distributor for forced air circulation in a shoe fitted with the inner sole 10.

FIGURE 20 is a sectional view along line 20-20' of FIGURES 13. 22 and 29. As there illustrated, the semi¬ circular seam 116 forms annular tubular passageways 119 and 22 of substantial dimensions at the heel. As previously mentioned, apertures 32 are provided through the seams between the first and second sheets at various locations and air and/or moisture passes through the apertures as shown by the arrowhead lines 96.

FIGURE 21 is a sectional view through a typical aperture 32. The seam between the first sheet 12 and second sheet 14 welds these sheets into a homogeneous band. In a preferred embodiment, the sheets 12 and 14 can be covered by outer layers 99 and 101 of fabric, plastic foam, etc. , to enhance the comfort of the inner sole 10. Also, if desired, the outer layer 101 can be an insulation layer, e.g., a reflective insulating film such as a film of polypropylene between aluminum foil sheets specially for boot liner Fig. 30 to keep heat inside the liner.

Referring now to FIGURE 22, there is illustrated an inflatable inner sole 162 which has substantially the same construction as that previously described with reference to

FIGURE 13, however, this inflatable inner sole also has a side

flap 164 at its heel. The flap 164 is folded flat and shown in plan view. As there illustrated, both the first and second plastic sheets are provided with rearwardly extending generally rectangular shaped flaps that are sealed together with a peripheral continuous seam 166 that is preferably continuous with the peripheral seam 16 about the inner sole. Additionally, a plurality of longitudinal seams 168 are provided within the side flap 164 to provide a plurality of internal passageways therein. These seams are closely spaced to provide thin or narrow passageways so that the thickness of the inflated flap will not be excessive. The side flap 164 also supports the air pump 170 generally indicated by the broken lines which discharges through a flexible tube 172. Tube 172 is permanently secured in flap 164. The air pump 170 which is used in the embodiment of

FIGURE 22 is generally illustrated in sectional views in FIGURES 23 through 25. FIGURE 23 is a plan view of the air pump and shows a generally circular flexible bulb 174 which has a tubular tee 176 internally received within the bulb 174. Tee 176 contains the discharge check valve 178 and the release valve 180 for the pump. The base leg 182 of the tee 176 extends through the sidewall 184 of the bulb 174 of the pump and receives a conventional pressure release valve 180 such as available commercially as a tire valve core part No. 7595, from Schrader Automotive, Inc. Nashville, Tenn. The other end of the tee 176 is internally contained in the bulb 170 and houses a small check valve 178 that is directed to prevent fluid flow into the bulb 170. This valve receives air from the bulb 170 and discharges the air into the tee 176 for passage through the flexible tube 172 to the inflatable inner sole. Preferably, a Velcro band 191 is attached to the undersurface of wall 188 to secure the pump to flap 164.

The third end of the tee 176 receives tube 186 which connects to flexible tube 172, previously described. The bottom wall 188 of the bulb 174 also has an inlet port in the form of an aperture 190 with a flapper valve 192 hinged along one side on its internal bottom surface to serve as the inlet

valve.

The check valve 178 used for the air pump are shown in

FIGURES 26 and 27. In FIGURE 26, the check valve 178 is shown in its closed position with the valve member in the form of an O-ring 194 being resiliently biased against the valve seat 196 by the valve stem 198 that is dependent at its upper end from a disc 200 that serves as a retainer to capture the compression coil spring 202 between the retainer and the bottom surface of the valve chamber. When the air is discharged into the tee 176, the air dislodges the valve member against the tension of resilient spring 202, permitting air to flow into the tee 176 and through the flexible tube 172 to the inflatable inner sole, as shown in FIGURE 27.

Referring now to FIGURE 28, there is illustrated an enlarged view of the side flap 164 of the inner sole. The flexible discharge tube 172 extends through a center seamed area 204 which is sufficiently large to provide security and support for the tube and the assembly of the air pump 170 shown in FIGURES 23 through 25. The air pump 170 is shown by the broken line. An opening 206 through flap 164 provides access to permit securing the pump 170 to the flexible tube 172. This mounting also biases the flexible resilient bulb of air pump 170 against the flap 164.

The inflatable inner sole 10, alternatively, be provided with one or more side flaps such as the medial side flap 208 and the lateral side flap 210 shown in FIGURE 29. Preferably these side flaps are of sufficient length and are located at the instep to permit folding over the instep of a wearer's foot and these side flaps can be attached together, preferably by providing bands 212 which carry hook-fabric attachments 215 such as Velcro, at each of their ends so that they will be fastened together when folded over the wearer's foot. Each of the side flaps is provided with a peripheral seam 214 that forms a sealed interior chamber which communicates through an opening 216 in the peripheral seam 16 of the inflatable inner sole whereby the side flaps 208 and 210 are also inflated.

The inner sole can be secured to the footwear by stitching or

cementing seam 16 to the inside sole of the footwear and, where appropriate, to the inside of the uppers of the footwear.

One side flap, 210, carries the air pump 170 shown in broken line. The pump is previously described with reference to FIGURES 23 through 25. The pump discharges into a flexible tube 172 that is also secured within a central sealed area 204 between the first and second plastic sheets. Preferably, the air pump is located at the instep area of the shoe where the air pump will be readily accessible for hand operation. For this application, an opening can be provided on the upper part of the outer shoe.

Referring now to FIGURE 30, there is illustrated an inflatable inner sole 224 which is integral with an inflatable liner for the entire upper region of a boot. The inner sole 224 is shown in a simplified view, it could include all the elements and features previously described. For this purpose, the inner sole 224 has, at the rear of its heel portion, an integral flap 226 that extends laterally and medially a sufficient distance to permit the flap 226, when folded vertically to extend entirely about the toe of the inner sole. Preferably this large flap forms a liner for the upper of the boot. The flap 226 has a coextensive tab 228 which can fold beneath the inner sole and also can be glued to the inner sole. As the tab must be formed about the curved toe, this co-extensive tab can have a plurality of V-shaped notches 230 to permit folding about this curved surface without forming creases. The vertical flap 226 is provided with a plurality of fabric attachment bands 234 such as Velcro to secure its opposite ends 236 and 238. Thus, a band of Velcro is provided at the medial end 236 of flap 226, and a co-acting Velcro band is placed on the opposite side of the flap 226 on its lateral end 238, thereby permitting the ends of the flap 226 to be secured together when wrapped about the toe of the inner sole. Preferably flaps 240 and 242 are provided at the medial and lateral sides of the instep to fit over the instep of the boot and each of these flaps also is provided with a co-extensive

Velcro band 244 on its opposite sides whereby the flaps can be folded over the instep of the wearer and secured together with the bands of Velcro attachment fabric. The upper portion of the ankle area 246 of the flap 226 also preferably has medial and lateral extending tabs 248 and 250 which carry co¬ extensive Velcro bands 251, again on opposite sides to permit securing of these tabs about the ankle of the wearer.

An air pump 170 is provided in the flap 226 and this air pump is shown by the broken lines similar to that shown on FIGURES 23 through 25 and mounted similarly to the mountings shown in FIGURES 22 and 29. In addition, the heel of the inner sole preferably includes a continuous circular seam 254 to form an opening that will receive an air blower 260 which induces forced air circulation through the shoe. The air inlet to the blower is flexible tube 256 which extends along flap 226 and is shown in a broken line in FIGURE 30.

The blower is shown in greater detail in FIGURES 31 and

32, and includes the aforementioned flexible tube 256 for the fresh air inlet that communicates with an inlet chamber 262, an upper chamber 258 within the flexible bulb 260 of the blower, and outlet chamber 264. Inlet chamber 262 and outlet chamber 264 are separated by a transverse wall 266. Apertures

267 and 268 are provided, one each in the top wall of each subjacent chamber 262 and 264, opening into the chamber 258 of the flexible and resilient bulb 260 of the air blower. A flap

270 of flexible plastic sheet material is mounted over the aperture 267 communicating with the inlet chamber 262 and is hinged to the bottom surface of the flexible bulb to thereby function as an inlet flapper check valve. A similar flap 272 of flexible sheet material is mounted on the undersurface of the bottom wall of the flexible bulb to function as a discharge flapper check valve.

As shown in FIGURE 32, preferably a plurality of apertures 274 are provided about the periphery of the outlet chamber 264 to permit air to be discharged into the shoe, beneath the inner sole thereby serving to force air down the channels which are formed between the tubular passageways of

the inflatable inner sole thereby permitting the air to be circulated through the plurality of through apertures of the inner sole thereby establishing forced air circulation through the shoe above and below the inner sole. The inflatable inner sole shown in FIGURES 33-39 is substantially similar to that shown in FIGURE 1, however, a greater number of seams 25 are provided, which decreases the diameters of the air channels 21 which are formed between the seams, thereby reducing the thickness of the inner sole. This is desirable to permit use of the inner sole with existing footwear, as it can be easily inserted or removed from existing footwear. This effect is apparent in the sectional view which appears as FIGURE 34. In this embodiment, the peripheral channel 20 is slightly larger than the other channels 21 to provide greater stability and gripping. Referring now to FIGURE 35, the sectional view through the instep of the inner sole shows channels 45 and 49, which provide large pillows that give arch support to the wearer.

FIGURE 36 is a sectional view through the internal inflation pump 53 of the inflatable inner sole shown in FIGURE 33. The pump 53 is an expandable chamber pump, and fits within the well or recess formed by circular seam 42 which surrounds aperture 44 through the sheet materials from which the inner sole is manufactured. This pump 53 is retained beneath the aperture as its diameter is greater than that of the aperture 44. The pump 53 is similar to pump 50, previously described with reference to FIGURES 6 and 7 and has a plurality of protrusions 84 on its undersurface to provide a clearance for air passage. The pump 53 is formed with a bottom sheet 54 to which is bonded the upper sheet 55. Preferably the bottom sheet has a substantial diameter to provide an annular flat seam which has sufficient width (see FIG. 39) to prevent extruding through the aperture 44 of the inner sole. A flexible tube 59 communicates with the air pump 53 and passes to the check valve 68 and pressure control valve 58, shown in FIGURES 33 and 39. An aperture 61 (see FIG. 38) in the side wall of pump 53 opens into tube 59. These

elements are described in detail with reference to the same elements of FIGURE 1.

The inlet valve to the air pump 53 is shown in detail in the enlarged sectional view of FIGURE 38. As there illustrated, the bottom wall 54 of the air pump has an aperture 62 which is closed by the resilient plug 129 that is supported by spider 127. When a partial vacuum is formed within the pump 53, by expansion of the chamber of the pump, air flows past valve plug 129 and into the chamber of the pump. When the wearer's heel compresses the pump 53, the plug 129 seals the aperture 62 and forces the air through tube 59 and check valve 68. Preferably, the valve structure is surrounded by a raised circular rib 87 to prevent damage to the spider 127 and plug 129 when the air pump is entirely compressed. Preferably, a plate 41 is placed beneath the upper surface of the pump 53 to reinforce and stiffen this surface.

The plug 129 also functions to seal the inlet aperture against water intrusion, particularly when the inner sole, or footwear with the inflatable sole is washed or cleaned. Water cannot intrude past the plug 129 as there is no partial vacuum developed within the air pump 53.

Referring now to FIGURES 40 through 44, there is illustrated an embodiment of an inflatable inner sole which includes a support underlayment for the inner sole. This embodiment can be for a removable inner sole for foot wear.

It is especially useful, however, as a permanent member in footwear, particularly in athletic footwear or in house shoes, e.g., slippers, moccasins, etc. Some slippers now on the market have two fabric soles separated by a space which is filled with a removable foam sole. This embodiment can be inserted as a substitute for the foam sole. The inner sole 10 is substantially identical to that shown and described with reference to FIGURE 1. As shown in FIGURE 44, the inner sole is used in combination with a supporting underlayment 75 which has an upwardly curled edge 88 extending entirely about its periphery, conforming to the shape of the inner sole. The air

pump 73 can be integrally formed with the underlayment 75, and as shown in FIGURE 42, the circular channel 22 of the inner sole 10 is received within the circular trough 95 formed between the upwardly curled peripheral edge 88 and the air pump 73. Alternatively, the air pump can be formed separately as shown in FIGURES 8 and 9 and can be assembled to the underlayment 75. In this embodiment, the inlet valve to the air pump is located at the medial edge of the underlayment 75; see FIGURE 44. The pump 73 has a communicating tube 48 which has a Y-shaped end similar to pump 57 shown in FIGURE 4. This tube 48 can be integrally molded into the underlayment 75. The inlet check valve 82 has its open end within the shoe. The outlet, or discharge, check valve 68 is coupled to tube 70 that extends to the pressure control valve 58. As shown in FIGURE 41, a pocket 77 is molded adjacent the medial edge of the underlayment along the instep region. This pocket receives the pressure control valve 58 (see FIGURES 41 and 43) and the check valves 68 and 82 (see FIGURE 44) . The pocket is preferably closed with a flap 156 that can be retained closed by Velcro bands 89.

The invention can also be incorporated in footwear as an integral inflatable sole. FIGURES 45 through 49 illustrate the incorporation of the invention as a permanent member of footwear. For illustration purposes, a sandal, or clog, is shown. It is apparent, however, that the upper portions of a conventional shoe or boot could also be permanently attached to the illustrated sole. In such application, the inner sole could also include inflatable upper liners such as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. In the illustrated application, the sandal has a conventional outer sole 85 that is provided with treads on its undersurface, and with conventional straps 81 which extend from opposite, medial and lateral sides of the upper edges of the outer sole. The straps can be molded into the outer sole 85, as shown in the sectional view of FIGURE 46. The straps 81 interconnect above the arch or toes of the wearer and for this purpose can be provided with slots such as 101 and/or Velcro attachment bands 83 on opposite mating

surfaces, all in a conventional manner.

The outer sole 85 can have a recess 107 in its upper surface and the inflatable liner 10 of the invention can be received within this recess. This liner is substantially as previously described with flow passageways 21 and a toe pillow 47. Preferably, the liner is permanently secured to the upper surface of the outer sole 85 with stitching, bonding with a suitable cement or glue, or by solvent welding. The permanent attachment is along the peripheral edge 16 of the inflatable inner sole. Alternatively, the inflatable inner sole can be removably attached by Velcro attachment fabric bands which can be applied to the underside of peripheral edge 16 of the inner sole and about the mating peripheral edge of the outer sole 85. As shown in FIGURE 48, the air pump 73 can be integrally molded into the outer sole 85. This is especially advantageous for a sandal as the pump is thus integral with the heel of the sandal, and no additional flap or band is needed for mounting of the pump. An aperture 91 in the sidewall of the air pump 73 communicates with a tube 48 that has a Y-shaped end (see FIGURE 4) which has an inlet check valve 82 and a discharge check valve (not shown) which is connected to tube 70. As shown in FIGURES 44 and 49, tube 48 is beneath seam 39. The outer sole is preferably formed with a pocket along its medial edge adjacent the instep region to provide a recess that receives the pressure control valve 58 and the check valves 68 and 82. This pocket can be closed with flap 156 of the inner sole 10 and secured with Velcro fabric bands (not shown). In some applications, e.g., beachwear, the apertures 32 can be eliminated and the discharge tube 76 from the pressure relief valve 58 can be directed outside of the recess 107. As shown in FIG. 10, tube 76 is connected to the excess pressure relief port 74 of the pressure relief valve 58. Referring now to FIGURE 50, there is illustrated a plan view of an inflatable inner sole according to the invention which is provided with a remotely located pressure control

valve 58. For this purpose, the flexible tube 70 which extends from the air pump check valve 68 has sufficient length to extend beyond the region of the sole. Similarly, the flexible tube 64 which directs pressure controlled air from valve 58 to the sealed interior chamber of the inner sole, and the flexible tube 76 which directs excess air from the pressure control valve 58 to beneath the inner sole, also have sufficient length to extend beyond the region of the sole. This permits the pressure control valve 58 to be located remotely from the sole of the shoe, e.g,, the valve 58 can be located on the sides of the upper portion of the shoe where it is readily accessible to the wearer. If desired, the inlet flexible tube 71 can also be of sufficient length to extend to a location remote from the sole. Referring to FIGURE 51, the inner sole previously described with reference to FIGURE 50 is further modified by the provision of a lateral flap 169 and a medial flap 173. These flaps are substantially the same as flaps 164 of FIGURES 22 and 28 and 210 of FIGURE 29. These flaps are formed by overlying extensions of the first and second plastic sheets, and they are seamed about their peripheries to provide sealed interior chambers, and have a plurality of discontinuous seams 168 which form tubular passageways within each flap. Preferably, a manual actuated air pump 170 is provided on each flap so located to orient its discharge into the sealed interior chamber of the flap. Each flap has at least one tubular passageway 216 open into the sealed interior chamber of the inner sole.

The inner sole has a continuous seam 179 which completely transverses the sealed interior chamber of the inner sole, thereby creating sealed interior chambers 181 and 183. The sealed interior chamber 183 provides an arch pillow in the inner sole. Another continuous seam 167 further subdivides interior chamber 181 into a forward or toe sealed interior chamber 165, and a heel sealed interior chamber 163. The medial side flap 173 has one tubular passageway open to sealed interior chamber 183 and lateral side flap 169 has a tubular

passageway open to the sealed interior chamber 181, whereby the manual air pumps 170 can be used to adjust, independently, the inflation pressure in each of the sealed subdivided interior chambers. The heel pump provides inflation pressure which is controlled in the controlled pressure relief valve for the heel sealed interior chamber 163. Excess air discharged from the pressure relief valve 58 is passed by tube 76 to a discharge beneath the inner sole and the underlayment of the shoe, e.g., the outer sole of the shoe, where it can flow along the channels formed on the undersurface of the inner sole and pass through the apertures 32 of the inflatable sole, thereby providing air circulation within the shoe in the same manner as previously described with reference to FIGURE 1. Alternatively, tube 76 could extend outside of the shoe so that the excess air would be vented outside of the shoe.

Referring now to FIGURE 52, there is illustrated an embodiment in which the same three subdivided sealed interior chambers, 163, 165 and 183 are pressured with a single air pump 73, and are each provided with separate and independent pressure control valves 58a, 58b and 58c. In this application, the pressure control valves are serially connected, in tandem, with the excess air from valve 58a being passed by flexible tube 76a to the succeeding valve 58b, and the pressure controlled air being passed by tube 64a to sealed subdivided interior chamber 163. The valve 58b is set for a slightly lower pressure than valve 58a and discharges air at its controlled pressure into sealed interior chamber 183 (arch pillow) through tube 64b and discharges excess air through tube 76b to the succeeding valve 58c. The latter valve discharges air at its control pressure through tube 64c into the sealed interior chamber 165, while passing excess air through tube 76c to a location beneath the inner sole, i.e., between the inner sole and the sole of the shoe. Although the valves 58a through 58c are shown in connection to provide the highest pressure in the heel, lowest in the toe and intermediate pressure in the instep, regions, the relative pressures in these regions could be varied by switching the

discharge locations of the tubes 64a, 64b and 64c. Also, as previously discussed with regard to FIGURE 51, the excess air from valve 58c is preferably vented into the shoe, beneath the inflatable inner sole to provide forced air circulation through the shoe.

Referring now to FIGURE 53, the invention is shown as applied to an inner sole which has three separated sealed interior chambers 163, 165 and 183. The interior chambers 163 and 165 have discontinuous seams forming tubular passageways within each chamber. Chamber 183 is preferably unseamed, thereby forming an inflatable arch pillow. Each of the sealed interior chambers has an adjacent flap such as medial flap 173, lateral flap 169 and heel flap 153. Each of the flaps is formed of overlying appendages of the first and second sheets which are sealed about their peripheral edges, and each is provided with a plurality of discontinuous seams to form internal, tubular passageways. Each of the flaps is provided with a hand pump 170 located to discharge pressured air into the flap and the sealed interior chamber of the sole which is in open communication with the tubular passageways of a flap.

FIGURE 54 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner sole similar to that shown in FIGURE 53, however, the sealed interior chambers of the liner are further subdivided by longitudinal continuous seam 222 which divides the heel interior chamber into a right chamber 195 and a left chamber 197 and continuous seam 193 which divides the toe interior chamber 165 into a right toe chamber 199 and a left toe chamber 201. Chamber 183 is as previously described with reference to FIGURE 53. Each of these chambers which are formed in the liner has an adjacent flap 169, 173, 153, 159 and 143, and each flap has a plurality of discontinuous seams that form tubular passageways which provide communication from a manual air pump 170 to the interior of its respective chamber. The flaps can be located at convenient and inconspicuous positions along the peripheral edges of the inflatable inner sole, so that the air pumps and associated control valves are accessible, without providing any structure

which may obstruct normal activities.

In some applications, it may be desirable to combine any of the aforedescribed inflatable inner soles with an inflatable liner for the upper surfaces of footwear. Alternatively, it may be desirable to provide an inflatable liner only for the upper inside surfaces of the footwear. In such applications, FIGURE 55 illustrates a suitable lining 227 which covers the inside surfaces of the upper portion of footwear, only. This lining 227 is substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 30 except the lining has no inner sole. This lining 227 has a heel flap 226 that extends laterally and medially a sufficient distance to permit the flap 226, when folded to extend entirely about the toe of the shoe, forming a liner for the upper of footwear such as a shoe or boot. The flap 226 has a coextensive tab 228 which can fold beneath a normal, or non-inflated inner sole of the footwear, and also can be glued or sewed to that inner sole. Alternatively, it can be folded to lie against the lower edges of the upper portion of the footwear. As the tab 228 must be formed about the curved toe of the footwear, this co-extensive tab 228 can have a plurality of V-shaped notches 230 to permit folding about this curved surface without forming creases. The flap 226 is provided with a plurality of fabric attachment bands 234 such as Velcro to secure its opposite ends 236 and 238. Thus, a band of Velcro is provided at the medial end 236 of flap 226, and a co-acting Velcro band is placed on the opposite side of the flap 226 on its lateral end 238, thereby permitting the ends of the flap 226 to be secured together when wrapped about the toe of the inner sole. Preferably flaps 240 and 242 are provided at the medial and lateral sides of the instep to fit over the instep of the boot and each of these flaps also is provided with a co-extensive Velcro band 244 on its opposite sides whereby the flaps can be folded over the instep of the wearer and secured together with the bands of Velcro attachment fabric. The upper portion of the ankle area 246 of the flap 226 also preferably has medial and lateral extending tabs 248 and 250 which carry co-extensive

Velcro bands 251, again on opposite sides to permit securing of these tabs about the ankle of the wearer. A plurality of through apertures 32 are formed in the first and second sheets of the liner and are surrounded by a continuous circular seam, to provide ventilation holes through the lining, permitting free movement of air and moisture.

An air pump 170 is provided in the flap 226 and this air pump is shown by the broken lines similar to that shown on FIGURES 23 through 25 and mounted similarly to the mountings shown in FIGURES 22 and 29.

FIGURE 56 illustrates another inflatable lining which is intended for lining only the inside surfaces of the upper portion of footwear. This liner 203 has a heel flap 205 with dependent side flaps 207 and 209, which are intended to overlie the inside sides and instep areas of the upper of footwear. Forward notches 257 form toe linings and permit the lining to flex and conform to the shape of the uppers of the footwear. If desired, an inflatable tongue 211 can be provided as a dependent flap of the liner. Preferably, a manual air pump 171 is located on the base 160 of the lining, adjacent the upper edge of the heel flap 205. The pump 171 is described in detail hereinafter with reference to FIGURES 67 and 68. The base can be an uninflated extension of the lining and can be formed from either or both of the first and second overlying sheets of the lining. This air pump has an inlet 177 and a manual pressure relief valve 175. Alternatively, the air pump, inlet and valve could be located on the upper end of the tongue 211, most preferably on the base 161 of the tongue, as shown by the phantom lines. The tongue can have notches 259 for flexibility. A tab 228 can be provided along the lower edge of the lining to fasten the lining to an interior surface of the footwear. Notches 230 can be provided for flexibility of the tab 228, thereby avoiding creasing of the tab when it is fitted into footwear. FIGURE 57 illustrates an athletic shoe 213 which has conventional lacing 218 in eyelets 217 along edge medial edge of opposite vamps 219. The liner 203 (shown in FIGURE 56) is

shown in hidden object lines, where it is within the shoe and concealed by the sides of the shoe. The air pump 171 is shown as projecting from the rear of the heel of the shoe.

FIGURE 58 illustrates an alternative lining having an inflatable inner sole 221, a heel flap 187, and a frontal air bag 286. The heel flap 187 has a peripheral seam to form a sealed interior chamber and supports a manual air pump 171 adjacent its upper end, preferably on the base 275 of the heel flap 187. The heel flap 187 has a plurality of discontinuous seams 168 to form internal air passageways with the central passageway 277 open at 220 to the sealed interior chamber of the inflatable inner sole 221. The inflatable inner sole has a plurality of discontinuous seams which form air passageways and support pillows such as heel pillow 287 and arch support pillow 45.

An air bag 286 is formed by forward flaps of the first and second sheets of the liner which are seamed together about their peripheries. The seam is open at the toe to provide an air passageway 288 communicating between the inner sole 221 and the forward air bag 286. Air can flow between the inner sole 221 and air bag 286 which lies over the foot, permitting the foot to flex within the shoe while maintaining a constant pressure about the foot and thereby retaining the security of tight lacings. The rate of air flow between the inner sole 221 and the air bag 286 can be controlled by the diameter, i.e., size, of the passageway 288. Preferably the air bag has a plurality of discontinuous seams such as the arch-shaped seams 145 and the curved seams 154 to provide a medial support pillow 271, a lateral support pillow 273 and a support pillow 276 above the instep. The air bag 286 extends to each side so that it also serves as a side lining, as apparent in FIGURE 59. If desired, the air bag 286 alone, without the inner sole 221, can be provided.

FIGURE 59 illustrates the liner of FIGURE 58 within shoe 213. The air pump 171 is supported at the upper edge of the heel of the shoe, and for clarity of the illustration, the inlet and relief valve are omitted from the drawing. The shoe

has conventional lacing 218 through eyelets 217 and an outer sole 85. The medial support pillow 271 lies along the medial side and top of the shoe, and the lateral support pillow 273 is in the same position on the opposite side of the shoe. The support pillow 276 underlies the lower portion of the tongue 235 of the shoe, and preferably is bonded or sewn to the tongue 235. The air passageway 288 is shown at the most forward toe end of the inner sole.

FIGURE 60 illustrates another liner 185 which has a heel flap 187 with an air pump 171, all as previously described with reference to FIGURE 58. The inflatable inner sole 221 has medial inflatable flap 223 and a lateral inflatable flap 225 which are formed by coextensive flaps of the first and second sheets which are seamed together about their peripheries to provide sealed interior chambers. The flaps have a plurality of discontinuous seams 141 which form tubular passageways, and which terminate short of the ends of the flaps to provide pillows, or air bags, 280 and 282. Preferably the peripheral seam about the inner sole 221 is open to each of the tubular passageways of the medial and lateral flaps to provide air communication. The size of the openings between the inner sole 221 and the air bags 280 and 282 can be varied to provide restrictive flow orifices and thereby provide control over the rate of pressure equalization between the inner sole 221 and air bags 280 and 282. Also, the heel of the inner sole can have a centrally located circular seam 278 to enhance the support and stability of the heel pillow.

Referring now to FIGURES 61 and 62, the liner 185 of FIGURE 60 is shown within a shoe 213. The shoe is outlined by phantom lines in FIGURE 61 and is shown in solid lines in FIGURE 62. The shoe 213 is as previously described with eyelets 217 and an outer sole 85. The medial flap 223 extends upwardly along the medial side of the shoe, with the medial pillow 280 beneath the medial vamp of the shoe 213. The lateral flap 225 extends similarly on the lateral side of the shoe. The pillows 280 and 282 provide support and an

adjustable tightness to the lacing, all controlled by the air pump 171 and its associated manual relief valve 175 (shown in FIGURE 60) .

FIGURE 63 shows an inflatable liner 285 formed with an inflatable inner sole 221, a heel flap 187, and associated air pump 171 on base 275, all as previously described. The inflated inner sole 221 is attached at its heel end, to vertical heel flap 187 that has a sealed interior chamber with discontinuous seams 168 which form tubular passageways which communicate, at 220, with the sealed interior chamber of the inner sole 221. The base 275 of the heel flap 187 supports a flexible bulb air pump 171 with an air inlet 177 and relief valve 175. The pump discharges into the sealed interior chamber of the heel flap 187. The inner sole 221 has a plurality of discontinuous seams

109, and preferably has an arch pillow 45 formed by an unseamed area between the first and second sheets. Preferably the heel of the inner sole is provided with a semi-circular seam 116 that provides the circular air passageways 22 and 119, all as previously described with regard to FIGURE 20.

FIGURE 64 shows a shoe 213 which is fitted with the liner

285 shown in FIGURE 63. The shoe is the same as previously described. The illustration shows the heel flap 187 in position along the upper portion of the heel of the shoe, and with the inner sole 221 resting on the outer sole 85.

FIGURE 65 is a plan view of an alternative lining 231 for the upper of a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe. This lining 231 has a base sheet 160 which can be either of the first and second sheets which is seamed to the periphery of the opposite and smaller sheets to form a sealed interior chamber. The lining 231 can be subdivided into medial and lateral side chambers by continuous vertical seam 189. The medial and lateral side chambers are further subdivided into heel side chambers 241 and 243 and forward side chambers 249 and 252 by continuous seams 245 and 247. All the side chambers have a plurality of horizontal discontinuous seams 265 which form air passageways. Air pumps 284a and 284b with

air inlets 177 can be attached to the base sheet 160, preferably bonded thereto, and discharge into the sealed interiors of the chambers 241 and 243 of the lining 231. The pressure relief valves 175 are provided for control of the pressure in each chamber.

The heel portions 241 and 243 which overlie the heel are preferably unseamed at selected locations to provide heel pillows 232 and 233 on each side of the lining 231. Preferably the side portions also have discontinuous seams which form arch pillows 263 and 237 in preselected unseamed areas. Each forward portion of the inflatable lining is provided with a separate air pump 284c and 284d, and these pumps are supported on tongue base sheets 131, which extend from tongue flaps 255 and 253. The tongue flaps are formed by coextensive flaps of the first and second sheets which are seamed together about their peripheries to form sealed interior chambers into which each air pump discharges. Preferably, the tongue flaps 253 and 255 also have a plurality of notches 259 which are spaced along a side edge to provide flexibility to the flaps, when inflated. Similarly, notches

257 are provided in the forward side chambers 249 and 252 to form toe chambers 239, and permit flexing of the lining 231.

The lining 231 has a continuous lower edge band 228 which is not inflated and which provides attachment to the shoe or sole of the shoe. Notches 230 can be provided in the edge band 228 to permit flexing of the lining to fit into a shoe.

FIGURE 66 illustrates a shoe 213 which is fitted with the lining 231 shown in FIGURE 65. The shoe 213 is the same as previously described. As there illustrated, the air pumps 284a-284d are located externally of the shoe 213 on the upper ends of the tongue 235 and heel upper 229. The air inlets 177 can be inside the shoe, however, the pressure relief valves 175 are preferably outside the shoe to provide accessible exteriorly of the shoe 213. The lining 231 covers substantially the entire inner surface of the upper of the shoe and includes a toe lining 239 and the ankle pillows 232 and 233, and the side pillows 237 and 263. The tongue flaps

253 and 255 fold together and lie along the tongue 235.

Referring now to FIGURE 67, the air pump 171 is illustrated. The air pump is formed of a resilient, compressible bulb 151 which has an inlet 177 which is closed with an inlet check valve. The bulb is supported on a base sheet 160, and has its mouth about the end of flexible tube

269 which contains a discharge check valve 147, thereby forming an air pump. A pressure relief valve 175 is provided in a branch of the tube 269. This relief valve has a valve operator which is biased into a normally closed position by an internal spring, and includes a button which can be depressed to open the valve against the force of the spring. In the drawing, the valve member is shown slightly open or apart from its valve seat for illustration purposes. The button could be threadably engaged on the valve stem to provide a closer control or adjustment of the air pressure in the lining.

FIGURE 68 illustrates another configuration of the air pump 171 in which the inlet check valve 177 is located in a branch of the tube 269, immediately upstream of the discharge check valve 147. In this configuration, the branch tube containing the inlet check valve 177 can extend through the supporting base sheet 160, or alternatively, can be directed beside sheet 160. It is understood that check valves of other construction than that shown by valve 177 can be used, e.g., duckbill type valves such as manufactured by Verney Laboratories, Inc., of Yellow Springs, Ohio, or, alternatively, flapper valves.

Referring now to FIGURE 69, there is illustrated an inflatable inner sole 35 which has multiple, independent chambers which are a rear chamber 163; an arch chamber 183, and a toe chamber 165. The liner also has an air pump 73 which is located at the heel of the inner sole, similar to that shown in FIGURE 52. The independent chambers are formed by interconnecting through seams 179 and 167 which extend from the continuous peripheral seam 16. Seam 179 extends from the peripheral seam 16 to enclose the arch area of the inner sole 35 to provide for an independently adjustable chamber 183

which functions as an arch pillow.

Fresh air is drawn into the air pump 73 through tube 71 having a check valve 82, and pressured air is delivered from the air pump 73 through tube 70 having check valve 68. Tube 70 connects to the first pressure control valve 58a of a series of pressure control valves 58a through 58e (valves 58d and 58e are shown in FIGURE 70) . These valves are the same as valve 58 shown in FIGURES 10-12. The controlled pressure port of valve 58a is connected to chamber 163 of the inner sole through tube 64a, and the relief port of valve 58a is connected to the next valve 58b of the series of pressure control valves by tube 76a. The controlled pressure port of this valve is connected to the arch chamber 183 by tube 64b and the relief port of this valve is connected to the next valve 58c by tube 76b. The controlled pressure port of valve 58c is connected to the toe chamber 165 by tube 64σ and the relief port of valve 58c is connected to the upper liner 371 (shown in FIGURE 70) by tube 76c, as indicated by break line A-A. Referring now to FIGURE 70, the upper liner 371 has a continuous vertical seam 189 at the heel to divide the liner 371 into a lateral side chamber 360 and a medial side chamber 362. This liner is similar to liner 231 shown in FIGURE 65, and has the same elements such as the inflatable tongue halves 253 and 255, and inflatable ankle pillows 232 and 233. For simplicity of illustration, the seams are shown as single solid lines rather than the cross sectioned depiction used in FIGURE 69 for seams in the inner sole. Also, apertures such as 32 shown for the inflatable inner sole 35, are not shown in the side lining, however, it is understood that such apertures can also be provided in this lining also, to facilitate air circulation throughout the entire footwear.

Pressure control valve 58d receives pressured air through tube 76c, as indicated by break line A-A. Valve 58d has its controlled pressure port connected to the medial side chamber 362 by tube 64d, and its relief port connected to the last valve 58e of the series of pressure control valves by tube

76d. Valve 58e has its pressure control port connected to the lateral side chamber 360 by tube 64e and its relief port discharges into tube 76e.

Tube 76e extends to the inflatable inner sole 35, as indicated by break line B-B. Referring now to FIGURE 69, tube 76e is connected to the air channels beneath the inner sole 35 to provide air circulation through the shoe and inner sole (apertures 32) in the manner described previously with reference to FIGURES 19-21. Referring now to FIGURE 71, an inner sole 43 is shown, resting on an outer sole 97 which is similar to outer sole 85 except it lacks provision for a heel pump. This embodiment is an alternative for the inflatable inner sole 35 shown in FIGURE 69. This alternative inner sole 43 has a heel pillow 119 in the rear chamber 163, rather than the air pump 73 shown for inner sole 35 of FIGURE 69. In this respect the inner sole 43 is similar to that shown in FIGURE 53. The inner sole is used in combination with a hand air pump. The hand air pump can be mounted on the upper portion of an inflatable side lining, as shown in FIGURE 72, which is a view of the same lining 371 shown in FIGURE 70, except for the hand air pump 171 which is permanently secured to the upper base 160 of lining 371. Tube 291 extends from the hand air pump 171 to control valve 58a, as indicated by break line C-C. In all other aspects, the inflatable inner sole 43 is the same as inflatable inner sole 35, and the inflatable upper lining is the same as the inflatable upper liner 371 shown in FIGURE 70. With the embodiment such as shown in FIGURES 69-72, where the pressure control valves are serially connected, the user can alter the order of the valves in the serial connection to alter the location of the highest pressured chamber. As shown in FIGURES 69-72, the rear chamber 163 is provided with the greatest pressure by control valve 58a, and each of the chambers which are connected to the succeeding valves 58b, 58c, 58d and 58e is provided with a slightly lesser pressure than the chamber connected to the immediate preceding valve. The connection of the tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d and 64e can be

altered, as desired, to provide variation in the pressure which is applied to any of the chambers, thereby adapting the footwear to different applications, or varying the comfort of various parts of the footwear. Referring now to FIGURES 73 through 76, a complete sport shoe 290 with inflatable liners of the invention is illustrated. The sport shoe is conventional in appearance with an outer sole 85, eyelets 217 and lacing 218, and tongue 235. The shoe 290 has an inflatable inner sole 110, which is shown in plan view in FIGURE 73, and an inflatable upper liner 373 which is shown in FIGURES 74 and 75.

The inflatable inner sole 110 is subdivided into five interior chambers by continuous seams. Seam 179 surrounds the arch, forming arch chamber 183 and connects to seam 167 to divide the inner sole into front and rear portions 165 and 163. The rear portion 163 is subdivided by seam 222 into a medial heel chamber 195 and a lateral heel chamber 197. The front portion 165 is subdivided by seam 193 into a lateral toe chamber 201 and a medial toe chamber 199. As with the inner sole 35 shown in FIGURE 69, an air pump 79 is located at the heel to provide a source of air under pressure for inflation of the chambers and to circulate air thorough the shoe. Sectional views through a typical air pump are shown in FIGURES 88 and 89. The air pump receives fresh air through tube 71 and its associated check valve 82 and discharges pressured air through check valve 68 and tube 70.

Tubes 70 and 71 are also shown in FIGURE 75 as extending upwardly within the rear medial side of the shoe. Tube 71 terminates within collar housing 328. Tube 70 extends through a slit 261 in the outer wall of the shoe, with the slit providing an internal chamber within the wall of the shoe for storage of coils of tube 70. If desired, the edge of the slit could be closed with a zipper, or an elastic closure, or a Velcro closure (not shown) . Referring again to FIGURE 73, each of the five separate and independent chambers of the inner sole is provided with a connector/pressure control valve and a connecting air tube.

Arch chamber 183 has connector/valve 304 and tube 295; medial toe chamber 199 has connector/valve 306 and tube 297; lateral toe chamber 201 has connector/valve 298 and tube 292; lateral heel chamber has connector/valve 300 and tube 294; and medial heel chamber 195 has connector/valve 302 and tube 293.

The structure of each connector/valve such as 304 is shown in detail in FIGURE 76, which is a partial cross sectional view of the connector/valve 304. The pressure control valve 339 is an conventional inflation valve similar to valves available from Schrader Automotive Inc. , Nashville, Tennessee 37202. This valve 339 has a valve member 342 which is resiliently biased into a closed position against the valve seat 343 by an internal spring (not shown) . The valve member 342 is secured to a rod 340 which extends through the valve to an upper end 340 which serves as a valve operator to permit opening of the valve. The valve 339 has external threads 354 which are threadably received within a connector housing 338. The upper end or neck 346 of the valve 339 is conical to permit removable attachment of tubing. The lower end of the valve 339 has a rubber ring 344 which seats against internal shoulder 352 of the housing 338 for resilient sealing within the connector housing. The connector housing has a conical connector leg 347 to receive a tubing such as tube 295.

Referring again to FIGURES 73, 74 and 75, the discharge tube 70 from the air pump can be connected to any of the necks

346 of the connector/pressure control valve assemblies to permit a controlled pressurization of each of the individual chambers of the inflatable inner sole. To facilitate the connection by the wearer of the shoe, the connector/control valve assemblies are mounted within a collar housing 328 which has a plurality of circular wells 330 in which the connector/valve assemblies are mounted. The tube 70 has sufficient length to permit connection to each of the connector/valve assemblies and the excess length of the tube 70 is coiled within slit 261 in the shoe. As shown in FIGURE

75, the tubes 295, and 297, which extend to chambers 183 and

199 are located in the upper medial side of the shoe.

FIGURE 74 shows that the shoe 290 is also provided with an upper lining having a lateral side portion 360 and a medial side portion 362. This upper lining has four independent chambers which are formed by continuous seams 247, 189 and 245. The chambers are forward lateral and medial side chambers 249 and 252, rear lateral and medial side chambers 241 and 243. As with the embodiment shown in FIGURE 65, the forward chambers are connected to inflatable half tongue liners 253 and 255. Each of the independent chambers is provided with a connector/control valve assembly and connecting tubing. The forward lateral chamber 249 has connector/valve assembly 316 and tube 326; the rear lateral chamber 241 has connector/valve assembly 314 and tube 324; the rear medial side chamber 243 has connector/valve assembly 312 and tube 322; the forward medial side chamber 252 has connector/valve assembly 310 and tube 320. Tube 70, shown in FIGURES 73 and 75 can be connected to each of these connector/control valve assemblies to permit controlled pressurization of each chamber in the upper lining and in the inner sole.

Referring again to FIGURE 73, the inflatable inner sole also has provision for circulation of air beneath and through the inner sole. The circulating air is provided by connecting tube 70 to the connector/valve assembly 308 which is connected to tube 299 (also shown in FIGURE 75) that extends beneath the inner sole, discharging in the channels formed on the underside of the inflated inner sole which are vented through the inner sole by through apertures 32 spaced along the seams.

FIGURES 77 and 78 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which an inner sole 111 is shown as an alternative for the inflatable inner sole 110 shown in FIGURE 73. This alternative inner sole 111 has a heel pillow 119 in the rear chamber 163, rather than the air pump 79 shown for inner sole 110 of FIGURE 73. In this respect the inner sole 110 is similar to those shown in FIGURES 53, 54 and 71. The inner sole 111 is used in combination with a hand air pump. The hand air pump 171 can be mounted on the upper portion 131

of an inflatable tongue 255 or 253, as shown in FIGURE 78, which is a view of lining 374. Tube 291 extends from the hand air pump 171 and can be connected to any of the connector/valves 311, 313, 315 and 317 of the upper lining 374, or to either of connector/valves 296, 301, 303, 305 and 307 or connector 309 of the inflatable inner sole 111 (FIGURE 77) . If desired a slit can be provided in the tongue of the shoe such as tongue 235 (FIGURE 75) to store the coiled tube 291, similar to slit 261 shown for storage of tube 70 in FIGURE 75. The connector/valves shown in FIGURES 77 and 78 are essentially the same as those shown in FIGURES 73 and 74, except they are in line with the inlet and outlet ends being coaxial, rather than the right angle connector/valve structure shown in FIGURES 73 and 74. All tubes which extend from the connector/control valves to the chambers can be located between the inflatable lining and the outer upper of the shoe to avoid direct contact with the wearer's foot and thus avoid possible discomfort to the wearer.

The collar housing 328 is shown in greater detail in FIGURES 79 and 80. The collar housing is a C-shaped channel with apertures along its upper wall to form recesses 330. It is received about the rear upper portion of the shoe, as shown in FIGURE 75 and can be permanently secured to the shoe by adhesive bindings 334, or alternatively by permanent stitching. FIGURE 80 is a sectional view along line 80-80' of

FIGURE 79. It shows that the vertical wall 341 of the collar housing 328 has two horizontal internal ribs 329 which are received between the ribs 337 of the connector/control valve housing 338 (shown only in contour) . FIGURE 80 also shows the tube 70 as it is placed onto the conical neck of the control valve.

An alternative collar housing 332 is shown in FIGURES 81 and 82. In this embodiment, the collar has a tapered side wall 351 with inclined recesses 330. The collar housing 332 is permanently attached to the upper rear of the shoe with stitching 334. Permanent, adhesive cement could also be used. The connector/valve assembly 358 is substantially the same as

shown in FIGURES 73 through 76 and 80, however, the leg 357 is coaxial with the conical neck 346, providing an in-line configuration for attachment of tubes. A connector tube such as 295 is permanently connected to leg 357, and the tube 70 is removably connected to the tapered neck 346 of the control valve. For this purpose, a conical connector sleeve 350 can be used, if desired. A collar housing the same as or similar to collar housing 328 and 332 can also be provided to receive valves 58 shown in FIGURES 69-72. Referring now to FIGURE 83, another housing for the connector/control valve assemblies is shown. This housing is adapted to be secured along the side of the shoe with adhesive or stitching strips 334. At its forward end, the housing can have an aperture 217 which serves as an eyelet for lacing, thereby also reinforcing the side of the shoe. The housing has a plurality of cylindrical sleeves which are connected in a side-by-side array, thereby forming wells 330 in which are mounted the connector/control valve assemblies 318, previously described. The housing can be made of flexible, hard rubber or plastic.

FIGURE 84 illustrates an inflatable inner sole 114 which has only two separate chambers; forward chamber 165 and rear chamber 163. The rear chamber 163 is provided with a through aperture at the heel which is surrounded by a continuous seam to receive a heel air pump 79. The tubes extend through a channel formed beneath seam 39, from the air pump to the medial side of the inner sole. Tube 71 provides an air inlet to the pump through its check valve 82, and tube 70 provides an air discharge from the pump through its check valve 68. The check valves 82 and 68 can be placed in the channel 77 under the arch, as shown on FIGURE 44. As illustrated, however, the check valves are installed in the tubes, remote from the inner sole to avoid any accidental contact of the valves with the wearer's foot. Preferably the valves 82 and 68 are mounted in the holder 328 shown in FIGURE 75 in the same manner as described for the pressure control valves. Each of the chambers of the inner sole 114 has an

independently controllable inflation system; connector/valve 304 and tube 295 communicate with the rear and instep chamber and connector/valve 306 and tube 297 communicate with the front chamber 165. The tube 70 can be connected to either of these systems to provide the internal pressure, or firmness desired by the wearer. Once the pressure is established as desired by the wearer in any chamber, the tube 70 can be disconnected and used to pressure the other chamber, or it can be connected to connector 308 which discharges into tube 299 that extends beneath the inner sole 114 to discharge air into the channels formed on the underside of the inner sole for circulation through the shoe. The rear chamber 165 provides stability to the footwear, as the support from the inner sole

114 is distributed evenly between the heel and arch of the wearer.

FIGURE 85 illustrates a two-chamber inner sole 115 which is essentially the same as that shown in FIGURE 84, however, the heel chamber is modified to provide a heel pillow 119 in the rear chamber 163, rather than the air pump 79 shown for inner sole 114 of FIGURE 84. In this respect the inner sole

115 is similar to those shown in FIGURES 53, 54, 71 and 77. The inner sole 115 is used in combination with an upper lining and a hand air pump such as shown in FIGURES 72 and 78.

Referring now to FIGURE 86, a heel air pump 73 is shown as received within the circular inflated passageway 22. This air pump is integral with the outer sole or underlayment 75.

The air pump is similar to air pump 73 shown in FIGURE 42, however, the upper sheet 12 and lower sheet 14 of the inner sole are bonded together and are not apertured, as in FIGURE 42. Instead, the upper sheet of the air pump 73 underlies the bonded area of sheets 12 and 14 and preferably is glued or bonded to these sheets, so that the flexing of the sheets assists the return of the air pump. Port 91 which communicates with the external tubes containing the check valves, previously discussed is also shown in this view.

FIGURE 87 illustrates another embodiment of an air pump 65. In this embodiment, the inner sole is apertured, and the

upper layer 55 of the air pump 65 extends through the aperture 44. The air pump is mounted in a circular recess 27 formed on the upper side of the underlayment 75, and is permanently bonded thereto. The air pump 65 can have an internal helical coil spring 26 which is biased against a plate 41 on the underside of the upper layer 55 of the air pump 65. The spring 26 assists the return of the air pump and increases its pumping action. Also, the spring also provides enhanced shock absorbency and resiliency to the footwear. Referring now to FIGURE 88, there is shown a sectional view through the heel of a shoe provided with an inner sole and upper lining of the invention. This view is located along a plane generally depicted by line 88-88• of FIGURE 73. As there illustrated, the outer sole 85 has a honeycomb structure with air cells 29 which are formed by internal ribs 31. A cover plate 33, which is also the midsole of the shoe, overlies the ribs and is sealed thereto to provide enclosed air cells 29. The plate 33 can be made of a high strength and wear resistant material such as carbon or graphite fiber reinforced plastics. The plate 33 increases the strength and stiffness of the sole without significantly increasing its weight. The plate 33 has a central recess 27 which serves as a spring retainer for the base of helical spring 26. The air pump 79 is similar to air pump 65 previously described with reference to FIGURE 87 and has its upper layer 55 extending through a receiving aperture in the inner sole and has a plate 41 beneath the upper layer 55, all as previously described.

FIGURE 88 also illustrates the assembly of the inner sole and the upper lining 373 which is contained between the outer skin 365 and the inner liner 367 of the upper for the footwear. As previously mentioned the upper lining 373 is also formed with internal inflated passageways 289 which are formed by seams 265. Preferably, the upper lining 373 has tabs such as 228 which can be bonded to the outer skin 365 and liner 367 of the shoe to retain the upper lining 373 in place. The tabs 228 can also be bonded or sewed to the outer sole 85 in the fabrication of the shoe. In this fabrication, the

peripheral seam 16 of the inner sole is folded upwardly and can be used as a surface for attachment of the inner sole with the upper liner 373 and outer sole 85, as desired.

Referring now to FIGURE 89, there is illustrated an embodiment of the invention which is alternative to that shown in FIGURE 88. This embodiment is essentially the same as that of FIGURE 88, except an aperture 24 extends through the outer sole 85 and midsole 33 at the heel, immediately beneath the heel air pump 93. The aperture is closed with a flanged sleeve 46 which receives a plug 67 that is threadably engaged in the sleeve 46. A slot 69 can be provided on the underside of the plug 67 to permit its insertion and removal. The plug 67 provides access to the interior of the air pump 93, thereby permitting replacement of the helical coil spring 26. The spring 26 provides greater resiliency to the air pump and also increases the resiliency and shock absorbing properties of the shoe. The spring 26 can be replaced with springs of varied compression strengths to adjust the shoe to the wearer's weight and particular activity, e.g., sport, walking, running, basketball, etc., as well as for sport training exercises. The remainder of the structure is the seime as that shown in FIGURE 88.

Referring now to FIGURES 90 through 98, a complete sport shoe 376 is shown with inflatable liners of the invention. The sport shoe has the same construction and substantially the same liners as that described previously with reference to FIGURES 73-75, and identical elements shown in the drawings retain the same numbers as those of FIGURES 73-75.

The sport shoe, which is shown in perspective view in FIGURE 92, has an outer sole 85, eyelets 217 and lacing 218, and tongue 235. The shoe 376 has an inflatable inner sole

375, which is shown in plan view in FIGURE 90, and an inflatable upper liner 377 which is shown in FIGURE 91.

The inflatable inner sole 375 is subdivided into five interior chambers by continuous seams, the same as that shown and previously described with reference to FIGURE 73. Seam

179 surrounds the arch, forming arch chamber 183 and connects

to seam 167 to divide the inner sole into front and rear portions 165 and 163. The rear portion 163 is subdivided by seam 222 into a medial heel chamber 195 and a lateral heel chamber 197. The front portion 165 is subdivided by seam 193 into a lateral toe chamber 201 and a medial toe chamber 199. An air pump 79 is located at the heel to provide a source of air under pressure for inflation of the chambers and to circulate air thorough the shoe. Sectional views through a typical air pump are shown in FIGURES 88 and 89. The air pump receives fresh air through tube 71 and its associated check valve 82 and discharges pressured air through check valve 68 and tube 70.

Tubes 70 and 71 are also shown in FIGURE 92 as extending upwardly within the rear medial side of the shoe. Tube 70 extends to the selector valve 380, which is shown at the medial, upper region of the shoe. The selector valve is a multiported valve with a rotatable valve operator, whereby the air pump discharge tube 70 can be connected to one of each of five tubings, such as 292, 293, 294, 295 and 297 (all shown in FIGURE 90) which supply individual chambers of the inner sole 375, and tubes 320, 322, 324 and 326 (shown in FIGURE 91) which supply individual chambers of the upper lining 377. The selector valve also can direct air to tubing 299 (see FIGURE 90) which discharges beneath the lining 375 to force air circulation along the channels between the inner sole and the sole of the footwear, from where it passes upwardly through apertures 32, passing over the wearer's foot.

The construction of the selector valve 380 is shown in FIGURES 93 through 95. The valve has a cylindrical housing 384 with a rotatable valve member 386, which has a radial port 400 which aligns with one of five radial ports in the housing 384. The selector valve member 386 has a handle 398 on its outside surface formed by a pair of wings. The rear cover 392 of the valve housing has a through passageway 394 with an aperture 395 opening into the interior of the housing 384. The discharge end of tubing 70 is connected to one end of the passageway 394, and tubing 382, which extends to the second

selector valve 381 from the opposite end of the through passageway 394.

The valve member 386 also supports a relief valve member 396 which has the shape of a flat circular disc with a center post that extends through a center aperture in the valve member 386. The relief valve member 396 is resiliently secured within the housing 384 with a compression spring 388, so that the air pressure within any chamber connected through the selector valve 380 can be released by pressing on the relief valve member 396. The pressure can only be relieved from a chamber which is connected through port 400, so when the selector valve 386 does not align port 400 with any radial port in the housing, all chambers in the lining are sealed. As shown in FIGURE 92, a second selector valve 381 is also located on the opposite side of the shoe, and tubing 382 extends to this valve. The second selector valve 381 is shown in FIGURES 96-98. This valve is substantially identical to the first valve shown in FIGURES 93-95, with the exception that the rear cover 391 of this valve has a single passageway 393 to which tubing 382 is connected.

Referring now to FIGURE 99, there is shown a sport shoe

408 in perspective view, which has a single selector valve 406 which is carried on the tongue. This shoe has a total of nine inflatable chambers in the inner sole and upper lining. The selector valve 406 is shown in FIGURES 100 through 102. It has the same basic construction as valve 380 with a rotatable valve member 386 and relief valve member 396, internal compression spring 388. The housing 404 of selector valve 406 has ten radial ports which can be aligned with the single port 400 of the valve member 386. The discharge tubing 70 from the air pump is connected to the single passageway in the rear cover 391 of selector valve 406. The single selector valve thus supplies the nine individual chambers of the lining and the tubing 299 which discharges air between the lining and the sole of the footwear. The selector valve 406 can, of course, be located at any other accessible position, and can be connected in any order to any of the chambers of the lining.

Also, indica, such as color or printed matter, can be placed on the selector valve housing to identify which chamber is connected to a particular port of the selector valve.

Referring now to FIGURES 103 through 106, there is illustrated another embodiment of the invention with two selector valves to supply each of nine chambers located in the inner sole and upper lining of the shoe, and to supply circulation air beneath the lining. The shoe 420 is shown in perspective view in FIGURE 105 with first selector valve 380 and second selector valve 381 located at opposite sides on the upper region of the shoe, as in the embodiment shown in FIGURE 92. In shoe 420, however, the heel pump is replaced with a hand pump 410 which can be located on the tongue of the shoe, or at any other convenient and accessible location on the shoe. The discharge tubing 370 from this hand pump 410 is connected to the first selector valve 380 and to the second selector valve 381 by tubing 382, as described with reference to FIGURE 92.

Referring now to FIGURE 103, the heel of the inflatable inner sole has a heel pillow 119 on each side of the transverse seam 222, in the rear chambers 197 and 195, rather than a heel air pump. In other respects the inner sole is the same as inner sole 375 shown in FIGURE 90. Similarly, the upper inflatable lining 418 shown in FIGURE 104 is substantially identical with lining 377 shown in FIGURE 91, with the exception of the hand air pump 410 which is supported on the tongue of the lining.

The hand air pump 410 is shown in sectional view in FIGURE 106. The pump has a flexible, elastic bulb 151, which has an intake port that is closed with a check valve 177 permitting air entrance but blocking air discharge. The discharge tubing 370 contains another check valve 147 which permits discharge of air from the bulb, and prevents entrance of air into the bulb, thereby permitting the bulb to serve as an air pump. The entire pump 410 can be supported on base 131 for the tongue of the upper lining.

As previously mentioned, the inflatable lining can also

have used for other apparel such as gloves. The gloves with the linings are particularly useful in sports such as motorcycling, bicycling or skiing where protection for the hands is desired, or where a tightness of fit is desired. FIGURES 107 through 110 illustrate an application to a glove. The inflatable lining 422 is usedbeside a selected interior surface of gloves, preferablybeside the rear inside surface of a glove. Forthis purpose a lining 422 such as shown in FIGURE 107 which, as the other linings described herein, is formed of first and second sheets of plastic which are seamed or sealed together abouttheirperipheral edges, forming a sealed interiorchamber. The lining 422 shown in FIGURE 107 has a single interior chamber 424, with a plurality of discontinuous seams such as long longitudinal seams 426 and short longitudinal seams 427 which permit the lining 422 to flex over the back of the hand and fingers, and a plurality of transverse seams 428 spaced along the fingers 430 to permit the lining 422 to flex at the finger knuckles. Similarly a transverse seam 432 is provided over the wrist area 434, again to permit ease of flexing of the lining 422 when it is inflated.

The lining 422 is provided with an air pump 171, which has been previously described with re erence to FIGURE 68. The air pump 171 is connected to the interior chamber of the lining by a flexible tubing 436 which contains the pressure relief valve 178.

Preferablytheglove lining is providedwith independently sealed interior chambers such as shown for the lining 438 of FIGURE 108. This lining 438 has a finger chamber 440 which is supplied with inflation air by tubing 442 that extends from a single selector valve 444, which is substantially similar to selector valve 381, previously described. The lining 438 also has a knuckle chamber 446 which is supplied with inflation air by tubing 448, a thumb chamber 450 which is supplied with inflation air by tubing 452, a back chamber 454 with air tubing 456, and a wrist chamber 458 with air tubing 460. All can be inflated to any desiredpressure with the air pump 410, which is described with reference to FIGURE 106.

FIGURE 109 illustrates another application, where the lining 462 is shown in dashed lines, within a glove 464. This lining 462 is divided into five longitudinal interior chambers 466, 468, 470, 472 and 474 by longitudinal seams 476 which extend from the bases of the fingers 478 to the wrist. The chambers are supplied with inflation air by tubing 480, 482, 484, 486 and 488, each of which is connected to the selector valve 381 to direct pressured air from the air pump 410 to its respective chamber. As previously mentioned with reference to FIGURES 96-98, selector valve 381 also includes a pressure relief valve so that the air pressure within each of the chambers can be separately controlled, independently of the pressure in the other chambers. As apparent from FIGURE 110, the glove 464 is provided with openings 490 and 492 which receive the air pump 410 and the selector valve 381, thus providing access to these components.

FIGURES 113-117 illustrate the application of the invention to headgear, such as a helmet used in sports such as bicycling, motorcycling, football, baseball, boxing, etc. In these applications, a rigid shell is often used for head protection, and problems in fit and comfort, as well as maximum safety are usually encountered.

As shown in FIGURE 111, a helmet lining 493 can be provided as a plurality of separate and interconnected linings, such as left side lining 496 and right side lining 498, a back lining 500, a top lining 502, and a forehead lining 504. The side linings can have through apertures 520 for the wearer's ears. The linings are all interconnected by air passageways 495, 497 and 499, which are either formed by seams in the two sheets of plastic film from which the linings are fabricated, or by short lengths of flexible tubing.

The linings are inflated with an air pump 171 which has a pressure relief valve 178, all previously described. The air pump 171 and relief valve 178 are connected to the linings with

a flexible tubing 506 that discharges to lining 496.

Referring now to FIGURE 112, another helmet lining 485 is shown as having separate and multiple-chambered linings. The linings are pressured with an air pump 410 which discharges through tubing 541 to a selector valve 540. The selector valve is essentially the same as selector valve 380, previously described with the exception that it has eight discharge ports, one for each of the separate chambers of the lining 485.

In the application shown in FIGURE 112, the side linings 496 and 498 communicate with the selector valve 540 through flexible tubings 539 and 544. The back lining 500 has a continuous seam 491 which divides the lining into a right chamber 503 and a left chamber 501. Each chamber has an independent air passageway to the selector valve through its respective tubing 543 and 542. Similarly, the top lining 502 has a continuous seam 489, which forms chambers 505 and 507, each of which communicates with the selector valve 540 through its respective tubing 538 and 545. The forehead lining 504 is also divided into right and left chambers 511 and 509 by seam 487, and each of these chambers communicates independently with the selector valve 540 through tubings 546 and 537.

FIGURE 113 illustrates a similar lining 484. In this illustration, however, two selector valves are provided with each selector valve being located at one side of the helmet, to provide control over the air chambers and linings on its respective side of the helmet. Thus selector valve 383 is located on the left side of the helmet and controls the access from the pump 410 (and its associated relief valve) to the lining 496 and chambers 501, 505 and 509 on the left side of the helmet through flexible tubes 112, 514, 510 and 508. Selector valve 385 controls access to the lining 498 and chambers 503,

507 and 511 on the right side of the helmet through flexible tubes 534, 536, 532 and 530. As with the linings previously described, the helmet liners preferably have transverse seams

such as 518 to provide a controlled and even thickness upon inflation and to provide flexibility to the inflated lining. The side linings 496 and 498 have, of course, through apertures 520 which permit sound transmission to the ears. Preferably the linings have through apertures 32, previously described which permit air to flow through the lining, providing comfort to the wearer.

A typical helmet 522 is shown in FIGURES 114-117. The linings 496-504 of the invention are shown in dashed lines, as they are in the interior of the helmet 522, and beneath an interior fabric lining 531. The linings of the invention are shown in an inflated state with a multiple-tubular cross section, achieved by the plurality of transverse seams, previously described, between the upper and lower sheets of plastic of the linings. The helmet 522 can contain conventional shock absorbing internal layers 524, of an elastic, compressible foam, e.g., polyurethane. This is particularly applicable for helmets used in potentially high impact applications, e.g., helmets for motorcyclists. Alternatively, the internal layers 524 of foam can be entirely replaced with the inflatable linings of the invention. The helmet 522 also includes conventional edge banding 552 of soft or compressible foam which surrounds the neck and head openings.

Preferably the air pump 410 is located at one side of the helmet 522, adjacent its lower edge, as shown in FIGURES 114 and 117. Selector valve 383 is located adjacent the air pump 410 and the second selector valve 385 is located on the opposite side of the helmet. While the air pump 410 can project from the exterior surface of the helmet, it is preferred to locate the selector valves flush with the surface.

As shown in FIGURE 117, the helmet 522 can be provided with the conventional fastening means, such as apertures 526 which receive fasteners, or snap fasteners, to secure face masks, nose guards, chin guards, face shields, etc. Also the conventional

snap fasteners 528 can be used to secure chin straps.

FIGURE 118 illustrates a lining 560 for a boxer' protective headgear. The lining has a continuous band 562 that wraps about the boxers's head, with downwardly dependent left and right sides 564 and 566 which overlie the boxer's ears. The lower edges of the sides 564 and 566 support conventional chin straps such as 568 which can have attachment means such as conventional Velcro tabs 570. Apertures 520 in the side linings permit sound transmission to the boxer's ears. The opposite ends of the band 562 have tabs 572 and 574 which have eyelets 576 for conventional lacing to secure the lining, and a plurality of short bands 578 which are seamed back on themselves to form loops which also receive securing lacing. The lining is inflatable for protection and snugness in fit, and for this purpose is formed from first and second plastic sheets which are seamed together about their peripheral edges to form a sealed interior and an air pump 171 with a relief valve 178 is provided to pressure the lining. The air pump preferably can be folded into a recess 577 within the lining.

FIGURE 119 illustrates a lining 580 for a protective shield or splint. In this application, the lining 580 has the shape to conform to the selected interior surface of the shield or splint which is to be lined, e.g., a rectangular area, as shown. The lining can have a single chamber, or can be subdivided, as desired with a continuous seam such as 584 into a plurality of chambers such as 586 and 588. Flexibility and fit of the lining is achieved by the seams, either or both of the continuous seam

584 and discontinuous seams 590. The lining is secured to the protective shield or splint with bands 582 of Velcro, or adhesive. The air pump 410, selector valve 581, and flexible tubing 585 and 587 permit the user to control the pressure in either chamber 586 or 588 as desired for fit, comfort or the desired immobilization of the wearer's limb, such as a leg.

forearm, wrist, etc. As with all the linings described herein, comfort and breathability through the lining is achieved with a plurality of through apertures 32.

In any of the illustrated applications of multiple chambered linings, the selector valves permit the user to adjust the pressure in each of the independent chambers by connecting each chamber individually to either a hand air pump, or a heel air pump. Any excess pressure can be vented through the relief valve member located in the selector valve. With the heel air pump, after all the chambers are inflated to the desired firmness, the selector valve 380 can be switched to direct the air discharged from the heel air pump beneath and through the inner sole. The circulating air is provided by connecting tube 70 through the selector valve 380 to the tubing 299 (FIGURES 90 and 103) that extends beneath the inner sole, discharging in the channels formed on the underside of the inflated inner sole which are vented through the inner sole by through apertures 32 spaced along the seams.

In all of the embodiments, the outer soles 85 can be formed of suitable rubber or plastics, including, for example, open or closed cell foams of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyurethane, ethylene, etc.

The invention provides the advantages of an inflatable inner sole and upper lining which can be inflated by the normal walking activities or which can be manually inflated by operation of a small hand pump. In either case, the firmness of the inner sole is custom, adjustably controllable with a pressure control relief valve to insure exactly the desired softness and resiliency for any desired performance and for maximum comfort to avoid fatigue.

The pressures within the individual chambers of the lining can be adjusted to precisely the pressure which is most comfortable, or which provides for the maximum performance of the wearer. In the embodiment such as that shown in FIGURES 90-

92, any of the chambers can be adjusted to the desired pressure by connecting the air pump discharge valve to a selected tube of the inflatable inner sole, or to a selected connector/valve

(310, 312, 314 or 316 of the inflatable upper liner and by applying pressure with the air pump until the desired inflation pressure is reached, as can be determined by the pressure, e.g., firmness, applied to the wearer's foot. Fine adjustment of the pressure within each chamber can then be achieved by releasing any excess pressure through the relief valve in the selector valve.

The inflatable inner sole also provides shock absorbency and can increase walking and running efficiency as it will absorb energy from impact and return it in a resilient lift to the wearer. The inflatable inner sole also increases the stability of the footwear, and can lead to reduced incidence of injuries such as sprains and the like. Since the preferred lining is self-inflated by normal walking or other activities of the wearer, the internal pressure of the lining remains constant at the setting of the pressure relief valve, thereby always compensating for any loss of air from the lining, which can result from various causes, e.g., defective or worn seams, or the permeability to air of the lining material. Finally, all of these advantages are secured with an inner sole and, optionally upper lining, of very light weight. The upper lining can be replaceable, if desired. It is preferred that the linings of the invention be formed as replaceable inserts, thereby permitting replacement when worn or damaged.

The pressure control valve is preferably located, as illustrated, adjacent the instep or under the arch. It could, however, be located at any other position where there is sufficient space, preferably in a readily accessible location. Preferably the inner sole includes the plurality of apertures to permit fluid communication between the under side and the top side of the inflatable inner sole thus providing

breathability through the inner sole. This insures that moisture does not accumulate on the top of the inflated inner sole. In the most preferred embodiment, the inner sole is provided with a forced air circulating pump which operates with normal walking activities to induce forced air circulation through the inner sole and the shoe. The flexing of the air passageways and the circulation of the air causes a massaging action on the soles of the wearer's feet.

The inflatable lining can be readily manufactured from flat sheets of plastic film, preferably polyurethane, by stamping and with solvent or ultrasonic or thermal bonding to form the seams.

Of these, heat stamping in which the sheets are pressed with heat to form the seams is preferred.

I claim: