BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Preferred Embodiment

This invention pertains generally to wearable articles for the feet, and more particularly to shoes having a resilient heel forming a shock-absorbing cavity and/or with air circulated through the sole and heel and out via a one-way valve.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional shoes are often uncomfortable. They do not allow the wearer to walk or stand for long because they fail to provide any cushion or resiliency for the pressure put on the feet. This lack of cushion causes pressure to be felt in the spine, knees and other joints. Heels with recesses and springs are not new; however, none of the prior art attempts successfully cushions the wearer's feet to the extent of the instant invention. Conventional shoes also do not provide f or the flow of fresh air throughout the inside of the shoe around the individual's foot.

For instance, U.S. Patent No. 1,471,042 to Lewis (1923) discloses a shoe that uses coil springs internal to the defined heel. Lewis' shoe, however, uses metal plates (circular metal disks) above and below the coil spring(s) to help distribute pressure and also has no real cavity. U.S. Patent No. 2,257,482 to Resko (1941) discloses using lugs to better seat the coil spring in the defined heel, but still uses a metal reinforcing plate between the upper and lower soles to distribute pressure. U.S. Patent No. 3,886,674 to Pavia (1975) discloses a shoe having a plurality of springs in the non-defined heel, however the heel is open and the springs are not enclosed. Further, there is still a metal plate above the springs, and the springs are all still located in the heelstrike area, so the wearer's foot still strikes against a hard surface.

Another family of prior art patents has addressed heel/cavity design. For instance, U.S. Patents to Bunns 1,502,087, Denk 2,299,009, Carroll 6,622,401, and Dixon 5,544,431, and U.S. Pat. App. 10/022,477 to Wu disclose cavities in well defined heels. Lombardino 5,743,028 discloses a blended heel, but the cavity is still limited to the heel portion, and consequently, the sprimgs are necessarily limited to the heelstrike area.

Still other patents, for instance U.S. Patent 7,159,338 to LeVert et al., disclose a spring cushioned shoe with an inner vacuity that is connected by a passageway to an opening on the exterior of the shoe. The passageway opening described in the '338 patent, however, is both an inlet and an outlet and thus undesirably allows fluids and other unwanted debris into the shoe to the discomfort of the wearer and associated problems from water and mold developing within the shoe. Similarly, U.S. Patent 1,069,001 to Guy discloses a cushioned sole and heel that allows air or other fluids in through a check valve to serve as the cushioning medium. Thus, a needs exists for an improved ventilated and resilient shoe that overcomes the numerous limitations and problems in the prior art.

SUMMARY

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems in convention shoes by providing an improved resilient and ventilated shoe apparatus and system.

The invention includes a novel shoe in one embodiment that is ventilated with external air. The apparatus and system circulate air around the wearer's foot without impacting the stability or comfort of an individual's walk. Circulating air throughout the shoe while an individual is walking provides an additional benefit that conventional shoes do not provide: reducing athlete's foot and foot odor. Conventional shoes do not allow the free flow of air throughout the inside of the shoe. Moisture and bacteria build up inside most conventional shoes, causing athlete's foot and making such shoes smell. The present invention provides that with every step, the individual is circulating fresh air throughout the shoe and around his foot. The result is a shoe interior that will not be a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. The wearer's feet will feel refreshed and better rested at the end of the day. Individuals may also find themselves walking longer distances in the improved shoes because their feet will feel more comfortable.

In an embodiment, air enters the shoe from outside around the wearer's foot and flows through openings in a sole and then through aeration chambers. The air thereafter circulates to an air suction valve in the heel and then is directed out to the exterior of the shoe through a one-air air exhaust valve and thereby ventilates the wearer's foot with free flowing air. In other embodiments, the invention includes an air pump in the heel that operates with the one way air suction valve for air intake and operates to expel air through the one-way air exhaust valve. In further embodiments, the invention includes an upper sole with a plurality of air suction holes or openings and a lower sole made from porous, air permeable material such as open cell foam or the like. In one or more embodiments, the shoe includes bacteria fighting chemicals or other substances known to persons skilled in the art to reduce shoe odor.

One embodiment of the invention includes a blended heel made from a resilient material and has a cavity extending under the entire instep portion of the shoe's upper. Compression springs are placed in the cavity, including a mainspring located at approximately the heelstrike point and two auxiliary springs for stability located forward of the mainspring toward the shoe's toe. The extended cavity provides even resiliency throughout the upper sole without having to resort to metal plates. The springs assist the resilient walls of the cavity, which extends under the instep portion of the shoe, in supporting the wearer's foot, and the spring's compression load is distributed throughout the sole by a resilient layer of softer rubber adjacent the sole.

The blended heel of the invention extends under the sole in a wedge-type configuration. This extension provides arch support and resiliency at the shoe's instep, or midsole. In one or more embodiments, the heel includes a height enhancer to provide lift without the appearance of "elevator shoes." This pad located under the heel portion also serves to distribute the load of the springs and provides that the entire shoe is lifted, not just the wearer's foot.

In one embodiment, the springs include a mainspring and two smaller

auxiliary springs in front of and evenly spaced to the inside and outside of the

mainspring. The mainspring offers lift to the wearer reducing, if not eliminating, pressure on the wearer's spine, knees, and other joints. The auxiliary springs offer stability and additional absorption of the pressure forces generated from walking and other activity. In one or more embodiments, the springs are made from industrial grade aluminum spring material or many other suitable materials are within the scope of the invention. For example, instead of metallic springs, other spring members such as air balls or rubber balls could be used. The springs are aided by the resilient material itself that makes up the heel and the cavity walls. One embodiment of the invention includes a magnetic sleeve that serves to further enhance the well-being of the wearer. Such an insert uses magnetic therapy technology to offer the wearer the additional benefit of enhancing blood circulation in the heel, foot, and ankle areas.

In another embodiment, the resilient shoe sole comprises an outsole and a midsole, together forming a heel having a cavity. Optionally, a window incorporated into the midsole may reveal the heel cavity interior. The cavity has a top and bottom adapted with seats to hold a spring. Among its structures, the outsole comprises a perimeter edge and a trampoline member. A surrounding area between the perimeter edge and trampoline member is of material having a predetermined thickness. It is anticipated that, optimally, the surrounding area of the outsole between the trampoline member and the cavity-side surface of the supporting wall of the midsole may be between one and ten millimeters thick and made of rubber. The midsole supporting wall, in one embodiment, is made of thermoplastic polyurethane or a material having similar properties. A sample of potential alternative materials includes ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, rubber, or a combination thereof.

The trampoline member and surrounding area are characterized by a bottom surface and substantially vertical side walls defining the edge of the trampoline. In one embodiment, the sidewalls are between two and twenty five millimeters in height. The surrounding area may extend from the trampoline member to the perimeter edge of the outsole, and the midsole supporting wall may adjoin the perimeter edge of the outsole. Due to the relatively rigid nature of thermoplastic poljiirethane, the trampoline member deflects upward into the cavity when brought under a wearer's weight. Deflection is accomplished principally by resilient deformation of the portion of the surrounding area between the side wall of the trampoline and the cavity side surface of the midsole supporting wall. In one embodiment, the trampoline member and surrounding area of the outsole are molded from a single piece of rubber having uniform elasticity.

By selecting rubber of a predetermined elasticity for the outsole, and prescribing a predetermined side wall height and surrounding area width and thickness, deflection of the trampoline member can be calibrated to a predetermined weight, and for particular purposes. For example, dress shoes used primarily for standing may be calibrated for higher flexibility, while casual shoes used primarily for walking would be less flexible, and sports or running shoes would have the least flexibility due to the increased force of impact from running or jogging.

The spring is disposed such that it presses against the top and bottom of the cavity inward of the side wal ls of the trampoline member. In this manner, the spring holds the trampoline member in a fully extended state when not under the forces of a wearer's weight.

After a wearer inserts a foot into a shoe bearing the resilient shoe sole, and having laced or otherwise fastened the foot therein, he may stand, walk, jog or run in any customary manner. In action, on a down step, as the resilient shoe sole encounters the ground, the trampoline member is the first element to encounter the surface. As the wearer's weight is fully brought to bear against the shoe sole, the spring begins to compress, and the surrounding area begins to deform, allowing the trampoline member to depend upward into the cavity of the shoe sole and the perimeter edge of the outsole to engage the ground. It is anticipated that the height of the vertical side wall, the thickness of the material comprising the surrounding area, and the distance along the surrounding area between the trampoline side wall, and the inner side of the midsole supporting wall will be predetermined to calibrate resistance depending on the weight of the user and the specific purpose of the shoe. As previously discussed, for business shoes, which are typically used for standing, a less rigid construction is anticipated, having a thinner surrounding area, lower side wall, and a longer distance between the side wall and supporting wall of the midsole. For running shoes, which undergo larger impact forces, a higher side wall, thicker surrounding area, and shorter distance between the side wall and supporting wall of the midsole is used.

In addition to the dimensions of the side wall height, surrounding area thickness, and distance of the surrounding area between the side wall and supporting wall, it is anticipated that choice of materials may play a role in calibrating the shoe sole. Although rubber is one preferred material, rubber stock of differing elasticity may be used to strengthen or weaken the surrounding area as necessary. Other materials having similar resilient characteristics are also contemplated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a side cutaway view of one embodiment of the shoe with resilient sole having heel cavity and compression springs.

FIGURE 2 is a top view of the heel area showing one possible configuration of compression springs.

FIGURE 3 is a bottom detail view of a resilient plate with lower sole and springs Removed and showing an optional one-way exit air valve.

FIGURE 4 is a side cutaway view of another embodiment of the shoe with resilient heel cavity and springs and showing ventilation of the inside sole.

FIGURE 5 is a top cutaway view of the heel portion in one or more embodiments of the invention, again showing ventilation of the inside sole.

FIGURE 6 is a top cutaway view of the upper sole in one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGURE 7 is a cutaway perspective view of a variation of a ventilation apparatus and system in one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGURE 8 is an exploded partial view of the upper sole, second sole and the bottom with the aeration channels in one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the resilient shoe, a shoe for sporting activities.

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the second embodiment shoe. FIGURE 11 A is a section view through the heel portion of the second embodiment shoe in an uncompressed state.

FIGURE 1 IB is a section view through the heel portion of the second embodiment shoe in a compressed state.

FIGURE 12 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a resilient shoe sole having a heel cavity.

FIGURE 13 is a cut-away side view of an alternative embodiment of a resilient shoe sole having a heel cavity. FIGURE 14 is a cut-away rear view of an alternative embodiment of a resilient shoe sole, having a heel cavity.

FIGURE 15 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a resilient shoe sole having a heel cavity.

DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the shoe 10 with upper 14 and lower 16 joined along the upper sole 18 extending through the heel portion 20, instep portion 22, and toe portion 24. The blended heel 26 defines a cavity 28 that extends from the rearmost point of the heel portion 20 forward under the instep portion 22. The blended heel 26 is made from a resilient material, typically rubber so the cavity walls offer some resiliency, but other resilient materials known to persons skilled in the art are within the scope of the present invention.

Two separate materials may be used, as is shown here, with the layer adjacent the upper sole of a softer material than the remainder of the heel. The mainspring 30 is positioned orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 12, as shown in Figure 2, and under the heelstrike point of the interior of the shoe. The mainspring 30 may be secured by lugs 36 (upper) and 38 (lower; not shown) set into recesses 40 and 42, and provides the majority of resilient force to the wearer's steps. Auxiliary springs 32 and 34 shown in Figure 2 add stability and enhanced resiliency.

In one or more embodiments, a magnetic sleeve 46 is included as shown in figure 1 to further enhance the well-being of the wearer with magnetic therapy. Also, the pad 48 at the bottom of the blended heel 26 serves not only as a height-enhancer, but also helps to distribute the spring load throughout the heel portion 20 so that the entire shoe is lifted, not just the wearer's foot.

Figure 2 shows one configuration of the springs. The mainspring 30

is located generally on the longitudinal axis 12 in the center of the shoe width, and the auxiliary springs 32 and 34 are located forward of the mainspring, toward the toe portion 24 and to either side of the longitudinal axis. The lateral spacing of the auxiliary springs 32 and 34 provides overall stability to the shoe and enhances the lift felt by the wearer.

One placement of the auxiliary springs 32 and 34 is to have them spaced evenly in front of the mainspring, equidistant from both the mainspring and the longitudinal axis, so that the wearer's ankle is not turned either inward or outward. Also in this

configuration, the lift from the springs is directed upward to enhance the lift from the mainspring. On the other hand, strategic placement of the springs offset from each other may aid in the correction of pronation or other ankle alignment problems in other embodiments.

Figure 3 shows the recesses 40, 52, 54 for the springs in one embodiment and also shows how there may be other recesses 56 (rectangular, circular, or of any other shape) built into the rubber material to aid in overall stability. The design of these various smaller recesses 56 may aid in air circulation within the heel cavity and may work in concert with an air pressure valve to help express air f om the cavity on depression thereof. In one or more embodiments, the shoe 10 includes a one-way air exhaust valve 100 as shown in Figure 3 whereby air is expelled out the valve 100 when the heel 20 is compressed and the volume of the cavity 28 is reduced. The valve 100 is a one-way valve so that water or other unwanted debris is prevented from entering the cavity 28. The valve 100 is also such that air freely flows out rather than seeking a path in a forward direction through the sole as described in other embodiments herein.

Figure 4 shows one embodiment where a load 80 is placed onto the shoe heel portion 20 so as to compress the mainspring 30 and the auxiliary springs 32 and 34 within the cavity 28. The cavity 28 is not sealed (and the one-way air exhaust or exit valve 100 not present), and thus when the volume of the cavity 28 is reduced air is discharged in a forward direction towards the instep portion 22 and toe portion 24 and through the upper sole 18 as shown in Figure 4, which provides overall stability to the shoe and enhances the lift and fresh air feeling felt by the wearer.

Figure 5 shows the air flow depicted in Figure 4 with arrows in one embodiment within the shoe 10 through a channel structure 82 and channel structure 84 to aeration channels 86 in the instep portion 22 and toe portion 24 of the shoe 10. Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment with the upper sole 18 includes a plurality of openings 18a to further facilitate the flow of air within the shoe 10.

Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of a v entilated shoe of the present invention. In this embodiment an air pump 90 is provided in the cavity 28 in the heel portion 20, rather than the cavity 28 itself in conjunction with the one way valve 100 acting in a similar manner as described above. The air pump 90 is made of a

conventional construction well known to persons skilled in the art and is not described in detail here. The air pump 90 is connected to the one-way air suction valve 92 as shown in Figure 7 and is also connected to the one-way air exhaust valve 100 also as shown in Figure 7. The one-way air suction valve 92 is adjacent to the air channel 82 and the air channel 84, although an intermediate connecting channel 94 can be provided to connect the air channels 82 and 84 to the one-way air suction valve 92.

When the shoe 10 is used for walking, air enters the shoe adjacent to the where the user's ankle and leg are near to the shoe 10 or at or near the upper 14. The air flows through the upper sole 18 including through the openings 18a in the upper sole 18 to the aeration channels 86 on the lower 16 of the shoe 10. Air then flows to the air channels 82 and 84 to the one-way suction valve 92. The air then enters the air pump 90 and is expelled out the one way air exhaust valve 100 to the exterior of the shoe 10 as depicted schematically in Figure 7 by arrow 104. In one or more embodiments, a waterproof ventilation valve 102 is provided on the exterior of the shoe 10 as shown in Figure 7 to further inhibit water or other debris from entering the shoe 10 or cavity 28.

The air pump 90 operates so that when it is compressed, such as by a wearer's foot while walking, the air pump 10 is compressed which forces the air in the air pump 90 out through the valve 100. When the air pump 90 expands, such as when the wearer lifts his foot and heel during a walking stride, air flows into the air pump 90 through the one-way air suction valve 92. Therefore, while walking at even a normal pace, the shoes and thus the feet of the individual wearing the inventive shoes are ventilated with fresh air.

Alternatively, the air pump 90 could include a small thermoelectric device 91 to remove heat (or cold) and humidity from the inside of the shoe.

Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment which includes a lower sole 150, made from open cell foam or equivalent materials well known to persons skilled in the art, positioned between the upper sole 18 and the aeration channels 86 to further facilitate the flow of air within the shoe 10 with the upper sole 18 having a plurality of openings 18a as shown in Figure 8. Alternatively, the lower sole 150 could be made of generally air impervious material having one or more large holes for air to pass from the lower 16 up through the upper sole 18.

Figure 9 illustrates a second embodiment sport shoe 200 with an upper portion 202 and sole 204, wherein the sole 204 comprises an outsole 206, and a midsole 208. Referring to Figure 10, the outsole 206 is attached to the midsole 208, together forming a heel 209. The midsole 208 includes a first part 210 and a second part 212. The first part 210 of the midsole 208 is designed to reside substantially under the heel of a wearer, while the second part 212 supports the remainder of the wearer's foot.

Referring to Figure 11 A, a cross section of the sports shoe 200, outsole 206, midsole 208 and related structures are shown in an uncompressed state. Here, the first part 210 of the midsole 208 is disposed above and engaged by a series of springs 214. The bottoms of the springs 214 engage the outsole 206. The second part 212 of the midsole 208 engages the outsole 206. In this manner, downward pressure by a wearer's heel is distributed across the springs 214. Figure 11A also illustrates the cavity 216 housing the springs 214, enclosed by the first part 210 and second part 212 of the midsole 208, and the outsole 206.

Referring to Figure 1 IB, the outsole 206, midsole 208 and related heel 209 structures are shown in a compressed state. In this state the springs 214 are compressed, reducing the volume of the cavity 216. The cavity 216 is preferably obscured from view by the outsole 206 forming a sidewall 220 around the heel 209 portion of the shoe 200. Preferably the springs 214 are compression springs wherein the working distance between the minimum operational state and maximum operational state is about 6mm.

Optimally, all insole 213 may be installed ¹ inside ike skoe over tke midsole

As the springs 214 compress and cavity 216 volume decreases, the outsole 206 sidewall 220 folds together. The outsole 206 has a bottom pad 222 connected to the springs 214. The bottom pad 222 makes surface contact while the shoe is under a wearer's weight.

In order to ensure vertical movement of the springs 214 and minimize lateral displacement of the outsole 206 relative to the midsole 208, the outsole 206 comprises a connecting portion 224 between the sidewall 220 and horizontal pad 222. As the sidewall 220 deflects downward relative to the bottom pad 222, the connecting portion 224 folds inward upon itself, sandwiching the bottom pad 222 within the sidewall 220 preventing lateral displacement of the heel 209. The material comprising the connecting portion 224 is resiliently deformable and is disposed in the outsole 206 between the sidewall 220 and bottom pad 222.

Referring back to Figures 9 and 10, an air passageway 217 releases the air from the heel 209. In a preferred embodiment the air passageway 217 comprises a one-way valve 102 (as illustrated in figure 7) which expels air, and prevents air, liquid or other debris from entering back into the heel 209. A thermo-electric cooling (and/or heating) device 219 may be installed in the sole to remove heat and humidity and preserve the wearer's comfort.

The outsole 206 is preferably abrasion resistant rubber material. The bottom pad 222 of the heel 209 may be of a softer rubber, such that the bottom pad 222 itself compresses to some extent under the wearer's weight. The first part 210 of the midsole 208 comprises a rigid material, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane, and may include additives such as silica based or other nanoparticles to increase dimensional stability. The second part 212 of the midsole 208 is of a very lightweight material, preferably ethylene-vinyl-acetate.

Figures 12 through 15 illustrate another embodiment having a resilient shoe sole 500. In this embodiment the resilient sole 500 comprises an outsole 502, and a midsole 504. Referring to Figure 12, the outsole 502 is attached to the midsole 504, together forming a heel 510 having a cavity 512. It is anticipated that a window 513 may be incorporated into the midsole 504, making the interior of the cavity 512 visible from outside the shoe sole 500. Figure 13 shows a cut-away view of the sole 500 in cross section. The cavity 512 has a cavity top 514 and cavity bottom 516 adapted with seats 518 for holding a spring (not shown) inside the cavity 51 .

Still referring to figure 13, the outsole 502 comprises a perimeter edge 520 and a trampoline member 522. A surrounding area 524 of the outsole 502, between the perimeter edge 520 and trampoline member 522 is of a predetermined thickness. It is anticipated that, optimally, the surrounding area 524 of the outsole 502 may be between one and ten millimeters thick. Portions of the outsole 502 comprising the surrounding area 524 and trampoline member 522 may be made of rubber, connected to the supporting wall 526 of the midsole 504. The midsole's 504 supporting wall 526, in one embodiment, may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane . In other embodiments, the supporting wall 526 may be made of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, or rubber, or a combination of those materials. Referring to figure 14, a rear cut-away view of the resilient sole 500 is shown. In this view, the trampoline member 522 and surrounding area 524 are shown in enlarged. The trampoline member 522 is characterized by a bottom surface 530 and substantially vertical side walls 532. In one embodiment, the sidewalls 532 are between two and twenty five millimeters in height. The surrounding area 524 is also shown between the trampoline member 530 and perimeter edge 520 of the outsole 502. Also shown are the supporting walls 526 of the midsole 504. Due to the relatively rigid nature of the thermoplastic polyurethane supporting walls 526, the trampoline member 522 deflects upward, into the cavity 512 when brought under a wearer's weight. Deflection is accomplished principally by resilient deformation of the surrounding area 524. In one embodiment, the trampoline member 522 and surrounding area 524 of the outsole 502 are molded from a single piece of rubber, having uniform elasticity.

By selecting rubber of a predetermined elasticity for the outsole 502, and a predetermined side wall 532 height and surrounding area 524 width and thickness, deflection of the trampoline member 522 can be calibrated to a predetermined weight for a particular purpose. For example, dress shoes used primarily for standing may be calibrated for higher flexibility. Casual shoes used primarily for walking would be less flexible, and sports or running shoes would have the least flexibility due to the increased force of impact from running or jogging.

Referring to figure 15, a bottom view of the resilient sole 500 is shown. In this view, the entire surrounding area 524 is visible between the trampoline member 530 and the perimeter edge 520. The spring 532, holds the trampoline member 530 in a fully extended state when not under the forces of a wearer's weight. The structure of the improved resilient shoe sole having been described, its operation will now be discussed.

After inserting a foot into a shoe having the resilient shoe sole 500, and lacing or otherwise fastening the foot therein, a wearer may stand, walk, jog or run in any customary manner. On a down step, the resilient shoe sole 500 approaches the ground, and the trampoline member 530 first encounters the surface. As the wearer's weight is brought to bear against the shoe sole 500, the spring 532 begins to compress, and the surrounding area 524 begins to deform, allowing the trampoline member 530 to depend upward into the cavity 512 of the shoe sole 500.

It is anticipated that the height of the vertical side wall 532, the thickness of the surrounding area 524, and the distance between the vertical side wall 532, and the inner side of the supporting wall 526 of the midsole will be predetermined to create a calibrated resistance depending on the weight of the user and the purpose of the shoe. As previously discussed, for business shoes, which are typically used for standing, a less rigid construction is anticipated, having a thinner surrounding area 524, a lower side wall 532, and a longer distance between the side wall 532 and supporting wall 526 of the midsole 504. For running shoes, which undergo larger impact forces, a higher side wall 532, thicker surrounding area 524, and shorter distance between the side wall 532 and supporting wall 526 of the midsole 504 is used.

In addition to the dimensions of the side wall 532 height, surrounding area 524 thickness, and distance of the surrounding area 524 between the side wall 532 and supporting wall 526, it is anticipated that choice of materials may play a role in calibrating the shoe sole 500. Although rubber is one preferred material, rubber stock of differing elasticity may be used to strengthen or weaken the surrounding area as necessary. Other materials having resilient characteristics are also contemplated.

While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised by persons skilled in the art without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. By way of example, although the preferred embodiments have been shown and described in terms of men's casual or dress shoes, or sports shoes, the invention as claimed may apply to all types of shoes and even open-toed or sandals and other variations of footwear.