Description SUCTION ALLEVIATION SYSTEM FOR FOOTWEAR

[ 1 ] Field of the Invention

[2] This invention generally relates to footwear, and more particularly, to a suction al¬ leviation system configured for footwear, particularly boots.

[3] Background

[4] Hunters, soldiers and other persons (collectively referred to herein as pedestrians) frequently walk through marshes, swamps and terrain. With each step, a pedestrian's boots sink into the soft ground, becoming partially engulfed by mud. Taking another step requires the pedestrian to lift the boot from the mud by exerting enough upward force to overcome the weight of any accumulated mud as well as an appreciable suction force that resists separation of the sole of the boot from the mud.

[5] The suction creates serious problems for the pedestrian. As the resistance at¬ tributable to the suction can be substantial, it makes walking a very strenuous activity that leads prematurely to exhaustion. Second, overcoming suction can create a discernable noise that can give away one's position or alarm a nearby animal.

[6] Attempts to address these problems have resulted in various devices, none of which have gained widespread commercial acceptance by hunters. For example, buoyant and/ or wide surface area platforms that may be attached to the bottom of hunting boots are known in the art, as in United States Patents 6,729,049; 4,447,969 and 2,430,466. However, these devices neither prevent suction nor noise emitted upon breaking the suction. Additionally, the devices tend to be bulky, awkward to use and tedious to attach to shoes.

[7] Another attempt to address these problems involves adding pressure relief ports, as in U.S. Patents 4,525,941 and 683,595. Unfortunately, however, the known prior art does not teach a mechanism to prevent clogging of the port. Each step into mud forces mud into the open port, quickly obstructing the port and degrading effectiveness in al¬ leviating suction.

[8] The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.

[9] Summary of the Invention

[10] To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary imple¬ mentation of the invention, a suction alleviation system for footwear is provided. The system includes a conduit having an entrance and an exit and a port disposed on the sole of the footwear. The conduit is fluidly coupled to the port. A valve (e.g., a flapper valve or spring actuated valve) is provided and adapted to cover or protect the port and open in response to a suction force. When open, the valve enables fluid (e.g., air or water) communication from the conduit to the port and to the valve. The com¬ municated fluid alleviates suction. Thus, the system provides a valve-enabled path for

controlled communication of fluid (e.g., air or water) to the sole of the footwear for al¬ leviation of suction.

[11] In one embodiment, the conduit includes a first section and a second section and the system further includes a junction adapted for coupling the first section to the second section. Thus, an external segment of the conduit may be removed, repaired and replaced if necessary.

[12] In an embodiment, the system also including a support configured for securing the conduit against the footwear. A loop, stitching, bonding, hook and loop fasteners and the like may be used.

[13] In an embodiment, the system may include a plurality of top ports, bottom ports and/or conduit. Thus, the system may provide multiple paths for communication of fluid (e.g., air or water) to the sole of the footwear for alleviation of suction.

[14] Brief Description of the Drawings

[15] The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:

[16] Figure 1 shows a boot with a suction alleviation system in accordance with an exemplary implementation of the invention may be implemented;

[17] Figure 2 shows a flapper valve for use in accordance with an exemplary imple¬ mentation of the invention; and

[18] Figure 3 is spring actuated valve in accordance with an exemplary methodology in accordance with one implementation of the invention.

[19] Detailed Description

[20] A suction release system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention generally includes a bottom port, a valve adapted to prevent mud and debris ob¬ structing the bottom port when the valve is closed, a top port for allowing entry of fluid (e.g., air or water), and a conduit for communicating fluid (e.g., air or water) from the top port to the bottom port. A suction force causes the valve to open. Upon opening the valve, fluid (e.g., air or water) may be drawn from the top port through the conduit to the bottom port.

[21] Referring now to Figure 1, a boot 100 is shown with a suction alleviation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The boot 100 includes a boot upper portion which may be made of leather and/or similarly strong material, to which a sole 105 such as a conventional single layer or multi-layered sole is attached by bonding or other conventional means. The sole 105 may, by way of example, include an outer layer and a mid-sole layer. The sole may be comprised of a durable, resilient and flexible wear-resistant material, such as rubber or a comparable synthetic material. The heel may be an integral part of the sole or a separate piece attached by bonding or other conventional means to the sole or upper portion. The boot upper portion is formed to enclose the foot of the wearer and includes in conventional fashion a foot

receiving opening, tongue, eyelets for receiving laces or other closure means.

[22] The exemplary boot 100 is described for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the invention. As the invention may be applied to any footwear capable of receiving a suction alleviation system according to the invention, the term boot as used herein is intended to encompass all such footwear. Examples include waders, and hip and knee boots. In a particular preferred embodiment, the footwear is intended for use in muddy or swampy environments which create considerable suction force. The geometry, style, composition and size of the footwear may vary widely. The invention may be applied to footwear with soles of various shapes and sizes. The sole 105 conceptually shown in Figure 1 is provided for illustrative purposes, and not to limit the invention to any particular footwear or sole.

[23] The exemplary suction alleviation system according to the invention includes one or more bottom ports 110 and HOA. While Figure 1 illustrates two bottom ports 110 and 11OA, one, three or more bottom ports may be applied without departing from the scope of the invention. The bottom port 110 and HOA may be of various sizes, shapes and configurations, provided that it is adaptable to the bottom of the footwear and allows introduction of adequate fluid (e.g., air or water) to alleviate suction force. By way of example and not limitation, a bottom port that provides an opening of ap¬ proximately ¹ A inch to 2 inches in diameter is considered workable. The bottom port is preferably positioned approximately at the back half of the sole, i.e., the half of the sole nearest the heel (e.g., to the right of the dotted line 130 in Figure 1), because during normal walking the back of the shoe is lifted before and experiences a suction force before the front of the shoe. In one embodiment, the bottom ports 110 and HOA may be integral parts (i.e., the exits) of the conduit 115, as discussed below. The purpose of the bottom port 110 and 11OA is to provide an exit for fluid (e.g., air or water) at the bottom of the boot.

[24] The exemplary suction alleviation system also includes one or more top ports 120.

While Figure 1 illustrates one top port 120, two or more top ports may be applied without departing from the scope of the invention. A top port may be associated with one or more bottom ports. Likewise, a bottom port may be associated with one or more top parts. The top port 120 may be of various sizes, shapes and configurations, provided that it may be fluidly connected to the conduit 115 (as described below) and may be located above the level of the mud so that fluid (e.g., air or water) may enter through the top port 120. By way of example and not limitation, a top port that provides an opening of approximately ¹ A to ³ A inches in diameter is considered workable. In one embodiment, the top port 120 may be an integral part (i.e., the entrance) of the conduit 115. Alternatively, the top port 120 may be comprised of a separate entrance piece fluidly connected to the conduit 115. The purpose of the top port 120 is to provide an entrance for fluid (e.g., air or water) that can be com¬ municated from the top port 120 to the bottom port 110 and 11OA via the conduit 115.

[25] A system according to the principles of the invention works with water and/or air as suction alleviation fluids. If the top port is positioned at a height above water level, the fluid used to alleviate suction will be air. However, if the top port is positioned at a height below water level, the fluid used to alleviate suction will be water. The top port may also be positioned inside the boot, such as inside the leg of a wader, so as to draw air from the inside of the boot to be use as a suction alleviation fluid.

[26] The exemplary suction alleviation system also includes one or more conduits 115

(e.g., channels, hoses or tubes) to fluidly connect top ports 120 to bottom ports 110 and 11OA. While Figure 1 illustrates one conduit 115, two or more conduits may be applied without departing from the scope of the invention. The conduit 115 may directly connect one top port 120 to one bottom port 110. Alternatively, the conduit 115 may have branches that connect one or more top ports 120 to one or more bottom ports 110. The conduit 115 may be of various sizes, shapes and configurations, provided that it fluidly connects a top port 120 to a bottom port 110. By way of example and not limitation, a conduit of approximately 1?8 to ³ A inches in inner diameter cross-section is considered workable. In one embodiment, the top port 120 may be an integral part (i.e., the entrance) of the conduit 115, as discussed above. Al¬ ternatively, the top port 120 may be comprised of a separate entrance piece fluidly connected to the conduit 115. The purpose of the conduit 115 is to enable com¬ munication of fluid (e.g., air or water) from the top port 120 to the bottom port 110 and HOA.

[27] In one embodiment, the system may include a plurality of top ports, plurality of bottom ports and plurality of conduits. Thus, the system may provide multiple paths for communication of fluid (e.g., air or water) to the sole of the footwear for alleviation of suction.

[28] The exemplary suction alleviation system may also include a junction 130 for removably attaching a first portion of a conduit 115 to a second portion of conduit. The junction 130 enables removal of a portion of the conduit 115 when it is not needed or for repair or replacement. Any junction device suitable for joining portions of the conduit 115 may be utilized. However, the junction is optional. Conduit 115 without a junction may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[29] Optionally, a support 125 secures the conduit 115 against the boot. By way of example and not limitation, the support 125 may be comprised of a loop attached (e.g., sewn or bonded) to the boot, a releasable band comprised of mating hook and loop sections, stitching, bonding or any combination of any of the foregoing. In the case of a loop support 125, the conduit may be passed through the loop. In the case of a releasable band comprised of mating hook and loop sections, the band may be secured around the conduit 115.

[30] A valve 112 and 112A at the bottom port 110 and 11OA is configured to prevent mud and debris from entering the bottom port 110 and HOA when the valve is in a

closed position. The default position for the valve 112 and 112A is closed. A downward force such as a suction force causes the valve 112 and 112A to open. The purpose of the valve is to prevent mud and debris from obstructing the bottom port, while allowing fluid (e.g., air or water) to pass through in response to a downward suction force. When open, the valve enables fluid (e.g., air or water) communication from the conduit to the port and to the valve. The communicated fluid alleviates suction. Thus, the system provides a valve-enabled path for controlled communication of fluid (e.g., air or water) to the sole of the footwear for alleviation of suction.

[31] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various types of valves may be utilized in accordance with the invention, so long as the valves open in response to suction and seal the bottom port from mud and debris when the suction is alleviated and the valve is closed. Within these parameters various valve configurations are possible and come within the scope of the invention.

[32] By way of example and not limitation, a flapper valve may be used as conceptually illustrated in Figure 2. The flapper valve includes a pivoting flap 112 arranged to cover the port 110 when no suction is applied to the outer (bottom) surface side 220 of the flap, thereby inhibiting entry of mud and/or debris into the port 110. When the flap 112 covers the port, it is said to be in a closed position 212. A biasing means urges the flap 112 into a closed position. WJhen adequate suction force is applied to the outer (bottom) surface side 220 of the flap 112, the flap 112 pivots open and exposes the port 110, allowing fluid (e.g., air or water) to be drawn in from the top port 120 through the conduit 115, until the suction force is alleviated. When the port 110 is exposed, the flap 112 is said to be in an open position. When the suction force is alleviated (i.e., no longer adequate to hold open the flap against the biasing means) the flap 112 returns to the closed position.

[33] As another example, a spring actuated valve as illustrated in, Figure 3 may be used.

The spring actuated valve includes a movable closure 315 arranged to cover the port 110 when no suction is applied to the outer (bottom) surface side 315A of the closure, thereby inhibiting entry of mud and/or debris into the port 110. When the closure 315 seals the port, it is said to be in a closed position 315. A biasing means, such as a spring 305 anchored to a base 310 urges the closure 315 into a closed position. When adequate suction force is applied to the outer (bottom) surface side 315A of the closure 315, the closure 315 moves away from and exposes the port 110, allowing fluid (e.g., air or water) to be drawn in from the top port 120 through the conduit 115, until the suction force is alleviated. When the port 110 is exposed, the closure 315 is said to be in an open position. When the suction force is alleviated (i.e., no longer adequate to hold open the closure against the biasing means) the closure 315 returns to the closed position 312.

[34] Additionally, suction alleviation air may be supplied from resilient chambers (e.g., compressible chambers) in the heel or sole of the shoes. In such a case, the footwear

may include one or more chambers in the sole in fluid communication with the conduit 115 and the port 110.

[35] A suction alleviation system according to the invention may be an integral part of footwear or a kit for retrofitting footwear. In the case of a kit, one or more channels may need to be formed in the footwear, particularly in the sole of the footwear to receive conduit, a bottom port, a valve and other components. The channel may be formed by drilling. A channel may have an entrance and an exit. The formed channel may serve as a portion of the conduit. An opening for the channel at the bottom of a sole may serve as a bottom port. An opening of the channel along a side or the back of the sole may serve as an entrance. A valve body may be inserted and secured (e.g., bonded) into the bottom port. A junction coupling may be inserted and secured (e.g., bonded) into the entrance. Conduit may be attached to the junction coupling. A top port and support, as discussed above, may also be provided.

[36] While the invention has been described in terms of various embodiments and im¬ plementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.