This invention relates to shock absorbing and active heat management/moisture control apparatus for footwear.
Various materials and devices have been developed for absorbing shock in footwear. However, such materials and devices have been entirely satisfactory. The footwear industry continues to seek improved shock absorbing and cushioning systems.
Various proposals have been made to improve ventilation in footwear. In particular, ventilation is important in athletic footwear. As with shock absorption, demand continues for improved ventilation systems.
An embodiment of the shock absorbing apparatus of the invention comprises an air chamber having at least one flexible wall located in the foot bed of a shoe, an air intake to the air chamber, a one-way valve in the intake, an outlet from the air chamber, a one-way valve in the outlet, and means to re-inflate the air chamber. The downward force of a person's weight when walking, running or jumping causes the air chamber to compress, forcing air out of the outlet. When the person lifts his/her foot, weight is removed from the air chamber, and the re-inflation means re-inflates the air chamber, drawing air in from the inlet.
Preferably the air inlet draws air from the interior of the shoe, or the air outlet expels air into the interior of the shoe to thereby circulate air within the shoe. In one embodiment air is drawn from the shoe interior thereby removing hot and/or humid air from the shoe and creating an active heat management system. It is preferred that the inlet be connected to air passages in the upper portion of the midsole, and the shoe further comprises a ventilated foot bed. Thereby air is drawn inward from the foot bed of the shoe.
Preferably, the shoe comprises a turbine assembly having a rotating wheel connected to at least one of the inlet or outlet from the air chamber. The air forced from the air chamber by the person's weight, spins the turbine wheel.
Shock absorption is accomplished in multiple ways. One, the airflow out from the air chamber is restricted. Thereby, the rate at which the air chamber compresses is controlled to provide shock absorption. Second, the re-inflation means, e.g., the spring or other resilient biasing device, provides resistance to compression of the air chamber, thereby absorbing and storing energy for re-inflation of the air chamber. Third, the outlet air is forced through a turbine providing further resistance to airflow and absorbing energy. In addition, a gel or foam pad may provide cushioning.
Another preferred feature of the invention is to locate the turbine or wheel on the exterior of the shoe, and to illuminate the same.
Another embodiment for shock absorption is shown in
The wheel 44 is mounted for rotation on the spindle 48 and held in place with the hub 46. The outlet airline 16 is adapted for connection to port 50. Port 50 is set at an angle to direct the air in an at least partly tangential direction relative to the wheel 44. Wheel 44 has a multiplicity of fins or blades 54. Air directed against the blades causes the wheel to rotate. Although a multiplicity of blades is shown, the invention is not limited to any number or shape of blades. It is contemplated in another embodiment that fewer blades will operate more efficiently, increasing the speed at which the wheel 44 spins and also reducing noise. Desirably, the housing has two ports, one for use on the left shoe and the other for use on the right shoe, to thereby rotate both wheels in a forward direction. The optional plate 42 is largely decorative. For example, the plate 42 may be chrome or have a high gloss finish. Alternatively, the disk may be phosphorescent. In one embodiment the disk is an electrically powered light emitting material, such as a light emitting diode.
Another embodiment of the air turbine or wheel assembly includes a clear plastic cover 64, seen in
The apparatus of this embodiment provides shock absorption in several ways. One, the air chamber provides shock absorption when the wearer applies load to the chamber. Air is released from the air chamber at a controlled and restricted rate. Specifically, the outlet tube has a relatively small diameter, e.g., 2 mm internal diameter, thereby allowing a limited flow. Additional energy is dissipated in the one-way valve, where the flow path is further restricted, e.g., 1 mm. Further flow restriction may be provided at the port into the housing, e.g., 0.5 mm. The restricted outflow provides shock absorption.
Second, energy is stored in spring 24 or other biasing means when the wearer's weight compresses the air chamber, which energy is returned to re-inflate the air chamber when the wearer's weight is removed.
Third, the wheel provides further shock absorption, as energy is required to spin the wheel 44. The relative amount of shock absorption can be controlled by increasing the size and/or weight of the wheel, or by adjusting the amount of rotational friction between the wheel and housing.
While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that these are merely examples for practicing the invention that the inventor foresees at the present time, and that various modifications and changes could be made thereto. In particular, various other spinning wheel assemblies could be designed by persons skilled in the art; and different passageways could be designed for ventilating the shoe.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/538,130 filed Jan. 21, 2004 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/554,657 filed Mar. 19, 2004, which applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
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