Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
W~91/19430 PCT/US~ 432~
2 0 ~
INFLATABLE LINING FOR FOOTWEAR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field Of The Invention
This invention relates to an inflatable lining for shoes,
boots and the liXe, and in particular, relates to an
inflatable lining having a pump to pressurize the lining and
to induce air circulation through the shoe, and with
independent compartments within the lining which are provided
with pressure control valves to control the pressure and,
hence, the firmness, shock absorbency, stability, resiliency
and com~ort 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 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
in~lated cushions at either the toe and heel areas, and some
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,
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
the shoe, and elsewhere, and have been provided with an air
pump to pressure the air bags, creating pressure about the
foot and snuqness o~ the fit of the ski boot. U.S. Patent
4,730,403 and German Patent 2,321,817 are representative of
these ski boots.
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WO ~)1/1(3~131) PC-r/US~1/0432f~
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A water-filled inner sole for shoes has recently been
mar~eted under the tradename "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. ThP pressure of the inflatable
member also can not be adjusted by the wearer for varying
conditions of llse 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 oftPn too bulky and
cumbersome. Consequently, these devices are not readily
acceptable for everyday activities.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
It is an objective of this invention to provide an
inflatable lining for footwear 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
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W091/1943~ PCT/US~1/0~328
2131'? j3~
lining of each compartment can be controlled.
It i5 a further objective of the invention to provide the
aforementioned lining and air pump strategically located such
that the normal walking activities will inflate and pressurize
the inner sole, and if desired, induce forced air circulation
through the footwear.
It is a further objective of this invention to provide the
aforementioned inflatable lining with an inexpensive
construction.
It is also a further objective of this invention to provide
an inflatable lining which includes an inflatable inner sole.
It is an additional objective of this invention to provide
an inflatable lining which i5 subdivided into separated sealed
chambers, ea~h of which is provided with a pressure control
valve, and/or a separate air pump.
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 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 also a further additional objective of this invention
to provide an inflatable inner sole with an integxal air pump
which can be operated manually.
It is another further additional objective of this invention
to provide an inflatable lining for the solej 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 inn~r sole and an inflatable upper lining which
al~o can be pressured with an air pump and which can provide
forced air circulation through a boot.
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WO91/19~30 PCT/U~1/04328
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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 witn an air pump
to a pressure controlled with a pressure relief valve.
It is still a further objective of this invention to provide
a light weight, shock-absorbing resilient inner sole for
footwear which enhances the stability and comfort of the
footwear to the wearer.
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 accomodate
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 footwear which is formed of first and second
plastic sheets having the shape and size of the selected inner
surface, such as the sole or upper sides or rear of the shoe.
The linin~ can be an integral part of the footwear, or can be
an insertable lining for footwear. The plastic sheets are
bonded together in a continuous seam about their peripheral
edyes 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 o~ interconnecting tubular passageways, and at least
one continuous seam is provided whicA transverses the sealed
interior chamber, forming two or more su~divided sealed
interior chambers or compartments. The inflatable liner is
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W091/19430 ~ ~rj~ Pcr/US91/~)4328
provided with an air pump that preferably is contained within
a preselected region of the liner, preferably directly beneath
the heel when the liner includes an inner sole. For this
purpose, an opening is formed in the plastic sheets to receive
the air pump, and a continuous seam is provided, preferably in
the form of a circular seam, about the opening. The air pump
is 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 a
plurality of pressure relief valves which permit independent
adjustment of the pressure within each interior chamber. The
prassure relief valves are normally clo~ed valves, which can
be manually opened. In some applications, the relief valves
automatically reli~ve pressur~ 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. Excess air from the pressure control
valve can be vented out of the shoe, but preferably is
directed into ~hannels formed between the inflatable liner and
the inside surfaces of the shoe, where it discharges thrsugh
sealed apertures in the liner and passes about the wearer's
foot.
In other embodiments of the invention, the air pump can be
provided at one side of the inflatable inner sole for m nual,
hand manipulation or the inner sole can be provided with one
or more side flaps to line upper portions of footwear. In
these embodiments a manual sr hand pump can also be
incorporated on the side flaps.
Preferably the seams are provided with a plurality of
through perforations extending entirely through the first and
second sheets to provide air and fluid communication through
the liner.
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WO'~ 430 ~ 3~ PCT/US~ 432
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described with reference to the
figures of which;
FIGURE l 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 o~ FIGURE l;
FIGURES 6 and 7 are sectional el~vational and plan
views of the pump used in the inner sole of FIGURE l;
FIGURES 8 and 9 are sectional elevational and plan
views of the alternative pump shown in FIGU~E 4;
FIGURES 10, 11 and 12 are views of the adjustable
pressure control valve used in the invention;
FIGUR~ 13 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable
inner sole with a hand pump and pressure relief valve;
FIGURE 14 is a perspective viaw o~ 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' o~ FIGURE 16;
FIGURE 19 is a sectional view along line 19-19' of
FIGURES 1 and 13;
FIGURE 20 is a sectional ~iew along line 20-20~ of
FIGURES 13, 22 and 29;
FIGURE 21 is an enlarged sectional view through an
aperture o~ an alternative embodiment having a lining about
the inner sole;
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W091/19430 PCr/US~l/0~32~
J 3 i~ l
FIGURE 22 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable
inner sole having an inflatable side flap at its heel;
FIGURE 23 i5 a sectional plan view along line 23-23'
of FIG~RE 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 ~levational 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 forcPd 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 i5 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
FlGURE 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;
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W09ltl~43~ P~T/l;~ 3~
51.~ ~
EIGURE 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 perspecti~e view of the
inflatahle inner sole of EIGURE 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;
FIGU~E 49 is a perspective view o~ 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 t~ree interior chamber and separate air pumps for each
interior chamber~
FIGURE 52 is a plan view of an inflatable inn~r sole
with three interior chambers, and separate, remotely locatsd
pressure control valves for each of the three interior
chambers;
FIGURE 53 is a plan view of an in~latable inner sole
withsut a heel pump and with three interior chambers, and
a separate, manual air pump for each of the three interior
chambers;
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FIGURE 5~ is a plan view of an aliernative inflatable
inner sole with rear and medial and lateral inflatable
chambers and an arch pillow, each having an independent air
pump and pressurP 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 FIGU~E 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 FIGU~E 58;
FIGURE 60 is a plan view of an alternative lining to
that shown in FIGURE 58;
FIGURE 61 is a perspective view o~ a shoe, in phantom
outline, fitted with the lining of FIGUR~ 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 in~latable
chambers which provid~ linings for the upper inner surfaces
of a ~hoe:
FIGURE 66 i5 a perspective view of a shoe fitted with
the upper lining shown in FIGURE 65;
FIGURE 67 i5 a sectional elevational view of an air
pump used in the invention;
WO (~1/1943~ PC'r/US~)1/0432
~0
FIGURE 68 is a sectional elevational vi~w 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 FIGIJRE 70 for use with a hand air pump;
FIGURES 7~ through 76 illustrate footwear with an
inflatable upper liner and inflatable inner sole having an
air pump in the heel, each with multipl~ 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 ~or 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 i5 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 valv~s 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
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WO9l/19430 PCT/US91/04328
11 2~&:~,3~1
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;
~IGURE 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: and
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.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIGURE 1, the inflatable insole lO of the
invention is shown in plan view. The inner sole lO i5 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 o~ 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 copolyme-s, 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 ~orm tubular, interconnecting passageways ~8 through the
inner sole 10. The spacing between adjacent seams controls
the size (diameter) of the passageways 28. Also, unsPamed
expanses will form air pillows such as the arch pillow 45 and
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W~gl~l9430 PCT/U~91/~4328
~ J~ 12
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
si~e. 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.
Pre*erably, the seams have a plurality of through
perforations or apertures 32 which extend entirely thorough
the first and second she~ts 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 3~ 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 4~ receives the
air pump 50 of the invention. The aix pump 50 has an inlet
port along its bottom surface with a flapper valve 56
WO~ 430 P~T/U~gl/~4328
2 ~ J~l
13
(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 lO 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 lO. 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 lO 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,jthere is illustrated a plan view of
the air pump 50 and pressure control valve 58 used in th~
inflatable inner sole shown in FIGURE l. 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
valv~ 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 lO, while discharge port 74 is connected to
a short flexible tube 76 that discharges externally of the
inflatable liner lO. As shown in FIGURE l, tube 76 is
W~91/19430 ,~ PCT/US91/~432
14
preferably placed beneath a wide seamed area 5l, lying within
the channel formed in the undersurface of the inner sole lO,
thereby directing the excess air through these channels where
it will flow upwardly through the apertures 32 of the inner
sole lO. 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 valva 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 lO o~ FIGUR~ 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 ~iew through the air pump 50 and
illustrates that the air pump 50 ls 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.
WO91/19430 PC~'/US~1/04328
2Q~
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 lO 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 lO0 of the lateral passage 94.
The ball 98 is resiliently biased to a normally closed
position by a coil spring lO2 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 38
against the valve seat lO0 can be fixedly adjusted, thereby
controlling the degree of pressure required to lift the ball
off the valve seat. The internalIy 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 FIGU~ES 13 and 14, an alternative
embodiment of the inflatable inner sole is shown in plan view.
This embodiment is shown in perspective view in FIG~E 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 ~orming a sealed interior chamber. A
flexible tube 64 is molded in the seam. The flexible tube 64
is connected to a pressure regulati~n valve 58 and to a
manually operated air pump 112. These elements are shown in
greater detail in FIGU~ES 15-18. The air pump 112 is
positioned medially of the inner sole lO in a position where
it can be manipulated by hand to permit pressurization of the
wo 91/19430 i Pcr/u~1/n~32~
~3 ~k~ 16
inflatable inner sole. At this location, the hand pump
doesn't contact or abrade the wearer's foot. As with the
previous embodimant, 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 ~o the
inner sole 10. An arch pillow 45 ~nd a to~ pillow 47 are also
provided. Referring to FIGURE 20, the enclosed space 139
whicb lies beneath the seam 116 and tubular passage ll9 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 weiyht is removed. The result is that the
enclosed space 139 continuously varies ln 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 FIGUR~ 15, the pressure regulation
valve 58 is substantially the same as previously describPd
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
WO91/19430 PCT/U591/04328
17 2B~J~d1
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 1~0 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 lnner sole. As there illustrated, the
peripheral seam 16 secures the upper sheet 12 and second sheet
14 together while the dis~ontinuous 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 cllt
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 YalVe 58 and the wearer 1 5 foot.
Also, the valve could be increased by a soft ~abric or sponge
,
:
W09l/l~430 ~ PCT/US~1/0432
18
layer (not shown). Also, as previously mentioned, the sPams
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 ~oam, etc., to enhance
the comfort of the inner sole lO. 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 he~l. The ~lap 164 is folded ~lat and shown
in plan view. As there illustratedt 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
, ' , ~
,
,
WO91/19430 ~ 3 ~ PcT/~ /04328
19
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, pxeviously described. The
bottom wall 18B of the bulb 174 also has an inlet port in the
form o~ 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 lg4 being resiliently biased against ~he valve
seat 196 by the valve stem 198 that is dependent at its upper
.
WO ~l/l943~ 3~ P~r/US~ 4328
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
dischargsd 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 secuxity and support
for the tube and the assembly of the air pump 170 shown in
FIGURES 23 through 25. The aix pump 170 is shown by the
broken lineO 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 som~[unicates through an
openiny 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 1:o the footwear by stitching or
cementing seam 16 to the inside sole of the footwear and,
where appropria~e, 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
.
'
W~gl/1~30 PCT/U~91/~4328
21 2 ~ 3 ~1
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 larga 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 o~ 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 oP Velcro attachment fabric. The upper portion of
the ankle area 246 of the flap 226 also preferably has medial
' .
~3~ 22 PCr/US91/0432g
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 ~lap
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 FIGUR~ 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 apertuxes of the
inner sole thereby establishing ~orced air circulation through
, . .
WO91/1943~ PCT/USgl/043Z8
20~34 1
23
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 l, however, a
greater number of seams 2S are provided, which decreases the
diameters o~ 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 ~lightly larger than the other
channels 21 to provide greater stability and gripping.
Referring now to FIG~RE 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 wearsr.
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 p1~mp, 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. ~he pump 53 is formed with a bottom sheet 54 to
which is bonded the upper sheet 55, Preferably the ~ottom
sheet has a substantial diameter to provide an annular 1at
seam which has suf~icient 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 chec~ valve 68 and pressure control valve 58, shown in
FI5URES 33 and 39. An aperture 61 (see FIG. 38) in ~he side
wall of pump 53 opens i_to tube 59. These elements are
described in detail with refersnce to the same elements of
FIGURE l.
WO91/19430 ~ PCr/US9l/0432
24
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 S3, 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 ~oot wear. It is especially
useful, however, as a permanent member in footwear,
particularly in athletic footwear or in house shoPs, e.g.,
slippers, moccasins, etc. Some slippers now on the marXet
have two fabric soles separated by a space which is filled
with a removable foam sole. This embodiment can be inserted
as a substitute ~or the foam sole. The inner sole ~0 is
substantially identical to that shown and descri~ed 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 edg~ 88 extending entirely about its
periphery, conforming to tke 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 chann~l 22 of the inner
W~ 30 PCT/U~l/04328
20~
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 edye 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 FI~URES 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 o~ 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.
W O Y~/19430 ~ S ~ c'r/US~1/04328
The ~uter 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. Alternatlvely, 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
moldad 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 ~edial 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.gO,
beachwear, the apextures 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, tu~e
76 is connected to the excess pressure relief port 74 of the
pressure relief valve 58.
Referring now to FIGURE 50, thera 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.
W~91/19~30 PC~/U~ 4328
27 2 ~ 3~l
For this purpose, the flPxible 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 rom 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.
~ eferring to FIGURE 51, the inner sole previously described
with refer~nce to FTGURE 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 l64 bf 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 s~ams
l68 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 cha~ber of the flap. Each flap has at least one
tubular p~ssageway 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 chamher 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
WO9l~l9430 ~ PCT/U591/04328
28
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 relie~ 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 Ivalves are serially
connected, in tandem, with the excess aix ~rom val~e 58a being
passed by flexible tube 76a to the succesding 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 sealad 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
throuqh tube 76c to a location beneath the inner sole, i.e.,
between the inner sole and the sole o~ 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
W09l/l9430 PCr/US91/04328
20~3,7~
29
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 preferzbly 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, 16S 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 in~latable 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 tha sealed interior chamber of the sole which is
in open communication with the tubular p,assageways of a flap.
FIGURE 54 is a plan view of an alternative inflatable inner
sole similar to that shown in FIGURE 53, howev~r, the sealed
interior chambers of the liner are furth~r 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 chamb~rs 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 con~enient and
,
:
.` ~ i
WOg1/19430 ,' PCT/US9l/~4328
~ 30
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 ap~lications,
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 norma', 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 ~38, thereby pe~mitting the
ends of the flap 226 to be secured together when wrapped about
the toe o~ the inner sole. Preferably flaps 240 and 242 are
provided at the medial and lateral sides sf 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
'
WO~/19430 PCT/US91/0432~
2 0 ~
31
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 formsd 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, ~ost preferably on the base 161 of the
tongue, as shown by the phantom lines. The ~ongue can have
notches 259 for flexibility. A tab 228 can be provided along
the lower edge of the lining to fas~en the lining to an
interior surface of the footwear. Notches 230 can be provided
:.
~.
~ 3 32 PCr/U591/04328
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 tha sides of the shoe. The air pump 171 is shown
as project.ing 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 opPn 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 i5 ~ormed by forward f~aps of the first and
second sheets of the liner which are seamed $ogether 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 ~lex within the shoe while maintaining a constant
pressure about the foot and thereby retaining the security of
tight lacings. The rate o~ air flow between the inner sole
2Z1 and the air bag 286 can be controlled by the diameter,
i.e., size, of the passageway 288. Preferably the air bag h~s
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
W091/1~430 PCr/US91tO4328
2~3v3~1
33
59. If desired, the air bag ~86 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.
FIGU~E 60 illustrates another liner 185 which has a heel
flap 187 wi-h 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 csntrol over the rate of pressure equalization
between the inner sole 221 and air bags 280 and 282. Also,
the hePl of the inner sole can have ~ 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
.
.
., , '
.
WO91/19430 ~ 3~ P~T/~S9~/04328
34
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 35. 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 nner 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 8S.
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
.
,
' : ' , .
~09l/19430 PCT/US91/~432
2 ~3~ 341
the opposite and smaller sheets to form a sealed interior
chamber. The lining 231 can be subdivided into medial and
lateral side chambers by conkinuous vertical seam 189. The
medial and lateral side chambers are further subdi~ided 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 ~orm air passagaways. Air p~mps 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 s~ams
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
~rom 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.
Prefexably, tha 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 cha~bers 249 and 252 to
form toe chambers 239, and permit flexing o~ the lining 231.
The lining 231 has a continuous lower edge band 22~ which
is not inflated and which provides attachment to the shoe or
sol~ of the shoe. Notches ~30 can be provided in the edge
band 228 to permit flexing o~ the lining to fit into a shoe.
FIGURE 66 illustrates a shoe 213 which is fitted with the
lining 231 shcwn in FIGURE 65. The shoe 213 is the same as
.. . . : , - . .~, ~ .
. ~''' ~, ' ~
:. .
.. .
. ~ .
WO9l/l9430 ~ ~ PCT/US91/04328
~ 36
previously described. As there illustrated, tne 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 relie~
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
26g. 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.
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 val~es of other construction
than that shown by valve 177 can be used, e.g., duckbill type
valves such as manufactured by Verney Laboratories, In~-., 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,
.
WO91/19430 2o~ P~/us9l/04328
37
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 FI~URE 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
val~e 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 ~alve 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 64c 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 late.ral 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 su~h as the inflatable tongue halves
253 and 255, and in~latable ankle pillows 232 and 233. For
simplicity of illustration, the seams are shown as single
solid lines rather than the cro~s sectioned depiction used in
FIGURE 69 ~or seams in the inner sole. Also, apertures such
as 32 shown for the inflatable inner sole 35, are not shown in
: , , ~ . -
, , : .' :" -
' ' '.: ' ' :' ,
' ' ~ '
.
-
WO 91/19430 ~ PCT/USg1/04328
38
the side lining, however, it is understood that such aperturescan 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 c:ontrol 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 FI~;URE 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 5~a, as indicated by break line C-C. In all
other aspects, the inflatable irmer sole 43 is the same as
inflatable inner sole 35, and th~ inflatable upper lining is
the ~ame as the inflatable upper liner 371 shown in FIGURE 70.
W091/1943n PC~/US91t~4328
20~ ~3 11
39
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 8S, eyelets 217 and lacing 218, and tongue
235. The shoe 290 has an inflatable inner sole 110, which is
shown in plan view in FIG~RE 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 l 9i . The
~ront 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 in~lation
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 cha~ber within the wall of the shoe for
storage of coils of tube 70. If desired, the edye of the slit
could be closed with a zipper, or an elastic clo~ure, 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 tub~ 2~5; medial
toe chamber 199 has connector/valve 306 and tube 2~7; lateral
toe chamber 201 has connector/valve 298 and tube 292; lateral
~. . ..
WO91/19430 ~J3 PCT/USg1/04328
heel ~hamber 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 o~ 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 again~t 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 33~.
The uppsr 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 ,52 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.
~ eferring 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 o~ each of the individual chambers
of the inflatable inn~r sole. To facilitate the con~ection by
the wearer of the shoe, the connector/control valve assemblies t
are mounted within a collar housing 32~ which has a plurality
of circular wells 330 in which the connector/valve assemblies
are mounted~ The tube 70 has ~u~ficient length to per~it
connection to Pach of the connector/valve assemblies and the
excess length of the tube 70 is coiled within slit 2~1 in the
shoe. As shown in FIGURÆ 75, the tubes 295, and 297, which
extend to chambers 183 and l99 are located in the upper medial
side o~ the shoe.
FIGURE 74 ~hows that ~he shoe 290 is also provided with an
upper lining having a latPral side portion 360 and a medial
- .. . .
WO9l/l9430 PCT/U~l/0432~
41 2~3'il
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. ~s with the embodiment shown in FIGURE 65, the
forward chambers are connected to inflatable half tongue
liners 253 and 255.
Each o~ 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 khese 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 ~or 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 73 illustrate an embodiment of the in~ention
in which an inner sole 111 is shown as an alternative for the
inflatable inner sole llO shown in FIGURE 73. This
alternative inner sole 111 ha~ a heel pillow 119 in the rear
chamber 163, rath~r than th~ air pump 79 shown for inner sole
110 of FIGURE 73. In this respect the inner sole llO is
similar to tho e shown in FIGURES 53, 54 and 71. The inner
sole lll 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
''
WO 91/19430 ~r PCT/US91/04328
42
is a view of lining 374. Tube 291 ~xtends 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 inflable inner sole 111 (FIGURE 77). If desired a slit
can be provided in the ton~ue 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
~091/19430 2 ~ ~ S " ~ 1 Pcr/US9l/0432x
43
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 ~or 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 o~ the in~er sole. Tube 71 provides an air inlet
to the pump throu~h its check valve 82, and tube 70 provides
an air d.ischarge 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 FI~URE 44. As illustrated,
however, the chec~ valves are installed in the tubes, remote
from the inner sole to avoid any accidental contact of the
valves with the wearer's ~got. Pre~erably 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.
WO9l/19430 ~ç~ ~ PCT/US~1/04328
44
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 syste.ms 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 ~rom 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 modi~ied 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, 71jand 77. The
inner sole 115 is used in combination with an upper lining and
a hand air pump such as shown in FIG~RES 72 and 78.
Referring now to ~IGURE 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 heet 14 o~ 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 pre~erably is glued or
bonded to these sheets, so that the flexing o~ the shePts
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.
WO91/19430 PCT/US91/04328
~ j 3 ~ 1
FIGURE 87 illustrates anoth~ 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 ~73 is
also formed with internal nf~ated passageways 283 which are
formed by seams 265. Preferably, ~he upper lining 373 has
tabs such as 228 which can be bonded to the outer skin 365 and
W091/19~30 ~ PCr/US91/04~2
46
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 e~bodiment is essentially the same as that
of FIGURE 88, except an aperture 24 extends through the outer
sole 85 and midsole 33 at the heal, immediately beneath the
heel air pump 93. The aperture is closed with a flanged
sleeve 46 which receives a plug ~7 that is threada~ly 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
6~ provides access to the interior of the air pump 93, thereby
permi~ting 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
sAoe. The spring 26 can be replaced with springs of varied
comprssion strengths to adjust the shoe to the wearer's weight
and particular activity, e.g., spoxt, walking, running,
basketball, etc., as well as for sport training exercises.
The remainder of the structure is the same as that shown in
FIGURE 88.
In all of the embodiments, the outer soles 85 can be formed
of suitable rubber or plastics, including, for example, open
ox closed cell foams of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers,
polyurethane, ethylene, etc.
The invention provides the advantages of an inflatable inner
sole and upper lininy which can be inflated by the normal
walking ~ctivities 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
so~tness and resiliency for any desired performance and for
WO91/t~430 PCT/IJS91/04328
47 2~S3~
maximum c~mfort 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
73-75, any of the chambers can be adjusted to the desired
pressure by connecting the air pump discharge valve to a
selected connector/valve (298, 300, 304, 306 or 308 of the
inflatable innersole, 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 arhieved by
releasing any excess pressure through the pressure control
valve.
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 ~alves in the serial connection to
alter the location of the highest pressured chamber. As shown
in FIGURES 69-72, the rear chamber 1~3 is provided with the
greatest pressure by control valve 58a, and each of the
chambers which are connacted to the succeeding valvPs 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 ~arying the comfort of
various parts of the footwear.
The inflatable inner sole also provides shocX absorbency and
can inrrease 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
WO91/19430 ~ , PCr/US9~/nq328
48
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 inner sole is formed as a replaceable insert, 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 und~r
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:
