Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
W092/ll780 2 ~ ~ ~ 7 ~ S PCT/US~1/0~7
INFLATABLE LINING FOR FOOTWEAR, GLOVES,HELMETS AND SHIELDS
BACXGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field Of The Invention
This invention relates to an inflatable lining for
wearing apparel such as footwear, headgear and gloves, and in
particular, relates to a multiple compartmented inflatable
lining having a single valve to individually connect a pump to
pressurize each compartment of the lining and to induce air
circulation through the apparel, and to connect to a pressure
control valve to control the pressure and, hence, the
firmness, shock absorbency, stability, resiliency and comfort
and fit of each compartment of the lining.
Brief Statement Of The Prior Art
Inner soles have been provided for shoes and boots which
are formed of a compressible, elastic material such as
cellular plastic foams, foam rubber, etc. These inner soles
have provided only limited shock absorbency, resulting in
little or no significant improvement in wearer comfort.
Some prior investigators have provided inner soles with
inflated cushions atjeither 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 t 679 and 357,391; U~S. Patents 3,180,039,
2,716,293, 1,213,941 and German Patent 3,144,207.
In so~e 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
.he ShGG~ and ~lsewhere, and have been provided wiih an air
pump to pressure the air bags, creating pressure about the
foot and snugness of the fit of the ski boot. U.S. Patent
4,730,403 and German Patent 2,321,817 are representative of
these ski boots.
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WO'3~/11780 PCT/US91/0~347
2~7~
A water-filled inner sole for shoes has recently been
marketed 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 freeæing climates. Also, a leak
will wet the inside of the bootwear, and this inner is not
breathable.
Another recently marketed innovation is that disclosed in
U.S. Patents 4,183,156; 4,340,626 and 4,817,304 in which an
inflatable inner sole or sole insert is permanently inflated
with halogenated hydrocarbon gases. Since it is impossible to
preclude diffusion of gases through the plastic, the
inflatable insert or inner sole is acknowledged to experience
a rapid increase in pressure shortly after manufacture,
followed by a slowly declining pressure, thus failing to
provide a stable condition. The pressure of the inflatable
member also can not be adjusted by the wearer for varying
conditions of use and comfort.
None o~ the aforementioned prior devices provides a
simple, inexpensive solution to comfortable wear and walking
in a shoe or boot. The foam inner soles have only a limited
value and limited shock absorbency. The remainder of the
prior devices, including the pressurization system for ski
boots are relatively complex and costly and are often too
bulky and cumbersome. Consequently, these devices are not
readily acceptable for everyday activities.
Headgear such as helmets for sports, particularly
football h~lmets have been provided with inflatable liners to
improve ~he fit. These liners, however, require use of an
extraneous air pump, and have not utilized multiple
compartments, nor flexibility in adjustment of air pressure.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
~t is an objective of this invention to provide an
inflatable lining for apparel and protective gear such as
helmets and shields or splints with an integral air pump for
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WO92/11780 2 ~ PCr/US91/n93~7
pressurization.
It is also an objective of this invention to provide the
aforementioned inflatable lining with a plurality of
compartments which are provided with independent pressure
control valves whereby the pressure, and hence softness of the
lining of each compartment can be controlled.
It is an added objective of this invention to provide a
single valve which can be used to connect, individually, each
of the multiple compartments of the lining to the inflation
pump, and/or to a pressure relief valve whereby the pressure
in each compartment can be separately adjusted and controlled.
It is a further objective of this invention to provide
the aforementioned in~latable lining with an inexpensive
construction.
It is an additional objective of this invention to
provide an inflatable lining which is subdivided into
separated sealed chambers, each of which is provided with a
pressure control valve, and/or a separate air pump.
It is also a further additional objective of this
invention to provide an inflatable lining with an integral air
pump which can be operated manually.
It is still a further objective of this invention to
provide a light waight, shock-absorbing resilient lining which
enhances the fit, stability and comfort of the wearing apparel
to the wearer.
It is also an additional objection of this invention to
provide an inflatable inner sole for footwear such as shoes,
boots and sandals, having an arch pillow and a contour
conforming to the wearer's foot, which preferably will massage
the wearer's foot.
It is also a further objective of this invention to
provide an inflatable lining which includes an inflatable
inner sole.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide the
aforementioned lining for footwear with the air pump
strategically located such that the normal walking activities
will inflate and pressuri2e the inflatable lining, and if
W09~/117~0 2 a ) ~3 7 ~ ~ Pc~r/us~1/n~7
desired, induce forced air circulation thxough the fsotwear.
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
5walking activities will force air circulation through the
inner sole and footwear.
It is another further additional objective of this
invention to provide an inflatable lining for the sole, or
uppers, or both, which can be inserted into footwear.
10It is another objective of this invention to provide a
liner for footwear such as a shoe or boot that provides an
inflatable inner sole and an inflatable upper lining which
also can be pressured with an air pump and which can provide
forced air circulation through a boot.
15It is another further objective of this invention to
provide a liner for Pootwear such as a shoe or boot that
provides an inflatable upper lining which is pressured with an
air pump to a pressure controlled with a pressure relief
valve.
20It 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
25provide the aforementioned air pump with an internal spring
which can be replaced to provide adjustable spring force to
accommodate varied weights of wearers and special activities.
Other and related objectives will be apparent from the
following description of the invention.
30BRI~F DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This invention comprises an inflatable lining for
selected inner surfaces of apparel such as footwear and
gloves, and oth r protective gear such as headgear and arm,
wrist and leg shields and splints. The inflata~le lining is
35formed of first and second plastic sheets having the shape and
size of the selected inner surface. The lining can be an
W092/13780 PCT/US91/09347
2 0 ~ 9 i ~; ii
integral part of the apparel, or can be an insertablP lining.
The plastic sheets are bonded together in a continuous seam
a~out their peripheral edg~s thereby forming a sealed interior
chamber. A plurality of discontinuous seams are formed
between the ~irst and second sheets to create within the
sealed interior chamber a plurality of interconnecting tubular
passageways, and at least one continuous seam is provided
which transverses the sealed interior chamber, forming two or
more subdivided sealed interior chambers or compartments. The
inflatable liner is provided with an air pump that preferably
is contained within a preselected region of the liner. The
air pump has a flexible resilient bulb with an inlet valve and
has a discharge port opening into a flexible tube which
extends, preferably, to a pressure r~lief valve and then to
the interior chambers of the inflatable inner sole through at
least one selector valve having an integral pressure relief
valv~ which permits independent adjustment of the pressure
within each interior chamber. The pressure relief valves is
a normally closed valve, which can be manually opened. In
some applications, the relief valve can automatically relieve
pressure in their respective chambers, and most preferably,
the valves are manually adjustable to pe~mit variation of the
relief pressures, thus providing a controlled adjustability of
the pressures within each chamber of the inflatable liner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIGN OF T~E DRAWINGS
The invention will be described with reference to the
figures of which;
FIGURE 1 is a plan view of an inflatable innPr 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 l;
W~92~1178~ PCT/U~ 9347
2~7~
~IGURE 5 is a perspective view o~ the in~latable
inner sole of FIGURE l;
FIGURES 6 and 7 are sectional elevation21 and plan
views of the pump used in tha inner sole of FIGURE l;
FIGURES 8 and 9 are sectional elevational and plan
views of the alternative pump shown in FIGURE 4;
FIGURES 10, 11 and 12 are views of.the adjustable
pressure control valve used in the invention;
FIGURE 13 is a plan view of an alternative
inflatable inner sole with a hand pump and pressure
relief valve;
FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of the inner sole,
hand pump and pressure relief valve shown in FIGURE 13;
FIGURE 15 is a æectional 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 o~ the pump of FIGURE 15;
FIGURE 17 is a view along line 17-17' of FIGV~E 16;
FIGURE 19 is a sectional view along line 19-19' of
FIGURES 1 and 13;
FIGURE 20 is a sectional view along line 20 20' of
FIGURES 13, 22 and 29;
FIGURE 21 is an enlarged sectional view through an
aperture o~ an alternative e~bodiment having a lining
about the inner sole; -
FIGURE 22 is a plan view o~ an alternatiYe
inflatable inner sole having an inflatable side flap at
its heel;
FIGU~E 23 is a sectional plan view along line 23-23'
of EIGURE 24, showing the hand pump u~d in the
alternative in~latable inner sole of FIGURES 22, 29 and
30;
FIGURE 24 is a s~ctional elevational vi~w along line
24-24~ o~ FIGURE 23;
FIGURE 25 is a sectional elevational view along line
25-25' o~ FIGURE 23;
FIGURES 26 and 27 are sectional views through the
~092/11780 2 ~ 9 9 r~ ~ b Pcr/ussl/os~7
check valves used in the pump of FIGURES 23-25;
FIGURE 28 is an ~nlaryed 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 innex sole with medial and lateral inflatable
flaps which fold over the instep of the shoe;
FIGURE 30 is an inflatable boot liner which has an
air pressurization and forced air circulation ~ystem;
FIGURE 31 is an enlarged sectional elevational view
along line 31-31' of FIGURE 32 showing a blower to
circulate air in the boot liner of FIGURE 30;
FIGURE 32 is a sectional view along line 32-32' of
FIGURE 31;
FIGURE 33 is a plan view of an alternative
inflatable inner sole;
FIGURE 34 is a sectional view along line 34-34' of
FIG~RE 33;
FIG~RE 35 is a ~ectional view along line 35-35' of
FIGURE 33;
FIG~RE 36 is a sectional view along line 36-36' of
FIGU~E 33;
FIGURE 37 is a sectional view along line 37-37' of
FIGURE 36;
FIGURE 38 is an enlarged ~iew of the area within the
line 38-38' of FIG~RE 36;
FIGURE 39 i5 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-~1' of
FIGURE 40;
FIGURE 42 is a sectional view along line 42-42` of
FIGURE 40;
FIGURE 43 is a an enlarged view of the area within
the line 43-43' of FIGURE 41;
FIGURE 44 is an exploded perspective view of the
WO gt/1178(~ pcr/uss1/~s347
7 ~ b
inflatable inner sole of FIGURE 40;
FIGURE 45 is a plan view of an alternative
inflatable inner sole for a sandal;
FIGURE 46 is a sectional view along line 46-46' of
FIGURE 45;
FIGURE 47 is a sectional v.iew along line 47-47' of
FIGURE 45;
FIGURE 48 is a sectional view along line 48-48' of
FIGURE 45;
FI~URE 49 is a perspective view of the inflatable
inner sole of FIGURE 45;
FIGURE 50 i5 a plan view of an inflatable inner sole
with a heel pump and a remotely-located, adjustable
relief valve;
FIGURE 51 is a plan ~iew of an inflatable inner sole
with three interior chamber and separate air pumps ~or
each interior chamber.
FIGURE 52 is a plan view of an inflatable inner sole
with three interior chambers, and separate, remotely
located pressure control valves for each of the three
interior chambers;
FIGURE 53 is a plan view of an inflatable inner sole
without a heel pump and with three interior chambers, and
a separate, manual air pu~p for each of the three
interior chambers;
FIGURE 54 is a plan view of an alternative
inflatable inner sole with rear and medial and lateral
in~latable chambers and an arch pillow, each having an
independent air pump and pressure relief valve;
FIGURE 55 is a plan view of an alternative
inflatable liner with a rear and medial and lateral
inflatable flaps which provide linings for the heel and
instep sides of the upper inner surfaces o~ a shoe;
FIGURE 56 is an altPrnative inflatable lining to
that shown in FIGURE 5S;
FIGURE 57 is a perspective view of a shoe fitted
with the upper lining shown in FIGURE 56;
WO9Z/117~0 2 q ~ 9 r~ ~rj PCr/US91/~347
FIGURE 58 is a plan view of an inflatable lining
having an inflatable inner sole and upper air bag with a
manual pump and relief valve:
FIGURE 59 is a perspective view of a shoe fitted
with the lining of FIGURE 58;
FIGURE 60 is a plan view of an alternative lining to
that shown in FIGURE 58;
FIGURE 61 is a perspective view of a shoe, in
phantom outline, fitted with the lining of FIGURE 60;
FIGURE 62 is a perspective view of the shoe, in
solid lines, and liner shown in FIGURE 61;
FIGU~E 63 is a plan YieW of an alternative
inflatable inner sole;
FIGURE 64 is a perspective view of a shoe, in solid
lines, fitted with the liner shown in FIGURE 63;
FIGURE 65 is a plan view of an alternative
inflatable upper liner with a rear and medial and lateral
inflatable chambers which provide linings Por the upper
inner ~urfaces of a sho~;
FIGURE 66 is a perspective view of a shoe fitted
with the upper lining shown in FIGURE 65;
FIGURE 67 is a sectionallelevational view of an air
pump used in the invention;
FIGURE 68 is a ~ctional elevational view of an
alternative air pump for use in thP invention;
FIGURE 69 is an assembly view of an embodiment of
the in~ention showing an inflatable inner sole in plan
view as having several chambers and an air pump in the
heel of th~ inner sole, with separate pressure control
valve~ for each chamber;
FlGURE 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 ~iew 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
WO92/11780 PCT/US91/09347
" ~
liner similar to that of F~GURE 70 for use with a hand
air pump;
FIGURES 73 t~rough 76 illustrate footwear with an
inflatable upper liner and inflatable inner sole having
an air pump in the heel, each with multiple chambers ~nd
a connector/pressure control valve shown in FIGURE 76;
FIGU~E 77 illustrates an inflatable liner similar to
that o~ FIGURE 73 ~or use with a hand air pump;
FIGURE 78 is a plan ~iew of an inflatable upper
liner similar to those of FIGURES 70, 72 and 74 for use
with a hand air pump;
FIGURES 79 and 80 illustrate a collar housing for
the footwear of FIGURE 73 which contains the
connector/control valves of the inflatable liners;
FIGURES 81 through 83 illustrate alternative
housings for the connector/csntrol valves;
FIGURE 84 is an assembly view of an embodiment of
the invention showing an inflatable inner sole in plan
view as having two chambers and an air pump in the heel
of the innar sole, with separate pressure control val~es
for each chamber;
FIGURE 85 is an asse~bly view o~ an inflatable inner
sole shown in plan view ~hich is similar to that of
FIGURE 84, but intended for use with a hand air pump;
FIGURE 86 is an elevational sectional view of an air
pump alternative to that shown in FIGURE 42, with the
section line along line 42-42' of FIGURE 40;
FIGURE 87 is an elevational sectional view of
another alternative air pump to those shown in FIGURES 42
and 86;
FIGURE 88 is an elevational sectional view along
line 88-88' of FIGURE 73 illustrating in detail the air
pump and inflatable inn~r sole and liner;
PIGURE 89 is an elevational sectional view also
along line 88-8~' of FIGURE 73 illustrating an
alternative air pump to hat shown in FIGURE 88;
FIGURES 90 through 98 illustrate footwear with an
,
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WO92/1l7~ll 2 ~ PCrtUSt31/U9~7
11
inflatable upper liner and inflatable inner sole having
an air pump in the heel, each with multiple chambers and
with two switching valves to connect the chambers to the
air pump and/or a pressure control valve;
FIGURES 99 through 102 illustrate alternative
constructions for a single switching valve useful with
the en~odiment shown in FIGURES 90 through 94;
FIGURE 103 illustrates an inflatable inner sole
similar to that of FXGURE 90 for use with a hand air
1 0 pu~np;
FIGURE 104 illustrates an inflatable upper liner
useful in combination with the inner sole shown in FIGURE
103;
FIGURE 105 is a perspective view o~ footwear with
the linings of FIG~RES 103 and 104;
FIGURE 106 is a sectional view of a hand pump for
use with the linings of FIGURES 103 and 104;
FIGURES 107 through 110 illustrate the inflatable
lining of the invention applied in a glove;
FIGURES 111-117 illuætrate the inflata~le lining of
the invention applied to a helmet;
FIGURE 118 illùstrates the inflatable lining of the
invention applied to a boxer's headgear; and
FIGURE 119 illustrates the inflatable lining of the
invention applied to a protective shield,
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMEMTS
Referring now to FI~URE 1, the inflatable insole 10 of
the invention is shown in plan viewO The inner sole 10 is
~ormed by a first sheet 12 and a coextensiYe 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, ~he lateral
side o~ the inner sole 10, the heel a~d 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.
:
W0~2/11780 PC~/lJS91/~'3347
'3l~
~2
The first and second sheets 12 and 14 are prefera~ly
plastic and most preferably are thermoplastic, so that
conventional heat sealing can be used for forming the seams.
The most preferred thermoplastic material is polyurethane,
however, other suitable materials include ethylene, and
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, atc. Natural or synthetic
rubber can also be used.
The first sheet 12 and second sheet 14 are also bonded
together with a plurality of discontinuous seams 34, 36 and 37
which form tubular, interconnecting passageways 28 through the
inner sole 10. The spacing between adjacent seams controls
the size (diameter) of the passageways 28. Also, unseamed
expanses will form air pillows such as the arch pillow 45 and
toe pillow 47. The size and space of the pillows can easily
be varied during manufacture to adapt the inner sole to the
particular shoe. Thus, if intended to fit conventional shoes
with integral arch supports, the arch pillow can be reduced in
size. It can also be enlarged for use with shoes having flat
or near flat soles, to provide an arch support, the firmness
of which can be regulated by adjustment of the air pressure
within the inner sole. I
Preferably, the seams have a plurality of through
perforations or apertures 32 which extend ~ntirely thorough
~5 the first and second sheets 12 and 14 and are entirely
surrounded by a seamed area 30. For this purpose, the seams
can be expanded to provide an annular seam area ~0 that
entirely surrounds each circular aperture 32 through the ~irst
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 ~o
a generally transverse discontinuous seam 38 that subdivides
the instep from the toe of the inner sole 10. The toe is also
subdivided into tubular passageways by additional
. .
.
W092~11780 2 ~ 9 ~ 7 ,~ ~i P~r/us91/o9~7
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 lO in this area. The
spacing, size and number of these discontinuous seams can be
varied greatly, as desired, to provide the maximum comfort and
conveniance to the wearer of a shoe fitted with the inflatable
inner sole.
At the heel of the inflatable inner sole lO, a continuous
loop seam 42 is provided, preferably as a circle surrounding
a circular aperture 44 which extends through the first and
second plastic sheets. The circular aperture 44 receives the
air pump 50 of the invention. The air pump 50 has an inlet
port along its bottom surface with a ~lapper valve 56
(described in greater deal hereinafter) and is ~unctional 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
i5 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 h~reinafter, has a manual adju~tment knobj60 for the
controlled fixed adjustability of the pre~sure 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 intexior chamber between
the first and second plastic sheets, preferably into the toe
of the inflatable inner sole.
Referring now to FIGU~E 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
rlexible tube 64 which communicates through the peripheral
seam 16 is permanently positioned in the inflatable liner.
Referring to FIGURE 3, there is illustrated a plan view
of the air pump 50 and pressure control valve 53 used in the
inflatable inner sole shown in FIGURE l. As there
W092/11780 PCr/US91/09347
20~976~
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 thxough a check valve 68 and into a short
flexible tube 70 which is ~onnected to the pressure relief
valve 58. The pressure relief valve 58 has two discharge
ports 72 and 74. Discharge port 72 is in direct communication
to the flexible tube 64 that discharges into the toe of the
inflatable liner 10, while discharge port 74 is connected to
a short flexible tube 76 that discharges externally of the
inflatable liner 10. As shown in EIGTnRE 1, tube 76 is
preferably placed beneath a wide seamed area 51, lying within
the channel ~ormed in the undersurface o~ the inner sole 10,
thereby directing the excess air through these channels where
it will flow upwardly through the apertures 32 of the inner
sole 10. This establishes a forced air circulation in the
shoe. Alternatively, the excess air could be vented to the
outside of the shoe. Access to the second port 74 is
controlled by the internal pressure regulation of the valve 58
which is fixedly adjustable by the adjustment knob 60.
FIGURE 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an air
pump 57 used in the invention. In the embodiment shown in
FIGURE 4, the flapper valve and inlet port in the bottom
surface of the bulb has been removed and an inlet port 78 is
provided in a Y-branch 80 of flexible tubing which is
connected to a check valve 82 to serve as a fresh air inlet to
the system. The remainder of the structure is substantially
as described with reference to FIGU~E 3.
The inflatable inner sole 10 of 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 c~ntrol valve 58 and adjustment knob
60 can be seen in the illustration.
Referring now to FIGURES 6 and 7, the structure of the
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W092/11780 2 ~ 3 9 7 ~ ~ PCT/U.591/09347
air pump 50 shown in FIGURE 1 will be described ln greater
detail. FIGURE 6 is a sectional view through the air pump 50
and illustrates that the air pump 50 is provided with a
plurality of protrusions 84 on the und~rsurface 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
~unction as a flapper valve 56.
Referring now to FIGURES 8 and 9, the alternative air
pump 57 which is shown in FIGURE 4 has no protrusions on its
bottom wall and does not have the aperture 52 in its bottom
wall and the flapper valve 56, as these functions are supplied
by the externally mounted check valve 82, previously described
with reference to FIGInRE 4.
FIGURES lO throu~h 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. Th~ pressure valve has a ball 98 as its valve member
that is seated against a valve seat lO0 of the later~l passage
94. The ball 98 is resiliently biased to a normally closed
position by a coil spring 102 that has a spring stop 103 on
the end of a threadable plug 104 that is received in an
internally threaded bore lO~ that opens into the lateral
passage 94. By threadable adjustment of the plug 104, the
tension of the spring 102 which compression the ball 98
against th2 valve seat lO0 can be fixedly adjust2d, thereby
controlling the degree of pressure required to lift the ball
off the valve seat. The internally threaded bore has a
discharge passage 108 that communicates upstream of the
pressure valve and thai dischar~es through a discharge port 74
into the flexible tube 76.
Referring now to FIGURES 13 and 14, an alternative
embodiment of the inflatablP inner sole is shown in plan view.
This embodiment is shown in perspective view in FIGURE 14.
WO (.J2/1 1780 P~/USg1/09347
~a~37~s
16
The first sheet 12 and the second sheet 14 are bonded together
with a continuous peripheral seam 16 extending entirely about
these two sheets and forming a sealed interior chamber. A
flexible tube 64 is molded in the seam. The flexible tube 64
is connected to a pressure regulation valve 58 and to a
manually operated air pump 112. These elements are shown in
greater detail in FIGURES 15-18. The air pump 112 is
positioned medially of the inner sole 10 in a position where
it can be manipulated by hand to permit pressurization of the
inflatable inner sole. At this location, the hand pump
doesn't contact or abrade the wearer's foot. As with the
previous embodiment, the inflatable inner sole shown in FIGURE
13 has a plurality of discontinuous seams 134, 136 and 137
that are spaced at preselect~d locations across its surface.
Preferably a first s~am 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 tAe 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 provid~d to provide for laterally extending
tubular passageways between the first and second sheets.
These transverse seams 123 impart a flexing capability to the
inner sole 10. An arch pillow 45 and a toe pillow ~7 are also
pr~vided. Referring to FIGURE 20, the enclosed space 139
which lies beneath the seam 116 and tubular passage 119 will
collapse when the wearer's weight is placed on the area about
seam 116 and will flex into the illustrated configuration when
the wearer's weight is remo~ed. The result is that the
enclosed space 139 continuously varies in volume during
walking, and thus functions as an air blower to induce flow of
air down tha channels beneath the insole and through the
apertures 32.
Referring now to FIGURES 15 through 18, the subassembly
of the pressure regulation Yalve 58 and air pump 112 will be
described. As shown in FIGURE 15, the pressure regulation
valve 58 is sub~tantially the same as previously described
, '' '
.
WO92/11780 PCT/~S91/~9347
h ~ 1 7 ~ i)
17
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 chec~ valves which can be of varied design and
configuration.
FIGU~E 16 illustrates a suitable discharge check valve
128 which has a valve chamber 130 formed by a washer 132
placed across the discharge passageway 124 of the air pump
112. A support spider 126 with vertical legs 138 is placed
within the chamber 130 and supports at its center a valve
member formed by resilient plug 140 and a flat disc 142 that
seats against a port 144 in the bottom wall 146 of the valve
chamber 130.
Referring now to FIGURE 18, substantially the same valve
configuration is used to provide an inlet check valve 148 of
the air pump 112. The air pump 112 has an inlet valve chamber
150 with an annular disc 152 which extends across the chamber
150. This disc is fixedly secured within the chamber. A
spider member 126 with support legs 138 is provided within the
chamber and positions ~rom 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 previQusly mentioned, the various seams between the
first and second plastic sheet form tubular passageways when
the inner sol2 is inflated. FIGURE 19 is a sectional view
along line 19-lgi of FIGURES 1 and 13, and illustrates the
inflated shape or contour of the inner sole. As there
illustra~ed, the peripheral seam 16 secures the upper sheet 12
and second sheet 14 together while the discontinuous inner
seams 34, 36 and 37 form generally tubular passageways 28 and
arch pillow 45. As there illustrated, the first sheet 12 and
second sheet 14 are also shown beyond peripheral seam 16.
Also, they could be cut flush with peripheral seam 16, except
. . . ~ .
WO~/11780 ~ ~ 9 7 ~ T/~ ~7
~8
at the area which forms flap 156. Seam 16 can be made
sufficiently wide to provide a seaming or bonding area to
secure the inner sole to the footwear.
FIGURE 19 also shows that the pressure control valve 58
in the assembly is located beneath an upwardly folded flap 156
of the first and second plastic sheets, thereby avoiding any
rubbing contact between the valve 58 and the wearer's foot.
Also, the valve could be increased by a soft fabric or sponge
layer (not shown). Also, as previously mentioned, the seams
form coextensive channels 155 which are indented into tha
undersurface of the inner sole 10. These channels 155
interconnect in a communicating network on the pattern of the
seams shown in FIGURFS 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 passayeways 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 1~1 cf ~abric, plastic foam, etc., to enhance
the comfort of the inner sole 10. Also, if desired, the outer
layer 101 can be an insulation layer, e.g., a reflective
insulating film such as a film of polypropylene between
aluminum foil sheets specihlly for boot liner Fig. 30 to keep
heat inside the liner.
Referring now to FI~URE 22, there is illustrated an
inflatable inner 501e 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
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,
WO92/l1780 2 ~ ~ ~ 7 ~ ~ PC;r/US91/09~7
flap 164 at its heel. The flap 164 is folded flat and shown
in plan YieW. As there illustrated, both the first and second
plastic sheets are provided with rearwardly extending
generally rectangular shaped flaps that are sealed together
with a peripheral continuous seam 166 that is preferably
continuous with the peripheral seam 16 about the inner sole.
Additionally, a plurality of longitudinal seams 168 are
provided within the side flap 164 to provide a plurality of
internal passageways therein. These seams are closely spaced
to provide thin or narrow passageways so that the thickness of
the inflated flap will not bA 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. FIGUR~ 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 sidswall 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 thi_d end of the tee 176 recPives tube 1~6 which
con.nects to flexible tube 172, previously described. The
bottom wall 188 of the bulb 174 also h~s an inlet port in the
form of an aperture 190 with a flapper valve 192 hinged along
one side on its internal bottom surface to serve as the inlet
W092/1l78~ PC~/USgl/09~i
~97~o
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 0-ring 194 being resiliently biased against the valve
seat 196 by the valve stem 198 that is dependent at its upper
end from a disc 200 that serves as a retainer to capture the
compression coil spring 202 between the retainer and the
bottom surface of the valve chamber. When the air is
discharged into the tee 176, the air dislodges the valve
member against the tension of resilient spring 202, parmitting
air to flow into the tee 176 and through the flexible tube 172
to the inflatable inner sole, as shown in FIGURE 27.
Referxing now to FIGURE 28, there is illustrated an
enlarged view of the ~ide flap 164 of the inner sole. The
flexible di~charge tube 172 extends through a center seamed
area 204 which is sufficiently large to provide security and
support for the tube and the assembly of the air pump 170
shown in FIGURES 23 through 25. The air pump 170 is shown by
the broken line. An opening 206 through flap 164 provides
access to permit securing the pump 170 to the flexible tube
172. This mounting also biases the flexible resilient bulb qf
air pump 170 against the flap ~64.
The inflatable inner sole lO, 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. Preerably
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 Vélcro, at each of their ends so that they will be
fastened together when folded over the wearer's foot. Each of
the side ~laps is provided with a peripheral seam 214 that
forms a sealed interior chamber which communicates through an
opening 216 in the peripheral seam 16 of the inflatable inner
sole whereby the side flaps 208 and 210 are also inflated.
The inner sole can be secured to the footwear by stitching or
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'
W0~2/11780 2 ~ 7 ~ ~ Pcr/uss1/os~7
cementing seam 16 to the inside sole of the footwear and,
where appropriate, to the inside of the uppers of the
footwear.
On~ side flap, 210, carries the air pump 170 shown in
broken line. The pump is previously described with reference
to FIGURES 23 through 25. The pump discharges into a flexible
tube 172 that is also secured within a central sealed area 204
between the first and second plastic sheets. Preferably, the
air pump is located at the instep area of the shoe where the
air pump will be readily accessible for hand operation. For
this application, an opening can be provided on the upper part
of the outer shoe.
Referring now to FIGURE 30, there is illustrated an
inflatable inner sole 224 which is integral with an inflatable
liner for the entire upper region of a boot. The inner sole
224 is shown in a simplified view, it could include all the
elements and features previously deecribed. For this purpose,
the inner sole 224 has, at the rear of its heel portion, an
integral flap 226 that extends laterally and medially a
sufficient distance to permit the flap 226, when folded
vertically to extend entirely about the toe of the inner sole.
Preferably this large flap forms a liner for the uppar 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 abou~ the curved toe, this
co-extensive ~ab can have a plurality of V-shaped notches 230
to permit folding about thi cur~ed 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 o~ Velcro is provided
at the medial end 236 of flap 2-6, and a co-acting Velcro band
is placed on the opposite side of the flap 226 on its lateral
end 238, thereby permitting the er.ds of the flap 226 to be
secured together when wrapped about the toe of thP inner sole.
Preferably flaps 240 and 242 are provided at the medial and
lateral sides of the instPp to fit over the instep of the boot
and each of these flaps also is provided with a co-extensive
WO92/l1780 PCr~US91/09347
2 ~
22
Velcro band 244 on its opposite sides whexeby the flaps can be
folded over the instep of the wearer and secured together with
the ~ands of Velcro attachment fabric. The upper portion of
the ankle area 246 of the flap 226 also preferably h~s medial
and lateral extending tabs 2~8 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 mountPd 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 broXen line in FIGURE 30.
The blower i5 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 o~ the air blower. A flap
270 of flexible plastic sheet material is mounted over the
aperture 267 communicating with the inlet chamber ~62 and is
hinged to the bottom sur~ace of the flexible bulb to thereby
function as an inlet flapper check valve. A similar flap 272
of flexible ~heet material is mounted on the undersurface of
the bottom wall of the flexible bulb to function as a
discharge flapper check valve.
As showr. in FIGURE 32, preferably a plurality of
apertures 274 are provided about the periphery of the outlet
chamber 264 to permit air to be discharged in~o the shoe,
beneath the inner sole thereby serving to force air down the
channels which are formed between the tubular passageways of
' ' ,~
W~92/l~7~0 PCT/~S~ ~7
20~3~
~3
the inflatable inner sole thereby permitting the air to be
circulated through the plurality of through apertures of the
inner sole thereby establishing forced air circulation through
the shoe above and below the inner sole.
The inflatable inner sole shown in FIGURES 33-~9 is
substantially similar to that shown in FIGURE 1, however, a
greater number of seams 25 are provided, which decreases the
diameters of the air channels 21 which are formed between the
seams, thereby reducing the thicXness of the inner sole. This
is desirabls to permit use of the inner sole with existing
footwear, as it can be easily inserted or removed from
existing footwear. This effect is apparent in the sectional
view which appears as FIGURE 34. In this embodiment, the
peripheral channel 20 is slightly larger than the other
channels 21 to provide greater stability and gripping.
Referring now to FIGURE 35, the sectional view through
the instep of the inner sole shows channels 45 and 49, which
provide large pillows that give arch support to the wearer.
F~GURE 36 is a sectional view through the internal
inflation pump 53 of the inflatable inner sole shown in FIGURE
33. The pump 53 is an expandable chamber pump, and fits
within the well or recess formed by circular seam 42 which
surrounds aperture 44 through the sheet materials ~rom which
the inner sole is manufactured. This pump 53 is retained
beneath the aperture as its diamet~r is greater than that of
the aperture 44. Tha pump 53 is similar to pump 50,
previously described with reference to FIGURES 6 and 7 and has
a plurality of protrusions 84 on its undersurface to provide
a clearance for air passage. The pump 53 i5 formed with a
bottom sheet 54 to which is bonded the upper sheet 55.
Preferably the bottom sheet has a substantial diameter to
provide an annular flat seam which has suf~icient width (see
FIG. 39) to prevent extruding through the aperture 44 o~ the
inner sole. A flexible tube 59 cammunicates with the air pump
53 and passes to the check valve 68 and pressure control valve
58, shown in FIGURES 33 and 39. An aperture 61 ~see FIG. 38~
in the side wall of pump 53 opens into tube 5~. These
,
WO9~/1l7~0 PCT/US~1/0~7
'7 ~
24
elements are described in detail with reference to the same
elements of FIGURE 1.
The inlet valve to the air pump 53 is shown in detail in
the enlarged sectional view of FIGURE 38. As there
illustrated, the bottom wall 54 of the air pump has an
aperture 62 which is closed by the resilient plug 129 that is
supported by spider 127. When a partial vacuum is formed
within the pump 53, by expansion of the chamber of the pump,
air flows past valve plug 129 and into the chamber of the
pump. When the wearer's heel compresses the pump 53, the plug
129 seals the aperture 62 and forces the air through tube 59
and check valve 68. Prefer~bly, the valve structure is
surrounded by a raised circular rib 87 to prevent damage to
the spider 127 and plug 129 when th~ air pump is entirely
comprassed. 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
canno~ 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 underlaym nt for the inner sole. This
embodiment can be for a removable inner sole for foot wear.
It is especially useful, however, as a permanent member in
footwear, particularly in athletic ~ootwear or in house shoes,
e.g., slippers, moccasin , etc~ Some slippers now on the
market have two fabric soles separated by a space which is
filled with a removable foam sole. ~his ~mbodiment can be
inserted as a substitute ~or the foam sole. T~e inner sole 10
is substantially identical to that shown and described with
reference to FIGURE 1. As shown in FI&URE 44, the inner sole
is used in csmbination with a supporting underlayment 75 which
has an upwardly curled edge 88 extending entirely about its
periphery, conforming to the shape of the inner sole. The air
.
W0~2/l~78~ PC~/US'Jl/0'~347
7 ~ l3
pump 73 can be integrally formed with the underlayment 75, and
as shown in FIGURE 42, the circular channel 22 of the inner
sole 10 is received within the circular trough ~5 formed
between the upwardly curled peripheral edge 88 and the air
pump 73. Alternatively, the air pump can be formed separately
as shown in FIGURES 8 and 9 and can be assembled to the
underlayment 75. In this embodiment, the inlet valve to the
air pump is located at the medial edge of the underlayment 75;
see FIGURE 44. The pump 73 has a communicating tube 48 which
has a Y-shaped end similar to pump 57 shown in FIGURE 4~ This
tube 48 can be integrally molded into the underlayment 75.
The inlet check valve 82 has its open end within the shoe.
The outlet, or discharge, check valve 68 is coupled to tube 70
that extends to the pressure control valve 58. As shown in
FIGURE 41, a pocket 77 is molded adjacent the medial edge of
the underlayment along the inst~p region. This pocket
receives the pressure control valve 58 (see FIGURES 41 and 43)
and the check valves 68 and 82 (see FIGURE 44). The pocket is
pre~erably 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. FIGU~ES 45 through 49 illustrate
the incorporation of the invention as a permanent member of
footwear. For illustration purposes, a sandal, or clog, is
shown. It is apparent, however, that the upper portions of a
conventional shoe or boot could also be permanently attached
to the illustrated sole. In such application, the inner sole
could also include inflatable upper liners such as shown in
FIGS. 29 and 30. In the illustrated application, the sandal
has a conventional outer sole 85 that is provided with treads
on its undersurface, and with conventional straps 81 which
extend from opposite, medial and lateral sides of the upper
edges of tne oute~ sola. The straps can be molded into the
outer sole 85, as shown in the sectional view of FI~URE 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
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;
W09~/11780 2 0 ~ PC~/~S~/U~7
surfaces, all in a conventional manner.
The outer sole 85 can have a recess 107 in its upper
surface and the inflatable liner lO of the invention can be
received within this recess. This liner is substantially as
previously described with flow passageways 21 and a toe pillow
47. Preferably, the liner is permanently secured to the upper
surface of the outer sole 85 with stitching, bonding with a
suitable cement or glue, or by solvent welding. The
permanent attachment is along the peripheral edge 16 of the
inflatable inner sole. Alternatively, the inflatable inner
sole can be removably attached by Velcro attachment fabric
bands which can be applied to the underside of peripheral edge
16 of the inner sole and about the mating peripheral edge of
the outer sole 85.
As shown in FIGURE 4~, the air pump 73 can be integrally
molded into the outer sole 85. This is especially
advantageous for a sandal as the pump is thus integral with
the heel of the sandal, and no additional flap or band is
needed for mounting of the pump. An aperture 9l in the
sidewall of the air pump 73 communicates with a tube 48 that
has a Y-shaped end (see FIG~RE 4) which ~as 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 ssam 39. The outer sole is preferably formed with
a pocket along its medial edge adjacent the instep region to
provide a recess that receives the pressure control valve 58
and the check valves 68 and ~2. This pocXet can be closed
with flap 156 of the inner sole lO and secured with Velcro
fabric bands (not shown). In some applications, e.g.,
beachwear, the apertures 32 can be eliminated and the
discharge tube 76 from the pressure relief valve 58 can be
directed outside of the rec2ss 107. As shown in FIG. lO, tube
76 is connected to the excess pressure relief port 74 o~ the
pressure relief valve 5~.
Referring now to FIGU~E 50, there is illustrated a plan
view of an inflatable inner sole according to the invention
which is provided with a remotely located pressure control
WV~2/1178~ 2 ~ ~ 9 7 6 ~j Pcr/usgl/ff93~7
valve 58. For this purpose, the flexible t~be 70 which
extends from the air pump check valve 68 has sufficient length
to extend beyond the region o~ the sole. Similarly, the
flexible tube 64 which directs pressure controlled air from
valve 58 to the sealed interior chamber of the inner sole, and
the flexible tube 76 which directs excess air from the
pressure control val~e 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 soleO
Referring to FIGURE 51, the inner sole previously
described with reference to FIGURE 50 is further modified by
the provision of a lateral flap 169 and a medial flap 173.
These flaps are substantially the same as flaps 164 of FIG~RES
22 and 28 and 210 of FIGURE 29. These flaps are formed by
overlying extensions of the first and second plastic sheets,
and they are seamed about their peripheries to provide sealed
interior chambers, and have a plurality of discontinuous seams
168 which form tubular passageways within each flap.
Preferably, a manual actuated air pump 170 is provided on each
flap so located to orient its discharge into the sealed
interior chamber of the flap. Each flap has at least one
tubular passageway 216 open into the seal~d interior chamber
of the inner sole.
The inner sole has a continuou~ seam 17~ which completely
tran~verses the sealed interior chamber of the inner sole,
thereby creating se~led interior chambers 181 and 183. The
sealed nterior chamber 183 provides an arch pillow in the
inner sole. Another continuous seam 167 further subdivides
interior chamber 181 into a forward or toe sealed interior
chamber 165, and a heel s~aled interior chamber 163. The
medial side flap 173 has one tubular passageway open to sealed
interior chamber 183 and lateral side flap 169 has a tubular
WO92~ll7~0 ~cr/u~31/~s~7
2 ~
28
passageway open to the sealed interior ch~mber 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 circulakion within the shoe in the
same manner as previously describ~d with reference to FIGURE
1. Alternatively, tube 76 could extend outside of the shoe so
that the excess air would be vented outside of the shoe.
Referring now to FIGURE 52, there is illustrated an
embodiment in which the same three subdivided sealed interior
chambers, 163, 165 and 183 are pressured with a single air
pump 73, and are each provided with separate and independent
pressure control valves 58a, 58b and 58c. In this
application, the pressure control valves are serially
connected, in tandem, with the excess air from valve 58a being
passed by flexible tube 76a to the succeeding valve 58b, and
the pressure controlled air being passed by tube 64a to sealed
subdivided interior chamber 163. The valve 58b is set for a
slightly lower pressure than valve 58a and discharges air at
its controlled pressure into sealed interior chambar 183 (arch
pillow) through tube 64b and discharges excess air through
tube 76b to the succeeding valve 58c. The latter valve
discharges air at its control pressure through tube 64c into
the sealed interior chamber 165, while passing excess air
through tube 76c to a location beneath the inner sole, i.e.,
between the inner sole and the sole of the shoe. Althou~h the
valves 58a through 58c are shown in connection to provide the
highest pressure in the heel, lowest in the toe and
intermediate pressure in the instep, regions, the relative
pressures in these regions could be varied by switching the
WV92/11780 2 ~ n 7 5~ PCT/US91tO9~7
discharge locations of the tubes ~4a, 64b and 64c. Also, as
previously discussed with regard to FIGURE 51, the excess air
from valve 58c is preferably vented into the shoe, ~eneath the
inflatable inner sole to provide forced air circulation
through the shoe.
Re~erring now to FIGURE 53, the invention is shown as
applied to an inner sole which has three separated sealed
interior chambers 163, 165 and 183. The interior chambers 163
and 165 have discontinuous seams forming tubular passageways
within each chamber. Chamber l83 is preera~1y unseamed,
thereby forming an inflatable arch pillow. Each of the sealed
interior chambers has an adjacent flap such as medial flap
173, lateral flap 169 and heal 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 provi~ed
with a hand pump 170 located to discharge pressured ~ir into
the flap and the sealed interior chamber of the sole which is
in open communication with the tubular passageways of a ~lap.
FIGURE 54 is a plan vi~w of an alternative inflatable
inner sole similar to that shown in FIGURE 53, however, the
sealed interior chambers o~ the liner are further subdivided
by longitudinal continuous seam 222 which divides the heel
interior chamber into a right chamber 195 and a l~ft chamber
197 and continuous seam 193 which divides the toe intexior
chamber 165 into a right toe chamber l99 and a left toe
chamber 201. Chamber 1~33 is as previously descri~ed with
reference to FIGURE 53. Each of these chamberæ 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 l70 to the interior of its respective
chamber. The flaps can be located at convenient and
inconspicuous positions along the peripheral Pdges of the
inflatable inner sole, so that the air pumps and associated
control valves are accessible, without providing any structure
WO92/1l7gO 9 ,~ pcr/us()1/~9~7
which may obstruct normal activities.
In some applications, it may be desirable to combine any
of the aforedescribed inflatable inner soles with an
inflatable liner for the upper surfaces of footwear.
Alternatively, it may be desirable to provide an inflatable
liner only for the upper inside surfaces of the footwear. In
such applications, FIGURE 55 illustrates a suitable lining Z27
which covers the inside surfaces of the upper portion of
footwear, only. This lining 227 is substantially the same as
that shown in FIGURE 30 except the lining has no inner sole.
This lining 227 has a heel flap 226 that extends laterally and
medially a sufficient distance to permit the flap 226, when
folded to extend entirely about the toe of the shoe, forming
a liner for the upper of footwear such as a shoe or boot. The
flap 226 has a coextensive tab 228 which can fold beneath a
normal, or non-inflated inner sole of the footwear, and also
can be glued or sewed to that inner sole. Alternatively, it
can be folded to lie against the lower edges of the upper
portion of the footwear. As the tab 228 must be formed about
the curved toe of the footwear, this co-extensive tab 228 can
have a plurality of V-shaped notches 230 to permit folding
about this curved surface without forming creases. The flap
226 is provided with a plurality of fabric attachment bands
234 such as Velcro to secure its opposite ends 236 and 238.
Thus, a band of Velcro is provided at the medial end 236 of
flap 226, and a co-acting Velcro band is placed on the
opposite side of the flap 226 on its lateral end 238, thereby
permitting the ends of the flap 226 to be secured ~ogether
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 securPd 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
WO92/l178() 2 ~ ~ ~ 7 6 ~ ~f/~S9l/~9~
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 ar~ formed in the first and second sheets
o 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 th~ 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 ~07 and 209, which are intended to
overlie the inside sides and instep ar as 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 ~lap o~ the liner. Preferably, a
manual air pump 171 is located on the base 160 of the lining,
adjacent the upper edge of the heel flap 205. The pump 171 is
described in detail hereinafter with reference to FIGURES 67
and 68. The base can be an uninflated extension of the lining
and can be formed from either or both of the first and second
overlying sheets of the lining. This air pump has an inlet
177 and a manual pressure relie~ valve 175. Alternatively,
the air pump, inlet and valv~ could be located on the upper
end o~ the tongue 211, most preferably on the base 161 of the
ton~ue, as shown by the phantom lines. The tongue can have
notches 259 for flexibility. A tab ~28 can be provided along
the lower edge o~ the lining to fasten the lining to an
interior sur~ace of the footwear. Notches 230 can be provided
for flexiDility 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
WO92/l1780 PCT/US91/09~7
2~97~`
32
shown in hidden object lines, where it is within the shoe and
concealed ~y the sides of the shoe. The air pump 171 is shown
as projecting from the rear of the heel sf the shoe.
FIGURE 58 illustrates an alternative lining having an
inflatable inner sole 221, a he~l flap 187, and a frontal air
bag 286. The heel flap 187 has a peripheral seam to form a
sealed interior chamber and supports a manual air pump 171
adjacent its upper end, preferably on the base 275 of the heel
flap 187. The heel flap 187 has a plurality of discontinuous
seams 168 to form internal air passageways with the central
passageway 277 open at 220 to the sealed interior chamber of
the inflatable inner sole 221. The inflatable inner sole has
a plurality of discontinuous seams which form air passageways
and support pillows such as heel pillow 287 and arch support
pillow 45.
An air bag 286 is formed by forward flaps of the first
and second sheets of the liner which are seamed together about
their peripheries. The seam is open at the toe to provide an
air passageway 288 communicating between the inner sole 221
and the forward air bag 286. Air can flow between the inner
sole 221 and air bag 286 which lies over the foot, permitting
the foot to flex within the shoe while maintaining a constant
pressure about the foot and thereby retaining the security of
tight lacings. The rate of air flow between the inner sole
221 and the air bag 286 can be controlled by the diameter,
i.e., size, of the passageway 288. Preferably the air bag has
a plurality of discontinuous seams such as the arch-shaped
s~ams 145 and the curved seams 154 to provide a medial support
pillow 271, a lateral support pillow 273 and a support pillow
276 above the instep. The air bag 286 extends to each side so
that it also serves as a side lining, as apparent in FIGURE
59. If desired, the air bag 286 alone, without the inner
sole 221, can be provided.
FIGURE 59 illustrates the liner of FI5URE 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
WO92~1l780 '~ Pcr/us~ t/09.~7
has conventional lacing 218 khrough eyelets 217 and an outer
sole 85~ The medial support pillow 271 lies along the medial
side and top of the shoe, and the lateral support pillow 273
is in the same position on the opposite side of the shoe. The
support pillow 276 underlies the lower portion of the tongue
235 of the shoe, and preferably is bonded or sewn to the
tongue 235. The air passageway 288 is shown at the most
forward toe end of the inner sole.
FIGURE 60 illustrates another liner 185 which has a heel
flap 187 with an air pump 171, all as previously described
with reference to FIGURE 58. The inflatable inner sole 221
has medial inflatable flap 223 and a lateral inflatable fla~
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 pillow~, 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 orific~s and
thereby provide control over the rate of pressure equalization
between the inner sole 221 and air bags 280 and 282. ~lso,
the heel of the inner sole can have a centrally located
circular seam 278 to enhance the support and stability of the
heel pillow.
Refexring now to FIGURES 61 and 62, the liner 185 of
FIGURE 60 is shown within a shoe 213. The shoe is outlined by
phantom lines in FIGURE 61 and is shown in solid lines in
FIGURE 62. The shoe 213 is as previously described with
eyelets 217 and an outex sole 85. The medial flap 223 extends
upwardly along the medial side of the shoe, with the medial
pillow 280 beneath the medial vamp of the shoe 213. The
lateral flap 225 extends similarly on the lateral side of the
shoe. The pillows 2~0 and 282 provide support and an
WO92/11780 PCT/US91/~347
~2 ~ ~ r~
34
adjustable tightness to ~he lacing, all controlled by th~ air
pump 171 and its associated manual reli~f valve 175 (shown in
FIGURE 60).
FIGURE 63 shows an inflatable liner 285 formed with an
inflatable inner sole 221, a heel flap 187, and associated air
pump 171 on base 275, all as previously described. The
inflated inner sole 221 is attached at its heel end, to
vertical heel flap 187 that has a sealed interior chamber with
discontinuous seams 168 which form tubular passageways which
communicate, at 220, with the sealed interior chamber of the
inner sole 221. The base 275 of the heel flap 187 supports a
flexible bulb air pump 171 with an air inlet 177 and relief
valve 175. The pump discharges into the sealed interior
chamber of the heel flap 187.
The inner sole 221 has a plurality of discontinuous seams
109, and preferably has an arch pillow 45 formed by an
unseamed area between the first and second sheets. Preferably
the heel of the inner sole is provided with a semi-circular
seam 11~ 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 shqe is the same as previously
described. The illustration shows the heel flap 187 in
position along the upper portion of the heel o~ the shoe, and
with the inner sole 221 resting on the outPr sole 85.
FIGURE 65 is a plan view of an altexnative 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
fixst and second sheets which is seamed to the periphery of
the opposi~e and smaller sheets to form a sealed interior
chamber. The lining 231 can be ubdivided into medial and
lateral side chambers by continuous vertical seam 189. The
medial and lateral side chambers are further subdivided into
heel side chambers 241 and 243 and forward side chambers 249
and 252 by continuous ceams 245 and 247. A11 the side
chambers have a plurality of horizontal discontinuous seams
265 which form air passageways. Air pumps 284a and 284b wlth
.
WO92t11~80 ~ ~ 9 ~ r~ ~ f~ PCT/US9l/Og~7
air inlets 177 can be attached to the base sheet 160,
preferably bonded thereto, and discharge into the sealed
interiors of the chambQrs 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 Z32 and 233 on each side of the lining 231.
Preferably the side portions also have discontinuous seams
which form arch pillows 263 and 237 in preselected unseamed
areas. Each forward portion of the inflatable lining is
provided with a separate air pump 284c and 284d, and these
pumps areJ supported on tongue hase sheets 131, which extend
from tongue flaps 255 and 253. The tongue flaps are formed by
coextensive flaps of the first and second sheets which are
seamed together about their peripheries to form sealed
interior chambPrs into which each air pump discharg~s.
Preferably, the tongue flaps 253 and 255 also have a plurality
of notches 259 which are spaced along a side edge to provide
flexibility to the flaps, when inflated. Similarly, notches
257 are provided in the forward side chambers 249 and 2S2 to
form toe chambers 239, and per~it flexing of the lining 231.
The lining 231 has a continuous lower edge band 228 which
is not inflated and which provides attachment to the shoe or
sole of the shoe. Notches 230 can be provided in the edge
band 228 to pe~mit ~lexing of the lining to fit into a shoe.
FIGURE 66 illustrates a shoe 213 which is fitted with the
lining 231 shown in FI~URE 65. The shoe 213 is the same as
previously described. As there illustrated, the air pumps
28~a-284d are located externally of the shoe 213 on the upper
ends of the tongue 235 and heel upper 229. The air inlets
177 can be inside the shoe, however, the pressure relief
valves 175 are preferably outside the shoe to provide
accessible exteriorly of the shoe 213. The lining 231 covers
substantially the entire inner surface of the upper of the
shoe and includes a toe lining 239 and the ankle pillows 232
and ~33, and the side pillows 237 and 263. The tonque flaps
'
.
WO92/11780 PCl/US91/09347
2 0 ~ ~ r~
36
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
S with an inlet check valve. The bulb is supported on a base
sheet 160, and has its mouth about the end of flexible tube
269 which contains a discharge check valve 147, thereby
forming an air pump. A pressure relief valve 175 is provided
in a branch of the tube 269. This relief valve has a valve
operator which is biased into a normally closed position by an
internal spring, and includes a button which can be depressed
to open the valve against the force of khe spring. In the
drawing, the valve member is shown slightly open or apart from
its valve seat for illustration purposes. The buttsn could be
threadably engaged on the valve stem to provide a closer
control or adjustment of the air pressure in the lining.
FIGURE 68 illustrates another configuration of the air
pump 171 in which the inlet check valve 177 is located in a
branch of the tube 269, i~mediately upstream of the discharge
check valve 147. In this configuration, the branch tube
containing the nlet check valve 177 can extend through the
supporting base sheet 160, or alternatively, can be directed
beside sheet 160. It is understood that check valves of other
construction than that shown by valve 177 can be used, e.g.,
duckbill type valves such as manufac~ured by Verney
Laboratories, Inc., of Yellow Springs, Ohio, or,
alternatively, flapper valves.
Referring now to FIGURE 6g, there is illustrated an
inflatable inner sole 35 which ha~ multiple-, independent
chambers which are a rear chamber 163; an arch chamber 183,
and a toe chamber 16S. The liner also has an air pump 73
which is located at the heel of the inner sole, similar to
that shown in FIGURE 5Z. The independent chambers are formed
by interconnecting hrough seams 179 and 167 which extend from
the continuous peripheral seam 16. Seam 179 extends ~rom the
peripheral seam 16 to enclose the arch area of the inner sole
35 to provide for an independently adjustable chamber 183
. . ~, . . .
WO92/l1780 2 ~ ~ 9 7 ~ ~ PCT/US91/09~7
37
which functions as an arch pillow.
Fresh air is drawn lnto the air pump 73 through tube 71
having a check valve 82, and pressured air is delivered from
the air pump 73 through tube 70 having check valve 68. Tube
70 connects to the first pressure control valve 58a of a
series of pressure control valves 58a through 58e (valves 58d
and 58e are shown in FIGURE 70). These valves are the same as
valve 58 shown in FIGURES 10-12. The controlled pressure port
of valve 58a is connected to chamber 163 of the inner sole
through tube 64a, and the relief port of valve 58a is
connected to the next valve 58b of the series of pressure
control valves by tube 76a. The controlled pressure port of
this valve is connected to the arch chamber 183 by tube 64b
and the relie~ port of this valve is connected to the next
valve 58c by t~be 76b. The controlled pressure port of valve
58c is connected to the toe cha~ber 165 by tube 64c and the
relief port o~ valve 58c is connected to the upper liner 371
Ishown in FIGURE 70) by tube 76c, as indicated by break line
A-A.
Referring now to FIGURE 70, the upper liner 371 has a
continuous vertical seam 189 at the heel to divide the liner
371 into a lateral side chamber 360 and a medial side chamber
362. This liner is similar to liner 231 shown in FIGURE 65,
and has the same elements such as the inflatable tongue halves
253 and 255, and inflatable ankl~ pillows 232 and 233. For
simplicity of illustration, the seams are shown 2S single
solid lines rather than the cross sectio~ed depiction used in
FIGURE 69 for seams in the inner sole. Also, apertures such
as 32 shown for the inflatable inner sole 35, ar~ not shown in
the side lining, however, it is understood that such apertures
can also be provided in this lining also, to facilitate air
circulation throughout the entire footwear.
Pressure control vaive 58d receives pressured air through
tube 76c, as indicated by break line A-A. Valva 58d has its
controlled pressure port connected to the medial side chamber
362 by tube 64d, and its relief port connected to the last
valve 58e of the series of pressure control valves by tube
wo g2,l l,80 ~ 7 g ~ P~T/US91/~9~7
76d. Valve 58e has its pressure control port connected to the
latexal side chamber 360 by tube 64e and its relief port
discharges into tube 76e.
Tube 76e extends to the inflatable inner sole 35, as
~ 5 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 circulati~n through the shoe and inner sole
(apertures 32) in the manner described previously with
reference to FIGURES ~9-21.
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 FIGU~E 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 FIGU~E 72, which is a view of the same
lining 371 shown in FIGURE 70, except for the hand air pump
171 which is permanently secured to the upper base 160 of
lining 371. Tube 291 extends from the hand air pump 171 to
control valve 58a, as indicated by break line C-C. In all
other aspects, the inflatable inner sole 43 is th~ same as
inflatable inner sole 35, and the inflatable upper lining is
the same as the inflatable upper liner 371 shown in FIGURE 70.
With the embodiment such as shown in FIGURES 69-72, where
the pressure control valves are serially connected, the user
can alter the order of the valves in the serial connection to
alter the location of the highest pressured chamber. As shown
in FIGURES 69-72, the rear chamber 163 is provided with the
greatest pressure by control valve 58a, and each of the
chambers which are connect~d to the succeeding valves 58b,
58c, 58d and 5~e 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
WO92/ll780 2 ~ 9 ~ 7 ~ ~ P~r/us~l/0~347
39
altered, as desired, to provide variation in the pressure
which is applied to any of the chambers, thereby adapting the
footwear to di~ferent applications, or varying the comfort of
various parts of the footwear.
Referring now to FIGURES 73 through 76, a complete sport
shoe 290 with inflatable liners of the invention is
illustrated. The sport shoe is conventional in appearance
with an outer sole 85, eyelets 217 and lacin~ 218, and tongus
235. The shoe 290 has an inflatable inner sole 110, which is
shown in plan ~iew in FIGURE 73, and an inflatable upper liner
373 which is shown in FIGURES 74 and 75.
The inflatable inner sole 110 is subdivided into five
interior chambers by continuous seams. Seam 179 surrounds the
arch, forming arch chamber 183 and connects to seam 167 to
divide the inner sole into front and rear portions 165 and
163. The rear portion lS3 is subdivided by seam 22 into a
medial heel chamber 195 and a lateral heel chamber 197. The
front portion 155 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 ~or inflation
of the hambers and to circulate aiir thorough the shoe.
Sectional views through a typical air pump are shown in
FIGURES 88 and 89. The air pump receives ~resh air through
tube 71 and its associated check valve 82 and discharges
pressured air through check valve 68 and tube 73.
Tubes 70 and 71 are also shown in FIGURE 75 as extending
upwardly within the rear medial side of the ~hoe. Tube 71
terminates within collar housing 328. Tube 70 extends through
a slit 261 in the outer wall of the shoe, with the slit
providing an internal chamber within the wall of the shoe for
storage of coils of tube 70. If desired, the edge of the slit
could be closed with a zipper, or an elast c closure, or a
Velcro closure (not shown).
Referring again to FIGURE 73, each of the five separate
and independent chambers of the inner sole is provided with a
connector/pressure control valve and a connecting air tube.
'
"
W~92/ll7gO PCT/VSg1/Og~7
2 ~
Arch chamber 183 has connector/valYe 304 and tube 295; medial
toe chamber 199 has connectGr/valve 306 and tube 297; lateral
toe chamber 201 has connector/valve 298 and tube 292; lateral
heel chamber has connector/valve 300 and tube 294; and medial
heel chamber 195 has connector/valve 302 and tube 293.
The structure of each connector/valve such as 304 is
shown in detail in FIGURE 76, which i5 a partial cross
sectional vie.w of the connector/valve 304. The pressure
control valve 339 is an conventional inflation valve similar
to valves available from Schrader Automotive Inc., Nashville,
Tennessee 37202. This valve 339 has a valve member 342 which
is resiliently biaced into a closed position against the valve
seat 343 by an internal spring (not shown). The valve member
342 is secured to a rod 340 which extends through the valve to
an upper end 340 which serves as a valve operator to permit
opening of the valve. The valve 339 has external threads 354
which are threadably received within a connector housing 338.
The upper end or neck 346 of the valve 339 is c~nical to
permit removable attachment of tubing. The lower end of the
valve 339 has a rubber ring 344 which seats against internal
shoulder 352 of the housing 338 for resilient sealing within
the connector housing. The connector housing has a conical
connector leg 347 to receive a tubing such as tube 295~
Referring again to FIGURES 73, 74 and 75, the discharge
tube 70 from the air pump can be connected to any of the necks
346 of the connector/pressure control valve assemblies to
permit a controlled pressurization of each of the individual
chambers of the inflatable inner sole. To facilitate the
connection by the wearer of the shoe, the connector/control
valve assemblies are mounted within a collar housing 328 which
has a plurality of circular wells 330 in which the
connector/valve assemblies are mounted. The tube 70 has
sufficient length to permit connection to each of the
connector/valve assemblies and the excess length of the tube
70 is coiled within slit 261 in the shoe. As shown in FIGURE
75, the tubes 295, and 297, which Pxtend to chambers 183 and
199 are located in the upper medial side of the shoe.
,
WO92/1l780 pcT/us~1/nlJ~7
2~97~'~
41
FIGURE 74 shows that the shoe 29G is also prsvided with
an upper lining having a lateral side portion 360 and a medial
side portion 362. This upper lining has four independent
chambers which are formed by continuous seams 247, 189 and
245. The chambers are forward lateral and medial side
chambers 249 and 252, rear lateral and medial side chambers
241 and 243. As with the embodiment shown in FIGURE 65, the
; forward chambers are connected to inflatable half tongue
liners 253 and 255.
Each of the independent chambers is provided with a
connector/control valve assembly and connecting tubing. The
forward lateral chamber 249 has connector/valve assembly 316
and tube 326; the rear lateral chamber 241 has connector/~alve
assembly 314 and tube 324; the rear medial side chamber 243
has connector/valve asse~bly 312 and tube 322; the forward
medial side chamber 252 has connector/valve assembly 310 and
tube 320. Tube 70, shown in FIGURES 73 and 75 can be
connected to each of these connector/control valve assemblies
to permit controlled pressurization of each chamber in the
upper lining and in the inner sole.
Referring again to FIG~RE 73, the inflatable inner sole
also has provision for circulation of air beneath and through
the inner sole. The circulating air is provided by connecting
tube 70 to the connector~valve assembly 308 which is connected
to tube 299 (also shown in ~IGU~E 75) that extends beneath the
inner sole~ discharging in the channels ~ormed on the
underside of the inflated inner ~ole which are vented through
the inner sole by through apertures 32 spaced along the seams.
FIGURES 77 and 78 illustrate an embodiment o~ the
invention in whi~h an inner sole lll is shown ~s an
alternative ~or the inflatable inner sole 110 shown in FIGURE
73. This alternative inner sole 111 has a heel pillow ll9 in
the rear chamber 163, rather than the air pump 79 shown for
inner sole 110 of FIGURE 73. In this respect the inner sole
110 is similar to those shown in FIGURES 53, 54 and 71. The
inner sole 111 is used in combination with a hand air pump.
The hand air pump 171 can be mounted on the upper portion 131
.
.
WO92/1l7B0 PCT/US91/09347
2~7~
42
of an in~latable tongue 255 or 253, as shown in FIGURE 78,
which is a view of lining 374. Tube 291 extends from the hand
air pump 171 and can be connected to any of the
connector/valves 311, 313, 315 and 317 of the upper lining
374, or to either of connector/valves 296, 301, 303, 305 and
307 or connector 309 of the inflatable inner sole 111 (FIGURE
77). If desired a slit can be provided in the tongue of the
shoe such as tongue 235 (FIGURE 75) to store the coiled tube
291, similar to slit 261 shown for storage of tube 70 in
FIGURE 75. The connector/valves shown in FIGURES 77 and 78
are essentially the same as those shown in FIGURES 73 and 74,
except they are in line with the inlet and outlet ends being
coaxial, rather than the right angle connector/valve structure
snown 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 ofithe shoe, as shown
in ~IGURE 75 and can be permanently secured to the shoe by
adhesive bindings 334, or alternatively by permanent
stitching~ FIGURE 80 is a ~ectional view along line 80-80' of
FIGURE 79. It shows that the vertical wall 3~1 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). FIGU~E 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 thP same as
WO~2tl~7#0 PCr/US~1/0~347
2 ~ 7 ~
~3
shown in FIGURES 73 through 76 and 80, howev~r, 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
rem~vably 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 str.ips 334. At its forward end, the housing can
have an aperture 217 which serves as an eyelat for lacing,
thereby also reinforcing the side of the shoe. The housing
has a plurality of cylindrical sleeves which are connected in
a side-by-side array, thereby forming wells 330 in which are
mounted the connector/control valve assemblies 318, previously
described. The housing can be made of flexible, hard rubber or
plastic.
FIGURE 84 illustrates an inflatable inner sole 114 which
has only two separate chambers; forward chamber 165 and rear
chamber 163. The rear chamber 163 is provided with a through
aperture at th~ heel which is surrounded by a continuous seam
to receive a heel air pump 79. The tubes extend through a
channel formed beneath seam 39, from the air pump to the
medial side of the inner sole. Tube 71 provides an air inl~t
to the pump through its check valve 82, and tube 70 provides
an air discharge from the pump through its check valve 68.
The check valves 82 and 68 can be placed in the channel 77
under the arch, as shown on FIGURE 44. As illustrated,
however, the check valves are installed in the tubes, remote
from the inner sole to avoid any accidental contact of the
valves with the wearer's ~oot. Preferably the valves ~2 and
68 are mounted in the holder 328 shown in FIGURE 75 in the
same manner as described for the pressure control valves.
Each of the chambers of the inner sole 114 has an
WO92/ll7Xo PCT/US91/~9~7
44
independently controllable inflation system; connector/valve
304 and tube 295 communicate with the rear and instep chamber
and connector/valve 306 and tube 297 communicate with the
front chamber 165. The tube 70 can be connected to either of
these systems to provide the internal pressure, or firmness
desired by the wearer. Once the pressure is established as
desired by the wearer in any chamber, the tube 70 can be
disconnected and used to pressure the other chamber, or it can
be connected to connector 308 which discharges into tube 293
that extends beneath the inner sole 114 to discharge air into
the channels formed on the underside of the inner sol~ for
circulation through the shoe. The rear chamber 165 provides
stability to the footwear, as the support from the inner sole
114 is distributed evenly between the heel and arch of the
wearer.
FIGURE 85 illustrates a two-chamber inner sole 115 which
is essentially the same as that shown in FIGURE 84, however,
the heel cha~ber is modified to provide a heel pillow 119 in
the rear chamber 163, rather than the air pump 79 shown for
inner sole 114 of FIGURE 84. In this respect the inner sole
115 is similar to those shown in FIGURES 53, 54, 71 and 77.
The inner sole 115 is usad in combination with an upper lining
and a hand air pump such as shown in FIGURES 72 and 78.
Referring now to FIGURE 86, a heel air pump 73 is shown
as received within the circular inflated passageway 22. This
air pump is integral with the outer sole or underlayment 75.
The air pump is si~ilar to air pump 73 shown in FIGURE 42,
however, the upper sheet 12 and lower sheet 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 preferably is glued or
bonded to these sheets, so that the flexing o~ the sheets
assists the return of the air pump. Port 91 which
communicates with the external tubPs containing the check
valves, previously discussed is also shown in this view.
FIGURE 87 illustrates another embodiment of an air pump
65. In this embodiment, the inner sole is apertured, and the
WO92/11780 2 ~ 7 ~ ,; P~r/USg1/09~7
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 wAich is biased against a plate 4l on the
underside of the upper layer 55 o~ -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 ~ootwear.
Referring now to E'IGURE 88, there is shown a sectional
view through the heel of a shoe provided with an inner sole
and upper lining of the inventionO This view is located along
a plane generally depicted by line ~8-~3' 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
4l beneath the upper layer 55, all as previously described.
FIGURE 88 also illustrates th~ assembly of the inner sole
and the upper lining 373 which is contained between the outer
skin 365 and the inner liner 367 of the upper for the
footwear. As previously mentioned the upper lining 373 is
also formed with internal in~lated passageways ~89 which are
formed by seams 265. Preferably, the upper lining 373 has
tabs such as 228 which can be bonded to the outer skin 365 and
liner 367 of the shoP 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
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WO 92/11780 PCr/lJS91/09347
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peripheral seam 16 of the inner sole is folded upwardly and
can be used as a surface for attachment of the inner sole with
the upper liner 373 and outer sole 85, as desired.
Referring now to FIGURE 89, there is illustrated an
embodiment of the invention which is alternative to that shown
in FIGURE 88. This embodiment is essentially the same as that
of FIGURE 88, except an aperture 24 extends through the outer
sole 85 and midsole 33 at the heel, immediately beneath the
heel air pump 93. The aperture is closed with a flanged
sleeve 46 which receives a plug 67 that is threadably engaged
in the sleeve 46. A slot 69 can be provided on the underside
of the plug 67 to permit its insertion and removal. The plug
67 provides access to the interior of the air pump 93, thereby
permittin~ replacement of the helical coil spring 26. The
spring 26 provides yreater resili~ncy to the air pump and also
increases the resiliency and shock absorbing properties of the
shoe. The spring 26 can be replaced with springs of varied
compression strengths to adjust the shoe to khe wearer's
weight and particular activity, e.gO, sport, 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.
Referring now to FIGURES 90 through 98, a complet~ sport
shoe 376 is shown with inflatable liners of the invention.
The sport shoe has the same construction and substantially the
same liners as that described previously with reference to
FIGURES 73-75, and identical elem~nts shown in the drawings
retain ~he same numbers as those of FIGURES 73-75.
The sport shoe, which is shown in perspective view in
FIGURE 92, has an outer sole 85, eyelets 217 and lacing 218,
and tongue 235. The shoe 376 has an in~latable inner sole
375, which is shown in plan view in ~IGURE 90, and an
inflatable upper liner 377 which is shown in FIGURE 91.
The inflatable inner sole 375 is subdivided into five
interior chambexs by continuous seams, the same as that shown
and previously described with reference to FIGURE 73. Seam
179 surrounds the arch, forming arch chamber 183 and connects
WO9~/l17~0 Pcr/uss~ ~7
7;~'u
47
to seam 167 to divide the inner sole into front and rear
portions 165 and 163. The rear portion 163 is subdivided by
seam 222 into a medial heel chamber 195 and a lateral heel
chamber 197. The front portion 165 is subdivided by seam 193
into a lateral toe chamber 201 and a medial toe chamber 199.
An air pump 79 is located at the. heel to provide a source
of air under pressure for inflation of the chambers and to
circulate air thorough the shoe. Sectional views through a
typical air pump are shown in FIGURES 88 and 89. The air pump
receives fresh air through tube 71 and its associated check
valve 82 and discharges pressured air through check valve 68
and tube 70.
Tubes 70 and 71 are also shown in FIGURE 92 as extending
upwardly within the rear medial side of the shoe. Tube 70
extends to the s21ector valve 380, which is shown at the
medial, upper region of the shoe. The selector valve is a
multiported valve with a rvtatable valve operator, whereby the
air pump discharge tube 70 can be connected to one of each of
five t~bings, such as 292, 293, 294, 295 and 297 (all shown in
FIGURE 90) which supply individual chambers of the inner sole
375, and tubes 320, 322, 324 and 326 (shown in FIGURE 91)
which supply individual chambers of the upper lining 377. The
selector valve also can direct air to tubing 299 (see FIGU~E
90) which discharges beneath the lining 375 to force air
circulation along the channels between the inner sole and the
sole of the footwear, from where it passes upwardly through
apertures 32, passing over the wearer's foot.
The construction o~ the selactor valve 3ao is shown in
FIGURES 93 through 95. The ~alve has a cylindrical housing
384 with a rotatable valve member 386, which has a radial port
400 which aligns with one of five radial ports in the housing
384. The selector valve member 386 has a handle 398 on its
outside surface formed by a pair of wings. The rear cover 392
of the valve housing has a through passageway 394 with an
aperture 39S opening into the interior of the housing 384.
The discharge end of tubing 70 is connected to one end of the
passageway 394, and tubing 382, which extends to the second
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WO~2/1l780 PCr/US91/09347
48
selector valve 381 from the opposite end of the through
passageway 394.
The valve member 386 also supports a relief valve member
396 which has the shape of a flat circular disc with a center
post that extends through a center aperture in the valve
member 386. The relief valve member 396 is resiliently
secured within the housing 384 with a compression spring 388,
so that the air pressure within any chamber connected through
the selector valve 380 can be released by pressing on the
relief valve me~ber 396. The pressure can only be relieved
from a chamber which is connected through port 400, so when
the selector valve 386 does not align port 400 with any radial
port in the housing, all chambers in the lining are sealed.
As shown in FIGURE 92, a second selector valve 381 is
also located on the opposite side of the shoe, and tubiny 382
extends to this valve. The second selector valve 381 is shown
in FIGURES 96-98. This valve is substantially identical to
the first valve shown in FIGURES 93-95, with the exc~ption
that the rear cover 391 of this valve has a single passageway
393 to which tubing 382 is connected.
Referring now to FIGURE 99, there is shown a sport shoe
4081in perspective view, which has a single selector valve 406
which is carried on the tongue. This shoe has a total of nine
inflatable chambers in the inner sole and upper lining. The
selector valve 406 is shown in FIG~RES 100 through 102. It
has the same basic construckion as valve 380 with a rotatable
valve member 386 and relief valve member 396, internal
compression spring 388. The housing 404 of selector valve 406
has ten radial ports which can be aligned with the single port
400 of the valve member 3B6. The discharge tubing 70 from the
air pump is connected to the single passageway in the rear
cover 391 of selector valve 406. The single selector valve
thus supplies the nine individual chambers of the lining and
the tubing 299 which discharges air between the lining and the
sole of the footwear. The selector valve 406 can, of course,
be located at any other accessible position, and can be
connected in any order to any of the chambers of the lining.
WO92/1178~ P~T/US91/09~7
2 ~ 9 ~ 7 ~ ~
49
Also, indica, such as color or printed matter, can be placed
on the selector valve housing to identify which chamber is
connected to a particular port of the selector valve.
Referring now to FIGURES 103 through 106, there is
illustrated another embodiment of the invention with two
selector valves to supply each o~ nine chambers located in the
inner sole and upper lining of the shoe, and to ~upply
circulation air beneath the lining. The shoe 420 is shown in
perspective view in FIGURE 105 with first selector valve 380
and second selector valve 381 located at opposite sides on the
upper region of the shoe, as in the embodiment shown in FIGURE
92. In shoe 420, however, the heel pump is replaced with a
hand pump 410 which can be located on the tongue of the shoe,
or at any other convenient and accessible location on the
shoe. The discharge tubing 370 from this hand pump 410 is
connected to the ~irst selector valve 380 and to the second
selector valve 381 by tubing 382, as described with reference
to FIGURE 92.
Referring now to FIGURE 103, the heel of the inflatable
inner sole has a heel pillow 119 on each side of the
transverse se~m 222, in the rear chambers 197 and 195, rather
thania heel air pump. In other respects the inner sole is the
same as inner sole 375 shown in FIGURE 90O Similarly, the
upper inflatable lining 418 shown in ~IGURE 104 is
substantially identical with lining 377 shown in FIGURE 91,
with the exception of the hand air pump 410 which is supported
on the tongue o~ the lining.
The hand air pump 410 is shown in ectional view in
FIGURE 106. The pump ha~ a ~lexible, elastic bulb 151, which
has an intake port that is closed with a check valve 177
permitting air entrance but blocking air discharge. The
discharge tubing 370 contains another check valve 147 which
permits discharge of air from the bulb, and prevents entrance
of air into the bulb, thereby pPrmitting the bulb to serve as
an air pump. The entire pump 410 can be supported on base 131
for thD tongue of the upper lining.
As previously mentioned, the inflatable lining can also
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have used for other ~pparel such as gloves. The gloves with
th~ linings are particularly useful in sports such as
motorcycling, bicycling or skiing where protection for the
hands is desired, or where a tightness of fit is desired.
FIGURES 107 through 110 illustrate an application to a
glove. The i ~ atable lin~ 422 is usedbeside a sel~d in~ior surface
of gloves, preferably beside the rear inside surface of a glove.
For this purpose a lining 422 such as shown in FIGUR~ 107 which,
as the other linings described herein, is formed of first and
second sheets of plastic which are seamed or sealed together
about their peripheral edges, forming a sealed interior chamber.
The lining 422 shown in FIGURE 107 has a single interior chamber
424, with a plurality of discontinuous seams such as long
longitudinal seams 426 and short longitudinal s~ams 427 which
permit the lining 422 to flex over the back of the hand and
fingers, and a plurality of transverse seams 428 spaced along
the fingers 430 to permit the lining 422 to flex at the finger
knuckles. Similarly a transverse seam 432 is provided over the
wrist area 434, again to permit ease of flexing of the lining
422 when it is inflated.
The lining 422 is provided with an air pump 171, which has
been previously described with reference to FIGURE 6a! The air
pump 171 is connected to the interior chamber of the lining by
a flexible tubing 43~ which contains the pressure relief valve
178.
Preferably the glove li~ing is provided with independently
sealed interior chambers such as shown for the lining 438 of
FIGURE 108. This lining 438 has a fing~r chamber 440 which is
supplied with inflation air by tubing 442 that ~xtends from a
single selector valve 444, which is substantially similar to
selector valve 381, previously described. The lining 438 also
has a knuckle chamber 44~ which is supplied with inflation air
by tubins 448, a thumb chamber 450 which is supplied with
inflatisn air by tubing 452, a back cha~ber 454 with air tubing
456, and a wrist chamber 458 with air tubing 460. A11 can be
inflated to any desired pressure with the air pump 410, which is
described with reference to FIGURE 106.
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WO92/11780 2 ~ ~ ~ 7 ~ :3 PCr/US~1/09~7
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FIGURE 109 illustrates another application, wher2 the
lining 462 is shown in dashed lines, within a glove 464. This
lining 462 is divided into five longitudinal interior chambers
466, 468, 470, 472 and 474 by longitudinal seams 476 which
extend from the bases of the fingers 478 to the wrist. The
chambers are supplied with inflation air by tubing 480, 482,
484, 486 and 488, each of which is connected to the selector
valve 381 to direct pressured air fxom the air pump 410 to i~s
respective chamber. As previousl~ mentioned with reference to
FIGURES 96~98, selector valve 381 also includes a pressure
relief valve so that the air pressure within each of the
chambers can be separately controlled, independently of the
pressure in the oth~r chambers~ As apparent from FIGURE 110,
the glove 464 is provided with openings 430 and 492 which
receive the air pump 410 and the selector valve 381, thus
providing access to these components.
FIGURES 113-117 illustrate the application of the invention
to headgear, such as a helmet used in sports such as bicycling,
motorcycling, football, baseball, boxing, etc. In these
applications, a rigid shell is often used for head protPction,
and problems in fit and com~ort, as well as maximum safety are
usually encountered.
As shown in FIGURE 111, a helmet lining 493 can be provided
as a plurality o~ separate and interconnected linings, such as
left side lining 496 and right side lining 498, a back lining
500, a top lining 502, and a forehead lining 504. The side
linings can have through apertures 520 for the wearer's ears.
The linings are all interconnected by air passageways 495, 497
and 499, which are either formed by seams in the two sheets of
plastic film from which the linings are fabricated, or by short
lengths of flexible tubing.
The linings are inflated with an air pump 171 which has a
pressure relief valve 178, all previously described. The air
pump 171 and relief valve 178 are connected to the linings with
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WO92/117B0 P~T/US91/0~1
20~ '7~'b'
52
a flexible tubing 506 that discharges to lining 496.
Refexring now to FIGURE 112, another helmet lining 485 is
shown as having separate and multiple-chambered linings. The
linings are pressured with an air pump 410 which discharges
through tubing 541 to a selector valve 540. The selector valve
is essentially the same as selector valve 380, previously
described with the exception that it has eight discharge ports,
one for each of the separate chambers of the lining 485.
In the application shown in FIGURE 112, the side linings
496 and 498 communicata with the selector valve 540 through
flexible tubings 539 and 544. The back lining 500 has a
continuous seam 491 which divides the lining into a right
chamber 503 and a le~t chamber 501. Each chamber has an
independent air passageway to the selector valve through its
respective tubing 543 and 542. Similarly, the top lining 502
has a continuous seam 489, which forms chambers 505 and 507,
each of which com~unicates with the selector valve 540 throuyh
its respective tubing 538 and 545. The forehead lining 504 is
also divided into right and le~t chambers 511 and 509 by seam
487, and each of these chambers communicates independently with
the selector valve 540 through tubings 546 and 537.
j FIGURE 113 illustrates a similar lining 4~4. In this
illustration, however, two selector valves are provided with
each selector valve being located at one side of the helmet, to
provide control over the air chambers and linings on its
respective side of the helmet. ~hus selector valve 383 is
located on the le~t side of the helmet and controls the access
Prom the pump 410 (and its associated relief valve) to the
lining 496 and chambers 501, 505 and 509 on the left side of the
helmet through flexible tubes 112, 514, 510 and 508. Selector
valve 335 controls access to the lining 498 and cha~bers 503,
507 and 511 on the right side of the helmet throu~h flexible
tubes 534, 536, 532 and 530. As with the linings previously
described, the helmet liners preferably have transverse seams
WO92/11780 ~ ~6~ PCr/US~1/09~7
such as 518 to providP a controlled and even thickness upon
inflation and to provide flexibility to the inflated lining.
The side linings 496 and 498 have, of course, through apertures
520 which permit sound transmission to the ears. Preferably the
linings have through apertures 32, previously described which
permit air to flow through the lining, providing com~ort to the
wearer.
A typical helmet 522 is shown in FIGURES 114-117. The
linings 496-504 of the invention are shown in dashed lines, as
they are in the interior of the helmet 522, a~d beneath an
interior fabric lining 531. The linings of the invention are
shown in an inflated state with a multiple-tubular cross
section, achieved by the plurality of transverse seams,
previously describedl between the upper and lower sheets of
plastic of the linings. The helmet 522 can contain conventional
shock absorbing internal layers 524, of an elastic, compressible
foam, e.g., polyurethane. Thi is particularly applicable for
helmets used in potentially high impact applications, e.g.,
helmets ~or motorcyclists. Alternatively, the internal layers
524 of foam can be entirely replaced with the inflatable linings
of the invention. The helmet 522 àlso includes conventional
edge banding 552 of soft or compressible foam which surrounds
the neck and head openingsO
Preferably the air pump 410 is located at one side of the
helmet 522, adjacent its lower edge, as shown in F~GURES 114 and
117~ Selector valve 383 is located adjacent the air pump 410
and the second selector valve 385 is lo~ated on the opposite
side of the helmet. While the air pump 410 can project from the
exterior surface of the helmet, it is preferred to locate the
selector valves flush with the surf~ce.
As shown in FIGURE 117, the helmet 522 can ~e provided with
the conventional fastening means, such as apertures 526 which
receive fas~eners, or snap fasteners, to secure face masks, nose
guards, chin guards, face shields, etc. Also the conventional
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WO92/11780 ~ 3 PCr/U591/n~7
snap fasteners 528 can be used to secure chin straps.
FIGURE 118 illustrates a lining 560 for a boxer's
protective headgear. The lining has a continuous band 562 that
wraps about the boxers's head, with downwardly dependent left
and right sides 564 and 566 which overlie the boxer's ears. The
lower edges of the sides 564 and 566 support conventional chin
straps such as 568 which can have attachment means such as
conventional Velcro tabs 570. Apertures 520 in the side linings
permit sound transmission to the boxer 1 5 ears.
The opposite ends of the band 562 have tabs 572 and 574
which have eyelets 576 for conventional lacing to secure the
lining, and a plurality of short bands 578 which are seamed back
on themselves to form loops which also receive securing lacing.
The lining is inflatable for protection and snugness in
fit, and for this purpose is formed from first and second
plastic shests which are seamed together about their peripheral
edges to form a sealed interior and an air pump 171 with a
relief valve 178 is provided to pressure the lining. The air
pump preferably can be folded into a recess 577 within the
lining.
FIGURE 119 illustrates a lining 580 for a protective shield
or splint. In this application, the lining 580 has the shape to
conform to the selected interior surface of the shield or splint
which is to be lined, e.g., a rectangular area, as shown. The
lining can have a single chamber, or can be subdivided, as
desired with a continuous seam such as 584 into a plurality of
chambers such as 586 and 588. Flexibility and ~it of the l ining
is achieved by the seams, either or both of the continuous seam
584 and discontinuous seams 590. ~he lining is secured to the
protective shield or splint with bands 582 of Velcro, or
adhesive. The air pump 410, selector valve 581, and flexible
tubing 5~5 and 587 permit the user to control tha pressure in
either chamber 586 or 588 as desired for fit, comfort or ~he
desixed immobilization of the wearer's limb, such as a leg,
WO9~/11780 PCI/VS~1/U9347
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forearm, wrist, ~tc. As with all the linings described herein,
comfort and hreathability through the lining is achieved with a
plurality of through apertures 32.
In any of the illustrated applications of multiple
chambered linings, the selector valves permit the user to adjust
the pressure in each of the independent chambers by connecting
each chamber individually to either a hand air pump, ox a heel
air pump. Any excess pressure can be vented through the relief
valve member located in the selector valve. With the heel air
pump, after all the cham~ers are in~lated to the desired
firmness, the selector valve 380 can be switched to direct the
air discharged from the heel air pump beneath and through the
inner sole. The circulating air is provided by connecting tube
70 through the selector valve 380 to the tubing 299 (FIGURES 90
and 103) that extends beneath the inner sole, discharging in the
channels formed on the underside of the inflated inner sole
which are vented through the inner sole by through apertures 32
spaced along the seams.
In all of the emhodiments, the outer soles 8S can be formed
of suitable rubber or plastics, including, for example, open or
closed cell f4ams o~ ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers,
polyurethane, ethylene, etc.
The invention provides the advantages of an inflatable
inner sole and upper lining which can be inflated by the normal
walking activities or which can be manually inflated by
operation of a small hand pump. In either case, the firmness of
the inner sole is custom, adjustably controllable with a
pressure control relie~ valve to i~sure exactly the desired
softness and resiliency for any desired performance and for
maximum comfort to avoid fatigue.
The pressures within the individual chamhers of the lining
can be adjusted to precisely the pressure which is most
com~ortable, or which provides ror the maximum performance of
the wearer. In the embodiment such as that shown in FIGURES 90-
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WO92/ll780 PCr/US~1/09~7
20~ ~6~j
56
92, a~y o~ the chambers can be adjusted to the desired pressure
by connecting the air pump discharge valve to a selected tube of
the inflatable inner sole, or to a selected connector/valve
(310, 312, 314 or 316 of the inflatable upper liner and by
applying pressure with the air pump until the desired inflation
pressure i5 reached, as can be determined by the pressure, e.g.,
firmness, applied to the wearer's foot. Fine adjustment of the
pressure within each chamber can then be achieved by releasing
any excess pressure through the relief valve in the selector
valve.
The inflatable inner sole also provides shock absorbency
and can increase walking and running efficiency as it will
absorb energy from impact and return it in a resilient lift to
the wearer. The inflatable inner sole also increases the
stability of the footwear, and can lead to reduced incidenc~ of
injuries such as sprains and the like. Since the prefPrred
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 th~ pressure relie~ valve, thereby always
compensating for any loss of air from the lining, which can
result from various causes, e.g., de~ective or warn seams, or
the permeability to air of the lining m~terial. Finally, all of
these advantages are secured with an inner sole and, optionally
upper lining, of very light weight. The upper lining can be
replaceable, if desired. It is preferred that the linings of
the invention be formed as replaceable inserts, thereby
permitting replacement whan worn or damaged.
The pressure control valve is preferably located, as
illustrated, adjacent the instep or under the axch. It could,
however, be located at any other position where there is
sufficient space, preferably in a readily accessible locatlon.
Preferably the inner sole include~ the plurality of
apertures to parmit fluid communication between the under side
and the top side of the inflatable inner sole thus providing
W092/1]7go ~ 7~ ~ PCr/US91/09~7
57
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 o~ 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:
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