FOOTWEAR WITH PLANTAR MISTING SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to an article of footwear with a plantar misting system, which includes a releasable reservoir, a fluid valve, a fluid conduit, a nozzle connector, and a misting nozzle. The plantar misting system may also incorporate a plurality of separate nozzle connectors and misting nozzles. The fluid conduit may also be incorporated with a built-in nozzle connector. In some embodiments, a releasable reservoir is located in an upper structure of the footwear. In yet another embodiment, a releasable reservoir is located in a lower structure of the footwear. The plantar misting system may be activated quickly, hygienically, and easily to produce an atomizing mist to help maintain balance on smooth but dusty floor. The plantar misting system provides additional traction between the outsole of the footwear and the dusty flooring. As a result, the plantar misting system prevents and reduces the likelihood sport hazards

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Conventionally, athletic footwear articles include two primary elements, an upper and a lower structure. The upper structure is generally formed from a plurality of materials that are bonded together to form an interior vacuity for receiving a foot. The lower structure of athletic footwear is generally formed from multiple layers of materials that are bonded together to form an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. In general, the outsole of the conventional athletic footwear forms from a durable rubber material that is textured to impart traction during ambulatory activities.

[0002] Basketball is one of the world's most popular sports that is widely participated and enjoyed by players of all ages. During a game of basketball, players run and jog around the court area and are required to swiftly and quickly start, stop, or change direction. The game also often requires players to vertically jump from a standing start or while running or jogging. Typically, a surface of a non-professional indoor basketball court (i.e., youth basketball court, or school basketball gym) is not being maintained or cleaned as regularly as a professional indoor basketball court. As a result, films of dust and/or dirt accumulate and deposit on the smooth flooring of the court surface. Unfortunately, the rubberized texture of the outsole of conventional athletic footwear when in contact with a dusty floor can become very slippery, causing players to slip and fall or lose their ability to suddenly stop while participating in the game. In addition to sport related injuries that often occurred, individual performance of the players and the momentum of the game are also affected when the outsole of conventional footwear worn by players lose its traction when in contact with the dusty surfaces of basketball courts.

[0003] Many players attempt to resolve the above-mentioned problems with temporary solutions that have unsatisfactory results. Players often stop to wipe the outsole of their conventional athletic footwear in order to regain better traction between the outsole of their footwear and the dusty surface of the indoor basketball court. This method may work initially, but practically, players do not have enough time to sufficiently clean the outsole of their shoes to improve traction. Some players apply or rub sticky materials (i.e., hair gel, or glue) to the outsole, attempting to gain better traction. However, the sticky materials on the outsole quickly pick up dust and dirt as the players step onto the court, increasing the risk of sport related injuries. Some basketball teams may provide sticky mats for players to step on to wipe the bottom of their outsole. However, the sticky mats must be big enough for players to step on and the layers of stick mat must be peeled off frequently to accommodate the entire team. Furthermore, some desperate players intentionally project saliva on their hands and wipe the outsole of their shoes with their hands during the game or project saliva on the floor and wipe the outsole in it. Unfortunately, this solution is temporarily unhygienic, and increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases among the players via contact with the basketball during the game.

[0004] It is therefore desirable for systems and devices for imparting traction to the outsole of articles of athletic footwear that are convenient, effective, and hygienic.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an article of footwear with a plantar misting system. One non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is directed to an article of footwear having an upper and a lower structure with a plantar misting system. The plantar misting system includes a releasable reservoir that is configured for engagement and/or connection with a fluid delivering body, and a misting nozzle. The fluid delivering body includes a fluid valve, a fluid conduit, a nozzle connector, and a misting nozzle. Alternatively, the fluid conduit and the nozzle connector may be incorporated in one piece. The article of footwear may also incorporate a plurality of separate nozzle connectors and a plurality of separate misting nozzles.

[0006] In some embodiments, a releasable reservoir is located in an upper structure of the footwear. In yet another embodiment, a releasable reservoir is located in a lower structure of the footwear.

[0007] Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, objects, and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing Summary of the Invention and the following Detailed Description of the Invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a lateral side view of an article of footwear incorporating a plantar misting system.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a medial side view of the article of footwear, with a partial cut-away area to show portions of the plantar misting system having a single misting nozzle.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heel region of the footwear showing portions of a releasable reservoir being configured as a misting activator.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an outsole of the footwear incorporating with a single misting nozzle.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a medial side view of the article of footwear, with a partial cut-away area to show portions of the plantar misting system having a plurality of separate nozzle connectors and a plurality of misting nozzles.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an outsole of the footwear incorporating having a plurality of separate misting nozzles.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a medial side view of the article of footwear, with a partial cut-away area to show portions of the plantar misting system having a single misting nozzle, wherein a releasable reservoir is located within the lower structure of the footwear.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an outsole of the footwear incorporating a single misting nozzle

[0017] FIG. 9 is a medial side view of the article of footwear, with a partial cut-away area to show portions of the plantar misting system having a plurality of separate nozzle connectors and a plurality of separate misting nozzles, wherein a releasable reservoir is located within the lower structure of the footwear.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an outsole of the footwear incorporating a plurality of separate misting nozzles.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a heel region of the footwear showing portions of a releasable reservoir being configured as a misting activator locating within the lower structure of the footwear.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a is a medial side view of the article of footwear, showing the plantar misting system in the lower structure of the footwear, wherein the plantar misting system is incorporated between the support system within the midsole of the footwear to prevent unintentional activation of the plantar misting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The plantar misting system is disclosed with reference to an article of athletic footwear having a configuration suitable for the sport of basketball. However, the plantar misting system may be incorporated into a wide range of athletic footwear styles, such as, running shoes, cross-training shoes, walking shoes, tennis shoes, and work boots. Any such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods, and any such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0022] For purposes of reference, an article of athletic footwear 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1, is divided into three regions: a fore-foot region 101, a mid-foot region 102, and a heel region 103. Regions 101-103 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of footwear 100, but rather, are intended to aid in the following discussion. Footwear 100 is depicted as having a substantially conventional configuration including an upper structure 200 formed from a plurality of materials that are bonded together to form an interior vacuity 201 for receiving a foot, and a lower structure 300 formed from multiple layers of materials that are bonded together to form an insole 301, a midsole 302, and an outsole 303.

[0023] The lower structure 300 of footwear 100 is depicted as having a substantially conventional configuration, where the insole 301 is located within the interior vacuity 201 in the upper structure 200. The insole 301 is configured to enhance support and comfort of the footwear 100. The outsole 303 is formed from a durable rubber material and is secured to a lowermost surface of midsole 302. Conventionally, the midsole 302 may incorporate multiple layers of material that increases durability of the footwear and enhances ground reaction force of the sole structure.

[0024] For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, a plantar misting system may include a releasable reservoir, a fluid delivering body, and a misting nozzle. The fluid delivering body may incorporate several elements including: a fluid valve, a fluid conduit, and a nozzle connector. An exemplary plantar misting or fluid dispensing system 400 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The primary elements of plantar misting system 400 comprise: a releasable reservoir or pump 401, a fluid valve 402, a fluid conduit 403, a nozzle connector 404, and a misting nozzle 405. In operation, the plantar misting system 400 may be activated after the releasable reservoir 401 is filled with a pre-determined amount of fluid and a first portion of the releasable reservoir 401A is connected to the fluid valve 402, in which the fluid valve is connected to the fluid conduit 403. A pressure may be applied to a second portion of the releasable reservoir 401B being configured for activating the pressure inside the releasable reservoir to draw and deliver the fluid inside the releasable reservoir 401 to the fluid valve 402 and the fluid conduit 403. The second portion of the releasable reservoir 401B is located on the outermost surface of the releasable reservoir within the heel region of the footwear. The activation causes the fluid from the releasable reservoir 401 to pass from the releasable reservoir 401 through the fluid valve 402, and entering the fluid conduit 403. The fluid from the fluid conduit 403 passes through the nozzle connector 404, and exits at the misting and/or dispensing nozzle 405 as an atomizing mist. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery body may include a fluid valve, and a fluid conduit having a nozzle connector incorporated therein.

[0025] The releasable reservoir 401 is configured for engagement and/or connection with the fluid valve 402 and is located within the heel region in the upper structure of the footwear. The releasable reservoir 401 is formed with an interior void 401C for receiving and storing the fluid. The releasable reservoir 401 is at least partially encapsulated by a material of the upper structure. The releasable reservoir 401 includes the first portion 401A that is configured for collecting the fluid and for engagement and/or connection with the fluid valve 402. In addition, the releasable reservoir 401 includes the second portion 401B that is configured to perform as an activator or activating apparatus. The second portion 401B is located on the outermost surface of the releasable reservoir 401 within the heel region of the footwear and is not encapsulated by the material of the upper structure. Thus, the second portion 401B protrudes beyond the material of the upper structure. The shape of the releasable reservoir may be narrower at the first portion 401A and larger at the interior void 401C. The releasable reservoir may be refilled by disconnecting the releasable reservoir 401 and the fluid valve 402 from the fluid conduit 403, and then pouring the pre-determined amount of fluid into the first portion 401A of the releasable reservoir. In some embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, the second portion 401B is located in the upper structure 200 of the footwear. Alternatively, the second portion 401B may be located in the lower structure 300 within the heel region of the footwear.

[0026] It is to be appreciated that variations in the size and shape of the releasable reservoir 401 (including the first portion 401A that is configured for collecting the fluid and for engagement or connection with the fluid valve 402, the second portion 401B that is configured as an activator, and the interior void 401C that is configured for receiving and storing the fluid) is contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0027] Based upon the above discussion, examples of suitable fluid include, but not limited to water or materials suitable for producing atomizing or ultra-fine mist. However, it is to be appreciated that a variety of fluids may be contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0028] The fluid valve 402 is configured for engagement and/or connection with the releasable reservoir 401 and the fluid conduit 403. The fluid valve may be one-directional to prevent the fluid from returning to the releasable reservoir 401 once it passes through the fluid valve. The fluid valve also prevents fluid inside the releasable reservoir from leaking outside the reservoir. The fluid valve 402 is entirely encapsulated by the material of the upper structure. It is to be appreciated that variations in the size and shape of the fluid valve 402 is contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0029] The fluid conduit and/or tube 403 is connected to the fluid valve 402 and extends from the heel region of the upper structure 200 through the lower structure 300. The fluid conduit may consist of various materials, such as plastic or rubber. The fluid conduit 403 is configured for engagement and/or connection with the nozzle connector 404 and is entirely encapsulated by the material of the lower structure. In some embodiments, the fluid conduit 403 may have a nozzle connector incorporated therein. It is to be appreciated that variations in the size, material, and shape of the fluid conduit 403 is contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that the manner in which the fluid conduit may be incorporated, and the extension in which the fluid conduit may be positioned may vary, as would normally be contemplated by one skilled in the art.

[0030] The nozzle connector 404 is configured for engagement and/or connection with the fluid conduit 403 and the misting nozzle 405. The nozzle connectors and the misting nozzles are entirely encapsulated by the material of the lower structure. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the misting nozzle 405 is located in the mid-foot region (102 of FIG. 1) of the lower structure 300. The lowermost surface of the misting nozzle is coplanar with the outsole of the footwear 303. However, the misting nozzle may be located in the forefoot region 101, the mid-foot region 102, or the heel region 103 of the footwear. The misting nozzle is configured to produce an atomizing mist or ultra-fine mist in order to prevent any drippage. The atomizing mist or ultra-fine mist provides additional grip and traction to the outsole of the footwear 100 on smooth but dusty flooring. The atomizing mist or the ultra-fine mist also provides additional friction between the outsole and the dusty flooring, which enables the users to better maintain their footing during ambulatory activities.

[0031] In some embodiment, the plantar misting system may incorporate a single misting nozzle 405. Yet in another embodiment, the plantar misting system may incorporate a plurality of separate nozzle connectors and a plurality of misting nozzles. The misting nozzles may be located in the forefoot region (101 of FIG. 1), mid-foot region (102 of FIG. 1), or the heel region (103 of FIG. 1). As depicted in FIG. 5, the plantar misting system is incorporated with a plurality of separate nozzle connectors and a plurality of separate misting nozzles. The plurality of nozzle connectors and the plurality of misting nozzles are entirely encapsulated by the material of the lower structure 300. The plurality of nozzle connectors and the plurality of misting nozzles may be located in the forefoot region (101 of FIG. 1), the mid-foot region (102 of FIG. 1), or the heel region (103 of FIG. 1). The lowermost surfaces of the plurality of separate nozzle connectors and the plurality of misting nozzles are all coplanar with the outsole of the footwear, as illustrated in FIG. 6. It is to be appreciated that variations in the number and location of the misting nozzle is contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0032] There are many benefits of using an athletic article of footwear with plantar misting system. As discussed above and is generally known, during the game of basketball, players are required to move, turn, change direction, jump, and stop quickly and swiftly. It is greatly advantageous to be able to activate the plantar misting system during the game in order to maintain their footing and balance. The plantar misting system provides additional traction between the outsole of the footwear and the dusty flooring. As a result, the plantar misting system prevents and/or reduces the likelihood of sport related injuries that can occur, such as head injuries, back injuries, broken bones, cuts and lacerations or sprains. Another usability benefit of the footwear with the plantar misting system is the efficiency and ease of use of the system. The plantar misting system can be activated quickly, hygienically, and easily. The players may activate the atomizing mist at anytime while participating in the game, which can result in the improvement of the player individual performance of the game. Additionally, the plantar misting system would greatly enhance and improve the overall momentum of the game when the players participating in the game are utilizing the system. The releasable reservoir may be refilled quickly and easily during the halftime or at the end of each quarter. Each activation of the plantar misting system requires a minimal amount of fluid. One refill of the pre-determined amount of fluid to the releasable reservoir may last for a period of time depending on how often the plantar misting system is activate. The misting nozzle provides ultra-fine mist or atomizing mist to prevent the fluid from dripping or causing excessive amount of fluid to be pooled between the outsole of the footwear and the surface of the flooring.

[0033] As an alternative to the plantar misting system 400, footwear 100 may also incorporate a plantar misting system 600 as illustrated in FIG. 7. For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, the plantar misting system may include a releasable reservoir, a fluid delivering body, and a misting nozzle. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the fluid delivering body includes a fluid valve, a fluid conduit, and a nozzle connector. The primary elements of the plantar misting system 600 comprise: a releasable reservoir 601, a fluid valve 602, a fluid conduit 603, a nozzle connector 604, and a misting nozzle 605. In operation, the plantar misting system 600 may be activated after the releasable reservoir 601 is filled with a pre-determined amount of fluid and a first portion of the releasable reservoir 601A is connected to the fluid valve 602, in which the fluid valve 602 is connected to the fluid conduit 603. A pressure may be applied to a second portion of the releasable reservoir 601B being configured for activating the pressure inside the releasable reservoir to draw and deliver the fluid inside the releasable reservoir 601 to the fluid valve 602. The second portion of the releasable reservoir 601B is located on the outermost surface of the releasable reservoir within the heel region, in the lower structure of the footwear as illustrated in FIG. 11. The activation causes the fluid from the releasable reservoir 601 to pass from the releasable reservoir 601 through the fluid valve 602, and enter the fluid conduit 603. The fluid from the fluid conduit 603 passes through the nozzle connector 604, and exits at the misting nozzle 605 as atomizing mist or ultra-fine mist. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery body may include a fluid valve, and a fluid conduit that is configured to have a nozzle connector incorporated therein.

[0034] The releasable reservoir 601 includes a first portion 601A that is configured for collecting the fluid and for engagement or connection with the fluid valve 602, a second portion 601B that is configured to perform as an activator, and an interior void 601C that is configured for receiving and storing the fluid. The second portion 601B is located on the outermost surface of the releasable reservoir 601 within the heel region, in the lower structure of the footwear. The second portion 601B is not encapsulated by the material of the lower structure. Thus, the second portion 601B protrudes beyond the lower structure. The shape of the releasable reservoir may be narrower at the first portion 601A and larger at the interior void 601C.

[0035] It is to be appreciated that variations in the size and shape of the releasable reservoir 601 (including the first portion 601A that is configured for collecting the fluid and for engagement with the fluid valve 602, the second portion 601B that is configured as an activator, and the interior void 601C that is configured for receiving and storing the fluid) is contemplated as would normally occurs to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0036] Based upon the above discussion, examples of suitable fluid include, but not limited to water or materials suitable for producing atomizing or ultra-fine mist. However, it is to be appreciated that a variety of fluid is contemplated as would normally occurs to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0037] The fluid valve 602 is configured for engagement and/or connection with the releasable reservoir 601 and the fluid conduit 603. The fluid valve may be one-directional to prevent the fluid from returning to the releasable reservoir 601 once the fluid passes through the fluid valve. The fluid valve 602 is entirely encapsulated by the material of the lower structure. It is to be appreciated that variations in the size and shape of the fluid valve 602 is contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the fluid conduit and/or tube 603 is connected to the fluid valve 602 and extends from the heel region 103 through the mid-foot region 102 within the lower structure 300. The fluid conduit and/or tube may comprise of various material, including but not limited to rubber or plastic. The fluid conduit is entirely In some embodiment, the fluid conduit may extend from the heel region 103 through the mid-foot 102 and forefoot 101 regions within the lower structure of the footwear. The fluid conduit 603 is entirely encapsulated by the material of the lower structure. The fluid conduit is configured for engagement and/or connection with the nozzle connector 604. In some embodiments, the fluid conduit 403 may have a nozzle connector incorporated therein. It is to be appreciated that variations in the size, material, and shape of the fluid conduit 603 is contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that the manner in which the fluid conduit may be incorporated, and the extension in which the fluid conduit may be positioned may vary, as would ordinarily be contemplated by one skilled in the art.

[0039] The nozzle connector 604 is configured for engagement and/or connection with the fluid conduit 603 and the misting nozzle 605. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the misting nozzle is located in the mid-foot region (102 of FIG. 1) of the lower structure 300. The lowermost surface of the misting nozzle 605 is coplanar with the outsole 303 of the footwear. The misting nozzle 605 may be located in the forefoot region 101, the mid-foot region 102, or the heel region 103 of the footwear. The nozzle connector and the misting nozzle are entirely encapsulated by the material of the lower structure. In addition, the misting nozzle is configured to produce an atomizing mist or ultra-fine mist in order to prevent any dripping of fluid. The atomizing mist or ultra-fine mist provides additional grip and traction to the outsole of the footwear 100 on smooth but dusty surface with basketball court and/or indoor court activities, such as volleyball or badminton. The atomizing mist or the ultra-fine mist also provides additional friction between the outsole and the dusty flooring, which enables the users to better maintain their footing during ambulatory activities.

[0040] In some embodiment, the plantar misting system is incorporated with a plurality of separate nozzle connectors and a plurality of separate misting nozzles as illustrated in FIG. 9. The plurality of separate nozzle connectors and the plurality separate misting nozzles may be located in the forefoot region 101, the mid-foot region 102, or the heel region 103. The plurality of separate nozzle connector and the plurality of misting nozzle are encapsulated by the material of the lower structure. The lowermost surfaces of the plurality of separate misting nozzles are all coplanar with the outsole of the footwear, as illustrated in FIG. 10. It is to be appreciated that variations in the number and location of the misting nozzle is contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. As shown in FIG. 12, the fluid delivery body may be incorporated in midsole of the lower structure of the footwear without interfering with any support structure 900 formed within the midsole. Furthermore, the fluid delivery body and support structure 900 formed within the midsole are incorporated in a manner that prevents from unintentional activation the plantar misting system when a foot is received through the interior vacuity of the footwear.

[0041] The method of incorporating the plantar misting system to an article of footwear comprises: incorporating a first access via in an upper structure of the footwear within the heel region of the footwear for engagement with a releasable reservoir and a fluid delivery body, positioning a fluid conduit through the access via from the upper structure of the footwear within the heel region and extending the fluid conduit into a midsole region in the lower structure of the footwear, incorporating a second access via in a lower structure of the footwear for engagement with a fluid conduit, a nozzle connector and a misting nozzle, attaching a fluid valve to a releasable reservoir and connecting the fluid valve to the fluid conduit at a first portion of the fluid conduit, positioning the releasable reservoir through the first access via within the heel region in the upper structure of the footwear, attaching a first portion of the nozzle connector to the fluid conduit and attaching a second portion of the nozzle connector to the misting nozzle, positioning the misting nozzle through the second access via within a outsole region in the lower structure of the footwear 100.

[0042] It is to be appreciated that the manner in which the first and second access via may be incorporated, and the extension in which the fluid conduit may be positioned may vary, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

CONCLUSION

[0043] The present disclosure advantageously provides numerous safety functionality, and versatility of an athletic article of footwear with plantar misting system. The plantar misting system provides additional traction between the outsole of the footwear and the dusty flooring. As a result, the plantar misting system prevents and/or reduces the likelihood of sport related injuries. The plantar misting system can be activated quickly, hygienically, and easily at anytime while players are participating in the game. As a result, players are able to maintain their balance, momentum, and swift foot, and thus, the use of plantar misting system improves the player individual performance of the game. The plantar misting system requires a minimal amount of fluid and one refill of the pre-determined amount of fluid to the releasable reservoir may last for an extended period of time depending on how often the plantar misting system is activated. The misting nozzle provides ultra-fine mist or atomizing mist to prevent the fluid from dripping or causing excessive amount of fluid to be pooled between the outsole of the footwear and the surface of the flooring.

[0044] The advantages and features of novelty characterizing aspects of the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. Thus, although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An article of footwear with a plantar misting or fluid dispensing system, the plantar misting system comprising: an upper and a lower structure secured to the upper; a releasable reservoir located within the heel region in the upper structure; a fluid valve; a fluid conduit, and a misting nozzle.

2. An article of footwear recited in claim 1, further comprising a nozzle connector, the nozzle connector being built into the fluid conduit or configured to connect with the fluid conduit.

3. An article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the releasable reservoir comprises: a first portion configured to connect with the fluid valve and collect fluid; a second portion configured to activate a pre-determined amount of pressure to pass the fluid inside the reservoir to the fluid valve; and a third portion configured to store the fluid, the releasable reservoir is at least partially encapsulated by a material of the upper structure.

4. An article of footwear recited in claim 3, wherein the second portion of the releasable reservoir being on an outermost surface of the releasable reservoir within the heel region in the upper structure of the footwear, the second portion of the releasable reservoir being unencapsulated by a material of the upper structure.

5. An article of footwear recited in claim 3, wherein the first portion of the releasable reservoir is narrower than the third portion of the releasable reservoir.

6. An article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the fluid valve is a one-directional valve configured to connect with the fluid conduit and the first portion of the releasable reservoir.

7. An article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the fluid conduit comprises: a proximal portion configured to connect with the fluid valve, and a distal portion configured to connect with the nozzle connector, the fluid conduit extends within the heel region of the upper structure through a midsole region of the lower structure and the fluid conduit is entirely encapsulated by a material of the upper and lower structures.

8. An article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the nozzle connector is configured to connect with the fluid conduit and the misting nozzle within the midsole region in the lower structure of the footwear, the nozzle connector and the misting nozzle are entirely encapsulated by a material of the lower structure of the footwear.

9. An article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the misting nozzle is co-planar with an outsole region in the lower structure of the footwear and is structured for releasing or dispensing an atomizing mist or an ultra-fine mist at approximately the mid-foot region, the forefoot region, or the heel region in the lower structure of the footwear.

10. An article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the plantar misting system includes a plurality of the nozzle connectors and a plurality of the misting nozzles, wherein the plurality of the nozzle connectors and the misting nozzles are entirely encapsulated by a material of the lower structure of the footwear.

11. An article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the plurality of the misting nozzles are co-planar with the outsole region in the lower structure of the footwear and are structured for releasing or dispensing an atomizing mist or an ultra-fine mist at approximately the forefoot and heel regions, or the forefoot and mid-foot regions, or the mid-foot and heel regions, or the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel regions of the footwear.

12. An article of footwear with a plantar misting or fluid dispensing system, the plantar misting system comprising: an upper and a lower structure secured to the upper structure; a releasable reservoir located within a heel region in the lower structure, the releasable reservoir is at least partially encapsulated by a material of the lower structure; a one-directional fluid valve; a fluid conduit, and a misting nozzle, wherein the releasable reservoir, the one-directional fluid valve, the fluid conduit, and the misting nozzle being horizontally aligned within a midsole region in the lower structure of the footwear.

13. An article of footwear recited in claim 12, further comprising a nozzle connector, the nozzle connector being built into the fluid conduit or configured to connect with the fluid conduit.

14. An article of footwear recited in claim 12, wherein the releasable reservoir comprises: a first portion configured to connect with the fluid valve and to collect the fluid; a second portion being on an outermost surface of the releasable reservoir and configured to activate a pre-determined amount of pressure to deliver the fluid inside the reservoir to the fluid valve, and a third portion configured to store the fluid.

15. An article of footwear recited in claim 12, wherein the fluid valve is configured to connect with the fluid conduit and the first portion of the releasable reservoir.

16. An article of footwear recited in claim 12, wherein the fluid conduit comprises: a proximal portion configured to connect with the fluid valve, and a distal portion configured to connect with the nozzle connector, the fluid conduit extends within the heel region through the midsole region of the lower structure and the fluid conduit is entirely encapsulated by a material of the lower structure.

17. An article of footwear recited in claim 13, wherein the nozzle connector is configured for connection with the fluid conduit and the misting nozzle within the midsole region in the lower structure of the footwear, the nozzle connector and the misting nozzle are entirely encapsulated by a material of the lower structure of the footwear.

18. An article of footwear recited in claim 12, wherein the misting nozzle is co-planar with an outsole region in the lower structure of the footwear and is structured for releasing or dispensing an atomizing mist or an ultra-fine mist at approximately the mid-foot region, the forefoot region, or the heel region in the lower structure of the footwear.

19. An article of footwear recited in claim 12, wherein the plantar misting system includes a plurality of the nozzle connectors and a plurality of the misting nozzles, wherein the plurality of the nozzle connectors and the misting nozzles are entirely encapsulated by a material of the lower structure of the footwear.

20. An article of footwear recited in claim 19, wherein the plurality of the misting nozzles are co-planar with the outsole of the lower structure of the footwear and are structured for releasing or dispensing an atomizing mist or an ultra-fine mist at approximately the forefoot and heel regions, or the forefoot and mid-foot regions, or the mid-foot and heel regions, or the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel regions of the footwear.

Images