PUMPED AIR COOLING SHOE SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

An integratable cooling system, with a pump, having a diaphragm, a spring, at least one inlet check value, and at least one outlet check valve; a containment box with a pump located inside the box, and at least one tube, where this tube is in fluid communication with the containment box. Preferably, this tube terminates with at least one air intake and/or a plurality of outlets.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority as a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.: 14/163,905, filed on Jan. 24, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0002] The invention and its embodiments relate to a ventilated shoe, in particular a ventilated shoe capable of pumping air throughout itself.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0003] A user's comfort, with regard to heat, is affected by heat conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporative heat loss. A comfortable temperature is maintained when the heat generated by a human's metabolism is allowed to dissipate, thus maintaining thermal equilibrium with the surroundings. It has been long recognized that the sensation of feeling hot or cold is not just dependent on air temperature alone. Very hot or cold weather can cause individuals extreme discomfort and create a sense of suffering when adequate protection against the environment is absent. Further, perspiration from the body is used to cool down a user, provided that the user's clothing and conditions permit the evaporation of the perspiration. Contrapositively, the same person at the same temperature may feel extremely uncomfortable when conditions prevent the evaporation of perspiration. The proper clothing can make all the difference; however many items of clothing do not take perspiration into account.

[0004] One article of clothing, the shoes, may provide the least amount of adjustment for comfort of the wearer. Activities generally dictate the type of shoe that needs to be worn, whether for formal occasions or for sports. Regardless of the type of shoe worn by an individual, the feet can become hot and uncomfortable in warm weather. The interior of shoes also tend to become moist and warm in warm weather, the ideal condition for fungus growth. While some people are more prone to fungus growth such as Athlete's Foot, than others, foot sweating and discomfort is something that all people feel frequently. Athlete's foot (also known as ringworm of the foot and tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, flaking, and itch of affected areas. It is caused by fungi in the genus Trichophyton. While it is typically transmitted in moist communal areas where people walk barefoot, such as showers or bathhouses, the disease requires a warm moist environment, such as the inside of a shoe, in order to incubate. The reason the insides of shoes have favorable conditions for the proliferation of Athlete's foot is because of the lack of ventilation inherent in most shoe designs. Even cloth shoes, such as tennis shoes, tend to prevent adequate air movement for many individuals. Wearing open shoes such as sandals can allow air flow and help considerably; however they do not provide adequate protection against injury from foreign objects or from thermal extremes. A solution for ventilating all types of shoes is desirable.

[0005] Ideally, ventilated shoes should provide comfort and cooling, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable pumped air cooling shoe system to cool and dry the feet of the wearer during use, and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] Review of related technology:

[0007] U.S. Pat. No.: 3,029,530 pertains to a ventilated boot. The primary object of the provision of a mean for introducing cooling air to the interior of a boot or shoe to cool the feet of the wearer and prevent excessive perspiration.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No.: 5,295,313 pertains to a self-ventilating device for a shoe, including an air-pumping member disposed in the heel portion of the insole thereof, an ankle-protecting air bag disposed in the heel portion of the insole thereof, an ankle-protecting air bag disposed in the interior of the upper thereof, and an automatic air-controlling member communicating with the air-pumping member and ankle-protecting air bag, whereby the shoe can be effectively ventilated and protect the ankle. U.S. Pat. No.: 4,860,463 pertains to a footwear includes a sole having a rear socket, a middle transverse ventilation channel, and a plurality of front longitudinal ventilation channels fluidically communicated with a wearer's toe portions, an elastic pad having a plurality of longitudinal holes or elastic tubes formed in the rear socket of the sole, an upper cover covering the sole having a filter formed on a front toe portion of the upper cover, and an inner sole having a plurality of perforations in the front toe portion, so that the elastic pad may serve as a pump for sucking air from the wearer's toe portions, through the perforations of inner sole, the filter of upper cover and the longitudinal channels in the sole and for discharging the air through the transverse channel towards an environment, and the elastic pad may also serve as a shock absorber during sporting or jogging uses.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No.: 5,697,170 pertains to a ventilated shoe for ventilating the foot is disclosed. The ventilated shoe contains an outer sole. A heel pad is disposed at the rear end of the outer sole. An intake manifold is disposed near the front of the outer sole. The intake manifold is connected to pump cells. An exhaust manifold is also connected to pump cells. The intake manifold only allows air to flow through the manifold into the pump cells. The exhaust manifold only allows air to flow out of the manifold from the pump cells. The pump cells are filled with an open-celled foam so that when no pressure is being applied to the pump cells, they draw air in through the intake manifold. When pressure is applied to the pump cells, the open-celled foam is compressed and the air is expelled through the exhaust manifold.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No.: 5,655,314 pertains to a molded sole takes air in from the inside of the shoe and expels it through the heel, due to the pumping action carried out by a cushion, able to elastically deform once the foot pressure is applied. The cushion is housed within a chamber on the bottom of the sole and communicates through a longitudinal channel blocked by a single acting valve, with a ring on the heel which communicates with the interior through a vent area.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No.: 2,716,293 pertains to a ventilated boot responsive to ankle movement. The principal object of the invention is to provide a boot with apparatus responsive to ankle movement for ventilating the interior of the boot automatically while walking.

[0012] Various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present invention. Such devices fail to provide a device that can help develop a participant's knowledge in a multitude of different subject areas, while simultaneously engaging the participant physically. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below, and will be described in more detail herein.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present invention provides for an integratable cooling system, comprising: a pump, having an inner volume and a bottom surface, a spring having a top area and a first height, a seating area, and a spring bumper guard having a width and a second height, said spring seating area is sized to receive said spring, said spring rests in said spring seating area, wherein said first height is greater than said second height, said inner volume being bounded by a sealing area comprising the outer perimeter of said pump; a first tube, having at least one air inlet and a first check valve, wherein said at least one air inlet and said first check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area, a second tube, having at least one air outlet and a second check valve, wherein said at least one air outlet and said second check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area, said at least one inlet being located above said at least one air outlet.

[0014] The present invention also provides for a cooling shoe, comprising: a shoe, having a sole, a vamp, a quarter, a heel; at least one air conduit; at least one air intake; a plurality of outlets, a pump, having an inner volume and a bottom surface, a spring having a top area and a first height, a seating area, and a spring bumper guard having a width and a second height, said spring bumper guard is adorned on bottom surface, wherein said first height is greater than said second height, said spring seating area is sized to receive said spring, said spring rests in said spring seating area, said inner volume being bounded by a sealing area comprising the outer perimeter of said pump; a first tube, having at least one air inlet and a first check valve, wherein said at least one air inlet and said first check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area, a second tube, having at least one air outlet and a second check valve, wherein said at least one air outlet and said second check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area, said at least one inlet being located above said at least one air outlet.

[0015] In one embodiment said containment box is integrated into said heel. In another embodiment, said containment box is located below the ball of a user's foot, when in use. In yet another embodiment at least one perforation located on said shoe. In one embodiment said air conduit is at least one flexible tube, and in another embodiment said air conduit is at least one rigid tube.

[0016] Additionally, the present invention provides for a method of cooling down a shoe, comprising the steps of: providing, a cooling shoe, comprising: a shoe, having a sole, a vamp, a quarter, a heel, a pump, having an inner volume and a bottom surface, a spring having a top area and a first height, a seating area, and a spring bumper guard having a width and a second height, said spring bumper guard is adorned on bottom surface, wherein said first height is greater than said second height, said spring seating area is sized to receive said spring, said spring rests in said spring seating area, said inner volume being bounded by a sealing area comprising the outer perimeter of said pump; a first tube, having at least one air inlet and a first check valve, wherein said at least one air inlet and said first check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area, a second tube, having at least one air outlet and a second check valve, wherein said at least one air outlet and said second check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area, said at least one inlet being located above said at least one air outlet. In one embodiment said containment box has a scented agent contained within. In another embodiment, said shoe further comprises at least one perforation.

[0017] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide cooling and drying of the feet of a wearer. In one embodiment, the interior surface(s) of the pump cavity are non-permeable by pressurized air and comprise a flexible membrane so that the heel of the shoe is compressible via the body weight of the user-wearer during a walking movement. The present invention operates such that during a compression movement, the containment box is able to be pressure-sealed such that the pressurized air is expelled through the at least one inlet check valve and the at least one outlet check valve.

[0018] The present invention frequently incorporates a spring, which is centrally located within the inner volume of the pump cavity and is a compression spring such that the spring, in a relaxed state, is able to maintain the inner volume of the pump cavity. In a relaxed state, the spring is in an expanded condition. Preferably, the spring of the present invention may be constructed out of steel which is environmentally resistant to degradation from moisture. Alternatively, the spring may be constructed out of a titanium alloy which is highly resistant to corrosion a spring collar is concentrically located on the top side of the spring such that a downward lip of the outer periphery of the spring collar cups the top of the spring and effectively prevents lateral movement of the spring.

[0019] The check valves are located within the containment box such that the successive compression and expansion of the pump forces air to move in a single direction through the contained box.

[0020] The present invention also provides for a kit having at least one fully assembled air-cooling shoe assembly and at least one set of instructions.

[0021] For the purposes of summarizing the teachings of the present invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not all such advantages may be achieved in accordance in any one particular embodiment. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0022] It is an object of the present invention to provide a way to cool the inside of a shoe.

[0023] It is an object of the present invention to keep a user's foot dry. It is an object of the present invention to be able to retrofit the integratable cooling system of the present invention into any existing shoe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a right side view of an embodiment of the cooling shoe of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a right side view of an embodiment of the integratable cooling system of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

[0029] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a ventilated footwear device and more particularly to a pumped air cooling shoe system as used to improve the cooling and drying the feet of the user-wearer at an affordable cost.

[0030] Generally speaking, the present invention provides for a ventilating shoe for cooling and drying the feet of a user. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention utilizes a pump located in the heel of a shoe. The pump resides in an air-impermeable cavity.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, the cooling shoe of the present invention is shown. Here, the cooling shoe comprises pump 105, spring cover 110, spring 115, at least one inlet check valve 120, containment box 130, inner volume 135, at least one tube 140, at least one perforation 145, at least one intake 150, at least one outlet 155, and shoe 160. Preferably, the at least one intake 150 will be located at the top of a user's shoe. This prevents debris close to the ground from getting sucked into the system. Further, it is important to balance the surface area of at least one intake 150 and at least one outlet 155 so that a sufficient velocity of air is pushed through the system. The actual size of at least one intake 150 and at least one outlet 150 is not as important and their respective sizes, due to Bernoulli's equation which shows that the velocity of any fluid (including air) in a system such as this is directly related to the area differential upon which the fluid is traveling through. At least one perforation 145 provides for additional cooling and ventilation. This dual-action ventilation is featured in a number of preferred embodiments.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, integratable cooling system 100 is provided. Here, integratable cooling system 100 is comprised of spring 115, spring cover 110, at least one inlet check valve 120, at least one outlet check valve 125, containment box 130, inner volume 135, at least one tube 140, at least one intake 150, and at least one outlet 155. This embodiment shows a system that can be incorporated into almost any item of footwear. In one embodiment, containment box 130 is located under the heel of a user. In an alternative embodiment, containment box 130 is located under the ball of a user's foot. In yet another embodiment, the user may choose where they located the containment box, provided that it is compressed when the user takes a step. While at least one outlet 155 can be located anywhere, it is preferably located at the front of a user's foot. With the increased surface area of the toes, the cool air blowing over them will be most effective at cooling down the user.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart showing an embodiment of the method of the present invention is shown. Here, the method starts out with step 205, where a cooling shoe similar to what is depicted in FIG. 1 is provided. A user then steps on the containment box located in said shoe in step 210. In step 215, this step results in the pump being depressed. This results in step 220 where the pump forces air to be sent through the at least one outlet check valve, through the tube and out the at least one outlet contained in said shoe. After this process is complete, a user then removes their body weight from the containment box in step 225, allowing the spring to force the containment box to return to its natural resting position in step 230. Step 230 causes the importation of air through the tube such that the inner volume of said containment box becomes filled with air in step 235.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, springs of various stiffness can be used to accommodate users of various weights. Additionally, many embodiments feature a spring bumper guard, which is located inside of the spring of the present invention, and is sized to prevent the complete compression of this spring. The present invention may also feature additional tubes leading both too and from the containment box, to allow for a greater volume of air to pass through the present invention. In some embodiments, the spring bumper guard is disposed on the bottom of said shoe, however, it may be suspended within the spring of the present invention as well. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing area of the present invention is constructed substantially out of rubber. In another preferred embodiment, the pump of the present invention contains a scented agent.

[0035] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective "another," when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0036] While the disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the spirit thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed.

[0037] Further configurations and exemplary embodiments of the present invention are attached in the appendix, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into the specification.

Claims

1. An integratable cooling system, comprising: a pump, having an inner volume and a bottom surface, a spring having a top area and a first height, a spring seating area, and a spring bumper guard having a width and a second height, said spring seating area is sized to receive said spring, said spring rests in said spring seating area, said inner volume being bounded by a sealing area comprising the outer perimeter of said pump; wherein said first height is greater than said second height, a first tube, having at least one air inlet and a first check valve, wherein said at least one air inlet and said first check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area, a second tube, having at least one air outlet and a second check valve, wherein said at least one air outlet and said second check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area, said at least one inlet being located above said at least one air outlet.

2. The integratable cooling system of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional tube, having at least one opening and an additional check valve, wherein said at least one opening and said additional check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area.

3. The integratable cooling system of claim 1, wherein said pump is depressible.

4. The integratable cooling system of claim 1, wherein said system is integrated in a shoe.

5. The integratable cooling system of clam 1, wherein said system is integrated into a sandal.

6. The integratable cooling system of claim 1, wherein said integratable cooling system is capable of drawing air in through said at least one air inlet, and out through said at least one air outlet.

7. The integratable cooling system of claim 1, wherein said sealing area is constructed substantially out of rubber.

8. The integratable cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a scented agent, disposed in said inner volume.

9. The integratable cooling system of claim 1, wherein said spring bumper guard is adorned on bottom surface.

10. A cooling shoe, comprising: a shoe, having a sole, a vamp, a quarter, a heel; an integrated cooling system, comprising: a pump, having an inner volume and a bottom surface, a spring having a top area and a first height, a seating area, and a spring bumper guard having a width and a second height, said spring bumper guard is adorned on bottom surface, wherein said first height is greater than said second height, said spring seating area is sized to receive said spring, said spring rests in said spring seating area, said inner volume being bounded by a sealing area comprising the outer perimeter of said pump; a first tube, having at least one air inlet and a first check valve, wherein said at least one air inlet and said first check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area, a second tube, having at least one air outlet and a second check valve, wherein said at least one air outlet and said second check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area, said at least one inlet being located above said at least one air outlet.

11. The cooling shoe of claim 10, wherein said pump is integrated into said heel.

12. The cooling shoe of claim 10, wherein said pump is located below the ball of a user's foot, when in use.

13. The cooling shoe of claim 10, further comprising at least one perforation located on said shoe.

14. The cooling shoe of claim 10, wherein said first tube and/or said second tube are constructed out of a flexible material.

15. The cooling shoe of claim 10, wherein said first tube and/or said second tube are constructed out of a non-flexible material.

16. The cooling show of claim 10, further comprising at least one additional tube, having at least one opening and an additional check valve, wherein said at least one opening and said additional check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area.

17. A method of cooling down a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) providing, a cooling shoe, comprising: a shoe, having a sole, a vamp, a quarter, a heel; an integrated cooling system, comprising: a pump, having an inner volume and a bottom surface, a spring having a top area and a first height, a seating area, and a spring bumper guard having a width and a second height, said spring bumper guard is adorned on bottom surface, wherein said first height is greater than said second height, said spring seating area is sized to receive said spring, said spring rests in said spring seating area, said inner volume being bounded by a sealing area comprising the outer perimeter of said pump; a first tube, having at least one air inlet and a first check valve, wherein said at least one air inlet and said first check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area, a second tube, having at least one air outlet and a second check valve, wherein said at least one air outlet and said second check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area, said at least one inlet being located above said at least one air outlet; b) stepping, by a user on said pump; c) depressing, said pump, wherein said pump contains a fluid, while simultaneously exporting said fluid, through said at least one air outlet; d) removing, said user's body weight from said pump and allowing, said spring to return to its natural resting position, while simultaneously importing air thorough said at least one flexible tube through said at least one inlet valve, such that air enters said containment box e) repeating, steps b-d, as desired.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said inner volume has a scented agent disposed within.

19. The method of claim 17, said shoe further comprising at least one perforation.

20. The method of claim 17, said shoe further comprising at least one additional tube, having at least one opening and an additional check valve, wherein said at least one opening and said additional check valve are in fluid communication with said inner volume via said sealing area.

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