Abstract:
The present invention provides for a tufted foam insole for use in slippers or other footwear. The present invention also provides for tufted footwear. A plurality of tufts in a foam pad provide for a firm but yet cushy feel to a user&#39;s foot.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to footwear in general and to tufted footwear in particular.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The use of foam in footwear is well known. The use of foam as an insole provides a cushy feel to a foot. However, the very characteristics of the foam which provide a cushy feel to the foot, can also contribute to an unsupportive or lack of firmness to the particular shoe or slipper.  
         [0003]     It is desirable to have a cushy but also supportive feel in slippers or other footwear designed primarily for comfort and relaxation. However, while the use of foam enhances the cushy feel to the foot, foam, in and of itself, often lacks the desired support and firmness. Accordingly, there is a need to achieve both a supportive and cushy footwear, that provides a comfortable yet firm feel to the foot.  
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an insert for footwear that provides a supportive yet cushy feel. It is also an objective of the present invention to provide footwear that also is supportive and comfortable.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present invention achieves these objects and others by utilizing a tufted foam insert. A plurality of tufts and a standard or high density foam pad are used to provide a cushy but firm insole. The present invention also utilizes a tufted foam insole in a slipper to also meet the objects of the present invention.  
         [0006]     The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the descriptions thereof. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a slipper according to the principles of the present invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is a disassembled view of some of the components of the slipper shown in  FIG. 1 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The footwear, shoe, or slipper  10  shown in  FIG. 1  contains a sock or insole  12  with a plurality of tufts  14 . The slipper  10  also contains a vamp lining  16  and an outsole  18 . While illustrated as a slipper, the slipper  10  could be any type of footwear.  
         [0011]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the insole  12  includes a tufted foam pad  20 . In one embodiment, this foam pad  20  is approximately 13 mm. (0.5 inches) thick and is comprised of high density foam. A binding  22  is attached to the bottom surface of a foam pad  20 . An insole liner  24  is attached to the top surface of the foam pad. The insole liner  24  may be velour to provide a plumptious feel to the foot. Additionally, the tufts  14  can extend from the binding  22  through the foam pad  20  to the insole liner  24 . In so doing, a puffy and firm insole  12  is created.  
         [0012]     Additionally, a heel cushion  26  can be sandwiched between the insole  12  and the outsole  18 . The heel cushion  26  can be comprised of a 9.5 mm. (⅜ in.) thick high density poly foam. Similarly, an arch cushion  28  can be sandwiched between the tufted foam insole  12  and the outsole  18 . The arch cushion  38  can be comprised of a 9.5 mm. (⅜ in.) thick poly foam cookie.  
         [0013]     The heel cushion  26  rests in the heel cradle  30  of the outsole  18 . The arch cushion  28  rests in the arch support  32  of the outsole  18 . Thus, an embodiment of the present invention utilizing both a heel cushion  26 , an arch cushion  28  provide enhanced comfort zones and extra cushioning. The outsole  18  may also contain other comfort enhancing features such as a toe rest (not shown) or other contours for enhanced support and a comfortable feel.  
         [0014]     The present invention also embodies a method for manufacturing an insole  12  comprising the steps of cutting a foam pad  20  and tufting the foam pad  20 . In such a method, the foam pad  20  may be a high density foam pad and the method may further comprise the steps of attaching a binding  22  to the foam pad  20 . Additionally, an insole liner  24 , may be attached to the foam pad  20  and the insole liner  24  may be velour.  
         [0015]     The present invention also embodies a method for manufacturing a slipper  10  comprising the steps of attaching a heel cushion  26  to an outer sole  18 , attaching an arch cushion  28  to an outsole  18 , and securing a tufted foam insole  12  over the heel cushion  26  and the arch cushion  28 . In such a method, the heel cushion  26  and the arch cushion  28  could be a high density poly foam. Additionally, the outsole  18  could be contoured, and the insole  12  could be high density foam.  
         [0016]     While the present invention has been illustrated by description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspect is, therefore, not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.