Abstract:
An air flow system based on the human circulatory system whereby a cushioning, cooling and circulating air flow is generated by a wearer of the shoe. The shoe includes a heart pump actuated by the wearer wherein arteries lead air throughout the shoe and veins return the air to the pump. The shoe is designed to free the foot of immobility and rigidity, to aid in development and maintenance of muscle groups required in function. The longitudinal arch that develops is formed by the wearer and is individualized for each wearer rather than being preformed in the shoe itself.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an air flow system designed to be used within a shoe or sock, and more specifically with an athletic shoe wherein the air flow is generated by the wearer of the shoe or sock.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0004]    The human circulatory system is the basis for this invention that incorporates human anatomy, physiology and kinesiology. The concepts as to how the foot should function within a shoe are discussed versus how civilized man has succeeded in immobilizing the system. The evolution of the foot from a flexible organ characterized by powerful extrinsic muscles into a comparative rigid mechanism designed for locomotion has been partially successful. The functional grasping muscles are still present but reduced in size and subordinated to the structural demands required in providing propulsive leverage. Most babies are flatfooted when they begin to walk. The short plantar muscles gradually tighten up, the anterior and posterior tibialis muscles lift the inner border and are the development of the longitudinal arch. No one type of arch is considered normal and its height and shape are of no value in estimating the strengths or usefulness of the foot. The weight during walking is transmitted to the heads of all metatarsal bones, hence there is no such thing as a transverse arch in a loaded foot.  
           [0005]    There is a lack of agreement in regards to when a foot is “normal”. The feet of primitive people who did not wear shoes were extremely mobile. They appear almost flat when weight in a relaxed state, but become highly arched in action. Such feet may tire easily under prolonged standing, but their functional capabilities are indicated by the fact that they are said to be frequently seen in runners and ballet dancers. The feet of most civilized men, however, are characterized by a pronounced longitudinal arch, which is not depressed during weight bearing nor raised during action. The static condition is attributed to the fact that modern shoes place the foot in a splint, the ligament shorten, the joint capsules contract, adhesion forms and the arch becomes relatively rigid.  
           [0006]    The prior art addresses the use of fluid mediums in the construction of shoes. For purposes of simplicity, the type of shoe (sneaker, athletic etc.) will not be specifically cited. Many prior art patents utilize a fluid to cool the shoe, while others use fluids to cushion the pounding caused by walking and running. U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,310 issued to Schoesler on Jul. 25, 2000 discloses a fluid filled insole with flow passages matched to the anatomical structure of the foot. U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,086 issued to Vindriis on Nov. 9, 1999, teaches of an insole to provide relief of both shocks and also to provide a massaging effect.  
           [0007]    A U.S. Pat. No. 5,675,914 issued to Cintron on Oct. 14, 1997, discloses a removable foot bed which circulates air and utilizes a pump activated by the user striking down on it with his heel. Another example of a shoe utilizing a pump to actuate the flow of a fluid therein is shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,332, issued to Lain on Sep. 14, 1999.  
           [0008]    An article of footwear demonstrating multiple fluid containing devices is shown in the Rudy U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,149 issued on Dec. 12, 2000.  
           [0009]    The present invention is designed to free the foot of immobility and rigidity. Designed to allow the foot to return to a relaxed state as well as allowing the formation of the longitudinal arch in an action state. Every person&#39;s arch is different yet today&#39;s shoes have a fixed arch support which in a way provide a mechanical support for a foot in a constant action state and not allowing for a relaxation phase. The present invention will provide the benefits of a primitive foot in function without the foot fatigue, which sets in a fixed, rigid, and immobile system. The present invention aids in the development and maintenance of muscle groups required in the act of walking and running. Evolutionary change is a demand change, we are interfering and altering evolution by changing the functional aspects of our osteo-ligamentous-muscular system. Instead of helping we are providing anatomical and physiological changes and with consequences of tired feet, knee problems, lower back problems, postural problems etc.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The foot is a very complex entity. The bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles working together with the leg muscles are a vital consideration in the design of the shoe of the present invention. The present invention is designed as to not limit these elements in function nor immobilize them. Accordingly, the above problems and difficulties are obviated by the present invention which provides for an air flow system in which the shoe does not provide a single arch support, but provides a system whereby each individual may have the ability to create his/her own arch support depending on the person&#39;s own shape, size and walking habits.  
           [0011]    More particularly, the present invention is comprised of a design system based upon the function of the human heart. The system having a heart pump whereby arteries lead the air away from the pump to provide support for the foot and subsequently veins return the air.  
           [0012]    An object of the present invention is to provide a shoe support system wherein the pumping action is controlled by the foot in motion.  
           [0013]    Another object of the invention is to provide a system whereby each individual&#39;s own unique foot and stride create the arch support best for him.  
           [0014]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe system based on a study of man&#39;s evolutionary approach to walking and running. The present invention&#39;s object being the creation of a shoe that would provide benefits to the user without foot fatigue which is created with a fixed, rigid and immobile system.  
           [0015]    Yet another object of the invention is the pressure sensitive sieve plate located on the upper heel of the shoe, the plate providing air on demand to a closed and open system.  
           [0016]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe wherein the volume and rate of air flow is dependent on the user.  
           [0017]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cooling system for the feet.  
           [0018]    Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow muscles, ligaments and bones the freedom of expression without restrictions, limitations in movement and function.  
           [0019]    These and other objects will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the present invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 is a top cross-sectional view of the invention&#39;s air flow system.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 is an end view of the multiple heart chambers.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 is a side view of the sieve plate.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the shoe from the heel end.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6 is a top view of the anastamosing chamber of the shoe.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0026]    The foot is a very complex entity. The bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, together with leg muscles are a vital consideration in the design of the shoe. The present invention as shown in FIGS.  1 - 6 , provides for a shoe that will not limit nor immobilize the foot. FIG. 1 shows the shoe  20  of the present invention being comprised of a toe section  22 , metatarsal section  23 , longitudinal arch section  24 , heel section  25 , back section  26 , top section  27  and bottom section  28 . Shoe  20  is designed to function with respect to anatomical, physiological and kinesiological considerations.  
         [0027]    When a foot is in motion, the heel strikes the ground first, the body weight is then transmitted forward along the lateral periphery of the entire foot (as the longitudinal arch is in action) and finally passes to the metatarsal heads (in the transverse ridge) and to the toe rise whereby the cycle of muscular contraction and relaxation is resumed. When the heel of a person&#39;s foot is elevated, thereby transferring the body weight to the toe section, support is needed which is shown by the arrows in FIG. 2 which depict advancing air currents to be provided in the design of the shoe  20 . The design of the present invention incorporates a heart pump  30 , which is the main chamber for air, and upon the motion of the wearer&#39;s foot, air will be propelled forward. The pump  30  is raised slightly above and is the first to contact the wearer&#39;s heel and thereby the first to receive his/her weight. The air will pass through a plurality of arteries  31 . As the air flows over the longitudinal arch section  24  it will allow for the customization as to size and shape of the individual&#39;s own arch. The present invention utilizes the foot in motion to provide the force to make the circulation work. The insole layer  41  which is the part of the shoe directly in contact with the person&#39;s foot provides for foot rest and is supported by the air flow through arteries  31 . FIGS. 3 and 6 show how the heart chambers  43  and the superior and inferior parts of the insole coordinate to maintain the proper orientation of the arteries  31 .  
         [0028]    The evolutionary foot provides for an encapsulated system of fat for cushioning the muscles and nerves of the foot against the stress generated by walking and running. The present invention also utilizes encapsulated fat bodies  32 , which are shown in FIG. 1 are more numerous in the heel section  25  where the greatest impact occurs. These fat bodies  32  can be voids or they can be filled with a gel or a resilient substance. The bottom section  28  will have a durable supporting medium  33  with a rubber base  34  for wear and abrasion resistance.  
         [0029]    The main embodiment of the present invention is a shoe  10  with an on-demand air circulatory system, which encompasses an open and/or closed system. The system works on pressure gradients developed in function. The system uses a venous network of return veins  35  to return air to heart pump  30 . It is to be appreciated that these veins  35  will be designed so as to be incorporated into the external surface and around the outer periphery of the shoe and also can be hidden from view or else designed as part of the decorative look of the shoe. These return veins  35 , like human veins, will have a unidirectional valve system (flap not shown) which will only allow flow towards the heart pump  30 . The unidirectional valve system is critical for the maintenance of positive pressure gradient which would be necessary if a support stocking or hose were used in conjunction with the shoe. The pressure gradient developed by the person&#39;s heel striking the heart pump  30 , as well as the foot being in motion, is sufficient to move the air towards the heart pump  30 . It is to be appreciated that the veins  35  should be non-distensible. Distensible veins  35  have a tendency to create eddies which slow down the speed of blood and air in their systems. Distensible arteries have faster air flow in the center of the artery and slower flow at the sides which provides a measure of surface area increase and support. The design of the superior aspect of the insole and inferior aspect will limit the distension. This ensures flow and protection. Accordingly, It is important that the pressure of the returning air be maintained and not lost. According to the principles of laminar flow, the air closest to the wall meets with friction and therefore is slower than the air in the middle. It is also anticipated that these return veins  35  could also be connected to a support stocking to provide circulatory relief for the wearer.  
         [0030]    The air supply to the heart pump  30  will be through a sieve plate  36  located at the back section  26 . It is anticipated that sieve plate  36 , as shown in FIG. 5, would be masked by the product logo or some other characteristic design. The logo may act as a filter or solid cap depending on function of the system. The external air supply will provide a cooling effect which will also help to reduce perspiration and eliminate odors. The back section  26  will be constructed from a pair of plastic support panels, an interior support panel  37  and an exterior support panel  38 . A leather type covering would comprise the exterior coat of the shoe. The panels  37  and  38  are suggested to be made of plastic material because plastic is durable, non-deforming, light-weight and low in costs. The panels  37  and  38  are maintained in position by a strut  49  which serves to maintain the channel  39  therebetween. A balloon-like structure (not shown) could be employed within the channel  39  to help reduce any lose of air. Both panels  37  and  38  have their lower ends curved to define a valve  40 . The exterior panel  38  is the lower curved portion and it is stationary by design. The upper curved section which is at the bottom of the interior panel  37  resembles an isthmus that can be depressed to therein shut-off the air channel  39 , so that when the wearer&#39;s heel strikes down depressing the upper curved section, the air is closed to the heart pump  30 . The air that is already in the heart pump  30  can only be propelled in one direction which is forward towards the toe of the shoe  10 . A spring can also be employed beneath the lower curved section to aid the function of the valve  40 . As this air is being propelled forward the heel is rising and the longitudinal arch is being formed. As the heel rises the upper curved section springs up and the positive pressure from the sieve plate  36  rushes air into the heart pump  30  to begin the process anew. In a closed system only the air in the return veins  35  is re-circulated. Basically the system is primed when the wearer starts walking. Once he feels that there is enough air, the sieve plate  36  can be closed off. This is a closed system. By leaving the sieve plate  36  open and rely on pressure gradients the user will create an open system.  
         [0031]    The heart pump  30  includes multiple separators  42  which in addition to forming chambers  43  also provide for organized directional flow through the arteries  31 . The pressure and speed is greatest coming out of the heart pump  30 . As previously stated, the central air is the fastest and therefore advances the air closest to the wall of the artery is slowest  31 . This is of importance because the slower moving air is providing the support for the foot in that position it finds itself at that particular instant in its motion. The chambers  43  are depressible and serve to direct the flow of air to the designated arteries  31 . These chambers  43  ensure that the arteries  31  not only are supplied air but also the required propulsion. The arteries  31  that are closest to the heart pump  30  are the narrowest in diameter so as to provide the greatest air speed. They also are subjected to the greatest wall pressures. As the arch section  24  is approached it is preferred that the arteries  31  widen. The purpose for this is to slow the air motion down. This is achieved by increasing the diameter of the artery  31  to distend its wall. The distension is limited to protect the superior and inferior aspects of the insole from ballooning. The reason for this is to slow the air as it enters the anastamosing chamber  44 . The chamber  44  has projections  46  on the underside of the superior insole which upon depression, creates canals  47  which serve to direct the remaining air to the portals  45 . This chamber  44  has numerous portals  45  leading to veins  35 . Upon beginning the activation of air into the arteries  31 , the action of the muscles creates a longitudinal arch, and the person&#39;s weight is laterally displaced. Therefore it is desirable to increase the air support of the arch while lessening the support on the lateral side. The heart chambers  43  can be designed to allow more air on the medial side of the foot and perhaps less on the lateral side. It must be restated that the air system does not form the arch but rather allows for the foot of the person to develop its own form, shape and size arch. The present invention merely provides the support. This is a major inventive design concept from shoes which provide preformed arches, wherein each individual shoe had the same size and arch shape regardless of the individual characteristics of the wearer.  
         [0032]    The present invention is set into motion by the wearer&#39;s heel striking down thereby propelling air forward to support the foot in the next position in time, ay which some of the air continues to be propelled forward to provide support for the foot at its next position. As the foot proceeds forward less support is required. Thereby, some of the air will be depressed through the inferior sole layer and supporting medium at which it deviates laterally and then re-enters the venous system. The design of the invention supports the foot at each particular time of its motion and also in the elimination or circulation of a portion of air.  
         [0033]    While there has been and described what is at the present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.