Patent Publication Number: US-8112907-B2

Title: Disposable cushion shoe insert

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to shoe inserts and, more specifically, to disposable cushion inserts for shoes designed to temper forces imparted on a foot during activities such as walking and running. 
     The cushion insert in one embodiment has a cover layer and an open-cell shape-retentive layer conjoined by means of a bonding method taken from the group of adhesive and ultrasonics. 
     The cover layer is constructed of fibrous material taken from the group of fiber crops and polymers that will be treated to have a low moisture content and absorbency with a plurality of apertures passing therethrough as air passages between the open-cell layer and the cushioned insert exterior. 
     The second layer is manufactured from a cross-linked open cell silicone material having a plurality of conjoined truncated-apex square pyramids where the walls enclose a central cavity with open bottoms providing a structure that is mostly ambient air-filled space that when released from a compressed state returns to its original form. Each of the pyramids&#39; truncated-apex top surfaces has an aperture placed therethrough providing passage for air between each of the pyramid-shaped cavities and the cushioned-insert exterior. 
     The aforementioned bonding of the cover and open-cell layers takes place between the top planar surfaces of the apex-truncated pyramids and the surface area of the first layer engaging the apex-truncated pyramids. 
     As aforementioned, both the cover and open-cell layers have a plurality of apertures with the pyramid apex apertures co-aligning with the cover layer apertures. Additional apertures are placed in the cover layer in fluid communication with the spaces between the second layer&#39;s spaced apart pyramids providing for additional venting of air from the open-cell layer through the cover to the cushioned insert exterior. 
     The present invention also provides for an embodiment having a base layer conjoined to the base of the open-cell layer manufactured from a frictional material to prevent slippage of the cushioned insert during use. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There are other shoe inserts designed for similar purposes. While these shoe inserts may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 231,398 of Bussey discloses air cavities covered by an insole with smaller holes but does not teach a collapsible structure with superadjacent apertures for channeling air across the foot. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 682,141 of Galloway teaches a shoe cushion insert with exterior venting air pockets with channels between the air pockets for venting. This design would result in a lumpy insert due to the varying cross sectional thicknesses of the insert. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 825,515 of Byrne discloses a dual layer insert having a plurality of imperforate frusto conical air pockets that would entrap air as a cushioning member while venting the air below along the periphery. It does not teach an insert that would unilaterally collapse expelling all air contained therein. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,128,220 of Bullard discloses an insert comprised of independent cells that vent out the bottom of the insert. It is believed that sufficient pressure would keep the cells from venting at all. Furthermore, such a design would be limited to a heel cushion as shown since a full shoe insert would cause pressure and soreness across the instep due to the contour of the foot. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,605,408 of Huiskamp teaches a permanent air cushion positioned between the inner and outer sole with a plurality of protuberances and a single ingress and egress port positioned in the insole. Such a design would have limited capability of moving air across the body of the foot. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,090,881 of Wilson teaches a bubble-wrap type insert with sealed air pockets which does not provide for the exchange of air within the insert due to changes in pressure. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,347,207 and 2,432,533 of Margolin teaches an insole with a plurality of hexagonal shaped pockets with exterior opening for moving air in and out of the insert. The insert does not disclose a disposable insert having a wall structure creating an interior ventable compartment and an exterior ventable compartment. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,454 of Williams teaches a cushioning material with a plurality of spaced columnar-shaped projections. The cushioning material does not disclose a wall structure creating an interior ventable compartment and an exterior ventable compartment. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,589,037 of Gallagher teaches a plurality of air pockets formed from heat sealing two sheets together, which does not provide for air movement from the insert during activity. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,616,155 of Chavannes also teaches an insert comprised of a plurality of sealed air pocket, which does not provide for air movement. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,434,859 of Kim teaches a plurality of protrusions with a topmost aperture and a base skirt which under pressure collapses causing the egress of air from the base positioned cavity. This construction does not disclose a wall structure creating an interior ventable compartment and an exterior ventable compartment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a disposable shoe insert that will cushion the foot during activity. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a disposable shoe insert incorporating an airflow generative function. 
     A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a disposable shoe insert having at least two layers comprising a cover layer and an open-cell shape-retentive layer. 
     A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide a disposable shoe insert having an optionally bottom layer serving as a frictional member to prevent displacement of the insert relative to the shoe insole during use. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable shoe insert wherein the cover layer is a fibrous-material such as cloth and wherein the open-cell shape-retentive layer is made of a material taken from the group of polymeric, elastomeric or combination thereof. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable shoe insert wherein the open-cell shape-retentive layer has the characteristic of returning to its original shape when a compression force is removed therefrom. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable shoe insert wherein the open-cell shape-retentive layer is a silicon pad. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable shoe insert wherein the silicon pad has a cross linked fibrous body forming structure for interdisposed ambient air pockets. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a disposable shoe insert wherein the open-cell shape-retentive layer is constructed of a plurality of open core truncated square pyramids. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a disposable shoe insert wherein the open core truncated square pyramids have an aperture passing through the top layer to the open core for channeling air from the open core to the exterior. 
     A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a disposable shoe insert wherein the cover layer as a plurality of apertures passing therethrough that co-align with the truncated square pyramid apertures to aid in channeling the air from the open core interior to the pad exterior. 
     A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide a disposable insert wherein the truncated square pyramids abut one another having a common base resulting in an insert with a small material base footprint. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable insert wherein the truncated square pyramids are spaced one from the other thereby increasing the insert&#39;s base material footprint. 
     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a disposable cushion inserts for shoes designed to temper forces imparted on a foot during activities such as walking and running. The cushion insert in one embodiment has a cover layer and an open-cell shape-retentive layer conjoined by means of a bonding method taken from the group of adhesives and ultrasonics and in a second instance has three layers by incorporating a base layer serving as a frictional member to keep the insert from positional displacement within the shoe during use. 
     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the shoe insert and shoe application; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustrative view of the shoe insert of the present invention comprising in one instance of a top and bottom layer; 
         FIG. 3  is a top assembled view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustrative view of the present invention in use. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustrative view of the present invention in use. 
         FIG. 7  is a top exploded view of a three layer shoe insert of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the additional instance of the present invention comprising three layers. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the pedal operated toilet seat lifter of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing Figures. 
       10  cushioned shoe insert 
       12  shoe 
       14  vamp 
       16  sole 
       18  aperture 
       20  cover layer 
       22  coaligned aperture 
       24  aperture 
       26  open-cell shape-retentive layer 
       27  truncated square pyramid 
       28  truncated square pyramid sides 
       30  truncated square pyramid planar top 
       32  apex aperture 
       33  inter pyramid cavity 
       34  intra pyramid cavity 
       36  truncated square pyramid open core 
       38  foot 
       40  aperture 
       42  expelling air current 
       44  drawn air current 
       46  expansion force 
       48  compression force 
       50  frictional layer 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , shown is a top view of the shoe insert and shoe application. Shoe  12  has a vamp  14  and rear  18  encompassing an inner sole  16  for the placement thereon of cushion insert  10  comprising cover layer  20  having apertures  22 ,  24  and a compressible layer  26  having apertures  32  that co-align with apertures  22  to facilitate air movement from the compressible layer  26  to the insert exterior surface. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , shown is an exploded view of the cushion insert of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention the cushioned insert  10  is comprised of a top cover layer  20  superjacent an open-cell shape-retentive layer  26  manufactured of a cross-linked open-cell silicone forming a silicone pad. The top cover layer  20  has apertures  22  and apertures  24 . The cover layer  20  is manufactured of a fibrous-material taken from the group of fiber crops, such as, cotton, jute, hemp, bamboo, ramie, kenaf and polymers that are treated to have a low moisture content and absorbency. The cross-linked open-cell silicone layer  26  has a plurality of adjacently conjoined truncated-apex square pyramids  27  where the walls  28  enclose a central cavity  33  with open bottoms providing a structure that is mostly ambient air-filled space that when compressed expels the ambient air through cover layer apertures  22 , 32  and when released from a compressed state returns to its original truncated square pyramid form creating a vacuum which draws air into the structure through apertures  22 , 32 . Each of the pyramids&#39; truncated-apex top surfaces  30  has an aperture  32  placed therethrough providing passage for air between each of the pyramid-shaped cavities  33  and the cushioned-insert exterior. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , shown is a top assembled view of the present invention. The cover layer  20  is manufactured of a fibrous-material taken from the group of fiber crops, such as, cotton, jute, hemp, bamboo, ramie, kenaf and polymers that are treated to have a low moisture content and absorbency. A plurality of apertures  22 , 24  pass through the fibrous layer allowing air to pass between the exterior of the pad and the interior of the pad as compressive and decompressive forces act upon the open-cell shape-retentive layer. Some apertures co-align with the apertures of the truncated apex surface while other are located in the spaces between the square pyramid truncated apex surfaces, which will allow for a greater exchange of ambient air. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , shown is a sectional view  10  having a top cover layer  20  superjacent an open-cell shape-retentive layer  26  manufactured of a cross-linked open-cell silicone forming a silicone pad. The top cover layer  20  has apertures  22  and apertures  24 . The cover layer  20  is manufactured of a fibrous-material taken from the group of fiber crops, such as, cotton, jute, hemp, bamboo, ramie, kenaf and polymers that are treated to have a low moisture content and absorbency. The cross-linked open-cell silicone layer  26  has a plurality of adjacently conjoined truncated-apex square pyramids  27  where the walls  28  enclose a central cavity  33  with open bottoms providing a structure that is mostly ambient air-filled space that when compressed expels the ambient air through cover layer apertures  22 , 32  and when released from a compressed state returns to its original truncated square pyramid form creating a vacuum which draws air into the structure through apertures  22 , 32 . Each of the pyramids&#39; truncated-apex top surfaces  30  has an aperture  32  placed therethrough providing passage for air between each of the pyramid-shaped cavities  33  and the cushioned-insert exterior. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6  shown are air current effected by compressive  44 ,  48  and decompressive  42 ,  46  forces made on the cushion  10  by the foot  38  during activity and a cushion designed to temper forces  40 ,  44 ,  48  imparted on a foot  38  during activities such as walking and running. The cover layer  20  is constructed of fibrous material taken from the group of fiber crops and polymers that will be treated to have a low moisture content and absorbency with a plurality of apertures passing therethrough as air passages between the open-cell layer and the cushioned insert exterior. The subjacent layer  26  is manufactured from a cross-linked open cell silicone material having a plurality of conjoined truncated-apex square pyramids where the walls enclose a central cavity with open bottoms providing a structure that is mostly ambient air-filled space that when released from a compressed state returns to its original form. Each of the pyramids&#39; truncated-apex top surfaces has an aperture placed therethrough providing passage for air between each of the pyramid-shaped cavities and the cushioned-insert exterior. As aforementioned, both the cover and open-cell layers have a plurality of apertures with the pyramid apex apertures co-aligning with the cover layer apertures. Additional apertures are placed in the cover layer in fluid communication with the spaces between the second layer&#39;s spaced apart pyramids providing for additional venting of air from the open-cell layer through the cover to the cushioned insert exterior. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8  shown is a sectional view of an additional element of the present invention comprising a base layer  50  forming a frictional element to prevent casual displacement of the insert during use. The inset  10  having a top cover layer  20  superjacent an open-cell shape-retentive layer  26  manufactured of a cross-linked open-cell silicone forming a silicone pad. The top cover layer  20  has apertures  22  and apertures  24 . The cover layer  20  is manufactured of a fibrous-material taken from the group of fiber crops, such as, cotton, jute, hemp, bamboo, ramie, kenaf and polymers that are treated to have a low moisture content and absorbency. The cross-linked open-cell silicone layer  26  has a plurality of adjacently conjoined truncated-apex square pyramids  27  where the walls  28  enclose a central cavity  33  with open bottoms providing a structure that is mostly ambient air-filled space that when compressed expels the ambient air through cover layer apertures  22 , 32  and when released from a compressed state returns to its original truncated square pyramid form creating a vacuum which draws air into the structure through apertures  22 , 32 . Each of the pyramids&#39; truncated-apex top surfaces  30  has an aperture  32  placed therethrough providing passage for air between each of the pyramid-shaped cavities  33  and the cushioned-insert exterior with the base layer  50  preventing casual displacement of the insert during use.