Abstract:
The therapeutic cushioned sole has a base that carries a cushioning material capable of simulating the feeling of walking on grass. The cushioning material may attach to the bottom of the footwear, such as a sandal or an over-shoe, or may affix to an after-market insole designed to replace or complement a stock insole. The cushioning material includes an artificial grass-like material such as field turf, Astroturf, or another like material and may be formed in different densities and lengths depending on the comfort level specific to a particular use or wearer.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a therapeutic cushioned sole. More particularly, the invention relates to an outsole, over-shoe or insole therapeutic cushion capable of simulating walking on a cushioned surface, such as grass. 
         [0002]    There are a wide variety of cushioning systems available with various footwear designs. The desired use of the footwear often dictates the type of materials that comprise the cushioning system in order to attain the desired comfort. Cushioning systems vary widely, but generally include an insole, a midsole and an outsole. Accordingly, the insole, midsole or the outsole absorb the majority of the impact forces placed upon footwear during walking or running. In this regard, footwear provides cushioning between the sole of the foot and the contact surface. Footwear typically includes some form of shock absorption materials or cushioning systems that provide comfort and support. For example, cushioning systems may include materials such as gels, plastic, springs, high-tech foams or other encasements that support air-filled chambers. 
         [0003]    The aforementioned cushioning materials are designed to absorb and store impact energy generated during walking or running. In this regard, the outsole, midsole and insole are designed to protect and comfort feet. Manufacturers may specifically design these footwear components based on the desired use. For example, walking is generally a slower activity relative to running and requires less cushioning material to absorb impact forces. In fact, running shoes may be uncomfortable or unstable for walkers as these cushioning systems are designed to provide runners with an additional reflexive spring during running. Additionally, walking shoe outsoles typically experience less surface wear due to lower impact forces relative to running shoes. In this regard, it may be desirable to manufacture walking shoe outsoles out of lighter, less robust materials. Of course, most footwear outsoles comprise some form of material capable of withstanding walking or running conditions. For example, the outsole may be manufactured from natural rubber, a synthetic imitation rubber material, leather, wood, etc. The outsole may comprise a single piece of material or several separate interlocking pieces that enhance movement of materials relative to one another. Often, the outsole will at least consist of some durable material that provides traction. 
         [0004]    The midsole is typically a layer of footwear material disposed or sandwiched between the outsole and the insole and may be designed to act as a damper therebetween. The midsole is most commonly used for shock absorption, but may also provide other functions such as vertical or lateral foot support. The midsole may consist of shock absorption material such as gel or air-filled chambers beneath the foot to absorb additional pressures most often associated with orthotic footwear. For example, some running footwear includes an inflated heel that functions as an air spring. The air spring is designed to quickly rebound from a compressed condition under force to provide thrust in each step. Of course, the midsole should be designed to rebound based on the type of body movement. In this regard, slower or less powerful responses may be designed specifically for walking or casual footwear and stronger and faster responses may be designed into running footwear. Midsoles vary largely among manufacturers, the type of footwear and the intended use of the footwear. In some cases, footwear may not include a midsole at all. 
         [0005]    In one example, the midsole consists of a fluid-filled bladder that contains pressurized gases, viscous fluids or a gel that absorbs shock and stores energy. These fluid-based cushions are particularly ideal as shock absorbers and tend to increase comfort during walking or running. Some models have a large cushioning unit at the heel that is visible from the side of the midsole. The fluid-filled chamber generally includes a collapsible three-dimensional body defining a plurality of fluid cells. The fluid cells may be interconnected by a set of passages capable of dispersing fluid during use. For example, the fluid-filled midsole may have a large encased or encapsulated elastic member. This elastic member depresses when compressed such that the fluid therein escapes into surrounding chambers. This action provides a smoother, more contoured contact surface and supports the perimeter of the inflated area of the midsole. The encapsulated material essentially deforms to dissipate the load transferred upon it by the foot. 
         [0006]    The insole is another part of the footwear designed to accommodate foot-related stresses induced during, e.g., walking or running. The insole is generally located along the interior bottom of the footwear and sits directly beneath the foot. Insoles may be permanently sewn or glued to the footwear. Alternatively, stock insoles sold with the footwear itself may be removable and replaceable. Some after-market insole products are designed to be used together with the factory stock insoles to provide extra cushioning or support, while other insoles may be designed to completely replace the factory insole. After-market insoles typically provide some additional comfort or health-related support specific to a particular wearer. For example, insoles may provide additional arch support, control the shape of a shoe or dissipate moisture. Specifically, the insole can distribute stresses associated with walking or running, such as foot motion patterns, vertical ground reaction forces, pressure distribution patterns and mid-foot dynamics. Of course, each of these conditions are different for different footwear, such as walking, running or hiking footwear. 
         [0007]    There exists, therefore, a need in the art for a therapeutic cushioned sole capable of simulating walking on a soft surface, such as grass. Such a therapeutic cushioned sole should include a housing capable of securely attaching to a foot, a therapeutic cushioned surface disposed along the contact surface of the foot such that the associated cushioning system attaches directly to the shoe as an outsole, attaches to an over-shoe, or is otherwise provided as an insole. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The therapeutic cushioned sole generally includes a base that carries a cushioning material capable of simulating the feeling of walking on grass. In one embodiment, the cushioning material attaches to the base of a sandal capable of being strapped to the foot of a wearer. In an alternative embodiment, the cushioning material is formed along a bottom portion of an over-shoe that stretches over and encompasses a commercial footwear product, such as a shoe or sandal. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cushioning material affixes to an insole designed to replace or complement a stock insole already associated with the footwear. Preferably, the cushioning material is manufactured from an artificial grass-like material such as field turf, Astroturf, or another like material. In this regard, the cushioning material may be formed in different densities and lengths depending on the comfort level specific to a particular wearer. 
         [0009]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a sandal having a therapeutic cushioned sole; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the sandal of  FIG. 1 , taken about the line  2 - 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an alternative perspective view of the sandal of  FIG. 2 , further illustrating the therapeutic cushioned sole; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the sandal of  FIG. 3 , illustrating the therapeutic cushioned sole attached to the bottom of the sandal; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an over-shoe having a therapeutic cushioned sole; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is an alternative perspective view of the over-shoe of  FIG. 5 , further illustrating the therapeutic cushioned sole; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the over-shoe of  FIG. 6 , illustrating the therapeutic cushioned sole attached thereto; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an insole having the therapeutic cushioned sole attached thereto; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating insertion of the insole into a shoe; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the insole of  FIG. 8  fully inserted into the shoe of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention for a therapeutic cushioned sole is generally referred to by the reference number  10 . The therapeutic cushioned sole  10  is illustrated herein with respect to three preferred embodiments. First,  FIGS. 1-4  illustrate the therapeutic cushioned sole  10  used in accordance with a sandal  12 . Second,  FIGS. 5-7  illustrate the therapeutic cushioned sole  10  used in association with an over-shoe  14 . Third, the therapeutic cushioned sole  10  is used in conjunction with an insole  16  as shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . The basic function of the therapeutic cushioned sole  10  is to provide cushioning support to those who wear footwear. It endeavors to relieve the wearer of trauma or discomfort with respect to pain in the joints or muscles of the feet, legs, hips or back. Accordingly, the therapeutic cushioned sole  10  intends to lessen or even eliminate bodily discomfort by artificial softening the ground upon which the footwearer traverses or exercises upon. 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , the therapeutic cushioned sole  10  includes a cushioning system  18  that preferably comprises a flexible cushioning material capable of comforting the wearer of the footwear. The cushioning system  18  may be manufactured from a form of artificial turf (i.e. Field Turf, Astro Turf, etc.), foam rubber, gel, polyurethane, etc. The wearer experiences a therapeutic comforting sensation as if walking on grass or another soft surface when the cushioning system  18  is disposed between the foot and the contact surface. The cushioning system  18  may be attached to the exterior of the footwear as shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , or the cushioning system  18  may be attached to the insole  16  and placed in the interior of the footwear as shown generally with respect to  FIGS. 8-10 . 
         [0023]    In  FIG. 1 , the cushioning system  18  is shown attached to a sole  20  of the sandal  12 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the cushioning system  18  must be manufactured from a substantially resilient material capable of withstanding the rigors of walking or running on cement or other like surfaces. In this embodiment, the cushioning system  18  functions as the outsole, which directly contacts the ground The cushioning system  18  may be attached to the sole  20  by glue, sonic welding or another appropriate process capable of securing the cushioning-type material of the cushioning system  18  to the sole  20  so as to prevent disconnection therefrom during use. Of course, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other methods known in the art may be used to secure the cushioning system  18  to the sole  20 . General examples of such attachment mechanisms may include a mechanical attachment mechanism or an adhesive attachment mechanism. 
         [0024]    The sandal  12  further includes a front strap  22 , a mid strap  24  and a rear strap  26 . Accordingly, the front strap  22  and the mid strap  24  comprise two sections capable of being disconnected from one another such that a person may insert a foot into the sandal  12 . In this regard, each section of the front strap  22  and the mid strap  24  is attached to the upper portion of the sole  20  by, for example, a set of stitching  28 . Of course, the stitching  28  does not interfere with attachment of the cushioning system  18  to the sole  20 . The two sections of the front strap  22  and the mid strap  24  may attach to one another by any method known in the art such as by a hook and loop combination (e.g. Velcro), snaps, buttons, buckles, etc. The rear strap  26  is attached to the mid strap  24 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , by a similar set of stitching (not shown). Preferably, the straps  22 ,  24 ,  26  are capable of selectively receiving and retaining a foot. In this regard, a retained foot wearing the sandal  12  applies pressure to the sole  20  during contact with the ground. The forces are transferred from the sole  20  to the cushioning system  18 . Accordingly, the cushioning system  18  deforms to provide the requisite therapeutic feel as if the person were walking on grass or a similar cushioned surface. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 2-4  further illustrate the consistency of the cushioning system  18  as applied to the sole  20  of the sandal  12 . As best shown with respect to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2 , the cushioning system  18  generally tapers inwardly from the exterior of the sole  20 . That is, the cushioning material of the cushioning system  18  is longer or thicker toward the perimeter of the sole  20  and is shorter or thinner toward the interior of the sole  20 . This particular design is ideal for maintaining the consistency of the cushioning system  18  applied throughout the base of the sole  20  of the sandal  12 . This particular design enhances the even distribution of forces applied to the sole  20  by the wearer of the therapeutic cushioned sole  10 . But, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the shape and construction of the cushioning system  18  may be in any one of a number of different configurations. Accordingly, the cushioning system  18  may vary in density, length or consistency as applied to the sole  20 . Similarly, the various densities and lengths may be strategically positioned along the sole  20  to provide more comfort in specific areas of the foot requiring more therapy or to otherwise correct foot ailments or deformations. The consistency of the cushioning system  18  may also be designed to correct alignment problems, as would any other corrective-type sole. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 5-7  illustrate another preferred embodiment of the therapeutic cushioned sole  10  in accordance with the disclosures herein. In this embodiment, the cushioning system  18  attaches to the bottom of the over-shoe  14 . The cushioning system  18  may attach to the over-shoe  14  by any method known in the art. In one embodiment, the over-shoe  14  includes a base  32  that is substantially rigid, similar to the sole  20  of the sandal  12 . In this regard, the cushioning system  18  attaches to the over-shoe  14  by the same mechanical or adhesive mechanism that attaches the cushioning system  18  to the sole  20  of the sandal  12 , as described with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 . Here, the cushioning system  18  is not required to move or stretch during insertion of footwear through the opening  30 . Alternatively, the cushioning system  18  may stretch with the over-shoe  14  to fit over other footwear, such as a walking shoe. In this regard, the base  32  may comprise the same or similar flexible material that comprises the main body of the over-shoe  14 . Here, the cushioning system  18  may stretch with the flexible material comprising the over-shoe  14  to accommodate insertion of the footwear therein. The over-shoe  14  preferably comprises a flexible, expandable body having the cushioning system  18  attached thereunder. An opening  30  of the over-shoe  14  stretches to at least accommodate the width of the footwear encompassed by the over-shoe  14 . The flexible body of the over-shoe  14  and the base  32  may be made from one or more numerous flexible materials such as latex, spandex, rubber or another synthetic flexible material deemed appropriate for use as an over-shoe  14 . In either embodiment described above, the cushioning system  18  may vary in density, length and consistency depending on the desired need of the particular wearer. The cushioning system  18  is also capable of being individually tailored to a particular wearer to cure specific ailments, trauma or other discomfort associated with walking or running shoes. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 8-10  illustrate another alternative embodiment of the therapeutic cushioned sole  10  in accordance with the disclosures herein. Here, the cushioning system  18  is applied to a top portion of the insole  16 . Instead of the cushioning system  18  directly contacting the surface upon which the wearer is walking, the cushioning system  18  directly contacts the bottom of the foot of the wearer. The insole  16  having the cushioning system  18  thereon may complement or even replace a factory insole. For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates insertion of the insole  16  into the body of a shoe  34 . The partial cross-sectional view of  FIG. 10  shows the insole  16  seated within the shoe  34 . The foot wearing the shoe  34  will directly contact the cushioning system  18  upon insertion into the shoe  34 . A user may adjust the fit of the shoe  34  to the cushioning system  18  of the insole  16  through use of a pair of laces  36 . Obviously, tightening the laces  36  engages a wearer&#39;s foot to the cushioning system  18 , while loosening the laces  36  otherwise provides more room and flexibility for the foot within the interior of the shoe  34 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , the insole  16  replaces the factory insole that is sold with the shoe  34 . In an alternative embodiment, the insole  16  may be used to complement the stock insole such that the shoe includes two insole layers. The cushioning system  18  may be attached to the insole  16  by any of the previously described methods. The cushioning system  18  may also vary in length and consistency depending on the particular use. For example, the cushioning system  18  may be longer and thicker near the foot arch to provide support thereof. The cushioning system  18  in  FIGS. 8-10  could also be specially designed to form-fit to the foot of a specific wearer, or be manufactured in large quantities having standard or general patterns or sizes. 
         [0028]    Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.