Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/203,069 filed 10 Aug. 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to footwear and, more particularly, to inserts for thermal protection of the user&#39;s feet. 
       Background 
       [0003]    Various athletic activities may be engaged in on artificial surfaces in outdoor settings. Soccer, American football, baseball, track and field events, tennis, lacrosse, and rugby are but a few examples of these various athletic activities. As used herein, artificial surfaces may include asphalt, clay, polyurethane, and concrete surfaces. Artificial surfaces may further include artificial turf such as, for example, AstroTurf®, OmniTurf®, and FieldTurf®. 
         [0004]    Such artificial surfaces, as well as natural surfaces, may become heated, for example, due to solar radiation. In any event, the temperature of the artificial surface may cause discomfort to the feet of the participants that may interfere with the conduct of the athletic activity. For example, per a professional soccer player, an artificial surface may reach a temperature sufficient to burn or blisters the feet. Such burns or blisters may be severe enough that participants may be forced to leave the game. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need for improved apparatus as well as related methods and compositions of matter for the protection of the feet of athletes from heated artificial surfaces. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    These and other needs and disadvantages may be overcome by the apparatus and related methods of use and compositions of matter disclosed herein. Additional improvements and advantages may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art upon study of the present disclosure. 
         [0007]    A thermal protection system is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the thermal protection system includes an insert. The insert may include a first layer and a second layer bonded to one another. The insert may be removably receivable within a cavity of a shoe to form a thermally insulating barrier between a plantar surface of a user&#39;s foot and a sole of the shoe with a side of the first layer oriented toward the sole and a side of the second layer oriented toward the plantar surface. The first layer may include an aerogel and the second layer may include a meta aramid polymer, in various aspects. 
         [0008]    Related compositions of matter disclosed herein, in various aspects, include a plurality of layers bonded to one another in the form of an insert removably receivable within a cavity of a shoe to create a thermal barrier between a sole of the shoe and a plantar surface of a foot of a user. 
         [0009]    This summary is presented to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein as a prelude to the detailed description that follows below. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus, methods, and compositions of matter disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1A  illustrates by perspective view an exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system; 
           [0011]      FIG. 1B  illustrates by cut-away side view portions of the exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2A  illustrates by perspective view an exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2B  illustrates by perspective view an exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates by cut-away view portions of an exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  illustrates by cut-away view portions of an exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  illustrates by cut-away view portions of an exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4C  illustrates by cut-away view portions of an exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4D  illustrates by cut-away view portions of an exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4E  illustrates by cut-away view portions of an exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4F  illustrates by cut-away view portions of an exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates by bar chart results from Experiment 2 in vivo testing of exemplary implementations of inserts; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates by bar chart results from Experiment 3 in vivo testing of exemplary implementations of inserts; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates by bar chart results from Experiments 2 &amp; 3 in vivo testing of exemplary implementations of inserts; and, 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates by bar chart results from Experiments 2 &amp; 3 in vivo testing of exemplary implementations of inserts. 
       
    
    
       [0025]    The Figures are exemplary only, and the implementations illustrated therein are selected to facilitate explanation. The number, position, relationship and dimensions of the elements shown in the Figures to form the various implementations described herein, as well as dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, flow and similar requirements are explained herein or are understandable to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this disclosure. Where used in the various Figures, the same numerals designate the same or similar elements. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “forward,” “rear,” “first,” “second,” “inside,” “outside,” and similar terms are used, the terms should be understood in reference to the orientation of the implementations shown in the drawings and are utilized to facilitate description thereof. Use herein of relative terms such as generally, about, approximately, essentially, may be indicative of engineering, manufacturing, or scientific tolerances such as ±0.1%, ±1%, ±2.5%, ±5%, or other such tolerances, as would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this disclosure. Note that the inserts tested in Experiments 1, 2, and 3 are exemplary. Neither the inserts tested in Experiments 1, 2, and 3 nor the conditions of Experiments 1, 2, and 3 should be considered limiting unless expressly so stated. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    A thermal protection system that thermally protects the user&#39;s foot is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the thermal protection system comprises an insert that is removably receivable within a cavity of a shoe. The insert includes multiple layers of material bonded together, with the multiple layers of material conferring various mechanical or thermal properties upon the insert, in various aspects. The insert may protect a foot of a user by insulating the foot against the heat of a surface upon which the shoe is worn. Related methods of use and compositions of matter are also disclosed herein. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system  10  that includes insert  20  received within shoe  50 . Insert  20 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , is received within cavity  51  of shoe  50 . Shoe  50  includes, for example, athletic footwear (e.g. soccer shoes, football shoes, track shoes, tennis shoes), shoes, boots, sandals, slippers, moccasins, and protective gear for the foot. Cavity  51  is the portion of shoe  50  that receives a foot of a user. Shoe  50  is in contact with surface  530 , and surface  530  has surface temperature T s , as illustrated. Surface temperature T s  may be uncomfortable or injurious to the foot. For example, surface  530  may be heated to surface temperature T s  by the sun or by proximity to a heat source such as fire or heated material. Surface  530  may be an athletic field, for example, a football field, soccer field, rugby pitch, or lacrosse field, and shoe  50  may be correspondingly adapted for use on surface  530  (i.e., a soccer shoe, football shoe, etc.) 
         [0028]    Insert  20 , in some implementations, may be removably receivable within cavity  51  of shoe  50  to allow the user to place insert  20  within cavity  51  or to remove insert  20  from cavity  51 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , absent insert  20 , side  59  of sole  55  defines a portion of cavity  51 . Side  23  of insert  20  is biased against side  59  of sole  55  of shoe  50  when insert  20  is received operatively within cavity  51 , as illustrated. When the foot of the user is received by shoe  50 , portions of the foot are biased against side  21  of insert  20 , in this implementation. In other implementations, insert  20  may be formed into shoe  50 , for example by being bonded to the sole  55 , so that insert  20  is non-removable. 
         [0029]    When side  57  of sole  55  is biased against surface  530 , surface temperature T s  may cause the transfer of heat between surface  530  and side  21  of insert  20  through sole  55  and through insert  20 . In this implementation, insert  20  forms an insulating barrier to side  21  of insert  20  that may contact the foot of the user within cavity  51  of shoe  50 . The insulating properties of insert  20  controls temperature T o  of side  21  of insert  20  against surface temperature T s  of surface  530 . Temperature T o  may be controlled by the insulating properties of insert  20  to a temperature that is comfortable to the foot of the user, or a temperature that is non-injurious to the foot of the user, in various implementations. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a portion of exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system  100  including insert  120 . Insert  120 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , is shaped in conformity with the plantar surface of the foot of the user. When insert  120  is received within a cavity of a shoe, such as cavity  51  of shoe  50 , side  121  of insert  120  is oriented to be biased against the foot of the user, and side  123  of insert  120  is biased against the entirety of a side of a sole within the cavity, such as the portion of side  59  of sole  55  bounding cavity  51 , in this implementation. Side  121  may be biased against generally the entire plantar surface of the foot when the foot is received within the cavity of the shoe. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a portion of exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system  200  including insert  220 . Insert  220 , in this exemplary implementation, includes gap  227  that passes through insert  220  between sides  221 ,  223 . When insert  220  is received within a cavity of a shoe, such as cavity  51  of shoe  50 , side  221  of insert  220  is oriented to be biased against only a portion of the plantar surface of the foot when the foot is received within the cavity, in this implementation. Side  223  of insert  220  may be biased against only a portion of a side of a sole within the cavity, such as side  59  of sole  55 . For example, gap  227  may correspond to portions of the plantar surface proximate the arch so that side  221  is biased against portions of the foot proximate the heel and proximate ball of the foot including the toes while not contacting portions of the plantar surface proximate the arch. Inclusion of gap  227  may allow insert  220  to consume less volume within the cavity, which may make insert  220  more unobtrusive to the user. Inclusion of the gap  227  may facilitate insertion of insert  220  into the cavity or removal of insert  220  from cavity. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  illustrates a portion of exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system  300  including portions of insert  320 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , insert  320  includes layer  332  and layer  334  in biased fixed engagement with one another to form a unitary structure. Layer  334  forms side  321  of insert  320 , and layer  332  forms side  323  of insert  320 , as illustrated. When insert  320  is inserted into a cavity of a shoe, such as cavity  51  of shoe  50 , side  321  is oriented such that side  321  may be biased against the foot of the user, while side  323  may be in biased engagement with the sole of the shoe, such as sole  55  of shoe  50 . 
         [0033]    Layers  332 ,  334  may comprise differing materials that confer differing mechanical or thermal properties upon insert  320 . For example, layer  332  may include an aerogel formed of glass or SiO 2 . Aerogel, in various implementations, is a synthetic material made by extraction of a liquid component of a gel by supercritical drying leaving the uncollapsed solid matrix that forms the aerogel. Aerogels may be formed from silica gels. Aerogels have been formed, for example, from alumina, chromia, tin dioxide, or carbon. Aerogel is a thermal insulator because a non-conductive material forms the solid matrix while the solid matrix blocks convection of the gas phase, and the solid matrix may produce the Knudsen effect that reduces thermal conduction through the gas phase. 
         [0034]    Layer  334 , for example, may include a meta aramid polymer formed from the monomers m-phenylenediamine and isophthaloyl chloride. The meta aramid polymer may be heat resistant and insulating, and may exhibit wear properties to withstand engagement with the foot of the user. The meta aramid polymer may be, for example, Nomex® manufactured by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del. 
         [0035]    In other implementations, layers  332 ,  334  may comprise substantially the same material, and insert  320  may be so formed for manufacturing reasons or to confer thermal or mechanical properties upon insert  320 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a portion of exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system  350  including portions of insert  370 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , insert  370  includes layers  382 ,  384 ,  386 ,  388 ,  390 ,  392  bonded to one another in succession. Layers  382 ,  384 ,  386 ,  388 ,  390 ,  392 , in this exemplary implementation, comprise materials as listed in Table 1. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Materials of layers 382, 384, 386, 388, 390, 392 of insert 370 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Layer 
                 Material 
                 Thickness (mm) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 392 
                 pfg pet dermatherapy 
                 0.2 
               
               
                   
                 390 
                 PE 2A 2.0 mm 
                 1.85 
               
               
                   
                 388 
                 Meta aramid polymer 100% 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                   
                 340 g/m 2   
                   
               
               
                   
                 386 
                 TFP50131A 100% glass 
                 0.40 
               
               
                   
                 384 
                 TFP50131A 100% glass 
                 0.40 
               
               
                   
                 382 
                 Meta aramid 
                 0.15 
               
               
                   
                   
                 polymer/Polyimide-amide 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 80/20 67 g/m 2   
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0037]    Layer  392  forms side  371  of insert  370 , and layer  382  forms side  373  of insert  370 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . When insert  370  is inserted into a cavity of a shoe, such as cavity  51  of shoe  50 , side  371 , which is formed of the material of layer  392 , is oriented to be biased against the foot of the user, while side  373 , which is formed of the material of layer  382 , is in biased engagement with the sole of the shoe, such as sole  55  of shoe  50 , in this implementation. In this implementation, layer  392  is a polyester fabric containing anti microbial material to reduce germ and mold growth made by Precision Fabrics of Greensboro N.C. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a portion of exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system  400  including portions of insert  420 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , insert  420  includes layers  432 ,  434 ,  436 ,  438 ,  440  bonded to one another in succession. Layer  440  forms side  421  of insert  420 , and layer  432  forms side  423  of insert  420 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4B . When insert  420  is inserted into a cavity of a shoe, such as cavity  51  of shoe  50 , side  421 , which is formed of the material of layer  440 , is oriented to be biased against the foot of the user, while side  423 , which is formed of the material of layer  432 , is in biased engagement with the sole of the shoe, such as sole  55  of shoe  50 , in this implementation. Layers  432 ,  434 ,  436 ,  438 ,  440 , in this exemplary implementation, comprise materials as listed in Table 2. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Materials of layers 432, 434, 436, 438, 440 of insert 420 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Layer 
                 Material 
                 Thickness (mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 440 
                 pfg pet dermatherapy 
                 0.2 
               
               
                 438 
                 PE 2A 2.0 mm 
                 1.85 
               
               
                 436 
                 Meta aramid polymer 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 100% 340 g/m 2   
                   
               
               
                 434 
                 TFP50131A 100% glass 
                 0.40 
               
               
                 432 
                 Meta aramid 
                 0.15 
               
               
                   
                 polymer/Polyimide-amide 
                   
               
               
                   
                 80/20 67 g/m 2   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0039]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a portion of exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system  450  including portions of insert  470 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4C , insert  470  includes layers  482 ,  484 ,  486 ,  488 ,  490  bonded to one another in succession. Layer  490  forms side  471  of insert  470 , and layer  482  forms side  473  of insert  470 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4C . When insert  470  is inserted into a cavity of a shoe, such as cavity  51  of shoe  50 , side  471 , which is formed of the material of layer  490 , is oriented to be biased against the foot of the user, while side  473 , which is formed of the material of layer  482 , is in biased engagement with the sole of the shoe, such as sole  55  of shoe  50 , in this implementation. Layers  482 ,  484 ,  486 ,  488 ,  490  comprise materials as listed in Table 3, in this exemplary implementation. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Materials of layers 482, 484, 486, 488, 490 of insert 470 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Layer 
                 Material 
                 Thickness (mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 490 
                 pfg pet dermatherapy 
                 0.2 
               
               
                 488 
                 PE/EVA 3TS 1.5 mm 
                 1.5 
               
               
                 486 
                 Meta aramid polymer 100% 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 340 g/m 2   
                   
               
               
                 484 
                 LF1530 3.5 mm 53/47 
                 1.35 
               
               
                   
                 glass/Al 2 O 3   
                   
               
               
                 482 
                 Meta aramid 
                 0.15 
               
               
                   
                 polymer/Polyimide-amide 
                   
               
               
                   
                 80/20 67 g/m 2   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0040]      FIG. 4D  illustrates a portion of exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system  500  including portions of insert  520 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4D , insert  520  includes layers  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540  bonded to one another in succession. Layer  540  forms side  521  of insert  520 , and layer  532  forms side  523  of insert  520 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4D . When insert  520  is inserted into a cavity of a shoe, such as cavity  51  of shoe  50 , side  521 , which is formed of the material of layer  540 , is oriented to be biased against the foot of the user, while side  523 , which is formed of the material of layer  532 , is in biased engagement with the sole of the shoe, such as sole  55  of shoe  50 , in this implementation. Layers  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540  comprise materials as listed in Table 4, in this exemplary implementation. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Materials of layers 532, 534, 536, 538, 540 of insert 520 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Layer 
                 Material 
                 Thickness (mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 540 
                 pfg pet dermatherapy 
                 0.2 
               
               
                 538 
                 PE 2A 2 lb 2.0 mm 
                 1.85 
               
               
                 536 
                 Meta aramid polymer 100% 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 340 g/m 2   
                   
               
               
                 534 
                 Pacor 1900 100% glass 
                 1.8 
               
               
                 532 
                 Meta aramid 
                 0.15 
               
               
                   
                 polymer/Polyimide-amide 
                   
               
               
                   
                 80/20 67 g/m 2   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0041]      FIG. 4E  illustrates a portion of exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system  550  including portions of insert  570 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4E , insert  570  includes layers  582 ,  584 ,  586 ,  588 ,  590  bonded to one another in succession. Layer  590  forms side  571  of insert  570 , and layer  582  forms side  573  of insert  570 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4E . When insert  570  is inserted into a cavity of a shoe, such as cavity  51  of shoe  50 , side  571 , which is formed of the material of layer  590 , is oriented to be biased against the foot of the user, while side  573 , which is formed of the material of layer  582 , is in biased engagement with the sole of the shoe, such as sole  55  of shoe  50 , in this implementation. Layers  582 ,  584 ,  586 ,  588 ,  590  comprise materials as listed in Table 5. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Materials of layers 582, 584, 586, 588, 590 of insert 570 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Layer 
                 Material 
                 Thickness (mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 590 
                 pfg pet dermatherapy 
                 0.2 
               
               
                 588 
                 PE 2A 2 lb 2.0 mm 
                 1.85 
               
               
                 586 
                 Meta aramid polymer 100% 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 340 g/m 2   
                   
               
               
                 584 
                 LF1530 3.5 mm 53/47 
                 1.35 
               
               
                   
                 glass/Al 2 O 3   
                   
               
               
                 582 
                 Meta aramid 
                 0.15 
               
               
                   
                 polymer/Polyimide-amide 
                   
               
               
                   
                 80/20 67 g/m 2   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0042]      FIG. 4F  illustrates a portion of exemplary implementation of a thermal protection system  600  including portions of insert  620 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4F , insert  620  includes layers  632 ,  634 ,  636 ,  638 ,  640  bonded to one another in succession. Layer  640  forms side  621  of insert  620 , and layer  632  forms side  623  of insert  620 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4F . When insert  620  is inserted into a cavity of a shoe, such as cavity  51  of shoe  50 , side  621 , which is formed of the material of layer  640 , is oriented to be biased against the foot of the user, while side  623 , which is formed of the material of layer  632 , is in biased engagement with the sole of the shoe, such as sole  55  of shoe  50 , in this implementation. Layers  632 ,  634 ,  636 ,  638 ,  640 , in this exemplary implementation, comprise materials as listed in Table 6. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Materials of layers 632, 634, 636, 638, 640 of insert 620 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Layer 
                 Material 
                 Thickness (mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 640 
                 pfg pet dermatherapy 
                 0.2 
               
               
                 638 
                 PE/EVA 3TS 1.5 mm 
                 1.5 
               
               
                 636 
                 Meta aramid polymer 100% 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 340 g/m 2   
                   
               
               
                 634 
                 aerogel glass/aerogel 5 mm 
                 4.85 
               
               
                 632 
                 Meta aramid 
                 0.15 
               
               
                   
                 polymer/Polyimide-amide 
                   
               
               
                   
                 80/20 67 g/m 2   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS 
     Experiment 1 
     In Vitro Testing 
       [0043]    Exemplary inserts  370 ,  420 ,  470 ,  520 ,  570 ,  620  were tested according to the following Bench Testing Procedure:
       a. Cut all materials into 5″×5″ squares   b. Pre-heat a digital hot plate (Stable Temp 1110016H-CP by Cole Parmer) to 55° C. (131° F.); the heat plate model is adjustable in 5° C. increments.   c. Prepare the digital recorder/thermocouple with type K probe, (DigiSense 20250-02) prep procedure includes clearing the memory, setting the recording rate, and the duration of the experiment   d. Stack the materials in order as specified for the insert   e. Place the insert with material closest to the human up on a hot plate   f. Place the thermocouple probe on the face material, and place 4 layers of insulation on top of the probe followed by a 0.75″ thick block of wood and a vessel containing 0.5 gallons of water. Note: the insulation and the wood were used to stabilize the weight without damaging the probe.   g. Record the data at 15 minute intervals for 2 hours for each composite structure       
 
         [0051]    The results of Experiment 1 are presented in Table 7. In Experiment 1, the heat source (the heat plate) was placed against sides  373 ,  423 ,  473 ,  523 ,  573 ,  623  of inserts  370 ,  420 ,  470 ,  520 ,  570 ,  620 , respectively. Table 7 gives the temperature measured at the sides  371 ,  421 ,  471 ,  521 ,  571 ,  621  of inserts  370 ,  420 ,  470 ,  520 ,  570 ,  620 , respectively after 2 hours of exposure to the heat source. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Temperature at 
                 thickness  
               
               
                 Insert 
                 120 minutes ° F. 
                 (mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 370 
                 107.1 
                 2.90 
               
               
                 420 
                 107.8 
                 2.05 
               
               
                 470 
                 109.7 
                 5.15 
               
               
                 520 
                 107.2 
                 4.25 
               
               
                 570 
                 111.5 
                 2.85 
               
               
                 620 
                 106.7 
                 5.85 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Description of Experimental Procedure for Experiments 2 and 3 
     In Vivo Tests 
       [0052]    Exemplary inserts  370 ,  420 ,  470 ,  520 ,  570 ,  620  were tested experimentally. Forty-seven subjects both male and female, ages 18-22 participated in this experimental testing at The Citadel. The subjects were asked to perform three 5-minute submaximal tests (60-65% of heart rate maximum, as measured with Polar™ heart rate monitor) on an elliptical machine. The foot pedals of the elliptical machine were heated to 120° F. via heating pads (two 50 watt water proof Sunbeam heating pads) during all tests. It was noted that the heating pads both heated differently, with the right pad always heating hotter than the left. Specifically, the difference between heating pads at rest and between subjects was (10° F.), 123.2° F. and 113.1° F., respectively. 
         [0053]    Inserts  370 ,  420 ,  470 ,  520 ,  570 ,  620  were randomly assigned to the subjects, and the insert randomly selected from inserts  370 ,  420 ,  470 ,  520 ,  570 ,  620  was placed under the subject&#39;s socked feet and on top of the heating pad. 
         [0054]    At the end of each of the three 5 minute testing sessions, the temperature of the soles of the feet was monitored and recorded via a thin wired temperature sensor taped to the soles of the participant&#39;s feet (type-K thermometer with a thermocouple, Model number: DM6801A+). In addition, heat was measured at the end of each 5-minute exercise bout with a heat radar gun (Raytek Minitemp MT6) directed at the ball of the foot. In addition to measurement of the surface temperature, subjects rated their perception of heat they experienced according to a thermal perception scale that assigns a number (1 to 9) to the perceived thermal stress with 1 being minimal and 9 being unbearably hot (see Table 9). Thermal perception of heat was assessed at minute 4:30 in each of the 5 minute testing sessions. 
       Experiment 2 
     In Vivo 
       [0055]    Experiment 21 tested exemplary inserts  370 ,  420 ,  470 ,  520 ,  570 ,  620 . The results of Experiment 2 are presented in  FIG. 5 . Each subject had an insert selected from inserts  370 ,  420 ,  470 ,  520 ,  570 ,  620  biased against the left foot and an insert selected from inserts  370 ,  420 ,  470 ,  520 ,  570 ,  620  biased against the right foot. The insert biased against the left foot differed from the insert biased against the right foot. The order of testing in Experiment 2 was as follows:
       Session 1 (minutes 0-5): Left foot—insert  520  Right foot—insert  470     Session 2 (minutes 5-10): Left foot—insert  370  Right foot—insert  420     Session 3 (minutes 10-15): Left foot—insert  620  Right foot—insert  570         
 
         [0059]    As the subject continued exercise with each foot, both the heating pad generated heat and the subject created heat due to physical exertion. The results of Experiment 2 showed that insert  620  (the thickest of all the inserts) resulted in less temperature gain versus the other inserts when temperature was measured using the probe. Both insert  520  and  620  were cooler than insert  370 , while inserts  470  and  570  were significantly cooler than insert  420  on the right foot when temperature was measured using the heat radar gun. 
       Experiment 3 
     In Vivo 
       [0060]    Experiment 3 tested inserts  370 ,  420 ,  470 ,  520 ,  570 ,  620 . The results of Experiment 3 are presented in  FIG. 6 . Each subject had an insert selected from inserts  370 ,  420 ,  470 ,  520 ,  570 ,  620  biased against the left foot and an insert selected from inserts  370 ,  420 ,  470 ,  520 ,  570 ,  620  biased against the right foot. The insert biased against the left foot differed from the insert biased against the right foot. The order of testing in Experiment 3 was as follows:
       Session 1 (minutes 0-5): Left foot—insert  620  Right foot—insert  570     Session 2 (minutes 5-10): Left foot—insert  420  Right foot—insert  470     Session 3 (minutes 10-15): Left foot—insert  370  Right foot—insert  420         
 
         [0064]    The results of Experiment 3 showed that insert  620  (the thickest of all the inserts), insert  520  and insert  470  resulted in less temperature gain versus the other inserts when temperature was measured with the probe. Both inserts  520  and  620  were cooler than insert  370  when temperature was measured with the heat radar gun. 
         [0065]      FIG. 7  illustrates the ratings of perceived heat (scale of 1 to 9) as experienced by the subjects. As indicated by  FIG. 7 , the subjects experienced less heat discomfort with inserts  520 ,  620 , and  470 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 8  illustrates the ratings of perceived heat as experienced by the subjects. The higher numbers indicate a greater heat stress as experienced by the subject, while lower numbers indicate less heat stress. The numbers indicate the subjects felt significantly less heat discomfort with inserts  520 ,  620 ,  570 , and  470 . The difference for  570  may have been due to the order of testing (first). 
       SUMMARY 
       [0067]    In summary, the thickest inserts  620  and  520  performed the best in reducing temperature exposure to the subject. Insert  470  was also thick and tested well but this may be due to the order of testing (second) as well as its thickness. Insert  570  was not thick but tested well with respect to thermal perception. In comparing the results of in vivo Experiments 2 &amp; 3, with the bench testing of Experiment 1, insert  620  (106.7° F.) and insert  520  (107.2° F.) tested well, but not insert  570  (111.5° F.). Although inserts  370 ,  420  tested well in bench test Experiment 1, inserts  370 ,  420  did not test well in the in vivo Experiments 2 &amp; 3. This may be due to thinner materials of insert  370  and insert  420  that may be compressed by the subjects&#39; weight resulting in increased heat transfer. The volume of the composite may affect the temperatures recorded. However, as the inserts will be used in footwear, volume of the insert cannot be overlooked as volume may impact the performance of the user. To some degree, the user&#39;s body may be acting to cooling the insert by convection of heat away from the insert through the user&#39;s circulatory system. 
         [0068]    Exemplary materials used in the various implementations are listed in Table 8. The exemplary materials are listed by generic name and material properties may be included. The trade name, commercial source, and function of each of the exemplary materials are also listed in Table 8. 
         [0000]                                TABLE 8                   Exemplary               Material   Trade name   Source   Function                   meta aramid polymer   Nomex   E. I. du Pont de   insulation + wear               Nemours and Company   resistance               of Wilmington, DE           polyimide-amide,    Kermel   E. I. du Pont de   insulation + cushioning       70 gsm, calendered       Nemours and Company                   of Wilmington, DE           meta aramid polymer    Nomex/Kermel   E. I. du Pont de   insulation + cushioning       in combination with   80%/20%   Nemours and Company           polyimide-amide       of Wilmington, DE           Polyethylene foam,    *   Pacor, Inc. of   insulation + cushioning       2 lb/ft 3 density, 2 mm       Bordentown, NJ 08505           thickness, closed cell                   Glass fiber wet-layed   *   Pacor, Inc. of   insulation + cushioning       paper, 80 gsm nano-       Bordentown, NJ 08505           glass                   Glass fiber needle   *   Pacor, Inc. of   insulation + cushioning       punch, 1900 gsm,       Bordentown, NJ 08505           1.5 mm compressed                   Glass fiber water-layed,   *   Pacor, Inc. of   insulation + cushioning       1530 gsm, 1.35 mm       Bordentown, NJ 08505           compressed                   Glass fiber + aerogel   Aerogel   Pacor, Inc. of   insulation + cushioning       silica coating 5.0 mm       Bordentown, NJ 08505           material                   Polyester fabric, treated   pfg pet    Precision Fabrics of   antibacterial +       for microbial resistance   dermatherapy   Greensboro, NC   antifungal + wicking       and wicking properties                    
The scale used by subjects to rate their perception of thermal stress during the course of various in vivo experiments is indicated in Table 9.
 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Rating of Perceived Thermal Stress  
               
               
                 on scale of 1 to 9 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Scale 
                 Perceptual Rating 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 1 
                 comfortable temperature 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                   
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 starting to become hot 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                   
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 hot 
               
               
                   
                 6 
                   
               
               
                   
                 7 
                 very hot 
               
               
                   
                 8 
                   
               
               
                   
                 9 
                 unbearably hot 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0069]    Exemplary materials and combinations of materials that may be used in various other implementations are listed as follows:
       PP Scrim SCRIM polypropylene 15 gsm with thickness of 0.35 mm   spool 15 gsm (Trade name: SupaCool) glass paper 15 gsm thickness 0.1 mm   SupaCool 10 gsm glass (Scotchlite, glass bead and cotton scrim, beads facing Supacool 95% cotton, 5% spandex   SupaCool 15 gsm glass PET scrim 20 gsm   Carbon fiber+Ni+Cooper coat 34 gsm PET scrim 20 gms   2 mm Edura Cool (its Trade Name) 100% PET micro denier, cotton jersey 95% cotton, 5% spandex   2 mm Edura Cool, 100% PET micro denier
 
Some limited testing of these listed materials has been conducted.
       
 
         [0077]    The foregoing discussion along with the Figures discloses and describes various exemplary implementations. These implementations are not meant to limit the scope of coverage, but, instead, to assist in understanding the context of the language used in this specification and in the claims. Upon study of this disclosure and the exemplary implementations herein, one of ordinary skill in the art may readily recognize that various changes, modifications and variations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined in the following claims.

Technology Category: 7