Air-circulating, shock-absorbing shoe structures
US6266898A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B17/08
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A structure for ventilating a toe region of a shoe includes a body including in its heel zone two major walls and a resilient element having a multitude of voids arranged in a pumping chamber to urge the two walls apart against the action of external forces tending to draw air into the chamber. The resilient element includes a plurality of substantially dome-shaped hollow protuberances bounding respective first and second voids within and outside of them, respectively, and connecting portions that interconnect the protuberances. Respective connecting channels are provided in the connecting portions and in respective adjacent regions of the protuberances to establish communication between the first voids. A corrugated insert within the body aids ventilation and shock absorption. An extension on the body optimizes air transfer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.