Rigid boot construction with self cleaning sole

Abstract

Abstract A shoe or boot construction is disclosed incorporating a rigid sole (as for wear while skiing) and possessing a self-cleaning capability. Structurally, the sole incorporates external flexible-wall areas or spaces along with means for flexing these areas to removed foreign matter, e.g. ice or snow. As disclosed, flexible-wall spaces are provided on the bottom of the sole and are backed by an elongated flat cavity that functions as a fluid reservoir. As the wearer of the boot moves about, varying pressures are applied to the fluid reservoir which result in flexure of the spaces to remove snow and ice. Springs are also incorporated to accomplish more reliable flexure and furthermore as disclosed, a fluid bladder is coupled to the fluid reservoir within the sole that may be impacted to develop a fluid-pressure shock for additionally distorting the flexible sole sections and thereby removing foreign matter. Various operating fluids may be employed in the construction as disclosed, including silicone liquid.

Inventors

• 👤 L Davis

Bibliographic Details