US4183156A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Insole construction for articles of footwear
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-09-06
•
Granted: 1980-01-15
•
Expires: 1997-09-06
Abstract
Abstract An improved construction for articles of footwear, such as boots and shoes of all types, includes an inflated insert, preferably in the shape of an insole, having a multiplicity of intercommunicating, gas containing chambers, and a ventilated moderator member which overlies the inflated insole for evenly distributing the forces exerted by the gas containing chambers across the plantar surface of the foot of the wearer. The material from which the insole is constructed and the gas contained in the intercommunicating chambers of the insole member are selected so that the rate of diffusion of the gas through the barrier material of the insole will be extremely slow, the insole remaining inflated to a substantial pressure for several years. The pressure to which the intercommunicating gas containing chambers are inflated is selected so that the insole will support the foot in a comfortable manner, distribute the load on the foot across the plantar portion of the foot, with no unusually high pressure points on the foot, and absorb shock forces experienced during walking, jumping or running to protect the bones of the foot and body and the various body organs. In addition, energy is absorbed, stored, and returned as motivating energy to the foot, leg and body in such manner as to make walking, running and jumping more efficient and less tiring.
Inventors
- 👤 Marion F. Rudy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 10:09
CPC Classifications
A; A43; A43B; A43B17/00; A43B17/02; A43B17/03; A43B17/035; A43B13/00; A43B13/38; A43B13/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 49
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
An inflated insert construction for articles of footwear, comprising a sealed insert barrier member of permeable elastomeric material providing a plurality of chambers, said chambers being inflated with a gaseous medium under pressure to a desired initial value, said gaseous medium in said chambers comprising a gas other than air, oxygen or nitrogen, said elastomeric material having characteristics of relatively low permeability with respect to said gas to resist diffusion of said gas therethrough from said chambers and of relatively high permeability with respect to the ambient air surrounding said insert to permit diffusion of said ambient air through said elastomeric material into each of said chambers to provide a total pressure in each chamber which is the sum of the partial pressure of the gas in each chamber and the partial pressure of the air in each chamber, the diffusion rate of said gas through said elastomeric material being substantially lower than the diffusion rate of nitrogen through said elastomeric material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
An inflated insert construction for articles of footwear, comprising a sealed insert barrier member of permeable elastomeric material providing a plurality of chambers, said chambers being inflated with a gaseous medium under pressure to a desired initial value, said gaseous medium in said chambers comprising a gas other than air, oxygen or nitrogen, said elastomeric material having characteristics of relatively low permeability with respect to said gas to resist diffusion of said gas therethrough from said chambers and of relatively high permeability with respect to the ambient air surrounding said insert to permit diffusion of said ambient air through said elastomeric material into each of said chambers to provide a total pressure in each chamber which is the sum of the partial pressure of the gas in each chamber and the partial pressure of the air in each chamber, the diffusion rate of said gas through said elastomeric material being substantially lower than the diffusion rate of nitrogen through said elastomeric material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 1, said ambient air diffusing through said insert member and increasing the pressure in said chambers above said initial value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 1, wherein said elastomeric material of said insert member is an ether based polyurethane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 1, wherein said elastomeric material of said insert is polyurethane, polyester elastomer, butyl rubber, fluoroelastomer, chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, neoprene, butadiene acrylonitrile rubber, butadiene styrene rubber, ethylene propylene polymer, natural rubber, high strength silicone rubber, low density polyethylene, adduct rubber, sulfide rubber, methyl rubber, or thermoplastic rubber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 1, said chambers being initially inflated with a mixture of said gas and air.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 1, said chambers being initially inflated with a mixture of said gas and nitrogen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 1, said chambers being initially inflated with a mixture of said gas and oxygen.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 1, the elastomeric material forming said chambers expanding, due to tensile relaxation of said material, at a rate commensurate with the diffusion of air into said chambers to provide a greater chamber volume which prevents the total pressure in said chambers from increasing excessively.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
An inflated insert construction as defined in claim 1, said permeable material having a wall thickness of about 0.001 inch to about 0.050 inch.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 1, said insert barrier member being a sole member shaped to substantially conform to the outline of a person's foot.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 1, said chambers being in gaseous medium communication with each other.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
67 words
A inflated insert construction according to claim 11, one or more of said inflated chambers being of such size and shape as to expand upon substantial increase in the gaseous medium pressure above said initial value, one or more other inflated chambers being of such size and shape as to resist further expansion upon such substantial increase in the gaseous medium gas pressure above said initial pressure.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 11, wherein said gas being either hexafluoroethane, sulfur hexafluoride, perfluoropropane, perfluorobutane, perfluoropentane, perfluorohexane, perfluoroheptane, octafluorocyclobutane, perfluorocylcobutane, hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoromethane, monochloropentafluoroethane, 1,2-dichlorotetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2, trifluoroethane, chlorotrifluoroethylene, bromotrifluoromethane, or monochlorotrifluoromethane.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 11, wherein said gaseous medium under pressure is hexafluoroethane.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 11, wherein said gaseous medium under pressure is sulfur hexafluoride.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 11, wherein the gaseous medium pressure in said chambers is between about 2 psi and about 50 psi.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 11, wherein said insert member comprises two layers of elastomeric material sealed to one another at spaced intervals to define a plurality of intercommunicating chambers.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
35 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 11, wherein said insert member comprises two layers of elastomeric material sealed to one another along seam lines to define a plurality of generally longitudinally extending tubular chambers.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 3, wherein said insole member comprises two layers of elastomeric material sealed to one another at a plurality of spaced weld areas to define a plurality of generally annular chambers.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 19, wherein said weld areas are arranged in a pattern of triangles, with each weld area forming an apex of a triangle.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 19, wherein said weld areas are arranged in a pattern of squares, with each weld area forming a corner of a square.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
111 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 11, wherein said insert member comprises two layers of elastomeric material sealed to one another at selected points to define said plurality of chambers, said two layers of elastomeric material being sealed to one another along seam lines in one region of said insert member to define a plurality of generally longitudinally extending tubular chambers in said one region of said insert member, and said layers of elastomeric material being sealed to one another at a plurality of spaced weld areas in another region of said insole member to define a plurality of generally annular chambers in said other region of said insert member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 18, the seam lines in the forward portion of said insert being arranged in a herringbone pattern to form corresponding tubular chambers arranged in a herringbone pattern.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 18, the seam lines being arranged in a sinusoidal pattern to form corresponding sinusoidal tubular chambers.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
36 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 11, wherein said insert comprises two layers of elastomeric material sealed to one another along polygonal seam lines to form a plurality of polygonal chambers spaced from each other.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
36 words
An inflated insole construction according to claim 11, wherein said insert comprises two layers of elastomeric material sealed to one another along hexagonal seam lines to form a plurality of hexagonal chambers spaced from one another.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
An inflated insert construction as defined in claim 11, said permeable material having a wall thinkness of about 0.001 inch to about 0.050 inch.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
164 words
An inflated insert construction for articles of footwear, comprising a sealed insert barrier member of permeable elastomeric material providing a plurality of chambers, said chambers being inflated with a gaseous medium under pressure to a desired initial value, said gaseous medium in said chambers comprising a gas other than air oxygen or nitrogen, said elastomeric material having characteristics of relatively low permeability with respect to said gas to resist diffusion of said gas therethrough from said chambers and of relatively high permeability with respect to the ambient air surrounding said insert to permit diffusion of said ambient air through said elastomeric material into each of said chambers to provide a total pressure in each chamber which is the sum of the partial pressure of the gas in each chamber and the partial pressure of the air in each chamber, said gas being either hexafluoroethane, sulfur hexafluoride, perfluoropropane, perfluorobutane, perfluoropentane, perfluorohexane, perfluoroheptane, octafluorocyclobutane, perfluorocyclobutane, hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoromethane, monochloropentafluoroethane, 1,2-dichlorotetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2-trichloro-1, 2,2 trifluoroethane, chlorotrifluoroethylene, bromotrifluoromethane, or monochlorotrifluoromethane.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
164 words
An inflated insert construction for articles of footwear, comprising a sealed insert barrier member of permeable elastomeric material providing a plurality of chambers, said chambers being inflated with a gaseous medium under pressure to a desired initial value, said gaseous medium in said chambers comprising a gas other than air oxygen or nitrogen, said elastomeric material having characteristics of relatively low permeability with respect to said gas to resist diffusion of said gas therethrough from said chambers and of relatively high permeability with respect to the ambient air surrounding said insert to permit diffusion of said ambient air through said elastomeric material into each of said chambers to provide a total pressure in each chamber which is the sum of the partial pressure of the gas in each chamber and the partial pressure of the air in each chamber, said gas being either hexafluoroethane, sulfur hexafluoride, perfluoropropane, perfluorobutane, perfluoropentane, perfluorohexane, perfluoroheptane, octafluorocyclobutane, perfluorocyclobutane, hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoromethane, monochloropentafluoroethane, 1,2-dichlorotetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2-trichloro-1, 2,2 trifluoroethane, chlorotrifluoroethylene, bromotrifluoromethane, or monochlorotrifluoromethane.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
58 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 28, said elastomeric material of said insert being either polyurethane, polyester elastomer, fluoroelastomer, chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, neoprene, butadiene acrylonitrile rubber, butadiene styrene rubber, ethylene propylene polymer, natural rubber, high strength silicone rubber, low density polyethylene, adduct rubber, sulfide rubber, methyl rubber, or thermoplastic rubber.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 28, said chambers being initially inflated with a mixture of said gas and air.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 28, said chambers being initially inflated with a mixture of said gas and nitrogen.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 28, said chambers being initially inflated with a mixture of said gas and oxygen.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
68 words
An inflated insert construction for articles of footwear, comprising a sealed insole member of elastomeric material providing a plurality of chambers, said chambers being inflated with a fluid under pressure, and a moderator member comprising a sheet of semi-flexible material overlying said insole member and bridging said inflated chambers, said moderator member further including a layer of deformable material engaging one surface of said sheet of semi-flexible material.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
68 words
An inflated insert construction for articles of footwear, comprising a sealed insole member of elastomeric material providing a plurality of chambers, said chambers being inflated with a fluid under pressure, and a moderator member comprising a sheet of semi-flexible material overlying said insole member and bridging said inflated chambers, said moderator member further including a layer of deformable material engaging one surface of said sheet of semi-flexible material.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 33, said layer being of foam material.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 33, said layer underlying said sheet of semi-flexible material.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 33, said layer overlying said sheet of semi-flexible material.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
23 words
An insert construction according to claim 1, in combination with an elastic outsole having an enclosed cavity in which said insert is positioned.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 37, said chambers being in gaseous medium communication with each other.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
103 words
An inflated insert construction for articles of footwear, comprising a sealed insole member of elastomeric material providing a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other, said chambers being inflated with a fluid under pressure which causes said chambers to expand and form peaks and intervening valleys in the upper surface of said member, a moderator member comprising a sheet of semi-flexible material overlying said insole member and bearing against said peaks and bridging said valleys between said inflated chambers, said fluid under pressure being either hexafluoroethane, sulfur hexafluoride, perfluoropropane, octafluorocyclobutane, perfluorocyclobutane, hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoromethane, monochloropentafluoroethane, 1,2,-dichlorotetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2 trifluoroethane, chlorotrifluoroethylene, bromotrifluoromethane, or monochlorotrifluoromethane.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
103 words
An inflated insert construction for articles of footwear, comprising a sealed insole member of elastomeric material providing a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other, said chambers being inflated with a fluid under pressure which causes said chambers to expand and form peaks and intervening valleys in the upper surface of said member, a moderator member comprising a sheet of semi-flexible material overlying said insole member and bearing against said peaks and bridging said valleys between said inflated chambers, said fluid under pressure being either hexafluoroethane, sulfur hexafluoride, perfluoropropane, octafluorocyclobutane, perfluorocyclobutane, hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoromethane, monochloropentafluoroethane, 1,2,-dichlorotetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2 trifluoroethane, chlorotrifluoroethylene, bromotrifluoromethane, or monochlorotrifluoromethane.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
59 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 39, wherein said elastomeric material of said insert is either polyurethane, polyester elastomer, fluoroelastomer, chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, neoprene, butadiene acrylonitrile rubber, butadiene styrene rubber, ethylene propylene polymer, natural rubber, high strength silicone rubber, low density polyethylene, adduct rubber, sulfide rubber, methyl rubber, or thermoplastic rubber.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 29, wherein said fluid under pressure is hexafluoroethane.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
An inflated insert construction according to claim 29, wherein said fluid under pressure is sulfur hexafluoride.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
An inflated insert construction as defined in claim 28, said permeable material having a wall thickness of about 0.001 inch to about 0.050 inch.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
An inflated insert construction as defined in claim 29, said permeable material having a wall thickness of about 0.001 inch to about 0.050 inch.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
24 words
An inflated insert construction as defined in claim 13, said permeable material having a wall thickness of about 0.001 inch to about 0.050 inch.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-01-14 | 1983-07-16 | 1984-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-01-14 | 1987-07-16 | 1988-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-01-14 | 1991-07-16 | 1992-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |