US5203793A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Conformable cushioning and stability device for articles of footwear
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-12-11
•
Granted: 1993-04-20
•
Expires: 2011-12-11
Abstract
Abstract A conformable device (20) containing a conformable material (41) substantially comprising fluid matter which forms a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time is used in an article of footwear (44) in order to enhance conformance, comfort, fit, stability, cushioning and shock-absorption. The conformable material (41) is contained within a chamber (51) of suitable configurations. In addition, a foam material (66) of select shape generally conforming to a portion of the wearer's anatomy can be used in cooperation with the conformable material (41), as well as a void (40) containing a gas. The invention permits accommodation to a wide range of anatomical features and characteristics found amongst a large percentage of the general public and application within numerous types of footwear (44).
Inventors
- 👤 Robert M. Lyden
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 00:46
CPC Classifications
A; A43; A43B; A43B7/00; A43B7/14; A43B7/18; A43B7/20; A43B3/00; A43B3/0036; A43B3/0063; A43B5/00; A43B5/14; A43B5/145; A43B7/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
A conformable device for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy comprising a chamber having inner volume, said chamber comprising at least in part a pliable casing, said pliable casing at least partially comprising a selectively permeable material to gases including water vapor, a conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter substantially comprising an aqueous silicone emulsion which can comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time when water in the form of gaseous water vapor evaporates from said conformable material into the atmosphere, said conformable material contained within said chamber and displacing at least a portion of said inner volume, a physical barrier substantially isolating said chamber from said atmosphere, whereby when said physical barrier is removed and a portion of said wearer's anatomy is positioned in functional relation to said conformable device causing a force application to be made thereupon and causing at least a portion of said conformable device to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said conformable device substantially retains the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
206 words
A conformable device for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy comprising a chamber having inner volume, said chamber comprising at least in part a pliable casing, said pliable casing at least partially comprising a selectively permeable material to gases including water vapor, a conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter substantially comprising an aqueous silicone emulsion which can comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time when water in the form of gaseous water vapor evaporates from said conformable material into the atmosphere, said conformable material contained within said chamber and displacing at least a portion of said inner volume, a physical barrier substantially isolating said chamber from said atmosphere, whereby when said physical barrier is removed and a portion of said wearer's anatomy is positioned in functional relation to said conformable device causing a force application to be made thereupon and causing at least a portion of said conformable device to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said conformable device substantially retains the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, wherein said portion of said wearer's anatomy comprises said wearer's foot and said foot has a heel, arches, and metatarsal heads, and said conformable device at least partially underlies the arches and extends from an area about the heel to an area rearward of the metatarsal heads.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, wherein said pliable casing is made from a material related from the group of polymers, copolymers, thermoplastics, natural and synthetic rubbers comprising silicone, urethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, propylene, polyamide, latex, neoprene, nylon, vinyl, nitrile, butadiene acrylonitrile and styrene rubber, other natural and synthetic rubbers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, wherein said pliable casing comprises at least in part a textile material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, wherein said pliable casing comprises at least in part a substantially waterproof and breathable porometric material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, wherein said pliable casing comprises at least in part a substantially waterproof and breathable monolithic material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, wherein said resilient material comprises an elastomeric material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
57 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, wherein said resilient material is made from a material related from the group of polymers, copolymers, thermoplastics, and natural and synthetic rubbers comprising silicone, silicone gel, urethane, polyurethane, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, propylene, polyamide, latex, neoprene, nitrile, vinyl, nylon, polyester, butadiene acrylonitrile and styrene rubber, other natural and synthetic rubbers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, wherein said conformable material includes a blowing agent and comprises said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
63 words
The conformable device according to claim 9, wherein said blowing agent is related from the group of physical and chemical blowing agents comprising water, water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, sodium bicarbonate, dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, sulfonyl hydrazides, azodicarbonamide, p-toluenesulfonyl semicarbazide, 5-phenyltetrazole, diisopropylhydrazodicarboxylate, sodium borohydrite, and aliphatic hydrocarbons and their chloro- and fluoro- derivatives; isomers of pentane, hexane, heptane, fluorocarbons, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, monochlorodifluoromethane, and methylene chloride.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, further including a void substantially filled with a gas displacing at least a portion of the inner volume of said chamber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
92 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, further including a foam material substantially comprising solid matter having select form generally conforming to a portion of said wearer's anatomy placed in communication with the inner volume of said conformable device, whereby said conformable material can be placed in communication with said foam material and the select and coordinated use of said foam material with said conformable material provides select mechanical properties as between at least two portions of said conformable device when said conformable material forms said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
51 words
The conformable device according to claim 12, wherein said foam material is made from a material selected from the group of open and closed cell foams comprising silicones, urethanes, micro-cellular, ester, ether, and reticulated polyurethanes, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, melamine, linear and cross-linked polyethylene, latex, neoprene, nitrile, other natural and synthetic rubbers.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, wherein said conformable device can be removably positioned in said article of footwear.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, wherein said evaporation of water in the form of water vapor initiates a cross-linking chemical reaction causing said conformable material to substantially comprise said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The conformable device according to claim 1, wherein said conformable device at least partially attenuates force applications and dampens shock.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
269 words
A method for making a conformable device for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy comprising: a) selecting an article of footwear; b) selecting a conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter substantially comprising an aqueous silicone emulsion which can comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time when placed in fluid communication with the atmosphere to cause the evaporation of water in the form of water vapor from said aqueous silicone emulsion; c) selecting a chamber having inner volume at least partially comprising a pliable casing, said pliable casing at least in part selectively permeable to gases including water vapor; f) placing said conformable material within the inner volume of said chamber; g) providing a physical barrier so as to substantially isolate said conformable material contained within the inner volume of said chamber from fluid communication with said atmosphere; i) removing said physical barrier placing said conformable material in fluid communication with said atmosphere to initiate said conformable material to comprise said resilient material; j) positioning said conformable device within said article of footwear; and k) positioning a portion of said wearer's anatomy in functional relation with said article of footwear causing a force application to be made upon said conformable device and causing at least a portion of said conformable device to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said conformable device at least partially retaining the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
269 words
A method for making a conformable device for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy comprising: a) selecting an article of footwear; b) selecting a conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter substantially comprising an aqueous silicone emulsion which can comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time when placed in fluid communication with the atmosphere to cause the evaporation of water in the form of water vapor from said aqueous silicone emulsion; c) selecting a chamber having inner volume at least partially comprising a pliable casing, said pliable casing at least in part selectively permeable to gases including water vapor; f) placing said conformable material within the inner volume of said chamber; g) providing a physical barrier so as to substantially isolate said conformable material contained within the inner volume of said chamber from fluid communication with said atmosphere; i) removing said physical barrier placing said conformable material in fluid communication with said atmosphere to initiate said conformable material to comprise said resilient material; j) positioning said conformable device within said article of footwear; and k) positioning a portion of said wearer's anatomy in functional relation with said article of footwear causing a force application to be made upon said conformable device and causing at least a portion of said conformable device to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said conformable device at least partially retaining the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 17, wherein said portion of said wearer's anatomy comprises a portion of said wearer's foot.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method according to claim 17, further including a foam material substantially comprising solid matter having select form generally conforming to a portion of said wearer's anatomy placed in communication with the inner volume of said conformable device, whereby said conformable material can be placed in communication with said foam material and the select and coordinated use of said foam material with said conformable material provides select mechanical properties as between at least two portions of said conformable device when said conformable material forms said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 17, further including a void substantially filled with a gas displacing at least a portion of the inner volume of said chamber.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
205 words
A conformable device for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy comprising a chamber having inner volume, said chamber comprising at least in part a pliable casing, said pliable casing at least partially comprising a selectively permeable material to gases including water vapor, a conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter substantially comprising an aqueous emulsion which can comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time when water in the form of gaseous water vapor evaporates from said conformable material into the atmosphere, said conformable material contained within said chamber and displacing at least a portion of said inner volume, a physical barrier substantially isolating said chamber from said atmosphere, whereby when said physical barrier is removed and a portion of said wearer's anatomy is positioned in functional relation to said conformable device causing a force application to be made thereupon and causing at least a portion of said conformable device to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said conformable device substantially retains the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
205 words
A conformable device for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy comprising a chamber having inner volume, said chamber comprising at least in part a pliable casing, said pliable casing at least partially comprising a selectively permeable material to gases including water vapor, a conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter substantially comprising an aqueous emulsion which can comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time when water in the form of gaseous water vapor evaporates from said conformable material into the atmosphere, said conformable material contained within said chamber and displacing at least a portion of said inner volume, a physical barrier substantially isolating said chamber from said atmosphere, whereby when said physical barrier is removed and a portion of said wearer's anatomy is positioned in functional relation to said conformable device causing a force application to be made thereupon and causing at least a portion of said conformable device to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said conformable device substantially retains the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
40 words
The conformable device according to claim 21, wherein the change in the phase state of said conformable material is reversable and said resilient material substantially comprising solid matter can be caused to comprise said conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
265 words
A method for making a conformable device for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy comprising: a) selecting an article of footwear; b) selecting a conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter substantially comprising an aqueous emulsion which can comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time when placed in fluid communication with the atmosphere to cause the evaporation of water in the form of water vapor from said aqueous emulsion; c) selecting a chamber having inner volume at least partially comprising a pliable casing, said pliable casing at least in part selectively permeable to gases including water vapor; f) placing said conformable material within the inner volume of said chamber; g) providing a physical barrier to substantially isolate said conformable material contained within the inner volume of said chamber from fluid communication with said atmosphere; i) removing said physical barrier; placing said conformable material in fluid communication with said atmosphere to initiate said conformable material to comprise said resilient material; j) positioning said conformable device within said article of footwear; and k) positioning a portion of said wearer's anatomy in functional relation with said article of footwear causing a force application to be made upon said conformable device and causing at least a portion of said conformable device to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said conformable device at least partially retaining the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
265 words
A method for making a conformable device for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy comprising: a) selecting an article of footwear; b) selecting a conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter substantially comprising an aqueous emulsion which can comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time when placed in fluid communication with the atmosphere to cause the evaporation of water in the form of water vapor from said aqueous emulsion; c) selecting a chamber having inner volume at least partially comprising a pliable casing, said pliable casing at least in part selectively permeable to gases including water vapor; f) placing said conformable material within the inner volume of said chamber; g) providing a physical barrier to substantially isolate said conformable material contained within the inner volume of said chamber from fluid communication with said atmosphere; i) removing said physical barrier; placing said conformable material in fluid communication with said atmosphere to initiate said conformable material to comprise said resilient material; j) positioning said conformable device within said article of footwear; and k) positioning a portion of said wearer's anatomy in functional relation with said article of footwear causing a force application to be made upon said conformable device and causing at least a portion of said conformable device to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said conformable device at least partially retaining the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 23, wherein the change in the phase state of said conformable material is reversible, and said resilient material substantially comprising solid matter can be caused to comprise said conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-04-19 | 1996-10-19 | 1997-04-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-04-19 | 2000-10-19 | 2001-04-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-04-19 | 2004-10-19 | 2005-04-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |