Composite shoe pad

Abstract

An apparatus for the sole of a shoe includes a first portion constructed of a first material and a second portion secured to the first portion. The first portion provides improved absorbing of impact energy. The second portion is constructed of a second material. The second material has a greater co-efficient of friction than the first material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/609,804 filed Sep. 14, 2004, which application is herein expressly incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to shoe wear. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for the sole of a shoe that provides both improved comfort and improved traction. While not limited thereto, in one particular embodiment, the present invention provides a composite shoe pad constructed of a first material for improved absorbing of impact energy and a second material for improved traction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of shoe accessories have been heretofore proposed for either increasing the shoe's capability to absorb energy or increasing the shoe's traction.

U.S. Pat. No. 237,529 discloses a frictional attachment for the soles of boots and shoes. The frictional attachment includes a sheet of cloth, leather, strong paper, or the like which is shaped for the bottom of a boot or shoe. On one side, the material includes a cement coating for attachment to the shoe or boot. On the other side, the material includes a frictional coating to prevent slipping on icy surfaces.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,350,839 discloses a non-slippable sole. In one embodiment, the sole includes an oval shaped non-slippable element. In another embodiment, the sole includes a number of buttons or tablets of abrasive material that are attached to a piece of leather.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,716,790 discloses an anti-slipping device for a shoe. The device includes a thick sheet of felt shaped to conform to the outline of the sole of the shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,747,603 discloses a shoe pad. The pad is an anti-slipping pad for use on the exterior of the sole of the shoe. The pad includes a rubber disk with adhesive material on one side and burlap on the other side to provide anti-slipping surface for the disk.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,732,065 discloses a non-skid tape for attachment to the sole of a shoe. The tape provides additional traction for the shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,027,661 discloses a shoe sole construction. The sole includes a removable insert that attaches with a hook and loop type material.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,099,885 discloses an anti-slipping device for boots. The device includes a bottom layer of felt and an intermediate layer of rubber. The device is cemented to the sole of a boot.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,195,244 discloses a sole construction particularly for bowling shoes. The sole construction provides a substantially uniform co-efficient of friction which is lower than the co-efficient of friction of the normal sole.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,672,077 discloses a shoe construction including a shoe sole having a plurality of apertures. A cleat is removably attached at each aperture and is formed of a material having a predetermined traction characteristic.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,516 discloses a tap sole construction. The construction includes a thermally moldable material which is secured in a cut out region of the shoe sole.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,608 discloses a safety footwear with a replaceable shoe pad. The safety shoe is for use on slippery surfaces and includes a flexible sole pad of non-woven synthetic fibrous material.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,491 discloses a shoe having a fabric outsole. The sole includes a shaped fabric member formed of a fabric sheet material.

While the various shoe accessories heretofore proposed, including but not limited to those discussed above, have satisfied particular criteria, a need for continuous improvement in the pertinent remains.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one particular form, the present invention provides an apparatus for the sole of the shoe. The apparatus includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is constructed of a first material and provides improved absorbing of impact energy. The second portion is secured to the first portion and is constructed of a second material. The second material has a greater co-efficient of friction than the first material.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for the sole of a shoe constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the apparatus shown operatively associated with an exemplary shoe.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus for the sole of a shoe of the present invention and shoe of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the apparatus for the sole of a shoe of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus for the sole of a shoe of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5, illustrating an alternative construction for the apparatus for the sole of a shoe of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 4, illustrating another alternative construction for the apparatus for the sole of a shoe of the patent invention.

FIG. 8 is another perspective view similar to FIG. 4, illustration another alternative construction for the apparatus for the sole of a shoe of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

With initial reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an apparatus for shoe accessory constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated and generally identified as reference character 10. The apparatus 10 is shown operatively associated with a shoe 12. The shoe 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a high heel shoe. While the teachings of the present invention are particularly suited for such shoes, it will be understood that use with other types of shoes is anticipated. In this regard, it will be understood that the particular shoe 12 shown in the drawings is merely exemplary. The teachings of the present invention are suitable for other shoes including, but not limited to, other high heel shoes.

Prior to addressing the particular construction and functions of the shoe accessory 10 of the present invention, a brief understanding of the exemplary use environment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is warranted. The particular shoe 12, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is intended to depict a conventional high heel shoe having a reduced area sole portion 14 and elevated heel portion 16. This type of shoe 12 is principally designed for aesthetic value rather than comfort and safety. As will become more apparent below, the shoe accessory 10 of the present invention addresses these conventional limitations of comfort and safety.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and additional reference to FIGS. 3-5, the construction and function of the shoe accessory 10 of the present invention 10 will now be further addressed. The shoe accessory 10 may generally include a first portion 18 and a second portion 20. The first portion 18 may be sized and shaped to cover a substantial portion of the reduced area sole portion 14 of the shoe 12. In the embodiment illustrated, the first portion 18 may be slightly undersized relative to the sole portion 14 and thereby readily suited for use with various shoe styles and sizes. Alternatively, it will be understood that the first portion 18 may be specifically sized for a particular shoe by being cut to fit the specific shape and size of the sole portion 14. In this regard, the first portion 18 may be cut by a manufacturer to specific sizes. In other applications, the first portion 18 may be trimmed to a desired size by an end user. In one application, the first portion 18 has a tear drop shape to generally correspond with the shape of the sole portion 14.

The first portion 18 of the shoe accessory 10 may be constructed of a first material. The first material may be an energy absorbing material or cushioning material. In the embodiment illustrated, the first material may be carpet. One suitable material is a low rise industrial carpet. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other materials suitable for increasing the energy absorbing or cushioning capability of a shoe 12 may be substituted within the scope of the present invention.

The second portion 20 of the shoe accessory 10 of the present invention may be constructed of a second material. The second material may be different than the first material and may have a greater co-efficient of friction than the first material of the first portion 18. In one particular form, the second portion 20 may be constructed of synthetic or natural rubbers or elastomers. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the second portion 20 may be alternatively constructed of plastic or other materials having suitable co-efficient of friction characteristics.

In the embodiment illustrated, the second portion 20 may be generally circular in shape. Alternatively, the second portion 20 may be otherwise shaped. Furthermore, in certain applications it may be desirable to provide the shoe accessory 10 of the present invention with multiple elements constructed of the second material to have an increased co-efficient of friction. Alternative constructions are addressed below with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8.

With particular reference to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, the second portion 20 can be disposed within an aperture 22 defined by the first portion 18. In this construction, the first portion 18 may radially surround the circular second portion 20. The second portion 20 may slightly extend beyond the first portion 18. Alternatively, the second portion 20 may sit flush with the first portion 18 or be slightly recessed within the first portion 18 such that it is only exposed to the floor upon slight compression of the first portion 18 as a result of weight bearing by the shoe 12.

FIG. 5 illustrates the shoe accessory 10 prior to securement to a shoe 12. The shoe accessory 10 may be secured with contact or liquid adhesives. The shoe accessory 10 may include a pre-formed layer of adhesive 24 for attaching the shoe accessory 10 to the sole 14 of the shoe 12. Prior to use, the adhesive 24 may be protected by a release sheet of paper 26. Removal of the release sheet of paper 26 exposes the adhesive 24 for attachment to the sole 14 of the shoe 12. Alternatively, the shoe accessory 10 may be nailed, stapled, sewn or otherwise suitable attached in any manner well known in the art.

In one particular embodiment, the shoe accessory 10 of the present invention has a length L of approximately three inches and a width W of approximately 2⅛ inches. In this particular embodiment, the first portion 18 may have a thickness of approximately 3/16 inches. Further, in this embodiment, the second portion 20 may have a diameter of approximately one inch. The particular dimensions provided are merely exemplary and are subject to modification for particular applications.

With reference to FIGS. 6-8, alternative constructions of the shoe accessory of the present invention are illustrated. Given the similarity between the embodiments of FIGS. 6-8 and the above described embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, like reference numerals are used to denote similar elements between the various embodiments. Turning particularly to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, a shoe accessory is identified at reference character 100. In the construction of FIG. 6, the second portion 20 of the shoe accessory 100 may be secured directly to the first portion 18. The second portion 20 may be sewn, adhesively fastened or otherwise suitably secured to the first portion 18.

With reference to the perspective view of FIG. 7, another shoe accessory constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 200. In this particular embodiment, the second portion is shown formed in multiple discrete elements 20A, 20B, 20C. One of the elements 20A may have a generally triangular shape. Two other elements 20B and 20C may be generally circular in shape.

With reference to the perspective view of FIG. 8, another shoe accessory constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 300. In this particular embodiment, the second portion may again be formed of multiple discrete elements. The elements 20D and 20E may be elongated in a direction generally perpendicular to a length of the accessory 300.

In certain applications, the shoe accessories of the present invention may additionally include a heel augment 50. With particular reference to FIG. 1, the heel augment is shown in connection with the shoe accessory 10. The heel augment 50 may be constructed of the second material or other material having an increased co-efficient of friction to provide improved traction. The heel augment 50 may have a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of one of the portions 18 and 20 of the shoe accessory 10. For example, the heel augment 50 may have a thickness substantially equal to the second portion 20 of the shoe accessory 10. In this manner, the heal augment 50 cooperates with the remainder of the show accessory 10 to maintain the normal orientation of the shoe 12 during use. The heel augment 50 may be secured to the heel portion 16 with a layer of adhesive 52. Alternatively, the heel augment 50 may be stapled, nailed or otherwise suitably attached to the heel portion 16.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the shoe accessory 10 of the various embodiments of the present invention has been described as shoe augment, it will be understood that the first member 18 may alternatively be formed as part of the original sole of a shoe.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the sole of a shoe, the apparatus comprising:

a first portion constructed of a first material, the first portion for providing improved absorbing of impact energy; and

a second portion secured to the first portion, the second portion constructed of a second material, the second material having a greater co-efficient of friction than the first material.

2. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 1, wherein the second material is rubber.

3. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 1, wherein the first material is selected form the group comprising carpet and felt.

4. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is removably secured to the sole of the shoe.

5. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 1, wherein the second portion is generally circular in shape and the first portion radially surrounds the second portion.

6. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 1, further comprising means for securing the apparatus to the sole of the shoe.

7. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 6, wherein the means for securing comprises an adhesive.

8. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 1 in combination with the shoe.

9. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 8, wherein the shoe is a high heel shoe.

10. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 1, wherein the second portion includes a plurality of discrete elements.

11. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 1, wherein the second portion includes a member elongated in a direction generally perpendicular to a length of the apparatus.

12. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 1, further comprising a heel augment for attachment to a heel portion of the shoe.

13. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 12, wherein the heel augment has a great co-efficient of friction than the first material.

14. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 12, wherein the heel augment is constructed of the second material.

15. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 12, wherein the heel augment includes a thickness substantially equal to a thickness of one of the first and second portions.

16. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 15, wherein the heel augment includes a thickness substantially equal to the second portion.

17. An apparatus in combination with a high heel shoe having a sole portion and a heel portion, the apparatus comprising:

a first portion constructed of a first material, the first portion for providing improved absorbing of impact energy; and

a second portion secured to the first portion, the second portion constructed of a second material, the second material having a greater co-efficient of friction than the first material;

the first and second portions interconnected to the sole portion.

18. The apparatus for the sole of a shoe of claim 17, wherein the apparatus is removably secured to the sole of the shoe.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a heel augment secured to the heel portion of the shoe.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the heel portion has a co-efficient of friction greater than the first portion.