Layered footwear assembly with an arcuate undersurface

Abstract

A footwear assembly structured to be worn on a user's foot is presented. In particular, the footwear assembly comprises an upper engaging component which is cooperatively structured and disposed to secure to the user's foot during use. In addition, the footwear assembly comprises at least one cooperatively structured insole, midsole and outsole. The insole(s) are disposed in an overlying relation to a top surface of an upper portion of the midsole, and the outsole is disposed in an underlying relation to at least a portion of the midsole. In addition, the footwear assembly comprises at least one insert disposed between the midsole and the outsole, for example, proximate a front and/or rear portion thereof, and is structured to provide added support and cushioning. Further, an undersurface of the outsole is structured to define an at least partially arcuate contour along its longitudinal length to facilitate a rocking movement during use.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is based on and a claim to priority is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a provisional patent application currently pending in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, having Ser. No. 61/217,484 and a filing date of May 29, 2009, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a footwear assembly, including, for instance, a shoe, sandal, flip flop, or other device cooperatively structured to be worn on a user's foot when walking, jogging, running, etc. In particular, the footwear assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention comprises a plurality of cooperatively structured and disposed components and/or layers, including at least one insole, midsole, support or wedge insert(s), and an at least partially arcuate outsole or undersurface.

2. Description of the Related Art

Physical exercise is an important element in everyone's lifestyle in that it helps maintain physical fitness, can lead to maintaining a healthy weight, a healthy muscle and bone structure, and can promote a general sense of physical and psychological well-being. Many people in today's society thus purchase memberships to local gymnasiums and/or purchase bulky exercise equipment for their own home in an effort to incorporate exercise into their everyday routines. The problem with these two avenues, however, is that the local gymnasium and exercise equipment can be rather expensive, and further, in order to reap the benefits of the same, the individual must be able to set aside a continuous section of time out of the already busy day full of work, child care, home maintenance, errands, etc.

For those individuals that do not join local gymnasiums or purchase expensive, bulky in-home exercise equipment, many attempt to incorporate one or more physical activities into their busy routine by, for example, going for a walk, jog, or run, and/or by playing a sport or other physically demanding activity. Again, in order to reap the benefits of such an activity, the individual must be able to set aside a particular section of time from the already busy schedule.

Many individual are thus always looking for ways to either reduce the daily exercise time but maintain the physical advantages, or incorporate exercise into their everyday routines. As such, there is a need for an improved footwear assembly having an at least partially arcuate undersurface which is structured to promote physical fitness and incorporate physical activities into an individual's everyday routine. The proposed footwear assembly may be worn during a walk, jog or run, or while shopping, walking a dog or child, at work, at home, or running errands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a layered footwear assembly having an at least partially arcuate undersurface which is disposable in a direct contact with the ground or other walking surface. In particular, the footwear assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention is structured to provide a number of benefits to a user over a conventional flat or substantially flat configuration. In particular, the curved or arcuate undersurface is structured to reduce the impact on certain muscles and bones in the user's body during a walk, run, jog, or other use. Specifically, the arcuate undersurface is structured to facilitate a rocking or rolling movement of the user's foot from the user's heel to the user's toes, which, in turn, reduces or eliminates strain or impact on the user's body, reduces back, knee and other muscle pains and aches, and further facilitates a proper posture. In addition, the curved contour of the undersurface causes the user to work certain muscles during use, for example, muscles in the user's legs, calf, buttocks, abdomen, back and knees. Consequently, the user will burn more calories, increase circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body, and potentially lose weight and tone the body, for instance, at the user's legs, buttocks, back and abdomen.

In addition, at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises additional support or cushioning proximate the front and/or rear portions of the shoe, for example, by use of one or more inserts disposed therein. In particular, as the user walks or otherwise uses the footwear assembly of the present invention, the use of additional support or cushion inserts proximate a front and/or rear portion lessens the negative impacts on the user's bones, muscles, etc.

Moreover, as will become apparent from the following discussion, the various embodiments of the footwear assembly comprises an upper engaging portion, one or more insole components, and a cooperatively structured and disposed midsole component, outsole component, and inserts(s). In particular, the midsole component comprises an upper portion and a lower extension or bottom portion. The upper portion of at least one embodiment is disposed along the entire length of the shoe and comprises a front and rear ledge that extend beyond the lower extension portion proximate the front and rear ends thereof so as to at least partially define a front cavity and a rear cavity respectively. As will be described in detail below, the inserts of at least one embodiment are cooperatively structured to be disposed within the front and/or rear cavities.

The footwear assembly of the present invention further comprises an outsole component disposed in a generally vertically aligned relation to at least a portion of the midsole component. The outsole component, which is disposable in a direct contact with the walking surface, may be constructed of leather, rubber, or any other material structured to facilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended manner. The undersurface of the outsole component may include traction elements or other like devices to facilitate a gripping engagement with the walking surface during use.

Moreover, the outsole component of at least one embodiment is connected to a lower surface of the insert(s) proximate the front and/or rear portions of the footwear assembly. In particular, the lower surface(s) of the insert(s) comprise an at least partially arcuate configuration, which in turn, facilitates the at least partially arcuate configuration of the outsole or undersurface of the footwear assembly.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of at least one embodiment of the footwear assembly disclosed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the footwear assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of the footwear assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of at least one embodiment of the footwear assembly disclosed in accordance with the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and with primary reference to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention is directed to a footwear assembly, generally indicated as 10. The footwear assembly 10 of the present invention is structured to be operatively worn or otherwise disposed on a user's foot, and thus, a user may wear two footwear assemblies 10, one constructed for or worn on the user's left foot, and another constructed for or worn on the user's right foot. Moreover, as will become apparent from the following detailed description, the various embodiments of the footwear assembly 10 of the present invention comprise a plurality of cooperatively structured layers or components, each disposed in a generally vertically aligned orientation relative to one another. The various layers or components of the present invention may be connected or secured to adjacent layers or components via adhesion, nails, tacks, or virtually any manner structured to facilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended manner.

More in particular, the footwear assembly 10 comprises at least one upper engaging component 20, which is structured and disposed to secure, hold, or otherwise removably engage the user's foot to the footwear assembly 10. As generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the upper engaging component 20 comprises cooperatively structured laces 22, loops, and/or a foot port 24. The user's foot may be disposed within the port 24 and the laces 22 may be used to secure the foot to the footwear assembly 20. In addition, however, the upper engaging component 20 may comprise one or more straps, buckles, strings, etc., such as in the case of a sandal or flip flop, or any other device(s) structured and disposed to secure the user's foot to the footwear assembly 10. In at least one embodiment, the upper engaging portion 20 comprises leather, mesh material, plastics, metals, and other components. Of course, the upper engaging component 20 may comprise any one or more of a plurality of designs, configurations, styles, colors, materials, etc.

The footwear assembly 10 of at least one embodiment of the present invention further comprises at least one insole component 30, which, when in use, comes in direct contact with a bottom portion of the user's foot. Accordingly, the insole component 30 is the interior bottom portion of the footwear assembly 10. As illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 4, at least one embodiment of the footwear assembly 10 of the present invention comprises a plurality of vertically stacked, aligned, and/or overlying insole components 30, 30′. In particular, a plurality of insole components 30, 30′ of at least one embodiment of the present invention is generally used for added comfort for the user, to control the shape, moisture, odor, or smell of the footwear assembly 10, and/or to combat certain health or posture issues associated with the user. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the insole component(s) 30, 30′ may be removably disposed within the footwear assembly 10 for easy replacement, or so as to easily incorporate additional insole components as the user desires. The insole component(s) 30, 30′ may be configured and/or designed to provide support for the user's foot, and may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible, and may be constructed of virtually any material, including, but not limited to wood, latex, fabric, polyurethane, polypropylene, and/or any derivative or combination thereof.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the present invention comprises a midsole component 40. The midsole component 40 of at least one embodiment comprises an upper portion 42 and a lower extension or bottom portion 44. As described herein, in at least one embodiment, the upper portion 42 of the midsole component 40 comprises a front ledge 42′ which extends beyond a front peripheral edge or surface 44′ of the lower extension portion 44 to at least partially define a front cavity. Similarly, the upper portion 42 of at least one embodiment of the midsole component 40 comprises a rear ledge 42″ which extends beyond a rear end or rear peripheral edge 44″ to at least partially define a rear cavity. In addition, the upper portion 42 of the midsole component 40 may extend the entire length of the shoe, and comprise a contour generally similar to the contour of the user's foot. Further, when assembled, in at least one embodiment, the insole component(s) 30, 30′ are disposed in an overlying relation to a top surface 43 of the upper portion 42 of the midsole component 40. The midsole component 40 may be constructed or made from polyurethane, rubber, etc, or any derivative or combination thereof. In particular, at least one embodiment of the midsole component 40 comprises a composition of approximately 80% polyurethane and 20% rubber. The midsole component 40 may be connected to the upper engaging component 20 and/or insole(s) 30, 30 via adhesion, nails, tacks, etc.

The footwear assembly 10 of the various embodiments of the present invention further comprises an outsole component 50 disposed in a generally vertically aligned and/or at least partially underlying relation to at least a portion of the midsole component 40, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. In particular, an outer or under surface 51 of the outsole component 50 of the footwear assembly 10 is disposable in a direct contact with the ground or other walking surface. The outsole component 50 may be constructed of leather, rubber, or any other material structured to facilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended manner.

In addition, the under surface 51 of the various embodiments of the present invention is structured to define an at least partially, and in at least one embodiment, a substantially arcuate contour or otherwise curved configuration along its longitudinal length. The arcuate contour of the outsole component 50 provides a number of benefits to the user over a conventional flat or substantially flat configuration. In particular, the curved or arcuate contour of the outsole component 50 or under surface 51 of the footwear assembly 10 reduces the impact on certain muscles, bones, and other portions of the user's body while the user is walking, running, jogging, or otherwise using the footwear assembly 10. Specifically, during use, the arcuate contour of the under surface 51 is structured to facilitate a rocking or rolling movement of the user's foot from the user's heel to the user's toes. This rocking or rolling type of movement of the user's foot during use reduces and/or eliminates strain or impact on the user's body, reduces back, knee, and other muscle pains and aches, and further facilitates a proper posture for the user. Moreover, the arcuate contour of the outsole component 50 causes the user to work certain muscles during use, for instance, muscles in the user's legs, calf, buttocks, abdomen, back and knees. In particular, because of the at least partially arcuate configuration, the user must maintain balance during use. Consequently, the user will burn more calories, increase circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body, and potentially lose weight and tone the body, for instance, at the user's legs, buttocks, back and abdomen.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, the present invention further comprises at least one insert or cushioning component 60 disposed between the midsole component 40 and outsole component 50. The insert component(s) 60 of the various embodiments of the present invention may be constructed or made from polyurethane, rubber, etc, or any derivative or combination thereof, and may further comprise an at least partially or generally soft cushion material.

Particularly, in at least one embodiment, a front insert 62 is at least partially disposed within a front cavity between the front portion 41 of the midsole component 40 and a front portion 52 of the outsole component 50. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the front insert 62 comprises a top portion 63 which is cooperatively structured to connect to, abut with, or at least partially fit within, a front cavity of the midsole component 40. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the front cavity of the midsole component 40 is proximate to the front portion 41 of the midsole component 40 and is at least partially defined by adjacent front surfaces, such as, a lower, overhanging surface or ledge 42′ of the upper portion 42, and front surface or edge 44′ of the lower extension portion 44. In particular, in at least one embodiment of the footwear assembly 10 of the present invention, the combined, adjacent front surfaces 42′ and 44′ of the midsole component 40 are structured to define a substantially angled configuration, such as, for example, a defined obtuse angle therebetween. Accordingly, the top portion 63 of the front insert 62 of at least one embodiment comprises a cooperatively structured and substantially angled configuration so as to abut or fit within the angled configuration of the front cavity, as defined by adjacent surfaces 42′, 44′.

The front insert 62 of at least one embodiment of the present invention is structured to provide additional support, cushioning, or comfort to the front portion of the footwear assembly 10 and the user's foot. More in particular, as the user rolls or rocks onto the front portion of the footwear assembly 10 and/or the front portion 52 of the outsole component 50, the front insert 62 is structured to provide support and/or comfort to the user.

Further, at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises a rear insert 66 at least partially disposed within a rear cavity between the rear portion 45 of the midsole component 40 and a rear portion 55 of the outsole component 50. The rear insert 66 comprises a top portion 67 which is cooperatively structured to connect to, abut with, or at least partially fit within, the rear cavity of the midsole component 40. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the rear cavity of the midsole component 40 is disposed proximate to the rear portion 45 of the midsole component 40 and is at least partially defined by adjacent rear surfaces, such as, a lower surface or ledge 42″ of the upper portion 42, and a rear surface or edge 44″ of the lower extension portion 44. More in particular, in at least one embodiment, the upper surface 67 of the rear insert 66 comprises a substantially and sharply angled configuration. Likewise, the rear cavity of the midsole component 40, defined by surfaces 42″ and 44″, is cooperatively structured to define a similar substantially angled configuration.

The rear insert 66 of at least one embodiment is structured to provide additional support, cushioning, or comfort to the rear portion of the footwear assembly 10 and the user's foot. More in particular, as the user rolls or rocks onto the rear portion of the footwear assembly 10 and/or the rear portion 55 of the outsole component 50, for instance proximate the user's heel, the rear insert 66 is structured to provide support and/or comfort to the user.

Still referring to FIG. 4, and as also illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, at least a portion of the outsole component 50 is connected to the lower extension portion 44 of the midsole component 40, and in particular, at a location in between the front and rear inserts 62, 66.

As best illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the lower surfaces 64, 68 of the front and/or rear inserts 62, 66, respectively, are structured to define an at least partially curved or arcuate configuration. The outsole component 50 of at least one embodiment of the footwear assembly 10 is connected to the lower surfaces 64, 68 of the front and rear inserts 62, 66. Accordingly, the at least partially curved or arcuate configuration of the lower surfaces 64, 68 of the front and/or rear inserts 62, 66 are thus structured to facilitate the arcuate contour of the outsole component 50 when assembled.

Moreover, as illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 4, in at least one embodiment of the footwear assembly 10 of the present invention, each of the layers or components, for instance, the insole component(s) 30, 30′, midsole component 40, outsole component 50, and front and/or rear inserts 62, 66, are separate and prior to assembly are initially detached from one another. Such a configuration and structure provides a footwear assembly 10 that minimizes impact on certain portions of the user's body or foot. For instance, because of the initially disjointed nature of the separate layers or components, an impact at one point of the footwear assembly 10 during use does not travel well to other points. Thus, an impact at the heel of the footwear assembly 10 is less likely to travel to other portions of the footwear assembly 10 and/or the user's body.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

Claims

1. A footwear assembly structured to be worn on a user's foot, said footwear assembly comprising:

an upper engaging component cooperatively structured and disposed to secure to the user's foot during use,

a midsole component comprising an upper portion and a lower extension portion, said upper portion of said midsole component extending beyond a rear end of said lower extension portion of said midsole component to at least partially define a rear cavity,

an outsole component disposed in an underlying relation to at least a portion of said midsole component, wherein a least a portion of said outsole component is connected to said lower extension portion of said midsole component,

a rear insert disposed at least partially within said rear cavity and between a rear portion of said midsole component and a rear portion of said outsole component, and

an outer surface of said outsole component being structured to define an at least partially and continuous arcuate contour along its length.

2. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said rear cavity comprises a substantially angled configuration defined by adjacent rear surfaces of said upper portion and said lower extension portion of said midsole component.

3. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said rear insert comprises a top surface, said top surface of said rear insert comprising a substantially angled configuration cooperatively structured to abut said substantially angled rear cavity.

4. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said rear insert comprises an at least partially soft cushion material.

5. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a front cavity; said front cavity comprising a substantially angled configuration defined by adjacent front surfaces of said upper portion and said lower extension portion of said midsole component.

6. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 5 further comprising a front insert disposed at least partially within said front cavity and between a front portion of said midsole component and a front portion of said outsole component.

7. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said front insert comprises a top surface; said top surface of said front insert comprising a substantially angled configuration cooperatively structured to abut said substantially angled configuration of said front cavity.

8. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said front insert comprises an at least partially soft cushion material.

9. A footwear assembly structured to be worn on a user's foot, said footwear assembly comprising:

an upper engaging component cooperatively structured and disposed to secure to the user's foot during use,

a midsole component comprising an upper portion and a lower extension portion, said upper portion of said midsole component extending beyond a rear peripheral edge of said lower extension portion to at least partially define a rear cavity, said upper portion of said midsole component further extending beyond a front peripheral edge of said lower extension portion to at least partially define a front cavity,

at least one insole component disposed in an overlying relation to a top surface of said upper portion of said midsole component, said at least one insole component being disposed in a direct contact with the user's foot during use,

an outsole component disposed in an underlying relation to at least a portion of said midsole component, said outsole component being disposable in a direct contact with a walking surface during use,

a front insert disposed at least partially within said front cavity and between a front portion of said midsole component and a front portion of said outsole component,

a rear insert disposed at least partially within said rear cavity and between a rear portion of said midsole component and a rear portion of said outsole component, and

an outer surface of said outsole component being structured to define an at least partially arcuate contour along its length.

10. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said front and rear cavities each comprise a substantially angled configuration; said substantially angled configuration of said rear cavity being defined by adjacent rear surfaces of said upper portion and said lower extension portion of said midsole component;

said substantially angled configuration of said front cavity being defined by adjacent front surfaces of said upper portion and said lower extension portion of said midsole component.

11. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein said rear insert comprises a substantially angled top surface cooperatively structured to abut said substantially angled configuration of said rear cavity.

12. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said front insert comprises a substantially angled top surface cooperatively structured to abut said substantially angled configuration of said front cavity.

13. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said front insert comprises a bottom surface; said bottom surface of said front insert comprising an at least partially arcuate configuration.

14. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said rear insert comprises a bottom surface; said bottom surface of said rear insert comprising an at least partially arcuate configuration.

15. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said front and rear inserts are cooperatively structured to at least partially define said at least partially arcuate contour of said outer surface of said outsole component.

16. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said front and rear inserts each comprise an at least partially soft cushion material.

17. The footwear assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said midsole component comprises polyurethane and rubber.

18. A footwear assembly structured to be worn on a user's foot, said footwear assembly comprising:

a midsole component comprising an upper portion and a lower extension portion,

said upper portion of said midsole component extending beyond a rear end of said lower extension portion of said midsole component to at least partially define a rear cavity,

said upper portion of said midsole component further extending beyond a front peripheral edge of said lower extension portion to at least partially define a front cavity,

said front and rear cavities each comprising a substantially angled configuration, wherein said substantially angled configuration of said rear cavity is defined by adjacent rear surfaces of said upper portion and said lower extension portion of said midsole component and said substantially angled configuration of said front cavity is defined by adjacent front surfaces of said upper portion and said lower extension portion of said midsole component,

said rear insert comprising a substantially angled top surface cooperatively structured to abut said substantially angled configuration of said rear cavity,

said front insert comprising a substantially angled top surface cooperatively structured to abut said substantially angled configuration of said front cavity,

an outsole component disposed in an underlying relation to at least a portion of said midsole component, wherein a least a portion of said outsole component is connected to said lower extension portion of said midsole component,

a rear insert disposed at least partially within said rear cavity and between a rear portion of said midsole component and a rear portion of said outsole component, and

an outer surface of said outsole component being structured to define an at least partially and continuous arcuate contour along its length.