Abstract: A footwear sole assembly for providing air circulation around the foot and also providing improved resilient cushioning. The assembly includes an outsole and an insert suspended above the outsole in trampoline-like fashion to define an air chamber therebetween. As the wearer strides, the insert moves toward the outsole compressing the air contained in the air chamber and causing that air to flow onto the foot through the apertures in the insert. Preferably, the outsole defines a plurality of upwardly opening pockets; and the insert includes a plurality of downwardly extending pins aligned with the pockets. The flexing action of the insert also drives the pins down into the pockets where they are deformed to absorb the impact of the stride.

Abstract: A sheet material which includes an apertured top layer formed of a non-absorbant, thermally non-conductive thermoplastic material, a non-woven layer having a first portion formed of a mixture of moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbent fibers affixed to the top layer, and, optionally, a second portion including fibers which are non-adsorbent and non-absorbent, and, in various embodiments, a barrier layer and/or cushioning layer forming a laminate in which the nonwoven layer is sandwiched between the top layer and such other layers. The chemical formulation of the top layer of thermoplastic material can be varied to alter its coefficient of friction or degree of slip resistance depending upon the requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: Ventilated footwear has in a sole thereof a pumping chamber formed in a heel portion of the sole and bounded by two parallel top and bottom walls and a peripheral wall which is resilient to bias the pumping chamber and has converging upper and lower wall portions extending from the top and bottom walls of the chamber. Air is supplied to the pumping chamber through an air inlet passage and is exhausted from the pumping chamber via an air outlet passage.

Abstract: Waterproof and transpiring sole for footgear including a tread made of leather or similar material which is at least partially covered, in an upward region, by a membrane made of vapor-permeable and waterproof material. The tread is assembled, at least along its perimeter, together with at least one upper part made of rubber or equivalent material which has a central opening in the region affected by the membrane.

Abstract: A shoe includes an assembly inner-sole and outsole with openings formed therethrough and one or more unidirectional air transfer sets disposed between the openings in the outsole and the openings in the inner-sole. The unidirectional air transfer set includes tissues separated by a breathable, waterproof membrane which permits the passage of humid or moist air in one direction only from the interior of the shoe to the exterior of the shoe to improve comfort for the user. The membrane is preferably formed of a hydrophilic polyurethane polymer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved insole that combines insulating and therapeutic properties. The insole consists of a sandwich of several materials, namely a mesh that is adapted to rest on the bottom of some footwear, an aluminum foil whose shiny face is fixed with an adhesive onto the top face of the mesh. A polyethylene film laminated against the dull face of the aluminum foil also serves as the external face of an air bubble sandwich made out of one or two rows of air cells, separated from each other by a central polyethylene film, and covered by another polyethylene film. A second aluminum foil has its dull face laminated against a polyethylene film, and a mesh is then fixed on the shiny surface of the aluminum film with an adhesive. Finally, a resting strip for a foot is then fixed, by adhesive, to the top of the mesh.

Abstract: Novelty footwear has a reservoir for storing liquid within the footwear and selectively ejecting the liquid from footwear. The footwear includes a sole having the reservoir formed therein, the reservoir being further partitioned into a plurality of interconnected cells. The footwear is provided with a pumping actuatable by the toe of the wearer for forcing the liquid from the reservoir to the exterior of the footwear.

Abstract: A reversible insole having a composite structure in which a base insole layer of resilient cushioning material has fabric bonded to its opposite surfaces. Protuberances extend from one surface so the insole may be worn as either a massaging insole or a comfort insole. The insole may be printed with a representation of a reflexology chart and protuberances located to massage selected areas of the foot. Apertures are provided for air circulation. In an alternate embodiment the protuberances are selectively attachable to the base insole.

Abstract: A dynamic athletic shoe sole wherein a composite sole is provided with dynamic air cylinders for cushioning the alternate weighting and unweighting of the athletic shoe by a wearer's walking or running.

Abstract: A ventilation system for footwear having an upper and sole assembly in which perforations or openings in the sole assembly connect the interior of the shoe through a duct or passage into a pumping chamber or air bag. A pair of one-way valves connect the duct to the chamber or air bag and from the chamber or air bag outwardly through a single valve in the rear of the heel of the shoe for movement of air rearwardly through the shoe. The air bag is preferably 23.3 percent in volume of the total volume of the interior of the shoe.

Abstract: Ventilation of shoes is efficiently performed by converting an ambulatory movement of the pumping moment of a ventilator in order to eliminate stuffiness and odor in the shoes. The ventilator is comprised of an air groove having a plurality of ventilating holes on the shoe sole, a pump provided inside the heel which returns to the original shape by releasing the stepping in the ambulatory movement, a first unidirectional valve connected between the air groove and the pump which opens/closes the valve by the pressure of the pump, and a second unidirectional valve for ventilating the air.

Abstract: A midsole, partial midsole, or the like, for inclusion in an article of footwear having a flexible, air-permeable top sole, characterized by at least one plug in the heel region having a thickness (height) sufficient to permit significant compression deformation along its thickness dimension accompanied by simultaneous significant bulging deformation in its circumscribing surface perpendicular to the thickness dimension; the deformations occurring solely due to normal walking activity by any wearer of the footwear; and the deformations thereby providing simultaneously for shock-absorption and ventilation during said normal walking activity.

Abstract: A multifunctional shoe having a self-ventilating system and a shock-absorbing system, includes a ring-shaped heel chamber member disposed in a heel portion of an outsole of the shoe and a squeezing chamber member disposed in the ring-shaped heel chamber member, the heel chamber member and the squeezing chamber member forming a composite structure, whereby the multifunctional shoe can be effectively self-ventilated and shock-absorbed as well as the air powerfulness of the heel chamber can be controlled by a separate air pumping device.

Abstract: A shoe construction for cushioning the foot includes a dual density sole having a cavity in the upper surface thereof. The cavity includes an overlapping peripheral edge which engages and interlocks with the biased edge of a nippled insert mounted therein. A midsole having a forefoot cushion overlays the dual density sole and insert combination. An optional cushioning insole and shock-absorbing heel cup increase the comfort of the sole construction.

Abstract: Cleanliness insole for shoes comprising a first layer (10) positioned facing the foot and formed to promote the passage of perspiration from its upper to its lower surface, and a second rigid layer (20) whose upper surface is in contact with the lower surface of the first layer, the second layer delimiting cavities (23) which open onto the upper surface of the second layer. These cavities form a moisture-storage volume and are filled with an absorbent material (30). The moisture is thus stored by the absorbent material, thereby avoiding its transfer to the rest of the shoe and preventing the moisture from rising under the effect of foot pressure.

Abstract: A shoe is provided with an air pumping device capable of supplying fresh air from the ambient atmosphere into the interior of the shoe. The air pumping device is detachable from the shoe so that it can be cleaned to remove dirts or alien objects that may block the air flow path. The air pumping device is located beneath the forepart of a foot wearing the shoe. When the user makes a step forward, an air bag is compressed at the instant the forepart of the foot is bent to lift the heel off the ground, thereby generating an air pumping action. When the forepart of the foot stretches straight again, the air bag restores to its original shape, thereby generating an air sucking action. As the user keeps moving, the air pumping device will pump air successively from the ambient atmosphere into the interior of the shoe. The air flow direction may be reversed so as to pump air inside the shoe out to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear includes a heel area, an arch area, and a ball area, each defined on the top surface and corresponding to the respective areas of the foot. Each of the areas has a plurality of bulbous protrusions extending upwardly to contact the respective areas of the foot. A toe area is also defined on the top surface including a plurality of cavities in anatomical relation to the toes of the foot. The sole also has an air passage disposed between the top surface of the sole and the bottom surface of the sole. A plurality of upwardly extending sections connect the air passage to the top surface of the sole. The upwardly extending sections are disposed about the top of the sole between the bulbous protrusions and communicate ambient air surrounding the sole with ambient air above the top surface of the sole through repeated compression and expansion of the air passage.

Abstract: The insole contains an absorbent layer (1) which is arranged on a stabilization layer (2). The stabilization layer (2) is made of a fibrous and sealable material, the fibers running predominantly in the longitudinal direction of the insole. On the absorbent layer (1), there is a covering layer (10) which is likewise made of a sealable material. Depressions (20) are provided, the side walls (15) of which are formed by continuations (111, 112) of the material (11, 12) of the covering layer (10). The edges (13) of these side walls (15) are connected rigidly to the stabilization layer (2) so that, between the neighboring depressions (20), there are bridges (25) made from the material of the covering layer (10), which reinforce that section (18) of the stabilization layer (2) lying below.With the given and minimal thickness, the insole is remarkably rigid and durable.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a positively ventilated shoe, including: an air pump disposed in the shoe to provide a flow of air; and apparatus to selectively reverse direction of the flow of air to pump air into or pump air out of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe sole having an accommodating portion and several ventilation holes formed through the side wall of the accommodating portion. A pressure-operated electric generator is provided in the accommodating portion and produces a voltage signal when pressure is repeatedly applied on the shoe sole during use. A cooling apparatus is provided inside the accommodating portion and produces cold air when the electric generator supplies the voltage signal to the cooling apparatus so as to cool the foot of a user. An air permeable and waterproof cloth covers the top surface of the shoe sole and surrounds the electric generator and the cooling apparatus except for the top surfaces of the same. A middle sole covers the upper portion of the assembly of the shoe sole and the cloth and has an accommodating hole formed therethrough so as to allow the top surface of the cooling apparatus to extend through the accommodating hole. A shoe pad is disposed on the top surface of the middle sole.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes a substantially flat pump chamber in the sole of the shoe under the heel of the user, with a one-way valve permitting the drawing in of air when pressure is taken of the heel, and second one-way valve at the outlet from the flat pump which comes into play as air is being exhausted from the chamber. One or more pressure bladders for receiving air from the pump mentioned above, are mounted in the sidewalls of the shoe, toward the rear thereof adjacent the ankle. When the user is active, and is walking or running, the pump is automatically actuated to inflate the air bladders and to provide additional support for the foot and the ankle. The air bladders may be provided with a relief valve to prevent overpressure, and/or with arrangements for slowly leaking air out of the bladder so that when the user is resting, pressure on the foot and ankle is minimized. This last function may be accomplished, either by a bleed valve, or by a series of fine perforations in the walls of the bladder.

Abstract: A compression cooling system of a shoe midsole comprises mainly a main body, an air sac and an air duct. The air sac is disposed in the main body such that the air sac is corresponding in location to the heel of a shoe. Two one-way valves are disposed on predetermined portions of the air sac. The air duct has one end that is connected with one of the two one-way valves and has another end that extends to reach the upper surface of the shoe midsole. The treading and the jogging actions of the foot wearing the shoe bring about the pumping effect of the air sac, thereby generating a stream of suction to cause the air inside and outside the shoe to circulate.

Abstract: An insole for ventilating shoes or boots comprising an air intake passage, an inflatable elastic bladder, an air exhaust passage, a ventilating capillary, and valve means. The bladder is formed along the peripheral area of the heel portion of the insole. Periodic application and release of pressure to the bladder causes air to flow out of the ventilating capillaries, thus cooling and drying the foot.

Abstract: A shoe midsole has a heel portion provided with an elastic shock-absorbing member which is embedded therein and which has an arcuate projection, an air chamber, a plurality of cavities located in the peripheries of the arcuate projection, a plurality of first air ducts through which the cavities communicate with the air chamber, and a plurality of through holes extending from the top surface of the arcuate projection to communicate with the air chamber. The elastic shock-absorbing member further has a plurality of second air ducts extending inwards along the peripheries thereof to communicate with the cavities. The heel portion is provided with a plurality of recesses corresponding in location and number to the second air ducts.

Abstract: A self-ventilating device for a shoe, including an air-pumping member disposed in the heel portion of the insole thereof, an ankle-protecting air bag disposed in the heel portion of the insole thereof, an ankle-protecting air bag disposed in the interior of the upper thereof, and an automatic air-controlling member communicating with the air-pumping member and ankle-protecting air bag, whereby the shoe can be effectively ventilated and protect the ankle.

Abstract: A ventilated boot or shoe is described wherein the boot or shoe is of conventional design having a sole, an upper portion, a toe, a heel, and instep portion, and sides forming an open top. Within the shoe, a spongy open-celled compressible insole is provided which has a pair of channels at each side entering the insole at the instep and at the heel portions. An impervious layer is sandwiched between upper and lower layers of spongy material to form said insole and an impervious material further forms the sides thereof. Ventilation pipes are provided which extend downwardly from the open top of the boot or shoe along the sides thereof and which form elbows at the lower end which enter the channels. As the wearer walks, the insole is compressed expelling air trapped in the open cells thereof and as pressure on the insole eases, the resilient insole expands drawing air through the ventilation tubes thereinto.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a water massage midsole and a shock absorption system characterized by assembling the midsole with a sock lining in the upper for directing a fluid in the midsole to flow forwardly and reversely in the footwear to massage the foot during walking. The footwear includes a shock absorbing plug in the heel area for absorbing the shock on the foot each time the heel strikes the walking surface. Further, the outsole for the footwear is formed on opposite sides of the outsole with major break indentations for rendering the forepart of the outsole and its associated portion of the upper torsionally flexible relative to the heel portion. Finally, the invention includes a method of capturing water in the water massage midsole for the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe is efficiently ventilated by forcing a low volume of primary air through a plurality of throttle orifices at high velocity downstream of a passage formed in a sole. A low pressure area is created within the passage. A high volume of stale secondary air from the shoe interior is accelerated into the low pressure area. The secondary air is entrained by the primary air and together form a combined jet-like air stream that is forcefully ejected from the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe includes an outsole having an elastic jacket formed on the outsole for exerting an elastic property of the shoe, a midsole made of or impregnated with medical compositions for diffusing medicine vapors onto a wearer's foot for treating the wearer's disease, an insole formed with beehive polygonal protrusions for massaging a wearer's foot, an illuminator and a musical or alarm device formed in the outsole for optical decorative and musical entertaining or emergency warning purposes.

Abstract: A footwear sole has a waterproof ventilation part secured in the midsole or the outsole, and a horseshoe-shaped shock-absorbing heel member secured in the heel portion of the sole part in which the waterproof and ventilation part is secured. The waterproof and ventilation part includes a buoyancy plate that blocks penetration of water into the sole during bad weather. The shock-absorbing heel member has opposite flanges with an empty space therebetween that insure very good shock-absorbing properties of the shock absorbing heel member.

Abstract: A heat resistant work shoe including a heat ventilating support for the shoe, the shoe having a plurality of holes for the ventilation of hot air, a reflective means provided at its lower part and the reflective means having concave surface coinciding with the curvature of the shoe upper in which it is located.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a sole construction comprising a heel plenum configured to accommodate the tuberosity of the calcaneous of the heel of the user, a forefoot plenum preferably having a plurality of interconnecting plenum members configured to accommodate a corresponding plurality of metatarsal heads of the forefoot of the user, both plenums being preferably filled with cushioning material and compressed air and being interconnected by passageways for the controlled flow of air back and forth between the plenums during wearing of the shoe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sole for a shoe and in particular to one including a resilient pad provided with a plurality of arrow-shaped recesses and diamond-shaped recesses on the bottom and an elongated slot on the top, a blast device adapted to be received in the elongated slot of the resilient pad and having a first air bag at one end, a second air bag at the other, and an air pipe connecting the first air bag and the second air bag, and a piece of cloth covering the top of the resilient pad, whereby air convection may take place in the shoe thus providing fresh air to the foot wearing the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe sole or insole incorporates an inflatable cell structure therein. The cells are sized and positioned to alter the angular orientation of a wearer's foot relative to a supporting surface upon inflation. A variable position valve causes the cells to inflate and deflate in a random or pseudo-random sequence. Such a sole when worn while standing on or traversing a flat, even, and unvarying terrain enhances the wearer's comfort, reduces fatigue and promotes control of veinous blood pressure in the legs.

Abstract: An insole includes a heel portion defining a recess. A replaceable pneumatic buffer defining a first and a second tubular elements is received in the recess of the insole. A central tunnel communicating with the first tubular element defines a hole. A plurality of tunnels communicate the first tubular element with the second tubular element. When load is exerted on the buffer, the second tubular element abuts a surface of the shoe, thereby defining a chamber filled with air. When the load increases excessively, air is ventable through the hole of the central tunnel and further off the chamber.

Abstract: A shoe having a structure to supply fresh air to the interior of the shoe. The structure to supply fresh air comprising a resilient bulging pad in the heel portion of the shoe and including one-way valves to direct the air flow.

Abstract: A shoe ventilation system which includes an upper having an air inlet and an air outlet disposed in the upper portion thereof, respectively, and a one-way air flowing member disposed in the lower portion thereof, an inner sole having a plurality holes in the sole portion thereof and a plurality of channels and an arch extended portion disposed in the bottom surface thereof for communicating with the air flowing member, whereby the interior of the shoe can be continuously ventilated.

Abstract: A self-ventilating device for a shoe insole, which includes a heel chamber body having a spring disposed therein, an inlet valve having a plurality of sole aperture for communicating with a plurality of channels in the sole portion of the shoe insole, and a pair of outlet valves disposed in both side walls thereof for communicating to the atmosphere, whereby when each step is taken by the shoe user, a moisture and odor waste quantity of air is forced from the channels in the sole portion through the inlet valve to the heel chamber body when the pair of outlet valves are closed and expelled through the pair of outlet valves to the atmosphere automatically when the inlet valve is closed.

Abstract: The sole structure comprises a lower part with a tread, preferably made of rubber or other synthetic material, and having holes formed therein which traverse its thickness. The lower part is covered by a membrane made of microporous, waterproof material which permits transpiration. The structure is completed by an upper part adapted for having a foot rested thereon and being made of rubber or other synthetic material. Holes which traverse the thickness of the upper part are provided at the portion thereof affected by the membrane.

Abstract: There is disclosed the combination of an inflatable inner sole and a supporting underlayment for footwear, such as a shoe, boot or sandal. The inflatable inner sole is formed of upper and lower plastic sheets having the shape and size of a sole and bonded together in a continous seam about their peripheral edges thereby forming a sealed interior. A plurality of this continuous seams are formed between the upper and lower sheets to create within the sealed interior a plurality of interconnecting tubular passageways. The inflatable inner sole is provided with an air pump that preferably is mounted at the heel of the inner sole. The air pump is a flexible bulb with an inlet valve and discharges into a flexible tube which extends to a pressure control valve and then to the interior chamber of the inflatable inner sole. The pressure relief valve is manually adjustable to control the pressure within the inflatable inner sole.

Abstract: A unidirectional airflow ventilating shoe having a ordinary upper and sole. A unidirectional airflow ventilating layer (1) is provided on the sole inside the shoe. The ventilating layer has an compressible cavity (2), air inlet (3), main airflow passage (4), branches (5) and air outlets (6). Fresh air outside the shoe is forcedly unidirectionally sucked into the ventilating layer and blown out to fore part inside the shoe.To convenience sake, a unidirectional airflow ventilating insole can be made for any kind of shoes. The insole comprise a upper portion (7) and lower portion (8). The structure and shape of the upper portion is the same that of the ventilating layer (1). Lower portion (8) can either form an entirety with upper portion (7), or be an elastic substrate athered to the bottom surface of the upper portion with adhesines. The insole can be used in any kind of shoes and attain the same result as unidirectional airflow ventilating shoes of the present invention.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes a substantially flat pump chamber in the sole of the shoe under the heel of the user, with a one-way valve permitting the drawing in of air when pressure is taken off the heel, and second one-way valve at the outlet from the flat pump which comes into play as air is being exhausted from the chamber. One or more pressure bladders for receiving air from the pump mentioned above, are mounted in the sidewalls of the shoe, toward the rear thereof adjacent the ankle. When the user is active, and is walking or running, the pump is actuated to inflate the air bladders and to provide additional support for the foot and the ankle. The air bladders may be provided with a relief valve to prevent overpressure, and with arrangements for slowly leading air out of the bladder so that when the user is resting, pressure on the foot and ankle is minimized. This last function may be accomplished, either by a bleed valve, or by a series of fine perforations in the walls of the bladder.

Abstract: A shoe, boot, sneaker, etc. incorporates a foot-actuated pump which is connected to one or more expandable air bladders located in portions of the footware where contour fitting is desirable. Walking or running actuates the pump. An adjustable relief valve connected to the bladder releases air when a preselected pressure is exceeded. The relief valve is accessible externally for easy adjustment by the wearer. Regardless of the external ambient temperature or degree of user activity, the pump, in conjunction with the relief valve, maintains a preselected pressure and assures that the selected fit between the user's foot and footware is maintained at all times.

Abstract: A shoe sole made of a flexible, resilient material and having a central longitudinal passageway therein. A fresh air intake is located at the heel region of the sole and provides ventilation air to the passageway. With each stride, the wearer pumps air from the heel through the longitudinal passageway and then out upwardly extending vents to the interior of the shoe.

Abstract: An inner sole for a shoe which has upper and lower foot form sheets bonded through an elastic porous material to the heel of the rear portion thereof and through spaces to the front portion thereof, a suction valve provided in a portion to be bonded to the elastic porous material of the lower foot form sheet, an air feed valve provided at the front of the elastic porous material, and an air discharge hole formed at the front portion of the upper foot form sheet in such a manner that the discharge hole is communicated through an air feed passage, obtained between the spacer, with the valve hole of the suction valve. Thus, a foot is hardly moistened even if the shoe is worn for a long time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boat shoe that includes a sole constructed to allow for the flow of water from the interior of the shoe to the exterior of the shoe. The sole includes an innersole which is a removable orthotic with a series of openings through which water can pass. A rubber lasting board, which also has a series of openings to allow to pass through, is positioned between the innersole and a polyurethane midsole. The midsole includes a series of passageways molded into the upper surface of the midsole that direct the water towards the exterior of the shoe. In particular, these passageways lead to the exterior side portions of the shoe so that the water running through these passageways will flow from the interior of the shoe and out through the exterior side portions of the shoe.

Abstract: Footwear comprises a sole consisting of upper and lower members (2, 3) bonded together. The upper member 2 has a plurality of holes 4 penetrating it. The lower member 3 has the top formed with grooves 5 each having a stem 6 communicating with each hole and an end 7 open on the side of the lower member. The top of the upper member communicates with the side of the lower member through ventilation holes 8 consisting of the holes 4 and grooves 5.

Abstract: A shoe sole including an outsole (5) and an insole (1). The latter includes a plurality of ribs (2) which run along the entire width of the sole, are directed transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the sole, and are covered at the side facing the foot (10) with a perforated base layer and possibly a covering (6) of leather or fabric. The ribs (2) include a base part which has approximately the shape of a trapezoid, whose shorter base is at the bottom, so that grooves (3) occur between the ribs (2). The insole (1) is located on the upper side of an outsole (5), which upper side faces the foot. The special shape of the ribs (2) results in a reinforced reciprocal rolling effect and consequently in an improved massaging and foot aeration.

Abstract: An insole base member in planar form for providing a mechanical interlock with a shoe insole is disclosed. The insole base provides a low volume, low profile molded pattern which contacts the underside of the insole material and prevents shearing shifts of the insole. In one embodiment, the insole base has a smooth upper surface in the region adjacent the metatarsal heads of the foot, with a plurality of raised ridges extending transversely across the smooth upper surface, and with the upper surface of the insole base having a cross hatch pattern extending over the remainder of the base anterior and posterior to the smooth upper surface portion. The raised ridges may be positioned so as to lie parallel to the transverse and oblique metatarsal axes of the foot. In alternative embodiments, a plurality of raised ridges are positioned adjacent to the heel or the ball of the foot, with such raised ridges being located outwardly of a central reference point in a pattern corresponding to the spokes of a wheel.

Abstract: A removable innersole for footwear is provided on the surface which is intended to be the underside, resting on the internal surface of the shoe, with a plurality of elements (1) made of elastic material. These elements are arranged preferably in transversal rows and may have different transversal dimensions, different height and different hardness in the different parts of the innersole. The new innersole permits to achieve a better distribution in the weight of the user along the entire surface of the inner sole.