GB2296647A - Antistatic footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

Static charge discharger for footwear comprising an assembly constructed from an electrically conducting material and consisting of: a first contact electrode 4 (fixable above the insole of the footwear), a second electrode 5 bearing on the ground (fixable to the outer face of the sole or its heel) and an electrical conductor 6 which connects together both electrodes. <IMAGE>

Description

STATIC LOAD DISCHARGER FOR FOOTWEAR I - Background The present invention relates to a new static charge discharger for footwear, as well as to footwear applying the said discharger.

As is known, static charge is produced essentially through the effect of friction.

In the particular case of the human body, static charge accumulates through the action of the wind, the relative friction between the body and its apparel, rubbing up against other people or objects, travelling over carpeted environments, etc.

Insofar as it is not discharged, it accumulates increasing in a manner proportional to the intensity of rubbing; and although it lacks sufficient potential, it may nevertheless reach limit intensities which are even capable of causing the death of people.

Nowadays, static charge is regarded as one of the factors which generate stress, the characteristics and implications of which - having been widely broadcast need not be developed here. It ought merely to be pointed out that same generates psychophysical tensions which prematurely drain the functions of the individual, diminish his reserves and produce a dysfunction in his reasoning.

The importance of this problem has compelled the development of various means intended to eliminate the static charge accumulated in each individual; such as for example by discharging to earth through highly sensitive conductors (fet); the use of static discharge wristbands - used in workshops, electronics laboratories, places with operators who, by virtue of their function, produce excessive rubbing of their bodies and/or their clothes such wristbands, although not having a straightforward discharge, do it through a bleed resistor, for greater safety.

Also known are the electrical conductors for discharging to earth static charge generated inside a motor vehicle, which otherwise is insulated by the nature of its own coverings. in these cases, the said static charge (which is increased through the molecular friction of the actual fuel) is transmitted to the actual driver, producing, among other things, neuralgia, nervous tension, etc.

Nevertheless, up until now no means existed which enabled each individual to dispel static charge via his own movement or resting; bearing in mind that, normally, footwear of any kind is constructed from insulating or poorly conducting materials (leather, rubber, plastic, etc.).

This is precisely the aim of the present invention, the objective of which is to interconnect the sole of the foot of the individual with the ground; in such a way that there is an extremely effective way of dispelling the static charge since, whether walking, running or sitting, the shod foot rests normally on the ground producing said discharge in an effective manner.

Thus may be imagined the success which the said device may enjoy when implemented, whatever the category and intention accorded thereto, since by the characteristics which define it, it lends itself equally for application as footwear for men, women or children, for wearing as informal shoes, slippers, sportswear, etc.

II - Illustration For greater clarity and comprehension of the subject of the invention, it is illustrated with several figures in which it has been represented in one of its preferred embodiments, the whole merely by way of nonlimiting illustrative example.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a typical shoe (illustrated with dashed lines), which shows the platelet or first electrode of the discharge device; and lastly.

Figure 2 is a side view of the same shoe, with the device operatively located; a sectional detail of the sole being shown inside a circle and indicating the general makeup of the discharger, component elements and the manner of fixing it to the said sole for the purposes of accomplishing its specific purposes.

In the various figures, the same reference numerals indicate identical or corresponding parts, and all of the many elements have been labelled with letters.

List of the principal references: (a) footwear (b) sole (c) static charge discharger assembly (1) waist region of the sole (b) (1') toe region of the sole (b) (2) heel (3) upper or inner face of the sole (to which the insole is fixed) bearing on the foot (3') lower or outer face of the sole (bearing on the ground) (4) first electrode, bearing on the foot (5) second electrode, bearing on the ground (6) electrical conductor, for interconnecting (4) and (5) III - Principal subject For the specified purposes, the static charge discharger for footwear is characterized in that it comprises an assembly (c) constructed from an electrically conducting material and consisting of: a first plantar contact electrode (4), [fixable above the insole (3) of the footwear (a)], a second electrode (5) bearing on the ground (fixable to the outer face (3') of the sole (b) or its heel (2)], and an electrical conductor (6) which connects together both electrodes (4) and (5).

IV - Description In general terms, the referenced device comprises, as stated, an assembly (c) constructed from an electrically conducting material and consisting of: a first plantar contact electrode (4), [fixable above the insole (3) of the footwear (a)], a second electrode (5) bearing on the ground [fixable to the outer face (3') of the sole (b) or its heel (2)], and an electrical conductor (6) which connects together both electrodes (4) and (5). The material may be copper, steel or some other metal.

More particularly, and as may be seen in the figures, the electrodes (4) and (5) may be constructed as plates of sheet metal, the outwardly arched one (4) forming a degree of convexity (as is observed in the detail of Figure 2), to give it a degree of elasticity and to assist with better plantar contact.

However, there is provision for the said electrodes (4) and (5) to be constructed as a tape or lead (which are not illustrated), distributed over each face (3) and (3') in a spiral, helical, undulating form, etc.

in order to form a greater area of contact with the foot.

Both electrodes (4) and (5) are interconnected together through a conductor (6), such as a lead, for example.

In the tape or lead embodiment mentioned earlier, the device may be a continuous tape or lead which in its upper part defines, by means of the abovementioned undulations or other provisions, the first electrode (4), is continued in the manner of a connection bridge with the connecting span (6) and terminates in the lower part defining the second electrode (5) similarly.

The electrodes (4) and (5) may or may not be mutually aligned.

In its practical application, the device is applicable to formal and informal footwear (a) for men, women or children, shoes, slippers or sportswear, such as that which by way of example is illustrated and which, essentially, comprises: a sole (b) which starts at a toe (1') of the underside, continues as a waist (1) and terminates in the heel pad region securing a heel (2).

To this sole are fixed the vamp and the other side walls of the shoe which close up with the heel and delimit the entrance for the foot; the inner face of the sole normally being lined with an insole (Figures 1 and 2).

The device is applied as shown in Figure 1, and particularly the detail of Figure 2, in the region of the forepart of the foot - for example, in a region adjacent to the waist (1) - that is to say, in the shank of the sole (b), since there the arches have one of their permanent supports; the first electrode (4) being fixed by appropriate means (for example, adhesive, vulcanized assembly when made of rubber, etc.) to the face (3) above the insole; the conductor (6) passes through the sole (b), whilst, outside, the second electrode (5) remains fixed to the lower face (3') of the aforesaid sole (b).

In another possible embodiment (not illustrated), the discharger assembly (c) can be fixed through the heel (2), this constituting another of the regions of normal support.

With the discharger (c) being provided thus in the sole (b) of the shoe (a), the foot remains connected with the ground each time it is brought to bear, there then occurring the discharging of the static charge accumulated on the body of the individual from the electrode (4) to (5) and through the conductor (6).

Undoubtedly when the present invention is implemented, it will be possible to introduce modifications relating to certain details of construction and form, without this implying departure from the basic principles which are substantiated clearly in the claims which follow below:

Claims (16)

1. CLAIMS Having thus especially described and determined the nature of the present invention, and how it may be implemented, the following is claimed as exclusive right and property: 1) STATIC CHARGE DISCHARGER FOR FOOTWEAR; characterized in that it comprises an assembly constructed from an electrically conducting material and consisting of: a first plantar contact electrode, (fixable above the insole of the footwear), a second electrode bearing on the ground (fixable to the outer face of the sole or its heel) and an electrical conductor which connects together both electrodes.
2. 2) STATIC CHARGE DISCHARGER FOR FOOTWEAR; according to Claim 1, characterized in that the electrodes consist of electrically conducting plates.
3. 3) STATIC CHARGE DISCHARGER FOR FOOTWEAR; according to Claim 2, characterized in that the plates are of sheet metal.
4. 4) STATIC CHARGE DISCHARGER FOR FOOTWEAR; according to Claim 2, characterized in that the plate which constitutes the first electrode is a convex sheet.
5. 5) STATIC CHARGE DISCHARGER FOR FOOTWEAR; according to Claim 1, characterized in that the electrodes consist of electrically conducting wires.
6. 6) STATIC CHARGE DISCHARGER FOR FOOTWEAR; according to Claim 4, characterized in that the component wires of the electrodes each follow spiral configurations.
7. 7) STATIC CHARGE DISCHARGER FOR FOOTWEAR; according to Claim 4, characterized in that the component wires of the electrodes each follow undulating configurations.
8. 8) STATIC CHARGE DISCHARGER FOR FOOTWEAR; according to Claim 1, characterized in that the electrical conductor is an electrically conducting lead.
9. 9) STATIC CHARGE DISCHARGER FOR FOOTWEAR; according to Claim 1, characterized in that the electrical conductor is an electrically conducting tape.
10. 10) FOOTWEAR to which is applied the discharger of Claims 1 to 9; characterized in that above its insole the sole is kept fixed to the first electrode - contactable with the sole of the foot -, whereas via the outer face, bearing on the ground, the footwear is kept fixed to the second electrode; both electrodes being interconnected through the electrical conductor.
11. 11) FOOTWEAR; according to Claim 10, characterized in that above its insole the sole is kept fixed to the first electrode - contactable with the sole of the foot -, whereas via the outer face, bearing on the ground, the sole is kept fixed to the second electrode; both electrodes being interconnected through the electrical conductor which passes through the said sole.
12. 12) FOOTWEAR; according to Claim 10, characterized in that above its insole the sole is kept fixed to the first electrode - contactable with the sole of the foot -, whereas via the outer face, bearing on the ground, the second electrode is fixed to the heel; both electrodes being interconnected through the electrical conductor which passes through the said sole and the said heel.
13. 13) FOOTWEAR; according to Claim 10, characterized in that the electrodes are fixed in the region of the sole corresponding to the shank.
14. 14) FOOTWEAR; according to Claim 13, characterized in that the electrodes are fixed in the shank of the sole, in a region adjacent to the waist.
15. 15) Static charge discharger for footwear constructed arranged and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the acconipanying drawings.
16. 16) Footxvear constructed arranged and adapted to operate substantiall) as hereinbefore described with reference to the accolllpallD,ino drawings.