US20040103560A1 - Air cylinders for a dynamic shoe fit - Google Patents

Air cylinders for a dynamic shoe fit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20040103560A1
US20040103560A1 US10/307,031 US30703102A US2004103560A1 US 20040103560 A1 US20040103560 A1 US 20040103560A1 US 30703102 A US30703102 A US 30703102A US 2004103560 A1 US2004103560 A1 US 2004103560A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
shoe
cylinder
utilizing
air cylinder
cylinders
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/307,031
Inventor
Anthony Hollars
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US10/307,031 priority Critical patent/US20040103560A1/en
Publication of US20040103560A1 publication Critical patent/US20040103560A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
    • A43C11/16—Fastenings secured by wire, bolts, or the like

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a system for creating a dynamic shoe fit through the use of pneumatic cylinders.
  • the present invention has solved the problems cited above. Broadly, this invention solves the problem of adjustable and dynamic fit. A series of small air cylinder(s) pulls the shoe snug around the foot yet gives with walking or running and can be adjusted for tightness. A good way to describe this technology is “dynamic fit.”
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an air cylinder.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of a shoe with air cylinder closures installed.
  • the cylinders are manufactured from an inexpensive molded type plastic or reinforced plastic-type material.
  • the piston can also be made of similar or identical plastic material and the seal an o-ring or common cup-type seal.
  • the high-pressure side of the piston can cause the cylinder to pull together or by making the other side of the piston the high-pressure side, cause the cylinder to pull apart.
  • One shoe may utilize cylinders of each type to accomplish the desired fit.
  • the plumbing on the cylinders can be linked in parallel or series or independent of other cylinders.
  • the methods of filling the air cylinders can be from a hand type pump, compressed gas source or built-in style of pump. Likewise, vacuum could be pulled on one side of the piston to effectively perform the same function as a compressed gas cylinder.
  • the air cylinders can be combined with traditional lacing systems or completely replace these systems.
  • the application is light and simple enough to be utilized on lightweight running shoes yet durable enough to be used on hiking boots. Additionally, ski boots, rock climbing shies, cycling shoes, even swimming fins, concrete worker shoe attachments, etc. could benefit from this dynamic system.
  • FIG. 1 shows a side view of an air cylinder labeled 1 .
  • an attachment point for the shoe 2 At one end of the cylinder is shown an attachment point for the shoe 2 .
  • Cylinder housing 3 houses a piston 4 attached to rod 9 which at its terminal end has attachment point 10 for attachment to the shoe.
  • Piston seal 5 allows high-pressure to act on piston 4 to withdraw rod 9 into the cylinder.
  • Seals 6 , 7 seal rod 9 from the atmosphere.
  • Cylinder end 8 prevents piston 4 from leaving cylinder bore.
  • FIG. 2 shows shoe 20 with air cylinder(s) 1 providing closure between side of shoe 21 and opposite side of shoe 22 .
  • the action of air cylinder 1 pulls the sides of the shoe 21 and 22 towards each other to provide a snug fit to the wearer.
  • air cylinder 1 allows shoe sides 21 and 22 to move in relationship to each other while remaining snug allowing a dynamic fit.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

This invention solves the problem of an adjustable and dynamic fit for a shoe. An air cylinder or cylinders act to pull the shoe snug around the foot yet give with walking or running to maintain a snug fit. This improves comfort as well as fit over existing types of closures.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • Not Applicable. [0001]
    • FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
  • Not applicable. [0002]
    • REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
  • Not applicable. [0003]
    • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates to a system for creating a dynamic shoe fit through the use of pneumatic cylinders. [0004]
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Conventional technology for fitting shoes consists of laces, velcro closures, stretch fabric or inflatable bladders. All of these have their disadvantages. Shoe laces and velcro closures maintain a constant closure force on a shoe, thus not allowing a dynamic fit as one desires for comfort. Stretch fabric tends to wear out as well as not being adjustable for fit. Inflatable bladders are costly and prone to leaking. [0005]
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention has solved the problems cited above. Broadly, this invention solves the problem of adjustable and dynamic fit. A series of small air cylinder(s) pulls the shoe snug around the foot yet gives with walking or running and can be adjusted for tightness. A good way to describe this technology is “dynamic fit.”[0006]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an air cylinder. [0007]
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of a shoe with air cylinder closures installed.[0008]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 60/340,029 titled “Air Cylinders for a Dynamic Shoe Fit” filed Nov. 29, 2001 by Anthony Scott Hollars. [0009]
  • Reference will be made in detail below to the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [0010]
  • Conventional technology for fitting shoes consists of laces, velcro closures, stretch fabric and inflatable bladders. All of these have their disadvantages. This invention solves the problem of adjustable and dynamic fit. A series of small air cylinder(s) pulls the shoe snug around the foot yet gives with walking or running and can be adjusted for tightness. A good way to describe this technology is “dynamic fit.” A conceptual marketing name is: X O Skeleton, (read exoskeleton). The diameter of the cylinders can be varied to create different tension for different parts of the shoe. Additional uses are to create spring back in the shoe or compression damping. The cylinders can be curved, straight, long or short. Additionally, the cylinders can have an oval cross-section or round or other shape. Many variations are possible. Many attachments are possible at the ends such as sewn in or loops. The cylinders can be exposed to look cool or covered internally in the shoe. [0011]
  • Preferably, the cylinders are manufactured from an inexpensive molded type plastic or reinforced plastic-type material. The piston can also be made of similar or identical plastic material and the seal an o-ring or common cup-type seal. The high-pressure side of the piston can cause the cylinder to pull together or by making the other side of the piston the high-pressure side, cause the cylinder to pull apart. One shoe may utilize cylinders of each type to accomplish the desired fit. The plumbing on the cylinders can be linked in parallel or series or independent of other cylinders. The methods of filling the air cylinders can be from a hand type pump, compressed gas source or built-in style of pump. Likewise, vacuum could be pulled on one side of the piston to effectively perform the same function as a compressed gas cylinder. [0012]
  • The air cylinders can be combined with traditional lacing systems or completely replace these systems. The application is light and simple enough to be utilized on lightweight running shoes yet durable enough to be used on hiking boots. Additionally, ski boots, rock climbing shies, cycling shoes, even swimming fins, concrete worker shoe attachments, etc. could benefit from this dynamic system. [0013]
  • FIG. 1 shows a side view of an air cylinder labeled [0014] 1. At one end of the cylinder is shown an attachment point for the shoe 2. Cylinder housing 3 houses a piston 4 attached to rod 9 which at its terminal end has attachment point 10 for attachment to the shoe. Piston seal 5 allows high-pressure to act on piston 4 to withdraw rod 9 into the cylinder. Seals 6,7 seal rod 9 from the atmosphere. Cylinder end 8 prevents piston 4 from leaving cylinder bore.
  • FIG. 2 shows [0015] shoe 20 with air cylinder(s) 1 providing closure between side of shoe 21 and opposite side of shoe 22. The action of air cylinder 1 pulls the sides of the shoe 21 and 22 towards each other to provide a snug fit to the wearer. In a dynamic situation such as running or walking, air cylinder 1 allows shoe sides 21 and 22 to move in relationship to each other while remaining snug allowing a dynamic fit.

Claims (18)

I claim:
1. A shoe utilizing at least one air cylinder to secure a shoe on a wearer's foot.
2. Said air cylinder from claim 1 utilizing a positive air pressure on a reverse-acting cylinder causing cylinder to shorten.
3. Said air cylinder from claim 1 utilizing a negative air pressure on a reverse-acting cylinder causing cylinder to shorten.
4. Said shoe from claim 1 comprising said cylinders connected in series.
5. Said shoe from claim 1 comprising said cylinders connected in parallel.
6. Said cylinders from claim 1 comprising a quick-release attachment at least one end.
7. Said quick-release attachment from claim 6 being a commercially available fastener.
8. Said shoe of claim 1 utilizing at least one air cylinder comprising a visible cylinder placement.
9. Said shoe from claim 1 utilizing at least one air cylinder comprising a hidden cylinder placement.
10. A shoe utilizing at least one air cylinder to secure a shoe on a wearer's foot in conjunction with traditional closure(s).
11. Said air cylinder from claim 10 utilizing a positive air pressure on a reverse-acting cylinder causing cylinder to shorten.
12. Said air cylinder from claim 10 utilizing a negative air pressure on a reverse-acting cylinder causing cylinder to shorten.
13. Said shoe from claim 10 comprising said cylinders connected in series.
14. Said shoe from claim 10 comprising said cylinders connected in parallel.
15. Said cylinders from claim 10 comprising a quick-release attachment at least one end.
16. Said quick-release attachment from claim 15 being a commercially available fastener.
17. Said shoe of claim 10 utilizing at least one air cylinder comprising a visible cylinder placement.
18. Said shoe from claim 10 utilizing at least one air cylinder comprising a hidden cylinder placement.
US10/307,031 2002-11-29 2002-11-29 Air cylinders for a dynamic shoe fit Abandoned US20040103560A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/307,031 US20040103560A1 (en) 2002-11-29 2002-11-29 Air cylinders for a dynamic shoe fit

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/307,031 US20040103560A1 (en) 2002-11-29 2002-11-29 Air cylinders for a dynamic shoe fit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20040103560A1 true US20040103560A1 (en) 2004-06-03

Family

ID=32392510

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/307,031 Abandoned US20040103560A1 (en) 2002-11-29 2002-11-29 Air cylinders for a dynamic shoe fit

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US20040103560A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150013184A1 (en) * 2013-07-11 2015-01-15 Nike, Inc. Article With Closed Instep Portion Having Variable Volume
US9872539B2 (en) 2013-07-11 2018-01-23 Nike, Inc. Article with tensioning system including driven tensioning members
US10918154B2 (en) 2013-07-11 2021-02-16 Nike, Inc. Article with tensioning system including tension balancing member

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4449273A (en) * 1981-01-28 1984-05-22 Nordica S.P.A. Hydraulic device particularly for ski boot fastening
US4476640A (en) * 1980-12-02 1984-10-16 Nordica S.P.A. Device for controlling the flex of ski and the like boots
US5205055A (en) * 1992-02-03 1993-04-27 Harrell Aaron D Pneumatic shoe lacing apparatus

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4476640A (en) * 1980-12-02 1984-10-16 Nordica S.P.A. Device for controlling the flex of ski and the like boots
US4449273A (en) * 1981-01-28 1984-05-22 Nordica S.P.A. Hydraulic device particularly for ski boot fastening
US5205055A (en) * 1992-02-03 1993-04-27 Harrell Aaron D Pneumatic shoe lacing apparatus

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150013184A1 (en) * 2013-07-11 2015-01-15 Nike, Inc. Article With Closed Instep Portion Having Variable Volume
US9609918B2 (en) * 2013-07-11 2017-04-04 Nike, Inc. Article with closed instep portion having variable volume
US9872539B2 (en) 2013-07-11 2018-01-23 Nike, Inc. Article with tensioning system including driven tensioning members
US10918154B2 (en) 2013-07-11 2021-02-16 Nike, Inc. Article with tensioning system including tension balancing member
US11589635B2 (en) 2013-07-11 2023-02-28 Nike, Inc. Article with tensioning system including tension balancing member

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7681329B2 (en) Ventilated footwear
US7198538B2 (en) Inflatable figure assembly
BRPI0518945A2 (en) Improvements in and relating to calf compression devices
AU2001268379B2 (en) Self contained sport ball inflation mechanism
US20120037269A1 (en) Systems and methods for inflating an article of outdoor gear or apparel using a dry gas
US20040103560A1 (en) Air cylinders for a dynamic shoe fit
EP0845594A2 (en) Air Pump
ATE473382T1 (en) HIGH PRESSURE PUMP VALVE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE VALVE SEATS
FR2781041B1 (en) THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVE WITH REDUCED OPERATION UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF PRESSURE IN A REFRIGERANT PASSAGE
CN105124802B (en) Energy-saving environmental protection air-conditioned clothes
US20090019726A1 (en) Device for utilization of the energy generated by body weight
ATE288726T1 (en) DYNAMIC ORTHOSE
DE60307662D1 (en) COMPRESSOR WITH POWER CONTROL
PT994659E (en) AUTO-INFLAVEL AIR CUSHION
US4774874A (en) Rolling diaphragm construction and piston-cylinder assembly including same particularly useful for suction or compression pumps
BR0211896A (en) closure system for a bra
WO2006044915A3 (en) Air valve for an air driven reciprocating device
IT1266420B1 (en) PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PUMPING DEVICES, ESPECIALLY FOR SPORTS SHOES
CN204902297U (en) Energy -concerving and environment -protective air conditioner clothing
CN108065502A (en) A kind of ventilation footwear sole construction
CN107373869A (en) A kind of easy-to-dismount frog footwear
GB2360927A (en) Ventilated footwear
CN207639727U (en) Waterproof footwear
CN2555674Y (en) Resilient slide fastener
CN204861383U (en) Energy -concerving and environment -protective air conditioner cap

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION