Breathable workshoes and methods for manufacturing such

Abstract

Among other things, the present invention provides various footwear pieces, and methods for manufacturing such pieces. In various cases, the footwear pieces are molded from a lofting material. Further, in various cases, the footwear pieces include one or more ventilators formed in the footwear piece that are surrounded by liquid conductors capable of channeling liquid spilled on the surface of the footwear pieces away from a foot within the footwear pieces.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Appl. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 040130-050000), entitled “FOOTWEAR PIECES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH,” filed May 23, 2003 and assigned to an entity common herewith; and U.S. Provisional Pat. Appl. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 040130-051000), entitled “METHODS AND COMPOSITES FOR MANUFACTURING FOOTWEAR PECES,” also filed May 23, 2003 and assigned to an entity common herewith. Further, the present application is related to U.S. Pat. Appl. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 040130-050010), entitled “FOOTWEAR PIECES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH”, filed on a date even herewith and assigned to an entity common herewith. The entirety of each of the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is related to footwear, and in particular to footwear including venti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Some embodiments of the present invention provide breathable footwear pieces that include a base section comprising an upper and a sole. The upper includes a substantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion. The substantially horizontal portion is a solid portion, while the substantially vertical portion includes one or more ventilators formed in the substantially vertical portion. In particular instances, liquid conductors are formed around each of the ventilators. In some cases, the liquid conductors are molded as part of the upper, while in other cases, the liquid conductors are attached to the upper after the upper is otherwise formed. In one particular case, the material used to form the base section exhibits a final growth value of approximately 1.51. Such a growth value provides a lightweight, comfortable footwear piece that floats in water, and is slip resistant when used on, for example, wet floors.

[0013] Alternatively, some instances include a solid covering over the substantially horizontal portion of the upper, while including ventilators formed in the vertical portions of the uppers. This provides for sufficient ventilation, while at the same time protecting a foot from spilled liquids. Such an approach may be desirable for applications including use by medical personnel, chefs, and the like. Further, in some cases, a liquid conductor is formed around at least a portion of a perimeter of each of the plurality of ventilators. Such a liquid conductor transfers a liquid spilled on the upper around and away from the various ventilators formed in the substantially vertical portion. Such conductors can thus further protect the foot from exposure to spilled liquids.

[0014] In particular cases, the toe region of the upper is extended at a location corresponding to the larger toes of the human foot. Thus, the toe region of the upper generally follows the contour of a human foot from larger toes on the inside of the shoe to smaller toes on the outside of the shoe. Such an approach can provide increased comfort and / or functionality. Further, the rear perimeter of the sole can be raised above a support base further increasing the functionality of the shoe. This support base can include a raised pattern where the foot contacts the shoe.

Problems solved by technology

However, many types of comfortable footwear are not compatible with various work environments.

For example, many work environments would allow the use of the commonly known flip-flop, however, such flip-flops are typically not compatible with the work environment because they are not secure and are not waterproof.

Similarly, sandals are not waterproof, and are thus not compatible with various work environments.

As just one example, in a hospital setting it may be possible to wear comfortable shoes, however, it is common for liquids to be spilled.

Thus, neither a flip-flop or sandal may not offer sufficient protection from such spilled liquids.

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