Air exhaust outsole for safety footwear

Abstract

An air exhaust outsole, for safety footwear having an upper with an air permeable insole having a top insole surface for supporting a foot of the wearer, the air exhaust outsole comprising: a midsole, with a top midsole surface engaging a bottom insole surface of the upper, the midsole including at least one ventilation channel between a side midsole surface and the top midsole surface; a puncture resistant layer with a top surface bonded to a bottom midsole surface, the puncture resistant layer comprising a puncture resistant core bonded about at least a peripheral edge in a flexible coating; and a tread layer with: a top surface bonded to a bottom surface of the puncture resistant layer; and a bottom tread surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The invention relates to an air exhaust outsole for safety footwear haying a cushioning midsole with air ventilating channels to vent the interior of the upper, and a puncture resistant layer beneath the midsole, to provide a puncture resistant footwear with a ventilated upper.BACKGROUND OF THE ART[0002]The safe use of footwear in many working environments requires foot protection to avoid common injuries. Protection may include: puncture protection from sharp objects that puncture the sole of the footwear; impact and compression resistance for the toe area; metatarsal protection that reduces the chance of injury to the metatarsal bones at the top of the foot; electrically non-conductive properties which reduce hazards that may result from static electricity buildup, or reduce the possibility of ignition of explosives and volatile chemicals; and reduce the electric hazard risk of stepping on a live electrical wire.[0003]In warehouse operations, manufacturing, he...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is an air exhaust outsole for safety footwear. It has a ventilation channel for air to flow through and a puncture-resistant layer to protect the foot from punctures. The outsole also has a tread layer for traction and a bottom tread surface. The technical effect of this invention is improved safety and comfort for the wearer of the footwear.

Problems solved by technology

When wearing conventional safety footwear that include puncture protective soles, workers often experience discomfort since the protective sole prevents the escape of heat and moisture generated by the wearer's foot and motion.

Metal plates in particular create discomfort since the metal readily conducts cold and heat and therefore modern safety footwear generally uses multiple puncture resistant woven fabric layers that reduce thermal conduction as well as electrical conduction.

Safety footwear are worn outdoors in all weather and are worn all day everyday in many environments, so discomfort from heat, cold, moisture, and water penetration is a serious concern.

Discomfort arises from the use of a puncture resistant protective layer that is relatively stiff, impedes air circulation, impedes heat dissipation, and impedes moisture transfer that prevents adequate drying of the insole adjacent the wearer's foot.

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