Footwear with removable heating elements

Abstract

Footwear with a removable heating element provides a pocket above the toes and below the laces to keep a removable heated gel pack. The footwear is intended for use during severe winter weather but provides only a light degree of insulation, relying on a replaceable exothermic gel pack above the toes to generate heat. The gel pack is provided in a pocket above the toes and below the laces, which is preferably secured by a descending flap with a hook-and-loop fastener strip, extending downward to the upper edge of the sole. A replacement gel pack is available separately.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 199,293, filed Jul. 31, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicablePARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT[0003]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX[0004]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]The invention relates generally to footwear and accessories, and in particular to footwear with a removable heating element. For millions of people whose employment duties keep them outdoors in severe winter weather, or who must commute in such weather, keeping the feet warm is a challenge. Various types of insulating footwear have been developed, but these are bulky and heavy. Aside from the loss of agility, such heavy footwear usually lead to serious problems of fatigue and muscle soreness for the wearer. Footwear...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a type of footwear that has a removable heating element. This footwear is designed for extreme winter weather, but it provides only a light degree of insulation. The heat is generated by a pocket of exothermic gel pack that is secured by a flap with a hook-and-loop fastener. The invention is easy to use and a new gel pack can be purchased separately. The technical effect of this patent is that it provides a solution for those who need to work or even enjoy a winter sport in very cold conditions.

Problems solved by technology

For millions of people whose employment duties keep them outdoors in severe winter weather, or who must commute in such weather, keeping the feet warm is a challenge.

Various types of insulating footwear have been developed, but these are bulky and heavy.

Aside from the loss of agility, such heavy footwear usually lead to serious problems of fatigue and muscle soreness for the wearer.

This provides a user with a place to store various items, such as change, cash, keys, etc. but does not provide a space over the toes in which a heating element can be stored.

Further, this example does not provide a pocket which could effectively hold a heating element.

Again, this does not allow efficient heating of the users feet because the heating elements are attached separately from the shoe and would have to heat the exterior of the shoe before the interior, where the feet are located, can be heated.

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