Footbed and footwear system

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a footbed for promoting drainage of liquid from a piece of footwear. The footbed is removably locatable in an interior of a piece of footwear that comprises a drainage port in a wall of the footwear for draining liquid from the footwear interior. The footbed comprises a top side for supporting a user's foot, an underside for overlying a base of the footwear interior, and an outlet side positioned adjacent to the drainage port when the footbed is located in the footwear interior. The footbed underside comprises a network of liquid channels for permitting liquid flow along the footbed underside and an outlet channel extending between the liquid channel network and the outlet side. The channel network and outlet channel, in use, define a drainage flow path extending between the footbed underside and the drainage port for promoting drainage of liquid collected in the footwear interior.

Description

Title of InventionFOOTBED AND FOOTWEAR SYSTEMPriority Cross-Reference

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024903514 filed on 29 October 2024, the contents of which should be understood to be incorporated into this specification by this reference.Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a removable footbed for use in a piece of footwear such as a shoe or boot. The invention relates also to a footwear system comprising a piece of footwear which includes a footbed. The footbed and footwear system has application for footwear exposed to wet conditions where water drainage is desirable such as hiking footwear, military footwear such as combat and navy footwear, and emergency services footwear such as police, first responders and fire and rescue.Background of Invention

[0002] The following discussion of the background to the disclosure is intended to facilitate an understanding of the disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Outdoor footwear such as hiking and tactical footwear can experience water ingress from rain or traversing through waterbodies such as puddles and rivers. It is important for the wearer's comfort, walking stability and podiatric health that water be removed from the shoe or boot as soon as possible. Excessive moisture inside footwear can lead to blisters and other medical conditions. Extended foot exposure to damp conditions can lead to conditions such as 'trench foot' which may lead to skin infection and permanent foot damage.

[0004] In recreational applications such as hiking in wet conditions, it may be possible to periodically stop, unlace and remove waterlogged footwear for drainage. This is inconvenient in that it requires (often heavy) packs to be removed and then re-lifted onto a wearer's back. Furthermore, it delays the hiker's arrival time which can be particularly undesirable in wet conditions.

[0005] In military applications such as extended marches or patrols in wet conditions, it is often not always possible to stop a patrol to remove and drain waterlogged footwear. Tactical boots worn by defence personnel are therefore often worn for extended periods of time whilst waterlogged which can cause discomfort for the wearer and / or lead to medical issues and in some case compromise performance of the soldier.

[0006] In emergency services applications such as police, first responders, fire and rescue, there are often occasions where the emergency event is subject to similar conditions as hiking footwear, and with the emergency nature of the task, there is minimal time to undo waterlogged footwear.

[0007] In response to these problems, particular types of footwear are provided with drainage openings. In some instances, mesh panels are provided which help facilitate drainage. A drawback of large mesh portions is that it also allows facilitates water ingress when the footwear is immersed into a puddle or stream.

[0008] Some other types of footwear including tactical amphibious boots have been provided with smaller drainage ports that are strategically positioned to help promote drainage. Existing designs tend to be of limited effectiveness because the drainage ports can only drain water in the vicinity of the ports while undrained water remains in other parts of the footwear and in contact with the wearer's foot.Summary of Invention

[0009] It is therefore desirable to provide an alternative footbed and footwear system with improved water management.

[0010] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a footbed for promoting drainage of liquid from a piece of footwear, the footbed being removably locatable in aninterior of a piece of footwear that comprises a drainage port in a wall of the footwear for draining liquid from the footwear interior, the footbed comprising a top side for supporting a user's foot, an underside for overlying a base of the footwear interior, and an outlet side positioned adjacent to the drainage port when the footbed is located in the footwear interior, the footbed underside comprising a network of liquid channels for permitting liquid flow along the footbed underside and an outlet channel extending between the liquid channel network and the outlet side, the channel network and outlet channel, in use, defining a drainage flow path extending between the footbed underside and the drainage port for promoting drainage of liquid collected in the footwear interior.

[0011] The present invention advantageously provides a footbed configured to provide a flow path for liquid in the footwear interior to drain through one or more drainage ports in the footwear. In particular, the footbed of the present invention advantageously promotes a flow of liquid toward and through the drainage port by allowing for flow of liquid from an underside of the footbed to the interior side of the drainage port.

[0012] The provision of a distinct flow path for liquid at an underside of the footbed to flow toward the drainage port is advantageous over conventional footbeds which allow for moisture and liquid to be trapped beneath the footbed without a drainage passage. When used with conventional footbeds, drainage ports in footwear such as combat boots are primarily effective when the level of liquid is as high as the level of the drainage ports, and typically higher than the level of the footbed. Conventional footbeds provide little or no provision liquid trapped below the footbed to flow to the drainage port.

[0013] In some embodiments, the network of liquid channels comprises a criss-cross configuration of lateral and longitudinal channels. The network of liquid channels may comprise rows and / or columns of channels. At least part of the network of liquid channels may be arranged as a grid. The network of liquid channels may comprise a series of parallel channels. The network of liquid channels may comprise an arrangement of crossing channels. The crossed channels may be arranged perpendicularly. The lateral channels may extend in a generally width-wise orientation. The longitudinal channels may extend in a generally lengthwise orientation. The lateral and longitudinal channels may cross each other in the network of liquid channels.

[0014] The network of liquid channels may define a series of island formations around which the liquid channels pass. The island formations may have any desirable shape or configuration. In a particular embodiment the island portions are diamond shaped. The island formations may be arranged in rows or columns.

[0015] The outlet channel of the footbed may operate to provide a passage for liquid to leave the liquid channel network and drain from the footwear interior via the drainage port of the footwear. The outflow of liquid through the drainage port may be caused by walking motion. For example, it will be appreciated that the action of walking causes the footwear to pivot between a toe down position in which liquid tends to flow forward and a toe up position in which liquid tends to flow rearward. Walking-induced flow through the network advantageously promotes liquid in the vicinity of the outlet channel to travel through the outlet channel to the vicinity of the drainage port.

[0016] It will be appreciated that the underside of the footbed is pressed against the base of the footwear interior. An upwardly facing surface of the base of the footwear interior may cover downwardly facing open sides of the liquid channels. In this manner, liquid may be enclosed within the liquid channels. Furthermore, liquid within the network of liquid channels may be prevented from egressing the network other than via the outlet channel.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the one or more outlet channels of the footbed are the exit pathway(s) out of the liquid channel network. The outlet channel may act as a flow path of least resistance toward and through which the liquid will naturally flow during walking- induced flow.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, the footbed comprises a rear portion, a front portion and a central portion intermediate of the rear and front portions. The front portion may provide a forefoot region of the footbed which in use supports a user's forefoot. The rear portion may provide a heel region of the footbed which in use supports a user's heel. The central portion may provide an arch region of the footbed which in use supports a user's foot arch.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the network of liquid channels extends along the footbed underside across each of the rear, front and central portions. The network of flowchannels may extend substantially along the length and width of the footbed underside. In this manner, the liquid located at the forward or rear or central portions of the footwear interior can enter the liquid channels and be permitted to travel along the flow path provided by the network.

[0020] It will be appreciated that the location of the one or more drainage ports in footwear (for example, amphibious tactical boots or hiking boots) could vary and that the footwear of the present invention will desirable be designed to locate the outlet channels at or adjacent the drainage port. In a particular embodiment, the outlet channel is located at or adjacent the central portion of the footbed. This embodiment may desirably correspond with a piece of footwear having one or more drainage channels at a central portion of the footwear. For example, drainage ports in an arch portion of the upper.

[0021] In a particular embodiment, the outlet channel is located at a medial side of the footbed. This embodiment may desirably be used with a piece of footwear having one or more drainage ports on its medial side.

[0022] In alternative embodiments the drainage ports of footwear could be located elsewhere, for example at a toe portion of the upper and the outlet channel of the footbed may be commensurately located at a front portion of the footbed to generally direct liquid flow toward the vicinity of the drainage ports.

[0023] In a particular embodiment, the outlet channel comprises a downstream end at the outlet side of the footbed. The outlet channel is in liquid communication with the liquid channel network to permit flow from the network to and through the outlet channel. In some embodiments, the outlet channel forms part of the network of liquid channels and such that the network channel extends to the outlet side of the footbed, via the outlet channel.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the downstream end of the outlet channel is at a higher level than liquid channel network. The outlet channel may extend upwardly toward the outlet side of the footbed which is located adjacent to the drainage port. In some embodiments, part or all of the outlet channel has an inclined orientation. It will be appreciated that terms such as 'lower level' and 'higher level' are used in the context of a stationary piece of footwear standing on a level surface. There may be instances in use wherethe downstream end is temporarily at a lower level than channel network and, for example, when footwear is tilting during walking motion or when a user is laying prone or kneeling.

[0025] The inclined orientation of the outlet channel according to this embodiment may advantageously allow for liquid between the footbed and the base of the footwear interior to travel upwardly toward the drainage port which may be located at a higher level than the footbed. The upward flow of liquid against influence of gravity may be enabled by periodic tilting of the footwear during walking motion and / or by a lower liquid pressure at the downstream end of the liquid channel relative to the pressure in the liquid channel network and / or by pressure from the user's foot pressing down upon the footbed.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the network of liquid channels has a co-planar arrangement. For example, the network of liquid channels may extend across a common plane defined by the underside of the footbed. In alternative embodiments, the network of liquid channels may extend partially upward around a peripheral edge of the footbed.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the outlet channel extends approximately transversely to a longitudinal axis of the footbed. The outlet channel may extend from a medial side of the footbed and in a medial direction i.e. generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the footbed. As noted, the outlet channel may also extend partially upwardly. For example, the outlet channel may have a downstream end at a higher level than a downward-facing and basecontacting surface of the underside of the footbed. The downstream end of the outlet channel may be at a higher level than the network of liquid channels.

[0028] The footbed may comprise a peripheral edge. For example, the top side and underside of the footbed may meet at a peripheral edge. In this manner, the peripheral edge may define a transition between the top side and underside of the footbed. The outlet side of the footbed may comprise a portion of the peripheral edge. It will be appreciated that the outlet side of the footbed could comprise any part of the peripheral edge which locates at or adjacent the drainage port. This could be a lateral, medial, forward or rear portion of the peripheral edge.

[0029] In a particular embodiment, the outlet side comprises a medial portion of the peripheral edge. The outlet channel may extend along an underside of an arch portion of thefootbed. The outlet side may comprise an edge of the arch portion. For example, an upper edge of the arch portion. The outlet side of the footbed may comprise an upper edge of a raised arch portion.

[0030] The outlet channel may extend along an underside of the arch portion which, in use, locates over an arch surface of the footwear interior, the outlet channel providing a flow path between the underside surface of the arch portion and the arch surface of the footwear interior. The arch surface of the footwear may cover the open side of the outlet channel such that liquid within the outlet channel is enclosed within the outlet channel by the arch surface.

[0031] The profile of the liquid channels may have any suitable configuration. In a particular embodiment, the liquid channels in the liquid channel network have a square or rectangular cross-section. In alternative embodiments, the liquid channels may have a rounded cross-section such as a semi-circular cross-section. It will be appreciated that the channels may be open channels. The channels may therefore comprise an open side which will typically be downwardly-facing when the channel is formed on the underside of the footbed. The width and depth of the channels may vary across the length or width of the footbed. In embodiments where the outlet channel extends upwardly toward the outlet side, the outlet channel, and therefore also an open side of the outlet channel, may have an inclined orientation.

[0032] The footbed may advantageously be provided with the same number of outlet channels as the number of drainage ports on the piece of footwear intended for use with the footbed. According to a particular embodiment, the footbed comprising a pair of outlet channels. A footbed comprising a pair of outlet channels may be, for example, be used with a piece of footwear which comprises a pair of drainage ports and whereby each outlet channel leads to one of the drainage ports. In this manner, the flow of liquid through the liquid channel network is efficiently distributed across multiple drainage ports and may advantageously facilitate increased drainage.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment, the pair of outlet channels comprise a first outlet channel configured to receive liquid from the liquid channel network at the front portion of the footbed and a second outlet channel located rearward of the first outlet channel and configured to receive liquid from the liquid channel network at the rear portion of the footbed.The piece of footwear may have a pair of drainage ports comprising a first drainage port positioned forward of a second drainage port and wherein the first outlet channel may be, in use, located adjacent to the first drainage port and the second outlet channel is positioned adjacent to the second drainage port.

[0034] The footbed may be provided with one or more features to further promote, drive, enhance or otherwise facilitate liquid flow through the liquid channel network and toward the outlet channel.

[0035] For example, the footbed may be provided with a displacement formation configured to contact the base of the footwear interior and thereby displace liquid into the surrounding liquid network. The displacement formation may desirably be located at an area of the footbed subject to load from the user's foot. For example, below the forefoot region and / or below the heel region.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment, the footbed underside comprises a plate portion configured to contact a forward part of the base of the footwear interior to displace liquid into the channel network. The plate portion may be shaped to maximise contact area with the base of the footwear interior. For example, the shape of the plate portion may correspond with an upwardly-facing surface portion of the base of the footwear interior. This could be relatively flat or could be provide with some slight curvature in one or more directions. According to a particular embodiment, the plate portion comprises a generally flat surface. The generally flat surface may be a planar surface or, as noted, may have some slight curvature so as to better match the portion of the base that it overlies. The plate portion may be devoid of any liquid channels. It will be appreciated that maximising contact area between the plate portion and the base of the interior will desirably minimise or avoid formation of volumes between the plate portion and the base which could hold liquid and thereby compromise the amount of liquid displaced from between the plate portion and the base.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the network of liquid channels extends one or more channels located adjacent to the plate portion. In this manner, liquid displaced from between the plate portion and the base of the interior is immediately captured by the network. In a particular embodiment, a perimeter of the plate portion is bounded by one or more of the liquid channels. For example, the network of liquid channels may comprise a channel extendingalong a perimeter of the plate portion. The plate portion may be surrounded by a one or more channels from the network of liquid channels.

[0038] In a particular embodiment, the plate portion occupies a relatively substantial forward portion of the footbed. In particular, the plate portion may generally occupy a forefoot portion of the footbed. In a particular embodiment, the plate portion has an area comprising at least 10% the area of the footbed underside, more particularly at least 15%, more particularly at least 20%. In a particular embodiment, the plate portion comprises at least 30% of an area of the footbed underside. In a particular embodiment, the plate portion comprises between 30 to 40% of an area of the footbed underside.

[0039] The footbed comprises a body which, in a particular embodiment, comprises polyether polyurethane. The footbed may comprise a top cover overlying the body. The top cover could comprise a woven material. The top cover may comprise a polyester woven material with an adhesive film connecting the top cover to the footbed body.

[0040] In a particular embodiment, the plate portion comprises a different material to the material used for the body of the footbed. In a particular embodiment, both the plate portion and the footbed body are formed of different types of polyurethane foam. In a particular embodiment, the plate portion comprises a material having higher compression resistance than the material of the footbed body. In a particular embodiment, the plate portion comprises an open-cell polyurethane foam. The plate portion may comprise a microcellular foam. The plate portion may comprise Poron® polyurethane. The footbed body may comprise polyether polyurethane.

[0041] Accordingly, in a particular embodiment, the footbed body comprises polyether polyurethane and which may be selected for its desirable hydrolysis resistance and suitability for wet conditions. Alternative embodiments may use polyester polyurethane where increased abrasion resistance is desired. In some embodiments, a combination of different materials may be used.

[0042] It will be appreciated that the materials used for various parts of the footbed could vary and may be selected by persons skilled in the art according to a specific application. Someexamples of possible materials include polyester polyurethane, expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, thermoplastic vulcanizate, and silicone.

[0043] The forward location of the plate portion may advantageously cause liquid present in the forefoot region of the footwear to move via the network of liquid channels and therefore in the direction of the outlet channel. The rearward movement of liquid from the front region toward the central region of the network may cause already liquid present in the central region to be driven outward through outlet channel and pass through the drainage port to the exterior of the footwear.

[0044] According to a particular embodiment, the footbed underside comprising a pumping arrangement configured to utilise energy from the load of a user's foot during walking to pump liquid through the liquid channel network and generally toward the outlet channel. According to a particular embodiment, the footbed underside comprises a heel pump formation configured to promote liquid flow through the channel network.

[0045] The heel pump formation may comprise a resilient collapsible portion having a normally upward position in which a liquid chamber is formed between the collapsible portion and the base of the footwear interior. The liquid chamber may receive liquid from the heel area (i.e. the rearward area) of the footbed. The collapsible portion may be resiliently deformable to a downward position under walking load applied by the heel of the user onto the rear or heel part of the footbed. During collapse of the liquid chamber, the collapsible portion may be resiliently moved downward into contact with the base of the footwear interior. The liquid channel network may be in liquid communication with the liquid chamber. The collapse of the liquid chamber may thereby pump liquid from the collapsed chamber through the liquid channel network.

[0046] The collapsible portion of the heel pump formation may comprise a concave heel portion. The concave heel portion may therefore provide a concave liquid chamber. The concave heel pump formation may be configured to temporarily deform downwards under heel pressure from the user in order to reduce the volume of the chamber and thereby drive liquid through the channel network. At the end of the walking stride when pressure is lifted from the foot, the resilience of the concave heel portion causes the chamber to re-expand and capture more liquid in the vicinity of the heel pump.

[0047] In the normally upward position, the collapsible portion of the pumping arrangement may typically be spaced from the base of the footwear interior and is therefore moved upward and downward under walking load. The resilient collapsible portion may therefore operate as a piston to pump liquid from below the heel of the footbed and away from the pumping arrangement. In a particular embodiment, the liquid chamber of the pumping arrangement is located at a rear-most part of the liquid channel network such that the liquid pathway away from the liquid chamber is generally in a forward direction and toward the central portion of the network where the outlet channel is located. In this manner, the pumping arrangement may operate to promote liquid flow toward the outlet channel.

[0048] It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the pumping arrangement may be positioned at locations other than the heel and, for example, at other positions on the footbed underside exposed to downward load during walking. For example, the pumping arrangement might be located at a forefoot part of the footbed.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the network of flow channels range in depth between 1.5mm to 2mm.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the channels of the liquid channel network have a 'depth' which is measured in a dimension perpendicular to an underside surface of the footbed. The depth of the channels may therefore be measured along an upright or vertical axis. The depth of the channels will be appreciated as measured relative to the lowermost surface of the footbed adjacent to the channel. The channels may comprise recessions in the underside of the footbed. The depth of the channel at a particular location along the channel may be measured relative to a non-recessed part of the footbed adjacent to that particular channel location. For example, the footbed underside may include one or more downwardly-facing contact surfaces which, in use, contact the base of the footwear interior. These contact surfaces could be provided on the above-noted island formations of the footbed. The depth of a liquid channel at a particular point may be measured as the channel depth relative to the nearest contact surface.

[0051] In some embodiments, the footbed underside comprises a single planar contact surface and in this instance channel depth at a particular part of the channel network is considered to be the depth relative to the planar contact surface.

[0052] According to a particular embodiment, the network of liquid channels varies in depth across the footbed. In a particular embodiment, the liquid channels have greater depth at the front portion of the footbed than the central portion of the footbed.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the liquid channel network has a channel depth of "'1.5mm in the central and rear portions of the footbed. The liquid channel network may comprise one or more forefoot channels having greater depth than 1.5mm. In a particular embodiment, the forefoot channel may have a depth of "'2.0mm. In a particular embodiment, the forefoot channel extends around a perimeter of the plate portion.

[0054] It will be appreciated that the above-discussed footbed according to the first aspect of the invention is to be used in conjunction with a piece of footwear having one or more drainage ports which receive liquid flow from one or more outlet channels of the footbed.

[0055] A second aspect of the present invention may therefore provide a footwear system comprising a footbed according to the first aspect and a piece of footwear having a drainage port.

[0056] Accordingly, the Invention may relate to a footwear system comprising a footbed as discussed in the foregoing, and a piece of footwear comprising an interior for receiving a user's foot and a drainage port in a wall of the footwear for draining liquid collected in the interior, the footbed overlying a base of the interior and the outlet channel of the footbed located at or adjacent the drainage port to provide a liquid drainage pathway for collected liquid to be drained from the footwear interior.

[0057] An embodiment of the a second aspect of the present invention may comprise a footwear system for improved liquid drainage comprising a piece of footwear comprising an interior for receiving a user's foot and a drainage port in a wall of the footwear for draining liquid collected in the interior, a footbed located in the footwear interior comprising a top side for supporting a user's foot, an underside overlying a base of the footwear interior, and an edge located adjacent to the drainage port, the footbed underside comprising a network of liquid channels permitting flow of the collected liquid along the footbed underside toward and through an outlet channel of the footbed extending between the liquid channel network and the outlet side, the footwear system comprising a drainage flow path extending through thechannel network, outlet channel and drainage port for promoting drainage of the collected liquid in the footwear interior.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the footbed according to the second aspect of the invention may comprise any of the above-discussed embodiments associated with the first aspect of the invention.

[0059] In a particular embodiment of the footwear system according to the second aspect of the invention, the drainage port comprises a one-way valve. The one-way valve may be configured with a flow path extending from the interior of the footwear to an exterior of the footwear so as to permit drainage of liquid within the footwear but preventing ingress of liquid when the drainage port is submerged in an external body of water such as a puddle or stream. It will be appreciated that this configuration may advantageously allow liquid collected within the footwear (for example liquid that has ingressed around the wearer's ankle during a stream crossing) to be drained through the one-way valve but preventing or mitigating liquid entry into the interior via the drainage port.

[0060] It will be appreciated that the footwear of the footwear system could comprise various types of footwear. In a particular embodiment, the footwear is a boot. For example, a combat boot, hiking boot, amphibious boot, tactical boot, police boot, emergency services boot, or fire and rescue boot.

[0061] In an embodiment, the drainage port is located on a medial side of the footwear and the outlet channel positioned at a medial side of the footbed. According to a particular embodiment, the footwear comprises a pair of drainage ports and the footbed comprises a pair of outlet channels, each outlet channel associated with one of the drainage ports and each outlet channel comprising a downstream end located adjacent to the associated drainage port for permitting flow of liquid from the outlet channel through the associated drainage port.Brief Description of Drawings

[0062] In order that the disclosure may be more fully understood, some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures in which:

[0063] Figure 1 is a side view of a footwear system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 2 is an underside view of a footbed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 3 is a top view of the footbed in Figure 2;

[0066] Figure 4 is a lateral side view of the footbed in Figures 2 and 3;

[0067] Figure 5 is a medial side view of the footbed in Figures 2 to 4,

[0068] Figure 6 is a sectional top view of the footbed taken along the section C-C inFigure 5;

[0069] Figure 7 is a side sectional view of the footbed taken along the section A-A in Figure 2;

[0070] Figure 8 is a closer view of the underside of the heel region of the footbed in Figures 2 to 7;

[0071] Figure 9 is a rear sectional view of the footbed taken along the section B-B in Figure 2; and

[0072] Figure 10 is an underside view of the footbed of Figures 2 to 8 with diagrammatic arrows added to represent liquid flow.Detailed Description

[0073] Figure 1 illustrates a piece of footwear comprising a boot 10 having an interior 12 for receiving a user's foot. A footbed 14 is removably located within the interior for supporting the user's foot. The footbed 14 is located upon and overlies a base 15 of the footbed interior 12. The boot 12 and footbed 14 collectively define a footwear system 16.

[0074] The boot 12 comprises a pair of drainage ports 18 in a wall 19 on a medial side 20 of the boot 10 which is sometimes known as the 'inner side' or the 'arch side' of a piece offootwear. The wall 19 may comprise a wall of the upper of the boot 12. The wall 19 could comprise the medial quarter of the boot 10.

[0075] The pair of drainage ports 18 each comprise a one-way valve permitting flow in a medial direction. The one-way valve provided by the drainage ports 18 permit liquid to flow outwardly from the footwear interior, while resisting ingress. The drainage ports 18 therefore permit drainage of liquid from the interior 12 to an exterior of the boot 10 but prevent or resist ingress of liquid into the interior 12 from the exterior of the boot 10.

[0076] The pair of drainage ports 18 comprise a first drainage port 18a and a second drainage port 18b. The first drainage port 18a is positioned forward of the second drainage port 18a. The pair of drainage ports is associated with a pair of outlet channels 22 that form part of the footbed 14 and will be discussed subsequently in further detail. The pair of outlet channels 22 comprise a first outlet channel 22a located adjacent to the first drainage port 18a and a second outlet channel 22b located adjacent to the second drainage port 18b. The first outlet channel 22a is therefore located forward of the second outlet channel 22b and commensurately with the arrangement of the drainage ports 18a, 18b.

[0077] Still referring to Figure 1, the outlet channels 22a, 22b are in an arch portion 24 of the footbed 14. In particular, the pair of outlet channels 22 extend along an underside of the arch portion 24. The boot 10 is illustrated in Figure 1 with a cutaway for illustrative purposes to show the position of the arch portion 24 and the outlet channels 22. It will be appreciated that these parts would normally be concealed in an exterior view of the boot 10 as in Figure 1.

[0078] Turning now to Figures 2 to 9, the footbed 14 will be described in further detail.

[0079] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the footbed 14 comprises a top side 26 shown in Figure3 and an underside 28 shown in Figure 2. The footbed underside 28 comprises a downward facing base-contacting surface 29 which, in use, contacts the boot interior base 15 which is labelled in Figure 1.

[0080] The top side 26 will, in use, contact and support a user's foot. The top side 26 may comprise a top cover which is adhesively connected to a body of the footbed. The top cover may comprise a woven material such as polyester woven material with an adhesive film connecting the top cover to the footbed body.

[0081] The footbed 14 comprises a rear portion comprising a heel portion 30, a front portion comprising a forefoot portion 32 and a central portion 34 intermediate of the heel portion 30 and forefoot portion 32. As will be appreciated from Figure 2, the outlet channels 22 are located at the central portion 34 of the footbed 14.

[0082] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the forefoot portion 32 comprises eleven forefoot openings 36, three of which are labelled in Figure 3. The forefoot openings 36 extend between the underside 28 and top side 26 and are provided to allow liquid collected on the top side 26 to drain under influence of gravity to the underside 28 where it is received by the liquid channel network 40 and flow of said liquid is promoted toward the drainage ports 18.

[0083] The forefoot openings 36 may be positioned to facilitate flow of liquid through the openings 36 to the footbed underside 28. Foot pressure at the forefoot portion 32 of the footbed top side 26 may advantageously direct water from the top side 26, through the openings 36. Liquid passing through the openings may be either directly captured by the forefoot channel 42a and thereby is received into the channel network 40. A portion of liquid passing through the openings 36 may enter the space between the plate portion 48 (discussed in further detail below) whereupon foot pressure causes contact between the plate portion 48 and the boot interior base 15 causing displacement of liquid into the adjacent forefoot channel 42a.

[0084] The central portion 34 comprises the above-mentioned arch portion 24 which is located at a medial side of the central portion 34. The arch portion 24 extends upwardly from the base-contacting surface 29 to provide arch support for the user. The arch portion 24 comprises an underside surface 38 in which the pair of outlet channels 22 are formed and along which they extend. The outlet channels 22 have a depth less than the thickness of the arch portion 24 and therefore are viewable from the bottom / underside view provided in Figure 2 but are not viewable from the top view provided in Figure 3.

[0085] The underside surface 38 of the arch portion 24 may, in use, locates over an arch surface (not illustrated) of the footwear interior 12. The arch surface may cover the outlet channels 22 such that liquid within the outlet channel 22 is enclosed within the outlet channels 22 by the arch surface. The outlet channels 22 may in some instances provide an enclosed aflow path between the underside surface 38 of the arch portion and the arch surface of the footwear interior.

[0086] The arch portion 24 is a portion of a raised rim 25 extending around the periphery of the central portion 34 and heel portion 30. The raised rim 25 extends upwardly so as to partially 'cup' a user's foot and is therefore a higher level than the base-contacting surface 29.

[0087] As shown in Figure 2, the outlet channels 22 comprise first outlet channel 22a and second outlet channel 22b positioned rearward of the first outlet channel 22a. The outlet channels 22 extend along the underside 38 of the arch portion 24 to an outlet side of the footbed which comprises a medial edge 27 that is a medial edge portion of the raised rim 25. The medial edge 27 is, in use, located adjacent to the interior side of the boot drainage ports 18 so as to permit liquid flow from the outlet channels 22 toward and through the drainage ports 18 to the exterior of the boot 10. The outlet channels 22 comprise downstream ends 23 which are located at the medial edge 27.

[0088] Figure 2 illustrates a liquid channel network 40 on the underside 28 of the footbed 14 which comprises a series of liquid channels 42 extending along the underside 28 and which allows for liquid flow in both lengthwise and width wise directions. The network 40 extends across each of the forefoot portion 32, heel portion 30 and central portion 34.

[0089] The underside 28 comprises a series of diamond-shaped island formations 44, three of which are labelled in Figure 2 for illustrative convenient. The island formations 44 are defined by the channels 42 which extend around the island formations 44 and via which liquid is permitted to pass around the island formations 44. The channels 42 are recessed with respect to the island formations 44. The island formations each comprise a downwardly-facing surface which are part of the base-contacting surface 29 of the underside 28. The liquid channel network 40 is therefore formed as a series of recesses in the base-contacting surface 29.

[0090] The island formations 44 have a repeating configuration and are generally arranged in a series or array comprising several columns. It will be appreciated that the precise configuration of the island formations 44 and the channels 42 could vary.

[0091] The network 40 of liquid channels 42 are in liquid communication with the outlet channels 22 at junctions 46 located at the underside 28. The junction 46 between network 40 and the first outlet channel 22a is located forward of the junction 46 between network 40 and the second outlet channel 22b. The first outlet channel 22a therefore receive liquid from the network 40 at a more forward portion of the network 40 whereas the second outlet channel 22b receives liquid from a more rearward portion of the network 40.

[0092] It will be appreciated from Figure 2 that peripheral edge of the network is bounded by the base-contacting surface 29 except at the junctions 46 of the outlet channels 22. In this manner, the outlet channels 22 are exit pathways out of the liquid channel network 40 and may therefore provide a path of least resistance which promotes flow of liquid toward the outlet channels 22.

[0093] Still referring to Figure 2, the forefoot portion 32 is provided with a displacement formation which comprises a plate portion 48. The plate portion 48 comprises a downwardly facing surface 50 which forms part of the base-contacting surface 29. This is best shown in Figure 7 in which the surface 50 of the plate portion 48 can be seen as co-planar with the rest of the base-contacting surface 29 and including the islands 44. The surface 50 of the plate portion 48 is configured to contact a forward part of the base 15 of the footwear interior to displace liquid into the channel network 40. As best shown in Figure 2, the plate portion 48 is devoid of any liquid channels.

[0094] Still referring to Figure 2, a perimeter of the plate portion 48 is bounded by one of the liquid channels 42a. The channel 42a collects liquid displaced between the surface 50 of the plate portion and the base of the interior 15 and feeds this liquid into the rest of the network 40. The channel 42a is only connected to the network 40 at a rear of the plate portion 48. In this manner, liquid displaced by the plate portion 48 into channel 42a can flow in a rearward direction into the network 40 and therefore in a direction which is generally toward the central portion 34 and the outlet channels 22.

[0095] It will be appreciated that the plate portion 48 is, in use, positioned below the forefoot of the user and therefore subject to downward load during walking. The location of the plate portion 48 therefore ensures contact between the plate portion 48 and the base of the interior 15.

[0096] The liquid channel 42a which bounds the plate portion 48 may be provided with greater depth than other channels 42 in the channel network 40. In a specific embodiment, the liquid channel 42a bounding the plate portion may have a depth of approximately 2mm whereas the liquid channels in the remainder of the network 40 have a depth of approximately 1.5mm. The increased depth of channel 42a may be provided so as to cope with higher liquid flow rate due to the lesser amount of liquid channels located at the forefoot portion 32 of the network 40.

[0097] The size of the plate portion 48 is relatively large and in the illustrated embodiment comprises between 30% to 40% of the area of the underfoot.

[0098] It will be appreciated from Figure 2 that the footbed 14 has a longitudinal axis denoted by line A-A. The outlet channels 22 extend approximately transversely to the longitudinal axis. In particular, the outlet channels 22 extend in a medial direction and such that outlet flow of liquid from the channel network 40 to the boot drainage ports travels approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, via the outlet channels 22.

[0099] Turning to Figures 4 and 5, it will be appreciated that the medial edge 27 which provides the outside side of the footbed 14 is at an upper edge of the raised arch portion 24. The medial edge 27 (and the outlet channel downstream ends 23) are at a higher level than the liquid channel network 40. The outlet channel downstream ends 23 are at a higher level than the base-contacting surface 29.

[0100] Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view taken along the line C-C in Figure 5 and which illustrates a side section of the outlet channels 22a, 22b approximately half way between the base-contacting surface 29 and the medial edge 27. It will be appreciated from Figures 2, 5 and 6 that the outlet channels 22 have an inclined orientation and whereby the outlet channels extend in an upward and outward direction from the base-contacting surface 29.

[0101] Turning to Figures 8 and 9, there is illustrated a heel pump formation 52 located at the heel portion 30. The heel pump formation 52 comprises a concave heel portion 54 that is best shown in Figure 9 and which defines a liquid chamber 56. The concave heel portion 54 is resiliently deformable under walking load to collapse the liquid chamber 56 and cause liquid to be pumped from the chamber 56 into the adjacent channel network 40.

[0102] The concave heel portion 54 comprises a concave surface 58 which is normally spaced from the base of the footwear interior. During collapse of the liquid chamber 56 caused by heel strike pressure from the user's foot, the concave surface 58 moves downwardly into contact with the base of the footwear interior. The concave surface 58 may therefore operate as a resilient piston to pump liquid from the chamber 56. As best shown in Figure 8, the heel pump formation is located at a rearmost part of the channel network 40 and such that liquid pumped away from the liquid chamber is generally pumped in a forward direction toward the central portion 34 where the outlet channels 22 are located.

[0103] As illustrated the liquid chamber 56 defined by the concave heel portion 54 is in direct fluid communication with the adjacent liquid channel network 40. Upon heel strike, the chamber 56 collapses, displacing liquid into the connected channels 42 of the network 40. This displacement is facilitated by the piston-like action of the resilient concave surface, which compresses and decompresses with each walking step, thereby actively pumping liquid from the heel region into the channel network 40 and outlet channels 22 and through the drainage ports 18 for drainage.

[0104] As best illustrated in Figure 9, the raised rim 25 has a peripheral edge 31 which marks a transition between the top side 26 and the underside 28 of the footbed 24. The medial edge 27 at which the outlet channels 22 are located is a portion of the peripheral edge 31.

[0105] Figure 9 also illustrates that the cross-sectional profile of the liquid channels is rectangular or generally square. The cross-sectional profile may vary between channels in the channel network. For example, the channel 42 on the left side of Figure 9 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile whereas the channel 42 on the right side of Figure 9 has different profile which. It will be appreciated that the cross-sectional profile could vary and could, for example, be rectangular, square, curved or have any other suitable profile.

[0106] Figure 9 also illustrates that the liquid channels 42 have an open side 43. The open side 43 may be partially or completely covered by the base of the interior surface of the footwear when the footbed is in use. In this manner, the channel 42 may be at least partially or entirely enclosed by the upwardly facing surface of the base of the interior.

[0107] Turning to Figure 10, the underside view of Figure 2 is reproduced but with annotated arrows denoting liquid flow during use.

[0108] As discussed in the forgoing, the liquid channel 42a extending around the perimeter of the plate portion 48 carries flow in a generally rearward direction toward the central portion 34. It will also be appreciated that the first outlet channel 22a receives liquid predominately from the forefoot portion 32 and that the second outlet channel 22b receives liquid predominately from the heel portion 30.

[0109] From Figure 10 it will also be appreciated that the channel network 40 and outlet channels 22 promote a flow from all parts of the channel network 40 toward the outlet channels 22 which provide the only outlet path for liquid collected in the network. The network 40 is bounded by the base-contacting surface 29 on all sides except for the outlet channels 22 and thereby a general flow direction throughout the network 40 is in the direction of the outlet channels 22 due to the drainage of the outlet channels 22 via the adjacent drainage ports 18 of the boot 10.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the disclosure includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0111] Where any or all of the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows1. A footbed for promoting drainage of liquid from a piece of footwear, the footbed being removably locatable in an interior of a piece of footwear that comprises a drainage port in a wall of the footwear for draining liquid from the footwear interior, the footbed comprising a top side for supporting a user's foot, an underside for overlying a base of the footwear interior, and an outlet side positioned adjacent to the drainage port when the footbed is located in the footwear interior, the footbed underside comprising a network of liquid channels for permitting liquid flow along the footbed underside and an outlet channel extending between the liquid channel network and the outlet side, the channel network and outlet channel, in use, defining a drainage flow path extending between the footbed underside and the drainage port for promoting drainage of liquid collected in the footwear interior.

2. A footbed according to claim 1, the footbed comprising a rear portion, front portion and a central portion intermediate of the rear and front portions.

3. A footbed according to claim 2, wherein the network of liquid channels extends along the footbed underside across each of the rear, front and central portions.

4. A footbed according to claim 2 or 3, the outlet channel located at or adjacent the central portion of the footbed.

5. A footbed according to any one of the preceding claims, the outlet channel located at a medial side of the footbed.

6. A footbed according to any one of the preceding claims, the outlet channel having a downstream end at the outlet side of the footbed.

7. A footbed according to claim 6, the downstream end of the outlet channel being at a higher level than the liquid channel network.

8. A footbed according to any one of the preceding claims, the outlet channel extending approximately transversely to a longitudinal axis of the footbed.

9. A footbed according to any one of the preceding claims, the footbed comprising a peripheral edge and the outlet side comprising a portion of the peripheral edge.

10. A footbed according to claim 9, the peripheral edge marking a transition between the top side and the underside of the footbed.

11. A footbed according to any one of the preceding claims, the outlet channel extending along an underside of an arch portion of the footbed.

12. A footbed according to claim 11, the outlet side of the footbed comprising an edge of the arch portion.

13. A footbed according to claim 11 or 12, the outlet side being an upper edge of the raised arch portion.

14. A footbed according to any one of claims 11 to 13, the outlet channel extending along an underside surface of the arch portion which, in use, locates over an arch surface of the footwear interior, the outlet channel providing a flow path between the underside surface of the arch portion and the arch surface of the footwear interior.

15. A footbed according to any one of the preceding claims, the footbed comprising a pair of outlet channels.

16. A footbed according to claim 15 when dependent through claim 2, the pair of outlet channels comprising a first outlet channel configured to receive liquid from the liquid channel network at the front portion of the footbed and a second outlet channel located rearward of the first outlet channel and configured to receive liquid from the liquid channel network at the rear portion of the footbed.

17. A footbed according to any one of the preceding claims, the footbed underside comprising a plate portion configured to contact a forward part of the base of the footwear interior to displace liquid into the channel network.

18. A footbed according to claim 17, the plate portion comprising a generally flat surface devoid of liquid channels.

19. A footbed according to claims 17 or 18, wherein a perimeter of the plate portion is bounded by one or more of the liquid channels.

20. A footbed according to any one of claims 17 to 19, the plate portion having an area comprising at least 10% the area of the footbed underside, more particularly at least 15%, more particularly at least 20%, more particularly at least 30%, more particularly between 30% - 40%.

21. A footbed according to any one of the preceding claims, the footbed underside comprising a heel pump formation configured to promote liquid flow through the channel network.

22. A footbed according to claim 21, the heel pump formation comprising a concave heel portion defining a liquid chamber, the concave heel portion being resiliently deformable under walking load to collapse the liquid chamber and pump liquid from the collapsed chamber through the liquid channel network.

23. A footbed according to claim 22, the heel pump formation including a concaved surface normally spaced from the base of the footwear interior to define the liquid chamber, the concaved surface configured for resilient downward movement into contact with the base of the footwear interior.

24. A footbed according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the network of liquid channels vary in depth across the footbed.

25. A footbed according to claim 24 when dependent through claim 2, wherein the liquid channels are deeper at the front portion of the footbed than the central portion of the footbed.

26. A footwear system comprising a footbed according to any one of the preceding claims and a piece of footwear comprising an interior for receiving a user's foot and a drainage port in a wall of the footwear for draining liquid collected in the interior, the footbedoverlying a base of the interior and the outlet channel of the footbed located at or adjacent the drainage port to provide a liquid drainage pathway for collected liquid to be drained from the footwear interior.

27. A footwear system for improved liquid drainage comprising a piece of footwear comprising an interior for receiving a user's foot and a drainage port in a wall of the footwear for draining liquid collected in the interior, a footbed located in the footwear interior comprising a top side for supporting a user's foot, an underside overlying a base of the footwear interior, and an outlet side located adjacent to the drainage port, the footbed underside comprising a network of liquid channels permitting flow of the collected liquid along the footbed underside toward and through an outlet channel of the footbed extending between the liquid channel network and the outlet side, the footwear system comprising a drainage flow path extending through the channel network, outlet channel and drainage port for promoting drainage of the collected liquid in the footwear interior.

28. A footwear system according to claim 27, wherein the drainage port comprises a oneway valve.

29. A footwear system according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the footwear is a boot.

30. A footwear system according to any one of claims 27 to 29 wherein the footwear comprises a pair of drainage ports and the footbed comprises a pair of outlet channels, each outlet channel associated with one of the drainage ports and each outlet channel comprising a downstream end located adjacent to the associated drainage port for permitting flow of liquid from the outlet channel through the associated drainage port.

31. A footwear system according to any one of claims 27 to 30, the drainage port located on a medial side of the footwear and the outlet channel positioned at a medial side of the footbed.

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