US20030097767A1

US20030097767A1 - 4-E.V.A system

Info

Publication number: US20030097767A1
Application number: US09/996,137
Authority: US
Inventors: Jermaine Perkinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-11-28
Filing date: 2001-11-28
Publication date: 2003-05-29

Abstract

The 4-E.V.A System consists of an articulated 4-E.V.A. Innersole (35) contoured to the bottom of the foot. The heel of the foot is held in place by a pre-molded Thermoplastic Heel Cup (40) to keep the heel in a positioned alignment. This portion of the innersole is more sturdy and rigid to keep the lateral, medial, and back of heel in a more stabilized position, helping with injury prevention. Directly under the bottom of the innersole are 4 Pressure Impressions (36) (37) (38) (39) each separated by flexible grooves. These impressions are prestigiously placed based on the impact zones of the sole of the foot.

Located in the medial lateral of the innersole is an arch protector. The Horizon Arch Guard (34) is made of cut out patterns of carbon fiber materials that are zigzag stitched and then dipped in a polymeric resin. The materials are shaped accordingly, left to harden, and then integrated into the formation of the innersole's arch development. This arch guard is a contoured slope wedge integrated within the formation of the innersole to form an upside down U-shape for a controlled varied rocking motion evenly distributing pressurized weight.

To counter the weight of force exerted by impact, located under the innersole are 4 individual air chambers. These air compartments work in synchrony by pressure being applied. In the forefoot area is an Air Compression Compartment (22) where air is held until pressure causes the air to travel to the Forefoot Air Bubble (7). Pressurization to this area pushes air back into the Air Compression Compartment (22). This is the same for the Heel Air Compression Compartment (32) releasing air into the Heel Air Bubble (14) upon impact pressure. When weight is equal the air cushioning is evenly distributed over the impact zones, thus giving the wearer total independent stabilized air cushioning at a stand still.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS “Not Applicable” STATEMENT REGARDING FEDARALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT “Not Applicable” REFRENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX “Not applicable” BACKGROUND

This invention is in relation to the enhancement of performance footwear technology. A supply of anatomically correct cushioning is provided for the vigorous uses of the foot during different types of activities. This cushioning is stable at an even weight distribution and built to work precisely at the same time as your voluntary movements. The deeper the impact the more this device reacts to the cushioning needed to absorb the shock of impact. As most injuries occur when there is not adequate protection of harsh landings and lateral motions during play. This design works harmoniously with the mechanical involvement of the foot. The shape of this cushioning device is contoured to the specification of the sole of the foot for an enhanced fit. Being that air will always be a formidable sole cushioning device, I've integrated it into my invention. The air in this design works due to the prestigious placement of the air compartments. The air is precisely positioned to the impact zones of athletic shoes thus transferring it throughout the individual compliant air chambers. Air reaches each compartment before the placement of the next voluntary pressure impact giving this next motion an extra formation of stable air cushioning.

This design doesn't just work congruently with impact protection it also works intuitively with the excessive pressure applied by involuntary movements such as of an arch or a heel. Restricting involuntary movement helps in preventing over pronate which could lead to sprain and or stress fracture injuries. To my knowledge there is not one solely design that incorporates all of these synchronously, mechanically working coherently with one another. Giving that one without the other could jeopardize the wearer during active play, this design incorporates sturdy rigid construction needed at these precise intervals. The technological prowess of this invention is not cost-effective due to the recyclable raw usable materials that can be used in the over all construction. Thermoplastic and carbon fiber materials are what make this invention more light weight and yet durable for the most safe comforting protection. The air in this design is formulated for the individualistic pressurization of impact cushioning that is to be tailored to the exact specification of the wearer.

SUMMARY

This invention consists of a thermoplastic innersole molded to the contour of the bottom of the foot. Underlying this innersole are four flex grooves and protruding implements to aid in flexibility and functionality. There are four individual air compartments working congruently to this upper innersole. Along with the formation of the innersole's integrated carbon fiber arch guard system is an elevated Thermoplastic cupped heel stabilizer.

As of the advantages of this invention it provides distinct air pressurized impact cushioning for more stable protection of hard landings. The cushion stretches from the forefoot to the heel giving the wearer complete shock absorbency. With quick reaction due to individual pressurization of air this safeguards the wearer at the most precise intervals. The integrated carbon fiber arch guard protects the lateral movements and has a contoured make up to help distribute weight equivalently. The heel stabilizer is cupped to cradle the heel and give appropriate heel alignment for injury prevention.

DRAWING FIGURES

Pg.1 [0005]
FIG. 1—shows the top view of the forefoot air bubble [0006]
FIG. 1-A—shows the three dimensional view of forefoot air bubble [0007]
FIG. 2—shows the top view of the heel air bubble [0008]
FIG. 2-A—shows the three dimensional view of the heel air bubble [0009]
FIG. 3—is the intricate mechanics on the inside of the air bubble [0010]
FIG. 4—shows the lateral view tore away to see inside of the air bubble [0011]
FIG. 4-A—shows the extended and regular lateral view of the air bubble [0012]
Pg.2 [0013]
FIG. 5—shows the top view of the forefoot air compression compartment [0014]
FIG. 5-A—shows the lateral view of the forefoot air compression compartment [0015]
FIG. 5-B—shows the three dimensional view of the forefoot air compression compartment [0016]
FIG. 6—shows the top view of heel air compression compartment [0017]
FIG. 6-A—shows the lateral view of the heel air compression compartment [0018]
FIG. 6-B—shows the three dimensional view of the heel air compression compartment [0019]
FIG. 7—is a close up lateral view of the mechanics of the air compression compartment [0020]
Pg.3 [0021]
FIG. 8—is the lateral view of an uncompressed air compression compartment [0022]
FIG. 8-A—is the lateral view of an air compression compartment being compressed [0023]
FIG. 8-B—is the lateral view of an air compression compartment's mechanics when being compressed [0024]
FIG. 9—shows the lateral and three dimensional of a compressed air compression compartment injecting air into the air bubble [0025]
FIG. 10—is the lateral view of the inside mechanics of the air bubble [0026]
FIG. 10-A—is the lateral view of the inside mechanics of the air bubble when compressed [0027]
FIG. 11—is a lateral view of the air bubble and air compression compartment [0028]
Pg.4 [0029]
FIG. 12—is a lateral view of the whole system [0030]
FIG. 13—shows the bottom view of the innersole [0031]
FIG. 14—is an up close view of lateral arch guard [0032]
FIG. 15—shows the lateral view of the innersole to better see flex grooves and implements [0033]
FIG. 16—shows the lateral view of the innersole and all 4 air chambers [0034]
FIG. 17—is a closer view of the heel cup stabilizer [0035]
FIG. 18—shows the bottom view of all 4 air chambers in perspective to the bottom view of the innersole [0036]
FIG. 19—is a close view of the air regulator out coming [0037]
FIG. 20—is a close view of the air regulator in coming[0038]

REFERENCE NUMERALS

FIG. 1-FIG. 4[0039]
1. Inner Tube Latch—keeps air from entering the other side of the tube canal ([0040] 1., 12.)
2. Air Regulators—regulates the amount of air injected by weight of pressure exerted ([0041] 2., 15.)
3. Outflow Tube—compressed air travels out through these tubes ([0042] 3., 16.)
4. Inflow Tube—compressed air travels in through these tubes ([0043] 4., 9.)
5. Tube Canal—the passage way in which air travels back and forth ([0044] 5., 13.)
6. Wall Divisor—separates air within the air bubble and the air traveling throughout the tube canal ([0045] 6., 11.)
7. Air Bubble—the place air is stored upon release through compression ([0046] 7., 14.)
8. Bubble Retainer—strengthen fiber woven together interlocking to keep the bubble in a tighter more secure perspective ([0047] 8., 10.)
FIG. 5-FIG. 7[0048]
1. Compression Outflow Tube—compressed air is sent out through these tubes ([0049] 17., 28.)
2. Compression Inflow Tube—compressed air is sent in through these tubes ([0050] 18., 29.)
3. Wall Opening—a breakaway in the wall divisor for air to be released ([0051] 19., 31.) (indicated by triangle symbols)
4. Cantilever Spheres—mechanical spheres supported at both ends that extracts and retracts ([0052] 20., 30.)
5. Compression Inner Tube Latch—keeps air from entering the other side of the tube canal ([0053] 21.)
6. Air Compression Compartment—where air is held upon compression ([0054] 22., 32.)
7. Inner Wall—the wall the cantilever sphere pushes against to reveal the wall opening ([0055] 23., 33.)
8. Outer Wall—a wall with breakaway points that separates the inner air chamber and the tube canal ([0056] 24., 27.)
9. C.C. Tube Canal—the passage way in which air travels back and forth through upon return or departure ([0057] 25., 26.)
FIG. 12-FIG. 18[0058]
1. “Horizon” Arch Guard—carbon fiber material with formidable stitch pattern dipped in a polymeric resin to re-strengthen and integrated in the innersole's arch development ([0059] 34.)
2. 4-E.V.A Innersole—lightweight thermoplastic and carbon fiber materials contoured to the foot, molded with flex grooves to work in compliance with the weight of impact pressure ([0060] 35.)
3. Toe Mold—molded to flex and conform to the compression of the forefoot against the pressurization of the air bubble ([0061] 36.)
4. Forefoot Compression Mold—formulates weight and helps in compressing the forefoot air compression compartment ([0062] 37.)
5. Heel Compression Mold—formulates weight and helps in compressing the heel air compression compartment ([0063] 38.)
6. Heel Mold—molded to flex in compliance of the heel's weight impact pressure ([0064] 39.)
7. Thermoplastic Heel Cup—strengthen thermoplastic heel cup to be renitent supporting the heel's formation giving the needed stability ([0065] 40.)
Description [0066]
The structure of the 4-E.V.A Innersole ([0067] 35.) is made of thermoplastic for a molded contoured shape of the sole of the foot. The air compartments residing under this innersole are made of a sturdy, lightweight, and translucent plastic with a light polymeric solution coating to renitent the air compartment's casing. These air compartments are located right below the formation of the innersole's foot implements 4 mm away for a quicker pressurization response. The whole entire unit should be encased within a blown rubber compound for added cushioning protection and to keep the mechanism stable through and through out the ride. This compound should be durable yet have properties for a lighter finish to keep the most intricate parts of the innersole in a working fashion to safeguard the wearer as much as possible for injury prone prevention. The Thermoplastic Heel Cup (40) is contoured molded and dipped to be durable for deep lateral movements keeping the heel in a more perspective hold. The Horizon Arch Guard (34.) is a carbon fiber material with two patterns cut into the same shapes and then stitched together. This stitch pattern is a unique zigzag pattern that starts from the bottom of the material then spreads out as it reaches the top. This is to strengthen the lower part where as it will be integrated within the medial lateral position of the 4-E.V.A Innersole (35.). It then flares out to strengthen the higher extremities, giving a more durable hold over its circumference. This object is then dipped in a polymeric solution and shaped according to its use and left to harden upon further use. After this is done it is then integrated within the making of the innersole.
Operation [0068]
The 4-E.V.A Innersole FIG. 15 has 4 bottom implements that extend 4 mm away from the bottom of this innersole. There are grooves cut within this thermoplastic innersole for flexibility. With every step of the foot's impression the grooves of the innersole give way in compliance with the 4 different air compartments. As weight pushes down on the individual sections of the innersole the foot implements applies pressure against the air compartments causing a transformation of air. In FIG. 8—[0069] 22 air is held in the compression compartment until impact pressure FIG. 8-B—22 of the first distribution of weight. The pressure exerted pushes the Cantilevered Sphere FIG. 7—20 in a downward motion driving it into a groove between the Inner Walls FIG. 8-B—20 causing the walls to move congruently behind the adjacent wall FIG. 8-B—23 revealing the Wall Opening FIG. 8-A—19 releasing pressurized air. Pressurized air is then released into the C.C. Tube Canal FIG. 5—25 forcing air current through the Out Flow tube FIG. 5—17 in through the Inflow Tube FIG. 1—4 to the Tube Canal FIG. 1—5. Entering through the Air Regulators FIG. 1—2 (a) (FIG.-20) air is forced into the Air Bubble FIG. 1—7. The space of the Air Bubble FIG. 1—7 is maximized by interjection of air filling up its chambers. The Air Bubble is swollen cushioning this part of the sole keeping it in perspective by the Bubble Retainers FIG. 3—8 maintaining the space of the bubble from being over blown. Giving a quicker response by bringing the bubble back to its original formation. As the stride of the forefoot strikes the 4-E.V.A Innersole FIG. 13—36 with force exerted pressure is applied to this area. The pressurization of the Air Bubble FIG. 1—7 forces air out through the Air Regulators FIG. 1—2 into the Tube Canal FIG. 1—5 filling that space through out to the Inner Tube Latch FIG. 1—1. That air is forced in the opposite direction of the latch and pushing the compressed air into the Out Flow Tube FIG. 1—3 and out through the Compression Inflow Tube FIG. 5—18. Air is then formulated into the C.C. Tube Canal FIG. 5—25 and pushed through the openings of the Inner Wall FIG. 5—19. Air is now processed in the Air Compression Compartment FIG. 5—22 filling this compartment with a maximum amount of air. With the formation of the Horizon Arch Guard FIG. 12—34 that works like a sloped wedge in between the two air compartments. This sloped wedge gives the 4-E.V.A Innersole FIG. 13—35 a fixated rocking motion that distributes the weight for personalized cushioning to the forefoot or to the heel. At the back of this innersole is an elevated reinforced Thermoplastic Heel Cup FIG. 17—40 that wraps the formation of the heel keeping it aligned in a safeguard position upon various activities.
Conclusion [0070]
The true advantage of this invention is for the athletes who participate in a variety of exercises, vigorous play, and other physical activities involving the use of the feet. The core of this invention has the wearer in mind and its specifications are utilized to help in physical activities where in there is a need for safeguard stabilization and impact cushioning. Due to the strenuous efforts placed on athletes and the harm of certain injuries because of this, my invention is constructed to help in prevention with these injuries. There are many injuries that are caused by impact landings that fracture ligaments or cause stress to the foot that's why there is a need for impact cushion prestigiously placed according to specific impact zones to react as soon as pressure is exerted. There is also a need to keep the foot in a better perspective during deeper lateral movements. This design is made for this exact reason to keep more pressure away from the stress applied during over prone. Even as this mechanical sole is a marketable safeguarding invention it still needs to be integrated within the sole of a shoe with a rigid frame that is able to technologically fuse this mechanism with the make of its shoe. Knowing the way the shoe industry has better materials now than ever to work with, this will add to the value of this concept. This invention can be marketed as the innovation that keeps the wearer or athlete stabilized by cushion 4-E.V.A. [0071]
The 4-E.V.A System (4 individual Energy Valve Assertion System)[0072]

Claims

1. A technical innersole device to add cushioned protection to athletic footwear, comprising:

(a) of an underlying said foot contour shaped thermoplastic innersole with a said integrated thermoplastic cupped heel, 4 said individual extended foot pressure based implements with said flex grooves (b) and 4 said individual mechanized congruent workable interacting air compartments (c) also with a said carbon fiber cut out pattern with zigzag stitching, polymeric dipped and integration of said arch guard wrapping under the said development of innersole's arch development.