Inflatable boot liner with electrical generator and heater

Abstract

An inner shoe for a boot such as a ski boot includes a foot warmer mechanism having an air system that includes an air bag which surrounds its instep area and communicates to a sealed chamber between the soles of the shoe. The air bag can be pressured to maintain a sense of tightness or security to the ski boot. The air circulation system also augments heat transfer within the boot. The foot warmer mechanism is mounted entirely on an insert for the outer boot or shoe, and includes an electrical resistance heater, an electrical generator, a mechanical transducer to translate vertical movements of the wearer's heel into uni-directional rotational movement of a flywheel, and a gear box mechanically coupling the flywheel to the electrical generator. Specific features of the invention include an air pump to supply air pressure to an air chamber, including an air bag which extends over the instep of the shoe to control the snugness of the shoe; and communicating channels within the shoe to direct air across the electrical generator and heater and to the air bag, thereby warming the entire foot of the wearer. Further embodiments include tubing to direct warmed air to a suit having an inflated lining to warm the suit.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.