US 5,203,793 A · Conformable cushioning and stability device for articles of footwear

Abstract

A conformable device (20) containing a conformable material (41) substantially comprising fluid matter which forms a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time is used in an article of footwear (44) in order to enhance conformance, comfort, fit, stability, cushioning and shock-absorption. The conformable material (41) is contained within a chamber (51) of suitable configurations. In addition, a foam material (66) of select shape generally conforming to a portion of the wearer's anatomy can be used in cooperation with the conformable material (41), as well as a void (40) containing a gas. The invention permits accommodation to a wide range of anatomical features and characteristics found amongst a large percentage of the general public and application within numerous types of footwear (44).

Claims24

Dependent claims

A conformable device for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy comprising a chamber having inner volume, said chamber comprising at least in part a pliable casing, said pliable casing at least partially comprising a selectively permeable material to gases including water vapor, a conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter substantially comprising an aqueous silicone emulsion which can comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time when water in the form of gaseous water vapor evaporates from said conformable material into the atmosphere, said conformable material contained within said chamber and displacing at least a portion of said inner volume, a physical barrier substantially isolating said chamber from said atmosphere, whereby when said physical barrier is removed and a portion of said wearer's anatomy is positioned in functional relation to said conformable device causing a force application to be made thereupon and causing at least a portion of said conformable device to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said conformable device substantially retains the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material after a working time.

A method for making a conformable device for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy comprising:

a) selecting an article of footwear;
b) selecting a conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter substantially comprising an aqueous silicone emulsion which can comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time when placed in fluid communication with the atmosphere to cause the evaporation of water in the form of water vapor from said aqueous silicone emulsion;
c) selecting a chamber having inner volume at least partially comprising a pliable casing, said pliable casing at least in part selectively permeable to gases including water vapor;
f) placing said conformable material within the inner volume of said chamber;
g) providing a physical barrier so as to substantially isolate said conformable material contained within the inner volume of said chamber from fluid communication with said atmosphere;
i) removing said physical barrier placing said conformable material in fluid communication with said atmosphere to initiate said conformable material to comprise said resilient material;
j) positioning said conformable device within said article of footwear;
and
k) positioning a portion of said wearer's anatomy in functional relation with said article of footwear causing a force application to be made upon said conformable device and causing at least a portion of said conformable device to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said conformable device at least partially retaining the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material after a working time.

6 more elements

A method for making a conformable device for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy comprising:

a) selecting an article of footwear;
b) selecting a conformable material substantially comprising liquid matter substantially comprising an aqueous emulsion which can comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time when placed in fluid communication with the atmosphere to cause the evaporation of water in the form of water vapor from said aqueous emulsion;
c) selecting a chamber having inner volume at least partially comprising a pliable casing, said pliable casing at least in part selectively permeable to gases including water vapor;
f) placing said conformable material within the inner volume of said chamber;
g) providing a physical barrier to substantially isolate said conformable material contained within the inner volume of said chamber from fluid communication with said atmosphere;
i) removing said physical barrier;
placing said conformable material in fluid communication with said atmosphere to initiate said conformable material to comprise said resilient material;
j) positioning said conformable device within said article of footwear;
and
k) positioning a portion of said wearer's anatomy in functional relation with said article of footwear causing a force application to be made upon said conformable device and causing at least a portion of said conformable device to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said conformable device at least partially retaining the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material after a working time.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Conformable cushioning and stability device for articles of footwear

Life of this patent

Conformable cushioning and stability device for articles of footwear

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24