US3029530A - Ventilated boot - Google Patents

Description

April 7, 1962 c. N. EATON 3,029,530

VENTILATED BOOT Filed July 5, 1961 [in/AI 3 u. 2

IN VEN TOR.

Arroz/vs Y5.

3,029,530 VENTEATED BOOT Clare N. Eaton, Ovando, Mont. Filed July 5, 1961, Ser. No. 122,018 4 Claims. (Cl. 36-3) This invention relates to a ventilated boot or shoe and has as its primary object the provision of a means for introducing cooling air to the interior of a boot or shoe to cool the feet of the wearer and prevent excessive perspiration.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of such a device characterized by bellows which is actuated by the walking motion imparted to the shoe or boot by the wearer thereof, and which creates a constantly circulating draft of air interiorly of the boot.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character provided with an inlet having an air filter well above the ground level to preclude the introduction of dust and dirt into the boot.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character having means associated therewith for holding the bellows for circulating the air through the boot inoperative when desired.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character which is sturdy and durable in construction, reliable and efiicient in operation, and relatively simple and convenient to wear and utilize.

Other objects will in part be obvious and in part be pointed out as the description of the invention proceeds and shown in the accompanying drawing wherein there is disclosed a preferred embodiment of this inventive concept.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a boot or shoe constructed in accordance with the instant invention, certain concealed portions thereof being indicated in dotted lines, as well as certain difierent positions of adjustment.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 22 of FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view through the bellows attachment for the boot.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawing.

Having reference now to the drawings in detail, there is generally indicated at a boot or shoe of any conventional type which includes an upper 11, an outsole 12, and an insole 13. The upper and insole may be of any conventional construction, and the boot may be open in front and laced as by a lace 14 in conventional manner.

The outsole 12 is split adjacent the heel portion thereof, and provided with a U-shaped metallic insert 15, which is of resilient construction, and which is generally of horseshoe configuration and secured between the separate portions 16 and 17 of outsole 12 by means of rivets or tacks 18. The separate portions 16 and 17 are each provided with a rubber cushion or protuberance 20 and 21, respectively, which serve as bumpers when the portion 17 is compressed on the portion 16 during walking. A rubber or other suitable bellows 22 seals an air space 23 between the outsole portions 16 and 17, in which the air is compressed during walking. Subsequent separation of the portion 1'7 from the portion 16 which is effected by a compression spring 24 serves to draw air in through a T inlet 25. One leg 26 of the T is connected to a rubber tube 27 which forms an inlet tube and which is provided with a one-way check valve 23. At the upper end of the tube 27 is an inlet and air filter 29 which is secured as by means of a clip 30 to the top of the boot upper 11. The other leg of the T is connected to an air outlet 31 which is provided with a one-Way check valve 32 and nited States atet which opens into an opening 33 interiorly of the insole 13, and adjacent the ball of the foot of the wearer of the boot to provide a continuous draft of air. -In the use and operation of the device as the wearer lifts his foot the spring 24 separates the outsole 17 from the outsole portion 16 and creates a vacuum in the air space 23 which draws air in through the inlet to 27, the one-way check valve 28, and the air filter 29. As the heel is forced downwardly the bellows 22 is compressed and air is forced out through the T 25 and the line 31, the one-way check valve 32 into the inlet 33 into the shoe thus effectively cooling the foot of the user.

A strap 35 is secured to the back of the upper, and has at its extremity a hook 36 which engages in an eye 37 carried by sole portion 17, the arrangement being such that when the hook is engaged with the eye, portion 17 is held in inoperative position closely against the portion 16 so that no air is forced through the inlet 33 into the interior of the boot.

It is to be noted that the bellows may be easily replaced when necessary.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided an improved air cooled boot which accomplishes all the objects of this invention, and others, including many advantages of great practical utility.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the embodiment hereinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. An air cooled boot comprising a boot upper and an outsole split transversely adjacent the heel to form two portions thereof, a flexible bellows closing the space between said portions to form an air space, a spring biasing said portions apart, an air inlet to said air space, a oneway valve in said inlet permitting air to enter said space when the foot is lifted during walking, an air outlet from said space communicating with the interior of said boot, and a one-way check valve in said outlet permitting air to be forced from said air space into the interior of said boot when the foot is lowered to compress said air space.

2. An air cooled boot comprising a boot upper and an outsole split transversely adjacent the heel to form two portions thereof, a flexible bellows closing the space between said portions to form an air space, a spring biasing said portions apart, an air inlet to said air space, a oneway valve in said inlet permitting air to enter said space when the foot is lifted during walking, an air outlet from said space communicating with the interior of said boot, and a one-way check valve in said outlet permitting air to be forced from said air space into the interior of said boot when the foot is lowered to compress said air space, and an air filter in said inlet.

3. An air cooled boot comprising a boot upper and an outsole split transversely adjacent the heel to form two portions thereof, a flexible bellows closing the space between said portions to form an air space, a spring biasing said portions apart, an air inlet to said air space, a oneway valve in said inlet permitting air to enter said space when the foot is lifted during walking, an air outlet from said space communicating with the interior of said boot, and a one-way check valve in said outlet permitting air to be forced from said air space into the interior of said boot when the foot is lowered to compress said air space, an air filter in said inlet, and opposed rubber buffers on the confronting faces of said two portions.

4. An air cooled boot comprising a boot upper and an outsole split transversely adjacent the heel to form two portions thereof, a flexible bellows closing the space between said portions to form an air space, a spring biasing 3 4 said portions apart, an air inlet to said air space, a oneing said two portions together to render the device inway valve in said inlet permitting air to enter said space operative. when the foot is lifted during walking, an air outlet from References Cited in the file of this patent said space communicating with the interior of said boot, a one-way check valve in said outlet permitting air to be 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS forced from said air space into the interior of said boot 1,176,445 Haran Mar. 21, 1916 when the foot is lowered to compress said air space, an 1,364,226 Wherry Jan. 4, 1921 air filter in said inlet, opposed rubber buffers on the con- 2,329,573 Ziegliss Sept. 14, 1943 fronting faces of said two portions, and means for secur- 2,354,407 Shaks July 25, 1944

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