Breathable workshoes and methods for manufacturing such

Abstract

Among other things, the present invention provides various footwear pieces, and methods for manufacturing such pieces. In various cases, the footwear pieces are molded from a lofting material. Further, in various cases, the footwear pieces include one or more ventilators formed in the footwear piece that are surrounded by liquid conductors capable of channeling liquid spilled on the surface of the footwear pieces away from a foot within the footwear pieces.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Appl. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 040130-050000), entitled “FOOTWEAR PIECES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH,” filed May 23, 2003 and assigned to an entity common herewith; and U.S. Provisional Pat. Appl. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 040130-051000), entitled “METHODS AND COMPOSITES FOR MANUFACTURING FOOTWEAR PECES,” also filed May 23, 2003 and assigned to an entity common herewith. Further, the present application is related to U.S. Pat. Appl. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 040130-050010), entitled “FOOTWEAR PIECES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH”, filed on a date even herewith and assigned to an entity common herewith. The entirety of each of the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is related to footwear, and in particular to footwear including venti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides various footwear pieces and methods for manufacturing them. The footwear pieces include molded footwear pieces made from lofted material, and liquid conductors that help disperse liquids away from the foot. The footwear pieces also have ventilators that allow air and liquid to pass through at specific locations in the upper. The invention also provides sectional shoe pieces that have a base section and a strap section that can pivot relative to each other, allowing for comfortable wearing and easy removal of the foot. The strap section can be fixed relative to the base section at attachment points on either the rear sole perimeter or the upper opening perimeter. The invention also includes a method for forming the ventilators and liquid conductors, as well as a covering option for the ventilators. The technical effects of the invention include improved breathability, comfort, and protection from spilled liquids.

Problems solved by technology

However, many types of comfortable footwear are not compatible with various work environments.

For example, many work environments would allow the use of the commonly known flip-flop, however, such flip-flops are typically not compatible with the work environment because they are not secure and are not waterproof.

Similarly, sandals are not waterproof, and are thus not compatible with various work environments.

As just one example, in a hospital setting it may be possible to wear comfortable shoes, however, it is common for liquids to be spilled.

Thus, neither a flip-flop or sandal may not offer sufficient protection from such spilled liquids.

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