Extreme service footwear

Abstract

The present invention provides articles of footwear adapted for use in extreme and hazardous environments by members of the military, law enforcement personnel and others who require durable and functional footwear. The footwear include protective coverings that may be proof, puncture proof, fire retardant or water repelling. Drainage holes can be positioned in the toe region and along the outsole to enable a wearer to quickly drain water from the article of footwear. Single use or replaceable drainage plugs may cover the holes to prevent entry of water into the boot or other article of footwear. Removable and / or replaceable footbeds may be employed, and such footbeds may provide adjustable sizing of the article of footwear using interchangeable cartridges. A support saddle may be employed with the footbed to enhance foot support under heavy loads. These and other features herein are suited for use in a wide variety of footwear.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present invention claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 714,619, filed Sep. 7, 2005, and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 206,237, filed Aug. 17, 2005 entitled “Footwear For Hostile Environments,” to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 715,535, filed Sep. 9, 2005, and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “High-Performance Boot,” attorney docket number TIMBER 3.0-029, filed concurrently herewith, the entire disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to articles of footwear and, more particularly, to footwear used by the military, law enforcement, or other personnel that confront a wide range of environments and circumstances. For ease of the reader, all the foregoing are collectively termed “military” hereafter. Of course, the footwear of the prese...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The present invention provides footwear that meets the performance needs of diverse military operations with a wide range of performance and terrain challenges. Unique protection and traction features on articles of footwear are provided. The present invention provides footwear outsoles that reduce noise during use, promoting stealth upon surface contact. The present invention also provides improved outsole, midsole and footbed constructions in footwear that has the support required for bearing heavy loads, incorporates drainage elements for improved performance and comfort, and also provides underfoot protection from objects and punctures.

[0014]The present invention also provides specialized adjustable footbeds that allow the user to adjust the fit of the shoe in order to improve comfort, reduce relative footwear movement against the foot, and provide a means of adjustment for different weather conditions. The present invention also provides improved protection in the upper.

[0025]In a further alternative, the footbed includes a puncture resistant layer. In yet another alternative, the lugs are sound reducing non-planar lugs. In another alternative, the outsole is a low profile outsole of less than 4 mm thickness. In this case, the article of footwear may further comprise a midsole coupling the upper to the outsole. The midsole is most preferably a low profile midsole of less than 4 mm thickness. The low profiles of the outsole and midsole provide enhanced stability to the wearer.

Problems solved by technology

These characteristics provide a small degree of protection to the wearer but also cause the footwear to become very heavy and restrictive.

This increased weight contributes to wearer fatigue, especially over long periods of use.

Because military personnel typically wear their boots for an entire day or more, heavy boots present a serious drawback for the wearer as they reduce his or her operational readiness.

In addition, conventional military boots fail to provide sufficient ventilation and drainage for the user's feet.

This causes the user to become uncomfortable in hot or wet climates because the wearer's feet become very hot and the lack of ventilation does not allow moisture to escape the boot.

This results in problems such as blisters, rashes, and infections.

Special Forces operators are trained to perform extremely difficult, complex and / or politically sensitive missions on short notice, in peace and war time, anywhere in the world.

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