Shock Absorbing Cushion Sole for Fishing Footwear

Abstract

A multi-layer shock absorbing cushion sole for footwear includes multiple layers of material, assembled in such a way that air pockets are created within the sole to provide a shock-absorbing, cushioning effect for a wearer's feet. The top layer of the sole is a hard rubber layer, preferably made from a thermoplastic rubber. The second layer is preferably positioned directly beneath the top layer, and includes air pockets formed therein by various structures, methods and techniques. The optional third layer, positioned below the cushion layer, is also preferably formed from a thermoplastic rubber. The bottom layer is preferably formed from natural rubber, and preferably includes a tread design on the bottom surface thereof. A multi-layer shock absorbing cushion insert for pre-existing footwear is also provided in another embodiment.

1 . A multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole comprising:
 a top layer;   a cushion layer attached to an underside of said top layer; and   a bottom layer positioned on an underside of said third layer, said bottom layer including a tread pattern on an underside thereof; and   wherein said cushion layer is formed by at least two independent air pocket units so that each air pocket unit includes at least two air pockets connected to one another by support members;   
     
     
         2 . The multi-layer shock absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said air pockets is formed by a layer of material having a first thickness, while other air pockets are formed by a layer of material having a second thickness that is less than said first thickness. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said air pocket having said first thickness is positioned in a medial portion of said cushion layer to provide additional support for an arch of a wearer's foot. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said top layer is formed from a thermoplastic rubber material. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said cushion layer is formed from a synthetic rubber material. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said synthetic rubber material is ethylene-vinyl acetate. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said bottom layer is formed from natural rubber. 
     
     
         8 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said air pockets are open on either side of said multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole, so that air may freely flow into and out of said air pockets from surrounding atmosphere. 
     
     
         9 . A multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole comprising:
 a top layer;   a cushion layer attached to an underside of said top layer; and   a bottom layer positioned on an underside of said third layer, said bottom layer including a tread pattern on an underside thereof;   wherein said cushion layer comprises at least one air pocket unit that forms least two air pockets that are connected together by support members.   
     
     
         10 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said top layer is formed from a thermoplastic rubber material. 
     
     
         11 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion insert set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said third layer is formed from a thermoplastic rubber material. 
     
     
         12 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion insert set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said bottom layer is formed from natural rubber. 
     
     
         13 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion insert set forth in  claim 9 , wherein a bottom surface of said top layer includes a series of grooves that are positioned therein to receive said air pocket unit. 
     
     
         14 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion insert set forth in  claim 9 , wherein a top surface of said bottom layer includes a series of grooves that are positioned therein to receive said air pocket unit.