US20210274880A1

US20210274880A1 - Kompressor: Footwear with computer controlled individually configurable inflatable air bladder orthotic and non-orthotic structures.

Info

Publication number: US20210274880A1
Application number: US16/810,037
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Grayson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-03-05
Filing date: 2020-03-05
Publication date: 2021-09-09

Abstract

An assembly for a shoe or other footwear comprising computer controlled individually configurable inflatable air bladder orthotic structures that are monitored by a flexible pressure sensor pad. Comprising of a plurality of regions, each region including a respective plurality of air bladders; each respective air bladder being individually feed by a separate tube; each tube having a self-sealing valve disposed thereon and configured to allow air to enter the bladder through the valve while maintaining air pressure within the air bladder; and each self-sealing tube valve configured to allow air to escape through the valve via a computer controlled mini compressor integrated pump and release valve device. Where the air bladders are feed air through a mini smart compressor, which additionally can be controlled by a smart phone or computer. Said smart compressor connects with the shoe assembly at the heel pad plug in. The heel pad plug in comprising individual hoses and valves to fill and empty bladders and a power cord for recharging the shoe battery.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, ankle supports, inflatable air bladder orthotic structures,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention attempts, as closely as possible, to replicate the naturally effective structures of the bare foot that provide stability, support, correction and cushioning. More specifically, the invention relates to the structure of midsole orthotic bladders, the C-blade device with bladder and the inflatable ankle supports integrated into shoes such as athletic shoes. The at least three bladder devices present invention serve both non-orthotic and orthotic functions. Even more specifically, this invention relates to the provision of a shoe having a custom fit substantially copies, corrects and improves features of the underlying support, stability and cushioning structures of the human foot.
Still more particularly, this invention relates to support, correction, enhancement and cushioning which is provided by shoe computer controlled bladder compartments that are monitored by a flexible pressure sensor pad and filled with a hand help computer controlled portable mini compressor which also recharges the shoe battery. Unlike similar existing systems, the computer controlled mini compressor along with the pressure sensor pad provide accurate, reliable and quantifiable data which the user can then translate into direct physical improve and athletic performance. The compartments providing support, correction, enhancement and cushioning are similar in structure to the orthotic foot pads of the foot, which simultaneously provide both firm support and progressive cushioning.
In another aspect of the invention, the shoe includes a C-blade which will mimic a “running on toes” running form. The stiffness of the blade is controlled and dependent on the inflatable blade bladder located within the C-shaped blade. This type of device has been shown to decrease heart rate and energy cost with running compared to a normal shoe. The blades can either be C or J shaped depending on the type of shoe and activity you wish to participate in. “C” shaped blades are more commonly used for a walking, jogging pace and distance running. This shape is more effective at storing and releasing energy over time which helps you to run more efficiently and for longer periods of time. “J” shaped blades will be more commonly used by sprinters. This shape allows for a quick return of energy helping you to achieve higher speeds. naturally rounded sole structure exhibiting natural deformation which closely parallels the natural deformation of a foot under the same load.
This new invention is the modern evolution of the smart shoe. This footwear will give the wearer unparalleled instantaneous access to vital information concerning their individual walking, running and jogging characteristics that will be crucial to improving their overall performance, strengthening their foot, and increasing their endurance. An unintended benefit of the C blade device will be to enhance athletic performance on a scale not yet seen in a normal shoe or rival products.
Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description, by illustrating a number of exemplary embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. The present invention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. These and other features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-9 illustrates aspects of the Footwear with computer controlled individually configurable inflatable air bladder orthotic structures. This footwear is Reactive, Responsive, Corrective, Supportive, Protective. The bladders are connected to an electronic pressure pad with microprocessor controlled variable pressure of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a is a side view of the shoe showing of the Footwear with computer controlled configurable inflatable air bladder orthotic structures. Highlighting the HEEL PAD WITH PLUG IN CONNECTION FOR Mini COMPRESSOR COMPUTER AND RECHARGER, the INFLATABLE FOAM ANKLE SUPPORT PADDING and the C-SHAPED ADVANCED RUNNING BLADE WITH BLADDER;

FIG. 2 is a is a vertical sectional view of the shoe, revealing the HEEL PAD WITH PLUG IN CONNECTION FOR the mini COMPRESSOR COMPUTER AND RECHARGER, the PROTECTIVE FLEXIBLE SENSOR PRESSURE PAD COVERING THE MIDSOLE, the BATTERY/MICROPROCESSOR, the CORRECTIVE FOOT ORTHOTICS BLADDERS UNDERNEATH THE MIDSOLE and the C-SHAPED ADVANCED RUNNING BLADE WITH BLADDER;

FIG. 3 is a general schematic of the shoe bladder system, showing transparent conduits, three areas of customizable bladders and the flow switching device; inflation bladders and conduits; inflating arrangement utilized in the shoe;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the mid sole revealing the inflation bladders;

FIG. 5 is a transparent side view of the shoe showing the switching input device;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FLEXIBLE SENSOR PRESSURE PAD;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a C-SHAPED ADJUSTABLE BLADE;

FIG. 8 is used to illustrate the corrective nature of the shoe system proposed;

FIG. 9 is a prospective view of the switching device Mini Compressor Recharger;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, ankle supports, inflatable air bladder orthotic structures, including at least one non-orthotic removable insert, a flexible pressure sensor pad formed by a midsole portion, a C-blade running enhancement device, a portable handheld computer controlled mini compressor recharger and a shoe battery. The inflatable orthotic bladder midsole portion is monitored by a flexible pressure sensor pad. This pad tracks the user's foot movements as it relates to running, walking and other activities. This activity is interpreted by an electronic controller which recommends possible settings for maximum performance based on the users projected activities. The recommended settings are feed to the computer controlled handheld mini compressor which then fills the at least three bladder structures based on the user's inputs. Also, the compressor recharges the shoes internal battery. The compressor device allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored corrective, enhancing, cushioning or support characteristics.
Comprising of a plurality of regions, each region including a respective plurality of air bladders; each respective air bladder being individually feed by a separate tube; each tube having a self-sealing valve disposed thereon and configured to allow air to enter the bladder through the valve while maintaining air pressure within the air bladder; and each self-sealing tube valve configured to allow air to escape through the valve via a computer controlled mini compressor integrated pump and release valve device. Where the air bladders are feed air through a mini smart compressor, which additionally can be controlled by a smart phone or computer. Said smart compressor connects with the shoe assembly at the heel pad plug in. The heel pad plug in comprising individual hoses and valves to fill and empty bladders and a power cord for recharging the shoe battery.
The invention further relates to a shoe sole which includes at least one non-orthotic removable midsole insert, a flow regulator, a pressure sensor, and a control system capable of automatically adjusting the pressure in the chamber or compartment(s) in response to user inputs, the impact of the shoe sole with the ground surface, including embodiments which accomplish this function through the use of a computer such as a microprocessor.
An assembly for a shoe or other footwear comprising computer controlled individually configurable inflatable air bladder orthotic structures that are monitored by a flexible pressure sensor pad. Comprising of a plurality of regions, each region including a respective plurality of air bladders; each respective air bladder being individually feed by a separate tube; each tube having a self-sealing valve disposed thereon and configured to allow air to enter the bladder through the valve while maintaining air pressure within the air bladder; and each self-sealing tube valve configured to allow air to escape through the valve via a computer controlled mini compressor integrated pump and release valve device. Where the air bladders are feed air through a mini smart compressor, which additionally can be controlled by a smart phone or computer. Said smart compressor connects with the shoe assembly at the heel pad plug in. The heel pad plug in comprising individual hoses and valves to fill and empty bladders and a power cord for recharging the shoe battery.
The shoe includes at least three structures, each structure being configurable, and wherein at least a part of each of said at least three structures are located within the shoe assembly. Comprising of a C-shaped advanced running blade with bladder, corrective foot orthotics bladders, and an inflatable foam ankle support padding
The shoe assembly also includes at least one flexible pressure sensor pad that can be connected to an electronic control system that controls a configuration of each said at least three structures. The flexible pressure sensor records vital data on wearers walking, running and exercising habits. This data can then be processed, and recommendation are made for optimal bladder settings. Optionally, the at least three structures and/or the at least one flexible pressure sensor pad are located within the shoe. The electronic control system is a portable mini compressor device that plugs into the shoe to inflate the customizable bladders and recharge the shoe battery. This device can be controlled through a cell phone or computer-based app. This footwear, particularly athletic shoes, that has a sole, inflatable bladder device, flexible presser sensor pad, heel pad plug, uppers, and C-shaped running blade. Where the C-shaped running blade is compressed by body weight and returns to its original shape as you push off of it. The result of this compression and decompression of the blade is that energy is released as you push off allowing you to run more efficiently by minimizing the amount of energy you need to expend.
The C-shaped blade will mimic a “running on toes” running form. The stiffness of the blade is controlled and dependent on the inflatable blade bladder located within the C-shaped blade. This type of device has been shown to decrease heart rate and energy cost with running compared to a normal shoe. The blades can either be C or J shaped depending on the type of shoe and activity you wish to participate in. “C” shaped blades are more commonly used for a walking, jogging pace and distance running. This shape is more effective at storing and releasing energy over time which helps you to run more efficiently and for longer periods of time. “J” shaped blades will be more commonly used by sprinters. This shape allows for a quick return of energy helping you to achieve higher speeds.
This device more accurately allows the user to customize a shoe structure copying, correcting and enhancing the support, functionality, stability and cushioning structures of the human foot. Still more particularly, this invention relates to the use of the shoe midsole and upper portion to envelop one or more portions of the shoe midsole in combination with portions of the shoe sole having at least three air bladder components. With the comprising of a heel, arch, ankle and toe support bladder.
The foot correcting mechanism for this device may include a flexible insole chassis extending substantially between the shoe and the front shoe of the shoe and one or more support members attached to the lower surface of the chassis. The chassis may include a cushion layer covering the top surface of the chassis and configured to conform to the elastic material.

2. Beneficial Effect of the Present Invention is as Follows:

Many existing shoe designs seriously impair or disrupt natural human biomechanics. The resulting unnatural foot and ankle motion caused by such shoe designs leads to abnormally high levels of athletic injuries. This footwear with embodiments represents a comprehensive solution for eliminating this problem.
the bare foot is naturally stable, while a foot shod with a conventional shoe, athletic or otherwise, is artificially unstable and abnormally prone to ankle sprains. The footwear with embodiments gives the wearer the stability of bare feet.
The footwear with embodiments allows sufferers of diabetes and other foot disorders to adjust their footwear so that it inhibits to formation of lesions, ulcers and other foot disorders
This discovery will enhance the performance of any activities including but not limited to athletic activity. The footwear with its embodiments will allow the user to run faster, jump higher and gain endurance.
The purpose of the footwear with its embodiment is to allow the user to correct existing foot related problems. The customizable nature, the shoe feedback and recommendations, along with the comprehensive nature of the footwear orthotics will lead to improved posture and foot correction.
It is still another object of one or more embodiments of the invention to provide a shoe that can be worn in lieu of more expensive prosthetic devices.
This footwear will allow the user to correct the destabilizing sideways forces on a tilting shoe.
It is another object of one or more embodiments of the invention to create a shoe with extreme ankle support and cushioning.
A further object of one or more embodiments of the invention is to use its bladder compartments, filled with pressure, that are similar in structure to the orthopedic foot pads, and which simultaneously provide both firm support and progressive cushioning.
It is yet another object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to combine one or more of the foregoing objects with the ability to customize the shoe design for a particular wearer's foot.
It is yet another object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to help provide superior comfort allowing the user to stand, walk, and run comfortably.
It is yet another object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to assist in fighting off pain in the foot, ankle and leg.
It is yet another object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to improve balance by allowing your feet the necessary support to maintain a functionally correct position.
It is yet another object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to help absorb shock and redirect pressure away from painful areas in the foot and ankle.
It is yet another object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to enhances athletic performance. Lowers the risk of injury.
It is yet another object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to lessen aching in the foot on a daily basis, for users who may have plantar fasciitis or struggling with flat feet.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the summary and detailed description of the invention which follow, taken with the accompanying drawings.
The present invention is directed to a shoe with customizable orthotic and non-orthotic inflating bladder devices disposed therein. The general schematic of the shoe bladder arrangement is shown in FIG. 1 and includes three bladder sets. However, it will be apparent that the arrangement is adaptable to any plurality of bladder sets. The arrangement includes an electronic sensor pad, a mini computer controlled compressor, a flow switching device which operates as a selective valve which allows air flow into and out of the bladder system preferred embodiment having a first bladder system in the mid sole, a second bladder system in the ankle support area, and a third outlet on the bottom of the sole. Each outlet is connected to a corresponding conduit. Each conduit is associated with corresponding multidirectional flow valves and. Each multidirectional flow valve is connected to corresponding conduits and. Each conduit is further associated with corresponding electronic computer-controlled pressure pad insert. Pressure pad is connected to the external mini compressor recharger through a plug in at the back of the shoe.
FIG. 2 shows one arrangement of separate bladder sets in the mid sole of the shoe is comprised in which forefoot bladder, arch support bladder and heal bladder. Also shows the inflatable foam ankle support padding, and the C shaped advanced running blade bladder. Bladders are interconnected by conduits. This multiple bladder configuration may also be implemented on the other bladder sets. The drawing also shows the heel pad plug in connection for the mini compressor computer recharger, and the internal shoe battery.
The invention can be adapted to utilize a number of different combinations of elements to effectuate the goals of the invention. Thus, in FIG. 3, Bladders are interconnected by conduits.
This multiple bladder configuration may also be modified and implemented with other bladder sets. Another variation is in the use, in the alternative, of different arrangements for bladder systems would be to use multiple bladder through the entire shoe to completely control comfort and support.
FIG. 4. Shows the bladder arrangement of the current embodiment for the mid sole configuration
FIG. 5. Shows the conduit system and switching device A first embodiment could utilize a simple type flow switching device controlled by the microprocessor. In the diagram the computer controlled mini compressor feeds air and power through the plug in at the back of the shoe, where it is directed to each of the three areas of bladder system, the mid sole correction system, the ankle support system, and the c-shaped blade system.
FIG. 6. is a horizontal cross section of the shoe sole, revealing the inflation bladder on the mid sole and the placement of the c-shaped blade assembly on the sole. The embodiment shown includes a flow diagram depicting a shoe sending data to the mini compressor computer which is then process by a smart phone or computer.
FIG. 7. is used to illustrate one or more of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 configured for c-shaped blade air bladder selection via a flow switching device and employing a computer controlled mini compressor. In this bladder system the c-shaped area is affixed to the shoe and is made of a rigid material that can be f flexible. The material must be such that it is not damaged through normal usage. The c-blade comes in direct contact with the ground and is constructed such that it is able to bend and flex. The air bladder shock system is located and encompassed by the c-blade so that the wearer can control the amount of flex in the blade and thereby control the amount of spring in the return motion.
FIG. 8. Depicts the benefits of this computer-controlled shoe system proposed by this application
FIG. 9. Depict the preferred inflation device. This computer controlled mini compressor recharger system. This diagram is used to illustrate one or more of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-8 configured for pronation correction, support, protection, comfort and enhancement and that can employ one or more of the various features thereof. One of the major benefits of this design is that the mini compressor can achieve greater pressures, more reliable configurations and can quantify improvements and functionality.
Thus, it should be apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a shoe or shoe system for providing cushioning, correction, support, protection, comfort and enhancement with the noted advantages thereof.
While the present invention have been described in connection with a number of exemplary embodiments and implementations, the present invention is not so limited, but rather covers various modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A footwear or shoe with computer controlled individually configurable inflatable air bladder orthotic and non-orthotic structures, comprising:

a plurality of regions, each region including a respective plurality of air bladders, each respective air bladder having an individual feeding tube with a self-sealing valve disposed thereon and configured to allow air to enter and leave the bladder through the valve while maintaining air pressure within the air bladder; each bladder with self-sealing valve configured, adjusted and monitored by a flexible electronic computer controlled pressure pad to allow air to escape through the valve or be added to the bladder as needed via a computer controlled mini air compressor recharger and release valve device; and the mini compressor comprising a computer processor along with the pressure sensor pad which monitors a plurality of foot related metrics so that the wearer has sufficient data to customize the shoe for maximum performance, track the progress of the orthotic corrections, and modify bladders for maximum comfort, support and safety.

2. A shoe or other footwear, comprising: at least three structures, each structure being configurable, inflatable, and customizable, being connected to a flexible electronic pressure pad which is computer controlled wherein a first of said at least three structures are inflatable customizable bladder sections, separated into three separate parts of the shoe, each part or section of the shoe focuses on a different part of the foot and a different goal for the end user.

3. The shoe or other footwear of claim 2, wherein each section has multiple bladder sections and a first of said at least three structures comprises a flexible computer controlled pressure pad that communicates between separate bladders located in the midsole which comprise the Corrective Orthotic Bladder System (COBS) that communicates between the separate bladders located in the COBS support area of the shoe and communicates with the computer controlled mini air compressor recharger and wherein at least a part of each of said at least three structures is located in a single plane cross-section of the sole where the system corrects, protects, cushions, monitors and enhances the arch, the ball of the foot, and the heel.

4. The shoe or other footwear of claim 2, wherein each section has multiple bladder sections and a second of said at least three structures comprises a flexible computer-controlled pressure pad that communicates between separate bladders located in the Inflatable Foam Ankle Support Padding (IFASP) area of the shoe and communicates with the computer controlled mini air compressor recharger and wherein at least a part of each of said at least three structures is located in a single plane cross-section of the upper where the system corrects, cushions, protects, monitors, supports and enhances the ankle.

5. The shoe or other footwear of claim 2, wherein each section has multiple bladder sections and a third of said at least three structures comprises an electronic pressure pad that communicates between separate bladders located in the C-Shaped Enhancement Blade (CSEB) area of the shoe and communicates with the computer controlled mini air compressor recharger and wherein at least a part of each of said at least three structures is located in a single plane cross-section of the bottom of the sole where the system corrects, cushions, protects, monitors and enhances the action of the foot.

6. The shoe or other footwear of claim 2, wherein there is at least one electronic control system that controls a configuration of at least the first, second and third of said at least three structures, each structure is modified and monitored by a computer controlled mini compressor recharger device that is microprocessor/computer controlled and records the foot activity data acquired by the flexible electronic pressure pad sensor and then translate that data into recommended bladder settings, the mini compressor device also recharges the shoe battery through the same connection as the air bladder inflate/deflate connection located in the heel pad. the integrated mini compressor pump recharger contains a release valve device via an air flow switching device accessible external to the shoe to selectively inflate or deflate each of the respective air bladders.

2. The footwear or shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the C-shaped bladder device located in the sole of the shoe where the C-shaped running blade is compressed by body weight and returns to its original shape as you push off of it, the result of this compression and decompression of the blade is that energy is released as you push off allowing you to run more efficiently by minimizing the amount of energy you need to expend, the C-shaped blade will mimic a “running on toes” running form, the stiffness and range of the blade is controlled and dependent on the inflatable blade bladder located within the C-shaped blade, this type of device has been shown to decrease heart rate and energy cost with running compared to a normal shoe, the blades can either be C or J shaped depending on the type of shoe and activity you wish to participate in. “C” shaped blades are more commonly used for a walking, jogging pace and distance running, the shape is more effective at storing and releasing energy over time which helps you to run more efficiently and for longer periods of time, “J” shaped blades will be more commonly used by sprinters, the shape allows for a quick return of energy helping to achieve higher speeds.

3. The footwear or shoe as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one said computer controlled flexible electronic pressure pad control system is located in the midsole section of said footwear, the plurality of air bladders can be selectively controlled by the electronic pressure pad which stores data on the wearer to feed said data to the microprocessor located in the mini compressor recharger which allows the device to recommend bladder settings that will maximize the users wearing experience, the device monitors the walking, running jogging and other activities of the wearer, this vital data is collected by the device microprocessor and then transferred to the main computer in the mini compressor device where the data is interpreted and recommendation are made to the wearer via software application either on their phone or computer for settings on the shoe apparatus that will improve the effectiveness of the shoe itself, the wearer can then make selections based on this recommendation or personal preferences which are fed to the mini compressor device, the mini compressor device then translates those inputs, where the air bladders are fed air through the mini smart compressor to the desired density and shape which additionally can be controlled by a smart phone or computer. Said smart compressor connects with the shoe assembly at the heel pad plug in, the heel pad plug in comprising individual hoses and valves to fill and empty bladders and a power cord for recharging the shoe battery.