JP2018526174A - Customizable arch support system - Google Patents

Abstract

  A customizable arch support system for fashionable high-heeled shoe applications designed to provide superior configurability and comfort for the wearer. More specifically, the system provides configurability that maintains a minimal cross-sectional profile that reduces the limitations of shoe designers while providing superior support and comfort to the wearer.

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

  This application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference and are not admitted to be prior art to the present invention by reference in this cross-reference section. Related to US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 211,695, filed August 28, 2015, entitled “ADJUSTABLE ARCH SUPPORT SYSTEM,” and priority based on that application Insist.

  The present invention generally relates to an insole arch support system for women's designer shoe applications, but the system can also be used for men and children's shoes. More particularly, the present invention allows the wearer to place the arch support in their specific foot arch height by selecting a molded arch support insert that is most suitable for the wearer's unique foot arch. The invention relates to a customizable arch support system that can be personally adapted to.

  The correction device typically has a contoured plate-like structure and is attached to the shoe to correct or control the position and function of the foot. Once manufactured, these orthodontic devices have a fixed design and cannot be changed once they are manufactured. Since the most important functions of the foot are generally related to the heel and midfoot parts, some stiffness is required in these areas in order for the device to serve its biomechanical purpose. Thus, many devices of this type are rigid and flexible plates that extend from the heel of the foot through the midfoot and sometimes extend generally to the metatarsal head known as the foot ball. Or it has a cap. Thus, they are typically useful only in flat or nearly flat bottom shoes.

  The structure of these devices often causes problems from the standpoint that they are too thick for many types of shoes to use. In particular, in the area of women's high heel shoes, where the internal volume is very limited, the stiffness makes these devices unable to adapt to the steeply contoured shape of women's high heel shoes. Custom stiffening devices can be problematic when attached to shoes with elongated shafts or throats, such as boots. The additional thickness of the insole when using a custom-made orthodontic device may limit footwear designers' ability to maintain a streamlined thin fashionable appearance.

  Furthermore, the additional thickness applied to the internal volume of the shoe may cause discomfort or injury. Custom devices may be too wide or too narrow to fit comfortably on the wearer's foot when inserted into a shoe. In particular, there is a possibility that nerve damage may occur due to the tightness of the toe of the shoe, which may injure the wearer. Omitting the support of the foot arch can cause severe spasm of the ankle abductor muscle, which can stretch adjacent flexors, causing pain and inability to walk.

  If the foot arch is not properly supported, the wearer may not exhibit any of the conventional symptoms of pronation (foot posture) until it shows pain. The cause of discomfort can be hidden inside the foot and can cause misdiagnosis and further injury. Of particular concern are wearers who already have injuries that appear to have resolved through the use of high-heeled shoes, exacerbating the injuries and prolonging the treatment period for relief.

  Perhaps a custom-made orthodontic appliance that is fixed in design and cannot be changed will be prescribed, however, the need for injury recovery may be constantly or drastically changing and is frequently changed by the wearer. If it is necessary, the cost of custom-made orthodontic appliances is too high to solve. In addition, the size and shape of a woman's foot can change from day to day depending on circumstances such as pregnancy, and custom-made orthodontic appliances that are fixed in design and cannot be changed are potentially difficult to implement and potentially potential for the wearer. It can be harmful.

  Fashionable shoes may be designed with narrow toes. If the weight load is not properly distributed using a properly sized arch, the toes are pressed into the shoe by the weight of the body, and the toes are permanently deformed to fit their environment. It can happen.

  Accordingly, there is a need for an orthodontic insole having a minimum thickness, and further, the diversity of foot arches between different wearers, or individual, while maintaining fashionability in the field of heeled shoes. Providing solutions for changing needs of wearers.

  The present invention provides an insole that may be integrated with or separate from the shoe and configured to removably attach an arch support insert to a fastening system of a midfoot arch portion of the insole. Overcoming the above problems. Multiple arch support inserts are available to allow the wearer to choose between using an insole without an arch support insert or fastening an appropriately sized and shaped arch support insert to the insole It is. Current additive manufacturing and 3D scanning technology enables the provision of affordable, fully customizable arch support inserts. An arch support insert cover is provided to protect the arch support insert from the wearer's bare feet. Since the insole and arch support are provided with fastening means, the arch support insert is held correctly positioned on the midfoot arch of the insole during use of any type of footwear, including women's high-heeled shoes . An insole that fits properly on the attached insert distributes the body weight evenly across the bones and ligaments of the foot and improves the spinal health while providing balance to the wearer, thus, overall, the entire body Has a positive impact.

  The customizable arch support system includes a shoe insole configured to allow for the addition of a detachable attached arch support insert. A plurality of differently sized and shaped arch supports are provided to fit a particular arch on the wearer's foot. The fastening means is used to attach the arch support insert to the shoe insole. A cover is provided and positioned over the shoe insole and the arch support insert. The arch support insert is removably attached to the insole via fastening means, preferably a snap-type fastening system. However, other fastening means such as hook-and-loop fasteners, double-sided adhesive tapes, or other fastening means may be used. Arch support inserts are available for multiple arch configurations ranging from low to high arches or individually customized to accommodate a specific wearer's arch.

  The insole is configurable and thin when compared to other arch support systems while still being applicable to the steep and downwardly curved platform found in women's fashionable high heel shoes. The shank conforms to the curve of the shoe under the heel and arch of the foot and is structural integrity that helps support and distribute the wearer's weight from the foot ball to the heel of the foot through the arch I will provide a. By choosing the appropriate insert, this arch support system will make it more possible to distribute weight throughout the foot, thereby reducing the pressure on the metatarsal head, foot toe ball and heel cup in the shoe. Provides a shoe insole that inherently provides the wearer with great body stability and balance.

  The following preferred embodiments of the present invention describe the position, configuration and structure of the elements of the present invention, which are insoles, snap-type fastening systems, arch support inserts and covers. The insole consists of several layers of material and at least one female snap-type fastener that fits the curvature of the steeply downwardly curved arch typical of women's high heel shoes. To construct. The shank is located on the fiberboard and the first layer of synthetic adhesive along the centerline of the midfoot region. Next, a preferably flexible cellulose board layer is placed over the first insole layer with the synthetic adhesive layer, with at least one female snap-type fastener placed in the material. The layer is crimped and shaped to fit inside the shoe. A layer of synthetic adhesive material is then placed on the flexible cellulose board layer and constructed and adapted by a cutout to expose a female snap fastener (one or more). A urethane cushion layer is placed on the synthetic adhesive layer. The insole layer can be made of various shock absorbing materials. A U-shaped gel or polymer pad is attached to the heel portion of the insole to form the heel of the foot in a cup shape. The heel cup can extend upward within the shoe to reduce and customize the heel volume for a narrower heel width. Finally, after the shoe is constructed, a leather or synthetic material cover or insole having a circular cutout is adhered over the insole layer to leave at least one snap-type fastener exposed. This creates a cushioned insole that allows attachment of the arch support insert without occupying too much space within the narrow area of a typical women's fashionable high heel shoe.

  The fastening means for attaching the arch support insert to the insole is comprised of a typical snap-type fastening system further comprising at least one male snap-type fastener that mates with at least one female snap-type fastener. Is preferred. Alternatively, other types of fastening systems, preferably surface fastening systems, among others, can be used.

  The arch support insert is comprised of a compressible cushion material shaped to fit the midfoot arch and at least one male snap fastener that is permanently attached to the bottom of the arch support insert. . The compressible cushioning material is preferably covered with leather or a lightweight synthetic fabric that probably has a layer of gel or urethane foam between the cushioning material and the cover. Alternatively, preferably a leather or mesh material can be used to protect the compressible cushion material from body oils and other contaminants.

  The arch support insert is preferably formed from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Alternatively, preferably the arch support insert may be formed from polyurethane (PU) foam, silicone, nylon or Santoprene brand thermoplastic vulcanizates (thermoplastic elastomers) or similar materials. The arch support inserts are shaped to generally conform to human foot arches of varying arch heights and lengths. The at least one male snap-type fastener corresponds to at least one female snap-type fastener located on the insole and removably attaches the arch support insert to the shoe insole.

  The cover is made of a durable material structured and arranged to cover or wrap the arch support insert to protect the arch support insert from the wearer's foot. Cover material can be leather, canvas or other durable material on the arch support insert, and flexible fabric, leather, or mesh type material that wraps around the arch support insert and holds the cover in place And can be configured. Alternatively, the cover may be a plurality of durable pieces of material having at least one male snap fastener arranged to correspond to at least one female snap fastener that fits. The arch support insert may be covered with an upper layer of durable material that does not have a cover on the back side, or may be sandwiched between two layers of durable material, preferably sewn around the cover. Good.

  Arch support inserts are available in many different sizes to fit the size of the wearer's midfoot arch. Among many different sizes available, the inserts function to support low, medium, high arches, or can be customized to the wearer's specific foot. The wearer simply selects the size of the arch support insert that fits best for their individual feet, installs a cover around the arch support insert, and fastens the covered arch support insert to the shoe insole. Alternatively, the wearer selects a suitable arch support insert with a cover already attached and fastens it to the shoe insole.

  In an alternative embodiment, the insole is further comprised of an additional gel insert or similar type of cushioning material disposed in the area of the foot ball and heel cup for further cushioning within the shoe insole. The Due to the nature of women's high heel shoes, the steep arched downward curve of the shoe from heel to toe places more pressure on the foot ball. This creates a large pressure burden on the toe ball due to the close contact of the toe ball and heel in the shoe. By providing gel inserts in the area of the toe ball and heel cup in conjunction with the arch support inserts, the pressure applied to these areas can be reduced while wearing high heel shoes. The applied pressure is dispersed by the gel insert.

  A method of providing customizable arch support for fashionable women's high heel shoes uses a step of selecting an arch support insert based on the wearer's specific arch in the midfoot area and a snap-type fastening system And attaching an arch support insert to the insole.

  Specific objects and features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Top view of shoe insole with customizable arch support system Top view of a cover or insole exposing a female snap fastener attached to the insole of a customizable arch support system Top view of arch support insert in customizable arch support system Bottom view of arch support insert in customizable arch support system Side view of arch support insert in customizable arch support system Alternative side view of arch support insert in customizable arch support system Top view of customizable arch support insert system with arch support insert fastened to shoe insole Cross section of customizable arch support system

  The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood in view of the following description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a top view of one preferred embodiment of a shoe insole 100 of a customizable arch support system without an attached arch support insert, where the shoe insole 100 is shown. Includes at least one shank 108 encased in the shoe insole 100. The shank 108 is preferably constructed and arranged to be embedded and sandwiched between layers of the shoe insole 100 of the customizable arch support system. Preferably, the shank 108 is composed of a metallic material such as steel. Alternatively, preferably, the shank 108 may be constructed of aluminum. Alternatively, preferably, the shank 108 may be constructed of carbon fiber. Alternatively, preferably, the shank 108 may be constructed of reinforced glass fiber. Alternatively, preferably, the shank 108 may be constructed of injection molded plastic. Alternative material selections for the shank will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  The shoe insole 100 is fixed to the upper surface with chamfered foam and adhesive 104 at the edge of the cushion material, and is positioned so as to be positioned below the thumb ball of the wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. It is preferred to have a cushioning material 102 constructed and configured. Alternatively, preferably, the cushion material 102 may be integrated with the customizable arch support system by sandwiching the cushion material 102 between the layers that make up the shoe insole 100 of the customizable arch support system. Alternative cushioning materials will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  As further shown in FIG. 1, the customizable arch support system shoe insole 100 preferably further includes attachment means and is preferably constructed and arranged to be located below the arch area of the wearer's foot. The female half of the snap fastener 106 is further included. Alternatively, preferably the attachment means may be a male half of a snap fastener. Alternatively, preferably, the attachment means may be a loop half of a surface fastening system such as Velcro. Alternatively, preferably the attachment means may be a hook half of a surface fastening system such as Velcro. Alternative attachment means will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  With further reference to FIG. 1, the shoe insole 100 of the customizable arch support system further includes at least one cup-like portion 110, preferably located below the wearer's heel. In this preferred embodiment, the cup-shaped portion 110 is made of a cushioning plastic or polymer material. In this preferred embodiment, the customizable arch support system further includes at least one cushion means 102 under the thumb ball of the wearer's foot. In this preferred embodiment, the cushion means 102 comprises a gel material. The cup-shaped portion 110 preferably includes a cup-shaped heel segment having an upper region and a contoured section 112 and transitions between the upper region and an upper surface located below the wearer's heel. Preferably, the cup-shaped portion 110 is constructed using gel or urethane foam. Alternatively, preferably the cup-shaped portion 110 is constructed using an injection molded plastic material. Alternative material selections for the cup-shaped portion 110 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the shoe insole 200 of the customizable arch support system includes an insole cover that is cut to expose the female half of the snap fastener, but without the arch support insert attached. . In this preferred embodiment, the lower surfaces of the female halves of the snap fasteners 206 are located below the arch area of the wearer's foot and further extend from the upper surface to the lower surface of the shoe insole 200 of the customizable arch support system. Configured and arranged to exist. Alternatively, preferably the arch support insert may also be attached directly to the insole with an insole covering the arch support insert.

  As further shown in FIG. 2, the shaped and contoured edge portion 214 is customizable so that the shoe insole 200 of the customizable arch support system does not slide or move easily within the wearer's shoe. The arch support system shoe insole 200 is constructed and arranged such that it can have a snug fit within the wearer's shoe with low tolerances.

  3A-3D show four different views of an arch support insert 352 that is attached to a shoe insole 100 of a customizable arch support system. The arch support insert 352 preferably has a top surface 354 shaped to fit the wearer's foot arch. The preferred curve of the top surface 354 of the arch support insert 352 can be more clearly observed from both sides, as in FIGS. 3C and 3D. The lower surface 356 of the arch support insert 352 is preferably shaped to match the inner shape of the wearer's shoe and the upper surface of the shoe insole 100 of the customizable arch support system.

  A snap fastener 358 constructed and arranged so that it can be removably attached to the lower surface 356 of the arch support insert 352 to the female half of the snap fastener 106 on the upper surface of the shoe insole 100 of the customizable arch support system. The male half is shown in FIG. 3B.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the customizable arch support system includes at least one shoe insole 400 and an arch support insert 452, which uses at least one fastening means to provide a shoe insole. It is attached to 400 so that attachment or detachment is possible. In this preferred embodiment, the fastening means preferably consists of at least one connected snap 460. The connected snap 460 shown in FIG. 4 consists of a pair of fastened snaps that are the male half of the snap fastener 358 shown in FIG. 3B and the female half of the snap fastener 106 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 further illustrates a shaped and contoured edge portion 414 constructed and arranged on the underside of the shoe insole 400. Alternatively, preferably the fastening means comprises a surface fastening system.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the customizable arch support system further includes at least one cover 570 installed over the arch support insert 552. Alternatively, preferably the cover 570 wraps around the arch support insert 552. In this preferred embodiment, the cover 570 preferably comprises a leather seat. Alternatively, preferably, cover 570 may be made of a sheet of lightweight synthetic material. Selection of alternative materials for cover 570 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  As further shown in FIG. 5, the lower layer comprises a shoe insole 500 that further includes a shank 508, a cup-shaped heel portion 510, and a cushion portion 502. The arch support insert 552 is detachably attached to the shoe insole 500 by fastening means. The fastening means used to removably attach the shoe insole 500 to the arch support insert 552 preferably comprises a snap mechanism 560. The arch support insert 552 is preferably made of two bonded layers, a lower layer 576 made of a compressible material having a high density and a low compressibility, and a compressible material having a low density and a high compressibility. And an upper layer 574. Alternatively, preferably, the arch support insert 552 may be made of a layer of compressible material. Alternatively, preferably the arch support insert 552 may be made using additive manufacturing and 3D scanning techniques to customize the arch support insert 552 to accurately fit the wearer's midfoot arch. .

  In other preferred embodiments, the compressibility of the upper and lower layers of the arch support insert 552 may be reversed and the upper layer 574 may be less compressible than the lower layer 576. In another preferred embodiment, the arch support insert 552 may have an upper layer 574 made of urethane foam and a lower layer 576 made of a polymer material. In another preferred embodiment, the shoe insole 500 may be made of a fiber board. In another preferred embodiment, shoe insole 500 may be constructed using an additive manufacturing method, commonly referred to as 3D printing, using a combination of shock absorbing materials. In another preferred embodiment, the snap mechanism 560 may be secured to the arch support insert 552 using synthetic tape. Alternative material selections for the components of the customizable arch support insole system will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  Further, the present invention preferably includes the steps of selecting an arch support insert that fits very well with the wearer's midfoot arch 352, fastening the arch support insert in the wearer's shoe, and The present invention relates to a method for customizing an arch support in a heeled shoe, including the step of placing a cover 570 thereon. Alternatively, preferably the arch support insert is positioned inside the cover prior to fastening the arch support insert in the wearer's shoe.

100, 200, 400, 500 Shoe insole 102 Cushion means 104 Adhesive 106, 206 Snap fastener 108, 508 Shank 110 Cup-shaped portion 112 Contour section 214, 414 Edge portion 352, 452, 552 Arch support insert 354 Upper surface 356 Lower surface 358 Snap fastener 460 Connected snap 502 Cushion portion 510 Cup-shaped heel portion 560 Snap mechanism 570 Cover 574 Upper layer 576 Lower layer

Claims (16)

Including at least one shoe insole and at least one arch support insert;
The arch support insert is removably attached to the shoe insole using at least one fastening means;
Customizable arch support system integrated with shoes.   The customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening means comprise at least one snap.   The customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means comprises a surface fastening system.   The customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 1, further comprising at least one shank encased in the shoe insole.   5. A customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 4, wherein the shank comprises a rectangular metal bar.   The customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 1, further comprising at least one cover disposed on the arch support insert.   7. A customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 6, wherein the cover comprises a leather seat.   7. A customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 6, wherein the cover comprises a sheet of synthetic fabric.   The customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 1, further comprising at least one cup-like portion located under the wearer's heel.   10. A customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 9, characterized in that the cup-shaped part is made of a polymer material.   10. A customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 9, wherein the cup-shaped portion is made of a gel material.   The customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 1, further comprising at least one cushioning means under the wearer's foot.   13. A customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that the cushion means is made of a gel material.   13. A customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that the cushion means is made of urethane foam material.   13. A customizable arch support system integrated with a shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that the cushion means comprises a combination of gel material and urethane foam material. A method for customizing the arch support of a shoe,
Selecting an arch support insert that closely matches the wearer's midfoot arch,
Fastening the arch support insert in a wearer's shoe; and installing a cover on the arch support insert.

Images