Patent Application
20210274880
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,
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.
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.
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
The invention can be adapted to utilize a number of different combinations of elements to effectuate the goals of the invention. Thus, in
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.
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.
