Adjustable Arch Support

Abstract

An arch support footwear system for supporting an arch of a user includes footwear to be worn by the user, a flexible bladder member to expand and contract to provide variable support to the arch of the user, a pump member to communicate with the flexible bladder member to provide pressurized fluid to the flexible bladder member. The flexible bladder member is integral with the footwear, and the pump member is integral with the footwear. The pump member is external to the footwear, and the footwear system includes a release valve to release the fluid from the flexible bladder member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an article of footwear and more particularly to footwear that provides arch support.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]US Patent Application 20040049947 discloses an article of footwear which includes a vamp, a lower support connected to the vamp and at least one insert mounted in the lower support and which includes an airtight casing having a plurality of elements positioned therein which are elastically deformable such that the biomechanics of the foot of the user are optimized.[0003]US Patent Application 20030208929 discloses a shoe sole, in particular for a sports shoe, where the sole includes a cartridge cushioning system that includes a load distribution plate and deformation elements disposed in a forefoot region of the sole to provide support and / or cushioning to the forefoot. The shoe sole may include a second cartridge cushioning system that includes a second load deformation plate and functional elements disposed...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The present invention is a pneumatically adjustable arch support that is beneficial for foot, ankle, knee, hip, and back pain, all of which can often become chronic from improper foundational support. The present invention is beneficial for foot and back pain, which has been caused by standing for extended periods of time. The present invention provides proper foot support and provides a pain-free environment for the feet. The present invention provides a good foundation to decrease the likelihood of developing degenerative arthritis of the ankles, knees, and hips along with relieving lower back pain. The present invention will decrease the likelihood of developing Plantar Fascitis and heel spurs.

[0010]In any biomechanical situation, the adjustment of the position of the related anatomical area aids in improving circulation and decreasing inflammation. It has been shown that human beings benefit from changing positions. A person staying in the same position for extended periods of time results in joints especially the spinal column that are adversely affected and supportive soft tissues become inflamed and start to hurt. Blood flow is occluded in the areas with extended periods of pressure being applied. This is seen in bedridden patients if they are not turned periodically. These patients develop bedsores due to the diminished blood flow to the areas that are being compressed.

[0011]An adjustable arch foot support is built into the shoe with an on-board air pump which is also built into the shoe will allow the person to adjust the arch periodically. This can be done without requiring the shoe to be taken off simply by pumping in air or other fluid with a small air bladder or letting air out with the release of a small valve.

Problems solved by technology

A person staying in the same position for extended periods of time results in joints especially the spinal column that are adversely affected and supportive soft tissues become inflamed and start to hurt.

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