Air bag for shoes

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of air cells configured to maintain the shape of the forefoot toe portion of a shoe are provided. For example, an air cell for a shoe is provided that includes a top portion; a bottom portion; a central body having a hollow interior configured to be inflatable, the central body shaped to conform to the forefoot toe portion of a shoe; a recess disposed in the lower portion of the central body and separating the central body; a middle portion having a top portion in fluid connection with the top portion of the central body, the bottom portion of the middle portion narrower than the central body; and a top wing portion in fluid connection with the top portion of the middle portion, the top wing portion wider than the middle portion. A shoe insert to which the air cell can be secured can also be provided.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application relates to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 167157, filed March 29, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to exemplary embodiments of airbags, and more specifically, to exemplary embodiments of inflatable airbags (air bladders) having a shoe insert. Background Technology

[0004] Various shoe inserts are available to maintain the original shape of shoes and prevent wrinkles, especially in the toe area. However, most shoe inserts are of a specific size and are not suitable for shoes of different sizes and shapes. Furthermore, shoe inserts are rigid, so they do not conform to the actual dimensions of the inside of the shoe where they are placed, particularly in the toe area. Therefore, shoe inserts cannot maintain the precise shape of the shoe or prevent wrinkles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may provide an inflatable airbag disposed within the toe portion of a shoe to maintain the shape of the toe portion of the shoe.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, an air bladder for a shoe may be provided, comprising: a top; a bottom; a center body having a hollow interior configured to be inflatable and shaped to conform to a forefoot portion of the shoe; a recess disposed at a lower portion of the center body and separating the center body; a middle portion having a bottom that is narrower than the center body and fluidly connected to the top of the center body; and a top wing portion fluidly connected to the top of the middle portion and wider than the middle portion.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, the top wing portion includes a left top wing portion and a right top wing portion fluidly connected to the intermediate portion and the central body. In some exemplary embodiments, the airbag further includes: a first recess disposed between the central body and the left top wing; and a second recess disposed between the central body and the right top wing; wherein the intermediate portion of the airbag is disposed between the first recess and the second recess. In some exemplary embodiments, the airbag further includes a recess disposed at the top of the top wing portion, between the left top wing and the right top wing.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the airbag further includes an air valve configured to allow air to enter and exit the airbag. In some exemplary embodiments, the central body, intermediate portion, and top wing portion are configured to inflate when air is supplied to the airbag through the air valve. In some exemplary embodiments, the air valve is located at the bottom of the top wing portion.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the airbag further includes a connecting portion disposed at the bottom of the airbag, configured to engage the airbag to a shoe insert. In some exemplary embodiments, the connecting portion is disposed at the bottom of the central body and the top wing portion. In some exemplary embodiments, the connecting portion includes a button.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, an apparatus for maintaining the shape of the foreto portion of a shoe is provided, comprising: a shoe insert having a protruding shape consistent with the shape of the foreto portion of the shoe, the shoe insert being configured to be inserted into the foreto portion of the shoe; an air bladder disposed on top of the shoe insert and having an inflatable gas configured to expand and contract; and an air valve disposed on the air bladder and configured to allow air to enter the air bladder to expand the inflatable gas of the air bladder, and to allow air to exit the air bladder to contract the inflatable gas of the air bladder.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the device further includes an air pump configured to supply air to the air valve. In some exemplary embodiments, the device further includes an air conduit having a first end connected to the air valve and a second end connected to the air pump, the air conduit being configured to supply air from the air pump to the air valve. In some exemplary embodiments, the device further includes: a top; a bottom; a center body shaped to conform to the forefoot portion of a shoe; a top wing portion; and a middle portion disposed between the center body and the top wing portion, having a width narrower than the center body and the top wing portion; wherein the center body, the middle portion, and the top wing portion have hollow interiors and are fluidly connected to each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the device further includes a recess disposed inwardly within the center body at a lower portion opposite the middle portion. In some exemplary embodiments, the top wing portion includes a left top wing portion and a right top wing portion fluidly connected to the middle portion and the center body.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the device further includes a first recess disposed between the central body and the left top wing; and a second recess disposed between the central body and the right top wing; wherein the middle portion of the airbag is disposed between the first and second recesses. In some exemplary embodiments, the device further includes a connecting portion located at the bottom of the airbag, the connecting portion being configured to engage with a corresponding connecting portion at the top of the shoe insert. In some exemplary embodiments, the connecting portions of the airbag are disposed at the bottom of the central body and the top wing portion. In some exemplary embodiments, the connecting portion includes a button. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The foregoing and other objects of this disclosure will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and claims, and from the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 A top perspective view of an airbag according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0015] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A bottom view and a side view of an airbag according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown respectively;

[0016] Figure 3 An airbag disposed on a shoe insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A side view and a top view of an air bladder connected to an air pump according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown respectively.

[0018] Figure 5 An airbag-equipped shoe insert within a shoe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0019] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Side and bottom views of alternative embodiments of a shoe insert with an airbag according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, respectively.

[0020] Throughout the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals and characters are used to denote the same features, elements, components, or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, while this subject matter disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, this is done in conjunction with illustrative embodiments. Changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of this subject matter disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0021] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a shoe insert with an inflatable air bladder. The air bladder may be disposed at the top of the shoe insert, and air is supplied into the air bladder, which conforms to the shape of the inner front of the shoe to prevent wrinkles.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of various methods and devices will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following descriptions of various embodiments are merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope, application, or use of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 1 A top perspective view of an airbag 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The airbag 100 may have a lower central body 110, a middle portion 150, a left top wing 120, and a right top wing 130. The central body 110, the middle portion 150, the left top wing 120, and the right top wing 130 may have an inflatable hollow interior, as explained below. The interiors of the central body 110, the left top wing 120, and the right top wing 130 are fluidly connected via the middle portion 150. Compared to the central body 110, the middle portion may be narrower in the portion connecting the central body 110 to the left top wing 120 and the right top wing 130.

[0024] A recess 142 may be provided at the bottom of the lower central body 110, thereby dividing the central body 110 into a left side 110a and a right side 110b at the foremost part, where the airbag 110 will be located at the front of the shoe. The left side 110a may engage with the front portion of the shoe, and the right side 110a may engage with the opposite front portion of the shoe. A recess 144 may be provided between the central body 110 and the left top wing 120. A recess 146 may be provided between the central body 110 and the right top wing 130. Recesses 144 and 146 provide gaps between the central body 110 and the left top wing 120 and the right top wing 130, respectively. A recess 148 may also be provided on top of the airbag 100 between the left top wing 120 and the right top wing 130. These recesses may have a curved shape and may help to form the shape of the airbag 100, which can prevent creases from forming in parts of the shoe that may form creases (e.g., the front top and front sides of the shoe). The airbag 100 can be made of various materials, such as, but not limited to, plastic or rubber. In some exemplary embodiments, the airbag 100 can be made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0025] Figure 2A and 2BA bottom view and a side view of an airbag 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, respectively. The airbag 100 may have an air valve 160 connected to the interior of the airbag 100. For example, the air valve 160 may be connected to the middle portion 150 of the airbag 100 and may be used to pump air into the airbag 100 to inflate the airbag 100 and to release air from the airbag 100 to deflate the airbag 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the air valve 160 may automatically stop once air has been pumped into the airbag 100 and removed to prevent air from leaving the airbag 100. In some exemplary embodiments, a Luer valve may be employed. In some exemplary embodiments, the air valve 160 may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0026] Figure 3 An air bladder 100 disposed on a shoe insert 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The size and shape of the shoe insert 200 can be configured to conform to the upper front part of the interior of a shoe. The shoe insert 200 can be made of a rigid material to maintain its shape, such as, but not limited to, a hard plastic like polypropylene. The shoe insert 200 can have a raised shape such that the area between the two sides of the shoe insert 200 is hollow. The shoe insert 200 can be thin, so it can be lightweight and easy to insert into a shoe. The shoe insert 200 may have a recess 210 on its upper part, which corresponds to the location of the air valve 160 of the air bladder 100. The air bladder 100 may have an engagement portion 170 that connects to the engagement portion 220 (e.g., hole 220) of the shoe insert 200. The engagement portion 170 may be disposed at the bottom of the air bladder 100 to engage with the top of the shoe insert 200. Any type of engagement can be used, and the engagement portion 170 is not limited to any type of connection. For example, adhesives, tapes, hook and loop fasteners, or any type of mechanical connection can be used to connect the airbag 100 to the shoe insert 200.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, a button 170 (such as a snap) may be provided at the bottom of the airbag 100 to fasten the airbag 100 to the shoe insert 200 through a hole 220. If the user wishes to remove the airbag 100 from the shoe insert 200, the button 170 may disengage from the hole 220. For example, a stud on the bottom of the airbag 100 may engage with a slot or hole provided on the shoe insert. Various numbers of buttons 170 and holes 220 may be provided on the airbag 100, and the buttons 170 and holes 220 are not limited to any particular type or number. The position and size of the button 170 may correspond to the position and size of the hole 220 on the shoe insert 200 to secure the airbag 100 to the shoe insert 200.

[0028] Figure 4A and Figure 4BSide and top views of an air bladder 100 connected to an air pump 300 on a shoe insert 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown, respectively. The air pump 300 is used to pump air into the air bladder 100. An orifice 310 at a first end of the air pump 300 allows air to enter the pump 300. An air tube 350 is connected to the air pump 300 at a second end 320. The air tube 350 can be connected to an air valve 160 of the air bladder 100. The air pump 300 can be compressed to deliver air from the air pump 300 to the air tube 350 and into the air bladder 100. The air valve 160 prevents air from returning to the air tube (350). After the air bladder 100 is inflated to the appropriate volume, the air tube 350 can be disconnected from the air valve 160, or the air tube 350 can be left in place and held inside the shoe, as shown below.

[0029] Figure 5 A shoe insert 200 having an air bladder 100 is shown in a shoe 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The air bladder 100 can be secured to the shoe insert 200, and then the shoe insert 200 can be inserted into the shoe 400. In some exemplary embodiments, an air pump 300 and an air tube 350 can be connected to the air bladder 100 before or after the shoe insert 200 is inserted into the shoe. The shoe insert 200 is rigid and can have a shape conforming to the front interior of the shoe 400. The air pump 300 can then be squeezed to deliver air into the air bladder 100, which provides air to the interior of the lower central body 110, the middle portion 150, the left top wing 120, and the right top wing 130 of the air bladder 100. The central body 110 can prevent creases at the front of the shoe 400, and the left top wing 120 and the right top wing 130 can prevent creases formed on the front side of the shoe 400. Once the shoe 400 is securely fitted with the shoe insert 200 and the air bladder 100, the user can stop pumping air using the air pump 300. If too much air has been pumped into the air bladder 100, the user can also press the release element in the air valve 160 to release the air from the air bladder 100. The air pump 300 and air tube 350 can be removed or left in their proper positions within the shoe 400.

[0030] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Side and bottom views of an alternative embodiment of a shoe insert according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, respectively. The bottom of the shoe insert 200 may have a plate 480 fixed to it, having a hollow circular interior 470 between the plates. A flexible tension bar 460 may be connected at a first end to the hollow circular interior 470 and at a second end to an end base 450. The end base 450 may be inserted into and held in place at the rear of the shoe. The flexible tension bar 460 presses the shoe insert 200 into the front of the shoe and the end base 450 into the rear of the shoe to hold the shoe insert 200 and the air bladder in place within the shoe.

[0031] Various other problems can also be solved in the exemplary applications described according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. For example, various materials can be used to construct the elements described in the drawings. Elements of various sizes can also be used to provide shoes of various sizes. For example, shoe inserts and airbags of different sizes can be provided for children's shoes and adult shoes.

[0032] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein also offer various advantages. The top wing and recess of the air bladder allow air to fill the foreground and sides of the shoe, areas prone to creases and wear. These shapes allow the air bladder to move freely within the shoe and locate areas requiring inflation to eliminate creases. When the air bladder is filled with air, the resistance of the air bladder pushes against the shoe insert and creates a lock to push and smooth out creases on the front and sides of the shoe. The air bladder and shoe insert can be used in a variety of footwear, such as, but not limited to, athletic shoes, dress shoes, casual shoes, and boots.

[0033] The foregoing only illustrates the principles of this disclosure. In light of the teachings herein, various modifications and variations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to design various systems, arrangements, manufactures, and methods that, while not expressly shown or described herein, embody the principles of this disclosure and are therefore within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An airbag having a hollow interior configured for inflatability and combined with a rigid insert adapted to support the airbag, wherein, The airbag includes a button disposed at the bottom of the airbag, the button being configured to snap into a hole in the rigid insert to secure the airbag to the rigid insert, wherein the button is detachable from the hole in the rigid insert to remove the airbag from the rigid insert, the rigid insert having a hollow space with a raised shape, wherein the airbag and the rigid insert are adapted to be accommodated in a shoe and the airbag does not extend into the hollow space of the rigid insert.

2. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein, The shoe has a front portion, and the airbag and the rigid insert are housed in the front portion of the shoe.

3. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein, The airbag has a front portion, the front portion of which includes a recess defined and separated by substantially parallel side surfaces.

4. The airbag according to claim 3, wherein, The recess includes an open end, and the side of the recess terminates at the front of the airbag.

5. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein, The airbag also includes a body and curved wings extending from the body in substantially opposite directions, at least one of the wings having an edge spaced apart from the body to define a recess therebetween.

6. The airbag according to claim 5, wherein, The wing is fluidly connected to the main body.

7. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein, The airbag also includes a body having an outer side, the outer side including an outward extension connected to an inward extension.

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