Air bladder for shoes

Abstract

An exemplary embodiment of an air bladder configured to maintain the shape of a front toe portion of a shoe is provided. For example, an air bladder for a shoe is provided, including a central body having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a hollow interior, configured to be inflated, the central body having a shape that fits the front toe portion of a shoe, a recess provided on the lower portion of the central body for diving the central body, a middle portion having a lower portion fluidly connected to the upper portion of the central body and narrower than the central body, and an upper wing portion fluidly connected to the upper portion of the middle portion and wider than the middle portion. A shoe insert into which the air bladder can be secured can also be provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 167,157, filed March 29, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to exemplary embodiments of an air bladder, and more particularly, to exemplary embodiments of an inflatable air bladder having a shoe insert. [Background technology]

[0003] In order to keep the original shape of the shoe and prevent the shoe from wrinkling, especially in the toe area, various shoe inserts are provided to be inserted into the shoe. However, most shoe inserts have a specific size and cannot be used for shoes of different sizes and shapes. Also, because the shoe inserts are rigid, they do not match the actual size of the interior of the shoe in which they are inserted, especially in the toe area. Therefore, the shoe inserts cannot keep the exact shape of the shoe or prevent the shoe from wrinkling. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an inflatable air bladder disposed within the toe area of ​​the shoe to maintain the shape of the toe area.

[0005] In some example embodiments, an air bladder for a shoe is provided, comprising: a central body having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a hollow interior configured to inflate, the central body having a shape to fit a front toe portion of a shoe; a recess disposed on the lower portion of the central body dividing the central body; a middle portion having a lower portion fluidly connected to the upper portion of the central body, the middle portion being narrower than the central body; and upper wing portions fluidly connected above the middle portion and wider than the middle portion.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, the upper wing portion includes an upper left wing and an upper right wing fluidly connected to the middle portion and the central body. In some exemplary embodiments, the air bladder further includes a first recess between the central body and the upper left wing and a second recess between the central body and the upper right wing, and the middle portion of the air bladder is disposed between the first recess and the second recess. In some exemplary embodiments, the air bladder further includes a recess at the upper portion of the upper wing portion between the upper left wing and the upper right wing.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, the air valve is configured to allow air to enter and exit the air bladder. In some exemplary embodiments, the central body, the intermediate section, and the upper wing sections are configured to inflate when air is provided to the air bladder via the air valve. In some exemplary embodiments, the air valve is located on a lower portion of the upper wing section.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the air bladder further includes an engagement portion disposed on a lower portion of the air bladder and configured to engage the air bladder with a shoe insert. In some exemplary embodiments, the engagement portion is disposed on a bottom portion of the central body and the upper wing. In some exemplary embodiments, the engagement portion includes a button.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, an apparatus for maintaining a shape of a front toe portion of a shoe is provided, the apparatus including: a shoe insert having a convex shape that conforms to the shape of the front toe portion of a shoe, the shoe insert configured to be inserted into the front toe portion of a shoe; an air bladder having an inflatable body configured to expand and contract and disposed on the shoe insert; and an air valve disposed on the air bladder and configured to allow air to enter the air bladder to inflate and to let air out of the air bladder to deflate the inflatable body of the air bladder.

[0010] 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 tube having a first end connected to the air valve and a second end connected to the air pump, the air tube configured to supply air from the air pump to the air valve. In some exemplary embodiments, the device further includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a central body having a shape to fit a front toe of a shoe, an upper wing portion, and a middle portion disposed between the central body and the upper wing portion, the middle portion being narrower than the central body and the upper wing portion, the central body, the middle portion, and the upper wing portion having a hollow interior and being fluidly connected to each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the device further includes a recess disposed inwardly of the central body on the lower portion of the central body opposite the middle portion. In some exemplary embodiments, the upper wing portion includes an upper left wing and an upper right wing fluidly connected to the middle portion and the central body.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the device further includes a first recess between the central body and the upper left wing and a second recess between the central body and the upper right wing, and the middle portion of the air bladder is disposed between the first recess and the second recess. In some exemplary embodiments, the device further includes an engagement portion disposed on a lower portion of the air bladder, the engagement portion configured to engage with a corresponding engagement portion on an upper portion of the shoe insert. In some exemplary embodiments, the engagement portion of the air bladder is disposed on the bottom of the central body and the upper wing. In some exemplary embodiments, the engagement portion includes a button. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] The above and other objects of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an air bladder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B show bottom and side views, respectively, of an air bladder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an air bladder in a shoe insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B show side and top views, respectively, of an air bladder on a shoe insert connected to an air pump in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a shoe insert having an air bladder within a shoe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B illustrate side and bottom views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a shoe insert having an air bladder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Throughout the figures, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, it is done so in connection with the exemplary embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject disclosure.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a shoe insert having an inflatable air bladder. The air bladder can be provided in an upper portion of the shoe insert, with air being provided to the air bladder that conforms to the shape of the interior front of the shoe to prevent wrinkling.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of various methods and apparatus will now be described with reference to the drawings. The following description of the various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an air bladder 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The air bladder 100 can have a lower central body 110, a middle section 150, an upper left wing 120, and an upper right wing 130. As described below, the central body 110, the middle section 150, the upper left wing 120, and the upper right wing 130 can have inflatable hollow interiors. The interiors of the central body 110, the upper left wing 120, and the upper right wing 130 are fluidly connected via the middle section 150. Compared to the central body 110, the middle section has a narrower section connecting the central body 110 to the upper left wing 120 and the upper right wing 130.

[0017] The bottom of the lower central body 110 is provided with a recess 142 at the very front, which separates the central body 110 into a left side 110a and a right side 110b, where the air bladder 110 can be located at the front of the shoe. The left side 110a can engage the front of the shoe, and the right side 110b can engage the opposite front of the shoe. A recess 144 can be provided between the central body 110 and the upper left wing 120. A recess 146 can be provided between the central body 110 and the upper right wing 130. The recesses 144 and 146 provide clearance between the central body 110 and the upper left wing 120 and the upper right wing 130, respectively. A recess 148 can also be provided at the top of the air bladder 100, between the upper left wing 120 and the upper right wing 130. These recesses may have a curved shape and help shape the air bladder 100 to prevent wrinkles in areas of the shoe that are prone to wrinkles (e.g., the front top and front sides of the shoe). The air bladder 100 may be made from a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to, plastic or rubber. In some exemplary embodiments, the air bladder 100 is made from thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0018] 2A and 2B show bottom and side views, respectively, of an air bladder 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The air bladder 100 can have an air valve 160 that connects to the interior of the air bladder 100. For example, the air valve 160 can be connected to the middle portion 150 of the air bladder 100 and can be used to pump air into the air bladder 100 to inflate the air bladder 100 and release air from the air bladder 100 to deflate the air bladder 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the air valve 160 can have an automatic stop to prevent air from exiting the air bladder 100 when air is pumped into and removed from the air bladder 100. In some exemplary embodiments, a luer valve can be used. In some exemplary embodiments, the air valve 160 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows an air bladder 100 provided on a shoe insert 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The shoe insert 200 can have a size and shape to fit the inside front upper part of the shoe. The shoe insert 200 can be made of a hard material, for example, hard plastic such as, but not limited to, polypropylene, to maintain its shape. The shoe insert 200 can have a convex shape such that the area between the sides of the shoe insert 200 is hollow. The shoe insert 200 can be thin so that it is lightweight and can be easily inserted into the shoe. The shoe insert 200 can have a recess 210 on its top, which corresponds to the location of the air valve 160 of the air bladder 100. The air bladder 100 can have an engagement portion 170 that is connected to an engagement portion 220 (e.g., hole 220) of the shoe insert 200. The engagement portion 170 can be provided on 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, or hook and loop fasteners or any type of mechanical connection can be used to connect the air bladder 100 to the shoe insert 200 .

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the air bladder 100 may have a button 170 (e.g., a snap button) at the bottom that snaps into a hole 220 in the shoe insert 200 to secure the air bladder 100 to the shoe insert 200. When a user wishes to remove the air bladder 100 from the shoe insert 200, the button 170 may be disengaged from the hole 220. For example, a stud at the bottom of the air bladder 100 may engage a socket or hole in the shoe insert. Various numbers of buttons 170 and holes 220 may be provided on the air bladder 100 and shoe insert, and the type or number of buttons 170 and holes 220 are not limited. The location and size of the button 170 may correspond to the location and size of the hole 220 in the shoe insert 200 to secure the air bladder 100 to the shoe insert 200.

[0021] 4A and 4B show side and top views, respectively, of the air bladder 100 of the shoe insert 200 connected to an air pump 300, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The air pump 300 can be 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. A tube 350 is connected to the air pump 300 at a second end 320 of the air pump 300. The tube 350 can be connected to an air valve 160 of the air bladder 100. The air pump 300 can be pushed to pump air from the air pump 300 into the tube 350 and into the air bladder 100. The air valve 160 prevents air from returning into the tube (350). After the air bladder 100 has been inflated to the appropriate amount of volume, the tube 350 can be removed from the air valve 160 or, as described below, the tube 350 can be left in place and maintained inside the shoe.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a shoe insert 200 with an air bladder 100 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, which can then be inserted into the shoe 400. In some exemplary embodiments, the pump 300 and the 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 can be rigid and have a shape that fits the front interior portion of the shoe 400. The pump 300 is then pressed to pump air into the air bladder 100, which provides air to the lower central body 110, the middle portion 150, the upper left wing 120, and the upper right wing 130 of the air bladder 100. The central body 110 can prevent wrinkles in the front of the shoe 400, and the upper left wing 120 and the upper right wing 130 can prevent wrinkles that may form on the front sides of the shoe 400. When the shoe 400 appears to fit snugly over the shoe insert 200 and air bladder 100, the user can stop pumping air with the pump 300. If too much air is pumped into the air bladder 100, the user can also press the release on the air valve 160 to release air from the air bladder 100. The pump 300 and tube 350 can be removed or left in place within the shoe 400.

[0023] 6A and 6B show side and bottom views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a shoe insert, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The bottom of the shoe insert 200 has a plate 480 fixed to the shoe insert 200, with a hollow circular interior 470 between the plates. A first end of a flexible drawbar 460 is connected to the hollow circular interior 470, and a second end is connected to an end base 450. The end base 450 can be inserted into the shoe and held in place at the rear. The flexible drawbar 460 presses the shoe insert 200 against the front of the shoe and the end base 450 against the rear of the shoe to hold the shoe insert 200 and air bladder in place inside the shoe.

[0024] Various other considerations may also be addressed in the exemplary applications described in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, different materials may be used to construct the elements shown in the figures. Different sized elements may also be provided for different sized shoes. For example, different sized shoe inserts and air bladders may be provided for children's and adult shoes.

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may also provide various advantages. The upper wings and recesses of the air bladder allow air to be filled in the front and sides of the shoe, which are areas of wrinkles and wear. These shapes allow the air bladder to move freely inside the shoe to find areas that need air filling to smooth out wrinkles. When the air bladder is filled with air, the resistance of the air bladder pushes against the shoe insert, creating a lock to smooth out wrinkles in the front and sides of the shoe. The air bladder and shoe insert may be used in a variety of footwear, including, but not limited to, sneakers, dress shoes, casual shoes, and boots.

[0026] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the present disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, manufactures and methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure and are therefore within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. An air bladder for a shoe, comprising: The upper part and The lower part and a central body having a hollow interior configured to be inflated, the central body having a shape to fit into a front toe portion of a shoe; a recess provided in a lower portion of the central body and dividing the central body; a middle portion having a lower portion fluidly connected to an upper portion of the central body and narrower than the central body; an upper wing portion fluidly connected to an upper portion of the intermediate portion and wider than the intermediate portion; an engagement portion disposed on the lower portion and configured to engage the air bladder with a shoe insert; Includes an air bladder.

2. 2. The air bladder of claim 1, wherein the upper wing section includes left and right wings fluidly connected to the middle section and the central body.

3. a first recess provided between the central body and the left wing; a second recess provided between the central body and the right wing; Further comprising:

3. The air bladder of claim 2, wherein the intermediate portion of the air bladder is disposed between the first recess and the second recess.

4. 3. The air bladder of claim 2, further comprising a recess disposed at a top of said upper wing portion between said left wing and said right wing.

5. 10. The air bladder of claim 1, further comprising an air valve configured to admit air to and expel air from the air bladder.

6. 6. The air bladder of claim 5, wherein the central body, the intermediate section and the upper wing sections are configured to inflate when air is supplied to the air bladder via the air valve.

7. 6. The air bladder of claim 5, wherein the air valve is located below the upper wing.

8. The air bladder of claim 1 , wherein the engagement portion is provided at a bottom of the central body and the upper wing portion.

9. The air bladder of claim 1 , wherein the engagement portion comprises a button.

10. A device for maintaining the shape of a front toe portion of a shoe, comprising: a shoe insert having a convex shape that conforms to the shape of a front toe portion of a shoe, the shoe insert being configured to be inserted into the front toe portion of a shoe; an air bladder mounted on the shoe insert, the air bladder having an inflatable body configured to inflate and deflate, the air bladder including an upper portion, a lower portion, a central body shaped to fit over a front toe of a shoe, upper wings, a middle portion between the central body and the upper wings, the middle portion being narrower than the central body and the upper wings, and an engagement portion on the lower portion configured to engage a corresponding engagement portion on an upper portion of the shoe insert, the central body, the middle portion and the upper wings having hollow interiors and being fluidly connected to one another; an air valve disposed on the air bladder and configured to allow air to enter the air bladder to inflate an inflatable body of the air bladder and to allow air to leave the air bladder to deflate the inflatable body of the air bladder; An apparatus comprising:

11. The apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising an air pump configured to supply air to the air valve.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising an air tube having a first end connected to the air valve and a second end connected to the air pump, the air tube configured to supply air from the air pump to the air valve.

13. The device of claim 10 further comprising a recess disposed inwardly of the central body in a lower portion thereof opposite the intermediate portion.

14. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the upper wing section includes a left wing and a right wing fluidly connected to the middle section and the central body.

15. a first recess provided between the central body and the left wing; a second recess provided between the central body and the right wing; Further comprising:

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the intermediate portion of the air bladder is disposed between the first recess and the second recess.

16. The device of claim 10 , wherein the air bladder engagement portions are provided at the bottom of the central body and the upper wing.

17. The device of claim 10 , wherein the engagement portion comprises a button.

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