Adjustable arch support for footwear

Abstract

The invention comprises an arch support (8) Fig 1 for foot wear comprising a pedestal (1) with series of rows of pegs (2) on its top surface. Vertical column (5) with lower cavity (7) for pedestal peg, middle body and top peg (6). Arch proper (8) has bottom cavities (9, 10, 11) fitting on top of vertical columns (5), top surface has acupressure dots (12). A cushion (13) covers arch top. The pedestal can be pasted to footwear inside or moulded in sole with pegs on foot inside. User fits arch to needed height vertical column and fit this to pedestal peg in both feet. Pedestal can be adhesive fixed for existing old footwear. The arch supports foot for the needed corrected user foot arch.

Description

[0001] ADJUSTABLE ARCH SUPPORT FOR FOOT WEAR

[0002] Technical Field:

[0003] This invention relates to a novel adjustable arch support for shoes, chapels, moulded plastic footwear and other footwear types for flat feet for kids, women and men! Flat foot affects 15% of adults with pain in foot and foot injuries too.

[0004] State of Art:

[0005] There are no foot wear with arch support effective from kids to elders for flat feet people. More than 15%of people have foot pain with flat feet, unfit for sports. With moulded footwear, shoes companies’ not solving arch support, awareness of flat foot or its correction is minimal. Flat feet needs help. Flat feet is increasing in kids, adults, elders due to calcium, Vitamin. D deficiencies, bad footwear from childhood. Foot arch are transverse and longitudinal. Longitudinal medial arch is formed by calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuneiform, 3 metatarsal bones takes on weight stress& strain. Weight of body in standing or running falls on tibia fibula then on talus and spread to other arch bones to transfer to ground in walk or run. The bones and ligaments if weak flat feet can be a fast deterioration with pain, deformity and surgery. All existing cushion, gels, springs, plates, insert supports aren’t strong from tibia weight transfer of bodyweight on ligaments, foot bones. Flat foot is bad sports record, army & police jobs need good arch feet. From 6 years of age arch develops for human walking, sports!

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] The defects in the existing foot arch support footwear in use are:

[0008] 1. Existing foot arch supports only the deformed arch not the corrected perfect previous position as in ours. We support to correct the weak arch and maintain it.

[0009] 2. Foams, gels, cushions used as arch supports get compressed by body weight & do not reduce weight strain on arch bones & ligaments in walking& running in full. 3. .Metal / plastic existing arches are not comfortable in long use.

[0010] 4. Foot bones, ligaments in arch are not kept supported from below for more strength.

[0011] 5. In walking, running, leap, stress forces on arch bones& ligaments are huge, soft support fails.

[0012] 6. People feet has huge variations in bone sizes, so mass produced solutions don’t help.

[0013] For an effective foot arch support new research, engineering, inventive steps are needed:

[0014] 1. Both bones & ligaments need firm support from ground up, soles to foot bones level to correct the weak arch initially till stable strong arch and then maintain it.

[0015] 2. Various foot anatomy needs adjustable arch support placement and its height for correction and maintain the user foot arch.

[0016] 3. Height of support from ground to corrected arch shape and height is variable for kids, men, women & elders.

[0017] 4. During walking, the support should be stable, not create cracks in our sole, footwear sole or get deformed.

[0018] 5. Footwear arch support must firmly support skin, muscles, ligaments, bones from below up and transmitting weight forces from tibia, fibula leg bones through calcaneus, talus and cuboid to metatarsals effectively

[0019] 6. Kids need prevention support to increase & maintaining arch in growing years. Adults, elders need, longer time for correction.

[0020] Our arch support inventive steps are;

[0021] 1. Ours has a pedestal incorporated in sole of footwear or pasted inside footwear.

[0022] 2. Pedestal has upper surface series of projecting rows of pegs for individual foot fitting.

[0023] 3. Height adjusting column of say 1 centimetre with cavity to fit lower peg and an upper peg end for upper column / arch fit. 4. An arch proper to fit columns with bottom reinforcements & top acupressure surface.

[0024] 5. A cushion for top surface foot comfort!

[0025] 6. Font and back of adult models have added front & back columns for supporting adult 100 kilos of weight for long use to fit all size, variable bone arch patterns.

[0026] Base plate of provisional specification is pedestal, pillar post is pegs and pillar is column corrected for apt description in complete specification,

[0027] We studied these problem of arch support and solved with novel engineering are new, novel, nonobvious and useful engineering parts, solving long felt need of flat feet people for better, correct foot strain & stress correction for comfortable long use!

[0028] Solution to Problem

[0029] .Our new foot arch support is an easier & correct solution with novel inventive step parts:

[0030] 1. There are a pedestal, height adjustment part, arch support proper, and a top cushion.

[0031] 2. Pedestal has many pegs for best position arch support fit for different foot arch sizes!

[0032] 3. Height column parts are strong, stable for adult weight support.

[0033] 4. Arch part is a firm strong long axis curved plate for below up foot bones support.

[0034] 5. Cushion pads up skin, muscles from our firm arch too!

[0035] 6. The foot arch support has height, arch position adjustment for all foot types now.

[0036] The new foot arch support is a boon for flat feet, in rest & walking. We searched all countries online foot ware stores like Nike, Reebok etc. for flat feet market solutions. Patents of cushions, metal, plastic implants, gels are different from us& not priority. Position & height adjustable arch support foot wear by user is now a new category. People with flat feet tend to over pronate, which can put strain on the big toe, causing arches to collapse or the ankles to roll inwards, The firm medial arch supports our foot and prevents it from rolling too far inward during walk. Examples of foot wear patents for flat feet are:

[0037] . US2020214388 Yoav Sterman- Footwear Arch Supports includes a base plate having a base plate top surface, a contoured arch plate attached to the base plate at a joint. (No joint in ours)

[0038] US2016235154 Kourosh Barati-ORTHOPEDIC FOOTWEAR WITH DYNAMIC MEDIAL LONGITUDINAL ARCH SUPPORT comprises an upper for covering a user's foot, a sole comprising an anterior part, a posterior part and a medial part, and a plurality of Bowden cables (No cables in ours)

[0039] Many patents with bolt, steel plates screws, springs all not used in ours and a mosaic of all patents for arch or existing all companies footwear for flat foot do not anticipate or can create our support with multiple rows of pegs on a pedestal, for adults, height adjusting columns for front middle or back for arch under side or an arch with acupressure dots& foam. Our arch supports firmly, the user foot arch without collapse in the arch part transferring body weight to heel, small toe side and metatarsal head as in normal arched foot! Our inventive steps allow user to adjust for correct arch support for mass market production and people use reducing cost of custom made costly footwear that doesn’t support weight as the foam can’t support 100 kilos stress.

[0040] Accordingly the object of the invention is to identify the solutions for problem associated with foot arch correcting foot wear. This an investment for good posture & pain free walking for longer use. An extensive search has been carried out using the Internet and related patent specifications were studied for adjustable foot arch support. Since the present invention is radically different, in using the new four component variable height new arch support on a pedestal, the inventors are unable to site any patent specification out of the available databases. Search of the USPTO, European patent offices, others, known literature, the footwear companies’ literature do not reveal device like ours. Four components- pedestal with pegs, height columns, arch, top cushioned arch is totally new with adjustable accurate placement below foot arch.

[0041] Summary of the invention:

[0042] The new flat feet foot arch support device for use in all types of flat foot. The device comprises of a base pedestal with many pegs on top (inside shoe / footwear) arranged in rows for arch support correct placement for more relief. One or two or three vertical column can fit on pegs. An arch shaped support with a bottom cavities fits to top of the vertical columns. The arch has acupressure dots on top surface, a thin cushion \of foam sits atop the arch proper. The base pedestal is fixed to footwear using adhesives for old footwear. Pedestal is incorporated in sole in sole moulding with pegs inside footwear, Mount arch body on vertical column for needed height. .Then user chooses which peg to fit by trial& error. If height has to be increased, add one more column to arch. The soft arch cushion helps foot comfort. Do for other foot, enjoy a comfortable walking or running or sports.

[0043] Statement of Drawings:

[0044] These and other objects and features of the invention will become more apparent upon perusal of following description taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings wherein:

[0045] Figure 1 shows the details of new foot arch support.

[0046] Figure 2 shows the pedestal & its top surface pegs in rows.

[0047] Figure 3 shows two pedestal pegs.

[0048] Figured shows parts of a vertical column.

[0049] Figure 5 shows two vertical column assembled on top.

[0050] Figure 6 shows arch proper side view.

[0051] Figure 7 shows arch bottom view.

[0052] Figure 8 shows top arch cushion.

[0053] Figure 9 shows a footwear with depression for pedestal pasting.

[0054] Figure 10 shows pedestal pasted in the depression.

[0055] Figure 11 shows arch support mode of action. Fig 12 shows moulded footwear with pedestal incorporated in sole.

[0056] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] The following specification describes salient features of invention, the method of construction, the method of use and the advantages of the novel invention.

[0058] The novel device supports foot’s medial longitudinal arch suppor. The new invention inventive step parts are: l.base sole pedestal with top multiple pegs. 2 A height adjustable vertical columns 3. Arch proper 4. A foam cover for arch. 5. Front, back arch bottom vertical support column for adult models. These five integers are new, novel, new function and result with inventive steps in new footwear for correcting flat feet. Ours is a preventer of fall of foot arch, not a cushioning that will get compressed under stress, ours is hard arch for foot with a better shape & structure with support from below to keep user foot’s arch members in correct position, strengthen ligaments, bones in use preventing pronation deformities. Springs, gels, plates all create a cushioned fall of arch under body weight strain stress on a single leg of walking step. Our foot arch reduces fall strain of foot bones.

[0059] The device is novel for reducing the pain in feet of flat feet with prevention, correction& maintenance. It is needed for kids, adolescents, adults, elders with separate gender models.

[0060] The invention has a base pedal 1 Figl& 2 with bottom surface for fixing by adhesives to users footwear in the weak arch area before heel. Pedestal top surface has series of short polygonal pegs 2 say squared or polygonal for strong fit. Pegs are in series of rows Fig 2. The pedestal can be of flexible plastic but pegs are hard. The pegs has body2, a top rounded top 3 and peg reinforcement ridges 4 in bottom. There is a space between pegs for a vertical column 5 to fit on the peg2. This vertical column has top peg a round end 6 for next column fit and bottom cavity 7 for assembly on peg 2. Fig 5shows two vertical column assembled for height increase one on top.

[0061] On top of vertical column an arch support proper 8 Fig 6 say5-8 centimetres long 5cms wide for average adult of strong hard material arch sits. The bottom of arch has reinforcing rays 16 around a central cavity 9 that fits vertical column top end 6.

[0062] Top surface of arch has series of acupressure dots 12 Fig 6. A cushion of foam 13 Fig 8 covers arch for comfortable use. The pegs may be square, cylindrical or five or six sided and 5mm for kids to 10 years& 10mm for adults in height. The vertical columns may be 10 to30mm in height for adults with bottom cavity 7 and upper peg 6 can be rounded or elongated 17 Fig5.

[0063] Arch has on its bottom surface two frontlO Fig7 and a back edge 11 cavities for vertical columns fitting in the arch bottom and column’s 5 cavity7 fits pegs in sole pedestal for large foot sizes for stability of arch support from breaking.

[0064] Arch on its bottom surface has two front cavities 10 Fig7 as front end and middle cavities 9 with its vertical columns are main weight support for user foot arch and redirect weight transferor to sole then to ground in adults.

[0065] The pedestal can be stuck in a matching depression 14 Fig9 in foot wear before heel. Pasted pedestal is shown in Fig lO.Then you can assemble the vertical column and arch proper to needed height & position for foot arch strong support without collapse as in cushions, springs of existing arch supports.

[0066] Fig 11 shows position of pasted arch below foot supporting user foot better than existing models. User foot stays in arch shape better in ours.

[0067] Figl2 shows pedestal incorporated in moulded footwear soles with friction, load bearing, wear & tear resisting type of plastics. To use, measure arch height to be lifted say 30 mm. Use pedestal pegs of 10 mm, insert two lOmmm vertical Colum(10mm effective height each ), Add another vertical Column with bottom cavity and top peg 10+ 10 mm =20mm height now. Now insert arch on the second upper column to total 30mm height. Fix Cover cushion Hon arch top surface. Do for other foot. Front, back support for arch fixed on bottom of arch and pedestal pegs for adults adds more stability The pegs, column, arch is one single hard firm stable unit with soft top for comfortable user foot arch support, a dynamic support! Our foot arch adjusts to support user foot arch. There is more stability in walking too. Severe cases may take longer for relief. Our arch support can be used as preventer, maintain, or correct flat feet. For correction, continuous use in outside& inside home foot wear can correct permanently. Dies to manufacture arch, vertical column, are easy to machine. Base pedestal with pegs is possible in sole as in Fig 12 mould with that configuration. For old foot wear base pedestal can be fixed with adhesive directly or making a depression in sole Fig 9 & 10. For high heels footwear users with flat feet, vertical column cannot be used-only arch& base pedestal can be used.

[0068] In moulded footwear the die for sole can have a ground surface grooved pattern with opposite face of die multiple peg cavities. After moulding the foot side will have series of pegs to fit arch on columns as in Fig 12. Dies for right, left of all foot sizes has to be made to be used with needed plastics. For pasting model dies for pedestal with pegs, arch column, and cushion are made.

[0069] Various plastics safe for skin, disposal, recycling can be used. Colours, designs, edges can all be made for fashion! Composite material comprising elastomeric foam embedded with a flexible thermoplastic for enhanced resilience and adaptability, dual or Multi-layer Construction for moulded footwear can be used. Pegs can be rounded or flat topped. Kids, adults, men & women footwear needs different size of pedestal its pegs, vertical column heights, arch size. Kids may not need many vertical column. For women arch size will be smaller & shorter as for needed foot size. Adults may need longer broader arch with many vertical column segments. In adults with severe flat foot the column height has to be raised in steps for stiff foot joints. For soft foot joints, full corrected height can be used. There is a corrective period of use with maintenance for longer use as needed. The device may be modified for existing and new footwear including, chapels, shoes, rain boots, slippers, sports footwear, etc. for flat feet people foot health. Kids above 6 years feet can have our device to keep & protect user arch. Foot anatomy, measurements help to guide correct use. Advantages of the invention:

[0070] 1. Arch support can support adult weight- good support in adult model.

[0071] 2. The user foot weight on our firm strong arch stabilises better than soft gels, foam, and cushion of today for sports too!

[0072] 3. User can do the fit by themselves in simple steps. 4. Kids, adolescents, adults can benefit in pain free flat foot.

[0073] 5. User foot arch can be corrected to correct position & maintained in continuous use.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 21 July 2025 (21.07.2025)WE Claim:

1. An adjustable arch support for foot wear comprising of: a) sole pedestal (1) with ground, sides and a top surface with series of rows of pegs (2), each peg comprises a body & top end (3); b) column component comprising a pedestal peg cavity in bottom (7), middle body (5), an upper end (6); c) an arch proper(8) comprising an arch body proper with front, two side and back edges, bottom surface with front(lO) , middle (9) and back(l l) reinforced cavities , a top surface with rows of acupressure dots (12); d) front , middle and back arch support vertical columns(5) attaching to arch bottom surface front(lO) middle(9) & back cavities(l l), the lower end of column’s cavity(7) inserting into pedestal pegs(2); e) Cushion (13) for arch top surface.

2. The adjustable arch support for foot wear as claimed in claim 1, wherein pedestal (1) comprises of a block with ground surface, front, back and twos sides, the top surface with rows of pegs(2) of flexible strong material.

3. The adjustable arch support for foot wear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strong pedestal pegs (2) are provided with spaces in between pegs for column vertical supports, the pedestal pegs junction has reinforcing ridges(4).

4. The adjustable arch support for foot wear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical columns(5) comprises a bottom cavity(7) for pedestal pegs(2), a firm middle body and a top peg(6) for next column or arch.

5. The adjustable arch support for foot wear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arch (8) comprises front, two sides and back edges, the top surface has series of acupressure dots(12), the bottom surface of arch has front, middle and back reinforced strong cavities( 10,9,11), for column top pegs, the arch supportextending from an middle edge on the medial side of the footwear to a central portion of the footwear and the arch support plate curving gradually to form an arch to fit complementary to corrective position of arch of user foot.

6. The adjustable arch support for foot wear as claimed in claim 1, a cushion(13) with dimensions same as arch(8), it’s front, two sides and back edges, fits top surface of arch & covers it for foot comfort feeling.

7. The adjustable arch support for foot wear as claimed in claim 1, wherein sole pedestal (1) with top surface rows of pegs is moulded in sole of footwear, with the vertical columns, and arch, arch cushion as separate parts assembly.

8. The adjustable arch support for foot wear as claimed in claim Iwherein the adjustment is arch positioning on pedestal pegs to front, sides back of footwear for placement below user foot in the corrective position, the height of arch adjustment is by use of needed numbers of vertical column units to fit in corrective position of foot for needed foot support and relief.

9. The adjustable arch support for foot wear as claimed in claim 1, the rigid arch support comprises one of, ethyl vinyl acetate, rubber, plastics material, thermos plastics, graphite sheeting, and fibre reinforced plastics separately or in combination.

10. The adjustable arch support for foot wear as claimed in claim 1, wherein sole pedestal (I) with top surface rows of pegs is pasted inside of footwear, with the vertical columns, arch as separate parts.[0001]STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19(1)[0002]We state that we are changing word An to The in all claims 2-10. There is no new amendment only change word An to The. There is no new mattter.. We request permission to follow ISR& IB rules.[0003]Claim 1 (c) is readjustmemt of words with no new matter, words added: -an arch proper(8) comprising an arch body proper with front, two side and back edges, bottom surface front(lO) , middle (9) and back(l 1) reinforced cavities , a top surface with rows of acupressure dots (12).[0004]Claim 1(d) “bottom” instead of lower.This is for corect word useage.[0005]Claim 3 has word “junction” -the pedestal pegs junction has reinforcing ridges(4). for clarity.[0006]Claim2-10 An changed to The.[0007]No new words are added to claims.[0008]. No new matter is included.[0009]We have not changesd scope of invention.[0010]Please allow these amendments.

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