Flexible Fabric Shoe Inserts for Multi-Size Shape Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current shoe inserts are unable to accommodate a variety of shoe shapes and sizes, and they often compromise the aesthetic appearance of shoes during photography, as they can add texture and be difficult to position and remove without causing creases or dust issues.

Innovation Solution

A shoe insert comprising a toe fabric bag and a vamp fabric bag made of flexible, compressible materials that can be tailored to fit different shoe sizes and shapes, allowing for natural appearance maintenance and easy manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid materials like recycled formed paperboard and plastic are used for shoe inserts, then the structural support is improved, but the adaptability to different shoe shapes and sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidadaptability to different shoe shapes and sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible fabric bag enclosing a compressible form-fitting material instead of rigid inserts. The fabric bag acts as a flexible shell that can conform to various shoe shapes while the compressible material inside provides structural support. This combination allows the insert to maintain shoe shape while adapting to different footwear types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The compressible form-fitting material can change its physical parameters (density, volume, shape) in response to compression forces from the shoe walls. This allows the insert to adapt its form to match the specific contours of different shoe types while maintaining adequate structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If pre-formed custom molded shoe inserts are used, then the fit to specific shoe styles is improved, but the versatility across different shoe types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit to specific shoe stylesVSAvoidversatility across different shoe types
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric bag with compressible material is designed as a universal insert that can be used across multiple shoe types including heels, flats, boots, and sandals. The compressible nature allows a single design to serve multiple functions and fit various shoe styles without requiring custom molding for each type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The insert transitions from a static pre-formed shape to a dynamic form that adjusts to the shoe's contours. The compressible material allows the insert to dynamically adapt its shape based on the specific shoe it is placed in, providing precision fit without requiring custom manufacturing for each shoe style.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If wood and spacer bar shoe inserts are used, then the length adjustment capability is improved, but the complexity of mechanical embodiment and engagement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanical embodiment and engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric bag provides a simple, flexible embodiment that naturally adjusts to length requirements without complex mechanical structures. The bag can be easily inserted and removed from shoes of various lengths, eliminating the need for adjustable mechanisms or complex engagement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If materials like cotton batting and tissue paper are used for photography, then the ease of positioning is improved, but the harmful effects of adding texture and releasing dust deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of positioningVSAvoidadding texture and releasing dust
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric bag acts as a smooth, continuous shell that does not release dust or fibers like loose batting or tissue paper. The enclosed compressible material maintains the shoe's silhouette without adding unwanted texture, while the fabric itself is easy to position and remove during photography.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively maintains the shape and appearance of various shoe types, accommodating different sizes and styles without adding unwanted texture or dust, and can be easily positioned and removed for photography.

Implementation Method 1

a compressible form-fitting material dispersed within

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

flexible material may be fabric or canvas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3568036B1Shoe inserts
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP
  • EP3568036B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3568036B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3568036B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a device for retaining the shape of a shoe. The shoe insert provided herein for retaining the shape of a shoe includes a toe fabric bag and a vamp fabric bag. Each fabric bag may be made of a malleable form-fitting fabric. Each fabric bag may be of different sizes and shapes to fit shoes of different sizes and shapes. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a shoe insert and methods of using a device for retaining the shape of a shoe.