Customizable insole

Abstract

An insert for a shoe includes an insole for fitting into a shoe and a molded support structure fitted within the insole and a plurality of arch carriers, each of which is shaped to fit in a matting relationship with the molded support structure, where a user selects one of the plurality of arch carriers and inserts the arch carrier into the molded support structure.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority from Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 993,204, filed on Sep. 10, 2007, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a shoe insert. More particularly, the present invention relates to a two piece injection molded customizable shoe insert.DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0003]It can be appreciated that arch support insoles have been in use for years. However, only recently have they given the consumer the ability to modify the type of support based on foot type. One brand, Dr Scholl's™ introduced a ¾ arch support insole that has a removable arch component that allows the consumer to chose the stiffness that best provides the type of Arch support and feel he / she desires. The method, used to secure the Arch component to the insole, is difficult to use and its small size does not seem to provide the functionality that was intended.[0004]The main pro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention looks to overcome the drawbacks associated with the prior art and to provide an injection molded two-piece arch support insert. An injection molded component may be post-applied to a complete foot insole that has been designed such that it allows the consumer the option to easily personalize or customize his / her insole based on the individual's unique foot type as defined by his or her arch type, i.e., low, medium, or high.

[0011]This configuration allows a consumer to easily personalize or customize his / her insole based on an individuals unique foot type as defined by his or her arch type, low, medium, or high, by the addition of a separate injection molded insert, and gives the user the ability to customize / personalize the level of arch support based on the individual's foot type.

[0012]It is another object of the present invention to provide a structural two-piece injection molded insert that the footwear manufacturer can incorporate into the insole that comes with the shoe as original equipment, giving the consumer the opportunity to easily personalize / customize if he or she so chooses, but functions as a comfort insole without the addition of the proper arch support based on foot type.

[0013]It is another object of the present invention to provide a structural two-piece injection molded insert that, by including the customizable arch support structure, gives the footwear brand an added revenue stream after the shoe sale if the consumer chooses to up grade to the customized insole.

[0014]It is another object of the present invention to provide a structural two-piece injection molded insert that allows for easy insertion and removal of the proper arch carrier, yet will stay in place and not become dislodged while wearing.

[0015]It is another object of the present invention to provide a structural two-piece injection molded insert that can be applied to an insole as original equipment to the shoe, allowing for future customization, or as an over the counter insole that can be customized if the consumer so chooses.

Problems solved by technology

The method, used to secure the Arch component to the insole, is difficult to use and its small size does not seem to provide the functionality that was intended.

The main problems with such customizable arch support insoles are: size availability, and the method used to insert and extract from the insole.

They are small and difficult to snap in and out of place.

One of the problems with current customizable arch support is that they are usually only available in two sizes, a men's and a women's, and the precise positioning of the arch supports can not be accurately accomplished to be truly functional.

Another problem with these forms of prefabricated “customizable” arch support structures is that they are only available in a ¾ length insole, not as a full length insole.

One drawback for such a device is the way it is secured to the insole.

While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for a consumer to easily personalize or customize his / her insole based on an individuals unique foot type as defined by his or her arch type, low, medium or high, and be truly functional.

There are three main problems with current customizable arch support structures.

They are small and difficult to snap in and out.

There are only two sizes available, men's and a women's, and the precise positioning of the supports can not be accurately accomplished.

Another problem is that the product is not available as a full sole product, providing no forefoot cushioning and is only available in two sizes.

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