U.S. patent application number 11/610262 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-19 for adjustable arch support assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to FILA LUXEMBOURG S.A.R.L.. Invention is credited to Mikal Peveto.
Application Number | 20080141562 11/610262 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39525437 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080141562 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peveto; Mikal |
June 19, 2008 |
ADJUSTABLE ARCH SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
Abstract
An adjustable arch support assembly having a position fixing
member configured to be fixed to a shoe insole, the position fixing
member having a plurality of retaining features positioned at
different locations along the position fixing member. Also included
is a movable arch support having a main body configured to support
an arch region of a foot, and a coupling member provided on the
main body and configured to couple the main body to the position
fixing member. The coupling member has at least one engagement
feature configured to engage different ones of the retaining
features such that the movable arch support is fixed in different
positions relative to the position fixing member based on the
retaining feature engaged by the engagement feature.
Inventors: |
Peveto; Mikal;
(Montebelluna, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
FILA LUXEMBOURG S.A.R.L.
Luxembourg
LU
|
Family ID: |
39525437 |
Appl. No.: |
11/610262 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/91 ;
36/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/142 20130101;
A43B 7/1465 20130101; A43B 13/026 20130101; A43B 13/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/91 ;
36/43 |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/22 20060101
A43B007/22; A43B 13/38 20060101 A43B013/38 |
Claims
1. An adjustable arch support assembly, comprising: a position
fixing member configured to be fixed to a shoe insole, said
position fixing member having a plurality of retaining features
positioned at different locations along the position fixing member;
and a movable arch support comprising: a main body configured to
support an arch region of a foot, and a coupling member provided on
the main body and configured to couple the main body to the
position fixing member, the coupling member having at least one
engagement feature configured to engage different ones of said
retaining features such that the movable arch support is fixed in
different positions relative to the position fixing member based on
the retaining feature engaged by the engagement feature.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: said position fixing member
comprises a base configured to be fixed to the shoe insole and a
protrusion extending from the base, said protrusion having the
plurality of retaining features positioned along a length of the
protrusion, and said coupling member comprises a slot having a
length greater than the length of the protrusion such that the
protrusion can be inserted into the slot and can be at different
positions along the slot.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said plurality of retaining
features each comprise a recess having a predetermined shape, and
said at least one engagement feature comprises a mating tab shaped
to mate with said recess having a predetermined shape.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said protrusion comprises a
retaining flange configured to retain the movable arch support
movably coupled thereto.
5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the movable arch support
further comprises a relief slot formed in the main body adjacent to
the engagement feature and configured to permit the engagement
feature to resiliently move into and out of engagement with the
plurality of recesses.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said protrusion and coupling
feature are each curved along a length thereof.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said movable arch support
comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
8. An adjustable insole assembly comprising: an insole have a first
side configured to be in contact with a wearer's foot, and a second
side having an arch support region recessed therein; a position
fixing member fixed to the arch support region, said position
fixing member having a plurality of retaining features positioned
at different locations along the position fixing member; and a
movable arch support comprising: a main body configured to support
an arch region of a foot, and a coupling member provided on the
main body and configured to couple the main body to the position
fixing member, the coupling member having at least one engagement
feature configured to engage different ones of said retaining
features such that the movable arch support is fixed in different
positions relative to the position fixing member based on the
retaining feature engaged by the engagement feature.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein: said position fixing member
comprises a base configured to be fixed to the shoe insole and a
protrusion extending from the base, said protrusion having the
plurality of retaining features positioned along a length of the
protrusion, and said coupling member comprises a slot having a
length greater than the length of the protrusion such that the
protrusion can be inserted into the slot and can be at different
positions along the slot.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said plurality of retaining
features each comprise a recess having a predetermined shape, and
said at least one engagement feature comprises a mating tab shaped
to mate with said recess having a predetermined shape.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said protrusion comprises a
retaining flange configured to retain the movable arch support
movably coupled thereto.
12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the movable arch support
further comprises a relief slot formed in the main body adjacent to
the engagement feature and configured to permit the engagement
feature to resiliently move into and out of engagement with the
plurality of recesses.
13. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said protrusion and coupling
feature are each curved along a length thereof.
14. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said movable arch support
extends substantially the entire width of the insole.
15. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said movable arch support
extends substantially less that the entire width of the insole.
16. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said position fixing member
comprises a recess within the insole, and said coupling member
comprises a protrusion extending from said main body.
17. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said movable arch support
comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
18. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a shoe cavity
having an expandable sole assembly, wherein said insole assembly is
configured to be inserted into said shoe cavity and provide an
outward force for expanding said shoe cavity.
19. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said movable arch support is
provided as one of a plurality of interchangeable arch supports
each having different physical attributes.
20. An adjustable arch support assembly, comprising: a position
fixing member configured to be fixed to a shoe insole; a movable
arch support; and means for coupling the movable arch support to
the position fixing member such that the movable arch support can
be moved to discrete positions relative to the position fixing
member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/709,792, filed on Aug. 22,
2005, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by
reference. This application is related to Attorney Docket No.
275483US, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/365,685, titled METHOD AND
SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A CUSTOMIZED SHOE, Attorney Docket No.
275485US, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/365,612, titled METHOD AND
SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED FOOTWEAR TO A RETAIL CONSUMER, and
Attorney Docket No. 275487US, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/365,613,
titled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A KIT OF FOOTWEAR
COMPONENTS USED TO PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED FOOTWEAR TO A CONSUMER, each
filed on even date herewith. The entire content of each of these
applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to footwear
products, and more specifically to an adjustable arch support
assembly for a shoe insole.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Discussion of Background
[0003] The past several decades have seen commoditization of the
footwear industry. Indeed, economies of scale in mass manufacturing
and distribution has brought the price of footwear down to such an
extent that nearly all customers are conditioned to forgo their
individual needs and settle for standardized--off the shelf--but
extremely affordable footwear products. However, the uniqueness of
individual customers still remains, and recent indicators of a move
toward customization are present in the footwear industry.
[0004] For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/365,614,
assigned to FILA Luxembourg S.A.R.L., discloses a method and system
for providing a customized shoe from a plurality of discrete shoe
components. For example, the system can include a plurality of shoe
cavity units made from a shoe upper connected to a sole assembly, a
plurality of interchangeable insoles for inserting into the cavity
unit, and a plurality of interchangeable arch supports for
attaching to the insole prior to inserting into the cavity unit.
Each plurality of footwear components includes components having
the same function, but different physical characteristics. Thus,
each component can be individually selected to match a
characteristic of the wearer, and then assembled to provide a
customized shoe for the wearer.
[0005] While the above system provides a degree of customization,
the present inventor has recognized that simply interchanging
footwear components may not meet the degree of customization
desired by consumers. Further, the above system can require
retailers to stock a large number of individual components,
resulting in complex and expensive issues of product forecasting,
inventory control, auto-replenishment systems and product design,
which can result in greater cost to the consumer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to
address the above described and/or other problems in the footwear
industry.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
footwear component that can be adjusted to provide a degree of
customization without the need to replace the component with
another component having different physical attributes.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
adjustable arch support assembly that allows positioning of a
single arch support component in various positions on an
insole.
[0009] These and other objects are achieved by providing an
adjustable arch support assembly having a position fixing member
configured to be fixed to a shoe insole, the position fixing member
having a plurality of retaining features positioned at different
locations along the position fixing member. Also included is a
movable arch support having a main body configured to support an
arch region of a foot, and a coupling member provided on the main
body and configured to couple the main body to the position fixing
member. The coupling member has at least one engagement feature
configured to engage different ones of the retaining features such
that the movable arch support is fixed in different positions
relative to the position fixing member based on the retaining
feature engaged by the engagement feature.
[0010] Another aspect of the invention includes an adjustable
insole assembly having an insole with a first side configured to be
in contact with a wearer's foot, and a second side having an arch
support region recessed therein. A position fixing member is fixed
to the arch support region, the position fixing member having a
plurality of retaining features positioned at different locations
along the position fixing member. A movable arch support includes a
main body configured to support an arch region of a foot, and a
coupling member provided on the main body and configured to couple
the main body to the position fixing member. The coupling member
has at least one engagement feature configured to engage different
ones of the retaining features such that the movable arch support
is fixed in different positions relative to the position fixing
member based on the retaining feature engaged by the engagement
feature.
[0011] Still another aspect of the invention includes an adjustable
arch support assembly having a position fixing member configured to
be fixed to a shoe insole, a movable arch support, and means for
coupling the movable arch support to the position fixing member
such that the movable arch support can be moved to discrete
positions relative to the position fixing member.
[0012] As should be apparent, the invention can provide a number of
advantageous features and benefits. It is to be understood that, in
practicing the invention, an embodiment can be constructed to
include one or more features or benefits of embodiments disclosed
herein, but not others. Accordingly, it is to be understood that
the preferred embodiments discussed herein are provided as examples
and are not to be construed as limiting, particularly since
embodiments can be formed to practice the invention that do not
include each of the features of the disclosed examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the
same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a custom shoe in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing an insole having rigid
expansion components in relation to an adaptable sole assembly in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 shows an insole and sole assembly in relation to a
plurality of footwear components that can be assembled into a
custom shoe in accordance with an embodiment with the present
invention;
[0017] FIGS. 4a-4c show a plurality of pre-manufactured arch
supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 that may be used to provide a custom
shoe in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5a provides a schematic illustration of an adjustable
arch support assembly in a rear position in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5b provides a schematic illustration of an adjustable
arch support assembly in a neutral position in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5c provides a schematic illustration of an adjustable
arch support assembly in a froward position in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6a shows a position fixing member in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6b shows a cross
section view of the embodiment of FIG. 6a;
[0022] FIG. 7a shows a movable arch support in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7b shows a side view
of the embodiment of FIG. 7a; and
[0023] FIG. 8a shows a movable arch support in relation to a
position fixing member in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 8b shows a side view of the embodiment
of FIG. 8a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIG. 1 is an illustration of a custom shoe in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As seen in
this figure, the shoe includes a shell 10 and an insole 30. The
shell 10 includes an upper portion 100 and a sole assembly 200 that
are joined to one another to form a shell cavity into which the
insole 30 is placed, as depicted by the arrow in FIG. 1. The upper
portion 100 includes a plurality of segments that are preferably
made of durable sheets of non-elastic material such as leather,
canvas, synthetic material, and are joined together to form the
upper portion 100 as an integral unit. In the embodiment of FIG. 1,
the segment 113 connected between segments 103 and 105 is made of
an elastic material such as a nylon mesh or any known flexible
fabric such that the segments 103 and 105 can separate from one
another to allow expansion and adaptability of the upper portion
100 when a foot is placed into the shoe. The sole assembly 200 is
also preferably expandable, as will be discussed further below.
Details of an expandable upper and sole assembly are discussed in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/365,614, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0025] The insole 30 includes main member 305, expansion member
310, and arch support 320. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the main
member 305 includes recesses 315 and 325 configured to receive
expansion member 310 and arch support 320 respectively. The
expansion member 310 and arch support 320 are shown fixed to their
respective recesses, but these components may be separable from the
shoe. The expansion member 310 and/or arch support 320 are
preferably made of a rigid material that bends with the wearer's
plantar region while the shoe is in use, but maintains length and
width dimensions within the shoe cavity. In one embodiment rigid
components, such as the expansion member 310 or arch support 320 of
the insole 30, are used to expand width and/or length of a sole
assembly in order to adapt the sole assembly to a particular
wearer.
[0026] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing an insole having rigid
expansion components in relation to an adaptable sole assembly. In
FIG. 2, the upper portion of the shoe is omitted for clarity. In
the embodiment of FIG. 2, the expansion member 310 and arch support
320 are separable from the main member 305. Specifically the
expansion member 310 fits within recess 315 and may be held therein
by friction fit or adhesion, for example, although adhesion may
permanently fix the expansion member 310 within the recess and
prevent this component from being replaced. The arch support 320
includes an attachment aperture 323 that engages a tab 327 mounted
within the recess 325 of the main portion 305. The aperture 323 and
tab 327 allow the arch support 320 to be attached and detached from
the main portion 305. As shown in FIG. 2, the expansion member 310
and arch support 325 extend across a full width of the insole 30
such that at least a portion of a side edge of these components
provides an outward expansion force on the sole assembly 200.
[0027] The sole assembly 200 includes outer sole portion 201
implemented as tread patterns mounted on a ground facing surface of
the middle sole portion 203. The tread portions are configured to
allow the sole assembly to grip the ground when the shoe is in use.
As also seen in FIG. 2, the sole assembly 200 includes a first sole
segment 220 and a second sole segment 230 joined to one another by
a deformable member 225. The deformable member 225 allows the first
and second sole segments 220 and 230 to move away from one another
and expand the sole assembly 200 when an expansion force is applied
to the sole assembly. Deformable member 235 similarly joins
segments 230 and 240. As noted, the expansion force may be provided
by a rigid member, such as the expansion member 310 and/or arch
support 320 provided within the shoe. However, expansion may also
be provided by the wearer's foot based on a size of the foot, or
based on forces exerted on the insole during activities such as
running or tennis. The present inventors have recognized that a
line of the deformable member can be contoured to optimize the
expansion properties to a particular characteristic of the wearer,
such as the sport in which the shoe will be used. Details of
different contours are disclosed in application Ser. No.
11/365,614, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0028] As discussed above, an insole may include footwear
components such as an expansion member and arch support that allow
length and width adaptability of a sole assembly in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one
aspect of the present invention, a plurality of footwear components
can be combined to provide a shoe customized for a particular
person. FIG. 3 shows an insole and sole assembly in relation to a
plurality of footwear components that can be assembled into a
custom shoe in accordance with an embodiment with the present
invention. As seen in FIG. 3, the insole 700 includes a main part
700 having a top surface that includes a recess 360 for
accommodating a toe crest 365 and a recess 350 for accommodating a
metatarsal head shelf 355. In addition to these top surface
components, insole 700 includes a metatarsal rise 340, arch support
350, heel insert 330 and heel clip 380 formed on a bottom surface
of main part 705. Details of the use of these components to provide
a customized shoe are disclosed in application Ser. No. 11/365,614,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0029] Arch support 350 includes an aperture 351 that mates with
tab 353 to attach the arch support 350 to the main part 705 of
insole 700. Unlike the arch support 320 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the arch
support 350 does not extend a full width of the insole 700 and
therefore is not designed to expand the sole assembly as previously
discussed. However, as with the arch support 320, the arch support
350 supports the longitudinal arch of the planter region to assist
in reducing pronation of the foot on impact, and improves
propulsion by selectively increasing arch height while acting to
support the metatarsal joints and first ray during the midstance
and propulsive phases of gait. As with arch support 320, proper
selection of support 350 can result in less arch pain, longer
standing, running and less injuries. In one embodiment of the
present invention a size, shape, positioning and firmness of the
arch supports 320 and 350 is selected in accordance with the
characteristic of the wearer.
[0030] Footwear components may also be attachable to the sole
assembly 200. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, a front tread segment
270 attaches to a tread area 250 of the sole assembly 200, while a
rear tread segment 275 attaches to a tread region 260 of the sole
assembly 200. Further, the insole may have biomechanically placed
variable durometer hardness portions in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one
embodiment of the invention, portions of the insole can be
configured to adapt to the wearer's foot. PCT Application No.
PCT/IT2005/000071 filed on Feb. 14, 2005 and titled "SHOE HAVING AN
INNER ADAPTABLE SURFACE ON WHICH THE WEARER'S FOOT RESTS" is hereby
incorporated herein by reference and discloses an adaptable insole
which may be used in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, footwear
components are associated with a characteristic of the wearer, and
the footwear components are combined to provide a custom shoe for
the wearer. In one aspect of the present invention, at least one of
the footwear components is selected from a plurality of
pre-manufactured footwear components having substantially the same
function, but having different physical attributes to accommodate
different foot configurations. FIGS. 4a-4c show a plurality of
pre-manufactured arch supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 that may be used
to provide a custom shoe in accordance with the present invention.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the arch supports 1210,
1220 and 1230 are made of plastic to provide a rigid structure that
functions to support the longitudinal arch of a foot. As seen in
the figures, each of the arch supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 include
an aperture 1250 that is used to attach the arch support to an
insole. Thus, the aperture 1250 allows the arch supports 1210, 1220
and 1230 to be interchangeable with one another on a particular
insole. It is understood that the aperture 1250 is not necessary to
provide interchangeability, and other mechanisms may be used,
including simply providing a common mating surface among arches,
which is configured to mate with a surface of the insole. In a
preferred embodiment, each arch is capable of being used for a left
or right insole. For example, the arch 1210 may accommodate a left
insole when oriented as shown in FIG. 4a, but also can accommodate
a right insole when oriented in a different direction. Other
interchangeable footwear components may also be designed to
accommodate a left or right insole.
[0032] Although the arch supports are interchangeable and provide
substantially the same function, the arch supports 1210, 1220 and
1230 have different physical attributes that accommodate different
characteristics of a foot. As seen in FIGS. 4a, 4b an 4c, for
example, arch support 1210 has an arch height H1 while arch support
1220 has a height H2<H1. Thus, the arch supports 1210 and 1220
are designed to accommodate different longitudinal arches of a
foot. However, the arch supports 1210 and 1220 each have a
thickness T1, which provides substantially the same flexibility
characteristics for these arches. As seen in FIG. 4c, the arch
support 1230, includes an arch height H1 the same as the arch
support 1210, but has a thickness T2>T1 thereby providing a less
flexible arch support. Thus, arch support 1210 is designed to
accommodate a foot requiring a more flexible support, such as that
of an older individual.
[0033] While different physical attributes of a footwear component
can provide a degree of customization as discussed above, the
present inventor has recognized that position adjustment of a
footwear component relative to the shoe can provide further
customization. For example, the location of a longitudinal arch
relative to the toe and heel of a foot can vary among feet that
otherwise have the same arch characteristics such as height, length
etc. Further, the desired position of the arch support may be
different for feet having different medial arch lengths. Thus, the
present inventor has discovered that adjustment of the same arch
support to different positions in the shoe can provide improved
customization to accommodate the arch location of the wearer's
foot. Further, adjustment of the same arch support to different
positions in the shoe may accommodate the preference of the wearer
without the need to change to an arch support with different
physical characteristics. Thus, the ability to adjust the position
of the arch support in the shoe may lead to a reduction in the
number of different types of arch supports needed to provide the
degree of customization desired by consumers.
[0034] FIG. 5a provides a schematic illustration of an adjustable
arch support assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. As seen in this figure, the adjustable arch
support assembly 500 is attached to the plantar side of insole 580
within an arch support assembly region 590 of the insole. However,
this is not necessary for the present invention.
[0035] The adjustable arch support assembly 500 includes a position
fixing member 510 that is configured to be fixed to region 590 of
the insole, and a movable arch support 520 that is movably coupled
to the position fixing member 510. In FIGS. 5a-5c, the position
fixing member 510 is shown schematically as a rectangular shaped
tab that is fixed to the arch region 590 of the insole 580. The
coupling member 530 is also shown schematically as a rectangular
aperture within the movable arch support 520 that can be coupled to
the position fixing member 510. However, any shape and
configuration of the position fixing member 530 and movable arch
support 520 may be used to allow relative movement of these parts
when coupled to one another. For example, the position fixing
member 510 may be implemented as a recess or aperture in the insole
580, and the coupling member 530 of the movable arch support 520
may be implemented as a tab or protrusion for moving within the
recess or aperture. The position fixing member 510 may be
integrally formed with the insole 580, or may be a separate part
that is attached to the insole 600 by adhesive or other means.
Details of a movable arch support and position fixing member
according to one embodiment will be discussed below.
[0036] As seen in FIG. 5a, the movable arch support 520 is provided
in a rear position in the region 590 relatively close to the heel
of the insole 580. Thus, the position fixing member 510 is located
in a front portion of the coupling member 530. FIG. 5b shows the
same arch support 520 located in a neutral position in a middle
region of the arch region 590, with the position fixing member
located in a middle portion of the coupling member 530. Finally,
FIG. 5c shows the arch support 500 located in a forward position in
the region 590 relatively close to the toe of the insole 580, with
the position fixing member 510 in a rear portion of the coupling
member 530. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c, the
movable arch support 520 can occupy three discrete positions
relative to the insole 580 in accordance with the wearer's needs
and/or preferences. While FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c show only three
positions of the movable arch support, as would be appreciated by
one of ordinary skill in the art, any number of positions (2 or
more) may be provided. In this regard, the position fixing member
510 and/or the coupling member 530 can preferably have a mechanism
for retaining the movable arch support in the desired position such
that it does not move during wearer use. Details of this feature
will be discussed below with respect to FIGS. 6-8.
[0037] FIG. 6a shows a position fixing member in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6b shows a cross
section view of the embodiment of FIG. 6a. As seen in these
figures, the position fixing member 600 includes a base 610 and a
protrusion 620. The base 610 is configured to be attached to an
insole by adhesion, molding or any other suitable means for fixing
the base. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6a and 6b, the protrusion 620
protrudes approximately normal to the surface of the base 610,
however other configurations may be used. As best seen in FIG. 6b,
the protrusion includes a flange 630 for holding the position
fixing member 600 in a movable coupling relation with the movable
arch support. Further, the position fixing member 600 includes
three recesses 640 for retaining the movable arch support in
different locations along the protrusion 620 of the position fixing
member 610. While not shown in FIG. 6a or 6b, a second flange may
be provided on the side of recesses 640 to assist in maintaining
coupling between the position fixing member 600 and a movable arch
support 700.
[0038] FIG. 7a shows a movable arch support in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7b shows a side view
of the embodiment of FIG. 7a. As seen in these figures, the movable
arch support 700 includes a main body 710, and a coupling member
720 formed in the main body 710. As best seen in FIG. 7b, the main
body 710 is configured to support an arch region of a foot, and is
preferably made of a rigid but flexible material for this purpose.
The main body may be shaped as the rigid expansion member arch
support configured to expand the sole assembly as discussed in
relation to FIG. 1, or as an arch support such as that shown in
FIG. 3. Other shapes of the main body may be used.
[0039] The aperture 720 is sized and shaped to be coupled to the
protrusion 620 of the position fixing member 600 of FIG. 6. Thus,
the aperture 720 is sized slightly smaller that the retaining
flange 630, but larger that the remaining portion of the protrusion
620 such that the aperture can snap over the retaining flange 630
and be movably retained thereby. Further, in the embodiment of
FIGS. 6 and 7, the protrusion 620 and the aperture 720 are slightly
curved to facilitate positioning of the movable arch support 700
relative to the position fixing member 600 (and relative to the
insole). Thus, the movable arch support 700 can be moved not only
longitudinally, but also transversely or rotationally when slid
along the aperture. Other shapes of the protrusion 620 and aperture
720 can provide different positioning of the arch support.
[0040] As also seen in FIG. 7a, the aperture 720 includes an
engagement feature implemented as a tab 730 for engaging the
recesses 640 in the position fixing member 600. Thus, the
engagement feature 730 is preferably similarly shaped to facilitate
mating with the recesses 640. In the embodiment of FIG. 7a, the
main body 710 also includes a relief slot 740 positioned adjacent
to the engagement feature 730. The relief slot 740 allows the
aperture 720 to expand its width in the region of the engagement
member 720 such that the movable arch support 700 can be slid into
different positions corresponding to the recesses 640 on the
position fixing member 600. That is, the wearer may slide the
movable arch support 700 along the protrusion 620 into the
different positions without completely removing the movable arch
support from the protrusion.
[0041] FIG. 8a shows a movable arch support in relation to a
position fixing member in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 8b shows a side view of the embodiment
of FIG. 8a. As seen in these figures, the aperture 720 of the
movable arch support is coupled to the protrusion 620 of the
position fixing member. As best seen in FIG. 8b, the aperture 720
is snapped over the flange 630 of the protrusion 620. Further, the
engagement tab 730 is positioned within the center recess 640 of
the position fixing member to retain the movable arch support 700
in the neutral position as shown in FIG. 5b. If the wearer wishes
to move the movable arch support 700 to the rear position shown in
FIG. 5a or the front position shown in FIG. 5c, the user forces the
movable arch support 710 to slide along the protrusion 620. During
this motion, the engagement tab 730 retracts by compression of the
slot 740, and then engages a different recess by expansion of the
slot 740 to its normal width.
[0042] FIGS. 6-8 provide only one example of a footwear component
(arch support) that can be provided in moving relation to the
insole of shoe. It is to be understood that any of the footwear
components discussed herein, or other footwear components, can be
provided in moving relation to the footwear insole or shoe. In
addition, a movable footwear component can be provided in
combination with any of the above embodiments for providing a
customized shoe in accordance with the present invention.
[0043] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It
is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
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