GB2319163A

GB2319163A - Inflatable heel raise in sporting shoes

Info

Publication number: GB2319163A
Application number: GB9623715A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Debbie Jobling
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-11-14
Filing date: 1996-11-14
Publication date: 1998-05-20
Also published as: GB9623715D0

Abstract

A wedge shaped inflatable gas filled compartment is inserted during the manufacturing process of the heel part of the training shoe. It is placed between the insole and the sole of the shoe, with a valve connecting the body of the inflatable compartment to the outside of the shoe. A detachable hose with a hand held pump is used to inflate the raise. A manual valve depressor is situated in the middle of the valve to reduce the pressure and thus the height of the raise.

Description

INFLATABLE HEEL RAISE IN SPORTING SHOES Background As everybody's individual anatomy is different, no one design of shoe can be perfect for everyone. Not even numerous designs can be suitable for everyone, as individuals frequently purchase incorrect designs for themselves.

The solution: give each shoe the potential to be different and adjustable for each individual. This way, every shoe is perfect for everyone. Additionally, every shoe is also temporarily adjustable to relieve aggravating symptoms of foot problems, while healing can take place without complete cessation of sporting activities.

Design A wedge shaped inflatable gas filled compartment is inserted during the manufacturing process of the heel part of the training shoe. The wider end of the wedge at the most proxirrial end of the shoe with then graded thinner end (but still slightly rounded) towards the toes (see diagrams). It is placed between the insole and the sole of the shoe, with a valve connecting the body of the inflatable compartment to the outside of the shoe. A detachable hose with a hand held pump is used to inflate the raise. A manual valve depressor is situated in the middle of the valve to reduce the pressure and thus the height of the raise.

Reasoning The depth of the heel support in training shoes is standard for each design, yet users have differing calcaneal heights. This design will therefore allow sportsmen to manually adjust and compensate for these differences. This will improve comfort, but more importantly, will avoid incorrect positioning of the heel within the shoe eliminating friction sites on the Achilles tendon and consequential chronic injuries.

During the periods of time when a sportsman is suffering with Achilles tendonitis, rest and physiotherapy is the usual course of treatment. Physiotherapists regularly put a heel raise in the back ofthe shoe if the sports-person wishes to continue with a certain level of activity.

By using an in-built inflatable heel raise, the sports-person can do this themselves without relying on medical intervention. It eliminates the need to use a temporary heel raise or cushion, that may flatten, slip or move, and produces an uncomfortable ridge under the foot.

An inflatable in-built compartment maintains the correct positioning of the raise, retains the comfort of the shoe design and the graded inclination from the heel to the forefoot.

Claims

Claim 1: A wedge shaped inflatable gas filled compartment is inserted during the manufacturing process ofthe heel part of the training shoe.

Claim 2: The wider end of the wedge at the most proinal end of the shoe with then graded thinner end (but still slightly rounded) towards the toes (see diagram). It is placed between the insole and the sole ofthe shoe.

Claim 3: A valve connects the body of the inflatable compartment to the outside of the shoe.

Claim 4: A detachable hose with a hand held pump is used to inflate the raise.

Claim 5: A manual valve depressor is situated in the middle of the valve to reduce the pressure and thus the height of the raise.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claim 1: A wedge shaped inflatable gas filled compartment is inserted during the manufacturing process of the heel part of the shoe.

Claim 2: The wider end of the wedge is situated at the most proximal end of the shoe with the graded thinner (but still slightly rounded) end towards the toes. It is placed between the insole and the sole of the shoe. (diagrams 1 & 2) Claim 3: A two way valve connects the heel raise to the outside. This is termed the 'shoe valve'.

Claim 4: A manual valve depressor is situated in the middle of the shoe valve. This allows deflation, reducing the pressure and thus the height of the raise.

Claim 5: A detachable hose (that can be attached to the shoe valve by a screw in mechanism) is connected to a hand pump, via a one way valve (diagram 3).

This is used to inflate the raise.