US5101580A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Personalized footbed, last, and ankle support
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-06-13
•
Granted: 1992-04-07
•
Expires: 2011-06-13
Abstract
Abstract A personalized insert (20) containing a resilient material (41) is employed within an article of footwear (44) in order to enhance conformance, control, stability, support and comfort. The resilient material (41) is contained within a casing (22) of suitable configurations. Removal of restraining pin(s) (24), and/or the rupture of membrane(s) (62) isolating the reagents (27) then permits fluid communication and proper mixing of the resilient material (41). The resilient material (41) then sets in conformance with the wearer's foot (28) when the insert (20) is secured within an article of footwear (44). The invention permits accommodation to the wide range of foot (28) and arch )34) characteristics found amongst the general public and application within numerous types of footwear.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert M. Lyden
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 00:57
CPC Classifications
A; A43; A43B; A43B5/00; A43B5/14; A43B5/145; A43B3/00; A43B3/0036; A43B3/0063; A43B7/00; A43B7/14; A43B7/1405; A43B7/1455; A43B7/1464; A43B7/1467; A43B7/18; A43B7/20; A43B7/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
245 words
A footwear insert for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy and attenuating force applications and shock comprising a pliable casing forming a chamber having an appendage, each having inner volume, said chamber containing mixable reagents and a foam material comprising solid matter having select form and generally conforming to said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said appendage forming a reservoir, a first restraint for selectively isolating said reservoir of said appendage from said chamber, and a second restraint for selectively separating said reservoir into two portions thereby selectively separating mixable reagents which can be made to mix to form a conformable material substantially comprised of fluid matter when said second restraint is removed, when said first restraint for selectively isolating said reservoir of said appendage is removed fluid communication and movement of said conformable material between said reservoir of said appendage and said chamber is permitted and said conformable material can at least partially encapsulate said foam material within said chamber, said conformable material subsequently forming a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time, said footwear insert thereby exhibiting different select mechanical properties as between at least two portions thereof as the result of the coordinated and select use of said foam material and said resilient material, said footwear insert substantially retaining the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
245 words
A footwear insert for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy and attenuating force applications and shock comprising a pliable casing forming a chamber having an appendage, each having inner volume, said chamber containing mixable reagents and a foam material comprising solid matter having select form and generally conforming to said portion of said wearer's anatomy, said appendage forming a reservoir, a first restraint for selectively isolating said reservoir of said appendage from said chamber, and a second restraint for selectively separating said reservoir into two portions thereby selectively separating mixable reagents which can be made to mix to form a conformable material substantially comprised of fluid matter when said second restraint is removed, when said first restraint for selectively isolating said reservoir of said appendage is removed fluid communication and movement of said conformable material between said reservoir of said appendage and said chamber is permitted and said conformable material can at least partially encapsulate said foam material within said chamber, said conformable material subsequently forming a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time, said footwear insert thereby exhibiting different select mechanical properties as between at least two portions thereof as the result of the coordinated and select use of said foam material and said resilient material, said footwear insert substantially retaining the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said portion of said wearer's anatomy comprises said wearer's foot.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The footwear insert according to claim 2, wherein said foot has a heel, arches, and metatarsal heads, and said footwear insert at least partially underlies the arches and extends from an area about the heel to an area rearward of the metatarsal heads.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said portion of said wearer's anatomy comprises said wearer's mellaolus.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said portion of said wearer's anatomy comprises said wearer's lower leg.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said first restraint for selectively isolating said reservoir of said appendage comprises a removable clamping mechanism positioned on said appendage.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said second restraint for selectively isolating said reservoir comprises a breakable enclosure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, whereins aid foam material is made from a material selected from the group of open and closed call foams consisting of silicones, urethanes, micro-cellular, ester, ether, and reticulated polyurethanes, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, melamine, linear, and cross-linked polyethylene, latex, neoprene, nitrile, other natural and synthetic rubbers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein a silicone gel material is used in communication with said foam material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said pliable casing is configured to selectively direct placement of said conformable material within said footwear insert before said conformable material forms said resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, comprising at least one opening through said footwear insert for the passage of matter in isolation from the inner volume of said footwear insert.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said pliable casing comprises at least one material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The footwear insert according to claim 12, wherein said pliable casing at least partially comprises a textile material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said conformable material includes a filler material and comprises said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
The footwear insert according to claim 14, wherein said filler material is comprised or microspheres related from the group of microspheres consisting of polyvinylidene chloride, acrylonitrile copolymer, carbon, phenolic materials, soda lime borosilicets, sodium brosilicate, silica, aluminosilicate, fly ash, parlite, and ceramics.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said conformable material includes a blowing agent and comprises said resilient material after a working time.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
62 words
The footwear insert according to claim 162, wherein said blowing agent is related from the group of physical and chemical blowing agents consisting of water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, sodium bicarbonate, dinitrosopentabethylanetetramine, sulfonyl hydrazides, azodicarbonamide, p-toluenesulfonyl semicarbazide, 5-phenyltetrazole, diisopropylhydrezodicarboxylate, sodium borohydrite, and aliphatic hydrocarbons and their chloro- and fluoro- derivatives; isomers of pentans, hexane, heptane, fluorocarbons, trichlorofluoromethans, dichlorodifluoromethane, dichlorotstrafluoroethane, monochlorodifluororomethane, and methylene chloride.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said mixable reagents include at least one coloring agent to indicate proper mixing of said reagents.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said resilient material comprises an elastomeric material.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
58 words
The footwear insert according to claim 19, wherein said elastomeric material is made from a material related from the group of polymers, copolymers, thermoplastics, and natural and synthetic rubbers consisting of silicone, silicone gel, urethane, polyurethane, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, propylene, polyamide, latex, neoprene, nitrile, vinyl, nylon, polyester, butadiene acrylonitrile and styrene rubber, other natural and synthetic rubbers.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
55 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said pliable casing is made from a material related from the group of polymers, copolymers, thermoplastics, natural and synthetic rubbers consisting of silicone, urethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, propylene, polyamide, latex, neoprene, nylon, vinyl, nitrile, butadiene acrylonitrile and styrene rubber, other natural and synthetic rubbers.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, wherein said footwear insert can be removably positioned in said article of footwear.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, further including a void formed within the inner volume of said footwear insert.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The footwear insert according to claim 23, wherein said void is substantially filled with a gas.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The footwear insert according to claim 24, wherein said void is at least partially encapsulated by said resilient material.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The footwear insert according to claim 1, further including a static mixing structure positioned between said reservoir of said appendage and said chamber.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
306 words
A method for making a footwear insert for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy and attenuating force applications and shock, comprising: a) selecting an article of footwear substantially containing and underlying said wearer's foot; b) selecting a pliable casing forming a chamber having inner volume; c) placing a foam material comprised of solid matter having select form generally conforming to said portion of said wearer's anatomy within said chamber; d) providing a restraint to selectively separate the inner volume of said chamber into first and second portions so that said first and second portions are not in fluid communication with each other; e) placing a first reagent into said first portion; f) placing a second reagent into said second portion; g) placing said first and second portions in fluid communication to thereby allow said reagents to mix to form a conformable material and at least partially encapsulate said foam material, said conformable material being selected to comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time; h) positioning said footwear insert in said article of footwear and inserting and securing said wearer's foot within said article of footwear thereby causing a force application to be made upon said footwear insert and causing at least a portion of said footwear insert to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of the wearer's anatomy; i) providing sufficient working time for said resilient material to substantially comprise solid matter, said footwear insert thereby exhibiting different select mechanical properties between at least two select portions of said footwear insert as the result of the coordinated and selected use of said foam material and said resilient material, said footwear insert substantially retaining the configuration imparted to said footwear insert when said resilient material substantially comprises solid matter.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
306 words
A method for making a footwear insert for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy and attenuating force applications and shock, comprising: a) selecting an article of footwear substantially containing and underlying said wearer's foot; b) selecting a pliable casing forming a chamber having inner volume; c) placing a foam material comprised of solid matter having select form generally conforming to said portion of said wearer's anatomy within said chamber; d) providing a restraint to selectively separate the inner volume of said chamber into first and second portions so that said first and second portions are not in fluid communication with each other; e) placing a first reagent into said first portion; f) placing a second reagent into said second portion; g) placing said first and second portions in fluid communication to thereby allow said reagents to mix to form a conformable material and at least partially encapsulate said foam material, said conformable material being selected to comprise a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time; h) positioning said footwear insert in said article of footwear and inserting and securing said wearer's foot within said article of footwear thereby causing a force application to be made upon said footwear insert and causing at least a portion of said footwear insert to be formed in substantial conformance with said portion of the wearer's anatomy; i) providing sufficient working time for said resilient material to substantially comprise solid matter, said footwear insert thereby exhibiting different select mechanical properties between at least two select portions of said footwear insert as the result of the coordinated and selected use of said foam material and said resilient material, said footwear insert substantially retaining the configuration imparted to said footwear insert when said resilient material substantially comprises solid matter.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 27, wherein said portion of said wearer's anatomy comprises said wearer's foot.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 27, wherein said portion of said wearer's anatomy comprises said wearer's lower leg.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 27, wherein said portion of said wearer's anatomy comprises said wearer's malleolus.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 27, further including a void substantially filled with a gas within said footwear insert.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 27, further including a static mixing structure within said footwear insert.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 27, wherein said restraint comprises a removable clamping mechanism.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 27, wherein said restraint comprises a breakable enclosure.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
183 words
A footwear insert for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy and attenuating force applications and shock comprising a pliable casing forming a chamber having inner volume, said chamber containing mixable reagents and a foam material comprising solid matter having select form and generally conforming to said portion of said wearer's anatomy, a restraint for selectively isolating said chamber into two portions thereby selectively separating mixable reagents which can be made to mix to form a conformable material substantially comprised of fluid matter when said restraint is removed, said conformable material thereby at least partially encapsulating said foam material within said chamber, said conformable material forming a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time, said footwear insert exhibiting different select mechanical properties as between at least two portions thereof as the result of the coordinated and select use of said foam material and said resilient material, said footwear insert substantially retaining the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
183 words
A footwear insert for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy and attenuating force applications and shock comprising a pliable casing forming a chamber having inner volume, said chamber containing mixable reagents and a foam material comprising solid matter having select form and generally conforming to said portion of said wearer's anatomy, a restraint for selectively isolating said chamber into two portions thereby selectively separating mixable reagents which can be made to mix to form a conformable material substantially comprised of fluid matter when said restraint is removed, said conformable material thereby at least partially encapsulating said foam material within said chamber, said conformable material forming a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time, said footwear insert exhibiting different select mechanical properties as between at least two portions thereof as the result of the coordinated and select use of said foam material and said resilient material, said footwear insert substantially retaining the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
187 words
A footwear insert for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy and attenuating force applications and shock comprising a pliable casing forming a chamber and an appendage, each having inner volume, said chamber containing mixable reagents and a foam material comprising solid matter having select form and generally conforming to said portion of said wearer's anatomy, a restraint for selectively isolating said chamber from said appendage thereby selectively separating mixable reagents which can be made to mix to form a conformable material substantially comprised of fluid matter when said restraint is removed, said conformable material thereby at least partially encapsulating said foam material within said chamber, said conformable material forming a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time, said footwear insert exhibiting different select mechanical properties as between at least two portions thereof as the result of the coordinated and select use of said foam material and said resilient material, said footwear insert substantially retaining the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
187 words
A footwear insert for use in an article of footwear and conforming to and supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy and attenuating force applications and shock comprising a pliable casing forming a chamber and an appendage, each having inner volume, said chamber containing mixable reagents and a foam material comprising solid matter having select form and generally conforming to said portion of said wearer's anatomy, a restraint for selectively isolating said chamber from said appendage thereby selectively separating mixable reagents which can be made to mix to form a conformable material substantially comprised of fluid matter when said restraint is removed, said conformable material thereby at least partially encapsulating said foam material within said chamber, said conformable material forming a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time, said footwear insert exhibiting different select mechanical properties as between at least two portions thereof as the result of the coordinated and select use of said foam material and said resilient material, said footwear insert substantially retaining the shape imparted by said portion of said wearer's anatomy when said conformable material substantially comprises said resilient material.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-04-07 | 1995-10-07 | 1996-04-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-04-07 | 1999-10-07 | 2000-04-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-04-07 | 2003-10-07 | 2004-04-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |