OUTER SOLE SUPPORT

Abstract

The present invention relates to an shock-absorbing pad for the outer sole of a shoe comprising: a cushioned pad, where the cushioned pad is configured in the shape of a shoe sole; a group of openings within the cushioned pad; and straps, where said straps may be inserted through the openings and provide a mechanism to attach the cushioned pad to the outer sole of a shoe. In one exemplary embodiment, the group of openings may include four openings in two rows and two columns. At least one strap may be utilized with the cushioned pad. In another particular embodiment, two straps are utilized with the cushioned pad.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a support pad applied to the outer sole of a shoe.

2. Description of Related Art

Many occupations require individuals to stand or walk for long periods of time. Such standing eventually takes a toll upon an individual. Over a period of time an individual may develop aches and pains in their feet, legs, and back due to the prolonged standing. The conventional shoe may provide some support for individual however additional padding or equipment may be needed for extended periods of standing on hard surfaces.

Some devices that address problems associated with prolonged standing include inserts that may be inserted inside a shoe or special padding placed on the floor to diminish the effects of prolonged standing. However these devices may not be sufficient to provide effective solutions to the problems that may develop in this area.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,251,932 discloses a foot cushioning device which comprises a sheet of rubber or rubber-like material that may be applied directly under and over the forward part of a shoe where the sole portion may be formed of a laminated structure of a sheet of rubber material that constitutes the outer layer and an inner layer of similar rubber material inside a pocket within the structure. This device attempts to assist individuals who must stand on hard surfaces over a period of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an shock-absorbing pad for the outer sole of a shoe comprising: a cushioned pad, where the cushioned pad is configured in the shape of a shoe sole; a group of openings within the cushioned pad; and straps, where said straps may be inserted through the openings and provide a means to attach the cushioned pad to the outer sole of a shoe. In one exemplary embodiment, the group of openings may include four openings in two rows and two columns. In another exemplary embodiment, the cushioned pad is about 0.75 inches in thickness, about 6.25 inches in width and 14 inches in length. At least one strap may be utilized with the cushioned pad. In another particular embodiment, two straps are utilized with the cushioned pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an outer sole pad according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts straps utilized in conjunction with the outer sole pad according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the outer sole pad according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides an outer sole shock-absorbing pad that is applied over the outer sole of a shoe. The outer pad contemplated by the present invention provides a means to absorb shock and reduce some of the effects of prolonged standing on hard surfaces. The application of the outer sole pad helps to alleviate fatigue and pain associated with long periods of standing.

The outer sole pad according to the present invention is depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 provides a top view of an Outer Sole Pad 10a, 10b. The outer sole pad 10a, 10b includes a group of openings 12 for the insertion of Velcro straps for attachment to an individual's shoe. The Outer Sole Pad 10a, 10b comes in various sizes to accommodate the various shoe sizes currently on the market. The outer sole pad 10a, 10b is worn over the outer sole of the shoe or boot for an individual. Four Velcro straps are utilized in the openings 12 depicted in the Outer Sole Pad 10a, 10b. The Velcro straps may include hook and loops in order to secure the Outer Sole Pad 10 to the outer sole of an individual's shoe. The straps are secured over the upper portion of an individual's shoe and may be removed as desired.

The Outer Sole Pads 10a, 10b may be utilized with any pair of shoes and therefore are very flexible in use. The outer sole pads may be supplied for an individual or employees within a particular department for use at different times or different shifts during a work day.

FIG. 2 shows exemplary Velcro Straps 14a, 14b that are utilized with the Outer Sole Pad 10. FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the straps 14a, 14b inserted through the openings 12 of the Outer Sole Pad 10 and extending upwardly out of the Outer Sole Pad 10. In one exemplary embodiment, the pad 10 may be about 0.75 inches thick and the straps 14a, 14b may be up to 16 inches in length and 1 inch in width. In another exemplary embodiment, the sole pad 10 may be about 6.25 inches in width and 14 inches in length, although the dimensions may vary in order to accommodate various sizes of shoes. In one particular embodiment, the group of openings 12 may include two rows and two columns of openings equally spaced.

The objective of the Outer Sole Pad 10 is to provide a shock-absorbing pad for the outer sole of a shoe in order to assist in alleviating some of the problems associated with prolonged standing. The outer sole pad 10 is appropriate for various occupations such as construction workers, maintenance individuals, security guards, or other individuals that must stand on their feet for an extended amount of time on hard surfaces. The outer sole pad 10 also may be utilized in a manufacturing environment where individuals must stand at a particular operation station over a particular period of time.

Claims

1. An shock-absorbing pad for the outer sole of a shoe comprising:

a. a cushioned pad, where the cushioned pad is configured in the shape of a shoe sole;

b. a group of openings within the cushioned pad; and

c. straps, where said straps may be inserted through the openings and provide a means to attach the cushioned pad to the outer sole of a shoe.

2. The shock-absorbing pad according to claim 1, where the group of openings include four openings in two rows and two columns.

3. The shock-absorbing pad according to claim 1, where the cushioned pad is about 0.75 inches in thickness.

4. The shock-absorbing pad according to claim 1, where the cushioned pad is about 6.25 inches in width and 14 inches in length.

5. The shock-absorbing pad according to claim 2, where at least one strap is utilized with the cushioned pad.

6. The shock-absorbing pad according to claim 2, where two straps are utilized with the cushioned pad.

7. The shock-absorbing pad according to claim 1, where the straps include a Velcro means of attachment.