US2018233A - Auxiliary metatarsal cushion for shoes - Google Patents

Description

'Oct. 22, 1935; Aj SMITH JR 2,018,233

AUXILIARY METATARSAL CUSH ION FOR SHOES Filed Oct. 4, 1952 INVENTOR A Zezander' 5mif/L,J/.

' 9 ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 22, 1935 AUXILIARY METATAR-SAL CUSHION FOR SHOES Alexander Smith, Jr., New York, N. Y.

Application October 4, 1932, Serial No. 636,101

1 Claim.

Among the principal objects which the present invention has in View are: To provide an auxiliary resilient cushion-like member adapted for operative placement as desired, and needed, to relieve, and distribute, the pressure of the metatarsal elevation with which certain types of shoes are provided, and to simplify the construction of said cushion.

Drawing:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a cushion constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of same-the the section being taken as on the line 22 in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the same.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the device as installed for service upon a shoe sole, part of the sole being cut away to show the cushion.

The present invention is especially designed as an accessory to the metatarsal arch supporting elevation provided in certain types of shoes. The supporting elevation referred to is located in the drawing by dotted lines as indicated by the numeral 9 in Figures 1 and 4. The elevation 9 is embodied in the innersole of the types of shoes referred to, between the lateral extremes of the metatarsal arch of the foot, for which the shoes are supplied.

It has been found in certain cases where structural peculiarities of the foot existed that the fixed elevation 9 was too far forward, or too far back, to suit the particular foot being fitted. Also, it has been thought that the fixed support has been somewhat positive or harsh upon the foot when worn.

When such conditions arise, the cushion l 0 is installed upon the insole ll of the shoe, the socklining being lifted to expose the insole and metatarsal elevation 9.

As seen best in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawing, the cushion II) has a concave section l3 preferably shaped to fit upon and over the elevation 9.

The cushion I0 is further provided with a thickened portion M at the rear of the concave section IS. The effect of the portion I4 is to transfer the height or apex of the metatarsal support toward the heel of the shoe to accommodate 5 the foot requiring such rearrangement.

The cushion I0 is preferably constructed of resilient material such as a pliable rubber. The rubber is molded to provide feathered edges [5 which when supplied with the necessary adhesive 10 will lie snugly and permanently upon the insole of the shoe.

When the cushion l 0 has been secured in position on the insole l I, the sock-lining I2 is drawn over to conceal the same. 15

The cushions Ill are preferably purveyed as articles of merchandise which may be applied in service by the purchaser without recourse to the shoe mechanic or factory. 20

It will be understood that while in the accompanying drawing the thickened portion I4 is shown as located at the rear of the concave section l3, the cushion may be furnished with a thickened portion forward of the concave portion l3 and. at.25 varying distances therefrom. In this manner, provision is made for altering the position of the metatarsal support in fitting feet of different structure requiring the same size of shoe with varying length of shank portion thereof.

I claim:

An auxiliary device as characterized having a body adapted to fit Within a shoe and particularly the shank portion thereof, the forward end of said body having a concave section adapted to fit over 35 and upon an upstanding metatarsal pad, and a convex section extended from the upper side of said body and. at the rear of said concave section, said convex section being shaped in correspondence with said metatarsal pad and adapted for 40 lengthwise adjustment thereon.

ALEXANDER SMITH, JR.

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