Patent ID: 6553691
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: A43B

Abstract:
A self-inflatable air cushion for providing foot support in a shoe, the air cushion comprising:a) a hollow support chamber being formed from a first material and having a preformed three-dimensional structure, the support chamber defining an open space and forming an assembly therewith, and the support chamber being adapted for receiving compressed air from a pump; b) a hollow pump disposed within the open space, the pump being formed from a second material that is less rigid than the first material and is collapsible by the foot of a user for compressing air within the pump; c) a passage connecting the support chamber to the pump for adjusting the firmness of the support chamber, and a one-way valve in the passage for limiting flow of compressed air in one direction from the pump to the support chamber; and d) the first material forming the support chamber having a sufficient rigidity to maintain the support chamber as a preformed three-dimensional structure and providing stable support to the foot of the wearer prior to the support chamber receiving compressed air from the pump.