Customizable insole

Abstract

An insert for a shoe includes an insole for fitting into a shoe and a molded support structure fitted within the insole and a plurality of arch carriers, each of which is shaped to fit in a matting relationship with the molded support structure, where a user selects one of the plurality of arch carriers and inserts the arch carrier into the molded support structure.

1 . An insert for a shoe, said insert comprising:
 an insole for fitting into a shoe;   a support structure, said support structure fitted within said insole; and   a plurality of arch units, each of which is shaped to fit in a mating relationship with said support structure, said support structure configured to receive one of said plurality of arch units.   
     
     
         2 . The insert as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said insole is made of a composition selected from the group consisting of: PU (Polyurethane); EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer); and open-cell PU. 
     
     
         3 . The insert as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said support structure is injection molded and made from semi rigid TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). 
     
     
         4 . The insert as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said arch unit is a rigid or semi-rigid injection molded plastic made from a composition selected from the group consisting of TPU and TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer). 
     
     
         5 . The insert as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said support structure is fitted into an opening in the underside of insole and held in place with adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . The insert as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said support structure has notches for accepting said arch unit. 
     
     
         7 . The insert as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said arch units have ridge for slide locking within said notches of said support structure. 
     
     
         8 . The insert as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said arch units are removable from said support structure. 
     
     
         9 . The insert as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said arch units, when inserted into said support structure, form a smooth bottom surface with said insole so as not to adversely affect fitting into a shoe. 
     
     
         10 . A method for fabricating an insert for a shoe, said method comprising the steps of:
 forming an insole for fitting into a shoe;   forming a support structure;   inserting said molded support structure into an cavity on the underside of said insole; and   forming a plurality of arch units, each of which is shaped to fit in a mating relationship with said support structure.   
     
     
         11 . The method as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein said support structure and said arch units are injection molded. 
     
     
         12 . The method as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein said support structure is coupled to insole using adhesive.