Sandal With Pressure-Adjustable Air Cushion

Abstract

A sandal with a pressure-adjustable air cushion includes a platform with a recess formed therein for receipt of a cushion. The cushion has a foot-engaging pad attached to a bladder. The pad is made of a thicker, somewhat less flexible material than the bladder which is made of a highly flexible material but strong enough to withstand the pressure applied by the feet of an individual wearing the sandal. The pad rides on top of the bladder and is adhered to the platform to hold bladder in place in the recess. The gas in the cushion can be evacuated or replenished through a valve in its side, ideally near the instep, by using a small valve and pressurized canister preferably containing carbon dioxide or other suitable gases.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sandal, comprising:
 (a) a platform encompassing the shape of a foot, said platform having a recess formed therein;   (b) foot securement attached to said platform;   (c) a cushion dimensioned to be received within said recess;   (d) a valve carded by said cushion; and   (e) a canister containing compressed gas for inflating said cushion thought said port valve.   
     
     
         2 . The sandal as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said cushion further comprises a foot-engaging pad attached to a bladder, said port being in fluid communication with the interior of said bladder. 
     
     
         3 . The sandal as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said bladder contains anchors to to retard ballooning and provide the user with a reasonably flat and stable feeling surface on which to walk and stand 
     
     
         4 . The sandal as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said foot-engaging pad has maintain lateral dimensions over a useful range of inflation pressures. 
     
     
         5 . The sandal as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said port is carried by said cushion proximate to the instep portion of said cushion. 
     
     
         6 . The sandal as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said canister contains carbon dioxide or air or other suitable gas.