Adjustable shoe

2,220,439

Noy. 5, 1940.

A. B. BLOCK

ADJUSTABLE SHOE

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2,220,439

Nov. 5, 1940.

A. E. BLOCK

ADJUSTABLE SHOE

Filed April 11, 1938 6 Sheets-Sheet 2

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Nov. 5, 1940. A. E. BLOCK 2,220,439

ADJUSTABLE SHOE

Filed April 11, 1938 6 Sheets-Sheet 3

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Nov. 5, 1940.

2,220,439

A. E. BLOCK

ADJUSTABLE SHOE

Filed April 11, 1938 6 Sheets-Sheet 4

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ADJUSTABLE SHOE

Filed April 11, 1938 6 Sheets-Sheet 5

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ADJUSTABLE SHOE

Filed April 11, 1938 6 Sheets-Sheet 6

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Patented Nov. 5, 1940

2,220,439

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

2,220,439 ADJUSTABLE SHOE Alexander E. Block, University City, Mo.· Application April 11, 1938, Serial No. 201,256 19 Claims. (Cl. 36—71)

The present invention relates generally to adjustable shoes, and more particularly to an adjustable shoe which includes a built-in main carrier which has facilities for receiving and does re5 ceive a plurality of pads and secondary carriers and for retaining in received position such pads and secondary carriers.

It is well known that in modern shoe manufacturing shoes are constructed according to series 10 of standard patterns. Some attempts have been made to construct shoes which incorporate features adapted to relieve foot strain, but in conventional construction a shoe of a specific size has a specific length, width, height, toe space, and. IS sole contour. Every individual having a foot requiring a size 7-A shoe necessarily must wear a. shoe having the same specifications, regardless of the individual requirements of the foot.

Many attempts have been made to provide 26 special sole contours to meet the requirements of specific feet through the use of inserts of various kinds. However, the obstacle immediately encountered is the lack of space required to receive the insert or inserts, particularly where such com25 pensating device must be of relatively great thickness. Of course, shoe uppers can be stretched to a certain degree, but this obviously is not a very satisfactory way of obtaining additional space, for quite often the upper is damaged, the stitching 30 being broken or the leather hopelessly distorted.

As a shoe is worn, depressions gradually form in the insole due to excessive bearing pressure at points beneath the os calcis, the base of the fifth metatarsal, the heads of the five metatarsals, and 35 at other points. The number and depth of the depressions vary with the individual foot. Further, as the shoe is worn, the outer sole becomes thinner along the outer edge, the inner edge, or the end, and the heel becomes thinner at the rear 40 or to one side or the other. As in the case of the depressions in the insole, the exterior wear of the shoe varies with the individual foot. As previously stated, inserts have been employed for many years, but even where sufficient space is obtained 45 the results obtained have not been completely successful due to the inappropriateness of the configurations and contours of the inserts, the difficulties of keeping the inserts in selected positions, and to the failure of the user to secure cor50 rect adjustments from time to time. ; The fact must not be overlooked that the mere insertion of a pad or insert into a shoe is temporary at best, for the continued wear of the shoe inevitably brings change to the shoe, to the pad, and to the 55 foot.

It must be appreciated that both bone and flesh are under consideration. Changes in the foot continuously occur due to making and breaking of adhesions and the shifting of bones. These changing conditions, which increase or decrease 5 the external size of the foot, must be synchronized to conditions of change in a shoe encasing the foot.

A shoe improperly fitted to a foot inevitably results in actual damage to the foot in the form 10 of corns, callouses, bunions, and the like, and to the whole system due both to faulty blood and nerve circulation and pressure on the nerves of the foot. It is recognized today in the medical world that properly fitted feet are a most im- 15 portant contribution to health. It is becoming more and more recognized that “properly fitted feet” means not just the initial adjustment of a pair of feet to a pair of shoes, but the continued adjustment of the shoes to the feet as variations 20 develop in the latter and conditions of wear develop in the former. Further, it is now appreciated that support for the flesh of the foot is very important.

It is, therefore, an object of the present inven- 25 tion to provide an adjustable shoe which is adapted to be initially adjusted to the requirements of a specific foot, and which can be maintained in adjustment relative to such foot during the life of the shoe. 30

Another object is to provide an adjustable shoe, the foot space of which is adapted to be made smaller or larger according to the requirements of the foot upon which it is worn.

Another object is to provide an adjustable shoe, 35 any part of the foot space of which is adapted to be made smaller or larger according to the requirements of the foot upon which it is worn without affecting the other parts of said foot space. 40

Another object is to provide an adjustable shoe which includes means for supporting both the fleshy portions and the honey portions of a foot . according to the specific requirements thereof.

' Another object is to provide an adjustable shoe 45 in which the foot space at the ball of the foot under the metatarsal heads can be increased, and in which means for adjustment of the metatarsals is included.

Another object is to provide an adjustable shoe 50 comprising a main carrier having means for receiving inserts under substantially the full area of the foot including the heads of the metatarsals, access being obtainable to all of said inserts at anytime. 55

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Another object is to provide an adjustable shoe which includes a main carrier which is adapted to receive and maintain in received position a plurality of inserts selectively located from the 5 rearmost edge of the heel to well under the metatarsal heads of a foot.

Another object is to provide an adjustable shoe which includes a main carrier of a configuration conforming to the outline of the insole through10 out the major extent of the latter, but which terminates at or near a convex line just rearwardly of the convex line formed by the toes of the foot of a wearer.

Another object is to provide an adjustable shoe 15 which includes a main carrier having a plurality of readily accessible pockets which are adapted to and do receive selected pads.

Another object is to provide an adjustable shoe which includes a main carrier having means to 20 receive and to maintain in received position pads, inserts and secondary carriers and their inserts to vary the contour of the foot-receiving surface of the shoe to meet any foot requirement throughout the full area thereof.

²⁵ Another object is to provide a shoe insert which includes means for initially adjusting the footbearing surface of the shoe to the requirements of the foot and for maintaining the foot-bearing surface in adjustment with the requirements of 30 the foot during the life of the insert.

Another object is to provide an adjustable shoe comprising a built-in device which underlies the heads of the outer metatarsals on a substantially flat plane above the heads of the inner metatar35 sals and the inner side of the heel on a substantially flat plane above the outer side of the heel.

Another object is to provide an insert which supports the forward portions of the outer metatarsals on a substantially flat plane above the 40 forward portions of the inner metatarsals and the inner side of the heel on a substantially flat plane above the outer side of the heel.

Another object is to provide a plurality of inserts of predetermined configurations.

Another object is to provide a carrier insert for a shoe having a plurality of pockets and holders and a plurality of inserts of configurations suitable for dispositions in said pockets and holders.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent 50 from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a main carrier which comprises the major feature of the novel adjust55 able shoe forming the subject matter of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the main carrier shown in Fig. 1, a portion of the bottom piece being broken away for the purpose of clarity;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the main carrier shown in Fig. 1, the cover thereof being raised in a manner to disclose certain of the pockets and stationary holders, a removable carrier insert being shown in one of the holders;

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4—4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5—5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is another perspective view of the main carrier, the cover and certain of the holders and pockets being turned back for clarity of illustra70 tion;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the removable carrier insert shown in position in. Figs. 3 and 6;

Fig. 8 is another perspective view of the main carrier shown in Fig. 1, certain of the holders 75 and pockets being turned back for clarity of illustration, a reversible longitudinal arch insert being shown in dotted lines in its pocket with the broad portion forwardly disposed;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the main carrier showing the reversible inner longi- B tudinal arch insert in its pocket with the broader portion thereof rearwardly disposed;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the reversible inner longitudinal arch insert, which is shown in its operative positions in Figs. 8 and 9; 10

Fig. 11 is another perspective view of the main carrier, a heel and arch insert being shown in its operative relationship with a holder;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an anterior insert; 15

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the forward portion of the main carrier showing the anterior insert of Fig. 12 in its pocket;

Fig 14 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the main carrier showing an arch insert 20 in its operative relation thereto;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the main carrier showing an outer longitudinal arch and heel insert in operative position. 25

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the arch insert, which is shown in operative relation to the main carrier in Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a plan view of a strap employed to maintain certain of the inserts in selected posi- 30 tions;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the main carrier showing the strap of Fig. 17 in operative relation thereto;

Fig. 19 is a bottom view of the main carrier and 35 a foot showing the relationship of the forward end of the main carrier and the toes of the foot;

Fig. 20 is a view of the adjustable shoe comprising the present invention, partly in side elevation, partly in section, parts being broken 40 away for clarity, showing the relationship of the main carrier to the little toe and to the skeleton of a foot;

Fig. 21 is a plan view of a main carrier forming a part of an adjustable sandal;

Fig. 22 . is a bottom view of the main carrier shown in Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a heel insert.;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the main carrier shown in Fig. 21, the cover and certain of the 50 pockets and holders being thrown back for the purpose of clarity, showing the insert of Fig. 23 in operative disposition relative thereto;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a modification of the heel insert of Fig. 23; 55

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the main carrier shown in Fig. 1 disclosing a second type of removable carrier in operative disposition relative thereto;

Fig 27 is a section on the line 27—27 of Fig. 20 60 taken at an acute angle to the longitudinal to cut the five metatarsals;

Fig. 28 is a section on the line 28—28 of Fig. 20;

Fig. 29 is a plan view of a carrier forming a part of another modified adjustable shoe con- ⁸⁵structed in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

Fig. 30 is a section on the line 30—30 of Fig. 29;

Fig. 31 is a section on the line 31—3 i of Fig. 29;

Fig. 32 is a plan view of a carrier forming a part of another modified adjustable shoe constructed in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

Fig. 33 is a section on the line 33—33 of Fig. 32;

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Fig. 34 is a section on the line 34—34 of Fig. 32; and,

Fig. 35 is a perspective view of an insert adapted to be used with the carrier shown in Fig. 32.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, there is shown in Fig. 20 as a preferred embodiment of the present invention an adjustable shoe 30. The shoe 30 includes an upper 31, a heel 32, an outsole 33, an insole 34, and a main carrier 35. The main carrier 35 is sewed to the insole by the threads 36 at the forward part thereof, and is secured thereto by the heel nails 37 at the rearward portion thereof. As Figs. 19 and 20 clearly show the main carrier 35 terminates short of the little toe 38. However, the main carrier 35 can be built with forward material extending under the toes, but it is not to be considered a toe support.

In Fig. 20 there is also shown the relationship of the outer side of the skeleton of a left foot to the main carrier 35. The skeleton A includes little toe bones a¹, a², and a³, a fifth metatarsal b, a cuboid c, and ankle bone d, and a heel bone or os calcis e.

The main carrier 35 is shown in Figs. 1-19 apart from the adjustable shoe 30 for clarity of illustration. In the fundamental concept of the present invention the main carrier 35 is an integral part of an adjustable shoe. However, the main carrier 35 as an insert is contemplated as within the scope of the present invention.

It is clear from an inspection of Figs. 1, 2 and 19 that the outline of the main carrier 35 is the same as the outline of the insole 34, with the exception that the former terminates short of the forward extent of the latter. In Fig. 19 the relationship of the front end of the main carrier 35 and the toes of a foot is shown.

The main carrier 35 includes a cover 40 and a base 41 (Figs. 3 and 4). A small pocket 42 is formed on the forward portion of the cover 40 by a portion of the cover 40 as one wall and by the piece 42' as the other wall, the piece 42' being attached to the cover 40 by stitches 43 and 44 (Fig. 1). A second small pocket 45 of substantially the same configuration as the pocket 42 is formed on the cover 40 by portions of the cover 40 and the piece 42' as one wall and by a piece 45' as the other wall, the piece 45' being attached by stitches 46 to the pocket 42 and by stitches 47 to the cover 40. The pocket 45 is angularly disposed relative to the pocket 42 and overlies a considerable portion of it. Each of the pockets 42 and 45 has a tab 48 in which there is a series of slots 43, and each is open at the forward and rear ends.

Anterior pockets 50, 51 and 52 extend beyond the forward edge 53 of the cover 40, and the defining walls are stitched to the cover 40, to the base 4 ί, and to each other.

Specifically, the pocket 50 is defined by an upper piece 54 and a lower piece 55. The upper piece 54 is attached to the cover 40 by stitching 56 disposed intermediate the ends of the piece 54, and is attached to the lower piece 55 by stitching 57 along the forward edge of the former and by* stitching 58 along the outwardly disposed edges towards the rear extremities (Figs. 1 and 3). The upper piece 54 has slots 59 for a purpose to be described. The piece 55 has similar slots (not shown). The pocket 50, therefore, is open along both sides and at the rear. The piece 54 extends rearwardly beyond the piece 55 in the form of a tab 54' which can be folded under to provide a thin insert and to maintain an insert in place in the pocket 50.

The pocket 51 is defined by a lower piece 60 and the piece 55 which forms the lower wall of the pocket 50 (Fig. 3). The lower piece 60 is 5 attached to the piece 55 by stitching 61, the forward edge of the former terminating a fraction of an inch short of the forward edge of the latter in order to feather the forward end of the main comer 35. The lower piece 60 is attached to the 10 base 41 by stitching 62, and is additionally secured to the piece 55 by the stitching 58, which passes through the three superposed pieces 54, 55 and 60. It is thus apparent that the pocket 51 is open along both sides and at the rear. 15

The pocket 52 is defined by an upper piece 65 having slots 64 and a lower piece 66 which are connected along the forward edges by stitching 67 and along the outer edges towards the rear extremities by stitching 68. The upper piece 65 is 20 connected to the cover 40 by stitching 69. The lower piece 66 is connected to the base 41 by stitching 70. The pocket 52 is, therefore, open on both sides and at the rear. The pocket 52 may be omitted if preferred, and the ends of the 25 cover 40 and the base 41 sewed together up to the pockets 50 and 51.

A holder tab 71 of generally rectangular configuration (Figs. 8 and 11) is fastened to the base 41 by stitching 72 (Fig. 2). The holder tab in- 30 eludes a plurality of transversely disposed slots 73 for a purpose to be described.

A rearwardly disposed arch and heel pocket 75 (Figs. 5 and 8) is defined by the base 41 and a flap 76 which is connected to the base 4! by 35 transverse stitching 77 (Fig. 2). The flap 76 is of the configuration of that portion of the base 41 with which it is superposed. The pocket 75 is open at two sides and at the rear end.

An inner longitudinal arch pocket 80 (Figs. 8 40 and 9) is defined by the flap 76 and the base 41 as the lower wall and by a half moon piece 81 as the upper wall. The piece 81 is attached to the flap 76 and to the base 41 by the arcuate stitching 82, which follows the arcuate edge of the 45 piece 81. Hence, the pocket 89 is open at the outwardly disposed edges.

An inner longitudinal arch and heel pocket 84 (Figs. 5 and 9) is defined by portions of the flap 76 and the half moon piece 81 as the lower wall, 50 and by an elongated piece 85 as the upper wall. The elongated piece 8S is attached to the half moon piece 81 by stitching 86 and additionally to the half moon piece 81 and to the flap 76 by stitching 87 (Fig. 8), the latter stitching extend- 55 ing longitudinally of the main carrier 35. The pocket 84, therefore, is open along the outer edge and at the rear. The outer and rear edges of the elongated piece 85 are of a configuration which follows that of the corresponding portion 60 of the base 41.

A long outer longitudinal arch and heel pocket 89 (Figs. 5 and 8) is defined by portions of the base 41, the flap 76, the half moon piece 81, and the elongated piece 85 as the lower wall thereof, 65 and by the forward portion of a long piece 90 and a short piece 91 as the upper wall thereof. The long piece 90 is attached to the base 41, the half moon piece 81, and the elongated piece 85 by stitching 92 which follows the forward end and 70 inwardly disposed edge of the long piece 90. The short piece 91 is attached to the long piece 90 by transverse stitching 93 and by longitudinal stitching 94 which follow, respectively, the forward end and the inwardly disposed edge of the 75

2,220,439 short piece 91. The long piece 90 has a series of slots 95 and spaced pairs of slits 96 and 97, the pair of slits 96 being of greater length than the pair of slits 97. The short piece 91 has a series of slots 98. The pocket 89 is open along the outwardly disposed edge and at the rear end.

A short outer arch and heel pocket 100 (Figs. 5, 6, and 8) is defined by the short piece 91 as the lower wall and by the rearward portion of the long piece 90 as the upper wall. From the foregoing description of the long piece 90 and the short piece 91 it is apparent that the pocket 100 is open along the outwardly disposed edge and the rear end.

A study of the drawings taken in conjunction with the foregoing description of the carrier 35 shows that the several pockets and holders are disposed in a system of overlapping or superposed relationship. It is believed that these several overlapping relationships are sufficiently clear without the necessity of further pointing out the same.

In Fig. 6 a removable carrier insert 135 (Fig. 7) is disposed in a selected relationship to the holder tab 71. The insert 135, which is biplanar, is of the generally wedge-shaped configuration shown in Fig. 7, the wide end 136 being skived along the lower surface. The insert 135 has pockets 137, 138, 139, and 140, which are defined by the upper surface of the insert 135 and a piece 141, by portions of the piece 141 and the insert 135 and a piece 142, by portions of the piece 142 and the insert 135 and a piece 143, and by portions of the piece 143 and the insert 135 and a piece 144, respectively. The pieces 141, 142, 143, and 144 are maintained in the relationship shown in Fig. 7 relative to each other and to the insert 135 by stitching 145 and stitching 146. Stitching 141', 142', and 143' closes a third side of the pockets 137, 138, and 139, respectively. The pocket 140, however, is open along two opposite sides, the opening adjacent the edge of the insert 135 being preferably narrower than the other opening. The pockets 137, 138, 139, and 140 are disposed in overlapping relation along an arcuate line, and receive inserts of a configuration to conform to the respective interiors thereof. An insert 140' is shown in dotted lines in position in the pocket 140, the insert 140' being of substantially oval configuration, peripherally bevelled, and biplanar. It extends to the edge of the insert 135 through the outer opening in the pocket 140. Referring back to Fig. 6 it is evident that the insert 135 is maintained in its selected position by the insertion of a narrowed end 147 into one of the slots 73. The insert 135 underlies the fleshy part of the foot rearwardly of the ball and the forward portions of the longitudinal arches.

In Fig. 6 there is shown a biplanar insert 148 (Fig. 23) disposed in the pocket 100. The insert 148 is preferably of a configuration to conform to the outline of the pocket 100 and includes a tongue 149, shoulders 150 contiguous thereto, an outwardly disposed vertical edge 151, a portion of which is convex, and an inwardly disposed straight edge 152 which is beveled at 153. In Fig. 6 the tongue 149 of the insert 148 is shown disposed through a selected slot 95. In Fig. 25 is shown a biplanar insert 148' which varies from the insert 148 in that the former is cut away at 154. The inserts 148 and 148' underlie the outer portion of the heel.

In Figs. 8 and 9 a reversible insert 128 (Fig. 10) is shown disposed in the pocket 80. The insert 128 includes a broad portion 129 and a narrow extension 130. The insert 128, which is biplanar, is vertical along an outwardly disposed edge 131 and is beveled at 132 along an irregular inwardly disposed edge 133. In Fig. 8 the insert 128 is disposed with the broad portion 129 forwardly and 5 underlying the inner cuneiform and the rearward portion of the first metatarsal, whereas in Fig. 9 the broad.portion 129 is disposed rearwardly and underlying the scaphoid, thereby illustrating its reversibility. 10

In'Fig. 11 a biplanar heel and arch insert 111, which is of the configuration of the base 41 along the sides and rear end and which has a tongue 112 and shoulders 113, is shown disposed with the tongue 112 in one of the slots 73 with the shoul- 15 ders 113 abutting the extremities of said slot to maintain the insert ill in its selected position. The insert 111 underlies the heel and the rearward portions of the longitudinal arches.

In Fig. 13 an insert 105 (Fig. 12) is shown dis- 20 posed in the anterior pocket 50. The insert 105 is of a configuration to conform to the pocket 50 and is biplanar. It is beveled at 106 and 107, the edge 108 being vertical. A shoulder 109 and a tongue 110 are provided. The tongue 110 is 25 adapted to extend through one of the slots 59, the shoulder 109 limiting this insertion (Fig. 13). The insert 105 underlies the forward portions of the outer metatarsals and the fleshy portions immediately forwardly and rearwardly thereof. 30

A pad of a configuration similar to that of the pad 105 is provided for each of the pockets 51 and 52. The tongue of ah insert placed in the pocket 51 can either extend through the slots 59 or through slots in the layer 55 (not shown). ⁸⁵

In Fig. 14 a biplanar arch support insert 120 (Fig. 16) is shown in position relative to the pocket 80. The insert 120 is of half moon configuration having the straight inwardly disposed edge 121 and the arcuate outwardly disposed edge 40 122, which define the forward and rearward points 123 and 124, respectively. The inwardly disposed edge 121 is beveled at 125, whereas the outwardly disposed edge 122 is vertical. An internal flap portion 126 is provided by the in- 45 cision 127.

From Fig. 14 it is clear that the internal flap portion 126 extends into the pocket 80, whereas the major portion of the insert 120 overlies the elongated piece 85 and portions of the long piece 50 90 and the half moon piece 81. The insert 120 extends beyond the inner edge of the main carrier 35 and is adapted to rest against the inner side of a shoe upper to provide an arch support. The insert 120 extends sufficiently rearwardly to 55 underlie the inner portion of the heel.

In Fig. 18 a biplanar insert 115 is shown disposed in the deep slits 96 located in the long piece 90. The insert 115 is of the configuration shown in Fig. 15, both the forward and rear ends being 60 pointed, the former being defined by a convex portion of the inwardly disposed edge 116 and a concave portion of the outwardly disposed edge 117, and the latter being defined by a straight portion of the inwardly disposed edge 116 and a 65 convex portion of the outwardly disposed edge 117. The edge 116 is beveled at 118 throughout its length, whereas the edge 117 is vertical. The insert 115 underlies the outer portion of the heel and the outer longitudinal arch. 70

In Fig. 26 an elongated biplanar carrier insert 155 is shown disposed above the plane of the long piece 90. The insert 155 is of an outline along the inner and outer edges and the rear end to conform to the corresponding outline of the base 75

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41. The insert 155 has pockets 156 and 157, which are defined, respectively, by a portion of the upper surface of the insert 155 and a piece 158, and by portions of the upper surface of the insert 5 i 55 and the upper surface of the piece 158 and a piece 159. The piece 158 is attached to the insert 155 by spaced longitudinal stitching 160 and 161 (the latter not shown). The piece 159 is attached to the piece 158 by stitching 162 and to 10 the insert 155 by stitching 163. Each of the pieces 158 and 159 includes a tab 164 in which there is a plurality of slots 165. As can be readily seen from an inspection of Fig. 26 the pieces 158 and 159 are angularly disposed relative to each other. 5 The insert 155 has slots 166. The slots 166 are adapted to receive inserts similar to the carrier insert 135 or to the insert ill. The pockets 156 and 157 are adapted to receive inserts of appropriate configuration. The carrier insert 155 un20 denies the heel and the longitudinal arches, serving as a filler. Its pockets 156 and 157 are replacements for the pockets 42 and 44 which are sometimes removed and then require replacement.

In Fig. 17 there is shown a strap 168 constructed -·' of suitable material which has slots 169 adjacent one end and which is formed as a hook 170 at the other end. In Fig. 18 the strap 168 is shown in operative disposition relative to the holder tab 71 and the flap 76. The strap 168 is used, on occa30 sion, to maintain certain elements of the main carrier 35 and associated inserts in selected disposition.

In Figs. 21, 22, and 24 there is shown a main carrier 175 which forms the major feature of an ^3fl adjustable sandal constructed in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. The main carrier 175 differs from the main carrier 35 only in that the main carrier 175 is cut away at 176, the cover 41' is beveled at 177 adjacent the cut<u> away 176, the holder tab 171 of the main carrier 35 is omitted from the main carrier 175, and the piece 65' of the main carrier 175 is shorter than the corresponding piece 65 of the main carrier 35.

In Fig. 27 there is disclosed the relationship 4.· of the forward portions of the first metatarsal 180, the second metatarsal 181, the third metatarsal 182, the fourth metatarsol 183, and the fifth metatarsal 184, when the insert 105 (Fig. 12) is in the pocket 50 (Fig. 13), there being no inserts f in the pockets 51 and 52. The forward portions of the third metatarsal 182, the fourth metatarsal 183, and the fifth metatarsal 184 are elevated relative to the forward portions of the first metatarsal 180 and the second metatarsal 181. This r·’ established relationship of the forward portions of the metatarsals relieves the strain on the second, third, and fourth metatarsals, placing the proper load upon the first and second metatarsols, thereby effecting equal weight distribution and c ^; causing the muscles of the inner border of the foot and calf to function normally, and thereby preventing damage to the shoe due to overturning and injury to the foot in the form of corns, callouses, bunions, muscle strain, and nerve stress, fl' In some instances only the forward portions of the fourth and fifth metatarsals are raised, the insert in the pocket 50 being narrowed.

In Fig. 28 the inner side of the heel is elevated relative to the outer side thereof by the use of 7’> an insert disposed in the pocket 84. The os calcis or heel bone e is thereby in effect wedged which prevents wobbling, which is so common where high heel shoes are worn. It must, of course, not be overlooked that the heel bone e is surrounded 7? with flesh.

In Fig. 29 there is shown a carrier 187 which forms the main feature of another adjustable shoe built in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The carrier 187 is of the configuration of the insole of the shoe throughout ® the major extent thereof, but terminates short of the forward portion thereof. The carrier 187 includes an extension 188 which is adapted to extend beneath the forward portions of the third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals of the foot encased 10 in the adjustable shoe of which the carrier 187 forms a part. The forward portion of the extension 188 is beveled at 189, the bevel 189 continuing-across the front of the carrier 187. The extension 188 is raised above the main portion of 15 the carrier 187, as is the rearward extension 188', which together provide a flat surface. The heel portion 190 of the carrier 187 has a flat raised portion 191 along the inner side in order to provide a support for the inner side of the heel. 20 The cross sections comprising Figs. 30 and 31 clearly demonstrate the foregoing.

In Fig. 32 there is shown a carrier 192 which forms the main feature of still another modification of the adjustable shoe forming the sub- 25 ject matter of the present invention. The carrier 192 is of substantially the same outline as the carrier 187 shown in Fig. 29 and includes a pocket 193 formed by a portion of the main body of the carrier 192 and a piece 194 (Fig. 33) which is 30 sewed to the carrier 192 by spaced transverse stitching 195 and 196 and longitudinal stitching 205. The pocket 193, therefore, is open at both sides, a slot 197 in the carrier 192 extends longitudinally thereof between the forward end of 35 the carrier 192 and a point a short distance forwardly of the stitching 195 through which an insert 198 (Fig. 35) is adapted to be inserted.

The insert 198 is preferably biplanar and of an outline to conform to the outline of the pocket 40 193. As is shown in Fig. 32, the rear edge 206 of the insert 198 extends rearwardly of the rearward terminus of the slot 197 when the insert 198 is in the pocket 193, thereby providing a lock. The insert 198 is beveled along the two ends and 45 the inwardly disposed side, and in a preferred embodiment includes pockets 207 and 208, defined by a piece 209 and a portion of the insert 198 and by a piece 210 and portions of the insert 198 and the piece 209, respectively. The piece 50 209 is fixed to the insert 198 by transverse stitching 211. The piece 210 is fixed to the piece 209 by transverse stitching 212 and to the insert 198 by transverse stitching 213. The pockets 207 and 208 are thus open at opposed edges and are 55 adapted to receive suitable inserts in overlapping relation.

A heel pocket 199 is provided which is defined by a portion of the carrier 192 and by a piece 200 which is stitched to the carrier 192 by trans- 60 verse stitching 201 and longitudinal stitching 202. The pocket 199, therefore, is open along one side and at the rear. The piece 200 can be lifted for positioning an insert 203 (Fig. 34).

It is apparent that raising the inner side of the ⁶⁵heel and the heads of the outer metatarsals effects perfect foot balance.

The elements comprising the main carrier 35 and the inserts employed in conjunction therewith are constructed of suitable material. In a 70 preferred embodiment the tab 40 is of leather, the remaining elements of the main carrier 35 are of fabric, and the inserts are of leather. The tab 40 is preferably of leather, inasmuch as it forms the actual bearing surface for the foot. 75

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The remaining elements of the main carrier 35 are of fabric in order to keep to a minimum consistent with proper construction the thickness of these several elements so that the overall 5 thickness of the main carrier without inserts will not be excessive. Other materials, of course, may be employed, since the material per se forms no part of the present invention.

The numerous pockets and tabs of the main 10 carrier 35 have been described at length as to configuration and disposition, but it is to be understood that the specific configurations of these pockets and tabs shown and described may be varied without departing from the province of 15 the present invention. The same point is applicable relative to the preferred specific configurations of the inserts shown and described.

The main carrier 35 is shown and described as the major feature of an adjustable shoe, but it is 20 to be understood that the main carrier 35 employed as an insert for a conventional shoe is contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

Operation

When the adjustable shoe 30 forming the subject matter of the present invention is sold to a customer the bearing surface is adjusted to the requirements of the foot of the purchaser. Suit30 able inserts are placed in the appropriate pockets to provide a bearing surface which gives comfort and proper support for the wearer, a condition which allows normal functioning of the foot and which strengthens the muscles thereof.

As the shoe 30 is worn by the purchaser the inevitable indentations gradually appear in the bearing surface and the sole and heel become thinner in certain areas. However, these indentations and points of wear are compensated by ad4Q justment of the inserts placed in the main carrier 35 at the time of the original fitting of the shoe or by the insertion of additional inserts, so that the detrimental effects of the wear and tear on the shoe are never transmitted to the wearer.

In other words, the adjustable shoe 30 is refitted to the foot of a wearer from time to time throughout the life of the shoe.

It is obvious that, since the shoe forming the subject matter of the present invention at all 50 times properly fits the wearer, no corns, callouses, bunions, and the like, can develop on the foot of the wearer. Further, the blood and nerve circulation is maintained normal and the nerves of the foot are in no wise impaired. The wearer of 55 the present shoe is never subjected to the necessity of hopping from one foot to another while standing to relieve pressure on the nerves of the foot or to restart the blood circulation. In other words, the bones of the feet and legs are main00 tained in normal position at all times.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not concerned with orthopedic surgery appliances used in cases of fallen or dorsal flexed toes.

It is contemplated that the broad concept of the present invention includes the disposition of an insert between the inner and outer soles to raise the outer metatarsals. It further includes the hollowing out of a last for making a shoe 70 having sufficient space for such insert without crowding the foot of a wearer.

It is apparent that there has been provided an adjustable shoe which achieves all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. However, the 75 foregoing description and accompanying draw ings have been given by way of illustration and example and not for purposes of limitation, the invention being limited only by the claims which follow.