A shaper for a pliable object includes a flexible sleeve formed of a semipermeable material and containing a chamber in which a fibrous fill material and a semi-rigid member are arranged. The fibrous fill provides shape and structure to the flexible sleeve to generally match the configuration of an object into which the shaper will be placed. The semi-rigid member has a length-to-width ratio that is substantially similar to the length-toi-width ratio of the flexible sleeve. When the sleeve is arranged within an object, it substantially fills the object to provide the object with structure and shape retention.

A shaper for a pliable object includes a flexible sleeve formed of a semipermeable material and containing a chamber in which a fibrous fill material and a semi-rigid member are arranged. The fibrous fill provides shape and structure to the flexible sleeve to generally match the configuration of an object into which the shaper will be placed. The semi-rigid member has a length-to-width ratio that is substantially similar to the length-toi-width ratio of the flexible sleeve. When the sleeve is arranged within an object, it substantially fills the object to provide the object with structure and shape retention.

The present disclosure relates to a device for retaining the shape of a shoe. The shoe insert provided herein for retaining the shape of a shoe includes a toe fabric bag and a vamp fabric bag. Each fabric bag may be made of a malleable form-fitting fabric. Each fabric bag may be of different sizes and shapes to fit shoes of different sizes and shapes. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a shoe insert and methods of using a device for retaining the shape of a shoe.

A shoe insert device is comprised of a tab and an insert member comprising a lateral, medial, anterior, and posterior region to which the tab is connected. The insert member is inserted into the toe box of a shoe to preserve the shape and structural integrity of a shoe while not in use. The device is comprised of silicone or other malleable material such as TPE. The device occupies the toe box of a shoe, does not occupy the entire length of a shoe, and does not require a back of a shoe. The device can thus be used for a variety of women's and men's shoes such as high heels, flats, loafers, backless shoes, and pointed-, rounded- or open-toe shoes. Embodiments in which lateral and medial regions of the insert member are configured and dimensioned substantially the same may be used interchangeably for either the left or right shoe.

An apparatus for adjusting a shoe and methods for making and using the same. A relative movement can be generated between a platform and a model foot wearing the shoe such that the platform contacts the shoe and the model foot adjusts the shoe via the relative movement. Advantageously, the model foot can be a surrogate to a human foot in adjusting the shape of the shoe. The model foot can stretch the shoe in the same manner as human walk. A person can experience great comfort when wearing the stretched shoe. The model foot can simulate the mechanical characteristics of the natural foot. The model foot can simulate gait of a natural foot and the stretching of the shoe can be further customized.

An apparatus for adjusting a shoe and methods for making and using the same. A relative movement can be generated between a platform and a model foot wearing the shoe such that the platform contacts the shoe and the model foot adjusts the shoe via the relative movement. Advantageously, the model foot can be a surrogate to a human foot in adjusting the shape of the shoe. The model foot can stretch the shoe in the same manner as human walk. A person can experience great comfort when wearing the stretched shoe. The model foot can simulate the mechanical characteristics of the natural foot. The model foot can simulate gait of a natural foot and the stretching of the shoe can be further customized.

The present disclosure relates to a device for retaining the shape of a shoe. The shoe insert provided herein for retaining the shape of a shoe includes a toe fabric bag and a vamp fabric bag. Each fabric bag may be made of a malleable form-fitting fabric. Each fabric bag may be of different sizes and shapes to fit shoes of different sizes and shapes. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a shoe insert and methods of using a device for retaining the shape of a shoe.

Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a device for adapting a footwear to the specific deformations of the foot of a user, including creating 3D scans of the foot in weight bearing and non-weight bearing positions, as well as of the footwear; determining rubbing areas between the foot and the footwear by means of superimposing the scanned 3D image of the footwear and the scanned 3D images of the weight bearing and the non-weight bearing foot; obtaining a final out-of-phase 3D image of the non-weight bearing foot, wherein the rubbing areas in this image are moved out of phase until they reach an intermediate position selected between a minimum and a maximum limit; printing the part of the heel and the part of the forefoot from the final out-of-phase 3D image. Finally, fitting a flexible element for joining together the part of the heel and the part of the forefoot.

Apparatus for the customization of footwear, in particular sports footwear, having an element made of thermoplastic material is provided. A method for the customization of footwear using the apparatus is also provided. The apparatus has a heating assembly, for heating the thermoplastic element above a predetermined threshold temperature, and a shaping assembly, for shaping the thermoplastic element while its temperature is above the threshold value, which assemblies are both carried by a common frame. Due to the fact that the heating assembly and the shaping assembly are carried by a single, common frame, it is possible to ensure proper heating and subsequent shaping of the element made of thermoplastic material.

Packaging is provided that inflates within the interior and exterior of a desired article, such as a pair of shoes. The pack is sized to the article's height, width, depth and in the case of shoes, has two distinct inserts that fit inside each one of a pair of shoes. When the package is inflated, both the interior and exterior of the shoes are cushioned and supported for shipment and storage. This invention allows the user to deflate the packaging, fold it to a reduced size, and either store the packaging or mail it back to the manufacturer to be repurposed for a continued life cycle.