Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1
INSOLE FOR SPORT FOOTWEAR
[0001]
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates an insole for sport
footwear. In
particular, the present disclosure relates to an insole for inclining a foot
of a
wearer or promoting supination of a foot of a wearer. For example, the present
disclosure relates to an insole having a 2 to about 9 upward incline and/or
causing a 2 to about 90 supination of a wearer's foot.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Insoles for footwear to be worn for walking or running
are typically
intended to providing a flat foot bed. Such insoles aim to correct under or
over
pronating or supinating of the foot when carrying out a walking or running
motion.
Providing a flat foot bed may help a wearer's posture, reduce risk of injury
and/or
reduce uneven wear of the footwear. However, such insoles may not be well-
suited for sports or activities that require a motion of the foot and/or leg
that does
not closely resemble a walking or running motion.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] It would thus be highly desirable to be provided with an
apparatus
or a method that would at least partially solve one of the problems previously
mentioned or that would be an alternative to the existing technologies.
[0005] According to one aspect, there is provided an insole for
a sport
footwear, the insole comprising a forefoot portion comprising an incliner for
inclining a foot of a wearer towards an outer side of the insole, a midfoot
portion
having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot
portion
comprising an incliner for inclining the foot of the wearer towards the outer
side of
the insole, and wherein at least one of the forefoot portion, the midfoot
portion
and the rearfoot portion comprises an upper surface having an upward
inclination
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of about 2 to about 9 along a path from an outer side of the insole to the
inner
side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.
[0006] According to another aspect, there is provided an insole for a
sport
footwear, the insole comprising a forefoot portion comprising an incliner for
causing an about 2 to about 9 supination of a foot of a wearer, a midfoot
portion
having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot
portion
comprising an incliner for causing an about 2 to about 9 supination of the
foot of
the wearer.
[0007] According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for a
sport footwear, the insole comprising a forefoot portion comprising an
incliner,
wherein a thickness of an inner side of the forefoot portion is greater than a
thickness of an outer side of the forefoot portion, a midfoot portion having
an arch
extending from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot portion comprising
an
incliner, wherein a thickness of an inner side of the rearfoot portion is
greater
than a thickness of an outer side of the rearfoot portion, and wherein at
least one
of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion
comprises an
upper surface having an upward inclination of about 2 to about 9 along a
path
from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and
perpendicular
to a lengthwise axis of the insole.
[0008] According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for
sport footwear, the insole comprising a forefoot portion being partially
tapered
from an inner side of the insole towards an outer side of the insole, a
midfoot
portion having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, a thickness
of
an inner side of the midfoot portion being greater than a thickness of an
outer
side of the midfoot portion, and a rearfoot portion being partially tapered
from the
inner side of the insole towards the outer side of the insole, and wherein at
least
one of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion
comprises
an upper surface having an upward inclination of about 2 to about 9 along a
path from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and
perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.
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[0009] According to yet another aspect, there is provided An insole for an
ice skate, the insole comprising a forefoot portion comprising an incliner for
inclining a foot of a wearer towards an outer side of the insole, a midfoot
portion
having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot
portion
comprising an incliner for inclining the foot of the wearer towards the outer
side of
the insole, and wherein at least one of the forefoot portion, the midfoot
portion
and the rearfoot portion comprises an upper surface having an upward
inclination
of about 2 to about 9 along a path from an outer side of the insole to the
inner
side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.
[0010] According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for an
ice skate, the insole comprising a forefoot portion comprising an incliner for
causing an about 2 to about 9 supination of a foot of a wearer, a midfoot
portion
having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot
portion
comprising an incliner for causing an about 2 to about 9 supination of the
foot of
the wearer.
[0011] According to yet another aspect, there is provided insole for a an
ice skate, the insole comprising a forefoot portion comprising an incliner,
wherein
a thickness of an inner side of the forefoot portion is greater than a
thickness of
an outer side of the forefoot portion, a midfoot portion having an arch
extending
from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot portion comprising an
incliner,
wherein a thickness of an inner side of the rearfoot portion is greater than a
thickness of an outer side of the rearfoot portion and wherein at least one of
the
forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion comprises an
upper
surface having an upward inclination of about 2 to about 9 along a path from
an
outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to
a
lengthwise axis of the insole.
[0012] According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for an
ice skate, the insole comprising a forefoot portion being partially tapered
from an
inner side of the insole towards an outer side of the insole, a midfoot
portion
having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, a thickness of an
inner
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side of the midfoot portion being greater than a thickness of an outer side of
the
midfoot portion and a rearfoot portion being partially tapered from the inner
side
of the insole towards the outer side of the insole, and wherein at least one
of the
forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion comprises an
upper
surface having an upward inclination of about 2 to 9 along a path from an
outer
side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to a
lengthwise
axis of the insole.
[0013] According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for an
ice skate, the insole comprising a forefoot portion being partially tapered
from an
inner side of the insole towards an outer side of the insole for causing a 2
to 9
supination of a foot of a wearer, a midfoot portion having an arch extending
from
an underside of the insole, a thickness of an inner side of the midfoot
portion
being greater than a thickness of an outer side of the midfoot portion, and a
rearfoot portion being partially tapered from the inner side of the insole
towards
the outer side of the insole a 2 to 9 .
[0014] According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for a
sport footwear, the insole comprising an insole body having a footprint shape
and
an upper surface of the insole body having an upward inclination of about 2
to
about 9 along a path from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of
the
insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.
[0015] According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for a
sport footwear, the insole comprising an insole body having an inclined upper
surface for causing an about 2 to about 9 supination of a foot of a wearer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The following drawings represent examples that are presented in a
non-limitative manner.
[0017] Figure 1A illustrates a top view of an insole according to various
exemplary embodiments;
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[0018] Figure 1B illustrates a top view of an insole according to various
exemplary embodiments showing gradient vectors;
[0019] Figure IC illustrates a perspective view of an insole according to
various exemplary embodiments;
[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom view of an insole according to
various
exemplary embodiments;
[0021] Figure 3 illustrates an elevation view of a front side of an insole
according to various exemplary embodiments;
[0022] Figure 4 illustrates an elevation view of an inner side of an
insole
according to various exemplary embodiments;
[0023] Figure 5 illustrates an elevation view of a rear side of an insole
according to various exemplary embodiments;
[0024] Figure 6 illustrates an elevation view of an outer side of an
insole
according to various exemplary embodiments;
[0025] Figure 7 illustrates an elevation view of an inner side of an
insole
according to various exemplary embodiments placed in an upside-down
orientation;
[0026] Figure 8 illustrates an elevation view of an outer side of an
insole
according to various exemplary embodiments placed in an upside-down
orientation;
[0027] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of an insole according to
various exemplary embodiments. .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0028] The following examples are presented in a non-limitative manner.
[0029] It has been observed that when a person is participating in
particular types of sports, the movement of a person's leg and/or feet will be
different from the leg and/or feet movement of a typical walking/running
action. In
a typical walking/running action, a person's knee makes a circular motion. For
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example, in a walking/running action, the foot reaches a supination stance at
the
arch and subsequently rolls towards the big toe, thereby forming the circular
motion.
[0030] By contrast,
it may be beneficial in some sports for the person's
knee to move in a substantially linear (substantially non-circular) manner.
These
sports include skating, alpine skiing and cross-country skiing. For example,
these sports often require the person to balance his or her weight on a single
leg.
This balancing is facilitated when the knee maintains a substantially linear
movement. In such sports, the circular motion made during walking/running may
be undesirable, and participants in these sports overtie their footwear so as
to
reduce or prevent the flex that would result in the undesirable circular
motion.
For example, making the circular motion would cause the participant to lose
their
balance.
[0031] It has been
further observed that linear motion of the knee and
balancing on a single leg is further facilitated when at least one foot of the
person
is inclined outwardly. In inclining thusly, the body weight of the person is
also
shifted outwardly, which improves balance. For example,
the center of
mass/gravity of the person is aligned with the person's grounded foot.
[0032] The
expression "front" as used herein with respect to an insole or a
foot refers to a region that generally corresponds to the toes or forefoot
direction
of the foot when the wearer's foot is received in the insole. .
[0033] The
expression "rear' as used herein with respect to an insole or a
foot refers to a region that generally corresponds to the heel or rearfoot
direction
of the foot when the wearer's foot is received in the insole.
[0034] The
expression 'inner side" as used herein with respect to an insole
refers to a region that generally corresponds to the inner side of the foot
(ex:
hallux, medial cuneiform, etc.) when the foot is received in the insole.
[0035] The
expression "outer side" as used herein with respect to an
insole refers to a region that generally corresponds to the outer side of the
foot
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(ex: fifth phalanx, fifth metatarsal, cuboid) when the wearer's foot is
received in
the insole.
[0036] The expression "taper" or variants thereof as used herein with
respect to an insole or portions thereof refers to a decreasing thickness of
the
insole or the portions thereof. For example, when tapering from a position A
to a
position B, the thickness decreases from the position A to the position B.
[0037] The expression "supinate" or variants thereof as used herein refers
to the movement of the foot in which the foot rolls outward with an elevated
arch.
[0038] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the
incliner of
the forefoot portion comprises an at least partially tapered portion from an
inner
side of the insole towards an outer side of the insole.
[0039] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the at
least
partially tapered portion of the forefoot portion is spaced apart from a front
end of
the insole.
[0040] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the at
least
partially tapered portion of the forefoot portion extends from the inner side
of the
insole to a location intermediate the inner side and the outer side.
[0041] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the
incliner of
the forefoot portion comprises a wedge provided on an underside of the insole
proximate to an inner side of the insole.
[0042] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge
is
tapered towards an outer side of the insole.
[0043] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge
is
further tapered towards the front end of the insole.
[0044] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge
is
integrally formed within the underside of the insole.
[0045] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge
is
connected to the underside of the insole.
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[0046] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, a
thickness of
a proximal hallux portion of the forefoot portion is greater than a thickness
of a
distal hallux portion of the forefoot portion.
[0047] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, a
thickness of
a distal hallux portion of the forefoot portion is substantially equal to a
thickness
of a distal fifth phalanx portion of the forefoot portion.
[0048] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the arch
defines a recess on the underside of the insole, the recess extending from the
inner side to a second location intermediate the inner side and the outer
side.
[0049] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the recess
is
adapted to receive a protruding arch of the sport footwear.
[0050] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, a height
of a
first metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion is greater than a height of a
fifth
metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion.
[0051] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, a height
of a
first metatarsal portion, a height of a second metatarsal portion and a height
of a
third metatarsal portion are each greater than a height of a fifth metatarsal
portion of the midfoot portion.
[0052] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the height
of
the inner side of the midfoot portion is greater than a height of an inner
side of
the forefoot portion.
[0053] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, a
thickness of
an inner side of the rearfoot portion is greater than a thickness of a hallux
portion
of the forefoot portion.
[0054] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the
incliner of
the rearfoot portion comprises an at least partially tapered portion from an
inner
side of the insole towards an outer side of the insole.
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[0055] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, an outer
side
of the rearfoot portion is tapered from a rear end of the insole towards the
front
end of the insole.
[0056] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the
incliner of
the rearfoot portion comprises a wedge provided on an underside of the insole
proximate to an inner side of the insole.
[0057] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge
is
tapered towards an outer side of the insole.
[0058] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge
is
further tapered towards the front end of the insole.
[0059] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, wherein
the
wedge is integrally formed within the underside of the insole.
[0060] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge
is
connected to the underside of the insole.
[0061] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, wherein
the
sport footwear is a skate.
[0062] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the sport
footwear is an ice skate.
[0063] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the ice
skate
is chosen from a figure skate, a hockey skate, and a speed skate.
[0064] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the sport
footwear is a chosen from a running shoe, a hiking boot, an alpine ski boot, a
cross-country ski boot and a skate.
[0065] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the recess
is
adapted to receive a protruding arch of the ice skate.
[0066] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upper
surface has an upward inclination of about 4 to about 8 along the path from
the
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outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to
the
lengthwise axis of the insole.
[0067] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upper
surface has an upward inclination of about 6 to about 7 along the path from
the
outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to
the
lengthwise axis of the insole.
[0068] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, each of
the
forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion has the upper
surface having the upward inclination of about 2 to about 9 along the path
from
the outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular
to a
lengthwise axis of the insole.
[0069] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the
incliner of
the forefoot portion and the incliner of the rearfoot portion cause an about 4
to
about 8 of the foot of the wearer.
[0070] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the
incliner of
the forefoot portion and the incliner of the rearfoot portion cause an about 6
to
about 7 of the foot of the wearer.
[0071] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upper
surface of the insole body has an average upward inclination of about 2 to
about
9 along the path from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of the
insole
and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the insole.
[0072] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upper
surface has an upward inclination of about 4 to about 8 along the path from
the
outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to
the
lengthwise axis of the insole.
[0073] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upper
surface has an upward inclination of about 6 to about 7 along the path from
the
outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to
the
lengthwise axis of the insole.
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[0074] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upward
inclination extends continuously from a front of the insole to a rear of the
insole.
[0075] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upward
inclination corresponds to a value of an angle formed between a vector tangent
to the upper surface of the insole body and an underlying plane supporting the
insole.
[0076] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the
underlying
plane is an inner surface of a sole of the sport footwear.
[0077] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the insole
body comprises an upper layer having a substantially uniform thickness and at
least one wedge member supporting the upper layer, the at least one wedge
member being tapered from an outer side of the insole to an inner side of the
insole.
[0078] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the at
least
one wedge member has a recess formed therein, the recess defining an inverted
arch.
[0079] For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upper
surface of the insole body causes an about 2 to about 9 inclination of a
foot of a
wearer.
[0080] Referring now to Figures 1A and 1B simultaneously, therein
illustrated is a top view of an insole 100 according to various exemplary
embodiments. The insole 100 includes an insole body 104 having a footprint
shape, as illustrated. The insole may be divided into a forefoot portion 108,
midfoot portion 116 and rearfoot portion 124. The insole 100 is generally
shaped
according to the shape of a wearer's foot and can be disposed over the bottom
interior surface of a footwear item.
[0081] Figure 1B illustrates a plurality of gradient vectors at various
points
on the interior surface 104 of the insole 100. As is well known in the art,
each
gradient vector has a direction component and a magnitude component, which
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denote respectively the direction and magnitude of the steepest slope at a
point
(i.e. direction of the greatest rate of increase and the magnitude of the
increase).
For example, a drop of water at given point on the interior surface 104 would
flow
downwardly in a direction opposite to the gradient vector corresponding to
that
point. The speed of the flow of that drop of water would further correspond to
the
magnitude of the corresponding gradient vector.
[0082] Referring now to Figure 1C, therein illustrated is a perspective
view
of the insole 100 according to various exemplary embodiments. A longitudinal
axis 106 of the insole 100 extends between a hallux portion and a center of
the
heel 244 of the insole 100. A plurality of lateral vectors 107 that are each
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 106 is also defined. Each vector 107
resides within a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 106. It
will be
understood that different vectors 107 illustrated in Figures 1 and 1C reside
in
different planes that are each perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 106.
[0083] The lateral vectors 107 correspond to orientations of an upper
surface 156 of the insole 100 in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
106.
[0084] For example, lateral vectors 107 may each define a tangent to the
upper surface 156.
[0085] Alternatively, the lateral vectors 107 may each define an average
of
the orientations of the tangents to the upper surface 156 along a path from
the
inner side 132 to the outer side 140 of the insole 100 within a plane that is
perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106.
[0086] Alternatively, the lateral vectors 107 may each define a vector
extending between an intersection of the upper surface 156 with the outer side
140 to an intersection of the upper surface 156 with inner side 132, each
intersection being within the same plane that is perpendicular to the
lengthwise
axis 106.
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[0087] The lateral vectors 107 define an upward inclination of the upper
surface of the insole body 104 along a path from the outer side 140 to the
inner
side 132 within a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106.
[0088] According to various exemplary embodiments, the upper surface
156 has an upward inclination of about 2 to about 9 along this path from the
outer side 140 to the inner side 130 within a plane perpendicular to the
lengthwise axis 106. That is, each lateral vector 107 according to various
definitions provided herein forms an angle 112 with an underlying plane vector
110. For each given lateral vector 107, its corresponding underlying plane
vector
110 is the intersection between the underlying plane supporting the insole 100
and the plane perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106 in which the given
lateral
vector 107 resides. The angle 112 formed between a given lateral vector 107
and
its corresponding underlying plane vector 110 is between about 2 to about 9 .
It
will be understood that various angles shown in the figures are for
illustrative
purposes and may show angles 112 that are greater than between about 2 to
about 9
[0089] When the insole 100 is positioned within a sport footwear, the
underlying plane supporting the insole 100 will be the inner surface of the
sole of
the sport footwear.
[0090] According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward
inclination of the upper surface 156 with respect to the underlying plane
supporting it (i.e. angle 112) is between about 4 to about 8 .
[0091] According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward
inclination of the upper surface 156 with respect to the underlying plane
supporting it (i.e. angle 112) is between about 6 to about 8 .
[0092] According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward
inclination within the ranges disclosed herein extends continuously from a
front
164 to a rear 224 of the insole 100. That is, for any given point on the
lengthwise
axis 106, a plane that includes the given point and is perpendicular to the
lengthwise axis 106 will have a lateral vector 107 and underlying plane vector
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110 that form an angle 112 falling within the range of about 2 to about 9 or
other ranges disclosed herein.
[0093] According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole body 104
includes an upper layer having a substantially uniform thickness. The upper
layer
may have a high friction surface to restrict sliding of a wearer's foot. The
insole
body further includes at least one wedge member supporting the upper layer.
The at least one wedge member is tapered from an outer side of the insole to
an
inner side of the insole. The tapered shape of the wedge member provides the
upward inclination of the upper surface 156 of the insole 100. The at least
one
wedge member may further have a recessed formed therein, which defines an
inverted arch.
[0094] When the insole 100 is disposed on a bottom interior surface of a
footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, the
upward
inclination of the upper surface 156 causes the wearer's foot to have an about
2
to about 9 supination. For example, when the foot has this amount of
supination,
the tibia of the wearer is oriented vertically or outwardly. For example, when
each
of the wearer's feet are positioned over respective insoles 100, the left and
right
tibia of the wearer are oriented vertically or away from one another.
[0095] According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward
inclination of the upper surface 156 causes the wearer's foot to have an about
4
to about 8 supination.
[0096] According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward
inclination of the upper surface 156 causes the wearer's foot to have an about
6
to about 7 supination.
[0097] It has been observed that an amount of supination whereby the
wearer's tibia is oriented vertically or outwardly assists the wearer in
maintaining
balance on one foot only. This assistance may be beneficial in various
activities
and sports where balance on one foot is required, such as skating, skiing,
etc.
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[0098] It has been further observed that where as a user's knee would
typically have a circular motion with respect to the ground when running or
walking, maintaining a vertical or outward orientation of the tibia causes the
knee
to have a substantially linear movement. This linear movement is further
beneficial for certain activities and sports, such as skating, skiing, etc.
[0099] According to various exemplary embodiments, the forefoot portion
108 includes a first incliner. The first incliner provides a varying thickness
of the
forefoot portion 108. For example, a thickness of an inner side 132 of the
forefoot portion 108 is greater than a thickness of an outer side 140 of the
forefoot portion 108. When the insole 100 is disposed on a bottom interior
surface of a footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole
100,
the varying thickness of the first incliner causes the wearer's foot and leg
to be
inclined outwardly towards the outer side 140 of the insole 100. The first
incliner
promotes supination of the foot of the wearer. For example, when the foot is
inclined in this way or in the supination position, the tibia of the wearer is
also
oriented vertically or outwardly. For example, when each of the wearer's feet
are
positioned over respective insoles 100, the left and right tibia of the wearer
are
oriented vertically or away from one another.
[00100] The incliner may cause the forefoot portion 108 to have an upward
inclination of about 2 to about 90 along a path from an outer side 140 of the
insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise
axis
106. That is, within a plane located in the forefoot portion 108 and
perpendicular
to the lengthwise axis 106, the upper surface of the forefoot portion 108 has
the
upward inclination of about 2 to about 9 .
[00101] According to various exemplary embodiments, the forefoot portion
108 may have an upward inclination of about 4 to about 8 along the path from
an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and
perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.
[00102] According to various exemplary embodiments, the forefoot portion
108 may have an upward inclination of about 6 to about 7 along the path from
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an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and
perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.
[00103] The inclined forefoot portion 108 may cause an about 2 to about 9
supination of a foot of a wearer placed above the insole 100.
[00104] According to various exemplary embodiments, the inclined forefoot
portion 108 may cause an about 40 to about 8 of the foot of the wearer.
[00105] According to various exemplary embodiments, the inclined forefoot
portion 108 may cause an about 6 to about 7 of the foot of the wearer.
[00106] The rearfoot portion 124 includes a second incliner. The second
incliner provides a varying thickness of the rearfoot portion 124. For
example, a
thickness of an inner side 132 of the rearfoot portion 124 is greater than a
thickness of an outer side 140 of rearfoot portion 124. When the insole 100 is
disposed on a bottom interior surface of a footwear item and a wearer's foot
is
positioned over the insole 100, the varying thickness of the second incliner
causes the wearer's foot to be inclined outwardly towards the outer side 140
of
the insole 100. The second incliner promotes supination of the foot of the
wearer. For example, when the foot is inclined in this way or in the
supination
position, the tibia of the wearer is also oriented vertically or outwardly.
For
example, when each of the wearer's feet is positioned over respective insoles
100, the left and right tibia of the wearer are oriented vertically or away
from one
another.
[00107] The incliner may cause the rearfoot portion 124 to have an upward
inclination of about 2 to about 9 along a path from an outer side 140 of the
insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise
axis
106. That is, within a plane located in the rearfoot portion 124 and
perpendicular
to the lengthwise axis 106, the upper surface of the rearfoot portion 124 has
the
upward inclination of about 2 to about 9 .
[00108] According to various exemplary embodiments, the rearfoot portion
124 may have an upward inclination of about 4 to about 8 along the path from
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an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and
perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.
[00109] According to various exemplary embodiments, the rearfoot portion
124 may have an upward inclination of about 6 to about 7 along the path from
an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and
perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.
[00110] The inclined rearfoot portion 124 may cause an about 2 to about 9
supination of a foot of a wearer placed above the insole 100.
[00111] According to various exemplary embodiments, the inclined rearfoot
portion 124 may cause an about 4 to about 8 of the foot of the wearer.
[00112] According to various exemplary embodiments, the inclined rearfoot
portion 124 may cause an about 6 to about 7 of the foot of the wearer.
[00113] According to various exemplary embodiments, the first incliner of
the forefoot portion includes an at least partially tapered portion being
tapered
from the inner side 132 of the insole 100 towards the outer side 140 of the
insole
100. As a result of the at least partially tapered portion, the thickness of a
region
of the forefoot portion 108 near its inner side 132 is greater than the
thickness of
a region of the forefoot portion 108 near its outer side 140.
[00114] Referring now to Figure 3, therein illustrated is a front elevation
view of the insole 100 according to various exemplary embodiments. When
placed on a flat underlying surface, the incliner of the forefoot portion 108
causes
a height above the underlying surface of a region of the top surface 156
corresponding to the region of the forefoot portion 108 near its inner side
132 to
be greater than a height above the underlying surface of a region of the top
surface 156 corresponding to the region of the forefoot portion 108 near its
outer
side 140.
[00115] According to various exemplary embodiments, the at least partially
tapered portion of the forefoot portion 108 is spaced apart from a front end
164 of
the insole 100. Accordingly a thickness of the forefoot portion 108 at its
inner
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side 132 at a location spaced apart from the front end 164 is greater than a
thickness of the forefoot portion 108 at its front end 164. For example, when
the
insole 100 is disposed on a bottom interior surface of footwear item and a
wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, this difference in thickness
causes the wearer's foot to also be slightly inclined towards the front end
164.
This forward inclination of the foot further promotes linear movement of the
wearer's knee.
[00116] For example, the at least partially tapered portion of the forefoot
portion 108 extends in a side-to-side direction from the inner side 132 of the
insole 100 to a location intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer side
140.
Accordingly, a thickness of the forefoot portion 108 gradually decreases from
the
inner side 132 to the location intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer
side
140 corresponding to an edge of the at least partially tapered portion. A
thickness of the forefoot portion 108 from the edge of the at least partially
tapered portion to the outer side 140 may be substantially constant.
[00117] According to various exemplary embodiments, a thickness of
proximal hallux portion 172 of the forefoot portion 108 is greater than a
thickness
of the distal hallux portion 180 of the forefoot portion 108. For example, the
at
least partially tapered portion of the forefoot portion 108 may at least
partially
extend into (i.e. partially overlap with) the proximal hallux portion 172 of
the
forefoot portion 108 while being spaced apart from the distal hallux portion
180.
For example, when the insole 100 is disposed on a bottom interior surface of
footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, this
difference in thickness between the proximal hallux portion 172 and distal
hallux
portion 180 causes the wearer's foot to also be slightly inclined towards the
front
end 164.
[00118] According to various exemplary embodiments, the thickness of the
distal hallux portion 180 is substantially equal to at least a distal fifth
phalanx
portion 188 of the forefoot portion 108. For example, the thickness of distal
portions of the second to fifth phalanges may be substantially equal. For
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example, a thickness of the front end 164 of the insole 100 corresponding to
the
distal ends of the five toes of a wearer's foot placed over the insole may be
substantially equal. For example, by having substantially equal thickness for
the
distal ends of toes of the wearer, a flat position of the front ends of the
toes of the
wearer's foot is promoted.
[00119] Referring now to Figures 2 to Figure 4, the incliner of the
forefoot
portion 108 includes a wedge 196 provided on an underside 204 of the insole
proximate to an inner side 132 of the insole 100. As shown in Figure 2, a
front
edge 212 of the wedge 196 may be spaced apart from a front end 164 of the
insole 100. As shown in Figure 2, a longitudinal edge 220 of the wedge 196 may
be spaced apart from the outer side 140 of the insole 100. For example, the
wedge 196 may be tapered from the inner side 132 of the insole 100 towards the
outer side 140 and its longitudinal edge 220. For example, the wedge 196 may
be further tapered towards the front end 164 of the insole and its front edge
212.
For example, the combination of the tapering of the wedge 196 towards the
front
end 164 and outer side 140 provides a gradual decrease of the thickness of the
forefoot portion 108 towards the front and outer sides of the insole 100.
[00120] According to various exemplary embodiments, the wedge 196 is
integrally formed with the underside 204 of the insole 100. For example, where
the insole 100 is fabricated by molding, the molding may include a recess
corresponding to the wedge 196 so that the insole member formed from the
molding includes the wedge 196.
[00121] According to various alternative exemplary embodiments, the
wedge 196 is connected to the underside 204 of the insole 100. For example,
the wedge 196 and the insole 100 may be discrete members being connected
together.
[00122] Continuing with Figures 2 to 4, the insole 100, the arch 148 is
shown to extend from an underside 204 of the insole. For example, the position
of the arch 148 corresponds to an arch of the wearer's foot. For example, the
arch 148 can define a recess 228 in the underside of the insole 100. The
recess
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228 may extend from the inner side 132 towards the outer side 140 to a second
location 236 intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer side 140. The
recess
228 may be shaped according to a midfoot protruding arch of the sport footwear
in which the insole 100 is to be inserted. For example, when inserted into the
sport footwear and disposed over the bottom interior surface thereof, the
midfoot
protruding arch may be received within the recess 228 and at least the arch
148
of the midfoot portion 116 is supported by the protruding arch of the
footwear.
[00123] As described above, the arch 148 causes a portion of the top side
156 of the midfoot portion 116 to be raised with respect to the forefoot
portion
108 and rearfoot portion 124. For example, when the insole 100 is placed over
a
flat underlying surface, a region of the midfoot portion 116 proximate the
inner
side 132 of the insole 100 can have a greater height above the underlying
surface than the height above the underlying surface of a region of the
midfoot
portion 116 proximate the outer side 140 of the insole 100. Accordingly, the
height of the topside 156 of the midfoot portion 116 relative to the
underlying
surface may be gradually decreasing in a direction from the inner side 132
towards the outer side 140. When the insole 100 is disposed on an inner bottom
surface of a footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole
100,
the gradually decreasing height of the topside 156 promotes outwardly
inclination
and/or supination of the wearer's foot.
[00124] For example, a height of a first metatarsal portion of the midfoot
portion 116 is greater than a height of a fifth metatarsal portion of the
midfoot
portion 116.
[00125] For example, a height of a first metatarsal portion, a height of a
second metatarsal portion, and a thickness of a third metatarsal portion of
the
midfoot portion are each greater than a height of the fifth metatarsal portion
of
the midfoot portion 116.
[00126] According to various exemplary embodiments, a height of a region
of the topside 156 of the insole 100 proximate the inner side 132 of the
midfoot
portion 116 is greater than the height of a region of the topside 156 of the
insole
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100 proximate the inner side 132 of the forefoot portion 108. For example,
when
the insole 100 is disposed on an inner bottom surface of footwear item and a
wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, this difference in height
between
the inner side 132 of the forefoot portion 108 and the inner side of the
midfoot
portion 116 causes the wearer's foot to also be slightly inclined towards the
front
end 164.
[00127] The arch 148 may cause the midfoot portion 116 to have an
upward inclination of about 2 to about 9 along a path from an outer side 140
of
the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and perpendicular to a
lengthwise
axis 106. That is, within a plane located in the midfoot portion 116 and
perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106, the upper surface of the midfoot
portion
116 has the upward inclination of about 2 to about 9 .
[00128] According to various exemplary embodiments, the midfoot portion
116 may have an upward inclination of about 4 to about 8 along the path from
an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and
perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.
[00129] According to various exemplary embodiments, the midfoot portion
116 may have an upward inclination of about 6 to about 7 along the path from
an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and
perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.
[00130] The inclined midfoot portion 116 may cause an about 2 to about 9
supination of a foot of a wearer placed above the insole 100.
[00131] According to various exemplary embodiments, the midfoot portion
116 may cause an about 4 to about 8 of the foot of the wearer.
[00132] According to various exemplary embodiments, the midfoot portion
116 may cause an about 6 to about 7 of the foot of the wearer.
[00133] According to various exemplary embodiments, the second incliner
of the rearfoot portion 124 includes an at least partially tapered portion
being
tapered from the inner side 132 of the insole 100 towards an outer side 140 of
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the insole 100. As a result of the at least partially tapered portion, the
thickness
of a region of the rearfoot portion 124 near its inner side 132 is greater
than the
thickness of a region of the rearfoot portion 124 near its outer side 140.
[00134] Referring now to Figure 5, therein illustrated a rear elevation
view
of the insole 100 according to various exemplary embodiments. When placed on
a flat underlying surface, the second incliner of the rearfoot portion 124
causes a
thickness of a region of the rearfoot portion 124 near its inner side 132 to
be
greater than thickness of a region of the rearfoot portion 124 near its outer
side
140.
[00135] According to various exemplary embodiments, at least a region of
the tapered portion of the rearfoot portion 124 proximate the rear end 244 of
the
insole extends continuously from the inner side 132 to the outer side 140.
[00136] According to various alternative exemplary embodiments, the at
least partially tapered portion of the rearfoot portion 124 extends in a side-
to-side
direction from the inner side 132 of the insole 100 to a location intermediate
the
inner side 132 and the outerside 140. Accordingly, a thickness of the rearfoot
portion 124 gradually decreases from the inner side 132 to the location
intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer side 140 corresponding to an
edge
of the at least partially tapered portion of the second incliner of the
rearfoot
portion 124.
[00137] Referring now to Figure 6, therein illustrated is a side elevation
view
of an outer side of the insole 100 according to various exemplary embodiments.
For example, and as illustrated in Figure 6, at least a region of the tapered
portion of the rearfoot portion 124 proximate the outer side 140 of the insole
may
be further tapered from the rear end 244 of the insole 100 towards the front
end
164 of the insole 100. Accordingly, when the insole 100 is disposed on a
bottom
interior surface of a footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the
insole 100, the forward tapering of the outer side 140 of the second incliner
252
of the rearfoot portion 124 promotes the forward inclination of the outside of
the
foot, which further promotes linear movement of the wearer's knee.
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[00138] Referring back to Figure 4, according to various exemplary
embodiments, a region of the rearfoot portion 124 proximate the inner side 132
of
the insole 100 and extending from the rear end 244 to the midfoot portion 116
may have a substantially constant thickness.
[00139] Continuing with Figure 4, according to various exemplary
embodiments, a thickness of a region of the rearfoot portion 124 proximate the
rear end 244 of the insole 100 is greater than a hallux portion of the
forefoot
portion 108. For example, this region of the rearfoot portion 124 corresponds
to
a calcaneus of the wearer's foot. Accordingly, when the insole 100 is disposed
on an inner bottom surface of a footwear item and a wearer's foot is
positioned
over the insole 100, the difference in thickness behind the region of the
rearfoot
portion 124 and the hallux portion of the forefoot portion 108 promotes the
forward inclination of the outside of the foot, which further promotes linear
movement of the wearer's knee.
[00140] According to various exemplary embodiments, the incliner of the
rearfoot portion 124 includes a second wedge provided on an underside 204 of
the insole 100 proximate to an inner side of the insole 100. For example, the
second wedge may be tapered from the inner side 132 of the insole 100 towards
the outer side 140.
[00141] According to various exemplary embodiments, the second wedge
of the second incliner of the rearfoot portion is integrally formed with the
underside 204 of the insole 100. For example, where the insole 100 is
fabricated
by molding, the molding may include a second recess corresponding to the
second wedge so that the insole member formed from the molding includes the
second wedge of the incliner of the rearfoot portion 124.
[00142] According to various alternative exemplary embodiments, the
second wedge is connected to the underside 204 of the insole 100. For
example, the second wedge and the insole 100 may be discrete members being
connected together.
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[00143] Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate an elevation view of an inner side of
an
insole placed in an upside-down orientation, an elevation view of an outer
side of
an insole placed in an upside-down orientation and a perspective view of an
insole according to various exemplary embodiments.
[00144] While the above has been described generally with respect to sport
footwear, it will appreciated that the insole can be adapted for specific
types of
sports footwear. In particular those footwear for sports where balancing on
one
leg is required and/or linear movement of the knee of the balancing leg is
beneficial.
[00145] According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for
sport footwear that is an ice skate, such as for figure skating, hockey, or
speed
skating.
[00146] According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for
sport footwear that is an ice hockey skate.
[00147] According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for
sport footwear that is a roller skate.
[00148] According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for
sport footwear that is a boot for downhill skiing.
[00149] According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for
sport footwear that is a boot for cross-country skiing.
[00150] According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for
sport footwear that is a shoe for cycling.
[00151] According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for
sport footwear that is a shoe for golfing.
[00152] According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for
sport footwear that is a springed boot, such as a KangooTm boot.
[00153] The embodiments of paragraphs [0016] to [00152] of the present
disclosure are presented in such a manner in the present disclosure so as to
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demonstrate that every combinations of embodiments, when applicable can be
made. These embodiments have thus been presented in the description in a
manner equivalent to making dependent claims for all the embodiments that
depend upon any of the preceding claims (covering the previously presented
embodiments), thereby demonstrating that they can be combined together in all
possible manners. For example, all the possible combination, when applicable,
between the embodiments of paragraphs [0016] to [00152] and the processes of
paragraphs [0005] to [0015] are hereby covered by the present disclosure.
[00154] The person skilled in the art would understand that the various
properties or features presented in a given embodiment can be added and/or
used, when applicable, to any other embodiment covered by the general scope
of the present disclosure.
[00155] The present disclosure has been described with regard to specific
examples. The description was intended to help the understanding of the
disclosure, rather than to limit its scope. It will be apparent to one skilled
in the art
that various modifications can be made to the disclosure without departing
from
the scope of the disclosure as described herein, and such modifications are
intended to be covered by the present document.
