Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Massage insole with multiple support regions
Gross-Reference to Related Applications
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. App. No.
15/961,300, filed April 24, 2018, titled Massage insole with multiple
support regions, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,1881,72 on January 29,
20.1.9.
Technical Field
This invention relates to the field of shoes and more particularly to
an insole that fits within a shoe, providing arch support. and
massage by way of protruding nodules.
Background Art
The human foot is an incredible biological machine. It is strong
enough to support the repeated impacts of running and the constant
pressure of standing. But it remains dexterous enough to balance on
a tightrope or pick up a marble from the floor.
Feet manage these disparate tasks using a collection of bones and
muscles. Only when these bones and muscles are functioning
properly can the foot fully perform. In order to properly function,
the bones and muscles must be maintained in the optimal positions.
In addition to maintaining position, the feet must also be
stimulated. As the lowest point in the body, there is a tendency for
blood to settle in the feet and lower legs. This blood pooling causes
swelling and reduces the local oxygen concentration, thereby
increasing the time required to heal wounds.
Stimulation of the feet pushes blood out of the foot, and thereby out
of the lower legs. The stimulation has the added benefit of
activating the reflexology zones of the feet, thereby causing
therapeutic improvement throughout the body.
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Shoes are often designed and assembled with form placed before
function. As a result, shoes often fail to provide the support and
stimulation desired.
Thus, what is needed is an insole that can be placed inside a shoe,
helping the shoe to support the bones and muscles of the foot, while
simultaneously providing stimulation in the form of varying
pressure.
Disclosure of Invention
The disclosed insole, uses nodules of varying diameters and heights
to provide the requisite level of flexibility, support, and stimulation
to the specific regions of the foot.
Gradients of pressure that generate variations in the laminar flow
of the foot bed lead to better circulation and perfusion of the
capillary foot bed of the foot transection irrigation, allowing for
better circulation and venous return.
Before turning to the invention, an understanding of the foot is
helpful.
The human foot is formed from twenty-six bones, grouped into the
tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, and phalanges. The bones are
shaped to form three arches within the foot¨the medial
longitudinal arch, the lateral longitudinal arch, and the transverse
arch. The longitudinal arches run from the front region of the foot to
the back region of the foot, while the transverse arch runs from side
to side.
The medial longitudinal arch and the lateral longitudinal arch are
formed between the tarsal bones and the proximal end of the
metatarsals.
The medial longitudinal arch is the highest of the two longitudinal
arches. It runs along the inside of the foot, along its length. When
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one says he has a "high arch," or a "low arch," it is typically this
arch being referenced.
The lateral longitudinal arch is the flatter of the two longitudinal
arches. It runs along the outside of the foot, also along its length.
The lateral longitudinal arch collapses when the body is in the
standing position, and thus is less commonly known.
The transverse arch is just behind the ball of the foot, running from
side to side.
Proper support of a foot requires supporting the medial longitudinal
arch, transverse arch, and the lateral longitudinal arch.
In disclosed insoles, support for the arches comes from nodules of
varying diameter and height.
Varying the nodules height alters the depth to which each nodule
penetrates the bottom of the foot, and thus its ability to create a
massaging action. As a related effect, taller nodules flex more from
side-to-side than shorter nodules. This flexion is also affected by the
diameter of the nodule. A nodule of greater diameter resists flexion,
and thus has a greater tendency to resist bending.
No single nodule creates the desired massage effect, but rather the
combination of many nodules. While the user walks, applying
pressure to the back, middle, then front of the foot, the many
nodules work together to create waves of pressure. These waves of
pressure massage the bottoms of the feet and foster circulation.
This pressure wave effect is enhanced through the use of flexible
nodules that focus the pressure on individual points of the sole of
the foot.
The massaging action acts on the nerves, blood vessels, muscles,
and connective tissue of the foot. As recognized by the field of
reflexology, the application of pressure to the feet can create
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positive physical changes to areas of the body beyond the feet. For
example, the area of the foot referred to as the ball is associated
with the treatment of lung disorders.
The result of the supportive nature of the midsole and nodule
combination, in conjunction with the massaging action, is that the
disclosed insole can treat a multiplicity of foot conditions. For
example, plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis a common cause of heel
pain. The pain is caused by inflammation of a thick band of tissue
that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to
the toes.
The supportive and massaging action of the disclosed insoles acts to
treat the inflamed tissue, while supporting the foot to encourage
healing.
Turning to the support structure of the insole: the insole includes a
wedge-shaped insole wedge beneath a portion of the foot bed. The
insole wedge provides additional shock absorption for the rear of the
foot. The insole wedge is preferably formed from a shock absorbing
material, such as a foam rubber. In contrast, the foot bed is a less
compressible material, such as a natural latex rubber, artificial
rubber, or a combination thereof.
Turning to the arch support created by the insole:
The transverse arch support is a rectangular support region
centered on what, during use, is just behind the ball of the foot.
The lateral longitudinal arch support is an arc along the outside of
the foot. The support in this region is created by the use of the
insole wedge in combination with short nodules. The short nodules
resist bending, and thus create a support effect at the expense of a
lessening massage effect. To use longer nodules may create the
feeling of a sideways-shifting foot during a step, akin to walking on
a slippery surface. This is an undesirable effect, and thus avoided
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by using shorter nodules in areas of the insole where stability is
desired.
The medial longitudinal arch support is formed from a trapezoidal
section of tall, wide nodules, combined with the insole wedge, thus
creating a higher food bed. The height of the nodules results in deep
tissue pressure, massaging the arch. Their thickness acts to reduce
side to side motion, partially compensating for the nodule height.
This arch is where the most support is needed to avoid flattening.
Without proper support the foot can turn inwards, which affects the
ankle joint, the knee, the hip, and so forth.
Other regions of the insole are load bearing, rather than providing
arch support. These load bearing regions include nodules, but of a.
lesser height than non-load bearing, thus avoiding lateral motion
between the foot and the shoe.
'Ile disclosed device is an insole for placement within a shoe. As a
result, there are certain structural limitations. For example,
increasing the height of the foot within a shoe can create discomfort,
in particular compression of the toes and arch at the front of a shoe.
Thus, certain regions of the insole use short nodules in order to
limit the insole thickness, and thus lessen the amount the foot is
raised within the shoe.
For example, the toe contact region is in the front of the insole.
Relatively short nodules, with a diameter approximately equal to
their height, are used to minimize bending and allow the toes to
stabilize the foot.
The ball contact region is a critical load bearing section of the
insole. It is a section of smaller, consistently-sized nodules that
provide support between the toe arch support and the transverse
arch.
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The load passed through the heel of the foot is critical to stability.
The insole uses a heel cup that lacks nodules to provide the most
support without the risk of lateral shifting.
The heel cup is surrounded by short nodules that are higher than
the heel cup itself. Thus, there is a self-centering action that
maintains the heel within the heel cup.
The total quantity of nodules varies slightly among shoe SIMS, but
is around 1,390¨ 1,400 total nodules. Reasonable deviation above
and below this range is anticipated, and will not affect the function
to of the shoe or its therapeutic benefits.
The upper sole that includes the nodules is formed from. a
combination of a foot bed and nodules. The nodules protrude from
the foot bed.
The nodules discussed above are complemented by a partial insole
IS wedge. The partial insole wedge is substantially tapered, starting
toward the front of the medial longitudinal arch support and
increasing in thickness toward the back of the insole.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill
20 in the art by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the disclosed
insole;
25 Fig. 2 is a right-side view thereof;
Fig. 3 is a left-side view thereof;
Fig. 4 is a front view thereof;
Fig. 5 is a back view thereof;
Fig. 6 is a top view thereof;
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Fig. 7 is a bottom view thereof;
Fig. 8 is a view of the bottom of an exemplary human foot;
Fig. 9 is a view of the bones within an exemplary human foot; and
Fig. 10 is a view of the insole with exemplary nodule height and
width measurements.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed
description, the same reference numerals refer to the same
elements in all figures.
Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a first embodiment of
the disclosed insole is shown.
The insole 100 includes an upper sole 104 formed from a
Is combination of a foot bed 105 and nodules 1.40.
Nodules 140 of differing heights and widths form differing support
regions within the insole .1.00. A. toe contact region 142 includes
nodules 140 of minimal height to minimize the height increase of
the foot 1 (see Fig. 8) within the shoe. The ball contact region 144
includes nodules 140 of increased width and height to provide a
greater massaging action to the ball 10 (see Fig. 8) of the foot 1 (see
Fig. 8).
The transverse arch support 146 is a region of increased nodule 140
height as com.pared to surrounding regions, thereby providing
support for the transverse arch 44 (see Fig. 8) of the foot 1 (see Fig.
8). The transverse arch support 146 is formed from a number of
nodules arranged in a grid. For example, the use of between ten and
forty nodules to form the transverse arch support 146 is anticipated.
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Lateral longitudinal arch support 148 uses smaller nodules, but
increasing in height toward the rear of the insole 100. The increased
height maximizes the benefit of the nodules, and biasing toward the
rear of the insole 100 avoids greatly increasing the height; of the foot
1 (see Fig. 8) within the shoe.
The most significant; arch support, the medial longitudinal arch
support 150, is shown with a trapezoidal shape. The nodules 140
increase in height and diameter moving from the center of the
insole 100 toward the edge of the inner foot 24 (see Fig. 8).
to The heel cup 154 is shown with its associated nodules 140 that
surround a section without nodules 140. The result is firm support
for the heel 22 (see Fig. 8) with minimal lateral shifting.
Referring to Figure 2, a right-side view of a first embodiment of the
insole 100 is shown.
The insole 100 is shown with foot bed 105 and a multiplicity of
nodules 140. The partial insole wedge 106 decreases in thickness
from the rear of the insole 100 toward the middle of the insole 100.
The short nodules 140 of the toe contact region 142 are shown, as
are the slightly higher nodules 140 of the ball contact region 144.
Referring to Figure 3, a left-side view of a first embodiment of the
insole is shown.
The medial longitudinal arch support 150 is shown with the higher,
wider nodules 140. Again, the partial insole wedge 106 is shown
decreasing in thickness from the rear of the insole 100 toward the
middle of the insole 100.
Referring to Figure 4, a back view of a first embodiment of the
insole 100 is shown, and Figure 5, a front view of a first
embodiment of the insole 100 is shown.
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The nodules 140 are shown increasing in height toward the inside of
the insole 100, forming a lateral longitudinal arch support; slope
160. The increased height forms the medial longitudinal arch
support 150 (see Fig. 1).
Referring to Figure 6, a top view of a first embodiment of the insole
100 is shown.
Again shown are the toe contact; region 142, ball contact region 144,
transverse arch support 146, lateral longitudinal arch support 148,
medial longitudinal arch support 1.50, and heel cup .1.54.
Referring to Figure 7, a bottom view of a first embodiment of the
insole 100 is shown.
The partial insole wedge 106 passes from the rear of the insole 100
to slightly past the middle of the insole 100. Where not covered by
the partial insole wedge 106, the upper sole 104 is seen from the
bottom view.
Referring to Figure 8, a view of the bottom of an exemplary human
foot is shown.
The foot 1 is generally divided into the forefoot; 18, midfoot 20, and
heel 22. Within the forefoot 18, the foot 1 includes the ball 10, or
region behind the toes. The ball 10 is divided into the inner ball 12,
middle ball 14, and outer ball 16.
The portion of the foot; 1 that faces toward its matching foot is
referred to as the inner foot 24. Its opposite is the outer foot 26.
The toes include the hallux or big toe 30, second toe or index toe 32,
third toe or middle toe 34, fourth toe or ring toe 36, and fifth toe or
little toe 38.
The arches of the foot 1 include the medial longitudinal arch 40,
lateral longitudinal arch 42, and transverse arch 44.
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Referring to Figure 9, a view of the bones within an exemplary
human foot is shown.
The distal phalanges 50, middle phalanges 52, proximal phalanges
54, and metatarsals 56 make up the forefoot 18 (see Fig. 8).
The medial cuneiform 58, middle cuneiform 60, lateral cuneiform
62, navicular 64, and cuboid 66 make up the midfoot 20.
Finally, the talus 68 and calcaneus 70 make up the heel 22.
Referring to Figure 10, a view of the insole 100 with exemplary
nodule 140 height and width measurements.
For each letter location, measurements were taken. All
measurements are in millimeter (mm), with the exception of the
dimensionless ratio. The measurements are as follows:
= Min Dia (mm) - the minimum nodule 140 diameter, taken at
or near the top of the nodule 140;
= Max Dia (mm) - the maximum nodule 140 diameter, taken at
or near the bottom of the nodule 140;
= Height (mm) - the nodule 140 height, measured from the top
of the foot bed 105;
= Foot bed thickness (mm) - the thickness of the underlying
foot bed 105;
= Wedge thickness (mm) - the thickness of the partial insole
wedge106, if it exists beneath the measured section of foot
bed 105; and
= Ratio of nodule 140 max dia to height - the ratio of maximum
nodule 140 diameter over nodule 140 height.
Ratio of
Min Max Foot bed Wedge nodule
dia dia Height thickness thickness max dia
Nodule (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) to height Nodule region
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me dial
A 4.3 5.7 12.0 2A 1.0 0.5 longitudinal
arch support,
medial
4.5 5.0 6.4 2.4 1.5 0.8 longitudinal
arch
lateral
3.5 3.9 5.0 2.4 1.5 0.8 longitudinal
________________________________________________________ arch support
I) 3.6 4.6 0.0 r
2.3 N/A 0.8 transverse arch
________________________________________________________ support
lateral
3.7 4.1 5.6 2.3 5.7 0.7 longitudinal
________________________________________________________ arch support*
lateral
3.6 4.0 5.5 2.4 2.0 0.7 longitudinal
arch support
3.2 3.4 1.1 1.1 N/A 3.1 ball contact
region
I I 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 N/A 2.0 toe contact
region
* Nodule located just to the rear of this region.
Measurements A, B, and C support the assertion of taller nodules
140 in the medial longitudinal arch support 150, with decreasing
height toward the center of the insole 100, reflecting the lateral
longitudinal arch support slope 160.
Measurements C and H show the use of shorter nodules 140 toward
the front of the insole 100.
The ratio of nodule 140 diameter to height shows how stiffer
nodules 140 are used in areas of greater support. For example, the
ratio for measurement A is lower than that of F, indicating a taller
or narrower nodule 140, and thus more prone to flexion. This is
acceptable as measurement A was taken in the medial longitudinal
arch support 150 region where the more flexible nodule 140
maximizes the massage effect, and measurement F was taken in
transverse arch support 146 region, where the stiffer nodule .1.40
focuses on support.
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Measurements G and H show very stiff nodules 140, indicating
little flexion with a strong focus on support.
It is noted that the foot bed 105 is a substantially equal thickness
across the insole 100.
Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above
such that they perform in substantially the same manner in
substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same
results.
It is believed that the system and method as described and many of
its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing
description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various
changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of
the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit
of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages.
The form herein before described being merely exemplary and
explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following
claims to encompass and include such changes.
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