US20010000369A1 - Insole - Google Patents

Insole Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20010000369A1
US20010000369A1 US09/742,658 US74265800A US2001000369A1 US 20010000369 A1 US20010000369 A1 US 20010000369A1 US 74265800 A US74265800 A US 74265800A US 2001000369 A1 US2001000369 A1 US 2001000369A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
insole
medial
foot
heel cup
rubber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US09/742,658
Inventor
Daniel Snyder
Laura Crane
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US09/742,658 priority Critical patent/US20010000369A1/en
Publication of US20010000369A1 publication Critical patent/US20010000369A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B23/00Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
    • A43B23/08Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners
    • A43B23/16Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners made of impregnated fabrics, plastics or the like
    • A43B23/17Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners made of impregnated fabrics, plastics or the like made of plastics
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/38Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process
    • A43B13/41Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process combined with heel stiffener, toe stiffener, or shank stiffener
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B17/00Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
    • A43B17/14Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined made of sponge, rubber, or plastic materials
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1495Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with arch-supports of the bracelet type

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an insole for individuals with a high arch or supinated foot type.
  • the arch of a normal foot flattens to a certain extent. Flattening of the arch is one of the body's mechanisms for dissipating or reducing shock to the foot and lower extremities such as the ankle, leg, thigh and the back.
  • supinators the arch is high and can be fairly rigid.
  • the high arch of a supinator's foot can resist flattening upon walking or running, causing the weight and force of the body to be unequally distributed over the length of the foot.
  • This unequal distribution of weight and force over the length of the foot during walking or running causes shock and trauma that is transmitted up the leg and back, causing numerous painful symptoms.
  • Symptoms associated with supination or high arches include shin splints, knee pain, lower back pain, arch fatigue and heel pain.
  • hyperpronators In a contrasting class of individuals, known as hyperpronators, the foot has an arch which can flatten excessively upon walking or running, so that most of the sole makes contact with the ground. These individuals are often described as “flat-footed.” Hyperpronation or flattening of the longitudinal arch of the foot is associated with the development of symptoms intrinsic to the foot. Symptoms for hyperpronators are often the same symptoms associated for supinators. Such symptoms include shin splints, knee pain, lower back pain, arch fatigue and heel pain, and can also include other symptoms such as heel spurs and bunions.
  • the present invention is directed towards an insole comprising a deep heel cup, and high medial and lateral flanges extending from said heel cup, wherein said heel cup cups the calcaneous of a foot in approximately a neutral degree of varus so that the insole does not induce locking of the midtarsal joint, and said high medial and lateral flanges extend continuously high along the medial and lateral sides of the insole substantially to the first and fifth metatarsal necks of the foot.
  • the present invention is directed toward a method for treating an individual having a supinated foot type.
  • the method comprises supplying to said individual an insole comprising a deep heel cup, and high medial and lateral flanges extending from said heel cup, wherein said heel cup cups the calcaneous of a foot in approximately a neutral degree of varus so that the insole does not induce locking of the midtarsal joint, and said high medial and lateral flanges extend continuously high along the medial and lateral sides of the insole substantially to the first and fifth metatarsal necks of the foot; and having such individual wear said insole.
  • the present insole can have from 1 to 5 layers or more.
  • the innersole can have a recess in the bottom surface of the heel cup.
  • the recess can optionally be occupied by a suitable shock absorbing material.
  • the present invention has the advantage of providing an insole which is useful particularly for treating supinators and the symptoms associated with supination or high arches, i.e., shin splints, knee pain, lower back pain, arch fatigue and heel pain.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an insole whose heel cup is constructed to additionally reduce or lessen the shock resulting from the heel strike of the foot.
  • an insole having an shock absorbing insert in the heel portion to further enhance the inherent shock absorbing capacity of the heel cup.
  • the present invention provides an insole for a supinated foot, containing a number of elements in a unique combination, that mitigates shock at heel strike and evenly distributes weight and force while walking or running throughout a stride, thus reducing or lessening the painful symptoms associated with a supinated foot type.
  • FIG. 1 is the top view of a skeletal left foot with the insole in place.
  • FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the skeletal left foot with the insole of FIG. 1 in place.
  • FIG. 3 is a lateral side view of the insole of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a medial side view of the insole of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is a rear view of the insole of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cross sectional rear view of the insole of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken across the heel cup at points a-a′, illustrating measurement of the neutral degree of varus.
  • FIG. 7 shows an enlarged cross sectional rear view of the insole of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken across the heel cup at points a-a′, having a multilayered construction, a recess, and additionally, a heel insert.
  • FIG. 8 is a rear view of a left foot in insole 2 .
  • FIG. 1 is a top view of insole 2 having a high medial flange 6 , high lateral flange 4 , which extend continuously high along the medial and lateral sides of insole 2 , substantially or proximal to the first metatarsal neck 20 and fifth metatarsal neck 22 , respectively, of the skeletal left foot.
  • Medial flange 6 and lateral flange 4 together prevent spreading of the foot as weight moves from calcaneous 24 to the ends of the metatarsals.
  • Insole 2 also has a cupped heel portion 8 which cups the calcaneous 24 in approximately a neutral degree of varus.
  • a line connecting points a and a′ corresponds to a cross sectional slice (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) taken across heel cup 8 .
  • FIG. 2 is a bottom view of insole 2 having medial flange 6 , lateral flange 4 , which extend continuously high along the medial and lateral sides of insole 2 , substantially or proximal to first metatarsal neck 20 and fifth metatarsal neck 22 , respectively, of the skeletal left foot.
  • Line a′-a across bottom 13 of cupped heel portion 8 corresponds to a cross sectional slice (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) taken across heel cup 8 (as shown in FIG. 1).
  • Point 12 points to the bottom of the U-shape cutout in insole 2 which partially distinguishes medial flange 6 from lateral flange 4 .
  • FIG. 3 is a lateral side view of insole 2 .
  • the lateral side view shows lateral flange 4 having a forward portion 4 a .
  • Behind lateral flange 4 is medial flange 6 having forward portion 6 a .
  • Also shown is a lateral side view of cupped heel portion 8 .
  • FIG. 4 is a medial side view of insole 2 .
  • the medial side view shows medial flange 6 having forward portion 6 a .
  • Behind medial flange 6 is lateral flange 4 .
  • Also shown is a medial side view of cupped heel portion 8 .
  • FIG. 5 is a rear view of insole 2 , including cupped heel portion 8 , lateral flange 4 and medial flange 6 with its forward portion 6 a.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of insole 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along points a-a′ in the heel cup portion having an upper surface 14 .
  • the approximately neutral degree of varus is achieved by making thickness x-x′ of medial side 6 about the same, or slightly thinner or thicker than the thickness y-y′ of lateral side 4 , so that when worn, the insole does not induce locking of the midtarsal joint.
  • Thickness v-v′ corresponds to the thickness of the heel portion approximately at midpoint q along line a-a′.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of insole 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along points a-a′ in the heel cup portion, with lateral side 4 and medial side 6 for reference.
  • Top cover layer 30 is bonded to layer 32 in a multilayered composite of layers 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 and 38 .
  • Layer 38 has a recess 40 .
  • recess 40 can extend into the above layers 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 and 38 .
  • heel insert 42 is imbedded in recess 40 within layer 38 .
  • recess 40 is extended deeper into the layers, heel insert 42 can be imbedded to the depth provided by recess 40 .
  • the surface of heel insert 42 protrudes beyond bottom surface 13 .
  • heel insert 42 can be flush or even slightly recessed with the bottom surface 13 of the heel cup.
  • FIG. 8 is a rear view of a left foot 48 in insole 2 showing lateral side 4 , medial side 6 and heel cup 8 . Not shown are the equal thicknesses of the medial and lateral sides as shown in FIG. 6.
  • heel cup 8 cups the calcaneous in a zero degree of varus so that insole 2 does not induce locking of the midtarsal joint.
  • vertical axis 44 which bisects Achilles tendon 52 attached to heel 24 , is perpendicular to horizontal axis 46 which parallels a level floor or flat, level surface 50 .
  • insole or “innersole” are considered to be synonymous and interchangeable.
  • the present innersole can be readily inserted into or removed from the interior of a shoe.
  • the present insole can be directly incorporated as a permanent part of the construction of a shoe, such as a walking or running shoe.
  • the present invention provides an insole having, inter alia, a deep heel cup which can cup the heel bone or calcaneous of a supinated foot in approximately a neutral degree of varus, which may be slightly negatively posted to greater than ⁇ 3 degrees of varus or slightly positively posted to less than 3 degrees of varus.
  • a slightly negative posting of greater than minus 3 degrees of varus e.g., about ⁇ 2 or ⁇ 1
  • thickness x-x′ slightly less than thickness y-y′
  • a slightly positive posting of less than 3 degrees of varus e.g., about 1 or 2
  • An exactly neutral degree of varus e.g., zero, can be achieved by making thickness y-y′ the same thickness as thickness x-x′.
  • the central cutout in the insole partially distinguishes the medial flange and the lateral flange.
  • the cutout is U-shaped.
  • the location of the cutout can vary, depending upon the insole size and intended degree of functioning for the medial and lateral flanges.
  • the cutout is preferably centered at a location proximal to the midpoint across the width of the insole. Lengthwise, the cutout preferably can begin at a point in the heel cup forward of the calcaneous or can begin at any point along the length of the foot's arch.
  • the cutout allows each flange to move or function independently of the other, thus allowing the medial and lateral portions of the foot to more evenly distribute the body's weight and force during each stride.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,052 teaches an orthotic device which, when placed in a shoe (or the shoe is built to have the shape of the interior of the device), maintains the calcaneous in a 5 degree inversion, thus locking the midtarsal joint to hold the arch.
  • this five degree inversion may hypersupinate the foot, thus exacerbating lower extremity and foot symptoms, such as shin splints, knee pain, lower back pain, arch fatigue and heel pain.
  • the insole of the present invention can be formed by molding semi-rigid material to the approximate shape as shown in the figures.
  • the exterior of the present insole is more semi-rigid than its interior, so as to maintain the desired shape during wear in a shoe.
  • This semi-rigid molding can have a varying rigidity, e.g., a more rigid exterior to maintain the shape of the heel cup, the medial flange and the lateral flange, and a less rigid interior to cushion the foot.
  • Such a varying rigidity can be conveniently created by using a compressible heatset foam whose rigidity is a function of the degree of compression during molding.
  • the thickness of the individual medial and/or lateral flange may be increased or decreased to provide varying flexibility and/or rigidity for each flange.
  • the density and/or formulation can be increased or decreased to vary the cushioning, flexibility and rigidity for each portion of the insole.
  • the insole can have a recess or aperture on the top surface of the heel that comes in contact with the foot or the bottom of the heel cup that comes in contact with the shoe.
  • the recess is located on the bottom of the heel cup.
  • one or more recesses can be located on the other parts of the insole, such as on the top surface of the medial and/or lateral flange that comes in contact with the foot or on the bottom surface of the medial and/or lateral flange that comes in contact with the shoe, so as to provide additional shock absorption for a supinated foot.
  • the recess is occupied with a material suitable for receiving or mitigating shock upon an individual's heel striking the floor or ground.
  • the recess and/or shock absorbing material can be of any suitable shape, e.g., circular, triangular, star-shaped, rectangular, oval, squared or oblate.
  • the depth or thickness of the recess and/or shock absorbing material can range from about 10 to about 250 mils (thousands of an inch), more preferably from about 90 to about 150 mils.
  • a shock absorbing material it can be adhered to the recess in the insole using any suitable means, such as with adhesives, laminates, velcro attachments, welding, staples, stitches and rivets.
  • the insole and/or shock absorbing material can be made of any suitable material, such as polyurethane, polyurea, solid rubber, microcellular rubber, resin rubber, polysiloxanes, polyvinyl chloride, ethyl vinyl acetate, polyethylene or combinations thereof.
  • the insole of the present invention can be worn in casual, dress, walking or running shoes for a time effective to increase comfort of the supinated foot and/or to treat the symptoms associated with supinated feet.

Abstract

An insole is described having a deep heel cup, and high medial and lateral flanges extending from said heel cup, wherein said heel cup cups the calcaneous of a foot in approximately a neutral degree of varus so that the insole does not induce locking of the midtarsal joint, and said high medial and lateral flanges extend continuously high along the medial and lateral sides of the insole substantially to the first and fifth metatarsal necks of the foot. The insole is useful for individuals with a high arch or supinated foot type.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. The present invention relates to an insole for individuals with a high arch or supinated foot type.
  • 2. During walking or running, the arch of a normal foot flattens to a certain extent. Flattening of the arch is one of the body's mechanisms for dissipating or reducing shock to the foot and lower extremities such as the ankle, leg, thigh and the back. However, in certain individuals known as supinators, the arch is high and can be fairly rigid. The high arch of a supinator's foot can resist flattening upon walking or running, causing the weight and force of the body to be unequally distributed over the length of the foot. This unequal distribution of weight and force over the length of the foot during walking or running causes shock and trauma that is transmitted up the leg and back, causing numerous painful symptoms. Symptoms associated with supination or high arches include shin splints, knee pain, lower back pain, arch fatigue and heel pain.
  • 3. In a contrasting class of individuals, known as hyperpronators, the foot has an arch which can flatten excessively upon walking or running, so that most of the sole makes contact with the ground. These individuals are often described as “flat-footed.” Hyperpronation or flattening of the longitudinal arch of the foot is associated with the development of symptoms intrinsic to the foot. Symptoms for hyperpronators are often the same symptoms associated for supinators. Such symptoms include shin splints, knee pain, lower back pain, arch fatigue and heel pain, and can also include other symptoms such as heel spurs and bunions.
  • 4. U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,052 to Schoenhaus et. al. teach a removable innersole for controlling hyperpronation (i.e., excessive foot rotation) in hyperpronators who are flat-footed. However, this reference does not teach or suggest the use of this innersole for supinators.
  • 5. Accordingly, an approach was sought to treat supinators having high arches.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • 6. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed towards an insole comprising a deep heel cup, and high medial and lateral flanges extending from said heel cup, wherein said heel cup cups the calcaneous of a foot in approximately a neutral degree of varus so that the insole does not induce locking of the midtarsal joint, and said high medial and lateral flanges extend continuously high along the medial and lateral sides of the insole substantially to the first and fifth metatarsal necks of the foot.
  • 7. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed toward a method for treating an individual having a supinated foot type. The method comprises supplying to said individual an insole comprising a deep heel cup, and high medial and lateral flanges extending from said heel cup, wherein said heel cup cups the calcaneous of a foot in approximately a neutral degree of varus so that the insole does not induce locking of the midtarsal joint, and said high medial and lateral flanges extend continuously high along the medial and lateral sides of the insole substantially to the first and fifth metatarsal necks of the foot; and having such individual wear said insole.
  • 8. The present insole can have from 1 to 5 layers or more. Optionally, the innersole can have a recess in the bottom surface of the heel cup. The recess can optionally be occupied by a suitable shock absorbing material.
  • 9. The construction of the present insole, with its high medial and lateral flanges and its deep heel cup holding the calcaneous in a neutral degree of varus, serve to distribute the weight and force generated during walking and running more evenly thorough a stride, thereby causing the supinating foot to more normally absorb the shock and trauma.
  • 10. The present invention has the advantage of providing an insole which is useful particularly for treating supinators and the symptoms associated with supination or high arches, i.e., shin splints, knee pain, lower back pain, arch fatigue and heel pain.
  • 11. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an insole whose heel cup is constructed to additionally reduce or lessen the shock resulting from the heel strike of the foot.
  • 12. And yet in another embodiment of the present invention is provided an insole having an shock absorbing insert in the heel portion to further enhance the inherent shock absorbing capacity of the heel cup.
  • 13. In summary, the present invention provides an insole for a supinated foot, containing a number of elements in a unique combination, that mitigates shock at heel strike and evenly distributes weight and force while walking or running throughout a stride, thus reducing or lessening the painful symptoms associated with a supinated foot type.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • 14. In order to more fully understand the invention, reference can be made to the following specification taken in connection with the attached drawings wherein:
  • 15.FIG. 1 is the top view of a skeletal left foot with the insole in place.
  • 16.FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the skeletal left foot with the insole of FIG. 1 in place.
  • 17.FIG. 3 is a lateral side view of the insole of FIG. 1.
  • 18.FIG. 4 is a medial side view of the insole of FIG. 1.
  • 19.FIG. 5 is a rear view of the insole of FIG. 1.
  • 20.FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cross sectional rear view of the insole of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken across the heel cup at points a-a′, illustrating measurement of the neutral degree of varus.
  • 21.FIG. 7 shows an enlarged cross sectional rear view of the insole of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken across the heel cup at points a-a′, having a multilayered construction, a recess, and additionally, a heel insert.
  • 22.FIG. 8 is a rear view of a left foot in insole 2.
  • 23.FIG. 1 is a top view of insole 2 having a high medial flange 6, high lateral flange 4, which extend continuously high along the medial and lateral sides of insole 2, substantially or proximal to the first metatarsal neck 20 and fifth metatarsal neck 22, respectively, of the skeletal left foot. Medial flange 6 and lateral flange 4 together prevent spreading of the foot as weight moves from calcaneous 24 to the ends of the metatarsals. Insole 2 also has a cupped heel portion 8 which cups the calcaneous 24 in approximately a neutral degree of varus. A line connecting points a and a′ (i.e., a-a′) corresponds to a cross sectional slice (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) taken across heel cup 8.
  • 24.FIG. 2 is a bottom view of insole 2 having medial flange 6, lateral flange 4, which extend continuously high along the medial and lateral sides of insole 2, substantially or proximal to first metatarsal neck 20 and fifth metatarsal neck 22, respectively, of the skeletal left foot. Line a′-a across bottom 13 of cupped heel portion 8, corresponds to a cross sectional slice (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) taken across heel cup 8 (as shown in FIG. 1). Point 12 points to the bottom of the U-shape cutout in insole 2 which partially distinguishes medial flange 6 from lateral flange 4.
  • 25.FIG. 3 is a lateral side view of insole 2. The lateral side view shows lateral flange 4 having a forward portion 4 a. Behind lateral flange 4 is medial flange 6 having forward portion 6 a. Also shown is a lateral side view of cupped heel portion 8.
  • 26.FIG. 4 is a medial side view of insole 2. The medial side view shows medial flange 6 having forward portion 6 a. Behind medial flange 6 is lateral flange 4. Also shown is a medial side view of cupped heel portion 8.
  • 27.FIG. 5 is a rear view of insole 2, including cupped heel portion 8, lateral flange 4 and medial flange 6 with its forward portion 6 a.
  • 28.FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of insole 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along points a-a′ in the heel cup portion having an upper surface 14. The approximately neutral degree of varus is achieved by making thickness x-x′ of medial side 6 about the same, or slightly thinner or thicker than the thickness y-y′ of lateral side 4, so that when worn, the insole does not induce locking of the midtarsal joint. Thickness v-v′ corresponds to the thickness of the heel portion approximately at midpoint q along line a-a′.
  • 29.FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of insole 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along points a-a′ in the heel cup portion, with lateral side 4 and medial side 6 for reference. Top cover layer 30 is bonded to layer 32 in a multilayered composite of layers 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38. Layer 38 has a recess 40. As indicated by the dash lines, recess 40 can extend into the above layers 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38. In this embodiment, heel insert 42 is imbedded in recess 40 within layer 38. Alternatively, where recess 40 is extended deeper into the layers, heel insert 42 can be imbedded to the depth provided by recess 40. In the embodiment shown, the surface of heel insert 42 protrudes beyond bottom surface 13. Alternatively, heel insert 42 can be flush or even slightly recessed with the bottom surface 13 of the heel cup.
  • 30.FIG. 8 is a rear view of a left foot 48 in insole 2 showing lateral side 4, medial side 6 and heel cup 8. Not shown are the equal thicknesses of the medial and lateral sides as shown in FIG. 6. In this particular embodiment, heel cup 8 cups the calcaneous in a zero degree of varus so that insole 2 does not induce locking of the midtarsal joint. As a result, vertical axis 44, which bisects Achilles tendon 52 attached to heel 24, is perpendicular to horizontal axis 46 which parallels a level floor or flat, level surface 50.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
  • 31. In the present specification, the terms “insole” or “innersole” are considered to be synonymous and interchangeable.
  • 32. Preferably, the present innersole can be readily inserted into or removed from the interior of a shoe. Alternatively, the present insole can be directly incorporated as a permanent part of the construction of a shoe, such as a walking or running shoe.
  • 33. The present invention provides an insole having, inter alia, a deep heel cup which can cup the heel bone or calcaneous of a supinated foot in approximately a neutral degree of varus, which may be slightly negatively posted to greater than −3 degrees of varus or slightly positively posted to less than 3 degrees of varus. Referring to FIG. 6, a slightly negative posting of greater than minus 3 degrees of varus, e.g., about −2 or −1, can be achieved by making thickness x-x′ slightly less than thickness y-y′. Conversely, a slightly positive posting of less than 3 degrees of varus, e.g., about 1 or 2, can be achieved by making thickness x-x′ slightly greater than thickness y-y′. An exactly neutral degree of varus, e.g., zero, can be achieved by making thickness y-y′ the same thickness as thickness x-x′.
  • 34. The central cutout in the insole partially distinguishes the medial flange and the lateral flange. Preferably the cutout is U-shaped. The location of the cutout can vary, depending upon the insole size and intended degree of functioning for the medial and lateral flanges. The cutout is preferably centered at a location proximal to the midpoint across the width of the insole. Lengthwise, the cutout preferably can begin at a point in the heel cup forward of the calcaneous or can begin at any point along the length of the foot's arch. The cutout allows each flange to move or function independently of the other, thus allowing the medial and lateral portions of the foot to more evenly distribute the body's weight and force during each stride.
  • 35. U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,052 teaches an orthotic device which, when placed in a shoe (or the shoe is built to have the shape of the interior of the device), maintains the calcaneous in a 5 degree inversion, thus locking the midtarsal joint to hold the arch. However, in persons having supinated feet, this five degree inversion may hypersupinate the foot, thus exacerbating lower extremity and foot symptoms, such as shin splints, knee pain, lower back pain, arch fatigue and heel pain.
  • 36. The insole of the present invention can be formed by molding semi-rigid material to the approximate shape as shown in the figures. Preferably the exterior of the present insole is more semi-rigid than its interior, so as to maintain the desired shape during wear in a shoe. This semi-rigid molding can have a varying rigidity, e.g., a more rigid exterior to maintain the shape of the heel cup, the medial flange and the lateral flange, and a less rigid interior to cushion the foot. Such a varying rigidity can be conveniently created by using a compressible heatset foam whose rigidity is a function of the degree of compression during molding. In addition, the thickness of the individual medial and/or lateral flange may be increased or decreased to provide varying flexibility and/or rigidity for each flange. The density and/or formulation can be increased or decreased to vary the cushioning, flexibility and rigidity for each portion of the insole.
  • 37. Optionally, the insole can have a recess or aperture on the top surface of the heel that comes in contact with the foot or the bottom of the heel cup that comes in contact with the shoe. Preferably, the recess is located on the bottom of the heel cup. Alternatively, one or more recesses can be located on the other parts of the insole, such as on the top surface of the medial and/or lateral flange that comes in contact with the foot or on the bottom surface of the medial and/or lateral flange that comes in contact with the shoe, so as to provide additional shock absorption for a supinated foot. Preferably, the recess is occupied with a material suitable for receiving or mitigating shock upon an individual's heel striking the floor or ground. The recess and/or shock absorbing material can be of any suitable shape, e.g., circular, triangular, star-shaped, rectangular, oval, squared or oblate. The depth or thickness of the recess and/or shock absorbing material can range from about 10 to about 250 mils (thousands of an inch), more preferably from about 90 to about 150 mils. Where a shock absorbing material is employed, it can be adhered to the recess in the insole using any suitable means, such as with adhesives, laminates, velcro attachments, welding, staples, stitches and rivets.
  • 38. The insole and/or shock absorbing material can be made of any suitable material, such as polyurethane, polyurea, solid rubber, microcellular rubber, resin rubber, polysiloxanes, polyvinyl chloride, ethyl vinyl acetate, polyethylene or combinations thereof.
  • 39. The insole of the present invention can be worn in casual, dress, walking or running shoes for a time effective to increase comfort of the supinated foot and/or to treat the symptoms associated with supinated feet.

Claims (12)

What is claimed is:
1. An insole comprising a deep heel cup, and high medial and lateral flanges extending from said heel cup, wherein said heel cup cups the calcaneous of a foot in approximately a neutral degree of varus so that the insole does not induce locking of the midtarsal joint, and said high medial and lateral flanges extend continuously high along the medial and lateral sides of the insole substantially to the first and fifth metatarsal necks of the foot.
2. An insole as claimed in
claim 1
having from 1 to 5 layers.
3. The insole as claimed in
claim 1
having a recess in the bottom surface of the heel cup.
4. The insole of
claim 3
wherein said recess is occupied with a shock absorbing insert.
5. The insole of
claim 4
wherein said shock absorbing material is made of polyurethane, solid rubber, microcellular rubber, resin rubber, polyvinyl chloride, ethyl vinylacetate, polyethylene or combinations thereof.
6. The insole of
claim 1
made from polyurethane, polyurea, solid rubber, microcellular rubber, resin rubber, polyvinyl chloride, ethyl vinylacetate, polyethylene or combinations thereof.
7. Method for treating an individual having a supinated foot type, comprising: supplying to said individuals an insole comprising a deep heel cup, and high medial and lateral flanges extending from said heel cup, wherein said heel cup cups the calcaneous of a foot in approximately a neutral degree of varus so that the insole does not induce locking of the midtarsal joint, and said high medial and lateral flanges extend continuously high along the medial and lateral sides of the insole substantially to the first and fifth metatarsal necks of the foot; and having such individual wear said insole.
8. The method as claimed in
claim 7
wherein the insole has from 1 to 5 layers.
9. The method as claimed in
claim 7
wherein the insole has a recess in the bottom surface of the heel cup.
10. The method as claimed in
claim 9
wherein the recess of said insole is occupied with a shock absorbing insert.
11. The method as claimed in
claim 10
said shock absorbing insert is made of polyurethane, solid rubber, microcellular rubber, resin rubber, polyvinyl chloride, ethyl vinylacetate, polyethylene or combinations thereof.
12. The method as claimed in
claim 7
wherein the insole is made from polyurethane, polyurea, solid rubber, microcellular rubber, resin rubber, polyvinyl chloride, ethyl vinylacetate, polyethylene or combinations thereof.
US09/742,658 1995-11-17 2000-12-21 Insole Abandoned US20010000369A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/742,658 US20010000369A1 (en) 1995-11-17 2000-12-21 Insole

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US56014995A 1995-11-17 1995-11-17
US90049497A 1997-07-25 1997-07-25
US33794399A 1999-06-22 1999-06-22
US09/742,658 US20010000369A1 (en) 1995-11-17 2000-12-21 Insole

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US33794399A Continuation 1995-11-17 1999-06-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20010000369A1 true US20010000369A1 (en) 2001-04-26

Family

ID=27407239

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/742,658 Abandoned US20010000369A1 (en) 1995-11-17 2000-12-21 Insole

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US20010000369A1 (en)

Cited By (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1393644A1 (en) * 2002-09-02 2004-03-03 Skis Rossignol S.A. Shoe insole for sport shoe
GB2392817A (en) * 2002-09-12 2004-03-17 Eddie Chen Shoe with ergonomic insole unit/element
US20080167582A1 (en) * 2007-01-04 2008-07-10 Dennis Shavelson Foot Typing Method
WO2011163501A3 (en) * 2010-06-25 2012-04-19 Spenco Medical Corporation Contoured support insole
WO2012051588A2 (en) 2010-10-15 2012-04-19 The Regents Of The University Of California Material for mitigating impact forces with collision durations in nanoseconds to milliseconds range
EP2572601A1 (en) * 2011-09-26 2013-03-27 Salomon S.A.S. Schuh mit verbesserter Sohle
US20130185957A1 (en) * 2012-01-24 2013-07-25 Fusco Industrial Corporation Shoe Insole
US20140305005A1 (en) * 2013-04-16 2014-10-16 Torng-Haur Yeh Structure of Heel Counter
US20160015121A1 (en) * 2014-07-21 2016-01-21 Ossur Hf Achilles heel wedge
USD758058S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-06-07 Spenco Medical Corporation Heel cup
USD761543S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-07-19 Spenco Medical Corporation Shoe insole
USD762368S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-08-02 Spenco Medical Corporation Shoe insole
USD762366S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-08-02 Spenco Medical Corporation Shoe insole
USD762367S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-08-02 Spenco Medical Corporation Shoe insole
USD766560S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-09-20 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD771922S1 (en) 2015-09-15 2016-11-22 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD771921S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-11-22 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD778040S1 (en) 2015-09-25 2017-02-07 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD778567S1 (en) 2015-09-17 2017-02-14 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD797430S1 (en) 2015-07-15 2017-09-19 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD797429S1 (en) 2015-07-15 2017-09-19 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD797428S1 (en) 2015-07-15 2017-09-19 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
US9788602B2 (en) 2012-08-31 2017-10-17 Implus Footcare, Llc Basketball insole
WO2017197255A1 (en) * 2016-05-12 2017-11-16 Richard Jay Insert and support for preventing foot fatigue and weakness
US9889034B2 (en) 2010-07-01 2018-02-13 Ossur Hf Achilles tendon stretching device
USD814750S1 (en) 2015-09-25 2018-04-10 Fourfoot, Llc Sandal
US9961958B1 (en) 2015-05-28 2018-05-08 Implus Footcare, Llc Contoured support shoe insole
US10136698B2 (en) 2015-05-28 2018-11-27 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
CN110215322A (en) * 2018-03-02 2019-09-10 许文华 Talipes cavus lower-limb body-shaping harness
US10441023B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2019-10-15 Implus Footcare, Llc Flow insole
US10485299B2 (en) 2015-05-28 2019-11-26 Implus Footcare, Llc Contoured support shoe insole
IT201800010412A1 (en) * 2018-11-17 2020-05-17 Ortopedia Ciaglia Srl Foot control orthosis in subjects with medium or mild neuromuscular insufficiency
US10709203B2 (en) 2015-05-28 2020-07-14 Implus Footcare, Llc Contoured support shoe insole
US10750824B2 (en) 2018-04-17 2020-08-25 San Antonio Shoe, Inc. Footbeds having varying compression characteristics
CN112869298A (en) * 2021-03-17 2021-06-01 上海市第六人民医院 Heel pain insole capable of monitoring plantar pressure and automatically and intelligently inflating and deflating

Cited By (48)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2843856A1 (en) * 2002-09-02 2004-03-05 Rossignol Sa INSIDE FOR SPORTS SHOES
EP1393644A1 (en) * 2002-09-02 2004-03-03 Skis Rossignol S.A. Shoe insole for sport shoe
GB2392817A (en) * 2002-09-12 2004-03-17 Eddie Chen Shoe with ergonomic insole unit/element
US20080167582A1 (en) * 2007-01-04 2008-07-10 Dennis Shavelson Foot Typing Method
US7938788B2 (en) * 2007-01-04 2011-05-10 Dennis Shavelson Foot typing method
US10136697B2 (en) 2010-06-25 2018-11-27 Implus Footcare, Llc Contoured support insole
WO2011163501A3 (en) * 2010-06-25 2012-04-19 Spenco Medical Corporation Contoured support insole
US9930926B2 (en) 2010-06-25 2018-04-03 Implus Footcare, Llc Contoured support insole
CN102869278A (en) * 2010-06-25 2013-01-09 斯彭科医疗公司 Contoured support insole
US9889034B2 (en) 2010-07-01 2018-02-13 Ossur Hf Achilles tendon stretching device
EP2627206A4 (en) * 2010-10-15 2016-04-13 Univ California Material for mitigating impact forces with collision durations in nanoseconds to milliseconds range
WO2012051588A3 (en) * 2010-10-15 2012-07-12 The Regents Of The University Of California Material for mitigating impact forces with collision durations in nanoseconds to milliseconds range
WO2012051588A2 (en) 2010-10-15 2012-04-19 The Regents Of The University Of California Material for mitigating impact forces with collision durations in nanoseconds to milliseconds range
US10441023B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2019-10-15 Implus Footcare, Llc Flow insole
FR2980339A1 (en) * 2011-09-26 2013-03-29 Salomon Sas IMPROVED SHOE SHOE
EP2572601A1 (en) * 2011-09-26 2013-03-27 Salomon S.A.S. Schuh mit verbesserter Sohle
US20130185957A1 (en) * 2012-01-24 2013-07-25 Fusco Industrial Corporation Shoe Insole
US8776399B2 (en) * 2012-01-24 2014-07-15 Fusco Industrial Corporation Shoe insole
US9788602B2 (en) 2012-08-31 2017-10-17 Implus Footcare, Llc Basketball insole
US20140305005A1 (en) * 2013-04-16 2014-10-16 Torng-Haur Yeh Structure of Heel Counter
US20160015121A1 (en) * 2014-07-21 2016-01-21 Ossur Hf Achilles heel wedge
US10143268B2 (en) * 2014-07-21 2018-12-04 Ossur Hf Achilles heel wedge
US10136698B2 (en) 2015-05-28 2018-11-27 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
US9961958B1 (en) 2015-05-28 2018-05-08 Implus Footcare, Llc Contoured support shoe insole
US10709203B2 (en) 2015-05-28 2020-07-14 Implus Footcare, Llc Contoured support shoe insole
US10485299B2 (en) 2015-05-28 2019-11-26 Implus Footcare, Llc Contoured support shoe insole
USD758058S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-06-07 Spenco Medical Corporation Heel cup
USD762368S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-08-02 Spenco Medical Corporation Shoe insole
USD771921S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-11-22 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD761543S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-07-19 Spenco Medical Corporation Shoe insole
USD762366S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-08-02 Spenco Medical Corporation Shoe insole
USD762367S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-08-02 Spenco Medical Corporation Shoe insole
USD766560S1 (en) 2015-06-25 2016-09-20 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD797430S1 (en) 2015-07-15 2017-09-19 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD797428S1 (en) 2015-07-15 2017-09-19 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD797429S1 (en) 2015-07-15 2017-09-19 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD771922S1 (en) 2015-09-15 2016-11-22 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD778567S1 (en) 2015-09-17 2017-02-14 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD857353S1 (en) 2015-09-25 2019-08-27 Fourfoot, Llc Sandal
USD803539S1 (en) 2015-09-25 2017-11-28 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
USD814750S1 (en) 2015-09-25 2018-04-10 Fourfoot, Llc Sandal
USD778040S1 (en) 2015-09-25 2017-02-07 Implus Footcare, Llc Shoe insole
WO2017197255A1 (en) * 2016-05-12 2017-11-16 Richard Jay Insert and support for preventing foot fatigue and weakness
CN110215322A (en) * 2018-03-02 2019-09-10 许文华 Talipes cavus lower-limb body-shaping harness
US10750824B2 (en) 2018-04-17 2020-08-25 San Antonio Shoe, Inc. Footbeds having varying compression characteristics
IT201800010412A1 (en) * 2018-11-17 2020-05-17 Ortopedia Ciaglia Srl Foot control orthosis in subjects with medium or mild neuromuscular insufficiency
EP3653180A1 (en) * 2018-11-17 2020-05-20 Ortopedia Ciaglia Srl Orthotic for the control of the foot in individuals with minor or moderate neuromuscular deficiencies
CN112869298A (en) * 2021-03-17 2021-06-01 上海市第六人民医院 Heel pain insole capable of monitoring plantar pressure and automatically and intelligently inflating and deflating

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20010000369A1 (en) Insole
US7721467B2 (en) Shoe insole with improved support and motion control
EP1209991B1 (en) Healing shoe or sandal
CA1200691A (en) Shoe incorporating shock absorbing partially liquid- filled cushions
US8250784B2 (en) Shoe insole
US4517981A (en) Orthotic device
US20040103561A1 (en) Footwear with orthopedic component system
JPS59214402A (en) Athletic shoes
US20020162250A1 (en) Unitary orthotic insert and orthopedic insole
EP2890261A1 (en) Basketball insole
EP0755203A1 (en) Insole
JPH0431682B2 (en)
JP2001190305A (en) Insole for work shoe
US6796058B2 (en) Rigid and flexible shoe
US7028419B2 (en) Footwear
US5012596A (en) Shoe
US6671981B2 (en) Footwear
US5632103A (en) Insole of shoe
JPH04276205A (en) Insole for shoe and insole set
US6763613B2 (en) Foot airthotic
US20030041481A1 (en) Orthotic footwear and insole thereof
US4602626A (en) Post-surgical foot splint
KR100498615B1 (en) lnsole for plantar fasciitis
KR200382055Y1 (en) Plantar fasciitis insole with care means of plantar fascia
US20220338595A1 (en) Method and Device for Preventing Sprained Ankles

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION