AU647395B2 - Inner sole for shoes - Google Patents

Description

OPT DATE 23/01/92 APPLN* ID 58346 AOJP DATE 27/02/92 PCT N 1 UMBER PCT/DE90/00480 INTE 3ER DIE INTEr.tvi~jjNi~irz ~uai turLIA~~LKI1 AU1P U11M (JBIEV VhS PATENTWESENS (PCT) (51) Internationale Patentklassifikation 5 (11) Internationale Vcr6ffentlichungsnummer: WO 92/00022 A43B 17/02, 13/18 Al (43) Internationales Veriiffentlichungsdatum: 9. Januar 1992 (09.01.92) (21) Internationales Aktenzeichen: PCT/DE9O/00480 (22) Internationales Anmieldedatum: 25. Juni 1990 (25.06.90) (71)X72) Anmelder und Erfinder: JCJRGENS, Ute [DE/DE]; Frankstralle 27, D-5000 K6ln 1 (DE).

(74) Anwalt: BAUER, Wulf; Woll'gang-Milier-Strale 12, D- 5000 K6In 51 (DE).

(81) Bestimniungsstaaten: AU, NO, SU.

Veriiffentlicht Afit internalionalem Recherchenberich.

(54) Title: INNER SOLE FOR SHOES (54) Bezeichnung: FUSSBETT ElNES SCHUHS.

(57) Abstract The inner sole of a shoe is made of an elastic to stiff material and has a generally smooth surface (20) adapted to the sole of the foot. At least one trough-shaped local depression (22) that forms a recess in relation to the (undisturbed) surface (20) has smooth round edges (24) at the surface Within these edges, it has a base (26) that lies a few millimiters below the undisturbed surface Its area is considerably smaller than the total area of the surface A knob (28) projects in the central area of the base and its free cap (30) lies essentially on the same level as the (undisturbed) surface (57) Zusarnenfassung Das Ful~bett eines Schuhs ist aus einem nachgiebigen bis steifen Material hergestellt und weist eine der FuRsohle angepagte, aligemnein glatte Oberfitiche (20) auf. Mindestens eine muldenartig ausgebildete und gegen~ber der (ungestarten) Oberfliiche zurilcksprngende, lokale Vertiefung (22) ist vorgesehen; ste mtlndet entlang ihres gesamten Rancles weich abgerundet (24) in die Oberfliiche (20) cin Innerhalb dieses Randes hat sie eine wenige Millimeter tiefer als die ungest~rte Oberfllche (20) liegende Basis Sic, ist fliichenmiiIig deutlich kleiner als die Gesamtfltic der Oberfliche lim Miitelhercich der Blasis (26) springt emn Noppen (28) vor, dessen frejen Kuppe (30) im wesentlichen im Verlauf der (ungest~5rten) Oberfltlche (20) liegt.

Title: Shoe insole in the form of a separate insole insert or an integrated insole attached to the shoe.

The invention relates to a shoe insole in the form of a separate insole insert or an integrated insole attached to the shoe, manufactuied from a material with a consistency ranging from flexible to rigid and with an upper surface which is generally smooth and which is formed to fit the sole of the human foot.

In the same manner as the insole of the type described at the outset, shoe insoles are generally provided with a smooth upper surface which is formed so as to fit the contours of a human foot, to a greater or lesser degree. The purpose of this constructin is to provide support for the foot which is as uniform as possible across the entire surface of the insole and also, at the same time, to provide for the foot a certain amount of guidance and thus a foothold. An insole insert made of flexible material can accommodate itself to the heel-to-toe rolling motion of every step of the foot, absorbing or cushioning the impact energy of the steps on the ground and thus distributing the entire kinetic energy across the foot in a directed manner, making it possible to make specific use of this energy in the leadup to the next step and providing support and help for those portions of the sole of the foot which require it. By contrast, the less common insole types made of rigid material do not allow this function; when walking on insoles of this type, the heel of the foot, at least, lifts up from the insole at every step and then returns to come into contact with the insole again.

The .term "shoe" is understood'here to mean footwear in its broadest sense, for example street shoes, sports shoes, boots, sandals, house shoes, gymnastics shoes, etc. The insole of each shoe is normally in the form of a single unit reaching from the heel to the toes; however, it is also possible to design the insole so that it is divided into two or more segments, one of which supports the heel, for example, while another provides support for the area of the toes, and so on.

In addition to insoles with smooth or predominately smooth upper surfaces, insoles with an intentionally structured or profiled upper surface are also known.

For example, there are health shoes with insoles made of material with the elasticity of rubber having a large number of protruding knobs arranged in a regular pattern across the surface so as to form the upper surface of the insole. In the case of insoles of this e bE- 320q5_ type the foot only comes into contact with the tips of the relatively large number of knobs; the insole thus comprises in effect a grid-like arrangement of many supports, each with a small surface area. Insoles of this type have the effect of providing a continuous massage to the foot while walking; and since the loads on the foot change constantly in the course of the heel-to-toe rolling movement, there is also a continual fluctuation in the segments of the knob surface coming into contact with the sole of the foot, and in the pressure parameters between the sole of the foot and the segments of the knob pattern providing support to the foot in its heel-to-toe rolling movement. However, the large number of knobs leads to an over-stimulation of the sole of the foot. The elasticity of the knobs makes it possible for them to bend slightly to the side, providing an active massaging effect. Also known are insoles with rigid knobs; in these types, the knobs 2 always come into contact with more or less the same area of the sole of the foot, and the pressure absorbed by each knob tip rises and falls at each step.

The object of the invention is to design an insole in such a way that, instead of providing support of a more or less identical nature across the entire surface of the sole of the foot, the described design of the insole provides a directed, specific action and stimulation to very few local areas of the sole of the human foot preferably, when made to order for the wearer, of one localised area only while avoiding over- Sstimulation. In achieving this aim, the invention utilises the generally-known concept that each area of the sole of the human foot can be associated with an organ in the human body; this concept is used, for example, in foot reflexology massage. The objective is to facilitate a flow of life energy which is as unrestricted as possible and thus to achieve optimal blood supply to the organs on a continual basis and thus, in turn, to promote the flow of life energy. The object of the invention is thus to design an insole in such a way that specific local areas of the sole of the foot are provided with a continual stimulating effect, in the above-described sense.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a shoe insole in the form of a separate insole insert or an integrated insole attached to the shoe, said insole being manufactured from a material with a consistency ranging from flexible to rigid and with an upper surface which is generally smooth and which is formed to fit the sole of the foot, characterised by at least one basin-like, local depression in the upper surface of the insole, said depression opening into the upper surface of the insole with a gently rounded rim along the entire length of its edge and having within said rim a base lying a few millimetres deeper than the intact upper surface of the insole and being in area significantly smaller th.ni the entire surface area of the upper surface of the insole, S 25 and further characterised by the arrangement in the central area of said base, a projecting knob the free tip of which lies substantially at the same level as the upper surface of the insole.

.*o.o IN\libccOO0113:HRW J L% I I r uppor Surfaco of tha inco-c.

,re~err ey6od.e 4 Ys of (A The shoe insole in accordance with the 4 invention thus has smooth upper surface providing even and unstructured support for the sole of the foot. The local depression is only worked into the insole in one small area (in relation to the total area of the upper surface), said depression having a maximum horizontal dimension of, for example, 20 mm; with its preferentially circular execution this depression thus has a diameter of essentially 20 mm maximum. This means that said depression only takes up a small portion of the total area of the upper surface, thus ensuring that the kinetic energy is distributed specifically so as to be utilised naturally. The knob protrudes from the base of the depression to the height which the upper surface would have had were it to remain intact, i.e. without the presence of the local depression. The tip of said knob may protrude slightly above the intact upper surface, or terminate A oZcni4ly flush with or even slightly below the same. The described arrangement has the result that a section (of relatively insignificant area) of the sole of the human foot remains unsupported; the design of said depression is such that its gently rounded rim effects a gradual transition from support to the lack of support above the base of the depression, thus reducing or preventing stoppages of kinetic energy. If at all, the base should only come into contact with the sole of the foot in the rim zone, and not in the area around the knob; the level of the base is thus adequately sunken in relation to the intact upper surface. The support in the area of the knob is provided solely by the tip of the knob itself.

This makes it possible to exercise a selective pressure effect on a specific point or a small area of the sole of the human foot, namely by means of stimulation or positive motivation through massaging of principal nerves. When the wearer is standing, the selected area 4 of the sole of the foot thus receives ani constant pressure or is provided with individual, mentality-specific stimulus inciting the wearer to change their standing posture and thus preventing energy stoppages; while walking or running, the sole of the foot is subjected to a continually rising and falling pressure. The stimulation or motivation is accordingly transmitted to the specific individual nerve tracts and meridians, and consequently to the organs with which they are connected, thus continually effecting the fluctuating relationship of tension and relaxation of the postural and motoric systems with muscles, tendons and ligaments. The knob is located so that it comes into contact with the desired area of the sole of the foot which is associated with the organ to be treated.

pre.Ferr4i e/ooc&Menr O -1ahe TheAinvention thus makes it possible to perform a foot reflexology massage and an appropriate treatment of sections of the sole of the foot without requiring the continual presence of a person to perform the desired stimulation. Instead, the task of the therapist consists solely in defining, once only, which appropriate specific areas of the sole of the foot need to be stimulated; the insole is then prepared in accordance with these instructions, and the stimulation is provided whenever the footwear fitted with the insole is worn.

pre7ferre4 A/ow{mevs o-Cf IAe According to theA invention, the knob has transverse dimensions of a few millimetres, preferably 4 to 6 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the knob has a circular transverse cross-section and corresponding diameter (as specified).

The execution of the tip of the knob can vary in accordance with the desired individual application. It is possible for the tip of the knob to be rounded, pointed or flattened. Corresponding transitional forms, for 5 example with outer rounding and flattening in the centre, are also possible.

The knob itself can be executed so as to be either rigid or resilient; the preferred elasticity which is striven for is in the range of that of hard rubber.

The knob has elasticity both in the direction of load, i.e. alone its longitudinal axis, and at right angles to this axis; i.e. it can also bend sideways in relation to its intact longitudinal axis. These two types of elasticity are influenced by the choice of the material and by the shape of the transverse cross-section of the knob. In an embodiment of the knob exepr&r c eqc~b ly cuted 'r-e til with a foot, the lateral elasticity is reduced; the laterl ela ticity is higher when the form of the knob is ccoentia y prismatic.

A

The maximum total number of depressions is three; in general, each insole is provided with one single depression only, accommodating in most cases one single knob. As a basic principle, however, it is also possible to provide each depression with two or three knobs, but not more.

pre' rci. t The knobs areAproforoti all executed as an integral part of the insole, forming a single connected piece with the latter; however, this does not exclude the possibility of separate execution. In particular, it is possible to provide an opening in the area of the base through which a separate knob unit can be inserted. This embodiment has the advantage that the knobs can be replaced with others. The knobs in this embodiment rfr:Wia:y- have a disc-like foot which is located below the actual insole and which prevents lateral angular displacement of the knob projecting from it.

Further advantages and features of the invention are revealed in the- r-emai-n -ing claims a the following 6 descriptions of embodiments, which are not to be understood as being restrictive and which are explained with reference to the attached diagram. Said diagram contains the following figures: Fig. 1 A perspective representation of an insole (for a sandal) with a depression with knob in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 A cross section through the area of the depression with knob, comprising a sectional view through line IH-II in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 A sectional view corresponding to Fig. 2 for a second embodiment.

Fig. 4 A sectional view corresponding to Fig. 2 for a third embodiment.

Fig. 5 A sectional view corresponding to Fig. 2 for a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 6 A sectional view corresponding to Fig. 2 for a fifth embodiment.

Fig. 7 A longitudinal cross section through the toe area of an insole corresponding to a sixth embodiment.

The insole of a shoe, for example a sandal, as per Fig. 1 is made of a material with the elasticity of hard rubber, in particular an appropriate rubber mixture, and has a smooth upper surface (20) contoured to fit the shape of the sle of a foot. In a very small area, in relation to the total area of this upper surface a local depression (22) 0.o: is provided which is circumscribed all around by the actual upper surface 0 i IN:\libcclOOl 13:HRW Preferably the area of the depression (22) constitutes 1/10 to 1/20 of the total area of the upper surface Accordingly, the depression forms a transition with the (intact) upper surface, said transition taking the form of a gently rounded rim (24) in the contour of the local depression which, as can be seen in the sectional views, forms a substantially s-shaped profile from the edge to the base (26) of the depression. The level of the latter base lies a few millimetres, generally between 5 and 12mm below the (intact) upper surface A knob (28) projects from the centre of the local depression (22) and perpendicular to the upper surface said knob is connected at its foot end with the base (26) and has a tip (30) which, as shown in Fig. 2, projects slightly (1 to 2mm) above the intact upper surface; in the other embodiments to be described below, however the tip (30) lies either flush with or below the level of the upper surface Preferably the transverse dimensions of the depression (22) are between four and ten times the size of the corresponding transverse dimensions of the knob (28).

In the embodiment as shown in Fig. 2 the knob (28) is executed as an integral part of the insole, forming one piece with the latter. It has a round transverse cross section and a diameter of 5mm. Its tip (30) is c-ompletely rounded, ie. with a rounding radius of 2.5mm. Below this tip (30) its form is prismatic, ie. cylindrical in this embodiment. The properties of the selected insole material give the knob elasticity both in the direction parallel to the surface of the upper surface the so-called lateral elasticity, and elasticity perpendicular to the upper surface which means that the tip (30) is compressed downwards slightly when subjected to load.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the knob (28) is substantially conical, but its tip (30) is rounded. However, this tip (30) is more pointed, ie. has a steeper .0 rounding angle, than the tip (30) in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2. In addition to this, there is a gradual transition between the foot of the knob and the base so that .there are no sharp inside corners like those in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2. The knob in the embodiment illustrated in a S o *e IN:\llbcc|lOO113:HRW Fig. 3 has a lower lateral elasticity than that illustrated in Fig. 2.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, the tip of the knob (28) has the form of a flat circular surface, and the contact area of the knob with the sole of a foot is thus larger than in the previously described embodiments. In addition to this, the transition between the area where support is provided for the sole of a foot by the tip and the surrounding unsupported area is also abrupt. This is advantageous for certain therapies. The level of the tip (30) of the knob in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4 is flush with the intact upper surface whereas in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the tip (30) lies slightly (max.

1 to 2 mm) below the level of the (intact) upper surface In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5, the knob (28) has a conical tip providing even more pronounced support to one point than in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 it is possible to replace the knob The insole here consists of a main insole component (32) in which a depression (22) in the form described above is provided; however, in the base (26) of the local depression (22) a hole (34) is provided. Below the hole (34) and in the area around the same there is a recess (36) in the main insole component The execution of the knob (28) is similar to that of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2; its outer diameter matches the inner diameter of the hole and its foot section is in the form of a disc the diameter and thickness of which matches the dimensions of the recess (36).

Fig. 7 illustrates the layer structure of the main insole component The latter consists of a form- 9 giving base layer (40) approx. 2 to 3 mm thick providing the shape of the insole and made of a material which is stiff and yet flexible, followed by a cushion layer (42) and terminated with a top layer (44) of thin suede leather with a roughened surface The base layer is shaped so as to match,- 4esis-44.I- .the anatomical contours of the foot, but its contours are kept flatter than in the case of a genuine anatomical match; the lateral and longitudinal arches of the layer in particular protrude less than they would in the case of a genuine anatomical reproduction. The thickness of the material of the base layer (40) is zentiai4ry the same across its entire area; by contrast, the thickness of the cushion layer (42) varies from location to location, as illustrated in Fig. 7. This cushion layer (42) is both springy, i.e. elastic, and lastingly malleable, i.e. plastic. The elasticity is selected to provide both cushioning and distribution of pressure.

As a result of its plasticity, the cushion layer (42) adapts to the form of the individual foot; the compression of the cushion layer (42) is more pronounced in the areas where the foot exerts greater pressure on it than in other areas, and the shape thus once impressed upon the cushion layer is c- retained after several hours of wearing. A bed for the foot is thus formed which is adapted to the form of the individual foot; however, the contours of this bed are flatter than the bed of a neutral, anatomically-formed insole.

The leather layer (44) forming the upper surface of the main insole component (32) is made of matt, roughened suede leather and the thickness of the material is minimal, e.g. 0.5 mm. This layer effects a slight rubbing of the foot, thus stimulating circulation, both providing and storing heat and motivating the entire sole of the foot.

Protruding from the base layer (40) and connected with it is a knob (28) of the previously described embodiment. In a new, unused insole (as illustrated in Fig.

the upper apex region of this knob (28) projects up to the approximate level of the leather layer its body is located on all sides within the level of the cushion layer Upon exposure to pressure, the cushion layer (42) is lastingly compressed as described above; the knob by contrast, is significantly harder, having, ,~-the elasticity of hard rubber, and its free end thus projects above the level of the leather layer thus enabling the stimulation or motivation of a local area of the sole of the Coot, in accordance with the invention.

It has proved to be extremely advantageous to provide an elastic cushion in the heel area, said cushion having gently receding edges at the sides without a perceptible transition to the upper surface of the main insole component and rising upwards gently in its central area so that when a foot steps down contacting the insole the cushion absorbs the step energy thus allowing the specific utilisation of said energy. However, said cushion is soft and gives way, and the material of which it is made is significantly softer than that of the cushion layer (42).

The entire insole is made preferentially of natural materials.

-11

Claims (16)

1. A shoe insole in the form of a separate insole insert or an integrated insole attached to the shoe, said insole being manufactured from a material with a consistency ranging from flexible to rigid and with an upper surface which is generally smooth and which is formed to fit the sole of the foot, characterised by at least one basin-like, local depression in the upper surface of the insole, said depression opening into the upper surface of the insole with a gently rounded rim along the entire length of its edge and having within said rim a base lying a few millimetres deeper than the intact upper surface of the insole and being in area significantly smaller than the ent're surface area of the upper surface of the insole, and further characterised by the arrangement in the central area of said base, a projecting knob the free tip of which lies su:bstantially at the same level as the upper surface of the insole.

2. The insole according to claim 1, wherein the knob has a thickness between 4 and 6mm.

3. The insole according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the knob is rounded at its tip.

4. The insole according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the knob is pointed at its tip.

The insole according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the knob is flattened at its tip.

6. The insole according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the knob •is widened at its lower end and that said lower end forms a smooth transition to the course of the base.

7. The insole according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the area of the depression constitutes 1/10 to 1/20 of the total area of the upper surface.

8. The insole according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the knob and the edge of the rounded rim are generally circular.

9. The insole according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein thc transverse dimensions of the depression are between four and ten times the size of the corresponding transverse dimensions of the knob.

The insole according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said insole preferably has a maximum of three depressions with one knob each, and no more than a maximum of ten depressions with one knob each.

11. The insole according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said insole has only one depression with one knob.

12. The insole according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the knob is connected to the insole as an integral part, forming one piece with the latter.

13. The insole according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said insole has a main component which comprises a shape-providing, slightly flexible base layer to V" .which is connected at least one said knob projecting fre: ly from the upper surface of said IN:\libccO1 13:HRW base layer, a cushion layer made of an elastic and plastic material, and a thin covering layer of leather.

14. The insole according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a local depression between said base and the intact upper suw has a profile which is S- shaped.

The insole according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the elasticity of the knob is equivalent to that of hard rubber.

16. A shoe insole in the form of a separate insole insert or an integrated insole attached to the shoe, said insole being substantially as described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 or Figs. 3 and 4 or Fig. 5 or Fig. 6 or Fig. 7 of the accompanying drawings. Dated this Tenth Day of January 1994 Ute Jiirgens Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON S o S So eo S o* IN:\libccl00113:HRW