GB2190277A - Shoe insole - Google Patents

Abstract

The shoe insole includes a nub sheet (2) which is connected to a second sheet (3, 4, 5) located over it in order to form an air cushion which extends over the entire surface of the sole. The second sheet can be tightly connected to the nub sheet or it can also include aeration openings (8, 10), which provide for an exchange of air within the air cushion during walking. The insole can be provided as needed with moisture-absorbing or deodorizing material (11, 12) which is located in the area of the exchangeable air cushion or over and/or under the sheets. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Shoe insole The invention relates to a shoe insole.

Shoe insoles of this type have the function of increasing the support and walking comfort of a shoe and of adapting the foot bed of a shoe to individually different suppqrt requirements.

German utility model DE-GM 76 33 023 teaches a shoe sole of the above-mentioned type which consists of a nub sheet. The nub sheet is constructed of two layers of sheeting, similar to nub sheets known in the packaging art, between which air-tight, nub-shaped hollow spaces are enclosed which form numerous compactly spaced air cushions. The air cushions formed by the nubs lie on the sole of the foot and receive the pressure between foot and shoe bed. A disadvantage of this known shoe insole consisting of nub sheets is the fact that the nubs extending into the shoe area are moved and entrained by the foot when the shoe is put on and during the rolling movements which occur during walking, so that the insole crumples up and is no longer positioned over the entire area of the foot bed.The resulting disadvantages, such as formation of pressure points, restriction of the rolling process, et cetera are well-known.

Another disadvantage of this known shoe insole is the fact that no or only a very slight exchange of air occurs between sole and foot, which creates an unhealthy "shoe climate", since the perspiration secreted by the sweat glands which are located in the foot area and are frequently quite active with the function of regulating the temperature and liquid levels of the body can not be removed and evaporated.

This creates a build-up of heat in the foot area which further stimulates the functioning of the sweat glands and finally results in a wetting of the shoe from within, which equally affects the shoe and and the foot, since the wet areas of the shoe and of the foot are considerably more susceptible to injuries and harm. The secretions of sweat produced to excess finally result in cold feet which also frequently have poor circulation, which results in sweating and, as a consequence, an unpleasant odor since there is no circulation of air in the shoe.

The invention thus has the task of improving a shoe insert of the type mentioned in such a manner that it is appropriately adapted to the physiology of the human foot so that the support and walking comfort of a shoe equipped with such an insole are distinctly increased.

The shoe insole of the invention includes: first sheeting means defining a plurality of mutually adjacent nubs, the nubs being configured to form respective hollow spaces and so conjointly define a first air cushion; second sheeting means covering and extending over the first sheeting means to conjointly define therewith a second air cushion; and, pealing means for sealing the second sheeting means to the first sheeting means.

The presence of a second sheet which is tightly connected to the nub sheet creates another large-area air cushion which considerably reduces the friction within the shoe when the foot rolls and exerts a good massaging action on the inside of the foot due to the traveling of the cushion during rolling. This furthers the circulation of the foot, which can prevent tired feet for a long time and the production of perspiration of the glands in this area is automatically regulated and therewith reduced.

An embodiment discussed later with respect to FIG. 2 has proven to be especially advantageous in which the second sheet is perforated by numerous air holes. In such an embodiment, the air cushion located under the foot travels during the rolling of the foot not only between the nub sheet and the second sheet but rather an intensive exchange of air also occurs between the air cushion and the ambient air, whereby the air exiting from and entering into the sole is forced along the foot sole, which creates a favorable "shoe climate". In order to keep the air current occurring when the sole is pressed as large as possible, it can be advantageous to provide several air holes in the edge area between the nub sheet and the second sheet and/or in the nub sheet.

It is especially advantageous, in order to develop the pressure conditions in the shoe insert in accordance with the anatomy of the foot, to connect the individual air cushions formed by the nubs to communicating groups, which can form, for example, a common air cushion (consisting of several interconnected nubs), for example for the heel or the front part of the foot. This embodiment has the advantage that the contact pressure of the sole can be distributed in a differing manner onto individual parts of the foot, as occurs during the natural rolling of the foot. The advantage which results from the above consists in the fact that the foot is primarily loaded at the points naturally provided for this purpose, which load is evenly distributed over this entire area, such as, for example, at the heel and the front part of the foot.A communicating connection of all air cushions can also be advantageous in this instance.

An especially large-area contact surface between shoe insole and foot results according to another embodiment of the invention in which two nub sheets intermesh. It is advantageous in this embodiment also if the nub sheet and the second sheet are permanently and tightly connected to each other on a peripheral edge by adhering or welding. The sole can be adapted to numerous requirements by means of the design and the arrangement of the nubs.

Another embodiment of the invention is especially advantageous for avoiding damage to the sheets, particularly a direct foot contact with the sheet. Instead of covering or supporting the insole with a protective underlayer, the sheets can be designed with an appropriate textile surface formed by flocking. It is advantageous in the case of a multilayer design of the sole to connect the individual layers to each other on the peripheral edge in order to prevent a shifting of the layers relative to each other and to not disturb the exchange of air to the foot.

In order to further reduce the secretion of sweat and to suppress the bad odor connected therewith, the insole can be provided with a deodorizing and/or odor-absorbing layer which is located within the area of the sole in which an intensive aeration occurs. Instead of a complete layer of this material, it can also be advantageous to fill the intermediary spaces between the nubs with an appropriate material which does not adversely affect the circulation of air within the sole. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the insole of the invention is encased in a closed casing of deodorizing and/or absorbing material, which can considerably increase the sweat-retarding action without losing any of the support and walking comfort associated with the insole of the invention.

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing wherein: FIG. 1A shows a schematic plan view of an insole of the invention in which the individual layers are cut open in a graduated manner in order to better illustrate their construction; FIG. 1B shows a second embodiment depicted in the same manner; FIGS. 2A and 2B show a third and a fourth embodiment of the invention in a view like that of FIG. 1; FIGS. 3A and 3B show a fifth and a sixth embodiment of the invention in a view like that of FIG. 1,; FIG. 4 shows a section through a part of the insole of FIG. 3A along line IV-IV.

FIG. 5 shows a seventh embodiment of the invention wherein two nub sheets mutually engage,; FIG. 6 shows an eighth embodiment of the invention wherein two nub sheets also mutually engage; and, FIG. 7 shows a ninth embodiment of the invention corresponding substantially to that of FIG. 5 except that the nubs of the respective sheets are of different elevation.

The shoe insoles shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 show only nine embodiments of many possible embodiments. All the insoles shown here are multilayer soles and comprise a protective underlayer as the lowest layer which extends over the entire area of the sole and can consist of textiles, sheet, cardboard, cork or the like. Protective underlayer 1 has the function of protecting nub sheet 2 located over it from damage from below. Protective underlayer 1 can be a single layer, as in the embodiments shown, and be permanently connected to nub sheet 2 over it. A cork underlayer or the like can also be attached as underlayer 1 for nub layer 2 for heat insulation or height compensation.In order to lead away static charges which occur, the sheets or partial areas of the sheets can be designed to be conductive; also, an intermediary layer of conductive material such as aluminum or copper can be interposed.

Nub sheet 2 is covered on top by a second sheet 3, 4 or 5, as is shown in detail in the figures. The second sheet 3, 4 or 5 is advantageously tightly welded to nub sheet 2 on peripheral edge 6, as in the embodiments shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the second sheet 3 is designed as a continuous closed sheet which is tightly welded on edge 6 to nub sheet 2 so that a closed air cushion is created over the entire surface of the sole between nub sheet 2 and the second sheet 3.

The air cushion formed here is filled not tautly but rather slackly with gas, preferably air, like closely spaced nubs 9 of sheet 2, so that as the foot rolls over the sole, a support of the second sheet 3 on the nubs of sheet 2 is assured. A good massage of the inside of the foot is achieved hereby which assures a good circulation of the blood. This does not affect the stability since the nubs of sheet 2 come into contact as the pressure increases and offer a secure support to the foot. It is advantageous to use a nub sheet known from the packaging art as a nub sheet which consists of two superimposed individual sheets between which nub-like individual hollow spaces are formed. The nubs of the sheet used here have a diameter of approximately 1 cm and a height between 3 mm and 5 mm and are filled with air so that they slack.

In order to avoid direct contact of the skin with the sheet and to protect sheet 3 against damage from above, a cover 7 is provided as upper layer over the second, closed sheet 3.

Cover 7 consists of textile fabric, advantageously of natural fibers, and is permanently connected to the other layers of the sole via peripheral edge 6. Cover 7 should be as flexible as possible in order to palpably transmit the movement of the air cushion to the sole of the foot.

FIG. 1B shows a second embodiment which differs from the first embodiment in that the second sheet 4 is not continuous but is provided with holes 8. The holes are positioned with advantage over the intermediary spaces between nubs 9 of nub sheet 2 so that as the foot rolls over the sole, a circulation of air occurs between the air cushion and the surroundings. A partial pressure is applied to the sole during the rolling motion, which presses a part of the air through holes 8 and causes another part to travel forward or backward.

The exiting air is guided in this embodiment along the sole of the foot, which assures an intensive aeration of the bottom of the foot.

Cover 7 in this embodiment (FIG. 1B) should exhibit a certain clinging action so that as the foot releases the pressure, cover 7 and second sheet 4 are drawn upward with the foot, which refills the air cushion between nub sheet 2 and perforated sheet 4 with air. This alternating pressure and suction action assures an intensive exchange of air which can only be achieved with a two-chamber system-nub cushion with air cushion thereabove. In order to optimize the circulation within the sole and between sole and foot, instead of holes 8 in second sheet 4, appropriate aeration openings 10 can also be provided between nub sheet 2 and second sheet 3, 4 or 5 which make possible an aeration to the outside. It is possible, depending on the intended application, to provide only holes 8 or only aeration openings 10 or also a combination of both.Lateral aeration openings 10 are shown in FIG. 3B by way of example.

FIG. 2A shows an embodiment in which deodorizing and sweat-absorbing materials 11 have been worked into the sole. The sole shown in FIG. 2A corresponds in design to the sole of FIG. IB, whereby material 11 is additionally positioned between nubs 9 of nub sheet 2. This material consists in this embodiment of appropriately impregnated or worked threads 11. The threads snake around nubs 9 and are adhered to the underlayer of nub sheet 2 so that a shifting of threads 11 is prevented as the foot moves. In this manner, the described action of the insole is also assured when threads 11 are placed. Instead of threads 11, continuous layers 12 can be used with advantage as mesh fabric of this or of a similar suitable material for the absorption of sweat and for deodorizing, as is shown in FIG. 2B by way of example.It is essential in the arrangement that absorbing material 11, 12 is located in an area of the sole with good aeration in order that supply and removal is assured in this chemically active zone. Material 11 or 12 must also be of such a nature (gaspermeable and elastic) that the massaging action of the air cushion between the nub sheet and the second sheet is not or only slightly adversely affected. In order to prevent a shifting in relation to the other sole layers, deodorizing and moisture-absorbing layer 12 is also permanently connected to the other layers at peripheral edge 6.

The embodiment of FIG. 2B exhibits, as another particularity, a design of nub sheet 2 which is adapted to the anatomy of the foot.

Nubs 9 of this sheet are communicatingly connected here in the heel area by conduits 13 so that a common air cushion consisting of several nubs 9 is formed in the heel area.

Such a communicating connection of a group of nubs 9 is located with advantage at the points of the sole at which the foot is naturally loaded, as for example here in the heel area or in the area of the front of the foot (not shown). This embodiment distributes the pressure load of the foot during walking evenly onto the points provided for it, while the other individual nubs 9 form additional support points which are located outside of the main load zone. In order to aid the footbed design of the sole, appropriate pieces (not shown) can be placed under nub sheet 2, for example in the area of the inner foot where the foot surface is slightly elevated in relation to the contact surface so that a support action of nubs 9 is assured in this area of the foot too and a comfortable foot bed is preserved.The partial pieces preferably also consist of nub sheet and are permanently connected to the other sole parts on peripheral edge 6. Layer 12 of deodorizing and absorbing material shown in FIG. 2B is located in this embodiment between nub sheet 2 and second sheet 4. It can also be positioned over second sheet 4, that is, directly under cover 7 and must assure a good ventilation.

FIG. 3A shows another embodiment in which the second sheet 5 is also designed as a nub sheet, whereby nubs 14 of the second sheet 5 face down opposite nubs 9 and are positioned with advantage in the intermediary spaces between nubs 9, as is schematically shown in the section of FIG. 4. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 4, nub sheet 2 and second sheet 5 are tightly connected to one another on peripheral edge 6 so that a closed additional air cushion is created between the two sheets 2 and 5. Depending on the application, holes can also be provided here in the second sheet 5 provided with nubs, as in the preceding embodiments; also, aeration openings can be provided in peripheral edge 6 (see FIG. 3b) and/or in nub sheet 2.The embodiments shown in FIG. 3 also exhibit a continuous layer 12 of deodorizing or moisture-absorbing material over the second sheet 3 or 5 which layer is covered by a textile cover 7. In the insoles shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 the individual layers of the soles are connected to each other on peripheral edge 6, whereby nub sheet 2 and second sheet 3, 4 or 5 are tightly welded to each other while the textile layers are adhered to the sheet. It can advantageous for this purpose to use a thermoplastic fusion adhesive so that the layers can be connected in a single work step. Depending on the application and the machines available, the connecting of the individual layers can also be performed by sewing, pressing, flanging or the like. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3B shows the already-mentioned aeration openings 10 in peripheral edge 6 between nub sheet 2 and the second sheet 3, 4 or 5.

These lateral aeration openings 10 support the exchange of air between nub sheet and second sheet. This accelerates in particular the filling of the air cushion with air when pressure is taken off the foot and when the second sheet is raised on the foot sole by clinging action. The previously described insole, especially the layers 2 and 3, 4 or 5 responsible for the high degree of support comfort, can also be inserted into or placed under an absorbent insole filled, for example, with activated carbon. The invention thus provides, for example, that a two-layer insole of preferably absorbent and deodorizing material connected on the peripheral edge is left open in the rear area during manufacture, that is, the peripheral edge is not sewn shut in this area, so that a core consisting of nub sheet 2 and a second sheet 3, 4 or 5 can be inserted as desired.

Such a design has the advantage that different insoles can be manufactured with the same manufacturing process which can be optionally combined by the customer personally as desired. The two-layer design of a textile covering can be closed after the filling has been completed by an adhesive point, a clip or the like. Care must be taken when selecting the intermediary layer both in the previously described embodiment as also in the other embodiments in which intermediary layers are positioned over or between sheets 2 and 3 to 5 that this layer is highly air-permeable and can transmit the massaging action exerted by sheets 2 and 3, 4 or 5 onto the foot.

In an embodiment similar to FIG. 4 in which two nub sheets 2 and 5 intermesh, it can be advantageous to make nubs 9 and 14 different in design, arrangement and filling pressure in order to further increase the massaging action of the sole. If the air cushion between the two sheets 2, 5 is to be open, aeration openings 10 can be provided in edge 6 and/or holes 8 in sheets 2, 5 between the sheets. It is advantageous if nubs 9, 14 are positioned with a lateral interval to each other so that a circulation of air is possible between them and so that holes 8 in sheets 2, 5 are not covered by nubs 9 or 14. If the nub interval is appropriately designed, a gridlike insert of a deodorizing and/or moisture-suppressing means 11 can be placed between intermeshing nubs 9, 14 in the area of the intermediary spaces.

FIG. 5 shows two nub sheets mutually engaging in an interdigitating manner. The air located between the sheets communicates with the outside via channels 16. For example, the nubs 14 of the nub sheet 5 intercommunicate in a closed system via channel 17. In addition, the nubs 9 of sheet 2 can likewise communicate with each other. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the channels 16 correspond to the apertures 8 and the channel 17 corresponds to the channels 13 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is another embodiment of the invention wherein the nubs of a first sheet are in interdigital relationship with the nubs of a second sheet 2. An exchange of air occurs with the ambient via channels 18. The nubs 9 of the sheet 2 and/or the nubs 14 of sheet 5 can be interconnected through small channels.

FIG. 7 is an embodiment of the invention which corresponds substantially to that of FIG.

5; however, the height of the nubs of both foils are different. In this way, a larger space is provided. The air in this space is exchangeable via channels 19. The contour of the insole changes. More specifically, first the higher nubs support the foot and, after a completed air exchange, the lower nubs of the second foil provide the needed support.

Manufacturing problems can occur when connecting the layers in the edge area when certain materials are used, for example when textile layers are to be connected to plastics.

This can cause difficulties in adhering in particular, since the seams are exposed to a high degree of moisture and a heavy deformation stress. In order to circumvent this problem, openings 15 which are in alignment with each other are provided in the outer edge of nub sheet 2 and of second sheet 3, 4 or 5 thereover, as is shown in FIG. 3A by way of example, via which openings textile protective underlayer 1 and cover 7 as well as, for example, layer 12 can be connected to each other since a direct contact is possible between the textile layers in the area of openings 15. It is possible to use a pure textile adhesive hereby which connects the upper and the lower textile layers together via openings 15, which connects sheets 2 and 3, 4 or 5 to the other parts of the sole at the same time.

It can also be advantageous, depending on the materials used, to impregnate the peripheral edge of textile layers 1, 7, 12 with a weldable plastic so that textile layers 1, 7 and 12 can be welded together with the two sheet layers 2, 3 or 4 or 5 in one work step.

In a corresponding manner, edges 6 of the individual layers can also be provided with adhesive in such a manner that the adhesive connection is not activated until two layers are pressed together like a self-adhering envelope. In such an embodiment, the individual layers can be connected by a single pressing procedure.

The insoles described here in only a few embodiments are distinguished by a high degree of support comfort and can be provided with deodorizing or absorbent material, depending on the requirements, can be varied in height, coated with almost any material such as, for example, fur in the winter or a light cotton fabric for the summer and can thus be adapted to almost any application.

The pressure and suction system of the sole of the invention can be operatively interconnected by conduits or the like provided in the footwear and communicating with the am bient air, which can further increase the efficiency of this sole.

Claims (27)

1. A shoe insole comprising: first sheeting means defining a plurality of mutually adjacent nubs, said nubs being configured to form respective hollow spaces and so conjointly define a first air cushion; second sheeting means covering and extending over said first sheeting means to conjointly define therewith a second air cushion; and, sealing means for sealing said second sheeting means to said first sheeting means.

2. The shoe insole of claim 1, said nubs being mutually adjacent so as to define a plurality of intermediate spaces therebetween; said second sheeting means including a plurality of ventilating apertures formed therein so as to communicate with said intermediate spaces and so as to extend over the entire surface of said insole.

3. The shoe insole of claim 2, said first sheeting means comprising a sheet; and, said nubs formed on said sheet, said sheet having a plurality of apertures formed therein so as to communicate with said intermediate spaces.

4. The shoe insole of claim 2, said sealing means defining an edge expending around the periphery of said insole; and, a plurality of lateral ventilating openings formed in said edge between said first sheeting means and said second sheeting means.

5. The shoe insole of claim 1, said sealing means defining an edge expending around the periphery of said insole; and, a plurality of lateral ventilating openings formed in said edge between said first sheeting means and said second sheeting means.

6. The shoe insole of claim 1, said shoe insole including a forward region for receiving the forefoot thereon and a rearward region for receiving the heel thereon, said plurality of nubs including a first plurality of nubs arranged in said forward region and a second plurality of nubs arranged in said rearward region.

7. The shoe insole of claim 6, comprising channel means for interconnecting the nubs of said first plurality of nubs.

8. The shoe insole of claim 6, comprising channel means for interconnecting the nubs of said second plurality of nubs.

9. The shoe insole of claim 6, comprising channel means for interconnecting the nubs of said first and second pluralities of nubs.

10. The shoe insole of claim 1, comprising channel means for interconnecting all of said nubs.

11. The shoe insole of claim 1, said first sheeting means including a first sheet with a first plurality of mutually adjacent nubs formed thereon so as to extend upwardly therefrom; and, said second sheeting means including a second sheet with a second plurality of mutually adjacent nubs formed thereon so as to extend downwardly therefrom and interdigitate with said first plurality of nubs.

12. The shoe insole of claim 11, said first sheet and said second sheet conjointly defining a space therebetween for accommodating the interdigitated first and second pluralities of nubs, said nubs all being mutually adjacent so as to define a free intermediate space therebetween, said second sheet having a plurality of apertures formed therein so as to communicate with said free intermediate space.

13. The shoe insole of claim 11, said first plurality and said second plurality of nubs having respectively different elevations and being filled with a gas so as to have respectively different pressures.

14. The shoe insole of claim 11, said nubs being made of an elastic material such as soft rubber, plastic or the like.

15. The shoe insole of claim 1, said nubs being arranged and dimensioned in size and height to correspond to the anatomy of a foot for defining a foot bed.

16. The shoe insole of claim 1, said first sheeting means and said second sheeting means having respective peripheral edges, said sealing means being a weld for welding said peripheral edges to each other.

17. The shoe insole of claim 1, said first sheeting means and said second sheeting means having respective peripheral edges, said sealing means being a glue for gluing said peripheral edges to each other.

18. The shoe insole of claim 1, comprising a textile protective layer disposed beneath said first sheeting means and connected with the latter and said second sheeting means.

19. The shoe insole of claim 1, comprising an absorbent textile layer arranged over said second sheeting means and connected with the latter and said first sheeting means.

20. The shoe insole of claim 19, said absorbent textile layer being formed by flocking said second sheeting means.

21. The shoe insole of claim 1, said first sheeting means and said second sheeting means having respective peripheral edges, said edges being connected each other by gluing, welding pressing, sewing or the like.

22. The shoe insole of claim 1, comprising a layer configured so as to be deodorizing and/or absorbent, said layer being disposed over one of said sheeting means.

23. The shoe insole of claim 2, comprising a deodorizing and/or absorbent material disposed in said intermediate spaces.

24. The shoe insole of claim 1, comprising a sleeve made of deodorizing and/or absorbent material for receiving the shoe insole therein.

25. The shoe insole of claim 1, said first sheeting means and said second sheeting means having respective peripheral edges; aligned aperture means common to said both of said edges and formed therein; and, connecting means coacting with said aperture means for connecting said first sheeting means and said second sheeting means to each other.

26. The shoe insole of claim 1, said first sheeting means and said second sheeting means having respective peripheral edges; and, said shoe insole further comprising a layer disposed over one of said sheeting means and having a peripheral edge corresponding to said peripheral edges; and, plastic means arranged on the peripheral edge of said layer for welding the latter to said peripheral edges of said first and second sheeting means.

27. The shoe sole according to claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.