MXPA96004751A - Planti - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a palmita to be below a human foot, the human foot having a standing front, a standing back, a centroid region, a calcaneal region, and a metatarsal arch, the insole comprising: ) a first layer having a first hardness and a configuration corresponding to the completely flat sole of the human foot, and a lower portion of the first layer remaining in a first plane, b) a second layer having a second hardness, being the second layer designed to be below the periphery of the front of the foot, the periphery of the back of the foot, and the centroid of the foot, and the second layer having a means defining a first opening designed to be placed below the calcaneal region, and a medium that defines a second opening designed to be below the metatarsal arch, and an upper portion of the second layer that remains in the second plane, where the second hardness is greater than the first hardness and, the second layer is placed under the first layer and is different from it, and the first and second planes are directly adjacent

Description

"TEMPLATE" FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a sole pad and / or midsole component of a footwear article. The documents cited in the following text are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The environment within which a human being moves - footwear - can have negative effects on the muscuesqueletal structures of the body. Examples of these negative effects vary from stress / tension syndromes of the lower extremities, including the feet, to the chronic re-occurrence of serious headaches. Previous efforts to reduce these negative effects have failed to improve the primary functions of the human foot. These functions are: (1) support, (2) cushioning, and (3) guidance. Failure to direct any of these three functions is a major cause of the damage related to gait, either in relation to the impact or the torsional relationship.

Previous efforts to reduce the negative effects of footwear have failed to direct the three primary areas of the foot, which in turn has led to a failure to improve the three primary functions of the foot. The three primary areas of the foot are the calcaneal region, or the posterior region of the foot; the intermediate region of the foot or the tarsus region; and the region of the front of the foot or the metatarsal head. The posterior region of the skin is responsible for cushioning and for stabilization or stability in the heel strike. The intermediate region of the foot works to further improve the cushioning, but more obviously provides guidance stability. The region of the front of the foot is mainly involved in the guide for pushing and also in the cushioning. It would therefore be useful to provide a sole / midsole that improves the three primary roles of the foot by improving the functions that occur in these three primary regions of the foot. In this regard, reference is made to the North American Patent of Purslow et al., Number 4,908,961 since the terms "template" or "palmilla" are used in this disclosure with respect to the present invention in accordance with the American usage of the term, which includes lightweight items that are inserted or that are slightly fixed inside a shoe after construction. May, in US Patent Number 1,710,936, demonstrates a typical midsole / insole where attention is paid only to one of these three main aspects of foot function, particularly providing support for the arch of the foot. Failure to deal with the posterior regions of the foot and front of the foot of one foot causing May to fail to improve the total function of the foot. Specifically, May fails to provide guidance to the front of the foot and to cushioning and stability of the back of the foot. Leighton, in U.S. Patent Number 4,541,184, discloses another foot / insole pattern of footwear, namely, a focus on cushioning. In the Leighton Patent, properties of a special material are used to address the concern of cushioning, particularly, in the posterior regions of the foot and the front part of the foot. Leighton, however, fails to provide particularities that enhance the other two primary functions of the foot. Particularly support and guidance. Similarly, Hones, in US Patent No. 4,932,141 focuses on the cushioning in the vicinity of the heel, without paying attention to the regions of the front of the foot and the middle part of the foot.

Freda, in US Pat. No. 2,161,565, relates to an apparatus designed to hold the intermediate part in the foot and the front of the foot. However, the guidance and cushioning aspects are not focused on the Freda Patent. In addition, the mechanism through which support is provided must also act to strengthen the foot. Any stabilization of the foot should work in unison with the foot's own mechanism for stabilization and should not provide an artificially acting device such as a foot support. Becker, in US Patent Number 2,383,583, also focuses on the reinforcement or stability aspect of the middle part of the foot. However, there is nothing in the Becker Patent that provides some form of improvement for the primary roles of the front of the foot and the back of the foot. Sarkozi, in US Pat. No. 5,138,774, relates to a palmilla system to meet the user's personal support requirements. The system, however, does not offer any particularity that improves the cushioning or guidance. Similarly, Phillips, in U.S. Patent No. 4,791,736 addresses a ski boot orthotic, but the orthotic approach is in the arc and not in all three foot areas and the functions of those areas. Likewise, Marc, in U.S. Patent Number 5,068,983 and Tilles et al., In U.S. Patent Number 5,146,698, are directed to a jig that has a heel piece for improved shock absorption or shock absorption, especially for running shoes, without paying attention to the regions of the middle part of the foot and the front of the foot or, the functions of this region. And, Schroer, Jr. and others, in U.S. Patent Number 5,282,326 relates to a three-quarter length template to provide arch support without full consideration of all three foot regions or, of the functions of these regions. Therefore, it is evident that the prior art has stopped focusing all the regions of the foot, or the functions of these regions. Additional examples of these documents as well as examples of the art which disclose departing from the present invention by providing hard and soft areas different from those of the present invention, will be discussed below. Phillipμ, in the North American Patent Number ,014,706 is related to an orthotic template that has a contour that is said to resemble that of a foot, with portions of the template corresponding to the calcaneal region, first metatarsal head, fifth metatarsal head, those portions having a low first hardness, the portion corresponding to the lateral longitudinal arch has a second greater hardness than that of the first hardness, the portion corresponding to the area extending backward from the metatarsal arch between the lateral and intermediate longitudinal arches having a third hardness greater than that of the first and second hardness. The area of the first hardness can be a cavity. In contrast, in the present invention, a high pressure region is formed around the periphery of the back of the foot and a lower pressure area is created below the calcaneal region, a high pressure area below the centroid region of the middle part of the foot (the region defined by the navicular bones, the ankle and cuboid) and, a high pressure area around the periphery of the front of the foot and an area of lower density or compression below the apex of the metatarsal arch or transverse by means of a template device having a cavity and / or a lower density or softer first material in the area of lower pressure below the calcaneal region, in the area of lower density or compression below the metatarsal arch or transverse and in the area on either side of the centroid region and, a second material of higher density or harder in the other areas. The template of the present invention is a simpler device that deals with the functions of the regions of the foot having regions of hardness and softness that differ from those of Phillipp. Likewise, Meyers, in US Patent Number 4,627,177 provides a template structure wherein the area below longitudinal aarcus and a portion of the intermediate heel area are less compressible or denser than the rest of the template, including the area under the metatarsal arch. or transverse, contrary to the present invention. Gardner, in US Patent Number 301,226 relates to a insole with a flexible soft material below the regions of the front of the foot and the middle part of the foot, and a hard material below the calcaneal region, contrary to the present invention. Edelstein in U.S. Patent No. 2,909,854 addresses a pressure relief insole having an opening therethrough as part of the sole bearing a callus. Edelstein is not related to the areas of the foot and their respective functions. Sullivan and others, in the North American Patents Nos. 4,910,886 and 4,694,589 address a cushioning or shock absorbing insole with low resilience inserts in the heel and ball, including toward the edges of the ball on each side of the foot, in contrast to the present invention in where the highest density material (hardest) is in the high pressure area around the periphery of the front of the foot. Padilla, in US Patent Number 4,955,148 provides a set of foot support wherein the recess of the centroid region has a recess and, an elevated area in the front regions of the back foot of the foot, directly opposite to the present invention, wherein a cavity or recess and / or a material of lower density (softer) is below the calcaneal region and the metatarsal or transverse arch and a material of higher density or harder below the centroid region. Glickerson, in U.S. Patent No. 3,233,348 addresses a laminated insole having flexible upper and lower layers and heel inserts and the tip of a rigid or firm material. Even when the insert pieces each have an opening, contrary to the present invention, the area below the intermediate foot part is formed of a relatively soft material (as compared to the inserts). Sa yer, in US Patent Number 492,994 is directed to a insole where there are openings in the front part and in the heel portion with the cushion projecting through the openings above the upper surface of the insole of the marginal portion in the periphery of the openings (above the dorsal level of the insole) with a top cover above, contrary to the present invention where rather than a cushion projecting upwards, there is a region of softer material and / or a cavity below the calcaneal region and the metatarsal or transverse arch and, the cavity is on the underside of the insole. In addition, even though Sawyer does not limit the number of holes and cushions projecting upwards, identifying the back of the foot and the front of the foot as sites for holes with cushions projecting upwards, Sawyer discloses moving away from the invention present because the present invention includes a relatively hard region or a region of higher density in the middle part of the foot while the pads at the back of the foot and the front of the foot projecting upwards from Sawyer, create a gap in the middle part of the foot. Davis, in U.S. Patent Number 4,494,320 and Des. Numbers 267,288 and 267,366 are related to external soles and not to insoles, which have a recess in the front of the foot and the back of the foot. Davis's outsoles can be filled due to direct contact with the ground and are not typical external soles, so shoes can not conventionally be re-soled. In addition, Davis fails to give, teach or suggest the high and low density materials and regions of the present invention. In addition, external soles can have a negative impact on the foot; For example, improper use of the outsole due to an imbalance of the foot can only make the problem worse. Therefore, Davis's outsole fails to disclose or suggest the present invention or address the issues addressed by the present invention. Famolare, Des. 266,798 is also directed to an outsole which, even though it has a tendency particularly at the front of the foot and the back of the foot, has a significant heel and fails to disclose or suggest the materials and regions of the present invention. Mention is also made of: Jalbert et al., US Patent Number 4,513,518 which relates to a pad with a layer of polyurethane foam, Shibata, US Patent Number 5,189,816 which provides a midsole or sole having paddles to massage the sole while walking, Anson, Des. 204,596 directed to a template having ridges and holes through the foot regions, Chu, U.S. Patent Number 5,010,661 which relates to a unidirectional ventilation template for shoes, Rosen, in U.S. Patent Number 4,931,773 which provides a system for determining the adjustment of the shoes by means of transparent areas at the bottom of the shoe, and Fradfore, in US Pat. No. 363,946 which is directed to a flap connected to the outer surface of the insole. Accordingly, it is believed that prior to the present invention, an insole has not been made known or suggested which approaches the three primary functions of the foot (the cushioning, guiding and stability roles of the foot, and which has respective particularities to the feet). three primary anatomic regions of the foot, especially by means of two areas of different density.

OBJECTS AND COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The objects of the invention include providing a insole / midsole unit in order to provide a shoe containing this unit and providing a method each of which improves the three primary roles of the foot, improving the functions that occur in the three primary regions of the foot The present invention therefore provides a insole or midsole for use in a similar shoe and which generally has a shoe configuration, the insole comprising: a first region having a first hardness, the first region being designed to be below from the periphery of the back of the foot, the periphery of the front of the foot and the centroid region of the foot; and a second region having a second hardness, the second region designed to lie below the calcaneal region and the metatarsal or transverse arch, wherein the first region is from a Shore A durometer of about 5 to about 15 which is more Hard than the second region. The first region of preference is a second layer and a second region preferably is a first layer. The invention further provides a insole or midsole for use in a similar shoe comprising: a) a first layer generally in the form of a shoe having a first hardness and, b) a second layer having a second hardness, the second layer is designed to be below the periphery of the front of the foot, the periphery of the back of the foot and the centroid of the foot, and the second layer has a means defining a first opening designed to be below the calcaneal region and a means defining a second opening designed to be below the transverse metatarsal arch, wherein the second hardness is greater than the first hardness and, the second layer is placed below the first layer as a distinct layer below the first layer, or the second layer is essentially integral with the first layer. The invention further provides a shoe containing a insole or midsole of the invention, as well as a method for improving the functions and operation of the human foot by a user of a shoe comprising installing a insole or midsole of the invention in the shoe. These and other objects and embodiments of the invention are provided in, or will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following detailed description of the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a dorsal perspective view of one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a planar perspective view thereof; Figure 2A shows a planar perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2 taken through the section A-A in the direction of the arrows; Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2A taken through section A '-A', in the direction of the arrows; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2 taken through section B-B in the direction of the arrows; Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2A taken through the section B '- B', in the direction of the arrows; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2 taken through the section CC in the direction of the arrows; Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2A taken through the section C '- C' in the direction of the arrows; Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2, taken through section D-D in the direction of the arrows; Figure 6A shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2A taken through section D '-D' in the direction of the arrows; Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2 taken through the section E-E in the direction of the arrows; Figure 7A shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2A taken through section E '- E' in the direction of the arrows; And Figure 8 shows a dorsal view of the template of the invention, which is indicated by dashed lines, and its relation with respect to the foot when both are interconnected in a preferred manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides a shoe or shoe midsole device that is made of materials of multiple densities such as multicell materials. Preferably there are three distinct regions of the insole / midsole device of the invention. The first region is able to align with the back of the foot. The second region is able to align with the middle part of the foot. The third region is capable of aligning with the frontal region of the foot. The insole / midsole has a high pressure region (high density or relatively hard material) around the periphery of the back of the foot in such a way that a lower pressure area is created (lower or relatively soft density material) ) below the center of the mass and the calcaneal region to provide a bi- or multi-density effect. Therefore, cushioning in a key impact area and support around the periphery of the back of the foot are provided of course. The configuration of this low density area should preferably simulate the geometry of the calcaneal region and therefore preferably should be essentially circular or essentially oval or essentially elliptical. The insole or midsole of the invention also has a high pressure area below the centroid region in the middle part of the foot namely the region defined by the navicular, ankle and cuboid bones. The invention therefore provides multi-directional stability around the center of the foot mass, and stability through which the center of the body mass acts during walking. The presence of a material of higher or relatively hard density in the centroid region provides stability to the three key bones of the centroid region namely the ankle, navicular and cuboid, which in this way improves the stability of the foot and the ability of the foot to provide an appropriate structural precursor, for an ideal guide during propulsion. The midsole sole of the invention also has a high pressure area (high density or relatively hard material) around the periphery of the front part of the foot to provide lateral and medial stability to the external rays of the foot as well as to introduce a bi- or multi-density effect in the region of the front of the foot, that is, to provide an area of lower density or compression (material of lower or relatively soft density) below the apex of the transverse metatarsal arch to accommodate the natural deviation Of the arc. The combination of the high pressure area around the periphery of the foot of the area of lower density below the metatarsal or transverse arch provides stability and cushioning in the region of the front of the foot that also provides structural integrity of the metatarsal arch to allow guidance of the foot during the propulsion phase of the march. The configuration of the low density zone in the forefoot region can be of any suitable configuration that provides stabilization for the base of the first and fifth rays, and, that accommodates the apex deviation of the transverse arch. The configuration of the low density zone on the front of the foot can therefore be essentially circular, essentially oval, essentially triangular, essentially elliptical, essentially quadrilateral, or any other suitable polygon. Thus, by means of the present invention focusing on the three major regions of the foot, the total foot is provided with a stable base of multi-directional support and the ability to accommodate the impact load and the natural deflection of the arch. By means of the present invention, the back of the foot is able to provide its primary cushioning function and its secondary function of stability. By means of the present invention, the intermediate part of the foot is capable of providing its primary stability and guidance functions and is also capable of providing the median longitudinal arch with natural deflection capability moorings for improved cushioning. In addition, by means of the present invention, the region of the front of the foot is provided with a mechanism to improve its primary propulsion guide paper as well as its secondary cushioning and stability roles.

Any of the appropriate materials can be used in the manufacture of the insole / midsole of the invention. The currently most preferred materials in cost for the manufacture of the template / midsole of the invention are polyurethanes and vinyl acetates (EVA). In this regard, it will be noted that the entire insole / midsole can be made either of polyurethane or EVA. The skilled artisan of this exhibition and knowledge in the art can manufacture polyurethanes of different density or hardness; for example varying the air, the gas or the swelling agent. Also, this exposure and the knowledge of the technique, density EVAs can be manufactured. different hardness; for example, by varying the number of monomer units (v.gr, ethylene or vynil acetate). Other materials such as polyethylenes, foam rubbers or other plastics or foam elastomers can be used and manufacturing or obtaining these materials of different densities is within the scope of the skilled artisan. When selecting a material for the insole / midsole you want to take into account providing the final consumer with a insole / midsole that has favorable durability and longevity characteristics (ie, relatively durable and durable).

The insole / midsole regions of the invention which are of high density or relatively hard material should preferably have a hardness that is from about 5 to about 15 Shore A durometer greater than the low density or relatively softer material . The seedling / midsole of the invention can also be fitted with an upper cover layer to provide an intermediate contact zone between the foot and the main body of the insole / midsole of the invention. This top layer can be of any material suitable for an upper covering such as felt or imitation felt. Other materials currently used, such as the upper cover of a template, in the shoe branch can also be used for the upper cover of the insole / midsole of the invention. The top cover can also be designed to incorporate special ventilation features, particular absorption, or shock damping, antibacterial features, anti-fungal features, or similar features. The invention can be manufactured in any appropriate manner. The regions of variable density can be adhesively laminated to each other and if desired the top cover is laminated above them. The regions of variable density can be cut with matrix of appropriate materials (discussed above), and adhered together using standard adhesives and adhesion means. Another method for manufacturing the insole / midsole is to mold it by multiple density injection molding. The material for the template / midsole in this preferred method is polyurethane or liquefied EVA. By these manufacturing methods, the relatively harder second layer can be placed above the lower side of the relatively softer first layer; the second layer can be embedded in the first layer. If the invention is to be used as a midsole unit for an article of footwear, the application of a rubber wear layer is preferred in order to provide additional durability and longevity. Turning now to the Figures, it should be noted that Figures 1 and 8 are related to all embodiments of the invention, that Figures 2 to 7 illustrate a first embodiment and that Figures 2A to 7A illustrate a second embodiment. Similar components in Figures 1 to 8 and 2A to 7A are numbered similarly (or with letters), with the last set of the Figures (ie, 2A to 7A) using a premium following the number (or letter) which is similar in the first game of the Figures (ie, 1 to 8). Variations in these modalities (additional modalities) are also shown in the Figures and, are discussed in more detail below. It should also be noted that the terms "template" or "palmilla" include "midsole". Figures 1, 2, 2A and 8 show a dorsal perspective, a plantar perspective and dorsal views of the template modalities of the invention. The templates 1 and 1 'usually have foot or shoe configuration. As illustrated in Figure 1, a view looking down at the top of the template 1, the template 1 preferably has an upper or upper layer, the upper layer 2. The upper layer 2 (or 2 ') as shown, has a corrugated upper surface with air channels or corrugations 21 running perpendicular to the long axis of the template 1 (or 1'). Air channels 21 are provided for ventilation, return of energy, absorption or shock absorption and antibacterial and anti-fungal particularities. Of course, the upper cover 2 (or 2 ') need not be provided and, if provided, does not need to have air channels 21. If provided, the upper cover 2 (or 2') may also have a flat top surface or any other appropriate top surface.

As shown in Figure 1, the template of the invention preferably includes an arc support 3. The template of the invention need not include an arch support 3; but, if included (as preferred), it is further preferred that the arch support 3 includes (or is formed of) a layer 4 or 4 'of lower density. However, if desired for those in need of this support, the arch support 3 of a higher density layer 5 or 5 'or both layers 4 (or 4') and 5 (or 5 ') can be formed. The arc support 3 can provide improved support for the arc and can be considered as a more intermediate extension in the area of the intermediate longitudinal arc. Further, if an upper cover 2 is provided, it is preferred that the upper cover 2 also cover the arc support 3 (if an arc support 3 is also provided). Referring now more particularly to Figures 2 to 7, 2A to 7A and 8, the template 1 or 1 ', in its simplest form, consists of a first layer 4 or 4' and a second layer 5 or 5 '. . The first layer '4 o' is formed of a material of lower or relatively milder density. The first layer '4 or 4' is an upper layer of the template 1 or 1 '- (below the upper cover 2, if provided) and, preferably, is in one piece. The first layer 4 or 4 ', is usually in the shape of the foot or shoe (see also Figure 1) in this embodiment. The second layer 5 or 5 'is made of a material of higher density or relatively harder. The second layer 5 or 5 'is a lower layer of the template 1 or 1', below the layer 4 or 4 '. The second layer 5 or 5 'is preferably in one piece. The second layer 5 or 5 'is placed around the periphery 18 of the back of the foot 15, continues forward below the centroid region and, furthermore, continues forward around the periphery 19 of the front of the foot 17 of such so that in the second layer 5 or 5 'there is a recess 9 that lies below the calcaneal region 10 (the calcaneal region) and a recess 6 below the apex of the metatarsal or transverse arch. Preferably, the second layer 5 or 5 'becomes narrower in the area below the centroid region such that the arc side 7 and on the external side 8 of the centroid region there is a region of low density always and when a region of sufficient high density is maintained in region 16 of the middle part of the foot. Of course, the second high density layer 5 or 5 'can, in the region 16 of the middle part of the foot, extend through the full width of the template 1 or 1', on either or both of the sides 7 and 8. .

Therefore, in this embodiment, a low density or softer material is employed in the area of the first layer 4 or 4 'which is in the front lines 4A, 4A', 6A and 6A ', that is, in the area 4B and 4B1 of the first layer 4 and 4 '. Lines 4A and 4A ', 6A and 6A' correspond to the most forward line of recess 6 or 6 ', which as shown is generally triangular with a rounded point towards the back of the foot and a front side thereof. generally perpendicular to the arrows or spokes 11 of the foot or to the long axis of the template 1 or 1 '. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first layer 4 or 4 'may be formed of two materials: a material of high density or relatively harder in the area 4B or 4B' (front lines 4, 4A ', 6A and 6A'). Figures 2 to 7 and 2A to 7A each show one embodiment of the invention. In Figures 2 to 7 a second layer 5 denser is embedded in (or becomes integral with) the less dense or softer layer 4, such that in the bottom or bottom side of the template 1, layers 4 and 5 are essentially coplanar. For example, the first layer 4 less dense or softer, extends through the recesses 6 and 9 and around the sides 7 and 8 of the centroid region in order to remain essentially coplanar with the second denser layer 5 or harder in recesses 6 and 9 and sides 7 and 8 that surround the centroid region. In Figures 2A to 7A, the second denser or harder layer 5 'is placed over (as opposed to or integral with) the smoother, less dense layer 4'. In this way, the layer 5"rises above the layer 41 especially in the recesses 4 'and 9' and in the regions 7 'and 8' that are not covered by the layer 5 'and therefore, remain below. of the plane defined by the surface of layer 5 'In the embodiments of the Figures, layers 4 or 4 'must be of a Shore A hardness of 5 or 15 less than the durometer reading of layer 5 or 5' of higher density. Additional layers such as the upper cover 2 and a lower cover (not shown) or layer between the layers 4 'and 51 may also be employed. The interconnection of the low density layer 4 or 4 'and the high density layer 5 or 5' creates three discernible areas of distinction. These distinctive areas are able to align with the regions of the back of foot 15, the middle part of foot 16 and the front part of foot 17 of a human foot. The insole / midsole 1 or 1 'forms a region of high pressure around the periphery 18 of the back of the foot 15, from the second layer 5 or 5' which is placed around the periphery 18 of the back of the foot. A lower pressure area is created in the recesses 9 and 9 'below the center of the mass of the calcaneal region 10 (by omitting it from the second layer 5 and 5'). Accordingly, in the back of the foot 15, the invention provides a bi-or ulti-density effect: cushioning in the recesses 9 and 9 'of the key impact area and support around the periphery 18 of the back of the foot 15. The configuration of the recess 9 or 9 'preferably simulates the geometry of the calcaneal region 10 and, therefore preferably is of a circular oval or elliptical nature. The template of the invention also provides a high pressure area below the centroid region of the midfoot portion 16, namely, the region defined by the navicular 12, ankle 13 and cuboid 14 bones of the foot, by the presence below it of a layer 5 or 5 'of a high density or harder material. The template of the invention, therefore, provides multidirectional stability around the center of mass of the foot, and stability through the region of the foot through which the center of mass of the body acts during walking. The presence of a higher density material in this site ensures the stability of these key bones of the centroid region (ankle 13, navicular 12 and cuboid 14). This helps to improve the stability of the foot and its ability to provide an appropriate structural precursor for the guide during propulsion. The template of the invention also provides a high pressure area around the periphery 19 of the front part of the foot 17 to provide lateral and intermediate stability to the external rays (22, 23) of the foot. The effect of bi- or multi-density in the region 17 of the front of the foot is provided by the recesses 6 and 6 'in the layer 5 or 5' which exposes the layer 4 or 4 'of lower density and provides a compression fit below the apex of the metatarsal or transverse arch 11 to accommodate the natural deviation of the arch. This provides stability and cushioning accommodation to assist natural cushioning of the non-limiting foot front and, importantly aids in the structural integrity of the metatarsal arch 11 to allow foot guidance during the propulsion phase of walking. The configuration of the recess 6 or 6 'may vary and be of an appropriate configuration that provides stabilization for the first ray base 22 and the fifth ray 23, and for accommodating the apex of the transverse arc 11 which is accommodated for deflection. For example, the configuration can be circular, oval triangular, elliptical, quadrilateral or any other form of polygon.

In this way, by focusing on the three main regions of the foot, the total foot is provided with a stable base of multidirectional support and the ability to accommodate the impact load and the natural deflection of the arch. In this way, the back of the foot 15 is able to provide the primary cushioning functions and the secondary stability function. By means of the template of the invention, the intermediate part of the foot 16 is able to provide guide stability which are the primary functions of the middle part of the foot, and the invention is also capable of providing the median longitudinal arch 24 with deflection capabilities for improved cushioning. The front part of the foot 17 of a foot is provided by the template of the invention with a mechanism for improving the primary cushioning and stability roles of the foot front. If the upper cover 2 is preferably present as it provides an intermediate contact between the foot and the rest of the template, especially as shown, because of comfort details and other additional features are provided by means of the upper cover 2. . Accordingly, when installed in a shoe, the functions and operation of the foot of the shoe user are improved when the shoe is worn. Therefore, the invention comprises methods and shoes employing the template of the invention. Having thus described in detail the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not limited by specific details pointed out in the foregoing description since many variations thereof are possible without deviating from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS:

1. A insole for use in the shoe or the like comprises: a) first layer generally in the form of a shoe having a first hardness and, b) a second layer having a second hardness, the second layer being designed to be below the periphery of the front of the foot, the periphery of the top or back of the foot and the centroid region of the foot and the second layer has a means that defines a first opening designed to be below the calcaneal region and means that define a second designed opening to be below the metatarsal or transverse arch. wherein the second hardness is greater than the first hardness and, the second layer is placed below the first layer or is essentially integral with the first layer.

The insole according to claim 1, which includes a top cover placed above the first layer.

The insole according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second layers includes an intermediate extension designed to be below the median longitudinal arch.

4. The insole according to claim 1, wherein the second layer is by the Shore A durometer from 5 to about 15 harder than the first layer.

The insole according to claim 1, wherein each of the layers is made of polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate.

The insole according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is essentially circular.

The insole according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is essentially elliptical.

The insole according to claim 1, wherein the second opening is essentially triangular.

The insole according to claim 1, wherein the second opening is essentially circular.

The insole according to claim 1, wherein the second opening is essentially elliptical.

11. A insole for use in a similar shoe that generally has a shoe configuration, the insole comprises a first region that has a first hardness, the first region is designed to be below the periphery of the back of the foot, the centroid region of the foot and the periphery of the front of the foot, and a second region that has a second hardness, the second region is designed to be below the calcaneal region and the metatarsal or transverse arch; wherein the first region is about a Shore hardness of 5 to 15 by the harder durometer than the second region.

The insole according to claim 11, wherein the second region is designed to be below the calcaneal region and is essentially circular.

The insole according to claim 11, wherein the second region designed towards the calcaneal region is essentially elliptical.

The insole according to claim 11, wherein the second region designed to be below the metatarsal or transvesal arch is essentially triangular.

The insole according to claim 11, wherein the second region designed to be below the metatarsal or transverse arch is essentially oval.

16. The insole according to claim 11, wherein the second region designed to be below the transverse metatarsal arch is essentially elliptical.

17. A shoe containing a insole according to claim 1.

18. A shoe containing the insole according to claim 11.

19. A method for improving the functions and functioning of a human foot by the user of a shoe comprising installing a shoe in accordance with claim 1.

20. A method for improving the functions and operation of the human foot by a user of a shoe comprising installing a shoe in accordance with claim 11 .