US20080289216A1 - Silicon gel used as permanent mid-soles and/or insoles in all types and sizes of shoes - Google Patents

Silicon gel used as permanent mid-soles and/or insoles in all types and sizes of shoes Download PDF

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Publication number
US20080289216A1
US20080289216A1 US11/684,624 US68462407A US2008289216A1 US 20080289216 A1 US20080289216 A1 US 20080289216A1 US 68462407 A US68462407 A US 68462407A US 2008289216 A1 US2008289216 A1 US 2008289216A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
footwear
midsole
shoes
insole
insoles
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Abandoned
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US11/684,624
Inventor
Leslie Michelle Brave
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to US11/684,624 priority Critical patent/US20080289216A1/en
Publication of US20080289216A1 publication Critical patent/US20080289216A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
    • A43B17/02—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined wedge-like or resilient
    • A43B17/026—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined wedge-like or resilient filled with a non-compressible fluid, e.g. gel, water
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/18—Resilient soles
    • A43B13/189—Resilient soles filled with a non-compressible fluid, e.g. gel, water

Definitions

  • the midsole system of the present invention is comparatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture: it consists of a single piece of silicone gel material of given durometer and thickness that maximize the comfort, shock absorbency, and lateral support afforded by the shoe.
  • the present invention is directed to a silicone gel midsole for use in an article of footwear, including women's shoes, men's dress shoes, athletic shoes, children's shoes, or sandals.
  • This midsole covers the entire top surface of the relatively inelastic outsole of an article of footwear, to ensure that the shoe will be maximally adaptable to the anatomical features of a particular user, and thereby maximize fit, comfort, and support for the user.
  • This midsole has a durometer of approximately 50, and has a thickness in the range of 2-6 millimeters.
  • the present invention is to be used in conjunction with an article of footwear.
  • FIG. 1 For purposes of this description, it shall be assumed that the article of footwear (the shoe) with which the invention is used has a relatively inelastic outsole A having a bottom surface for contacting the ground, and a top surface which faces up and makes contact with the midsole. B
  • This outsole A is anchored to an upper portion D of the shoe, which can be made of any suitable material, including leather, cloth, or polymer, and can take any reasonable geometric form, including but not limited to that of a sandal strap, or the upper of a closed-toe shoe of any style.
  • the midsole On the top surface of the outsole, A the midsole is immovably affixed, either by gluing or by sewing, or by any other reasonable means of adherence.
  • This midsole B should have an elasticity not exceeding that of the bottom sole, and should be conformable when pressure is applied to it in a direction normal to the plane of its top surface.
  • a silicone gel midsole B having a durometer of approximately 50 and a thickness of approximately 2-6 millimeters is preferred for midsole purposes for the following reasons. First, the durometer of the material ensures that the shoe sole will be conformable to the particular anatomical features of any wearer's foot, but will be firm enough to provide substantial lateral support to the wearer's foot, to help prevent slippage and blisters.
  • the thickness of the midsole B ensures that the midsole B will deform appropriately in response to the pressure of the wearer's foot, ensuring an optimal degree of comfort and shock absorbance for the sole of the user's foot, while at the same time ensuring adequate lateral support for the user's foot.
  • an insole C bearing a brand name or other trademark, but it is understood that the present invention may be used with or without an insole.
  • a key feature of the present invention is that it is a full-length and full-width silicone gel midsole B; this feature ensures that the entire top surface of the outsole A of a shoe is covered with silicone gel, ensuring maximal cushioning and support for the user, whereas other insoles C or midsoles B available commercially and disclosed in the art only provide for partial coverage of the top surface of the outsole A with cushioning material; see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,699. This full coverage of the upper face of the outsole A ensures maximum shock absorbency and maximal comfort for the wearer.
  • FIG. 1 Representative drawing of a shoe making use of the claimed midsole.

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  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a silicone gel midsole for footwear with a durometer of approximately 50, layered and bonded between the outsole and insole for making a conformable shoe part using silicone gel material for use in functional relation with an article of footwear in order to enhance fit, support, comfort, and cushioning. The present invention can serve to accommodate the unique anatomical features of an individual wearer and finds application within numerous types of articles of footwear.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Much research has gone into the discovery of systems for enhancing the usability of footwear; individuals seeking to develop such a system must attempt to maximize a daunting number of variables, including comfort, shock absorbency, and lateral support. In order to make a midsole as inexpensively as possible, however, it would be ideal to make the midsole out of a single piece of material. While many workers have sought to develop elaborate midsole systems, the midsole system of the present invention is comparatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture: it consists of a single piece of silicone gel material of given durometer and thickness that maximize the comfort, shock absorbency, and lateral support afforded by the shoe.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is directed to a silicone gel midsole for use in an article of footwear, including women's shoes, men's dress shoes, athletic shoes, children's shoes, or sandals. This midsole covers the entire top surface of the relatively inelastic outsole of an article of footwear, to ensure that the shoe will be maximally adaptable to the anatomical features of a particular user, and thereby maximize fit, comfort, and support for the user. This midsole has a durometer of approximately 50, and has a thickness in the range of 2-6 millimeters.
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is to be used in conjunction with an article of footwear. (FIG. 1) For purposes of this description, it shall be assumed that the article of footwear (the shoe) with which the invention is used has a relatively inelastic outsole A having a bottom surface for contacting the ground, and a top surface which faces up and makes contact with the midsole. B This outsole A is anchored to an upper portion D of the shoe, which can be made of any suitable material, including leather, cloth, or polymer, and can take any reasonable geometric form, including but not limited to that of a sandal strap, or the upper of a closed-toe shoe of any style. On the top surface of the outsole, A the midsole is immovably affixed, either by gluing or by sewing, or by any other reasonable means of adherence. This midsole B should have an elasticity not exceeding that of the bottom sole, and should be conformable when pressure is applied to it in a direction normal to the plane of its top surface. A silicone gel midsole B having a durometer of approximately 50 and a thickness of approximately 2-6 millimeters is preferred for midsole purposes for the following reasons. First, the durometer of the material ensures that the shoe sole will be conformable to the particular anatomical features of any wearer's foot, but will be firm enough to provide substantial lateral support to the wearer's foot, to help prevent slippage and blisters. The thickness of the midsole B ensures that the midsole B will deform appropriately in response to the pressure of the wearer's foot, ensuring an optimal degree of comfort and shock absorbance for the sole of the user's foot, while at the same time ensuring adequate lateral support for the user's foot. On top of the midsole B, there may be an insole C bearing a brand name or other trademark, but it is understood that the present invention may be used with or without an insole. C A key feature of the present invention is that it is a full-length and full-width silicone gel midsole B; this feature ensures that the entire top surface of the outsole A of a shoe is covered with silicone gel, ensuring maximal cushioning and support for the user, whereas other insoles C or midsoles B available commercially and disclosed in the art only provide for partial coverage of the top surface of the outsole A with cushioning material; see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,699. This full coverage of the upper face of the outsole A ensures maximum shock absorbency and maximal comfort for the wearer.
    • FIGURES
  • FIG. 1. Representative drawing of a shoe making use of the claimed midsole.

Claims (1)

1. A silicone gel midsole or insole for use in an article of footwear,
said insole covering the entire top surface of the bottom sole of an article of footwear having a bottom sole; and
said insole having a durometer substantially equal to 50; and
said insole having a thickness in the range between 2 and 6 millimeters; and
said insole being immovable attached to the bottom sole of said article of footwear.
US11/684,624 2007-05-25 2007-05-25 Silicon gel used as permanent mid-soles and/or insoles in all types and sizes of shoes Abandoned US20080289216A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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US11/684,624 US20080289216A1 (en) 2007-05-25 2007-05-25 Silicon gel used as permanent mid-soles and/or insoles in all types and sizes of shoes

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/684,624 US20080289216A1 (en) 2007-05-25 2007-05-25 Silicon gel used as permanent mid-soles and/or insoles in all types and sizes of shoes

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US20080289216A1 true US20080289216A1 (en) 2008-11-27

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160309794A1 (en) * 2015-04-22 2016-10-27 Yulena Nasser Sole Pad

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5435078A (en) * 1994-07-15 1995-07-25 The United States Shoe Corporation Shoe suspension system
US5611153A (en) * 1994-05-12 1997-03-18 Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc. Insole for heel pain relief
US20030136023A1 (en) * 2002-01-23 2003-07-24 Eddie Chen Shoe with drainable ports
US6631568B2 (en) * 2001-07-31 2003-10-14 Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc. Insole for fitness and recreational walking
US20040031169A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2004-02-19 Jensen Jeffrey L. Neuropathic foot protector
US20040194352A1 (en) * 2003-04-07 2004-10-07 Campbell Todd D. Orthopedic insole for a diabetic shoe
US6951066B2 (en) * 2003-07-01 2005-10-04 The Rockport Company, Llc Cushioning sole for an article of footwear
US7140126B2 (en) * 1999-12-03 2006-11-28 Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc. Gel insoles with lower heel and toe recesses having thin spring walls
US7140130B2 (en) * 2003-06-17 2006-11-28 Dr. Brooks Innovations, Llc Insole with a neuroma pad
US7200957B2 (en) * 2005-02-09 2007-04-10 Nike, Inc. Footwear and other foot-receiving devices including a wrapped closure system

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5611153A (en) * 1994-05-12 1997-03-18 Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc. Insole for heel pain relief
US5435078A (en) * 1994-07-15 1995-07-25 The United States Shoe Corporation Shoe suspension system
US7140126B2 (en) * 1999-12-03 2006-11-28 Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc. Gel insoles with lower heel and toe recesses having thin spring walls
US6631568B2 (en) * 2001-07-31 2003-10-14 Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc. Insole for fitness and recreational walking
US20040031169A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2004-02-19 Jensen Jeffrey L. Neuropathic foot protector
US20030136023A1 (en) * 2002-01-23 2003-07-24 Eddie Chen Shoe with drainable ports
US20040194352A1 (en) * 2003-04-07 2004-10-07 Campbell Todd D. Orthopedic insole for a diabetic shoe
US7140130B2 (en) * 2003-06-17 2006-11-28 Dr. Brooks Innovations, Llc Insole with a neuroma pad
US6951066B2 (en) * 2003-07-01 2005-10-04 The Rockport Company, Llc Cushioning sole for an article of footwear
US7200957B2 (en) * 2005-02-09 2007-04-10 Nike, Inc. Footwear and other foot-receiving devices including a wrapped closure system

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160309794A1 (en) * 2015-04-22 2016-10-27 Yulena Nasser Sole Pad

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