US20120047768A1 - Silicone gel insole/midsole within extra-depth outsole - Google Patents
Silicone gel insole/midsole within extra-depth outsole Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120047768A1 US20120047768A1 US12/807,141 US80714110A US2012047768A1 US 20120047768 A1 US20120047768 A1 US 20120047768A1 US 80714110 A US80714110 A US 80714110A US 2012047768 A1 US2012047768 A1 US 2012047768A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- midsole
- insole
- depth
- extra
- silicone gel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
- A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
- A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
- A43B13/125—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the midsole or middle layer
-
- 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
- A43B13/187—Resiliency achieved by the features of the material, e.g. foam, non liquid materials
-
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/38—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process
- A43B13/40—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process with cushions
Definitions
- the insole/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 if directed to a silicone gel insole/midsole for use in an article of footwear, including women's shoes, men's dress shoes, athletic shoes, children's shoes, dance shoes, or sandals.
- This insole/midsole may be made from silicone with a smooth, or ridged, or otherwise bumpy surface, may be any color, and covers the entire top surface of the relatively rigid 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.
- the gel may be adhered within the extra-depth outsole using any adhesive means, or may be partially absorbed into the material of the outsole.
- the insole/midsole have a Shore durometer in the approximate range of 45 A-55 A, and have a thickness in the range of 2-6 millimeters. Once a set durometer and thickness is determined for a type of shoe, it remains the same throughout the entire insole/midsole.
- the present invention is to be used in conjunction with an article of footwear.
- the article of footwear (the shoe) with which the invention is used has a relatively rigid extra-depth outsole A having a bottom surface for contacting the ground, and a top surface which faces up and makes contact with the midsole B.
- the extra-depth 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 insole/midsole B is immovably affixed, either by gluing or sewing, or by any other reasonable means of adherence.
- the upper surface of the extra-depth outsole may be roughly planar, with an indentation in the approximate shape of the insole/midsole; this indentation may be 2-6 millimeters deep, and the insole/midsole may be placed and affixed within this indentation. Because the insole/midsole can be between 2-6 millimeters in thickness, the top surface of the insole/midsole may be above or below the lip of the indentation.
- This insole/midsole B may comprise a silicone object having surfaces that are roughly planar, or rounded, or ridged, or ribbed, or bumpy. This insole/midsole B should have a rigidity not exceeding that of the bottom sole, and should be conformable when pressure is applied to it in a direction approximately normal to the plane of its top surface.
- a silicone gel insole/midsole B having a Shore durometer in the approximate range of 45 A-55 A, and a thickness of approximately 2-6 millimeters is preferred for insole/midsole purposes for the following reasons.
- the Shore durometer of the material ensures that the shoe insole/midsole 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 insole/midsole B ensures that the insole/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.
- thickness refers to the thickness of the mass of silicone that serves a substantially cushioning function.
- insole/midsole B there may be a separate 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.
- the present invention generally uses a full length and full-width silicone gel insole/midsole B; this feature ensures that the entire upper surface of the extra-depth 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 planar coverage of the top surface of the top surface of the outsole A with cushioning material; see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,699. This full coverage within the extra-depth, upper face of the outsole A ensures maximum shock absorbency and maximal comfort for the wearer.
- Embodiments of the invention use full length and full width insole/midsole B that cover between 95% and 100% of the upper surface of the extra-depth outsole A.
- FIG. 1 Representative drawing of a shoe making use of the claimed insole/midsole.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a silicone gel insole/midsole for footwear with a Shore durometer in the range of 45 A to 55 A, with a thickness of 2-6 mm, layered and bonded between the upper of a shoe and an extra-depth outsole that is also 2-6 mm in depth relative shoe type. Said insole/midsole is for making a conformable and comfortable shoe, part using silicone gel material for use in functional relation with an article of footwear in order to enhance fit, support, comfort, cushioning and because silicone gel properties mimic the energy dissipation properties of human soft tissue and structure, the present invention can also serve to accommodate the unique anatomical features of an individual wearer and finds application within numerous types of articles of footwear.
Description
- 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 insole/midsole out of a single piece of material. While many workers have sought to develop elaborate insole/midsole systems, the insole/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 if directed to a silicone gel insole/midsole for use in an article of footwear, including women's shoes, men's dress shoes, athletic shoes, children's shoes, dance shoes, or sandals. This insole/midsole may be made from silicone with a smooth, or ridged, or otherwise bumpy surface, may be any color, and covers the entire top surface of the relatively rigid 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. The gel may be adhered within the extra-depth outsole using any adhesive means, or may be partially absorbed into the material of the outsole. The insole/midsole have a Shore durometer in the approximate range of 45 A-55 A, and have a thickness in the range of 2-6 millimeters. Once a set durometer and thickness is determined for a type of shoe, it remains the same throughout the entire insole/midsole.
- The present invention is to be used in conjunction with an article of footwear. 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 rigid extra-depth outsole A having a bottom surface for contacting the ground, and a top surface which faces up and makes contact with the midsole B. The extra-depth 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. Within the 2-6 mm extra-depth outsole A the insole/midsole B is immovably affixed, either by gluing or sewing, or by any other reasonable means of adherence. The upper surface of the extra-depth outsole may be roughly planar, with an indentation in the approximate shape of the insole/midsole; this indentation may be 2-6 millimeters deep, and the insole/midsole may be placed and affixed within this indentation. Because the insole/midsole can be between 2-6 millimeters in thickness, the top surface of the insole/midsole may be above or below the lip of the indentation. This insole/midsole B may comprise a silicone object having surfaces that are roughly planar, or rounded, or ridged, or ribbed, or bumpy. This insole/midsole B should have a rigidity not exceeding that of the bottom sole, and should be conformable when pressure is applied to it in a direction approximately normal to the plane of its top surface. A silicone gel insole/midsole B having a Shore durometer in the approximate range of 45 A-55 A, and a thickness of approximately 2-6 millimeters is preferred for insole/midsole purposes for the following reasons. First, the Shore durometer of the material ensures that the shoe insole/midsole 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. Extensive shock absorption study and research of energy dissipation properties of human soft tissue and structure is very similar to properties of silicone gel therefore, the thickness of the insole/midsole B ensures that the insole/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. The term “thickness” refers to the thickness of the mass of silicone that serves a substantially cushioning function. On top of the insole/midsole B, there may be a separate 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.
- The present invention generally uses a full length and full-width silicone gel insole/midsole B; this feature ensures that the entire upper surface of the extra-depth 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 planar coverage of the top surface of the top surface of the outsole A with cushioning material; see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,699. This full coverage within the extra-depth, upper face of the outsole A ensures maximum shock absorbency and maximal comfort for the wearer. Embodiments of the invention use full length and full width insole/midsole B that cover between 95% and 100% of the upper surface of the extra-depth outsole A.
-
FIG. 1 . Representative drawing of a shoe making use of the claimed insole/midsole.
Claims (3)
1. A silicone gel insole/midsole for use in an article of footwear,
said insole/midsole covering the entire upper surface of the bottom sole with an extra-depth of 2-6 mm of an article of footwear having a bottom sole; and
said insole/midsole having one thickness dependent on shoe type in the range between 2 and 6 millimeters; and
said insole/midsole having one Shore durometer dependent on shoe type in the range of 45 A-55 A; and
said insole/midsole being immovable and attached within the extra-depth of the bottom sole of said article of footwear.
2. The insole/midsole of claim 1 , said insole/midsole having a full coverage of between 95% and 100% of the upper surface of the extra-depth outsole.
3. The insole/midsole of claim 1 or 2 , said insole/midsole resting and adhered within an indentation within the upper surface of the extra-depth outsole; said indentation being roughly the same shape as the insole/midsole, and being 2-6 millimeters in depth.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/807,141 US20120047768A1 (en) | 2010-08-30 | 2010-08-30 | Silicone gel insole/midsole within extra-depth outsole |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/807,141 US20120047768A1 (en) | 2010-08-30 | 2010-08-30 | Silicone gel insole/midsole within extra-depth outsole |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120047768A1 true US20120047768A1 (en) | 2012-03-01 |
Family
ID=45695224
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/807,141 Abandoned US20120047768A1 (en) | 2010-08-30 | 2010-08-30 | Silicone gel insole/midsole within extra-depth outsole |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20120047768A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100205831A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2010-08-19 | Spenco Medical Corporation | Triple Density Gel Insole |
WO2014060794A1 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2014-04-24 | Kim Thi Pham Loan | Orthopedic sandal for prevention of plurality of health problems in foot, ankle, and spine |
US20150013181A1 (en) * | 2013-07-09 | 2015-01-15 | Suzanne Amerling Cotter | Happy Heelz--An Anatomically Designed Heeled Shoe |
US20150181978A1 (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2015-07-02 | Sharone Piontkowski | Foot Membrane |
USD926451S1 (en) * | 2019-08-10 | 2021-08-03 | Albert Stevens | Footwear midsole covering |
US20220031015A1 (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2022-02-03 | Cole Haan Llc | Shoe with Layered Sole |
US11533965B1 (en) * | 2022-02-24 | 2022-12-27 | Dongguan Desheng Garment Technology Co., Ltd. | Silicone insole |
USD978493S1 (en) * | 2020-04-29 | 2023-02-21 | L.P. Royer | Footwear midsole |
Citations (11)
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 |
US8266825B2 (en) * | 2008-06-11 | 2012-09-18 | Zurinvest Ag | Shoe sole element |
-
2010
- 2010-08-30 US US12/807,141 patent/US20120047768A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (11)
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 |
US8266825B2 (en) * | 2008-06-11 | 2012-09-18 | Zurinvest Ag | Shoe sole element |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100205831A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2010-08-19 | Spenco Medical Corporation | Triple Density Gel Insole |
US8745894B2 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2014-06-10 | Spenco Medical Corporation | Triple density gel insole |
US20150181978A1 (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2015-07-02 | Sharone Piontkowski | Foot Membrane |
WO2014060794A1 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2014-04-24 | Kim Thi Pham Loan | Orthopedic sandal for prevention of plurality of health problems in foot, ankle, and spine |
US20150013181A1 (en) * | 2013-07-09 | 2015-01-15 | Suzanne Amerling Cotter | Happy Heelz--An Anatomically Designed Heeled Shoe |
USD926451S1 (en) * | 2019-08-10 | 2021-08-03 | Albert Stevens | Footwear midsole covering |
USD978493S1 (en) * | 2020-04-29 | 2023-02-21 | L.P. Royer | Footwear midsole |
US20220031015A1 (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2022-02-03 | Cole Haan Llc | Shoe with Layered Sole |
US11533965B1 (en) * | 2022-02-24 | 2022-12-27 | Dongguan Desheng Garment Technology Co., Ltd. | Silicone insole |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20120047768A1 (en) | Silicone gel insole/midsole within extra-depth outsole | |
CN104918509A (en) | Basketball insole | |
MX2010001516A (en) | Arthritis & diabetes insole. | |
US8769846B1 (en) | Boot having skin-exfoliating means therein | |
IT1317371B1 (en) | PERFECTED STRUCTURE OF MIDSOLE FOR WATERPROOF AND BREATHABLE SOLES FOR FOOTWEAR AND WATERPROOF AND BREATHABLE SOLE IN WHICH IT IS | |
US20070017123A1 (en) | Insert for footwear midsole | |
GB2501893A (en) | Insole for an item of footwear | |
US20170202306A1 (en) | Article of footwear with new insole board and insole structure to absorb shock and keep resilience at forefoot and heel areas of foot | |
WO2012018744A1 (en) | Composite sole assembly | |
US20100205828A1 (en) | Insole having a transparent portion and a sock liner portion | |
US20130326905A1 (en) | Energy wave sockliner | |
CA2630627A1 (en) | Plantar wearable with open shoes | |
US20130318817A1 (en) | Footwear with integrated energy wave sockliner | |
US20080289216A1 (en) | Silicon gel used as permanent mid-soles and/or insoles in all types and sizes of shoes | |
CA2726580A1 (en) | Skate boot tongue | |
TWI412334B (en) | Thin foot care pad | |
JP2009050491A (en) | Toe anti-slip structure in shoe | |
US20160316854A1 (en) | Footwear device | |
CN210539206U (en) | Sole and have shoes of this sole | |
US20230180883A1 (en) | Footwear system and method having footwear upper linings for cushioning and shock absorption | |
TWM245796U (en) | Structure of shoe sole with shock absorption buffer effect | |
JP3626175B1 (en) | Shoe insole pads and shoes | |
JP3166083U (en) | insole | |
RU63216U1 (en) | Insert Orthopedic Insole | |
KR200204089Y1 (en) | God who only supports the heels |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |