US20180228247A1

US20180228247A1 - Elastic cushion for a footwear item, footwear item having such an elastic cushion

Info

Publication number: US20180228247A1
Application number: US15/891,143
Authority: US
Inventors: Andreas Müller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-13
Filing date: 2018-02-07
Publication date: 2018-08-16
Also published as: EP3360432A1

Abstract

Provided is an elastic cushion for the disposal on a textile footwear item. The cushion, in a state when disposed on the sole of a foot, on the side that faces the foot has a shape that is complementary to the arch of the foot. Also provided is a footwear item from a textile material, having at least one cushion as above described that is disposed on the footwear item.

Description

The invention relates to an elastic cushion for the disposal on a textile footwear item, and to a footwear item from a textile material, having at least one elastic cushion that is disposed on the footwear item.
Textile footwear items which on account of the use of dissimilar knitting techniques and/or knitting materials have regions of dissimilar material thicknesses so as to support a foot and to thus avoid defective foot positions are known from the prior art.
Publication DE 10 2007 024 758 A1, for example, discloses a legwear item having a pronation support in the region of the sole so as to counteract any hyperpronation of a foot. The legwear item is preferably knitted, and the pronation support preferably comprises a knitted plush fabric.
By way of the production of support regions as knitted fabrics only a relatively minor material thickness and material strength can be achieved in a reliable manner and without compromising the wearing comfort. On account thereof, the supporting effect of such support regions is minor, and only slightly defective foot positions can be avoided.
Publication EP 2408324 B1 describes a textile footwear item having a gel cushion which is linked to the footwear item by means of seams. By way of the use of a gel cushion, a stronger supporting effect can be achieved than with a knitted fabric. However, by way of the fastening by means of seams the disadvantage that the gel cushion cannot be removed, for example for cleaning the footwear item results. Furthermore, the gel cushion cannot be replaced in order for the footwear item to be adapted individually to a user.
Publication U.S. Pat. No. 1,741,340 A discloses an orthopaedic sock having a cushion which can be inserted into a pocket on the foot sole at various positions and can be stitched to said pocket or be fixed thereto by way of a releasable adhesive agent. Without the use of an adhesive agent there is the risk of the cushion sliding out of position within the sock and thus not correcting a defective foot position or even amplifying the latter. However, the preparation of the sock becomes impractical and complicated for the user when an additional adhesive agent is used.
Publication DE 20 2007 001 072 U1 describes a protective and supporting element for stockings and stockings that are provided therewith. A cushion can be shaped so as to be complementary to a part-region of a human foot, in particular to the toe or heel region. The element can be stitched, welded, or releasably connected, for example by way of a hook-and-pile tape, to the stocking. In the case of the element being stitched or welded, the disadvantage results again here that said element cannot be separated from the stocking. By contrast, a releasable connection by way of a hook-and-pile tape is complex for the user and offers only an inadequate protection against the element sliding out of position in relation to the stocking.
Therefrom results the technical object of achieving a device for supporting a foot against defective foot positions, which can be produced in a cost-effective manner and be applied in a simple and reliable manner. This object is achieved by an elastic cushion according to claim 1 and by a footwear item according to claim 7. Advantageous embodiments are derived from the dependent claims.
The elastic cushion according to the invention for the disposal on a textile footwear item, in a state when disposed on the sole of a foot, on the side that faces the foot can have a shape that is complementary to the arch of the foot.
A footwear item in the context of the present application is understood to be such clothing items which are worn on a human foot, for example, common stockings, socks, or the like. This in particular includes also such stockings or socks which do not fully enclose a foot since said stockings or socks have openings, for example in a heel and/or toe region.
If the elastic cushion is disposed on the footwear item, said elastic cushion can support the foot in relation to a ground or a shoe and thus counteract a defective position. Elastic means that the cushion under the loads that arise in the use thereof can be elastically deformed. On account thereof, the cushion can adapt to the shape of the foot and absorb impacts that act on the foot, on account of which the wearing comfort is increased and the risk of injury by excessive loads is decreased.
When the cushion, in a state when disposed on the sole of a foot, on the side that faces the foot has a shape that is complementary to the arch of the foot, the arch of the foot in terms of the physiological shape thereof is supported thereby in an optimal manner, on account of which the formation of a pes planus is prevented, for example. The complementary shape furthermore ensures that the cushion, when the foot is being pressed against a shoe, for example, is automatically held in the envisaged position of said cushion in the foot arch without having to be fixed in a complex manner.
The cushion, in a state when disposed on the sole of a foot, can have a hallux ball clearance at the hallux ball of the foot, and/or a heel clearance at the heel of the foot. The cushion can in particular be designed such that said cushion in the longitudinal direction of the foot extends in a region between the heel and the hallux ball without bearing on the heel and/or on the hallux ball. The heel and the hallux ball in the case of a physiologically shaped foot are the main transmission regions for the weight of a standing or walking human onto a ground. When a cushion fills the foot arch without propping up the heel and/or the hallux ball, a particularly secure footing on the ground and a simultaneous support of the foot arch is achieved on account thereof. Furthermore, unnecessary loads on the cushion are avoided such that the service life of said cushion is increased. Moreover, a cushion having a hallux ball and/or a heel clearance, said cushion in the disposal on the sole of the foot lying substantially within the foot arch, in particular with an optimal support of the foot arch, can be used by a user in the normal shoes of the latter without the shoes becoming too tight on account of the cushion. A particularly effective, simple and comfortable application results on account thereof. Additionally or alternatively to the clearances mentioned, a fifth-toe-ball clearance can be provided at the fifth-toe ball.
The cushion, in a state when disposed on the sole of a foot, can have an elongate depression that extends from the hallux ball to the heel on the side that faces the foot. The cushion, by way of the depression, can be brought to bear on the foot arch in a particularly simple manner.
The cushion, in a state when disposed on the sole of a foot, can have an elongate bead that extends from the hallux ball to the heel on the side that faces away from the foot. A particularly stable support of the foot arch is enabled by the bead.
The cushion, in a state when disposed on the sole of a foot, can have a first peripheral region, on the inside of the foot, that tapers towards the outside and/or is curved towards the foot. By way of a curvature towards the foot, the cushion can effectively support the foot up to the internal periphery of said cushion.
The cushion, in a state when disposed on the sole of a foot, can have a second peripheral region, on the outside of the foot, at the side of the toes, and/or at the side of the heel, that tapers towards the outside. Peripheral regions that taper towards the outside have the advantage that the transition from the cushion to any surroundings can be designed so as to be substantially stepless. Load peaks in terms of the foot and/or the cushion in regions of steps are avoided on account thereof. Consequently, the wearing comfort and/or the service life of the cushion are/is increased by the absence of pressure points on the foot.
The surface of the cushion can comprise at least one portion that is adhesive in relation to the footwear item. An adhesive portion is distinguished in that said adhesive portion is releasably fixed to the footwear item when said adhesive portion is pressed onto the footwear item with a force that can be applied by a user without technical aids. On account thereof, the user can securely attach the cushion to the footwear item in a simple manner such that the cushion remains in the correct position in order for the supporting function of said cushion to be reliably fulfilled. Furthermore, the cushion can also be separated again from the footwear item, for example for the footwear item and/or the cushion to be cleaned and/or for the cushion to be replaced. On account thereof, the cushion and the footwear item can be used for a long time, and the footwear item can be adapted to the individual requirements of a user by replacing the cushion.
The adhesive portion, in a substantially residue-free manner, can be releasable from the footwear item. Substantially residue-free means that no residues such as, for example, remnants of adhesive, which could restrict the use of the footwear item without the cushion or together with another cushion remain on the footwear item after the cushion has been removed from the footwear item.
The cushion can comprise at least one protective film and/or protective sheathing that are/is releasably attached to the cushion so as to substantially completely cover the adhesive portion. It is prevented by the protective film and/or protective sheathing that foreign matter, for example dust, fluff, and/or dirt, adheres to the adhesive portion and on account thereof potentially compromises the adhesive capability and/or causes contaminations. In order for the cushion to be attached to a footwear item, the protective sheathing and/or protective film is at least partially removed from the cushion in order for the adhesive portion to be exposed. When the cushion is separated from the footwear item again, the protective sheathing and/or protective film can be reattached completely to the cushion in order for said cushion to be protected against contamination until said cushion is reused.
It is in particular possible for precisely two protective films to be attached to the cushion, wherein a first protective film is attached to the side of the cushion that faces the foot, and a second protective film is attached to the side of the cushion that faces away from the foot. On account thereof, one protective film can be removed in order for the cushion to be attached to a footwear item, while the other protective film remains on the cushion in order to protect that side of the cushion that is not connected to the footwear item against contamination.
The cushion can comprise at least one composite material, one gas, one liquid, one gel, in particular one silicone gel, one aerogel, and/or one foam. On account of the use of the materials mentioned, the elasticity of the cushion can be set in a wide range that is expedient for supporting a foot. The elasticity of the cushion can be set in particular by way of a gel, for example a silicone gel, such that said cushion is sufficiently firm in order to effectively support a foot, on the one hand, and sufficiently soft in order to be comfortably worn on a foot, in particular without pressure points being formed, on the other hand. A composite material, for example a fiber-reinforced plastic, offers advantageous combinations of material properties that are not attained by other materials, for example a high mechanical stability and simultaneously low weight.
The cushion can comprise a basic material, the surface thereof preferably being at least in portions adhesive in relation to the footwear item. The material of which the major proportion of the cushion is composed is referred to as the basic material. When the basic material is adhesive in relation to the footwear item, a cushion having an adhesive surface can be produced from a single material, on account of which the production is particularly simple and cost-effective. This is possible, for example, by using a gel as the basic material. The adhesive property of the surface of the basic material can be a result of the production process of said basic material on the one hand, and can be suppressed in portions in particular by a, for example chemical, plasma-based, and/or thermal, surface treatment. On the other hand, the adhesive property can also be induced by way of a surface treatment of the basic material.
The cushion can be composed of a homogeneous basic material. A homogeneous basic material is distinguished in that said basic material has the same, in particular viscoelastic, material properties in the entire cushion. A cushion from a homogeneous basic material can be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.
The cushion can comprise a wash resistant basic material. “Wash resistant” means that the basic material is washable, in particular machine-washable, under the same conditions as the footwear item, without being damaged on account thereof. In particular, the entire cushion can be wash resistant. On account thereof, the cushion and the footwear item can be washed together, this enabling a simple and effective cleaning of the cushion and thus a long useful life.
The cushion can comprise a number of regions of dissimilar viscoelastic properties. Regions of dissimilar viscoelastic properties can differ from one another in terms of their viscosity, plasticity, and/or elasticity. By way of regions of dissimilar viscoelastic properties a foot can be supported dissimilarly in the individual regions so as to counteract even complex defective foot positions.
The regions of dissimilar viscoelastic properties can be formed by dissimilar materials, with respect to their viscoelastic properties, preferably composite materials. The use of dissimilar materials, for example gels of dissimilar hardness, can adjust the support of a foot virtually as desired, in order to counteract a wide variety of defective foot positions.
The regions of dissimilar viscoelastic properties can be formed from the same basic material which preferably comprises a number of regions of dissimilar viscoelastic properties, for example by way of a dissimilar processing of the regions. The properties such as elasticity, viscosity, and/or density can be set, for example, by thermal processing or compressive processing. The effort and costs in terms of production are reduced by the use of the same basic material.
The cushion can have a number of chambers, wherein an exchange of fluids between the chambers is at least impeded, and the chambers preferably contain a plurality of fluids having mutually dissimilar viscoelastic properties. Regions of dissimilar viscoelastic properties can be generated by chambers that are filled, for example, with a gas or a liquid, in a matrix from a homogeneous basic material that can be produced in a cost-effective manner. In particular, cushions for different application types can be produced in a common production process by way of filling the chambers in a dissimilar manner. When an exchange of fluid is possible between the chambers, the viscoelastic properties of the cushion, on account thereof, during usage can adapt dynamically to the respective use situation. For example, when a foot treads, rolls over, and pushes off a fluid can flow in each case into different regions and, on account thereof, can support the foot in a dynamic manner. Furthermore, shock damping can be implemented by way of a fluid that in an impeded manner flows from a stressed region into an unstressed region. In the context of a construction that is as simple as possible, the exchange of fluid can also be suppressed. In particular, the cushion can be composed of one gel and have a number of gas-filled chambers which are in each case capable of being filled with a fluid by a user. In this way, the user can adapt the viscoelastic properties of the cushion to his/her requirements in a simple manner. The filling can be performed, for example, with the aid of a valve and/or a syringe.
The cushion can have a number of clearances, preferably for receiving replaceable inserts having dissimilar viscoelastic properties. The clearances can be designed, for example so as to be continuous from the side of the cushion that faces the foot to the side of the cushion that faces away from the foot, so as to enable a ventilation of the foot and to thus dissipate excessive heat and/or humidity from the foot. By way of inserts of dissimilar viscoelastic properties, a user can adapt the viscoelastic properties of the cushion in a simple manner to changing requirements, for example to the development of a defective foot position in the course of the treatment thereof, or to different usage profiles, such as running sport or everyday work.
The cushion can have a surface that at least in portions is roughened and/or knobbly, in order for the grip on the footwear item to be improved and/or to effect a foot massage when the cushion is used.
At least one elastic cushion according to the invention is disposed on a footwear item according to the invention from a textile material.
The at least one cushion can be fixed, preferably adhesively bonded, stitched, and/or welded to the footwear item. By a fixation to the footwear item it is ensured that the cushion, when the footwear item is worn on a foot, is located in the correct position relative to the foot so as to support the latter in an optimal manner. On account thereof, the footwear item can be applied in a reliable and safe manner.
The at least one cushion can be connected to the footwear item so as to be releasable in a non-destructive manner. On account of a connection that is releasable in a non-destructive manner, the cushion can be separated from the footwear item without the cushion or the footwear item being damaged. On account thereof, the cushion and the footwear item can be cleaned separately from one another in a simple manner. It is furthermore possible for only the cushion or only the footwear item to be replaced, for example when either is damaged or worn or does not meet the requirements of the user, and for the other part to continue to be used. Material and costs are saved, and waste is avoided, on account thereof.
The footwear item can comprise a holding device for mounting the cushion on the footwear item, wherein the holding device preferably comprises a hook-and-pile fastener element and/or a cavity for receiving the cushion. The cushion can be attached to the footwear item in a particularly secure manner with the aid of a holding device. The hook-and-pile fastener element can be conceived, for example, for attaching the cushion directly to the footwear item or to a strap that can be placed around the foot.
The cavity can be delimited by the material of the footwear item and by a planar material that is fastened, preferably adhesively bonded, stitched, and/or welded to said material of the footwear item. The planar material herein can in particular likewise be composed of the material of the footwear item, for example in a reinforced embodiment. The footwear item can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner by using the same material. The cushion can be particularly securely mounted by a reinforcement. The cavity can be embodied, for example, as a pocket that is attached to the footwear item, in particular to the external side.
The cavity can have at least one opening for removing the cushion from the cavity. On account thereof, the cushion can be removed from the footwear item in a simple and non-destructive manner. Alternatively, the cavity can also be configured so as to be closed in order for the cushion to be fixed to the footwear item as well as possible.
An opening width of the at least one opening can be smaller than a cushion width of the cushion that, in a state in which the cushion is disposed in an unstressed manner in the cavity, lies parallel with said opening width, wherein the opening width is larger than or equal to the cushion width in a compressed state of the cushion. On account thereof, the cushion in a non-stressed state cannot slide through the opening and out of the cavity, on the one hand. On the other hand, the cushion can be removed from the cavity by a user or be inserted therein when the user herein compresses the cushion along the opening width. The opening width is preferably aligned such that the cushion, when the footwear item is being worn on a foot, is not compressed along the opening width. On account thereof, the cushion cannot slide through the opening and out of the cavity even during the usage of the footwear item. In the case of an arrangement of the cushion on a sole of a foot, the opening width can be aligned so as to be parallel with a plane of a sole of a foot, for example.
The cushion can be disposed on an external face or on an internal face of the footwear item. The cushion on an external face is readily accessible, in particular also in a state of the footwear item in which the latter is worn on a foot, for example in order for the cushion to be cleaned, replaced, or modified. By contrast, the cushion on an internal face, in a state of the footwear item when the latter is worn on a foot, can be invisible from the outside such that a visually appealing overall impression is achieved. Furthermore, the cushion on an internal face is better protected by the footwear item from damage by external influences than on an external face.

The invention will be described hereunder by means of exemplary embodiments which will be explained in more detail with the aid of the figures in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an exemplary cushion according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic section through an exemplary footwear item according to the invention; and

FIG. 3a, b show a schematic illustration of the cavity on an exemplary footwear item according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an exemplary cushion 30 according to the invention. The cushion 30 is illustrated such as the latter can be disposed on the sole of a left foot. The cushion 30 in the hallux ball region of the foot has a hallux ball clearance 50 (indicated by dashed lines) and in the heel region of the foot has a heel clearance 51 (indicated by dashed lines). The illustrated cushion 30 furthermore comprises a first peripheral region 54, on the inside of the foot, which in relation to the cushion 30 tapers towards the outside and curves towards the foot such that a shape that is complementary to the arch of the foot results on the upper side of the cushion 30, facing the foot. The upper side of the cushion 30 in the example illustrated comprises an adhesive portion 31 which in particular can fully occupy the upper side of the cushion, said adhesive portion 31 being for fastening the cushion 30 to a footwear item. The illustrated cushion 30 is composed, for example, from a homogenous basic material in the form of a gel, the surface thereof, for example on account of a surface treatment at least in the region of the adhesive portion 31, being adhesive. The upper side of the cushion furthermore has an elongate, substantially rectilinear depression 52 (indicated by dashed lines) which extends from the hallux ball region to the heel region. An elongate, substantially rectilinear bead (not visible) extends opposite the depression 52 on the lower side of the cushion that faces away from the foot.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic section through an exemplary footwear item 1 according to the invention. The footwear item 1 is designed as a sock and is shown in a state in which said footwear item 1 is worn on a foot (not illustrated). The section illustrated in relation to the foot is in a sagittal plane. The footwear item 1 in a sole region of the foot has a cavity 41 in. the form of a pocket in which an elastic cushion 30 is located. The illustrated cushion 30, on the upper side thereof that faces the foot, has a shape that is complementary to the arch of the foot, and in the hallux ball region has a hallux ball clearance 50, and in the heel region has a heel clearance 51. On account of this shape, the cushion 30 can conform to the arch of the foot in an optimal manner so as to support the latter without there being any risk of the cushion 30 sliding out of position in relation to the foot.
FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of the cavity 41 on an exemplary footwear item 1 according to the invention. The illustrated cavity 41 has an opening 42 for removing and/or introducing the elastic cushion 30. The opening has an opening width b1. The cushion 30, in a state in which the cushion 30 is disposed in the cavity, has a cushion width b2 that lies in the same direction as the opening width b1. The cushion width b2 in a non-stressed state of the cushion 30 (FIG. 3a ) is larger than the opening width b1 such that the cushion 30 cannot pass the opening 42. By contrast, the cushion width b2, in a state in which the cushion 30 is compressed along the cushion width b2 (FIG. 3b ), is smaller than or equal to the opening width b1. On account thereof, the cushion 30 can be introduced into the cavity 41 and/or removed therefrom, for example in that said cushion 30 is compressed by a user. The cushion 30, without any compression along the cushion width b2, can be securely held in the cavity 41.
Features which are illustrated in the context of one example can also be combined in a different manner according to the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1 Footwear item
30 Cushion
31 Adhesive portion
41 Cavity
42 Opening
50 Hallux ball clearance
51 Heel clearance
52 Depression
54 First peripheral region
55 Second peripheral region
b1 Opening width
b2 Cushion width

Claims

1. An elastic cushion for the disposal on a textile footwear item, wherein

the cushion, when disposed on the sole of a foot, on the side that faces the foot has a shape adapted to be complementary to the arch of the foot.

2. The cushion according to claim 1, wherein

the cushion, when disposed on the sole of a foot, has

a) a hallux ball clearance at the hallux ball of the foot, and/or a heel clearance at the heel of the foot;

b) an elongate depression adapted to extend from the hallux ball to the heel on the side that faces the foot;

c) an elongate bead adapted to extend from the hallux ball to the heel on the side that faces away from the foot;

d) a first peripheral region, on the inside of the foot, adapted to taper towards the outside and/or is curved towards the foot; and/or

e) a second peripheral region, on the outside of the foot, at the side of the toes, and/or at the side of the heel, adapted to taper towards the outside.

3. The cushion according to claim 1, wherein

the surface of the cushion comprises at least one portion that is adhesive in relation to the footwear item, wherein

a) the adhesive portion, preferably in a substantially residue-free manner, is releasable from the footwear item, and/or

b) the cushion comprises at least one protective film and/or protective sheathing that are/is releasably attached to the cushion so as to substantially completely cover the at least one adhesive portion.

4. The cushion according to claim 1, wherein

the cushion

a) comprises at least one composite material, one gas, one liquid, one gel, one aerogel, and/or one foam;

b) comprises a basic material, the surface thereof preferably being at least in portions adhesive in relation to the footwear item;

c) is composed of a homogeneous basic material; and/or

d) comprises a wash resistant basic material.

5. The cushion according to claim 1, having a number of regions of dissimilar viscoelastic properties, wherein

a) the regions are formed by dissimilar materials, preferably composite materials;

b) the regions are formed from the same basic material which particularly preferably comprises a number of regions of dissimilar viscoelastic properties;

c) the cushion has a number of chambers, wherein an exchange of fluids between the chambers is at least impeded, and the chambers particularly preferably contain a plurality of fluids having mutually dissimilar viscoelastic properties.

6. The cushion according to claim 1, further comprising

a number of clearances, for receiving replaceable inserts having dissimilar viscoelastic properties.

7. A footwear component from a textile material, having at least one elastic cushion that is disposed on the footwear item, according to claim 1.

8. The footwear component according to claim 7, wherein

the at least one cushion is fixed to the footwear item.

9. The footwear component according to claim 7, wherein

the at least one cushion is connected to the footwear component so as to be releasable in a non-destructive manner.

10. The footwear component according to claim 7, wherein

the footwear item comprises a holding device for mounting the cushion on the footwear item.

11. The footwear component according to claim 10, wherein

the cavity is delimited by the material of the footwear component and by a planar material that is fastened, bonded, stitched, and/or welded to said material of the footwear component.

12. The footwear component according to claim 10, wherein

the cavity has at least one opening for removing the cushion from the cavity, wherein

a) an opening width of the at least one opening is smaller than a cushion width of the cushion that, in a state in which the cushion is disposed in an unstressed manner in the cavity, lies parallel with said opening width; and

b) the opening width is larger than or equal to the cushion width in a compressed state of the cushion.

13. The footwear component according to claim 7, wherein

the cushion is disposed on an external face or on an internal face of the footwear component.

14. The footwear component according to claim 8, wherein the at least one cushion is adhesively bonded, stitched or welded to the footwear component.

15. The footwear component according to claim 10, wherein

the holding device comprises a hook-and-pile fastener element and/or a cavity for receiving the cushion.