WO1999053786A1

WO1999053786A1 - Laminated insole insert for footwear

Info

Publication number: WO1999053786A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/008521
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey S. Brooks; James G. Brown
Original assignee: Payless Shoesource, Inc.
Priority date: 1998-04-17
Filing date: 1999-04-16
Publication date: 1999-10-28
Also published as: AU3750799A

Abstract

An insole insert (1) comprises a body (11) of flexible resilient material with an upper member (25) having lateral (45) and medial (47) heel portions, an arch portion (53), and a lower member (55), each member having a uniform thickness, a metatarsal cutout (103), and a heel cutout (103). The heel (43) and arch portions (53) are displaceable upwardly along the sides of the user's footwear. The lower member (55) has a front edge (57) spaced rearwardly from the user's second and third metatarsal phalangeal joints. The metatarsal cutout (103) is centered beneath the user's first metatarsal joint. The heel cutout (113) is centered beneath the user's heel. One embodiment includes a metatarsal member (215) having a front edge approximately transversely aligned with the transverse side of the metatarsal cutout (103), secured to the lower member (55).

Description

LAMINATED INSOLE INSERT FOR FOOTWEAR

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to footwear and, more specifically without

limitation, to an insole insert for footwear.

2. Description of the Related Art

Although children are usually born with normal arches, as a child begins to

walk and body weight is applied to his feet as they bear against a supporting surface,

his foot structure necessarily reacts by tending to flatten out under the weight-

generated forces applied to the soles of his feet. If the child were walking only on

natural supporting surfaces, e.g. , the ground, the normal age for the child to be able

to stand without the need of external support for his feet is generally considered to

be approximately eight years of age. For purposes of improved appearance,

convenience, endurance, etc., however, man-made products are generally applied to

those supporting surfaces. Unfortunately, such "improved" surfaces tend to be

detrimental to the human musculoskeletal structures, especially during the

developmental stages when the child's foot structure is "soft" and incompletely

formed. Due to such negative environmental influences on the human foot structure, shoes which provide proper support and shock attenuation should be worn

for protection and prevention of structural injury.

As disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,272,899, issued June 16, 1981 to Jeffrey

S. Brooks, the disclosures and teachings of which are incorporated herein by

reference, a contoured insole structure may be provided in children's shoes to

reduce abnormal stress from the heel to the metatarsals by properly supporting and

stabilizing the feet during development thereof. By so doing, the associated stresses

placed upon the medial column of the foot is also reduced, distributing the body

weight more evenly on the sole of the foot.

More specifically, when walking or running, the lateral (outside) portion of

the heel is generally the first part of the foot to strike the ground, with the foot then

pivoting on the heel to bring the lateral part of the forefoot into a position whereat it

bears against an underlying surface. At that point,the foot resides in a supinated

(inclined upwardly from the lateral to the medial side of the foot). The foot then

pronates until all of the metatarsal heads are in the horizontal plane (flat to the

supporting surface). The bone structural alignment should be firmly supported

when the foot assumes such neutral position in order to prevent the ligaments,

muscles and tendons of the foot from becoming over-stressed.

Various skeletal characteristics of the feet that are pertinent to proper foot

support include the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal heads, indicated

in phantom at Ml through M5 in Fig. 1 ; first, second, third, fourth and fifth

metatarsal necks associated with the respective metatarsal heads M1-M5, indicated

2 in phantom at Nl through N5; first, second, third, fourth and fifth proximal

phalanges spaced distally from the respective metatarsal heads M1-M5, indicated in

phantom at PI through P5; and first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal

phalangeal joints spaced between the respective metatarsal heads M1-M5 and

proximal phalanges P1-P5, indicated at Jl through J5 in Fig. 1. Further, various

muscles and tendons characteristically interact to stabilize the foot during the

sequence of progressive movements normally experienced in a walking or ranning

gait in preparation for movement from the neutral position to a propulsive phase of

the gait cycle, sometimes referred to as "toe-off" or "push-off .

Flexion of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint (i.e., the great toe joint) is

normally approximately fifteen degrees to the associated metatarsal in a dorsiflex

position when standing, and increases to between sixty-five and ninety degrees,

depending on the available motion and the activity required by the joint just prior to

lifting off the underlying supporting surface. The relationship among the foot bones is

such that the first metatarsal phalangeal joint and the two small bones there beneath,

the tibial sesamoid and the fϊbular sesamoid, should be displaced downwardly

("plantarflex") in order for the toe to function appropriately.

Thus, the progressive phases of gait are heel strike, when the heel hits the

ground; midstance, when stability of the arch is an essential necessity; and propulsive

phase, as the heel lifts off the ground and the body weight shifts onto the ball of the

foot. During the transition from the neutral position through toe-off, it is preferable that the second and third metatarsals be firmly supported, and that the first

metatarsal head plantarflex (move downward) relative the second and third

metatarsal heads. The toes also should generally be firmly supported during toe-off

so that they remain straight, and thus stronger, promoting a "pillar effect" by the

phalanges.

To provide additional insight into some of the mechanisms of the human feet,

it is known that the lower limbs of the human embryo begin to rotate internally

ninety degrees from an external position at the pelvic girdle at approximately the

eighth week of fetal development. At the twelfth week of development, the feet

begin to dorsiflex, and around the sixteenth week of development, the completely

inverted feet begin to evert, all of which are part of the complex preparation of the

lower extremity for upright, bi-pedal weight-bearing posture and locomotion. A

child's feet and legs have sometimes been described as a loose bag of bones and

cartilage floating in a mass of soft tissue until about age six. As a result, foot

posture is a rapidly changing proposition for children under the age of six years.

The true structure of a child's foot is not developed until approximately seven or

eight years of age when development of the sustentaculum tali is generally complete.

Further, eighty to ninety percent of the child's adult foot size is developed by the

age of ten, with complete development occurring by approximately age 14-16 years

in human females and age 15-17 years in human males.

When infants begin to bear weight, their feet begin to pronate excessively

because their feet are not yet ready, without deformation, to be placed on an

4 unnatural surface, such as a hard flat surface. As a result, if uncorrected, repeated

weight-generated forces may cause these early weight-bearing feet to permanently

deform (excessive pronation). Thus, such early-age, weight-bearing feet should

preferably be maintained in proper postural alignment by providing a more natural

environment therefor, such as a better supporting interface between the feet and the

underlying supporting surfaces, thereby allowing the feet to develop as normally as

possible during their postnatal development.

Therefore, as soon as the child begins to bear weight on his feet, usually

around six to seven months of age, treatment to neutralize excessive pronation

should be instituted. The user's feet should be placed in their individually most

efficient position to function properly and to reduce excessive strain not only on the

feet but also on the lower body structure supported by the feet. In an ideal foot

posture situation for minimal stress, the position in which the feet as weight-bearing

organs would normally realize greatest efficiency (including an optimal ratio of

supination and pronation) is one in which the subtalar joint is approximately forty-

two degrees from the transverse plane, approximately sixteen degrees from the

saggital plane, and approximately forty-eight degrees from the frontal plane,

sometimes referred to as the neutral position hereinbefore mentioned. In the neutral

position, the leg and calcaneus are perpendicular to the weight bearing surface, and

the knee joint, ankle joint and forefoot, including the plane of the metatarsal heads,

are substantially parallel to the subtalar joint and to the walking surface. A fully developed human foot can generally be described as having one of

three basic types: normal, low arch ("flat foot"), or high arch. From an anatomical

standpoint, normal and flat feet are capable of being functionally controlled by the

same basic shoe control mechanism, while a high-arch foot is structurally different

and may require a different supporting environment. For example, the amount of

adduction ("pigeon-toedness") of the front part of a normal or flat foot in relation to

the heel area of the foot is typically slight, while the amount of adduction in a high-

arch foot is generally much greater. Further, the movement of a normal or flat foot

during running is also substantially different from that of a high-arch foot. If proper

support and stabilization is not properly implemented during their early formative

development, fully developed feet may be more susceptible to, and be more prone to

suffer from, various maladies, including the following:

(a) tearing of the plantar fascia tissues which connect the heel to the

ball of the foot and support the arch of the foot, sometimes referred to as

"plantar fascial tears" or "plantar fasciitis", which generally arise from

stressful upward pulls on the calcaneus ("heel bone") and strain of the

intrinsic or interior foot muscles, and is generally realized as heel pain;

(b) excessive stress between adjacent metatarsals, sometimes referred

to as "metatarsal stress fractures", generally arising from improper support of

the talonavicular joint ("arch") and instability of the first ray ("great toe

joint"); (c) irritation of the tissue associated with a small bone beneath the

great toe joint, sometimes referred to as "tibial sesamoiditis", generally

arising from inappropriate support of the talonavicular joint and/or

inappropriate weight distribution between the various metatarsal phalangeal

joints;

(d) excessive bony growth on the top of the foot, sometimes referred

to as "saddle joint deformity", generally arising from improper movement of

the first metatarsal and realized in the form of degenerative arthritis;

(e) inflammation and/or separation of tissue from the tibia, sometimes

referred to as "shin splint", generally arising from improper articulation of

the talonavicular joint between the ankle bone and the key supporting bone of

the foot and generally realized as fatigue of the muscles in the front and back

of the leg; and

(f) bruising in the bottom center of the heel generally arising from

disproportionally greater weight-generated forces applied thereto.

Such maladies should be given due consideration, both in youth and in adults, as the

human foot may start to breakdown as a result of degenerative disease by the age of

thirty-five years.

In view of the foregoing, it should be obvious that certain parts of the feet are

generally subjected to higher stresses during standing, running and walking, and that

other parts of the feet require different degrees of support for maximum

biomechanical efficiency, particularly since high impact forces to the foot are

7 generally transferred to other skeletal structures, such as the shins, knees, and lower

back region.

Control of the user's foot must begin in the heel and proceed to the arch,

including providing stability of the forefoot in order for the foot to function properly

through the normal phases of gait. Various devices have been developed in attempts

to provide needed support and stabilization for a user's feet. A frequent problem

with most of such devices, however, is getting the devices to not only properly fit

the user's feet but, in the case of insole inserts, to also fit the user's shoes while

properly supporting and stabilizing the user's feet.

Thus, what is needed is a device, when placed into footwear, provides an

appropriate amount of support and shock attenuation for different regions of the foot

to thereby provide a proper environment that promotes a balanced foot position for

healthy postural and skeletal structural development thus allowing the parts of the

foot to function in a way which provides maximum efficiency, to prepare the body

for stresses normally subjected thereto, and to protect those parts of the foot which

are subjected to high impact forces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved insole insert, comprising a body, a metatarsal cutout, and a heel

cutout. The body has an upper member constructed of flexible material having a

substantially uniform thickness, with a heel portion, an arch portion, a toe edge, a heel edge, a lateral side edge, and a medial side edge. The heel portion includes a

medial portion extending along the heel edge and the medial side edge, and a lateral

portion extending along the heel edge and the lateral side edge of the upper member.

The arch portion extends forwardly from the medial portion along the medial side

edge. The medial portion and the arch portion, which are configured to be

displaceable upwardly alongside the medial side of the user footwear, and the lateral

portion, which is configured to be displaceable upwardly alongside the lateral side of

the user footwear, operatively and cooperatively redistribute weight-generated forces

bearing against the sole of the user's foot such that greater weight-generated forces

that normally bear against certain regions of the sole of the user's foot are

substantially reduced and redistributed toward other regions of the user's foot

whereat normally smaller weight-generated forces usually bear against the user's

foot.

The body also generally includes a lower member, preferably having a

substantially uniform thickness, that is connected to the upper member and has a

front edge operatively spaced just rearwardly from at least the user's second and

third metatarsal phalangeal joints.

A metatarsal cutout in the lower member is dimensioned and configured to be

generally operatively centered beneath the user's first metatarsal joint. The

metatarsal cutout has a longitudinal side spaced operatively between the user's first

and second metatarsal phalangeal joints, and a transverse side, spaced operatively

just rearwardly from the user's first metatarsal phalangeal joint.

9 A heel cutout in the lower member is generally operatively centered beneath

the user's heel whereat the greatest weight-generated forces are normally applied.

The upper member, the lower member, and the metatarsal cutout are

dimensioned and configured to cooperatively allow the user's first metatarsal

phalangeal joint and his sesamoids there below to appropriately plantarflex between

the midstance and toe-off phases of the user's gait.

A first modified embodiment of the insole insert includes a metatarsal

member, having a substantially uniform thickness and connected to the lower

member, with the metatarsal member having a transversely oriented front edge

approximately transversely aligned with the transverse side of the metatarsal cutout.

A second modified embodiment of the insole insert comprises an upper

member, constructed of a first resilient material, and an arch member, constructed

of a second resilient material that is harder than the first resilient material, wherein

the arch member is secured to the underside of an arch portion of the upper

member. The arch member is configured to operatively provide support for at least

the second and third metatarsal necks of the user's foot and for the user's arch

throughout supported phases of the user's gait. The arch member has a boundary

with a fore medial segment, an intermediate segment and an aft medial segment,

wherein the intermediate segment is configured to operatively pass approximately

beneath at least the second and third metatarsal necks of the user's foot, the fore

medial segment is configured to operatively pass approximately beneath the first

metatarsal neck of the user's foot, and the aft medial segment is configured to

10 operatively extend generally between the user's third and fourth metatarsal necks,

continue rearwardly approximately beneath the juncture between the user's cuboid

bone and lateral cuniform bone, and curve gradually rearwardly and medially to the

medial side edge to pass approximately beneath the juncture between the user's

navicular bone and the forward end of the medial tuberosity of the user's foot.

PRINCIPAL OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The principal objects and advantages of the present invention include:

providing a device for insertion into existing footwear; providing such a device that is

tailored to the biomechanical operation of the wearer's foot; providing such a device

for properly supporting and cushioning various regions of the wearer's foot;

providing such a device that redistributes weight-generated forces applied to the sole

of the wearer's foot whereby the range of such forces is substantially reduced;

providing such a device wherein arch and heel portions thereof are configured to

cooperatively redistribute normally greater weight-generated forces bearing against

the bony central region of the heel outwardly toward the larger, more fleshly outer

regions of the heel to thereby substantially reduce the range of weight- generated

forces normally applied to the heel regions of a user's foot; providing such a device

wherein contoured portions thereof are configured to cooperatively redistribute

normally greater weight-generated forces bearing against the heel, arch, and forefoot

regions of a user's foot to other regions of the user's foot to which substantially

11 smaller weight-generated forces are normally applied; and generally providing such a

device that is efficient in operation, reliable in performance, and is particularly well

adapted for the proposed usage thereof.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent

from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,

which constitute a part of this specification and wherein are set forth exemplary

embodiments of the present invention to illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration, showing a top plan view of an insole of a left

shoe and illustrating the approximate position of the metatarsal and related bone

structure of a user's left foot in relation thereto.

Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of a laminated insole insert for a user's left foot,

in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the laminated insole insert for a user's left foot,

showing various features thereof.

Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of the laminated insole insert, similar to Fig. 2

but illustrating upward displacement of heel and arch portions thereof when placed in

a shoe.

Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the laminated insole insert for a

user's right foot, taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4 and showing a shoe in phantom.

12 Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view of a first modified embodiment of the laminated

insole insert for a user's left foot, showing various features thereof in accordance with

the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a schematic side elevational view of the first modified embodiment of

the laminated insole insert, showing a user's left foot in relation thereto, with upward

displacement of an arch portion thereof when placed in a shoe.

Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first modified embodiment of the

laminated insole insert for a user's left foot, showing a shoe in phantom, according to

the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of a second modified embodiment of the

laminated insole insert for a user's left foot, in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a reduced top plan view of the second modified embodiment of the

laminated insole insert, shown in relation to a user's left foot.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged, vertical cross-sectional view of the second modified

embodiment of the laminated insole insert showing a right shoe in phantom.

Fig. 12 is a further enlarged, vertical cross-sectional view of the second

modified embodiment of the laminated insole insert, taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 9,

according to the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of a second modified embodiment of the

Fig. 7 is an enlarged top plan view of the insole insert having perforation-

modified resiliency.

13 Fig. 7a - 7i are enlarged cross-sectional views of the insole insert having

perforation-modified resiliency, taken respectively along lines a-a through i-i of Fig. 7,

according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed

herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely

exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore,

specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as

limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching

one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any

appropriately detailed structure.

The reference numeral 1 generally refers to a laminated insole insert in

accordance with the present invention, as shown in Figs. 2 through 5. The laminated

insole insert 1 generally comprises a body member 11 having an upper surface 13 for

comfortable stable support of a wearer's foot as hereinafter described, and a lower

surface 15 for bearing against the insole 17 of a wearer's shoe 23.

The body member 11 generally includes one or more layers or components as

hereinafter described. The length and width of any particular one (or pair) of the

laminated insole insert 1 may vary as is customary, depending upon the size of

footwear for which that laminated insole insert 1 is intended.

14 If desired, the upper surface 13 of the body member 11 may be overlaid with a

thin fabric liner or other suitable pliable sheet-like material, to separate the sole of the

wearer's foot from direct contact with the body member 11; such a liner may be

constructed of an odor and/or moisture absorbing material, as known in the art, and

may also be impregnated with an antibacterial and/or antimicrobial agent.

The material from which an upper member 25 of the body member 11 is

molded or otherwise formed is preferably a pliable substance that provides the desired

cushioning, lightweightness, physical strength, wearability, rot resistance, slip

resistance, durability for long use, and relative inertness including not commonly the

cause of allergic reactions when in contact with skin. Preferably, the material selected

is also one that is trimmable with a pair of scissors or shears for more precisely

adapting, or custom fitting, the laminated insole insert 1 to the footwear for which it is

intended.

The upper member 25 generally has a uniform thickness, a preferred material

therefor being that provided under the trademark "POLIYOU" of Kun Chyang Ent.

Co., Ltd., which includes structure and properties that make unnecessary the use of a

liner as hereinbefore mentioned. For example, the upper member 25 of an exemplary

one of laminated insole inserts 1 has a thickness of approximately 4 mm.

Various dimensions are quantified here below for exemplary purposes only;

those quantities were observed for a laminated insole insert 1 of the present invention

for an oxford-type shoe, sometimes referred to herein as the "exemplary specimen". It

15 is to be understood that those dimensions may increase or decrease according to the

shoe size for which a particular set of the laminated insole inserts 1 is to be utilized.

For purposes of reference herein, regions of the upper member 25 are defined

as a toe edge 27, a heel edge 33, a medial side edge 35, and a lateral side edge 37

corresponding to parts of the user's foot. The upper member 25 includes a heel

portion 43, having a lateral portion 45 and a medial portion 47, and an arch portion 53.

The body member 11 also includes a lower member 55, generally constructed of the

same type of material as the upper member 25, preferably the "POLIYOU" material,

that is laminated or otherwise secured to, the upper member 25 as hereinafter

described. The lower member 55 may have the same thickness as the upper member

25 or, alternatively, the lower member 55 may be thicker or thinner than the upper

member 25. For example, in one of the exemplary specimens, the lower member

55 has a thickness of approximately 6 mm.

The body member 11 preferably has a Type C (commonly referred to as

"Shore C Scale") durometer hardness measured in accordance with American

Society of Testing and Material (ASTM) standard D 2440-97 of less than about 70

and more preferably a hardness in a range of about 40-60. Depending upon the

particular activity for which the footwear is intended, however, the hardness may be

greater or lesser as desired. For example, if the footwear is intended for walking,

the body member 11 may have a Type C durometer hardness (ASTM D 2240-97) of

about 45, whereas if the footwear is intended for running, the body member 11 may

16 have a hardness of about 60. In short, the body member 11 should be sufficiently

"soft" to provide shock attenuation, but sufficiently firm to provide stability to the

foot.

The lower member 55 has a front edge 57, a heel edge 63, a medial side edge

65, and a lateral side edge 67. The heel edge 63, the medial side edge 65, and the

lateral side edge 67 of the lower member 55 are profiled and dimensioned to fit just

within the corresponding sides 69, and in abutting engagement with the insole 17, of

the shoe 23, as shown in Fig. 5. Further, the toe edge 27, the medial side edge 35,

and the lateral side edge 37 of the upper member 25 that are distally spaced from the

medial side edge 65 and the lateral side edge 67 of the lower member 55 are also

profiled and dimensioned to fit just within the corresponding sides 69 and toe of the

shoe 23.

The lateral portion 45 of the upper member 25 extends forwardly along the

lateral side edge 37, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, to terminate at a foremost end 73

thereof. Further, the lateral portion 45 extends transversely outwardly from the lower

member 55, beginning approximately at a rearmost part 75 of the upper member 25

and continuing alongside the lateral side edge 67 to the foremost end 73 to thereby

form a lateral heel flap 77 that is displaced upwardly against a lateral side 83 of the

shoe 23 when inserted therein, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

Similarly, the medial portion 47 of the heel portion 43 extends forwardly along

the medial side edge 35 to join the arch portion 53, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The

medial portion 47 extends transversely outwardly from the lower member 55,

17 beginning approximately at the rearmost part 75 of the upper member 25 and

continuing alongside the medial side edge 65 to the arch portion 53 to thereby form a

medial heel flap 85 that is displaced upwardly against a medial side 87 of the shoe 23

when inserted therein, as shown in Fig. 5. Such upward displacement of the lateral

portion 45 and the medial portion 47 when inserted in the shoe 23 substantially

increases the effective thickness of the upper member 25 in, and therefore

substantially increases the operative support provided by, the lateral portion 45 and the

medial portion 47 of the heel portion 43.

Similarly, the arch portion 53 extends forwardly along the medial side edge 35

from the medial portion 47 of the heel portion 43 to terminate just rearwardly of the

first metatarsal phalangeal joint Jl at a foremost end 93 thereof, as shown in Figs. 2

and 3. Further, the arch portion 53 extends transversely outwardly from the lower

member 55, beginning at medial portion 47 of the heel portion 43 and continuing

alongside the medial side edge 65 to the foremost end 93 to thereby form an arch flap

95 that is displaced upwardly against the medial side 87 of the shoe 23 when inserted

therein, as shown in Fig. 5. Again, such upward displacement of the arch portion 53

when inserted in a shoe substantially increases the effective thickness of the upper

member 25 in, and therefore substantially increases the operative support provided by,

the arch portion 53.

As an example of dimensions for the heel portion 43 and the arch portion 53 of

one of the exemplary specimens of the laminated insole insert 1, the transverse width

of the lateral portion 45 of the heel portion 43 is approximately 1.3 cm, or

18 approximately sixteen percent of the width of the upper member 25 corresponding to

the metatarsal joints; the transverse width of the medial portion 47 of the heel portion

43 is approximately 0.9 cm, or approximately eleven percent of the width of the upper

member 25 corresponding to the metatarsal joints; the maximum transverse width of

the arch portion 53 is approximately 2.0 cm, or approximately twenty-five percent of

the width of the upper member 25 corresponding to the metatarsal joints; the foremost

end 73 of the lateral portion 45 of the heel portion 43 is spaced approximately 9.0

centimeters forwardly from the rearmost part 75 of the heel, or approximately forty

percent of the overall length of the upper member 25; the medial portion 47 of the heel

portion 43 extends forwardly to approximately 7.0 centimeters in front of the rearmost

part 75 of the heel, or approximately thirty percent of the overall length of the upper

member 25; and the foremost end 93 of the arch portion 53 is spaced approximately

14.5 centimeters forwardly from the rearmost part 75 of the heel, or approximately

sixty percent of the overall length of the upper member 25.

It is to be understood that the medial portion 47 of the heel portion 43 may

comprise a single flap or, alternatively, the medial portion 47 may be separated from

the arch portion 53 if desired, as indicated by a phantom line designated by the

numeral 97 in Fig. 3.

The front edge 57 of the lower member 55 is dimensioned and configured to

terminate just rearwardly from the second through fifth metatarsal phalangeal joints to

provide necessary stability and support therefor, and particularly support for the

second and third such joints. The lower member 55 also includes a metatarsal cutout

19 103 having a longitudinal side 105 operatively spaced between a user's first and

second metatarsal phalangeal joints Jl, J2, and a transverse side 107 dimensioned and

configured to be spaced rearwardly from the first metatarsal phalangeal joint to

thereby reduce support for the first metatarsal phalangeal joint and to thereby allow

that joint and the sesamoids there below to appropriately plantar flex between

midstance and toe-off phases of a user's gait.

In addition, the lower member 55 has a heel cutout 113 operatively spaced

below a central portion of a user's heel whereat the greatest weight-generated forces

are normally applied. For example, the heel cutout 113 of one of the exemplary

specimens has a generally circular or ovular shape, with an overall fore-and-aft

dimension of approximately 2.0 centimeters and an overall transverse dimension of

approximately 2.3 centimeters, or dimensions of approximately forty to forty-six

percent of the transverse width of the lower member 55 at the center of the heel cutout

113.

Briefly stated, the heel portion 43 and the arch portion 53 are configured and

dimensioned to cooperatively redistribute greater weight-generated forces normally

bearing against the central, more bony regions of the heel of a user's foot, that are

normally induced during various supported phases of the user's gait, outwardly toward

the larger and more fleshy regions of the user's heel that normally experience smaller,

weight-generated forces to thereby substantially reduce the range of such forces

bearing against the sole of the user's foot. In other words, the heel portion 43 and the

arch portion 53, in conjunction with the heel cutout 113, are configured to redistribute

20 the weight- generated forces from the center of the user's heel outwardly to thereby

reduce or eliminate the incidence of bruising at the bottom center of the user's heel.

The metatarsal cutout 103 is configured to permit the user's first metatarsal-

phalangeal joint Jl to move vertically downwardly while walking. The metatarsal

cutout 103, which is generally spaced such that the user's first metatarsal phalangeal

joint Jl is spaced approximately centrally there over, is configured to have sufficient

horizontal dimensions to properly accommodate the user's paired sesamoid bones

located beneath his first metatarsal joint Jl to thereby allow proper, natural flexion of

the user's metatarsal phalangeal joints despite the user's foot being confined to an

article of footwear.

More specifically, the metatarsal cutout 103 permits the first metatarsal

phalangeal joint Jl to be displaced more naturally relative to the adjacent metatarsals

to promote increased stability and greater balance to the extrinsic musculature of the

foot and to minimize or eliminate the incidence of saddle joint deformity.

Operatively depressing the upper member 25 into the metatarsal cutout 103 is also

configured to basically cup the first metatarsal phalangeal joint Jl to thereby

essentially lock the support provided by the laminated insole insert 1 securely in the

footwear against the user's foot and, additionally, to prevent forward slippage of the

user's foot in the footwear.

It is to be understood that the metatarsal cutout 103 may be approximately

trapezoidally shaped, as suggested in Fig. 3, or circular, rectangular, triangular, oval,

or any other suitable shape so long as the metatarsal cutout 103 is properly

21 dimensioned to. cooperatively with other components of the laminated insole insert 1,

accomplish desired foot functioning and redistribution of the weight-generated forces

bearing against the sole of the user's foot during the various phases of gait as

described herein.

The arch portion 53, in conjunction with the metatarsal cutout 103, is

configured to permit weight-generated forces to be more naturally distributed

between the user's arch and the various metatarsals to thereby minimize or eliminate

the incidence of tibial sesamoiditis. Further, the arch portion 53 and the metatarsal

cutout 103 are configured such that cooperative interaction therebetween reduces

first ray instability by supporting the talonavicular joint which, in turn, reduces the

stress on adjacent metatarsals thereby decreasing or eliminating the incidence of

metatarsal stress fractures. Also, the arch portion 53 is configured to promote more

natural control of the talonavicular joint to thereby decrease or eliminate the

incidence of shin splints and fatigue of the front and back leg muscles, and to

thereby promote more efficient movement of the user's lower leg muscles.

The operative structural and contour features of the laminated insole insert 1,

namely the metatarsal cutout 103, the heel portion 43, and the arch portion 53 are

configured to cooperatively provide the laminated insole insert 1 with the ability to

permit a user's foot to be secure and stable as necessary for appropriate flexing and

movement of the bone structure throughout the phases of gait in most existing

footwear that do not otherwise provide such security and stability. As an added

22 benefit of the laminated insole insert 1 , the metatarsal cutout 103, the heel portion

43, and the arch portion 53 are configured such that cooperative interaction there

among largely minimizes or eliminates excessive inward rotation of the user's leg to

thereby reduce knee and hip discomforts sometimes associated therewith. Further,

and particularly for users having flat feet, the body member 11, the metatarsal

cutout 103, the heel portion 43, and the arch portion 53 are configured such that

cooperative interaction there among will more naturally balance the extrinsic

muscles on the top and bottom of the user's foot to thereby minimize or entirely

eliminate the maladies commonly referred to as bunions and hammertoes.

A state-of-the-art system, developed for measuring the distribution of weight-

generated forces applied to the sole of a user's foot, sometimes referred to as "F-

scan in-shoe gait analysis", was used to evaluate the inventive features of the

laminated insole insert 1 of the present invention. The F-scan system uses paper-

thin insole devices, each approximately 0.007-inch thick and containing on the order

of a thousand individual sensors. The F-scan insole devices are flexible and

trimmable to custom fit almost any shoe size or shape, including children's shoes.

During evaluations, the F-scan insoles are attached directly to the bottom of a sock

or the skin of a child's sole before insertion into footwear. The bi-pedal plantar

pressures at each of the sensors are then detected, monitored, and recorded by the

F-scan system as they sequentially occur during a normal gait cycle and/or during

stance. The results may then be compared with similar measurements taken with the

23 same or similar footwear, one set with modifications such as the laminated insole

insert 1 , and one set without such modifications.

In regard to the present invention, F-scan computerized gait analysis system

was used for diagnostic evaluations of footwear not providing the benefits of the

laminated insole insert 1 and compared with corresponding diagnostic evaluations of

footwear utilizing the laminated insole insert 1 of the present invention. The

comparison of the sets of analyses disclosed that the greatest weight-generated forces

normally applied to localized regions of the user's foot were indeed redistributed

toward other regions of the user's foot sole normally experiencing smaller weight-

generated forces to thereby substantially reduce the range of applied weight-

generated forces.

In an application of the present invention wherein the laminated insole insert 1

is appropriately installed in existing footwear and worn on a user's foot, some of the

primary benefits provided by the laminated insole insert 1 while walking and running

begin at heel strike, when the heel of the user's footwear first hits the underlying

supporting surface. The resiliency of the lateral portion 45 of the heel portion 43 of

the laminated insole insert 1 , in addition to cooperatively redistributing weight-

generated forces applied to the user's foot as described herein, also provides

cushioning for those initial impacts to thereby reduce risk of injury to the user and

to thereby support and promote enhanced efficiency of other associated parts of the

user's foot and lower skeletal structure.

24 After each such initial impact, the user's foot pivots distally about his heel,

with the lateral sides of his arch and forefoot impacting against the underlying

supporting surface and his foot pronating to a neutral position with the central

vertical plane of his heel generally appropriately oriented perpendicularly to the

underlying supporting surface. Again, resiliency of the arch portion 53 and the

body member 11 of the laminated insole insert 1 provides cushioning for the shocks

arising from such secondary impacts. As the user's metatarsal phalangeal joints shift

downwardly, the first metatarsal phalangeal joint stabilizes as it must before the user's

foot subsequently lifts from the underlying supporting surface. The lesser phalangeal

joints are accordingly stabilized due to the contours of the lower member 55, including

the metatarsal cutout 103 for the first metatarsal phalangeal joint Jl as herein

described.

The resiliency of the body member 11 beneath the user's metatarsal heads

M1-M5 also serves to redistribute weight-generated forces applied there against

during mid-stance through propulsive phases of his gait cycle. The described

motion places the user's foot in an appropriate biomechanical position for the

propulsive phase of his gait cycle, including proper displacing of his sesamoid

apparatus during mid-stance and toe-off phases. In addition, the cooperative

interaction by the heel portion 43, the arch portion 53, and the body member 11

allows the sesamoids and certain muscles of the user's foot to momentarily rest to

thereby create a desirable timing sequence thereof and, particularly in conjunction

25 with the metatarsal cutout 103, to create a more effective lever system just prior to the

foot progressing into the toe-off phase of his gait.

As the user's foot rotates forwardly into the toe-off phase, the first metatarsal

Ml is permitted by the interaction between the upper member 25 and the lower

member 55 to be appropriately pushed downwardly, remaining stable, particularly due

to the support provided to the second and third metatarsals by the lower member 55 as

the user's heel lifts from the underlying supporting surface, and continuing to remain

stable and appropriately flex without forward slippage up to the position in the user's

gait whereat the first metatarsal phalangeal joint Jl lifts from the underlying

supporting surface. In other words, as the user's heel lifts from the underlying

supporting surface, the laminated insole insert 1 allows the user's first metatarsal

phalangeal joint Jl to actually displace downwardly to continue to be stabilized,

thereby progressively providing appropriate functioning of the user's foot throughout

the entire supported phases of his gait.

One of the primary reasons the user's foot remains stable throughout the

supported phases of his gait is because the structure of the laminated insole insert 1

provides support and stability for each of the user's heel, arch, and first metatarsal

from before the user's foot rotates forwardly, whereat his heel lifts from the

underlying supporting surface, to the point in the user's gait whereat the user's first

metatarsal actually lifts from the underlying supporting surface. Thus, the laminated

insole insert 1 appropriately provides all of the necessary supporting and stabilizing

26 factors while allowing the user's foot to function appropriately within the confines of

his shoe.

In other words, the laminated insole insert 1 is adapted to support and

maintain the heel in a perpendicular orientation relative to the underlying supporting

surface to thereby support the longitudinal arch of the foot by shifting the weight

laterally, to provide a larger surface area to balance the user's weight as well as to

provide a more even distribution of weight-generated forces applied to the sole of

his feet, and to allow his foot to function more efficiently by allowing the first

metatarsal phalangeal joint and associated sesamoid apparatus to function properly.

It should now be obvious from the foregoing that the material properties of

the various regions of the laminated insole insert 1 appropriately cushion, support

and stabilize various parts of the user's foot as herein described. It should also now

be obvious that the resiliencies hereinbefore described may be altered, depending

upon the intended use of the footwear for which the laminated insole insert 1 is

intended. For example, adult footwear designed for use in situations where the

wearer will frequently be carrying a heavy load (e.g., work boots) may require

more support than a child's dress shoe. Likewise, footwear made for mnning may

require firmer support in the heel section to thereby absorb the greater initial shock

of each running step than would a hiking boot in which more cushioning may be

desired for each walking step. Further, it will be appreciated that the present

invention is not limited necessarily to any particular type of footwear and may be

equally desirable for use in shoes and boots.

27 Use of the laminated insole insert 1 of the present invention in a child's shoe

will preferably be initiated as soon as the infant's feet become weight-bearing to

thereby aid the child in standing and walking, to mold the child's foot into an

appropriate position that does not interfere with the foot's normal ontogenetic

development, and to provide substantially full and complete support between the

child's foot and the underlying supporting surface.

A first modified embodiment of the laminated insole insert in accordance with

the present invention is shown in Figs. 6 through 8 and is generally designated by

the numeral 119. Many of the characteristics of the first modified embodiment 119

are substantially similar to those of the previously described embodiment 1 and will

not be reiterated here in detail.

The first modified embodiment 119, adapted for insertion in a wearer's shoe

121, generally comprises a body member 123 including an upper member 125 having

a toe edge 127, a heel edge 133, a medial side edge 135, and a lateral side edge 137.

The upper member 125 includes a heel portion 143, having a lateral portion 145 and a

medial portion 147, and an arch portion 153. The body member 123 also includes a

lower member 155 that is laminated or otherwise secured to, the upper member 125.

The lower member 155 has a front edge 157, a heel edge 163, a medial side edge 165,

and a lateral side edge 167.

The lateral portion 145 of the upper member 125 extends forwardly along the

lateral side edge 137, as shown in Fig. 6, to terminate at a foremost end 173 thereof.

28 Further, the lateral portion 145 extends transversely outwardly from the lower member

155, beginning approximately at a rearmost part 175 of the upper member 125 and

continuing alongside the lateral side edge 167 to the foremost end 173 to thereby form

a lateral heel flap 177 that is displaced upwardly against a lateral side 183 of the shoe

121 when inserted therein, as shown in Fig. 8.

Similarly, the medial portion 147 of the upper member 125 extends forwardly

along the medial side edge 135 to join the arch portion 153, as shown in Fig. 6. The

medial portion 147 extends transversely outwardly from the lower member 155,

beginning approximately at the rearmost part 175 of the upper member 125 and

continuing alongside the medial side edge 165 to the arch portion 153 to thereby form

a medial heel flap 185 that is displaced upwardly against a medial side 187 of the shoe

121 when inserted therein, as shown in Fig. 8.

Similarly, the arch portion 153 extends forwardly along the medial side edge

135 from the medial portion 147 of the heel portion 143 to terminate just rearwardly of

the first metatarsal phalangeal joint Jl at a foremost end 193 thereof, as shown in Fig.

6. Further, the arch portion 153 extends transversely outwardly from the lower

member 155, beginning at the medial portion 147 of the heel portion 143 and

continuing alongside the medial side edge 165 to the foremost end 193 to thereby form

an arch flap 195 that is displaced upwardly against the medial side 187 of the shoe 121

when inserted therein, as shown in Fig. 8.

The front edge 157 of the lower member 155 is dimensioned and configured to

29 provide necessary stability and support therefor, particularly to the second and third

such joints. The lower member 155 also includes a metatarsal cutout 203 having a

longitudinal side 205 operatively spaced between a user's first and second metatarsal

phalangeal joints Jl, J2, and a transverse side 207 dimensioned and configured to be

spaced rearwardly from the first metatarsal phalangeal joint to thereby reduce support

for the first metatarsal phalangeal joint and to thereby allow that joint and the

sesamoids there below to appropriately plantar flex between midstance and toe-off

phases of a user's gait. In addition, the lower member 155 has a heel cutout 213

operatively spaced below a central portion of a user's heel whereat the greatest

weight-generated forces are normally applied.

The metatarsal cutout 203 is configured to permit the user's first metatarsal

phalangeal joint Jl to move vertically downwardly while walking. The metatarsal

cutout 203, which is generally spaced such that the user's first metatarsal phalangeal

horizontal dimensions to properly accommodate the user's paired sesamoid bones

article of footwear.

The body member 123 of the first modified embodiment 119 also includes a

metatarsal member 215, generally constructed of the same type of material as the

lower member 155, preferably the "POLIYOU" material, that is laminated or

otherwise secured to the lower member 155, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The

30 metatarsal member 215 may have the same thickness as the upper member 125, the

lower member 155, or any other suitable thickness, as desired. The metatarsal

member 215 has a front edge 217 that is approximately transversely aligned with the

transverse side 207 of the metatarsal cutout 203. The metatarsal member 215 is

dimensioned and configured to provide further support for at least the second and

third metatarsals. In addition, the metatarsal member 215 is dimensioned and

configured to, in conjunction with the upper member 125, the lower member 155,

and particularly the metatarsal cutout 203, allow the sesamoids and associated

muscles of the user's foot to momentarily rest during the mid-stance phase of the

user's gait to thereby create a desirable timing sequence thereof and to create a more

effective lever system just prior to the foot progressing into the toe-off phase. For

example, one of the exemplary specimens has an overall fore-and-aft dimension of

approximately 5.0 centimeters, or approximately twenty percent of the overall length

of the insole insert 119.

In regard to the first modified embodiment 119 of the present invention, F-scan

computerized gait analysis system was used for diagnostic evaluations of footwear not

providing the benefits of the first modified embodiment 119 and compared with

corresponding diagnostic evaluations of footwear utilizing the first modified

embodiment 119 of the present invention. Again, the comparison of the sets of

analyses disclosed that the greatest weight-generated forces normally applied to

localized regions of the user's foot sole are indeed redistributed toward other regions

31 of the user's foot sole that normally experiences smaller weight-generated forces to

thereby substantially reduce the range of applied weight-generated forces.

A second modified embodiment of the laminated insole insert in accordance

with the present invention is shown in Figs. 9 through 12 and is generally designated

by the numeral 219. Many of the characteristics of the second modified

embodiment 219 are substantially similar to those of the previously described

embodiments and will not be reiterated here in detail.

The second modified embodiment 219, adapted for insertion in a wearer's shoe

221, generally comprises a body member 225 having a toe edge 227, a heel edge 233,

a medial side edge 235, and a lateral side edge 237. The body member 225 includes a

heel portion 243, having a lateral portion 245 and a medial portion 247, and an arch

portion 253. The second modified embodiment 219 also includes an arch member 255

that is laminated or otherwise secured to, the body member 225.

The lateral portion 245 of the body member 225 extends forwardly along the

lateral side edge 237, as shown in Fig. 9, to terminate at a foremost end 273 thereof.

Further, the lateral portion 245 extends transversely outwardly beginning

approximately at a rearmost part 275 of the body member 225 and continuing

alongside the lateral side edge 237 to the foremost end 273 to thereby form a lateral

heel flap 277 that is displaced upwardly against a lateral side 283 of the shoe 221

when inserted therein, as shown in Fig. 11.

Similarly, the medial portion 247 of the heel portion 243 of the body member

225 extends forwardly along the medial side edge 235 to join the arch portion 253.

32 The medial portion 247 extends transversely outwardly beginning approximately at

the rearmost part 275 of the body member 225 and continuing alongside the medial

side edge 235 approximately to the arch portion 253 to thereby form a medial heel flap

285 that is displaced upwardly against a medial side 287 of the shoe 221 when inserted

therein.

Similarly, the arch portion 253 extends forwardly along the medial side edge

235 approximately from the medial portion 247 of the heel portion 243 to terminate

just rearwardly of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint Jl at a foremost end 293

thereof. Further, the arch portion 253 extends transversely outwardly beginning at the

medial portion 247 of the heel portion 243 and continuing alongside the medial side

edge 235 to the foremost end 293.

The arch member 255 is adapted to underlie and support the second and third

(and fourth, if desired) metatarsal necks N2, N3. An inner extent of the arch

member 255 essentially defines a boundary, designated by the numeral 303 in Figs.

9 and 10, having a fore medial segment 305, an intermediate segment 307, and an

aft medial segment 313. The fore medial segment 305 of the boundary 303 is offset

rearwardly with respect to the intermediate segment 307 of the boundary 303 to

accommodate the first metatarsal head. The fore medial segment 305 passes

approximately or directly beneath the neck of the first metatarsal head, and the

intermediate segment 307 passes approximately or directly beneath the necks of the

second, third and perhaps fourth metatarsal necks.

33 In accordance with the present invention, the arch member 255 and the body

member 225 of the second modified embodiment 219 are cooperatively dimensioned

and configured such that (i) a softer resilient material is located in the region of the

user's heel, the lateral region of the user's arch, and the user's forefoot and toe

regions, and (ii) a harder resilient material located in the medial region of the user's

arch region and the user's second, third and perhaps fourth metatarsal regions, as

illustrated in Figs. 1 , 9, 10 and 12, which show the softer material in the form of

the body member 225 and the harder material in the form of the arch member 255,

with the arch member 225 secured to the underside of the arch portion 253 and other

areas of the body meber 225 adjacent thereto. Fig. 11 shows the second modified

embodiment 219 inserted in the shoe 221.

The body member 225 of softer material preferably has a Type C (commonly

referred to as "Shore C Scale") durometer hardness measured in accordance with

American Society of Testing and Material (ASTM) standard D 2440-97 of less than

about 70 and more preferably a hardness in a range of about 40-60. Depending

upon the particular activity for which the footwear is intended, however, the

hardness may be greater or lesser as desired. For example, if the footwear is

intended for walking, the body member 225 may have a Type C durometer hardness

(ASTM D 2240-97) of about 45, whereas if the footwear is intended for running,

the body member 225 may have a hardness of about 60. In short, the body member

225 should be sufficiently "soft" to provide shock attenuation, but sufficiently firm

to provide stability to the foot. The arch member 225 of harder material preferably

34 has a Type C durometer hardness (ASTM D 2240-97) of 50-85, and preferably

greater than about 60. For footwear (e.g. work boots) subjected to heavy loading,

the body 42 preferably has a hardness of about 75.

The two components of the second modified embodiment 219, namely the

body member 225 and the arch member 255, may be bonded to one another in any

suitable manner, such as by heat fusion, adhesive, or by a chemical or curing

process. The arch member 255 can be formed of any suitable material, such as

polyurethane, TPR, PVC, EVA or other material well known to those of ordinary

skill in the art of footwear. In addition, the body member 225 and the arch member

255 may be constructed of different colored materials to thereby enhance the

aesthetic characteristics of the second modified embodiment 219, for example,

and/or to highlight the use of multiple materials for marketability.

The softer material of the body member 225 compresses relatively easily

when loaded. However, the harder material of the arch member 255 does not

compress as easily when loaded. Therefore, the areas of the body member 225 are

configured to, among other things, deflect to absorb impact forces, whereas the

areas of the arch member 255 are configured to, among other things, more

diligently resist compression and thereby provide firmer support for the arch region

of the user's foot.

In other words, the arch member 255 firmly supports the osseous alignment

of the user's foot when in the neutral position thereby relieving stress in the

ligaments, muscles and tendons which maintain the foot in this position. During

35 toe-off, the arch member 255 provides necessary support for the second and third

(and perhaps fourth, N4) metatarsal necks N2, N3, but the softer material of the

body member 225 permits the first metatarsal neck Nl and head Ml to plantarflex

relative to the second and third metatarsal heads M2, M3.

As shown in Fig. 1 , the aft medial segment 313 of the second modified

embodiment 219 extends generally between the third and fourth metatarsal necks

N3, N4, continues rearwardly approximately beneath the juncture between the

cuboid bone 315 and the lateral cuniform bone 317, and curves gradually in a

rearward and medial direction to the medial side edge 235 passing approximately

beneath the juncture between the navicular bone 323 and the forward end of the

medial tuberosity 325 of the user's heel such that the body member 225 provides

cushioning for the entire heel area.

Briefly stated, the second modified embodiment 219 of the present invention

comprises a first softer material positioned for attenuating the impact forces applied

to the user's foot and other skeletal structures during standing, walking and running,

and a second harder material for firmly supporting the user's foot.

The body member 225, located distally from the arch member 255, interacts

with the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal heads, whereas the arch

member 255 provides support for the metatarsal necks, proximal phalanges and

metatarsal phalangeal joints associated with the second and third metatarsal heads.

The structural design of the second modified embodiment 219 provides

stability to the rear and mid foot regions, and simultaneously provides the transverse

36 plane of the forefoot with uninhibited, enhanced motion, accomplished at the

metatarsal phalangeal joints.

In regard to the second modified embodiment of the present invention, F-scan

providing the benefits of the second modified embodiment 219 and compared with

corresponding diagnostic evaluations of footwear utilizing the second modified

embodiment 219 of the present invention. The comparison of the sets of analyses

disclosed that the greatest weight-generated forces normally applied to localized

regions of the user's foot sole are indeed redistributed toward other regions of the

user's foot sole that normally experience smaller weight- generated forces to thereby

substantially reduce the range of applied weight generated forces.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have

been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or

arrangement of parts described and shown.

37

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows:

1. An insole insert for a user's footwear, said insole insert comprising: a body

having a upper member with a heel portion, a toe edge, a heel edge, a lateral

side edge, and a medial side edge, said heel portion including a medial

portion extending along said heel edge and said medial side edge, and a

lateral portion extending along said heel edge and said lateral side edge, of

said upper member; said upper member constructed of flexible material and

configured such that said medial portion and said lateral portion are

displaceable upwardly alongside respective medial and lateral sides of the

user's footwear to operatively and cooperatively redistribute weight-generated

forces operatively bearing against the heel of the user's foot such that greater

weight-generated forces normally bearing against certain regions of the heel

of the user's foot are substantially reduced and redistributed toward other

regions of the user's foot whereat normally smaller weight-generated forces

normally bear against the user's foot.

2. The insole insert of claim 1 , wherein said upper member has a substantially

uniform thickness.

38

3. The insole insert of claim 2, wherein said upper member has a thickness of

approximately four millimeters.

4. The insole insert of claim 1, wherein said body member further includes a

lower member connected to said upper member.

5. The insole insert of claim 4, wherein said upper member and said lower

member each have a substantially uniform thickness.

6. The insole insert of claim 5, wherein the thickness of said lower member is

different from the thickness of said upper member.

7. The insole insert of claim 5, wherein said lower member has a thickness of

approximately six millimeters.

8. The insole insert of claim 5, wherein the thickness of said lower member is

greater than the thickness of said upper member.

9. The insole insert of claim 4, wherein said body member further includes a

metatarsal member connected to said lower member.

39

10. The insole insert of claim 9, wherein said metatarsal member has a

substantially uniform thickness.

11. The insole insert of claim 4, including a metatarsal cutout in said lower

member, said metatarsal cutout dimensioned and configured to be generally

operatively centered beneath the user's first metatarsal joint.

12. The insole insert of claim 11 , wherein said metatarsal cutout has a

longitudinal side spaced operatively between the user's first and second

metatarsal phalangeal joints.

13. The insole insert of claim 11, wherein said metatarsal cutout has a transverse

side spaced operatively just rearwardly from the user's first metatarsal

phalangeal joint.

14. The insole insert of claim 13, wherein said metatarsal cutout has a transverse

side that is approximately transversely aligned with said front edge of said

metatarsal member.

15. The insole insert of claim 11 , wherein said upper member, said lower

member, and said metatarsal cutout are dimensioned and configured to

cooperatively allow the user's first metatarsal phalangeal joint and his

40 sesamoids there below to appropriately plantarflex between the midstance and

toe-off phases of the user's gait.

16. The insole insert of claim 11 , wherein said metatarsal cutout is configured to

have an approximately trapezoidal shape.

17. The insole insert of claim 4, including a heel cutout in said lower member,

said heel cutout generally operatively centered beneath the user's heel

whereat the greatest weight-generated forces are normally applied.

18. The insole insert of claim 4, further including said lower member having a

front edge operatively spaced just rearwardly from at least the user's second

and third metatarsal phalangeal joints.

19. The insole insert of claim 4, further including said lower member having a

front edge operatively spaced just rearwardly from the user's second through

fifth metatarsal phalangeal joints.

20. The insole insert of claim 1 , wherein said body member further includes an

arch portion extending forwardly from said medial portion along said medial

side edge wherein said arch portion is configured to be displaceable upwardly

alongside the medial side of the user footwear to, cooperatively with said

41 medial portion and said lateral portion, redistribute weight-generated forces

operatively bearing against the sole of the user's foot such that greater

weight-generated forces normally bearing against certain regions of the sole

of the user's foot are substantially reduced and redistributed toward other

regions of the user's foot whereat normally smaller weight-generated forces

normally bear against the user's foot.

21. The insole insert of claim 20, wherein said heel portion and said arch portion

are configured to cooperatively redistribute the greater weight-generated

forces normally applied to the inner and more bony regions of the user's heel

outwardly toward the outer and more fleshy regions of the user's heel.

22. The insole insert of claim 1 , wherein said medial portion and said lateral

portion are configured to operatively effectively increase the thickness thereof

when said insole insert is inserted in the user's footwear.

23. The insole insert of claim 1, wherein said medial portion and said lateral

portion are configured to operatively increase the support provided thereby

when said insole insert is inserted in the user's footwear.

42

24. An insole insert for a user's footwear, said insole insert comprising:

(a) a body having

(1) a upper member, constructed of flexible material having a

substantially uniform thickness, with a heel portion, an arch

portion, a toe edge, a heel edge, a lateral side edge, and a

medial side edge, said heel portion including a medial portion

extending along said heel edge and said medial side edge, and a

lateral portion extending along said heel edge and said lateral

side edge of said upper member; said arch portion extending

forwardly from said medial portion along said medial side edge;

said medial portion and said arch portion configured to be

displaceable upwardly alongside the medial side of the user

footwear, and said lateral portion configured to be displaceable

upwardly alongside the lateral side of the user footwear, to

operatively and cooperatively redistribute weight-generated

forces operatively bearing against the sole of the user's foot

such that greater weight-generated forces normally bearing

against certain regions of the sole of the user's foot are

substantially reduced and redistributed toward other regions of

the user's foot whereat normally smaller weight-generated

forces normally bear against the user's foot;

43 (2) a lower member, having a substantially uniform thickness,

connected to said upper member and a front edge operatively

spaced just rearwardly from at least the user's second and third

metatarsal phalangeal joints

(b) a metatarsal member, having a substantially uniform thickness,

connected to said lower member; said metatarsal member having a

transversely oriented front edge;

(c) a metatarsal cutout in said lower member, said metatarsal cutout

dimensioned and configured to be generally operatively centered

beneath the user's first metatarsal joint, said metatarsal cutout having:

(1) a longitudinal side spaced operatively between the user's first

and second metatarsal phalangeal joints, and

(2) a transverse side, spaced operatively just rearwardly from the

user's first metatarsal phalangeal joint and approximately

transversely aligned with said front edge of said metatarsal

member; and

(d) a heel cutout in said lower member, said heel cutout generally

operatively centered beneath the user's heel whereat the greatest

weight-generated forces are normally applied; and

(e) wherein said upper member, said lower member, and said metatarsal

cutout are dimensioned and configured to cooperatively allow the

user's first metatarsal phalangeal joint and his sesamoids there below

44 to appropriately plantarflex between the midstance and toe-off phases

of the user's gait.

25. The insole insert of claim 24, further including:

(a) said upper member having an arch portion; and

(b) an arch member, constructed of harder material than said upper

member and connected to an underside of said arch portion, that is

configured to operatively provide support for at least the second and

third metatarsal necks of the user's foot and for the user's arch, said

arch member configured to provide said support throughout supported

phases of the user's gait.

26. The insole insert of claim 25, wherein said arch member comprises a

boundary having a fore medial segment and an intermediate segment, wherein

said intermediate segment is configured to operatively pass approximately

beneath at least the second and third metatarsal necks of the user's foot, and

said for medial segment is configured to operatively pass approximately

beneath the first metatarsal neck of the user's foot.

27. The insole insert of claim 25, wherein said arch member comprises a

boundary having an aft medial segment configured to operatively extend

generally between user's third and fourth metatarsal necks, continue

45 rearwardly approximately beneath the juncture between user's cuboid bone

and lateral cuniform bone, and curve gradually rearwardly and medially to

said medial side edge to pass approximately beneath the juncture between the

user's navicular bone and the forward end of the medial tuberosity of the

user's foot.

46