WO2000059414A1

WO2000059414A1 - Shoes and shoe components for use in magnetic therapy

Info

Publication number: WO2000059414A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/008381
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Urban Geiwald; Thomas Mcgrath Lukens
Original assignee: Winds Inc.
Priority date: 1999-04-02
Filing date: 2000-03-29
Publication date: 2000-10-12
Also published as: WO2000059414A9; AU4046500A

Abstract

Devices that are incorporated into footwear to provide magnetic therapy for a patient's foot. Embodiments include a magnetic heel cup insert (2) arranged so as to extend around the heel and toward the instep and up toward the ankle of the user. A shoe upper portion (4) including a magnetic inner lining (6) is arranged and configured to extend over the metatarsal portion of the foot. A magnetic insole (8) extends along the length of the bottom inside portion of an athletic shoe (1) to provide magnetic therapy to the bottom of the user's foot. The magnetic heel cup insert (2), the magnetic inner lining (6), and the magnetic insole (8) preferably envelop the entire patient's foot, so as to provide full magnetic therapy for the patient's foot. Using these devices, magnetic material can be placed in a variety of locations relative to the foot, and the gauss and polarity of the magnetic material can be varied for a desired magnetic therapy.

Description

SHOES AND SHOE COMPONENTS FOR USE IN MAGNETIC THERAPY

This application is based on copending provisional application serial No. 60/127,506, filed April 2, 1999.

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to footwear for use in magnetic therapy and magnetic footwear components. Specifically, the present invention relates to shoes for use in magnetic therapy and parts for the manufacture of such shoes, including but not limited to fabrics, tongues, insoles, midsoles, and heel cups, and kits containing such parts. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a therapeutic shoe having a magnetic heel cup, a magnetic fabric inner lining having a variety of magnetic patterns arranged thereon, and a magnetic midsole.

Background of the Invention Magnetic therapy has been used around the world for centuries as a method for the relief of pain. Contemporary studies have shown that magnets strategically placed against the skin over an area of injured tissue can increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the injured tissue and thereby speed the body's natural healing process. Today, magnetic therapy is accepted medical treatment in nearly 50 countries, including Germany, Israel, Japan, and Russia, and is especially popular with people suffering from chronic pain that conventional treatments cannot remedy. More recently, magnetic therapy has gained acceptance by the medical community in the United States with the publication of a study conducted by Dr. Carlos Vallbona and colleagues at Baylor University. Vallbona et al., Arch. Phys Med Rehabil., 78: 1200 (1997). In a double-blind study Vallbona et al. tested whether patients suffering from chronic pain due to childhood polio received pain relief when treated with magnetic fields of about 300 to 500 gauss. The magnets were of various sizes and shapes so as to fit over the anatomic area identified as the source of each patient's pain. After 45 minutes of treatment, 22 out of the 29 patients treated with magnets reported that their pain had decreased by 50 percent. In contrast, only four placebo patients noted a very slight reduction in pain. As a result of the worldwide interest in magnetic therapy, a large variety of products for use in magnetic therapy have been developed and magnets have been incorporated into a variety of products, including: wraps for various parts of the human body, lumbar back belts, insoles, seat cushions, sleeping mattresses and pads, and necklaces and bracelets. In addition, magnetic therapy has long been used by horse trainers, resulting in the marketing of magnetic therapy products for animals such as magnetic blankets, magnetic hoof pads, and magnetic leg wraps.

Typically, two different types of magnets are used in magnetic therapy: static, also known as permanent magnets, and electromagnets, which are devices that send an electrical pulse through a magnet. Permanent magnets can be safely used as a drug-free, non-invasive treatment. They are widely considered to be safer than electromagnets, which can cause tissue damage, and should be used under the supervision of a practitioner. The World Health Organization has found magnets to be completely harmless in strengths up to 20,000 gauss. A typical refrigerator magnet measures about 200 gauss; therapeutic magnets range from 400 to 2500 gauss or more. Lopez et al. (U.S. Patent No. 5,720,046) describes a variety of clothing, including a foot covering and a foot band support, for use in magnetic therapy. More specifically, Figure 15 of the Lopez et al. patent shows a loose-fitting foot covering on which a plurality of permanent magnets are uniformly distributed, each having the same magnetic polarity, and positioned inwardly towards the user's skin. The ankle-to-foot support band depicted in Figure 19B of the Lopez et al. patent similarly reveals that the magnets are uniformly distributed and have the same polarity.

U.S. Patent No. 4,033,054 to Fukuoka describes footwear for magnetic and massage therapy. By using acupuncture and acupressure theories, Fukuoka strategically places ferrite magnets within pressure projections on shoe insoles. The reference further teaches that additional magnetic pressure projections can be distributed on upper portions of the shoe.

Baermann (U.S. Patent No. 4,549,532) teaches magnetic therapy by arranging magnetic material in stripes having alternating polarity. According to the teachings of Baermann, improved benefits can be obtained when rows of magnets with alternating polarity extend in a direction transverse to the blood flow direction. The Baermann patent teaches various configurations of magnetic material, including concentric circles having alternating polarity, and layers of magnetic material having alternating polarity. The reference teaches that the magnets are affixed using known skin-compatible, self- adhesive coatings on the active surface adjacent a user or by securing the magnetic material to the patient by means of separately added, skin-compatible plasters.

While such attachment methods may be convenient for properly arranging and fixing magnetic material to a patient's foot, the resulting mass of material may be uncomfortable for the patient, and may reduce patient ambulation. None of the above mentioned articles of magnetic therapy wear provides a method for attaching magnetic material to a patient's body that allows the patient to engage in vigorous activities and, at the same time, obtain the therapeutic value of magnetic therapy to the foot. In particular, no means are provided to direct magnetic therapy to the Achilles tendon and heel region of a patient's foot. Thus, there is a strong need for a manner in which to impart the advantages of magnetic therapy to a patient's foot and ankle, while still allowing the patient to engage in vigorous activities such as, but not limited to, hiking, running, tennis, golf, and basketball.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, magnetic midsoles, magnetic heel cups, magnetic fabrics, and magnetic shoes are provided for the purpose of allowing a person to receive the pain-relieving advantages of magnetic therapy.

More specifically, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a magnetic therapy shoe is provided. The magnetic therapy shoe includes a magnetic heel cup, a shoe upper with a magnetic fabric lining, and a magnetic midsole.

The magnetic heel cup of the invention is in one embodiment a single piece of injection-molded plastic containing magnetized ferrite or other magnetized material. The injection molded plastic heel cup preferably includes magnetic plastic layers having alternate positive and negative magnetic polarities. A second embodiment of the magnetic heel cup is an arch-shaped flexible magnet. The arch-shaped flexible magnet preferably contains one or more recesses, preferably one on each side, each recess further containing a flush mounted magnet, preferably a rare earth magnet sized to fit tightly in the recesses. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the rare earth magnets are sealed between layers of a water- impermeable plastic such as polyvinyl chloride.

A third embodiment of the magnetic heel cup is an arch-shaped flexible element, similar in shape to conventional heel counters. The heel cup of this embodiment includes at least one recess on opposing sides, each recess carrying a flush mounted magnet, preferably a rare earth magnet sized to fit tightly in the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the rare earth magnets are sealed between layers of a water-impermeable plastic such as polyvinyl chloride. This third embodiment differs from the second embodiment described above in that the arch-shaped flexible element is not a flexible magnet and instead is formed from a rigid plastic such as polypropylene. The shoe upper magnetic fabric lining of the present invention preferably comprises a pattern of magnetic plastic applied to a fabric lining. The pattern of magnetic plastic can be a pattern composed of a plurality of magnetic plastic dots. In one embodiment, the dots in the pattern have alternating positive and negative magnetic polarities. The pattern of magnetic plastic can also be a series of concentric circle arrangements. The magnetic plastic circles in one embodiment have alternating positive and negative magnetic polarities. In accordance with the present invention, the shoe upper magnetic lining can be incorporated into the tongue of a shoe and/or it can be incorporated into other portions of a shoe upper. The magnetic midsole of the present invention includes a conventional shape and is made of conventional materials such as ethyl vinyl acetate. The midsole includes one or more recesses for receiving a magnet, preferably a rare earth magnet. The recess and magnet are sized so that the magnet fits securely in the recess and is flush with the surface of the midsole adjacent the wearer's foot. Preferably the rare earth magnets are sized and positioned such that when placed on a person's foot, the rare earth magnets are adjacent a heel, arch and footpad region of the person wearing the shoe. In a preferred embodiment of the midsole of the present invention, the rare earth magnets are sealed between layers of a water-impermeable plastic such as polyvinyl chloride.

The present invention further provides a shoe having an internal portion for receipt of a foot of a wearer and an insert for the outsole of a shoe, the insert comprising a magnet having an upper surface that protrudes into an internal portion of the shoe. Preferably, the insert is located in a position so the magnet engages the heel of a wearer's foot when the foot is in the internal portion. Also preferably, the magnet includes an upper convex surface that protrudes into the internal portion. In one embodiment, the insert includes a translucent silicone rubber block in which the magnet is mounted.

Brief Description of the Drawings The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side perspective, partial cut-away view of a magnetic therapy shoe having a magnetic heel cup insert, a magnetic inner lining, and magnetic midsole, each of which embody the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a magnetic heel cup insert useful in the magnetic therapy shoe of FIGURE 1 ;

FIGURE 3 is a diagrammatic sectional view taken along the section lines 3-3 of FIGURE 2, and illustrating the alternating polarity of the layers of magnetic material within the heel cup; FIGURE 4 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of the magnetic heel cup insert of the present invention, including a magnetic heel cup insert made from a die-cut arch-shaped flexible magnet with die-cut recesses into which rare earth magnets are tightly seated; FIGURE 4A is a side perspective view of a third embodiment of a magnetic heel cup insert of the present invention including an arch-shaped heel counter with recesses into which rare earth magnets are seated;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a portion of an outsole for an athletic shoe, the outsole having a magnet embedded therein; FIGURE 6 is a side perspective cut-away view of the magnetic therapy shoe of

FIGURE 1, displaying an inner lining fabric that has a dot pattern of magnetic plastic;

FIGURE 7A is a diagrammatic view illustrating a process for forming the dot pattern of magnetic plastic in the inner lining fabric of the athletic shoe of FIGURE 6, whereby magnetic plastic pellets are placed into dot-like depressions in an aluminum mold;

FIGURE 7B is a diagrammatic view showing a further stage of production of the inner lining fabric, in which a fabric material is placed against the magnetic plastic pellets and the mold, the aluminum mold is heated, and the magnetic plastic is transferred to the fabric material; FIGURE 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the magnetic "dot" pattern formed on the inner fabric layer of the magnetic therapy shoe of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 9A is a side perspective view of the magnetic shoe sockliner showing sewn-in magnet material;

FIGURE 9B is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a magnetic shoe sockliner, similar to the magnetic shoe sockliner of FIGURE 9A, but including magnet inserts instead of sewn-in magnet material;

FIGURE 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a second embodiment of a magnetic sockliner of the present invention, in which a magnetic dot pattern is heat- transferred onto a fabric material that is then laminated to a sockliner; FIGURE 11 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a magnetic sockliner, showing magnets removed from magnet seats on the inside of a sockliner and the bottom sockliner portion being laminated to a top sockliner layer, which is in turn laminated with a sockliner fabric;

FIGURE 12 is a diagrammatic view of a fourth embodiment of a magnetic sockliner depicting a magnetic sockliner having magnets within magnet seats that are cut or molded into a sockliner; -o-

FIGURE 13 is a longitudinal cross section of the fourth embodiment of a magnetic sockliner of the present invention, including a magnetic sockliner having magnet seats into which magnets are placed;

FIGURE 14 is an exploded perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a magnetic sockliner, having a partial (3/4), three layer, magnetic sockliner, in which solid magnets are inserted into magnet seats cut out of the middle sockliner layer;

FIGURE 15 is a sixth embodiment of a magnetic sockliner, in which a pattern of magnets are arranged within a leather heel sockliner;

FIGURE 16 is a diagrammatic representation of magnetic concentric circles that can be heat transferred onto the surface of a magnetic inner liner to provide further embodiments of the present invention;

FIGURE 17 is a diagrammatic representation of a plurality of sets of magnetic concentric circles that are attached to a surface of a fabric that can be used for a magnetic inner liner of the present invention; FIGURE 18 is a top plan view of a tongue of the present invention carrying a magnetic inner liner fabric of the present invention;

FIGURE 19 is a top plan view of a midsole of the present invention; FIGURE 20 is a sectional view taken through the midsole of FIGURE 21 at one of the rare earth magnets; FIGURE 21 is a rear perspective view of a magnetic therapy shoe of the present invention;

FIGURE 22 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment wherein magnets are provided in a midsole or insole of a magnetic therapy shoe formed in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 23 is a top plan view of the magnet configuration in FIGURE 22; and

FIGURE 24 is an alternative embodiment of the magnetic heel cups of FIGURES 4 and 4A wherein a single magnet is provided in each side of the heel cup in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment The present invention provides a number of different embodiments for arranging magnets or magnetic material against the surface of a patient's foot. The following embodiments describe magnetic shoes, magnetic heel cups, magnetic insoles, magnetic sockliners, magnetic midsoles, and magnetic fabrics that are all provided for arranging magnetic material against the foot of a patient. As used herein, the term "insole" refers to the insole that is provided in a shoe as manufactured by the original manufacturer. Such insoles are in contrast to sockliners which are sometimes referred to as insoles which can be purchased at retailers for placement into a shoe as a replacement to the original sockliner. In athletic shoes, such as running shoes or tennis shoes, the insole is typically a fabric material. In other types of shoes, for instance in golf shoes, the insole is formed from a fiber board or cardboard-like material.

FIGURES 1 and 21 illustrate a magnetic therapy shoe, in the illustrated embodiment an athletic shoe 1 , which embodies a number of magnetic therapy devices in accordance with the present invention. Generally described, the athletic shoe 1 includes a magnetic heel cup insert 2 arranged so as to extend around the left and right sides of the heel and toward the instep and up toward the ankle of the user. Athletic shoe 1 includes a shoe upper portion 4, which includes a tongue 3 arranged and configured to extend over the metatarsal portion of the foot, and including a magnetic inner lining 6. A magnetic midsole 5 extends along the length of the bottom portion of the athletic shoe 1. The bottom surface of the midsole 5 carries the outsole 100. For purposes of illustration, the sockliner and insole for the shoe have been removed. In a conventional shoe, the insole is positioned on the side of the midsole opposite the outsole and the sockliner is positioned on the side of the insole opposite the midsole so as to be adjacent the wearer's foot.

In use, when a patient's foot is inserted into the athletic shoe 1, the magnetic heel cup insert 2 aligns against the heel of the patient, the magnetic inner lining 6 aligns against the metatarsal, side portions and/or upper portions of the patient's foot, depending on how extensive the magnetic inner lining is deployed, and magnetic midsole 5 aligns against the bottom side of the shoe insole. The top part of the shoe insole aligns with the underside of a sockliner, the side of the sockliner opposite the insole contacts the user's foot. The magnetic heel cup insert 2, magnetic inner lining 6, and magnetic midsole 5 preferably envelop the entire patient's foot, so as to provide full magnetic therapy for the patient's foot. However, the magnetic heel cup insert 2, magnetic inner lining 6, and magnetic midsole 5 could be used separately, or in any combination, and the shape of the magnetic therapy devices could be changed so as to provide therapy to desired portions of a foot. For example, a magnetic sockliner (not shown) could be used in place of or in combination with the illustrated magnetic midsole. As non-limiting examples, the following sections describe various embodiments of the heel cup 2, magnetic inner lining 6, magnetic sockliner, magnetic insoles, and magnetic midsole 5.

Although the various embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with respect to the athletic shoe 1 , it is understood that the described embodiments can be incorporated into any of various different designs for footwear, including, but not limited to, dress shoes, work shoes, casual shoes, and a variety of recreational shoes. In addition, as is described in further detail below, the magnetic heel cup inserts 2, magnetic inner linings 6, magnetic insoles, magnetic sockliners. and magnetic midsoles 5 described throughout the specification can be configured and arranged for a particular application. and can be reconfigured for comfort or to fit in desired locations against the foot of a patient.

Magnetic Heel Cups

One embodiment of a magnetic heel cup insert 2 is shown removed from the athletic shoe 1 in FIGURE 2. Magnetic heel cup 2 includes spaced-apart upright left and right sides. Left side 12 and right side 14 are connected along one end by curved back 10. The opposite ends of left and right sides 12, 14 are not connected to each other. Extending between bottom edges of sides 12, 14 is bottom 16. The magnetic heel cup insert 2 is preferably a single unitary piece of material designed and configured such that a human heel, when inserted into the athletic shoe 1 or any other footwear into which the magnetic heel cup insert is placed, makes contact with the inner surfaces of back 10, sides 12, 14 and a bottom 16 of the magnetic heel cup insert. The inner surfaces of the back 10, sides 12, 14, and bottom 16 are preferably contoured so as to fit against the surfaces of the patient's heel, so that the patient's heel and lower ankle are enveloped by the magnetic heel cup insert 2; however, the magnetic heel cup of the present invention can take any shape as necessary for a shoe design and application.

The back 10 of the magnetic heel cup insert 2 preferably extends upward to almost the ankle, but can extend upward a selected amount for a particular application. The magnetic heel cup insert 2 is also, preferably, designed such that the back 10 and sides 12, 14 transition into the bottom 16 in a smooth, rounded fashion 18, to maximize the contact of the wearer's foot with the magnetic heel cup insert 2. The magnetic heel cup insert 2 also contains a gap 20 extending longitudinally along the bottom end that allows the heel cup 2 to be easily fitted into whichever style of footwear is desirable.

The magnetic heel cup insert 2 is made from a suitable magnetic material, and more preferably a magnetic material mixed into a base material that can maintain the shape of the magnetic heel cup insert, and most preferably a magnetic plastic composition. As used hereafter, the term "magnetic plastic" refers to any plastic or rubber-like composition containing a magnetic material, such as ferrite powder or ferrite filings. Magnetic plastic can be made using a wide variety of different plastic or rubber compounds, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The magnetic material can be any material that has magnetic properties, but preferably is ferrite powder or ferrite filings. A wide variety of ferrite powders or ferrite filings can be used to make magnetic plastic. In a preferred magnetic plastic composition for the embodiment of FIGURE 2, the ferrite powder is about 80 to 90% by weight of the mixture and is added to a heated solution of PVC (10 to 20% by weight). More preferably, the magnetic plastic mixture contains 85% by weight ferrite powder and 15% by weight PVC.

FIGURE 3 presents a cross-sectional view of the magnetic heel cup insert 2. As can be seen in FIGURE 3, the magnetic heel cup insert 2 is preferably formed by layers of the magnetic plastic, with adjacent layers having opposite polarities. Preferably, there are an equal number of negative (-) magnetic polarity layers and positive (+) magnetic polarity layers, and in the preferred embodiment, the total number of layers are in the range of 2 to 12. In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 3, there are eight layers, four of 5 which are of negative (-) magnetic polarity, and four of which are positive (+) magnetic polarity. Beginning from the inner surface 23 of the layered heel cup 22, the even- numbered layers 24 have a negative (-) magnetic polarity. Each even-numbered layer 26 of the layered heel cup structure 22 has a positive (+) magnetic polarity. The alternating magnetic polarities are obtained by contacting each layer of the heel cup with a specially

10 designed circuit board which magnetizes the ferrite powder within each layer alternately to north (+) and south (-) polarity. Use of a circuit board in this manner is a process that is well known in the art of magnetization.

The odd 24 and even 26 layers of magnetic plastic are combined to preferably provide a total thickness ranging from about 1.0-3.0 mm. More preferably, the layers 24

15 and 26 of magnetic plastic provide a total thickness of from about 1.5 to 2.0 mm.

FIGURE 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a magnetic heel cup insert 102 of the present invention made from a die-cut arch-shaped flexible magnet 9 that is 1 mm in thickness. Heel cup insert 102 is similar in shape to heel cup 2 described and illustrated with reference to FIGURE 2 above; however, heel cup insert 102 does not include a

20 bottom similar to bottom 16 in FIGURE 2. Preferably, the die-cut arch-shaped flexible magnet 9 is formed from a magnetic plastic composition including a flexible matrix such as rubber, and a magnetic material, such as ferrite powder or filings. More preferably, the flexible magnet 9 is a 1 mm thick, die-cut bi-polar flexible magnet with a surface rating of 450-650 gauss.

25. The arch-shaped flexible magnet 9 preferably contains 4 die-cut recesses 1 1 into which 4 rare earth magnets or nylon/ferrite magnets 13 are tightly seated. Magnets 13 are preferably sealed between layers of a water-impermeable plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride. The layers of polyvinyl chloride can be sealed to each other ultrasonically or by any other means effective to form a water tight seal. Preferably the magnets are double

30 sealed between the plastic layers by providing two perimeter seals. Sealing the magnets in this manner serves to keep moisture from damaging the magnets, e.g., by corrosion. In addition, the plastic layer can serve as a barrier between the magnet and the wearer's skin should the magnet fracture and form a sharp edge. In view of these goals, the plastic chosen should be water-impermeable and sufficiently puncture and tear resistant to

35 achieve the above-described goals. In the embodiment shown, the die-cut recesses 1 1 and the rare earth magnets 13 are 12.5 mm in diameter, and 1.5 mm in thickness. The polarities of the magnets on one side of the heel cup insert are preferably reversed relative to each other. Referring to FIGURE 4A, a preferred embodiment of a magnetic heel cup insert is illustrated. The magnetic heel cup 202 insert shown in FIGURE 4A is substantially identical to that shown in FIGURE 4; however, the body of magnetic heel cup insert 202 is not magnetic. Satisfactory magnetic fields are provided when the magnetic field is provided solely by rare earth magnets ranges from about 1400 to about 1700.

The rare earth magnets preferably have a surface rating of 1400 to 1700 gauss. The higher gauss concentration can be provided at a chosen location depending upon the desired magnetic therapy. In the embodiment shown in FIGURES 4 and 4A, the rare earth magnets 13 project a deeper magnetic field that pinpoints the outside of the heel just below the ankle.

Referring to FIGURE 24, in an alternative embodiment, a heel cup 402 formed in accordance with the present invention may include a single magnet 13 on each side of the heel cup with the polarities of the magnets in the left and right side of the heel cup such that in one side the positive pole is on the outside of the heel cup and on the other side of the heel cup the negative pole is on the outside of the heel cup as illustrated in FIGURE 24. This configuration of the magnets is preferred to provide a magnetic field that extends from the left side of the heel cup to the right side of the heel cup and therefore through a heel positioned therebetween.

FIGURE 5 presents an insert 17 that is placed in the midsole (location of a midsole is shown at 18 in FIGURE 1) of a shoe. The magnet 19 is preferably formed from magnetic plastic, and is preferably molded into a cylindrical shape with an upper convex side 20. The magnet 19 is encased in a block 21 that fits into the midsole 18 (in FIGURE 1) of a shoe. The block is preferably formed from a clear (translucent) silicone rubber, which provides a cushion for a wearer of a shoe having the insert 17, and which creates a window through which a user can view the magnet from the bottom of the shoe. The convex side 20 of the magnet 19 protrudes slightly from the block 21 and is preferably arranged so that it makes contact with the bottom of a wearer's heel or the underside of the sockliner or insole. In this manner, the wearer is provided magnetic therapy on the bottom of the heel portion of the foot. Although the insert 17 is described with reference to an arrangement near the heel of the user, it is to be understood that a similar insert could be placed anywhere along the length of the foot and arranged relative to the foot so that it gives desired magnetic therapy. Magnetic Lining Fabric As described above, the athletic shoe 1 shown in FIGURE 1 has an upper shoe portion 4 that includes the magnetic inner lining 6. The magnetic shoe lining 6 of the present invention forms at least a portion of the interior of a shoe, and can be formed in many shapes and from many materials so as to meet a required application. The magnetic inner lining 6 preferably is formed of any material that can support magnets or magnetic material. The magnetic material on the magnetic inner lining 6 can be arranged in a number of suitable manners, depending upon the style of the footwear and the desired magnetic therapy. In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 6, the magnetic inner lining 6 fits over the top of a patient's foot, and includes plastic pellets 24 of ferrite powder attached to a fabric material 26. In a preferred alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIGURE 18, the magnetic fabric lining is incorporated into the tongue 3 of a shoe design. Such tongue can be used alone or in combination with any of the other magnetic components described herein. The plastic pellets 24 and the ferrite powder form a magnetic plastic as is described above with reference to the magnetic heel cup insert 2. Preferably, the magnetic inner lining 6 is made from a fabric material 26 that is suitable to withstand a heat-transfer process whereby plastic pellets containing ferrite powder are transferred to the fabric surface (described below). Suitable fabric materials for the practice of the present invention include those that are used in the industry and are stipulated by the shoe design.

The magnetic plastic composition suitable for heat-transfer preferably contains about 60 to 90 % by weight ferrite powder and about 10 to 40% by weight ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA). More preferably, the heat-transfer magnetic plastic composition contains about 70% by weight ferrite powder and about 30% by weight EVA. Preferred magnetic plastic pellets of the above composition are made by mixing a majority of the ferrite powder with EVA and heating the mixture to a temperature sufficient to melt the EVA. After cooling the initial melt, the balance of the ferrite powder is added and the mixture is heated above the melting point of the EVA a second time. The liquid magnetic plastic is then injection-molded as small pellets of uniform size.

As depicted in FIGURES 7A and 7B, the desired pattern of magnetic plastic deposited upon the surface of the magnetic inner lining 6 is obtained by transfer onto a shoe liner fabric 31 of melted magnetic plastic that is contained in a plurality of dot-like depressions 27 arranged on the surface of a specially designed aluminum mold plate 29. Magnetic plastic pellets 25 (FIGURE 7 A) are manufactured such that they contain sufficient magnetic plastic to fill dot-like depressions 27 on an aluminum mold plate 29 upon melting of the magnetic plastic pellets 25. The magnetic plastic pellets 25 contained in the depressions 27 of the aluminum mold 29 are transferred to the surface of the shoe liner fabric 31 (FIGURE 7B) in the following fashion. First, magnetic plastic pellets 25 are distributed to each depression 27 in the aluminum mold plate 29. The mold plate 29 is placed into an electric heat press designed to accommodate the mold plate 29 and the shoe liner fabric 31. As illustrated in FIGURE 7B, when the shoe liner fabric 31 is placed into the electric heat press, the shoe liner fabric 31 is in direct contact with the surface of the aluminum mold plate 29 that contains dot-like depressions 27 and the magnetic plastic pellets 25. Activation of the heat press results in the heating of the aluminum mold plate 29 to a temperature sufficient to melt the magnetic plastic pellets 25. The liquefied magnetic plastic is transferred from the mold plate depressions 27 by the absorbent quality of the liner fabric 31 that is in contact with the aluminum mold plate 29. The magnetic plastic bleeds through the fibers of the shoe liner fabric 31 and upon cooling is effectively cured to the fabric 31 in magnetic plastic dome shaped dots 28 as dictated by the shape of the aluminum mold plate depressions 27.

As can be understood, if the magnetic inner lining 6 is formed as is described with reference to FIGURES 7A and 7B, the shoe liner fabric 31 should be formed from a material that can withstand the necessary heat for forming the dome shaped dots 28. An exemplary material is cotton sheeting.

The heat-transfer process is performed using equipment that is well-known in the art of fabric manufacturing. The length of time and temperature of the heat-transfer process are selected depending upon the composition of the magnetic plastic material to be transferred, the depth of the depression in the mold plate and the type of fabric material upon which the magnetic plastic pattern is to be transferred. The adjustments to the heat-transfer process required by these variables are well-known in the art.

Preferably, the magnetic inner lining 6 includes a magnetic "dot" pattern such as is shown in FIGURE 8. As shown in FIGURE 8, magnetic plastic is arranged on the shoe liner fabric 31 in a "dot" pattern. The size and spacing for the dots can be closer for a magnetic therapy application. In the embodiment shown, the magnetic plastic dome shaped dot 28 is 1/8 inch in diameter and arranged with 16 dots per square inch. Different sizes and arrangements of the magnetic plastic dome shaped dots 28 can be provided for a selected magnetic therapy. The larger and thicker each dot is. the stronger the resulting magnetic field.

In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 8, the arrangement of the magnetic plastic dots 28 upon the shoe liner fabric 31 is a uniform pattern which alternates from row to row. The right-to-left distance 30 ("A"), between the edges of two dots 28 within the same row is preferably between 1/16 inch to 5/16 inch. Most preferably, the edge-to- edge distance 30 ("B") between dots 28 within the same row is 3/16 inch. The top-to- bottom distance 32 between the edges of dots 28 located in adjacent rows is preferably from 1/32 inch to 3/16 inch, and most preferably 1/16 inch.

In addition, the magnetic plastic dots 28 in the embodiment of FIGURE 8 are arranged within the pattern such that the magnetic polarity of each dot 28 within a row is different from that of the adjacent dots within the same row. For example, dot 36 has a positive (+) magnetic polarity and adjacent dots 34, 36 within the same row have a negative (-) magnetic polarity. The alternating pattern of magnetic polarity of the dots transferred to the shoe liner fabric 31 is obtained by electronically stimulating the magnetic particles within alternating dots to have a positive (+) (36) or negative (-) (34, 38) polarity. It is believed that by placing magnets of contrasting magnetic polarity adjacent one another, one of the magnets' north pole will react with its adjacent south pole counterpart and project a field in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the skin and therefore deeper beneath the skin.

Preferably, in the embodiment shown in FIGURE 8, the magnetic plastic dome shaped dots 28 project outward from the shoe liner fabric 31 about 1 mm. The degree to which the dots project outward from the shoe line fabric can be varied, taking into consideration the strength of the magnetic field desired and the tactile feel of the dots on the foot. Each dot preferably projects a surface rating of 250-350 gauss, which because of the convex shape of the dots, is centralized at the top/center of each dot, precisely where it contacts the foot.

The alternating pattern of magnetic polarity may be created using an electronic circuit board that is specially designed to fit the pattern of magnetic plastic that is heat- transferred to the surface of the shoe liner fabric 31. The electronic circuit board is placed in contact with the liner fabric such that each magnetic plastic dome shaped dot 28 is individually in contact with a different portion of the circuit board. Upon activation of the electronic circuit board each magnetic plastic dome shaped dot 28 is individually magnetized to whichever magnetic polarity is selected. Electronic circuit boards can be programmed to create any pattern of positively and negatively magnetized dots upon the surface of a shoe liner fabric 31.

In an alternative embodiment, the magnetized plastic is heat-transferred to the surface of the shoe lining fabric in a pattern of concentric circles, wherein the concentric circles have alternate magnetic polarity. An example of such a pattern is shown in FIGURES 16 and 17. FIGURE 16 shows a pattern of concentric circles 108, 110, and 112 made of a magnetic material such as magnetic plastic. The circles have alternating magnetic polarity. FIGURE 17 shows a plurality of such patterns 106, arranged on a fabric 131. The fabric 131 can be used as a magnetic inner lining 6 as described above. Alternatively, other patterns of magnetic plastic may be heat transferred onto a shoe liner fabric, whereby stripes (not shown) of alternating polarities are configured. The pattern of alternating magnetic polarities is obtained by designing an appropriately shaped electronic circuit board that facilitates electronic contact between the magnetic plastic pattern adhered to the shoe liner fabric and the electronic circuit board. Depending on the style of footwear, appropriately sized pieces of the magnetized shoe liner fabric are cut and laminated to the materials used to manufacture shoe upper components. Shoe upper components include, but are not limited to, the tongue and sidewalls. The processes whereby liner fabrics of any kind are laminated to leather, synthetic or other materials used to construct a shoe upper are well known in the art and are not altered by the presence of the magnetic plastic dots on the surface of the fabric used to line the interior of a shoe upper. The magnetized plastic dot surface of the shoe liner fabric is laminated onto the shoe upper component parts such that, upon assembly of the final shoe, the magnetized plastic dots are on the interior surface of the shoe upper and are in contact with the foot of a person wearing the shoe. Magnetic Shoe Sockliners

FIGURE 9A illustrates a magnetic shoe sockliner 8 suitable to use in the magnetic therapy shoe of FIGURE 1. The bottom portion 40 of the sockliner 8 is constructed from polyurethane, neoprene, ethylene-vinyl-acetate ("EVA"), or any other material suitable for sockliner construction. In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 9A, a sockliner fabric 42 is laminated to the upper surface of the layer 40. Magnetic material 44, 46, 48 is shaped to desired configurations and is sewn to the surface of the fabric 42. The magnetic material is preferably flexible so that it will not be damaged by a patient's foot, and is magnetic so as to provide magnetic therapy. A wide variety of magnetic sockliner designs are thus obtainable by varying the size, shape and location of the magnetic material 44, 46, 48 used to construct the upper surface of the sockliner. In the design shown in FIGURE 9A, the magnetic materials 44, 46 and 48 are provided at the heel, arch and footpad contacting regions of the sockliner 8 so as to project therapeutic magnetic fields to these areas of a foot of a person wearing shoes containing the magnetic sockliners.

The magnetic material 44, 46, and 48 used for the magnetic shoe sockliner 8 is preferably a flexible magnetic material, such as a magnetic plastic made from rubber and/or neoprene and magnetic powder and/or filings. This rubberized magnetic material is flexible and comfortable for a user so that magnetic therapy can be provided without discomfort for the user. As described above, the magnetic material is preferably flexible so that it would not be damaged by a patient's foot.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGURE 9B, the magnetic shoe sockliner 8 could be formed of a similar bottom layer 40a and fabric 42a as in FIGURE 9, but instead of sewing the flexible magnetic material 44a, 46a and 48a to the fabric 42a, the sockliner 8 includes recesses for receiving the flexible magnetic material 44a, 46a, and 48a. The magnetic material 44a, 46a, and 48a can be either flexible magnetic material as described in the previous embodiment, or can also be rare earth metal magnetic material. The flexible magnetic material may, for example, be surface rated at 450-650 gauss, and the rare earth metal magnet material may be surface rated at 1400 to 1700 gauss. Use of the rare earth metal magnet material provides a higher concentration of magnetic therapy at a desired location compared to the flexible magnetic material described above. The location of the magnetic material 44, 46, 48, 44a, 46a, and 48a in the embodiments shown in FIGURES 9A and 9B is appropriate for providing magnetic therapy to the areas of the foot most subject to the wearer's full weight. That is, the areas of the foot that receive magnetic therapy from the sockliners shown in FIGURES 9A and 9B are the heel, inner and outer balls of the foot, and the arch. Other areas of the foot can be the focus of a different arrangement of magnetic material.

An alternative sockliner fabric 142 includes magnetic plastic dots 28 heat- transferred to its surface is represented in FIGURE 10. The pattern in FIGURE 10 is very similar to the pattern of magnetic plastic dome shaped dots 28 on the magnetic inner lining of FIGURE 8. The magnetic plastic dome shaped dots 28 can be formed and magnetized as is described with reference to the magnetic plastic dome shaped dots for the magnetic inner lining of FIGURE 8. That is, the plastic heat-transfer mold, the heat- transfer process, the use of an electronic circuit board to magnetize the magnetic plastic transferred to the sockliner fabric and the lamination of the sockliner fabric can be used as described earlier for the magnetic inner lining of FIGURE 8. The arrangement of the magnetic plastic dots upon the sockliner fabric 142 is preferably in a uniform pattern. However, the dots can be arranged in any suitable manner on the sockliner fabric 142, and can be spaced and sized in a desired configuration. The distance 50, between the edges of two dots 28 within the same row, is preferably between 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch. Preferably, the inside edge-to-edge distance 50 between dots 28 within the same row is 5/16 inch. Also preferably, the distance 51 between the inside edges of dots 90 located in adjacent rows is from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch, more preferably 5/16 inch. In addition, the dots 28 are preferably arranged within the pattern such that the magnetic polarity of each dot 28 within a row is different from that of the adjacent dots within that same row. For example, dot 136 has a positive (+) magnetic polarity and adjacent dots 134, 138 within the same row have negative (-) magnetic polarity.

In an alternative embodiment, the pattern of magnetized plastic heat-transferred to the surface of the sockliner fabric is that of concentric circles, wherein the concentric circles have alternate polarity. An example of such a pattern is shown in FIGURES 16 and 18. As described above, FIGURE 16 shows a pattern of concentric circles made of a magnetic material such as magnetic plastic. In the embodiment shown, the circles have alternating magnetic polarity. FIGURE 17 shows a plurality of such patterns, arranged on a fabric 131. The fabric 131 can be used as a sockliner fabric as described above. Alternatively, other patterns of magnetic plastic may be printed onto the sockliner fabric whereby strips of alternating polarities are configured.

FIGURE 11 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic sockliner 208. In this embodiment, the bottom layer 40 of the magnetic sockliner 208 is made from EVA or another suitable sockliner material into which recessed magnet seats 54 and 55 are - l o- molded. The magnet seat 55 is in the shape of a horseshoe and extends around the heel portion of the bottom layer 40 of the magnetic sockliner 208. The magnet seats 54 are disc-shaped and are spaced longitudinally within the horseshoe-shaped pattern of the recessed magnet seat 55. The bottom layer 40 can also be designed to include surface texture, logos and other design features that are to appear on surfaces of the finished magnetic sockliner 208. The disc-shaped magnetic seats 54 are sized to receive a magnet material, preferably disc-shaped rare earth magnets 57 and a U-shaped magnet 59. Preferably, the rare earth magnets 57 and 59 are glued into the magnetic seats 54 and 55 prior to the joining of the bottom layer 40 with a top layer 51. The U-shaped magnetic seat 55 is designed to accommodate a U-shaped piece of flexible magnet 59 which is die-cut from a sheet of neoprene or other suitable magnetic material. The die-cut flexible magnet 59 is glued into the magnetic seat 55.

In FIGURE 1 1 the rare earth magnets 57 and 59 are placed into the magnetic seats 54 and 55. The rare earth magnets are preferably covered by a protective layer (not shown) such as a laminate PVC, which protects the wearer from sharp edges in the event that one of the rare earth magnets is broken. FIGURE 11 also illustrates how the recessed magnets 57 and 59 are covered by a top sockliner layer 51. The top inside layer 51 is preferably made of die-cut EVA sheeting that is laminated to the bottom layer 40 of the magnetic sockliner 208. Laminated to the upper surface 65 of the top sockliner layer 51 is an outer fabric layer 67 made from any material suitable for lining a sockliner, such as nylon, polyester or cotton.

The embodiment shown in FIGURE 11 is ideal for providing therapy to the heel region of a wearer's foot. The rare earth magnets 57 can be oppositely polarized so as to provide concentrated gauss magnetic therapy to a maximum depth at the center of the user's heel. In addition, the U-shaped die-cut flexible magnet 59 provides additional magnetic therapy to the outer circumference of the user's heel.

FIGURE 12 shows yet another embodiment of a magnetic sockliner 308. The magnetic sockliner 308 has recessed magnetic seats 154 in the bottom layer 140 which are sized to receive solid magnets 156, 158 made from a suitable magnetic material such as ferrite, or, more preferably, rare earth metals. The magnetic sockliner 308 illustrated in FIGURE 12 is designed to provide magnetic therapy to the heel and arch regions of a wearer's foot. In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 12, the magnetic therapy is provided by a pair of magnets having alternate magnetic fields 156, 158 positioned at the heel and arch regions of the magnetic sockliner 308. The magnet 156 has a positive (+) magnetic polarity, whereas the magnet 158 has a negative (-) magnetic polarity. As with the previously-described embodiments, by arranging the adjacent magnets with opposite polarity, the magnetic therapy extends to an area of the wearer's foot that is deeper beneath the skin. FIGURE 13 shows a cross-section view of a magnetic sockliner of FIGURE 12, whereby the recessed magnetic seats 254 are located in a bottom layer 246 of the sockliner. Solid magnets 256, 258 having alternate magnetic polarities are flush mounted in the recessed magnetic seats such that a top surface layer 260 of the sockliner 308 is in contact with the magnets 256, 258 and the bottom layer 240 of the sockliner 308.

FIGURE 14 illustrates a partial length (3/4) magnetic sockliner insert 62 designed to extend from the heel region to just past the foot arch. In this embodiment, the partial sockliner 62 is comprised of three layers of material. The lower layer 63 is a sockliner material, and preferably composed of EVA. The middle layer 64 is attached to the top of the lower layer 63, and includes a number of recesses that serve as magnet seats 354. The middle layer 64 is preferably composed of EVA and has a thickness that is selected such that it is slightly greater than that of solid magnets 70 that are flush mounted in the magnet seats 354. The magnetic seats 354 have a diameter sized to receive the magnets 70. The magnets 70 are preferably oriented within the magnet seats 354, such that their magnetic polarities alternate. Preferably, the magnets 70 of alternating polarity are located within 2 mm of each other. In one preferred embodiment, the magnets 70 are rare earth magnets 1.5 mm thick by 13 mm in diameter.

The lower sockliner layer 63 is laminated to the middle sockliner layer 64 containing the circular magnetic seats 354. After insertion of magnets 70 into the magnet seats 54, an upper sockliner layer 66 is preferably laminated to the middle 64 sockliner layer. The upper sockliner layer 66 is preferably composed of EVA. In one preferred embodiment, the upper layer 66 has a variable number of air vent holes 68 which extend through the upper sockliner layer 66 to allow air exchange with the middle layer 64. FIGURE 15 shows a top view of yet another magnetic heel sockliner 72. The magnetic heel sockliner 72 is comprised of two layers of material: a lower layer 74 (shown in phantom in FIGURE 16), preferably composed of EVA, that has molded recessed magnetic seats 454; and an upper layer 76, preferably, but not necessarily, composed of leather. The magnetic seats 454 are sized to receive solid magnets 78. The depth of magnetic seats 454 is selected such that when the magnets 78 are inserted into the seats 454 and the upper heel insole layer 76 is laminated to the lower heel sockliner layer 74, the magnets 78 are in contact with both lower layer 74 and upper layer 76. Preferably, the magnets 78 are rare earth magnets, 1.5 mm in thickness, with a circular diameter of 13 mm. In a preferred embodiment of the magnetic heel sockliner 72, the upper heel sockliner layer 76 is about 3 mm larger in size 80 than the lower heel sockliner layer 74 around the heel and lateral sides of the magnetic heel sockliner. To depict this difference in size, the outer perimeter of the preferred embodiment of the lower heel sockliner is - 1 o- depicted by the dimension 80 in FIGURE 15. At the mid-foot end of the heel sockliner 72, the upper heel sockliner layer 76 is about 6 mm larger in size than the lower heel sockliner layer 74. The difference in size is depicted by the dimension 82 in FIGURE 15. The upper heel sockliner layer 76 also, preferably, has a plurality of air vent holes 68 located at the mid-foot end of the magnetic heel sockliner 72 that allows air circulation with lower sockliner layer 74. Magnetic Shoe Insoles

For those shoe designs which employ a woven fabric for the insole which is located below the sockliner, it is preferred that the magnets be placed in the midsole of the shoe as described below in more detail. In certain instances, shoes include a cardboard-like material as the insole which is positioned below the sockliner. In these types of shoes, it is possible to incorporate magnets into this cardboard-like material by punching or cutting holes in the cardboard and securing magnets within the holes so that they are flush with the upper surface thereof. Magnetic Midsole

In accordance with the present invention, a magnetic therapy shoe can include, alone or in combination with other magnetic components, a magnetic midsole. Referring to FIGURES 19 and 20, a midsole 301 is a component of a shoe that is positioned between the outsole and the insole. In accordance with the present invention, a midsole can have a shape and be made from materials that are dictated by current design for various shoes. For example, a common material used in athletic shoes for a midsole is an ethyl vinyl acetate. Referring to FIGURE 19, midsole 301 formed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated, and comprises an upper surface 303 and an opposing lower surface 305. The midsole is shaped like the outline of a foot. In the preferred embodiment, recesses 307 are provided in the upper surface of the midsole sized to receive rare earth magnets 309. The depth of these recesses is approximately equal to the thickness of the rare earth magnets so that when the rare earth magnets are seated in the recesses, the upper surface of the midsole and the upper surface of the magnets are flush. In the illustrated embodiment, six magnets are provided: three near the front of the midsole, one near the middle of the midsole, and two near the heel of the midsole. The magnets used in the midsole are preferably strong rare earth magnets with surface ratings on the order of 1400 to 1700 gauss each. The polarity of adjacent magnets is preferably alternated. As with the magnets that are seated in the heel cup insert as described above, the magnets in the midsole are preferably sealed between layers 311 and 313 of a water- impermeable plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride as illustrated in FIGURE 20. The advantages of sealing the magnets in this manner for use in the midsole are the same as the advantages described above with respect to the magnets sealed in the heel cup insert. In accordance with the present invention, the magnetic midsole of the present invention can be configured from materials that are approved for use in various shoe designs and the incorporation of magnets into the midsole does not significantly affect a manufacturer's usual practice in assembling shoes.

Referring to FIGURES 22 and 23, as an alternative to the magnet configuration illustrated in FIGURE 19, the magnets 250 located near the arch portion of the shoe can be positioned at the four corners of a parallelogram. The spacing between the magnets as alternating polarity is chosen so that a magnetic field is created between the adjacent magnets of alternating polarity. In other words, the distances A, B and C are chosen so that magnetic fields are provided between the respective magnets. It is preferred that in this embodiment the magnets be sealed within the PVC casings 258 as described above. In addition to the advantages described above, by sealing the magnets within the PVC casing, their position relative to each other is locked in and therefore shoe manufacturers do not have to be concerned with the relative spacing between the magnets. The shoe manufacturers need only be concerned with providing an appropriately sized recess in the midsole or insole.

One of the advantages of a midsole formed in accordance with the present invention is that it permits the use of rare earth metal magnets in the form of pellets without creating pressure points or hard spots on the wearer's foot. This is particularly advantageous in the context of shoes since any hard spots or pressure points can lead to discomfort. Since conventional shoes incorporate a soft insole over the midsole, the rare earth magnets in the midsole are separated from the user's foot by the soft insole.

As can be understood with reference to the description set forth above, there are a number of variations for providing magnetic therapy in the form of shoes and shoe components. Magnetic material can be placed in a variety of locations relative to the foot, and the gauss and polarity of the magnetic material can be varied for a given application. In a preferred embodiment, a patient's foot is enveloped by magnetic material, and magnetic therapy is provided for the entire foot. By providing magnetic material in the manners described above, a patient can receive the benefit of magnetic therapy without discomfort or reduction in ambulation. All of this is achieved in a manner that can be readily incorporated into current shoe design without significantly affecting the current shoe design or the practices in manufacturing such shoes.

The preferred rare earth magnets described herein are preferably extremely strong neodymium magnets or any other suitable magnetic material that provides magnets with surface ratings of between about 1400 and about 1700 gauss each. In addition to rare earth magnets, nylon magnets comprising a composite of nylon and ferrite can be used in place of rare earth magnets.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A magnetic therapy shoe comprising: a magnetic heel cup; a shoe upper with a magnetic fabric lining; and a magnetic midsole.

2. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 1, wherein the magnetic heel cup is a single piece of injection-molded plastic containing magnetized ferrite.

3. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 2, wherein the injection molded plastic heel cup comprises magnetic plastic layers having alternate positive and negative magnetic polarities.

4. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 1, wherein the magnetic heel cup is an arch-shaped flexible magnet.

5. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 1 , wherein the magnetic heel cup contains one or more recesses, each recess containing a rare earth magnet.

6. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 5, wherein each rare earth magnet is sealed between layers of a water-impermeable plastic.

7. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 1, wherein the shoe upper magnetic fabric lining comprises a pattern of magnetic plastic.

8. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 7, wherein the pattern of magnetic plastic is a dot pattern composed of a plurality of magnetic plastic dots.

9. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 8, wherein the magnetic plastic dots comprising the dot pattern have alternating positive and negative magnetic polarities.

10. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 7, wherein the pattern of magnetic plastic is a series of concentric circle arrangements.

1 1. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 10, wherein the magnetic plastic circles comprising the concentric circle arrangements have alternating positive and negative magnetic polarities.

12. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 7, wherein the shoe upper comprises a tongue and the magnetic fabric lining is applied to the tongue.

13. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 1, wherein the magnetic midsole contains one or more recesses, each recess containing a rare earth magnet.

14. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 13, wherein the rare earth magnets are sized and positioned such that when placed on a person's foot, the rare earth magnets are adjacent a heel, arch and footpad region of the person wearing the shoe.

15. The magnetic therapy shoe of Claim 5, wherein each of the rare earth magnets are sealed between layers of a water-impermeable plastic.

16. A magnetic shoe heel cup comprising magnetic plastic.

17. The magnetic shoe heel cup of Claim 16, wherein the magnetic heel cup is a single piece of injection-molded plastic containing magnetized ferrite.

18. The magnetic shoe heel cup of Claim 17, wherein the injection molded plastic heel cup comprises magnetic plastic layers having alternating positive and negative magnetic polarities.

19. The magnetic shoe heel cup of Claim 16, wherein the magnetic heel cup contains one or more recesses, each recess containing a magnet.

20. The magnetic shoe heel cup of Claim 19, wherein each magnet is sealed between layers of water-impermeable plastic.

21. The magnetic shoe heel cup of Claim 20, wherein the water-impermeable plastic is polyvinyl chloride.

22. The magnetic shoe heel cup of Claim 19, wherein the magnetic heel cup comprises at least one magnet positioned on opposing sides of the heel cup.

23. The magnetic shoe heel cup of Claim 19, wherein the magnet is a rare earth magnet.

24. A shoe heel cup comprising one or more recesses, each recess containing a magnet.

25. The shoe heel cup of Claim 24, wherein the magnet is a rare earth magnet. -ZJ-

26. A shoe upper fabric lining comprising magnetic material.

27. The shoe upper fabric lining of Claim 26, wherein the magnetic material comprises magnetic plastic.

28. The shoe upper fabric lining of Claim 26, wherein the shoe upper fabric lining comprises a pattern of magnetic plastic.

29. The shoe upper fabric lining of Claim 28, wherein the pattern of magnetic plastic is a dot pattern comprising a plurality of magnetic plastic dots.

30. The shoe upper fabric lining of Claim 29, wherein the magnetic plastic dots comprising the dot pattern have alternating positive and negative magnetic polarities.

31. The shoe upper fabric lining of Claim 28, wherein the pattern of magnetic plastic is a series of concentric circle arrangements.

32. The shoe upper fabric lining of Claim 31, wherein the magnetic plastic circles comprising the concentric circle arrangements have alternating positive and negative magnetic polarities.

33. The shoe upper fabric lining of Claim 26 applied to a tongue of a shoe.

34. A magnetic midsole comprising: one or more recesses, each recess containing a magnet.

35. The magnetic midsole of Claim 34, wherein the magnet is sized and positioned such that when placed on a person's foot, the magnet is adjacent a heel, arch or footpad region of the person using the magnetic midsole.

36. The magnetic midsole of Claim 34, wherein the magnet is sealed between layers of a water-impermeable plastic.

37. The magnetic midsole of Claim 34, wherein the magnet is a rare earth magnet.

38. A shoe comprising: an internal portion for receipt of a foot of a wearer; and an insert for the outsole of the shoe, the insert comprising a magnet having an upper surface that protrudes into the internal portion of the shoe.

39. The shoe of Claim 35, wherein the insert is located in a position so the magnet engages the heel of a wearer's foot when the foot is in the internal portion.

40. The shoe of Claim 38, wherein the magnet comprises an upper convex surface that protrudes into the internal portion.

41. The shoe of Claim 38, wherein the insert comprises a block in which the magnet is mounted.

42. The shoe of Claim 40, wherein the block comprises silicone rubber.

43. The shoe of Claim 41, wherein the silicone rubber is translucent.

44. The shoe of Claim 40, wherein the block is translucent.

45. A magnetic therapy shoe comprising: a magnetic heel cup; a shoe upper with a magnetic fabric lining; and a magnetic insole.

46. A magnetic therapy shoe comprising: a magnetic heel cup; a shoe upper with a magnetic fabric lining; and a magnetic insole.