阅读说明：本技术 鞋垫、用于高跟鞋的鞋垫及其制造和使用方法 (Insole, insole for high-heeled shoes and manufacturing and using methods of insole and insole ) 是由 克里斯托弗·巴克 四世 卡尔文·M·巴克 于 2019-02-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于鞋的鞋垫,该鞋垫可以包括顶部表面、相反的底部表面、后端和相反的前端。靠近该后端的顶部表面的至少一区段可以是凹形的。靠近该后端的底部表面的至少一区段可以是凸形的。多个间隔开的孔可以从该顶部表面延伸穿过该鞋垫到该底部表面。该多个间隔开的孔可以被布置成两行。这两行中的第一行可以相对于这两行中的第二行径向向内地隔开。该第一行的多个孔中的每个孔可以具有相同的尺寸。该第二行的多个孔中的每个孔可以具有相同的尺寸。(An insole for footwear may include a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end, and an opposing front end. At least a section of the top surface proximate the rear end may be concave. At least a section of the bottom surface proximate the rear end may be convex. A plurality of spaced apart apertures may extend through the insole from the top surface to the bottom surface. The plurality of spaced apart apertures may be arranged in two rows. A first of the two rows may be spaced radially inward relative to a second of the two rows. Each of the plurality of apertures of the first row may have the same size. Each of the plurality of apertures of the second row of apertures may have the same size.)

1. An insole for footwear, the insole comprising:

a body section having a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end, and an opposing front end, the body section configured to support and be positioned under at least the arch and heel of a foot; and

a forefoot segment having a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end attached to the front end of the body segment, and an opposing front end, the forefoot segment configured to support and be positioned under at least the ball of the foot,

wherein a plurality of spaced apart holes extend through the body section from the top surface to the bottom surface, the plurality of spaced apart holes configured to provide flexibility to the insole.

2. The insole of claim 1, wherein a first one of the plurality of spaced apart apertures is larger than a second one of the plurality of spaced apart apertures.

3. An insole as claimed in any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the plurality of spaced apart apertures are arranged in two rows, and wherein the remainder of the insole does not comprise any apertures except in the two rows.

4. An insole as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein a first of the two rows is spaced radially inwardly relative to a second of the two rows.

5. An insole as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein each aperture of a first of the two rows is of the same size, and wherein each aperture of a second of the two rows is of the same size.

6. An insole as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein each aperture of the first row is smaller than each aperture of the second row.

7. An insole as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein each aperture of the first row has a diameter less than the diameter of each aperture of the second row.

8. An insole as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein each aperture of both the first and second rows has a circular shape.

9. The insole of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the forefoot section does not include any holes extending from a top surface of the forefoot section to a bottom surface of the forefoot section.

10. The insole of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a protrusion extends outwardly from a bottom surface of the body section, the protrusion extending in a serpentine path between adjacent apertures in the first row.

11. An insole as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least a portion of a top surface of the body section adjacent its rear end is concave, wherein at least a portion of a bottom surface of the body section adjacent its rear end is convex.

12. An insole as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein a dividing line separates the body section from the forefoot section, the dividing line extending across the width of the insole.

13. An insole for footwear, the insole comprising:

a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end and an opposing front end, a plurality of spaced apart apertures extending through the insole from the top surface to the bottom surface, the plurality of spaced apart apertures arranged in two rows, a first of the two rows spaced radially inward relative to a second of the two rows, each aperture of the first row being of the same size, each aperture of the second row being of the same size, each aperture of the first row being smaller than each aperture of the second row.

14. The insole of claim 13, wherein each aperture of the first row has a diameter that is less than a diameter of each aperture of the second row.

15. The insole of any of claims 13 to 14, further comprising:

a body section including the plurality of spaced apart apertures; and

a forefoot section without any holes extending from a top surface of the forefoot section to a bottom surface of the forefoot section.

16. The insole of any of claims 13 to 15, further comprising:

a boundary separating the body section from the forefoot section, the boundary extending across a width of the insole.

17. The insole of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein a protrusion extends outwardly from a bottom surface of the body section, the protrusion extending in a serpentine path between adjacent apertures in the first row.

18. An insole as claimed in any of claims 13 to 17, wherein each aperture of both the first and second rows has a circular shape.

19. An insole as claimed in any of claims 13 to 18, wherein at least a section of the top surface proximate the rear end is concave, and wherein at least a section of the bottom surface proximate the rear end is convex.

20. A combination, comprising:

an insole as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 13; and

one of a flat shoe and a high-heeled shoe.

21. An insole for a high-heeled shoe having a heel height of at least two inches, the insole comprising:

a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a back end, and an opposing front end; and

means for increasing the flexibility of the insole.

22. A method of forming an insole for a high-heeled shoe having a heel height of at least two inches, the insole comprising a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end, and an opposing front end, the method comprising:

forming a plurality of spaced apart apertures extending through the insole from the top surface to the bottom surface to increase flexibility of the insole.

23. The insole of claim 22, wherein each of the plurality of apertures is formed by a stamping process.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, further comprising:

the size and location of each of the plurality of apertures is determined according to the amount of flexibility desired for the insole.

25. The insole of any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the plurality of spaced apart apertures are arranged in two rows.

26. An insole as claimed in any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the apertures of one of the rows are larger than the apertures of the other row.

27. The insole of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures has a circular shape.

Technical Field

The disclosed technology relates generally to insoles. More particularly, in one embodiment, the disclosed technology relates to insoles for high-heeled shoes.

Background

Fig. 1 shows a conventional high-heeled shoe, generally designated 10, which includes a heel 12, a heel breast 14, a heel tip 16, a shank (shank) (not visible from the exterior of the shoe, but generally near reference numeral 18), and a forefoot section 20. The core is an internal component (e.g., typically made of metal, composite material, or another rigid material) that structurally supports the suspended arch region of the shoe. High-heeled shoes are often uncomfortable for the user at least because a significant amount of the user's weight is concentrated or directed at or toward the user's forefoot, thereby creating high pressure on at least the metatarsal heads of the foot.

Similarly, other footwear (e.g., footwear that is not high heels) may be uncomfortable for the user. Some conventional insoles include relatively small perforations in the forefoot section. These perforations are designed to impart breathability to the insole and help reduce moisture and odor that may remain in the insole. Such perforations are too small to increase the flexibility of the insole.

Disclosure of Invention

It would be desirable to provide an insole for footwear that overcomes the above-mentioned and other drawbacks of the prior art.

In one embodiment, the disclosed technology relates generally to improving the feel, comfort, and/or performance of an insole and/or a shoe (such as, but not limited to, a high-heeled shoe). The disclosed technology includes insoles having a plurality of spaced apart apertures extending therethrough. The size, shape, and arrangement of the apertures may help to increase the comfort and/or flexibility of the high-heeled shoe.

More particularly, in one embodiment, the plurality of spaced apart apertures allow for varying or selective variation in the properties of a structure made of a single and/or rigid material. The plurality of spaced apart apertures allows the footbed to be flexible in areas where needed or desired, and rigid and/or supportive in other areas of the footbed.

In another embodiment, the disclosed technology relates to an insole for footwear. The insole may include a body section having a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end, and an opposing front end. At least a portion of the top surface proximate the rear end may be concave. At least a portion of the bottom surface proximate the rear end may be convex. The insole may also include a forefoot section having a top surface, an opposite bottom surface, a rear end, and an opposite front end. The rear end of the forefoot section may be attached to the front end of the body section. A line of demarcation may separate the body section from the forefoot section. The dividing line may extend across the entire width of the insole. The insole may include a plurality of spaced apart apertures extending through the body section from the top surface to and/or through the bottom surface.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed technology relates to an insole for footwear. The insole may include a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end, and an opposing front end. At least a section of the top surface proximate the rear end may be concave. At least a section of the bottom surface proximate the rear end may be convex. A plurality of spaced apart apertures may extend through the insole from the top surface to the bottom surface. The plurality of spaced apart apertures may be arranged in two rows. A first of the two rows may be spaced radially inward relative to a second of the two rows. Each of the plurality of apertures of the first row may have the same size. Each of the plurality of apertures of the second row of apertures may have the same size. Each aperture of the first row of apertures may be smaller than each aperture of the second row of apertures.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed technology relates to an insole for a high-heeled shoe comprising a plurality of spaced apart apertures extending through the insole. The plurality of spaced apart apertures increases the flexibility of the insole, allowing the insert to bend more easily, conform to the shape of the foot, distribute loads more evenly, reduce peak loads, and/or increase comfort.

In another embodiment, the disclosed technology relates to an insole for a high-heeled shoe comprising a plurality of spaced apart holes extending through the insole. The plurality of spaced apart apertures increases the flexibility of the insole to provide cushioning and/or impact attenuation during running and/or walking.

Drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosed technology, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosed technology, there are shown in the drawings various illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art high-heeled shoe;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a footwear insole according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the insole;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the insole;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the insole;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a first side of the insole;

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of an opposite second side of the insole;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the insole;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the insole;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an insole placed in a high-heeled shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology; and

fig. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the combination shown in fig. 10.

Detailed Description

Although the systems, devices, and methods are described herein by way of example and embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments or figures described. Rather, the disclosed technology covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "bottom," "top," "left," "right," "lower," and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terms "a" and "an" are not limited to one element, but rather are to be construed to mean "at least one" unless specifically stated otherwise herein. As used herein, the word "may" is used in an permissive sense (i.e., meaning "having the potential to"). The terminology includes the words above mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring in detail to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in fig. 2-9 an insole according to the disclosed technology, generally designated 100. Fig. 2 to 9 show insoles designed for the right foot, and corresponding insoles or mirror image insoles may be designed for the left foot. In one embodiment, the insole is designed for a high-heeled shoe having a heel height of two inches or more. However, in one embodiment, the disclosed technology may be incorporated into insoles for non-high-heeled shoes or flat shoes, such as running shoes or lady flats. Although only 3/4 length insoles are shown, the disclosed technology can be incorporated into insoles of any length or width.

Whether the insole is designed for a high-heeled shoe (e.g., heel height of two or more inches) or a flat shoe may depend on the strength or hardness of the material used to construct the insole. For example, a plate of an insole (examples of which are described below) may be made to have a higher hardness or a lower hardness. Alternatively, a single plate or another portion of the insole may be formed with two or more sections, each of which may have a different hardness. In one embodiment, a plate of an insole designed for a higher shoe (e.g., a four inch high heel) has a higher stiffness than a plate of an insole designed for a lower shoe (e.g., a running shoe). Similarly, the higher the heel of the shoe, the higher the stiffness of the plate of the insole. The amount or range of stiffness of the different portions of the insole may depend on a number of factors, such as the nature and height of the footwear.

Referring to fig. 2-9, the insole 100 may include a body section or rear section 102 having a top surface 104, an opposing bottom surface 106, a rear end 108, and an opposing front end 110. At least a portion of the top surface 104 proximate the rear end 108 may be concave. At least a portion of the bottom surface 106 proximate the rear end 108 may be convex. Body section 102 may include or be formed from a heel section and a midfoot (mid-foot) section, which may be designed to support the arch of the foot, as well as other portions of the foot.

Insole 100 may also include a forefoot or front section 112 having a top surface 114, an opposite bottom surface 116, a rear end 118, and an opposite front end 119. At least a portion of the top surface 114 proximate the rear end 118 may be flat, or generally or substantially flat. At least a portion of the bottom surface 116 proximate the rear end 118 may be flat, or generally or substantially flat. Forefoot region 112 may be designed, sized, and/or shaped to support (at least partially or even entirely) the ball and/or one or all of the metatarsals of the foot.

The rear end 118 of the forefoot section 112 may be attached to the front end 110 of the body section 102. In one embodiment, demarcation line 120 separates body segment 102 from forefoot segment 112. Demarcation line 120 may extend across the entire width W of insole 100 (see fig. 5). Insole 100 may be configured to fold more easily at demarcation line 120 than at any other portion of insole 100. In one embodiment, demarcation line 120 is visible only at the bottom of insole 100 and not at the top of the insole (e.g., compare fig. 4-5).

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, demarcation line 120 may define a point (or line) at which forefoot region 112 extends at an angle relative to body region 102. For example, the top surface 114 of the forefoot region 112 may extend at an angle of, for example, approximately 30 degrees relative to the top surface 104 of the body region 102.

The insole 100 may comprise means for increasing flexibility. In one embodiment, the means for increasing flexibility is a plurality of spaced apart holes 122 extending through the body section 102 from the top surface 104 to the bottom surface 106. Apertures 122 may increase the force attenuation and/or force distribution capabilities of insole 100, thereby creating or increasing flexibility for insole 100, and/or creating a more comfortable insole for the user.

Flexibility is important for two reasons. First, flexibility allows the insert's profile to bend and conform to the shape of the foot, while more evenly distributing the load, thereby reducing peak loads and increasing comfort. Second, the dynamic bending of the insert provides cushioning and/or impact attenuation during walking and running.

Optionally, the apertures 122 may reduce the stiffness of the insole 100, thereby making the insole 100 more flexible, as compared to a case where the apertures 122 are not included in the insole 100. Alternatively or additionally, the holes 122 provide spatial redistribution of the load.

Optionally, a fabric or cloth layer (not shown) may be attached to the top surface 104. The fabric layer may include or omit the apertures 122.

The size of the apertures 122 may be based on the stiffness of the plates of the insole 100 and/or the curvature of the contour of at least a portion of the top surface of the insole 100. For example, for a footbed having a lower durometer plate, each aperture 122 may be smaller in size than a footbed having a higher durometer plate. Conversely, in one embodiment, a footbed having a plate with a higher durometer has larger apertures 122 than a footbed having a plate with a lower durometer. This is because the apertures 122 require less flexibility or stiffness than would otherwise be required or desired with higher durometer materials. The degree of curvature and/or degree of contour of the top surface of the insole 100 may affect the size of the apertures 122.

Optionally, in one embodiment, larger and more closed spaced holes 122 may be placed or created in portions of the insole where greater flexibility is needed or desired. Alternatively, smaller or more spaced holes 122 may be placed or created in portions of the insole where less flexibility is needed or desired.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 2-9, the plurality of spaced apart apertures 122 may be arranged in two or more spaced apart rows. A first row 124 of the two or more spaced apart rows may be spaced radially inward relative to a second row 126 of the two or more spaced apart rows. In one embodiment, each of the first row 124 and the second row 126 is arranged to follow or mimic the shape or curvature of the peripheral edge of the insole 100. In one embodiment, forefoot section 112 does not include any holes extending therethrough.

In one embodiment, each aperture 122 of the first row 124 has the same dimensions. In the same or different embodiments, each aperture 122 of the second row 126 has the same dimensions. Alternatively, each aperture 122 of the first row 124 may be smaller than each aperture 122 of the second row 126. More particularly, in one embodiment, each aperture 122 of both the first row 124 and the second row 126 may have a circular shape, and each aperture 122 of the first row 124 may have a diameter that is smaller than each aperture of the second row 126. However, the aperture 122 is not limited to a circular shape, but may have any geometric shape that provides the functionality described herein. For example, the apertures 122 of the first row 124 may have the same size (e.g., diameter) as the apertures 122 of the second row 126.

In one embodiment, at least the first row 124 of apertures 122 may be small enough such that the user or wearer does not feel the first row 124 of apertures when wearing footwear that includes the insole 100. Alternatively, the first row 124 of apertures 122 may have a diameter in the range of 1 to 7 millimeters, and the second row 126 of apertures 122 may have a diameter in the range of 1 to 7 millimeters. For example, in one embodiment, the first row 124 of apertures 122 may have a diameter of about 2 millimeters, and the second row 126 of apertures 122 may have a diameter of about 3 millimeters.

Alternatively, each of the holes 122 may be formed during the molding process of the insole 100. Alternatively, each aperture 122 may be formed after the molding process is complete, such as in a stamping process.

As shown in fig. 2, 3, 5-7, and 9, the protrusion 128 may extend outwardly from the bottom surface 106 of the body section 102. The projections 128 may extend in a continuous serpentine path between each or a plurality of adjacent apertures 122 in the first row 124. The size, shape, and/or configuration of the projections 128 may depend on the size and/or rating of the insole 100. The term "grade" is defined herein to refer to insoles for different shoe sizes (e.g., insoles of the same type or style sized 11 and sized 9). For example, for the same type or style of insole, the proportions of the different components or portions of the insole will be the same, but the dimensions of the different components will be different. The feature of the size 11 insole would need to be graded differently than the size 9 insole of the same feature.

In one embodiment, the protrusions 128 are configured to increase the rigidity or stiffness of the insole 100. Alternatively or additionally, the protrusions 128 act as a grab or increase friction between the insole and the inside of the footbed. For example, the protrusions 128 may help secure the insole 100 within the shoe and prevent it from undesirably moving forward relative to the shoe. In addition, the insole 100 may have one or more additional features to prevent the insole 100 from sliding relative to the shoe, such as a plurality of spaced apart spikes (spikes) 130 extending outwardly from the bottom surface 106 of the body section 102.

Optionally, insole 100 is formed at least in part from foam, polymeric material(s) (e.g., nylon and/or thermoplastic polyurethane), and/or composite materials. The sockliner may be made of different material(s) than the footwear and may be selectively removable from and insertable into the footwear. A plate (e.g., a contoured plate) may form the bottom surface 106 of the body section 102 of the insole 100. In one embodiment, the plate forms the entire bottom surface of the body section 102, but does not form any portion of the bottom surface of the forefoot section 112. The plate may be formed of a polymeric material and may be more rigid than the material used to form the top surface 104 of the body section 102.

In one embodiment, insole 100 may be formed of three discrete or different materials or layers. For example, as shown in fig. 2, 3, and 6, the bottom surface 106 of the body section 102 may be formed of a polymer material 132, the bottom surfaces 116 of the mid-section and forefoot sections 112 of the body section 102 may be formed of a first foam or fabric material 134, and the top surface 104 of the body section 102 and the top surface 114 of the forefoot section may be formed of a second foam or fabric material 136.

Alternatively, insole 100 or a plate thereof may be formed from a multi-material injection molding (MMM) fabrication (e.g., multi-component, multi-shot, or over-molding). In one example, when the insole 100 is viewed from the perspective of fig. 5, the portion of the insole 100 inside the protrusion 128 (and possibly including the protrusion 128) may be formed of a first material having a relatively high stiffness. The portion of the insole 100 outside the protrusion 128 (e.g., between the protrusion 128 and the outer edge of the insole 100) may be formed of a second material having a lower hardness than the first material. The higher durometer section may improve support, grip, and/or resiliency. The lower stiffness sections may improve flexibility and/or adaptability to different footwear (e.g., shoes) and/or individuals. Alternatively, forefoot region 112 may be formed from a completely different material or a third material.

Alternatively, insole 100 may be designed and/or manufactured separately from the footwear with which insole 100 is to be used. The insole 100 may be inserted or slid into the footwear for use. In one embodiment, there is no need to mechanically or chemically attach insole 100 to the interior of the footwear, such as by stitching.

The insole 100 of the disclosed technology includes higher sidewalls than prior art insoles. The taller sidewalls provide more support surface area for the foot, thereby distributing and/or distributing peak pressure. Insole 100 may also provide additional cushioning compared to prior art insoles.

Fig. 10-11 illustrate another embodiment of the disclosed technology. A difference in similar or identical structure between the embodiment of fig. 1-9 and the embodiment of fig. 10-11 is that in fig. 1-9, the reference numerals are one hundred (100) larger in size than in fig. 1-9. Certain descriptions of similarities between the embodiment of fig. 1-9 and the embodiment of fig. 10-11 may be omitted herein for convenience and brevity only.

The insole of this embodiment may include cushioning elements 250 and a plate 252. Cushioning element 250 may be attached to plate 252, for example, by an adhesive. Alternatively, the cushioning element 250 may be formed with a plate 252. Optionally, the cushion 254 of the forefoot may be attached to the cushioning element 250 or formed as part of the cushioning element 250. The cushion 254 of the forefoot can help hold the insole in place within the shoe.

Referring specifically to FIG. 10, the insole of this embodiment may be designed to include the arch of the foot when the insole is in a resting or inactive position, as identified by area A. In use, the insole may press down on the arch of the foot (e.g., area a) and then naturally bounce or return during a walking gait.

Referring specifically to fig. 11, as identified by region B, plate 252 may include a large radius to anatomically support the user's heel and/or to distribute downward pressure caused by the foot within the shoe. The insole may include one or more first set of gripping structures and one or more second set of gripping structures. The first set of gripping structures may be located on and/or spaced apart from the vertical sidewalls of the panel 252. The second set of gripping structures may be located on and/or spaced from the bottom surface of the plate 252.

The disclosed technology also includes methods of forming (e.g., without limitation, molding) insoles for footwear. Alternatively, the shoe may be a high-heeled shoe having a heel height of at least two inches. The insole may include a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end, and an opposing front end. The method may include forming (e.g., molding) a plurality of spaced apart apertures extending through the footbed from the top surface to the bottom surface to increase the flexibility of the footbed.

The disclosed technology also includes methods for increasing the flexibility of an insole. The method includes forming a plurality of spaced apart apertures through a portion of the insole positioned under the heel and arch of the foot.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the disclosed technology is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosed technology as defined by the appended claims.