U.S. patent application number 10/086509 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-09 for modular cushioned insole support system.
Invention is credited to Panaccione, Louis J..
Application Number | 20030005599 10/086509 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26774825 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030005599 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Panaccione, Louis J. |
January 9, 2003 |
Modular cushioned insole support system
Abstract
A modular cushioned insole support system that comprises a
plurality of forefoot pieces, each having a dorsally disposed
tongue capable of being disposed within a corresponding channel
formed in each of a plurality of heel pieces, and optionally a heel
cup disposed underneath the heel piece such that the heel piece is
supported by the heel cup. The universal tongue-and-channel
construction of each forefoot and heel piece enables selection by
the user of the desired combination from the respective pluralities
of forefoot and heel pieces. The forefoot pieces optimally vary in
their construction to have certain sizing and differing cushioning
effects. Similarly, the heel pieces optimally vary in their
construction to have different alignment, cushioning, and/or
anti-pronation effects.
Inventors: |
Panaccione, Louis J.;
(Dedham, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Timothy J. Shea II, Esq.
Suite H-322
200 Linden Street
Wellesley
MA
02482
US
|
Family ID: |
26774825 |
Appl. No.: |
10/086509 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60286097 |
Apr 24, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/43 ; 36/88;
36/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/383
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/43 ; 36/88;
36/92 |
International
Class: |
A43B 013/38; A43B
007/16 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A modular cushioned insole support system intended for use in
connection with footwear, the system comprising: a) a heel piece
having an upper and lower surface and further defining within said
upper surface a first interlocking means, and b) a forefoot piece
selected from a plurality of forefoot pieces having different
widths, thicknesses, and impact cushioning characteristics, and
each having a dorsally disposed second interlocking means capable
of being accommodated within said first interlocking means, the
assembled system and its components having a medial and a lateral
side relative to the anatomic orientation of the system.
2. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 1 further
provided with means for retaining said second interlocking means
within said first interlocking means.
3. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 2 wherein
said means for retaining is an adhesive.
4. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 2 wherein
said means for retaining is a mechanical fastener.
5. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 2 wherein
said first part of an interlocking means is a longitudinal
channel.
6. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 2 wherein
said second interlocking means is a tongue.
7. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 1, wherein
said forefoot piece has a hardness of 25 to 50 shore C.
8. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 1, wherein
said forefoot piece is provided with a cushioning means.
9. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 8, wherein
said cushioning means is selected from the group consisting of gel
sacs, air sacs, elastomeric material, spongiform material, and
resilient cushioning material.
10. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 9, wherein
said cushioning means is disposed such that it defines internal
apertures that facilitate deformation in response to compressive
forces and reformation when those forces are relieved.
11. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 8, wherein
said cushioning means is further capable of initiating an
exothermic chemical reaction.
12. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 1, wherein
said heel piece is selected from a plurality of heel pieces each
having a different width.
13. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 1, wherein
said heel piece is selected from a plurality of heel pieces each
having a different tortional geometry.
14. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 1, wherein
said heel piece has a hardness of 50 to 75 shore C.
15. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 1, wherein
said heel piece defines within said channel a centrally disposed
aperture capable of accommodating a corresponding protuberance in
said tongue, such that in use said protuberance is disposed within
said aperture.
16. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 1, wherein
said system further comprises a heel cup disposed along said lower
surface of said heel piece such that said heel piece is partially
supported by said heel cup.
17. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 16,
wherein said heel cup is disposed along said lateral side of said
heel piece.
18. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 16,
wherein said heel cup is disposed along said medial side of said
heel piece.
19. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 1, wherein
said forefoot piece has a perimeter and a centrally disposed foot
accommodation means with a transition zone therebetween.
20. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 19,
wherein said transition zone between is relatively abrupt.
21. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 19,
wherein said forefoot piece has a first thickness disposed about
said foot accommodation means transitioning to a second thickness
in the region of said foot accommodation means.
22. The modular cushioned insole support system of claim 21,
wherein said transition between said first thickness and said
second thickness is tapered such that a foot may be cradled within
said foot accommodation means.
23. A modular cushioned insole support system intended for use in
connection with footwear, the system being arranged as a kit and
comprising: a) a plurality of forefoot pieces having different
widths, thicknesses, and impact cushioning characteristics, with a
durometer range of 25 to 50 shore C, and each defining a first
interlocking means b) a plurality of heel pieces having a durometer
range of 50 to 75 shore C and each defining a second interlocking
means whereby a consumer selects and assembles one of said forefoot
pieces and one of said heel pieces by engaging said first and
second interlocking means to form a custom insole.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a modular cushioned insole
support system that enables a user to construct an insole insert
best suited to the user's needs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Athletic footwear has become increasingly sophisticated over
the past three decades. In addition to being constructed from
advanced materials, a great deal of attention has been paid to
proper support for the foot itself. Features such as integral
lacing, lateral ankle support, and cushioning systems are all
intended to further this objective. Understandably, the primary
focus of efforts to properly support and align the foot has been on
the structure(s) on which the foot rests within the shoe.
Accordingly, whatever support and alignment that has been available
has been achieved primarily by the use of integral arch supports
and removable insoles, known in the footwear industry as
"sockliners" and/or "footbeds." However, these stock integral arch
supports and sockliners rarely, if ever, provide meaningful support
for the average foot.
[0003] Integral arch supports range in structure and effectiveness
from the minimally supportive foamed arch "bubble" commonly found
in canvas sneakers to the modestly more supportive arch support
structures found in many hiking boots, walking shoes, and the like.
Removable sockliners offer a wider variety of structural and
support options. Initially created to provide additional thermal
insulation for winter boots, sockliners have become more
sophisticated. Many athletic shoes now come with single- or
multi-stage sockliners in a wide variety of materials, colors, and
constructions. Examples of such sockliners range from the heel and
forefoot cushions described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,223,457 and
4,227,320, respectively, issued to Borgeas, to more complex
structures, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,606
issued to Litchfield et al.
[0004] Active people that are very concerned with proper foot
alignment and support often purchase orthotic insoles that are
custom-fitted to the individual by a podiatrist, chiropractor, or
other medical provider. However, such custom-made, orthotic insoles
are extremely expensive and are not necessary for the vast majority
of those who engage in athletics or casual use. Interest in
providing greater stability to the foot without the expense of
orthotics led to the development of conformable sockliners.
Accordingly, there are several known devices that are intended to
provide a greater measure of foot alignment than standard
sockliners by enabling the user to customize the fit to the user's
foot. One such device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,793 issued to
Lyden describes an insertable insole that is partially filled with
an impressible substance, such as silicone, such that the insole
can conform to the user's foot during use. However, this merely
ensures that the insole assumes the conformation of the foot and
does not remediate any misalignment that may occur during use.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,700 issued to Brown relates to a
two-part apparatus combining a more flexible upper sockliner
disposed within a more rigid lower cap that further provides a
plurality of downwardly extending elastic protuberances
frictionally disposed within a like plurality of apertures within
the cap. These elastic protuberances are intended to provide a more
custom fit for the user. However, in actual practice, the
protuberances either travel axially within the apertures or are
simply compressed by the weight of the user so that they are flush
with the lower surface of the cap, obviating any custom-fitting
function that they may have served.
[0006] Other efforts at providing a customizable sockliner have
been made. U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,647 issued to Moore, III et al.
describes a device that is intended to be heated and then worn by
the user in order for the device to conform to the user's foot.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,626 also issued to Brown provides a
more sophisticated insert that also is intended to be heated and
conformed to the user's foot. Unfortunately, if the user's foot is
not in an optimal position while the conformation is occurring, the
user ends up with an insert that very nicely conforms to the
misaligned foot.
[0007] Unfortunately, extant sockliners do not usually provide the
necessary support and proper alignment that the wearer thinks they
provide. This discrepancy between promise and performance
unfortunately can result in serious foot injuries, including stress
fractures, tendonitis, "shin splints," and the like.
[0008] What is needed is an easily used, economical, customizable
insole that provides substantial support regardless of the user's
foot alignment and anatomy. In addition, it is desired to have such
an insole that can act to help remediate any misalignment of the
foot and to help compensate for maladaptive anatomical structure.
It is further desired to have a modular insole support system that
can be assembled by the user to maximize the comfort and fit of
each shoe independently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a modular cushioned insole support system that that
promotes substantial foot cushioning and support regardless of the
user's foot alignment and anatomy.
[0010] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a modular cushioned insole support system that can be
customized by the user such that the system can act to help
remediate any misalignment of the foot and to help compensate for
maladaptive anatomical structure.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
modular cushioned insole support system that can be assembled by
the user to maximize the comfort and fit of each shoe
independently.
[0012] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a modular cushioned insole support system that meets the
foregoing objects and that is also easy to use and economical.
[0013] The present invention relates to a modular cushioned insole
support system comprising a plurality of forefoot pieces, each
having a dorsally disposed tongue capable of being disposed within
a corresponding channel formed in each of a plurality of heel
pieces. It is intended that the modular cushioned insole support
system of the present invention will comprise a plurality of
forefoot pieces and heel pieces. This will enable the user to
maximize the comfort, fit, and support characteristics of each shoe
individually.
[0014] The devices of the present invention may be used in any type
of footwear that will accommodate a standard insole, sockliner, or
footbed. The universal tongue-and-channel construction of each
piece enables selection by the user of the desired combination from
the respective pluralities of forefoot and heel pieces and to later
adjust the fit of the assembled device.
[0015] The forefoot pieces optimally vary in their construction to
have certain sizing and differing cushioning effects. Similarly,
the heel pieces optimally vary in their construction to have
different alignment, cushioning, and/or anti-pronation effects.
Finally, the system of the present invention optionally comprises a
heel cup disposed underneath the heel piece such that the heel
piece is partially supported by the heel cup.
[0016] Numerous other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become readily apparent from the following
detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the
claims, and from the accompanying drawings in which like numerals
are employed to designate like parts throughout the same.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an assembled modular cushioned
insole support system of the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 2A-2C shows a side elevation of three embodiments of
the forefoot piece of FIG. 1 taken through line A-A';
[0019] FIGS. 3A-3C shows a front elevation of three embodiments of
the heel piece of FIG. 1 taken through line B-B';
[0020] FIG. 4 is an inverted plan view of a heel cup of the present
invention disposed relative to a heel piece of the present
invention in combination with a forefoot piece of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 5A shows a plan view of another embodiment of the
assembled modular cushioned insole support system of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 5B shows a front elevation of one embodiment of the
forefoot piece of FIG. 5A taken through line C-C'.
[0023] FIG. 6A shows the components of one embodiment of the system
of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6B shows the assembled components of the embodiment of
FIG. 6A.
[0025] FIG. 7A shows a side elevation of one embodiment of the
forefoot piece of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7B shows the forefoot piece of FIG. 7A with a matingly
corresponding heel piece.
[0027] FIG. 8A shows one embodiment of a heel piece of the system
of the present invention having an integral heel cup.
[0028] FIG. 8B shows one embodiment of a heel piece of the system
of the present invention having an anti-pronation geometry.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] While the modular system of the present invention is
susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown
in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, a preferred
embodiment of the invention. It should be understood however, that
the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of
the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the
spirit and scope of the invention and/or claims of the embodiments
illustrated.
[0030] In its simplest form, as shown in FIGS. 1-3A-C and 6A-B, the
present invention comprises forefoot piece 10 having an upper
surface, a lower surface, and a dorsally disposed tongue 12 capable
of fitting within a corresponding channel 22 formed in heel piece
20. It is understood that, for purposes of this detailed
description, that forefoot piece 10 and heel piece 20 have each
been selected from a plurality of forefoot pieces and heel pieces
as may be included in the system of the present invention. FIGS.
2A-2C show one possible plurality of forefoot pieces 10A-10C and
FIGS. 3A-3C show one possible plurality of heel pieces 20A-20C. The
universal tongue-and-channel construction of forefoot pieces
10A-10C and heel pieces 20A-20C enables selection by the user of
the desired combination from the respective pluralities of forefoot
and heel pieces.
[0031] It is desired that a releasable, reusable adhesive be
interposed between tongue 12 and channel 22 to retain tongue 12
within channel 22 during use. Optionally, an adhesive that will
increase the bonding between the forefoot piece 10 and heel piece
20 under the pressure and thermal conditions experienced during use
is also contemplated. Additional mechanical fastening means of
retaining tongue 12 within channel 22, including various interlock
designs such as ribs, pegs, VELCRO.TM., and other types of
corresponding male and female members, such as those shown in FIGS.
7A and 7B, that would provide for a mechanical engagement between
the components are also contemplated. It is further contemplated
that there may be more than one connection point between tongue 12
and channel 22, such that the effective length of the assembled
unit may be increased or decreased without cutting forefoot piece
10.
[0032] It is contemplated that the base foams used to manufacture
the devices of the present invention include EVA, polyurethane,
polyethylene, poron, sorbothane, rubber, elastomers, gels, alone or
in any combination. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, forefoot piece 10 may
be manufactured from laminated layers 12A-12C and 12A'-12C' of
material selected to provide various sizing, cushioning, aeration,
and durability properties. The hardnesses of the material(s)
selected ideally have a durometer reading of 25-50 shore C for each
part. The material(s) and the hardness(es) selected will vary
depending on the intended application of the device (e.g.,
cushioning, support, running, walking, golf, skiing, etc.)
[0033] The materials selected may also impart properties that
render forefoot piece 10 suitable for different climates, e.g., for
winter or summer use. It is further contemplated that multiple
layers, each imparting different desired properties, may be
employed. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment wherein forefoot piece 10
comprises embedded segment 14 composed of materials substantially
different from the materials of laminated layers 12A-12C and
12A'-12C'.
[0034] The use and/or selection of any traditional footbed
features, including, but not limited to, foarns, top cloth
materials, (such as pig skin, synthetic flocking, or
CAMBRELLE.TM.), labels, silk-screening, embossing, and treatment
with or incorporation of antimicrobials will not detract from the
operation of the invention.
[0035] It is also contemplated that embedded segment 14 may
comprise gel sacs, air sacs, elastomeric material, spongiform
material, and the like, in order to provide additional cushioning
of the forefoot during use. It is further contemplated that
forefoot piece 10 in general, and embedded segment 14 in
particular, may comprise resilient cushioning material capable of
deformation in response to compressive forces and reformation when
those forces are relieved. It is contemplated that the resilient
cushioning material may be disposed such that it defines internal
apertures that facilitate its deformation, such as intercises,
cells integral in the foamed material, or purposely formed voids.
It is still further contemplated that embedded segment 14 comprise
a chemical burst-pack that will initiate an exothermic reaction
once activated, as for use in winter conditions and activities,
such as skiing. Such chemical burst packs may either be integrally
provided, requiring the user to replace forefoot piece 10 after
each use, or replaceable.
[0036] The invention allows for various thicknesses to customize
for fit. For example, the thickness of forefoot piece 10 in the
region of the toes ranges from 3 mm to 6 mm. There is also a
thickness range from less than 1 mm to 3 mm in the heel component
under the protruding tongue section of forefoot piece 10. The range
of these thicknesses may be increased or decreased depending on the
desired result (i.e., to increase or decrease the room in the
forefoot, or increase the cushioning in the heel).
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, it is contemplated that
forefoot piece 10 may be provided in at least two thicknesses,
shown as 2T1 and 2T2, respectively, to enable the user to
compensate for differences in size between the left and right feet.
E.g., if the user's right foot is one-half size larger than the
left, the user would construct the right modular cushioned insole
using thinner forefoot piece 10A and the left modular cushioned
insole using thicker forefoot piece 10B. Similarly, where the
footwear has been provided with a removable insole by the
manufacturer, using a forefoot piece that is thinner than that
removable insole will enable a person with a foot that is wider
than the standard width of the footwear to wear that footwear
comfortably. This is particularly useful when the individual's feet
are of different widths.
[0038] Similarly, it is contemplated that the heel pieces will vary
in their construction to have different cushioning and/or
anti-pronation or anti-supination effects. As shown in FIGS. 3A,
3C, and 8A, heel pieces 20A and 20C may have differing thicknesses
on their medial edges such that the upper surface 24C of heel piece
20C angles more steeply toward the lateral edge thereof than does
the upper surface 24A of heel piece 20A, in order to provide and
increased degree of anti-pronation support.
[0039] Ideally, heel piece 20 will be manufactured from materials
that have a flex modulus that minimizes axial and tortional
deformation of heel piece 20 and that also have an elastic memory
that tends to return heel piece 20 to its original conformation
following any such deformation.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, it is contemplated that the
heel piece 20 may be provided in at least two thicknesses, shown as
3T1 and 3T2, respectively, to enable the user to compensate for
differences in length between the left and right legs. E.g., if the
user's right leg is one-quarter inch longer than the left, the user
would construct the right modular cushioned insole using thinner
heel piece 20A and the left modular cushioned insole using thicker
heel piece 20B to help correct the discrepancy. Typically, such
differences in leg length are not the result of physical
differences between the lengths of the leg bones, but, rather, are
the result of a misalignment of the pelvis. Thus, by varying the
thickness of heel piece 20, the user can determine which
combination achieves the best result in terms of comfort and
function.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, it is further contemplated that heel
piece 20 may define within channel 22 a central aperture 26
disposed in the region of heel piece 20 that underlies the
calcaneus. Central aperture 26 is capable of accommodating a
corresponding protuberance 16 in tongue 12, such that in use
protuberance 16 is disposed within central aperture 26, thereby
additionally longitudinally securing the two pieces and further
increasing the amount of cushioning provided to the calcaneus.
[0042] In a still further embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 8B, the
present invention comprises heel cup 30 disposed underneath heel
piece 20 such that the heel piece 20 is partially supported by heel
cup 30. It is contemplated that heel cup 30 will extend
substantially across the width of heel piece 20 at the distal end
thereof and taper to a narrower width toward the proximal end of
heel piece 20, such that the medial portion of heel piece 20 is
supported by heel cup 30. Where, as in FIG. 4, heel piece 20
defines central aperture 26, it is contemplated that heel cup 30
may be constructed so as to not underlie central aperture 26 in
order to minimize interference with the increased calcaneal
cushioning provided by that embodiment. Where, as in FIG. 8B, arch
support is of greater importance than heel cushioning, heel cup 30
may be modified to satisfy this function. Similarly, where both
arch support and heel cushioning are desired, a combined structure
is contemplated.
[0043] Heel cup 30 is preferably heat-molded with heel piece 20
such that the two structures are thermally fused as a unit.
Optionally, use an adhesive or other means of engagement between
heel cup 30 and heel piece 20 is also contemplated. A still further
contemplated means is to employ a second-density, direct-molded
heel piece 20 having a region of increased density that functions
as heel cup 30, such that the region achieves the objects,
function, and results of heel cup 30. It is contemplated that the
material selected for heel cup 30 will have durometer range from
50-75 shore C.
[0044] In yet another embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-B, forefoot
piece has a width and thickness such that it may be employed to
enable a person with a narrow foot to wear a shoe having a width
greater than the width of the foot. This embodiment is particularly
useful to organizations that must equip a large number of
personnel, as it enables the organization to purchase the majority
of its footwear in one standard width (e.g., "D") and enable the
wearer to adjust the fit of the footwear most comfortably. This
will greatly reduce the organization's need to maintain an
inventory of footwear in every width for every size, thereby
reducing the total number of pairs of footwear that must be
purchased. The cost-savings to a large organization such as a
national military are significant, as the cost of the device of the
present invention is significantly less than the cost of the
footwear itself.
[0045] It is contemplated in this embodiment that forefoot piece 10
may be molded so as to provide centrally disposed foot
accommodation means 18, such that forefoot piece 10 has a first
thickness 5T1 disposed about foot accommodation means 18 and a
second thickness 5T2 in the region of foot accommodation means 18.
It is further contemplated that the transition zone between the
perimeter of forefoot piece 10 and foot accommodation means 18 be
relatively abrupt to prevent side-slippage of the foot during use
of the present invention in a conventional footwear item, yet
having a tapered transition between first thickness 5T1 and second
thickness 5T2, such that the foot is cradled within foot
accommodation means 18.
[0046] All or a selection of the various parts described above may
be provided as a packaged kit, enabling the user to have the option
of doing the custom fitting. Simple instructions would accompany
the package so that it would be easy to understand what each of the
components was and how to interchange them. The interlocking
tongue-and-channel design allows for ease in assembling a
wide-ranging combination of heel and forefoot components, without
the risk of having the parts being assembled incorrectly. This
design also enables the user to further customize the fit if, after
use of the devices, it becomes apparent that adjustment is
necessary.
[0047] Additionally, the user is not confined to one assembly.
Because there are multiple components in a package, the user could
use one combination, such as a standard forefoot component and
support heel component, due to increased pronation when running and
switch to a roomy forefoot component and standard heel component to
enable wearing heavier socks when walking and pronation isn't a
problem.
[0048] The various parts optionally may be color-coded to match
pictures in the instructions and to further identify each
component. Once, the footbed was assembled, it would always look
the same when looking inside the shoe, as you would only see the
top cloth (or like surface material or treatment), which covers the
foam and would not be color coded. Further, although the heel top
cloth may be a different color and material than the forefoot top
cloth, the combination of heel and forefoot piece top cloths would
always match as a pair.
[0049] The devices of the present invention may be provided by
footwear manufacturers as a packaged kit with their shoes or sold
as an aftermarket product directly to the user. It is also
contemplated that the packaged kit may be provided through
specialty retail shops, such as running specialty or ski specialty
shops, where a retailer with specialized expertise could assist the
customer in selecting the right combination heel and forefoot to
best fit them and their intended activity.
[0050] It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that
other embodiments, improvements, details and uses can be made
consistent with the letter and spirit of the foregoing disclosure
and within the scope of this patent, which is limited only by the
following claims, construed in accordance with the patent law,
including the doctrine of equivalents.
* * * * *