U.S. patent application number 13/007219 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-28 for sport specific footwear insole.
Invention is credited to Simon M. Luthi, Joseph F. McMillan, Michael J. Miller.
Application Number | 20110179675 13/007219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44307849 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110179675 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Michael J. ; et
al. |
July 28, 2011 |
SPORT SPECIFIC FOOTWEAR INSOLE
Abstract
An insole for athletic shoe including a body having an outermost
perimeter configured to fit within an athletic shoe, the outermost
perimeter defining a top surface having forefoot, midfoot, and
rearfoot portions. The insole having a first raised portion on the
top surface which is positioned around the outermost perimeter at
the rearfoot portion, and at least one structural element provided
to improve support of the athletic shoe.
Inventors: |
Miller; Michael J.;
(Waunakee, WI) ; Luthi; Simon M.; (Lake Oswego,
OR) ; McMillan; Joseph F.; (Portland, OR) |
Family ID: |
44307849 |
Appl. No.: |
13/007219 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61295030 |
Jan 14, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/126 ; 36/114;
36/128; 36/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/144 20130101;
A43B 7/143 20130101; A43B 17/14 20130101; A43B 17/16 20130101; A43B
7/142 20130101; A43B 17/023 20130101; A43B 7/1425 20130101; A43B
13/16 20130101; A43B 7/1435 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/126 ; 36/114;
36/128; 36/129 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00; A43B 5/02 20060101 A43B005/02; A43B 5/06 20060101
A43B005/06; A43B 13/38 20060101 A43B013/38; A43B 13/40 20060101
A43B013/40 |
Claims
1. An insole for athletic shoe comprising: a body having an
outermost perimeter configured to fit within an athletic shoe, the
outermost perimeter defining a top surface having forefoot,
midfoot, and rearfoot portions; a first raised portion of the top
surface positioned around the outermost perimeter at the rearfoot
portion; and at least one structural element provided to improve
support of the athletic shoe.
2. The insole of claim 1, wherein the structural element comprises
a midfoot plate.
3. The insole of claim 1, wherein the structural element comprises
a heel cradle.
4. The insole of claim 3, wherein the heel cradle is manufactured
from thermoplastic polyurethane.
5. The insole of claim 1, wherein the structural element comprises
a rearfoot cushion.
6. The insole of claim 1, wherein the structural element comprises
a first forefoot plate.
7. The insole of claim 6, wherein a medial portion of the first
forefoot plate is stiffer than a lateral portion.
8. The insole of claim 6, wherein the first forefoot plate defines
a plurality of grooves.
9. The insole of claim 6, further comprising a second forefoot
plate positioned between the body and the first forefoot plate.
10. The insole of claim 1, further comprising a second raised
portion of the top surface positioned between the forefoot and
midfoot portions.
11. The insole of claim 1, further comprising a thickness
differential between the forefoot portion and midfoot portion
extending to the rearfoot portion.
12. The insole of claim 11, wherein the thickness differential is
in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm.
13. The insole of claim 11, wherein the thickness differential is
in the range between about 4 mm to about 8 mm.
14. The insole of claim 11, wherein the thickness differential is
about 6 mm.
15. The insole of claim 11, wherein the thickness differential is 2
mm.
16. The insole of claim 1, wherein the body is manufactured from
ethylene-vinyl acetate.
17. The insole according to claim 1 configured for use in an
athletic sport selected from the group consisting of soccer,
football, long distance running, basketball, baseball, and
lacrosse.
18. An athletic shoe insole configured for use in a particular
sport as described herein.
19. An insole for athletic shoe comprising: a body having an
outermost perimeter configured to fit within an athletic shoe, the
outermost perimeter defining a top surface having forefoot,
midfoot, and rearfoot portions; a first raised portion of the top
surface positioned around the outermost perimeter at the rearfoot
portion; a second raised portion of the top surface positioned
between the forefoot and midfoot portions; at least one structural
element provided to improve support of the athletic shoe.
20. An insole for athletic shoe comprising: a body having an
outermost perimeter configured to fit within an athletic shoe, the
outermost perimeter defining a top surface having forefoot,
midfoot, and rearfoot portions; a thickness differential between
the forefoot portion and midfoot portion extending to the rearfoot
portion; a first raised portion of the top surface positioned
around the outermost perimeter at the rearfoot portion; at least
one structural element provided to improve support of the athletic
shoe.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/295,030, filed Jan. 14, 2010,
the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to footwear insoles and, more
specifically, to insoles designed for athletics footwear.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The movement that is required for playing a particular sport
puts unique pressures and strains on a player's feet. Footwear worn
for certain sports does not always provide sufficient support, e.g.
pressure distribution, shock absorption, and stabilization, to
protect the wearer from potential injury. Further, sport-specific
footwear does not adequately address the anatomical differences
between the feet of adults and youth, which is necessary in order
to provide proper support and prevent injury.
[0004] In light of these and other deficiencies related to
athletics footwear, there exists a need to provide a solution which
takes into account the particular requirements of each sport from
the aspects of foot comfort and support, as well as the state of
the anatomical development of the wearer.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one embodiment, the invention provides an insole for
athletics footwear, which includes a body having an outermost
perimeter configured to fit within an athletic shoe, the outermost
perimeter defining a top surface having forefoot, midfoot, and
rearfoot portions. The insole has a first raised portion of the top
surface positioned around the outermost perimeter at the rearfoot
portion and at least one structural element provided to improve
support of the athletic shoe.
[0006] In another embodiment, the invention provides an insole for
athletics footwear, which includes a body having an outermost
perimeter configured to fit within an athletic shoe, the outermost
perimeter defining a top surface having forefoot, midfoot, and
rearfoot portions. The insole has a first raised portion of the top
surface positioned around the outermost perimeter at the rearfoot
portion and a second raised portion of the top surface positioned
between the forefoot and midfoot portions. The insole has at least
one structural element provided to improve support of the athletic
shoe.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides an insole
for athletics footwear, which includes a body having an outermost
perimeter configured to fit within an athletic shoe, the outermost
perimeter defining a top surface having forefoot, midfoot, and
rearfoot portions. The insole has a thickness differential between
the forefoot portion and midfoot portion extending to the rearfoot
portion. The insole has a first raised portion of the top surface
positioned around the outermost perimeter at the rearfoot portion
at least one structural element provided to improve support of the
athletic shoe.
[0008] Various embodiments provide structurally distinct features
which are purposefully designed to benefit athletes engaged within
particular sports, such as basketball, baseball, football and
soccer, by example.
[0009] Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent
by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of an athletic footwear insole
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
designed for use by an adult baseball player.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
athletic footwear insole of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of an athletic footwear insole
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
designed for use by an adult basketball player.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
athletic footwear insole of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of an athletic footwear insole
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
designed for use by an adult football player.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
athletic footwear insole of FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of an athletic footwear insole
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
designed for use by an adult lacrosse player.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
athletic footwear insole of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of an athletic footwear in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
designed for use by an adult soccer player.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
athletic footwear insole of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of an athletic footwear insole
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
designed for use by a youth baseball player.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
athletic footwear insole of FIG. 11 taken along line 12-12.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of an athletic footwear insole
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
designed for use by a youth football player.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
athletic footwear insole of FIG. 13 taken along line 14-14.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of an athletic footwear insole
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
designed for use by a youth lacrosse player.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
athletic footwear insole of FIG. 15 taken along line 16-16.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of an athletic footwear insole
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
designed for use by a youth soccer player.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
athletic footwear insole of FIG. 17 taken along line 18-18.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of an athletic footwear in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
designed for use by a youth basketball player.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
athletic footwear insole of FIG. 19 taken along line 20-20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In reference to FIGS. 1-20, various embodiments of an
athletic footwear insole are provided. The various insole 30
embodiments are configured to be worn while playing a specific
sport or type of sport, such as, for example, baseball, soccer,
football, lacrosse and basketball. The insole 30 includes an
outermost perimeter 32, a flat portion 34, a raised portion 36, a
forefoot portion 40, a midfoot portion 42, and a rearfoot portion
44. The insole body 30 can be shaped for accommodation within the
standard footwear for a particular sport. For example, the insole
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be inserted into a cleated shoe
worn for playing baseball or sports requiring movement similar to
that of playing baseball.
[0031] The insole body 30 has a top side 38 and a bottom side 39.
The top side 38 is generally in contact with the bottom surface of
the wearer's foot. Included on the top side 38 are one or more
generally flat portion(s) 34 and one or more raised portion(s) 36.
In the illustrated embodiments, the dashed lines in the bottom plan
views indicate the perimeters distinguishing the flat portion(s) 34
from the raised portion(s) 36.
[0032] In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1-10, which are
designed for adult athletes, flat portion 34a can include the
forefoot 40, peripheral portions of the midfoot 42, and interior
portion of the rearfoot 44, and can include a slight increase in
the thickness of the insole body 30 between the forefoot 40 and the
rearfoot 44 (about 2 mm). In some embodiments, flat portion 34a can
include a slight increase in the thickness of the insole body 30
between the forefoot 40 and midfoot 42.
[0033] The thickness of the insole is the measurement of the
distance between the top side 38 and bottom side 39 taken
perpendicularly from the bottom side 39. The thickness can be
measured at different positions within the body 30, preferably at a
position located along the line shown in any one of FIG. 1, 3, 5,
7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, or 19. For the forefoot 40, an exemplary
thickness is in a range of about 2 mm to about 7 mm, preferably the
thickness is between about 3 mm to about 6 mm, and more preferably
the thickness is about 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm. For the rearfoot
44, an exemplary thickness is in a range of about 6 mm to about 10
mm, and more preferably the thickness is about 7 mm or 9 mm. In one
embodiment, the thickness of the forefoot 40 is 5 mm and the
thickness of the rearfoot 44 is 7 mm. In another embodiment, the
thickness of the forefoot 40 is 6 mm and the thickness of the
rearfoot 44 is 7 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness of the
forefoot 40 is 4 mm and the thickness of the rearfoot 44 is 7 mm.
In another embodiment, the thickness of the forefoot 40 is 3 mm and
the thickness of the rearfoot 44 is 9 mm.
[0034] In one embodiment, the thickness differential is determined
by subtracting the thickness measured along the line in the
forefoot 40 portion from the thickness measured along the line in
the rearfoot 44 portion. In another embodiment, the thickness
differential is determined by subtracting the thickness measure
along the line in the forefoot 40 portion from the thickness
measured along the line in the midfoot 42 portion.
[0035] Flat portion 34b, visible in the cross-sectional views of
the embodiments designed for youth athletes (FIGS. 11-20), are
elevated from flat portion 34a to provide a thickness differential.
An exemplary thickness differential between the forefoot 40 and
rearfoot 44 is in a range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, preferably
the thickness differential is between about 4 mm to about 8 mm, and
more preferably the thickness differential is about 6 mm. Providing
the thickness differential between the rearfoot 44 and the forefoot
40 in insoles for youth athletes can reduce the tensile strain on
the Achilles tendon and prevent the resulting inflammation of the
growth center where the tendon is attached, a condition known as
Sever's Disease or calcaneal apophysitis.
[0036] Raised portion 36a, visible in the cross-sectional views of
the illustrated embodiments in FIGS. 1-10 in the mid-forefoot area,
can be provided as a support for the distal aspects of the
2.sup.nd, 3.sup.rd, and 4.sup.th metatarsal bones to prevent
strain-induced injury. This metatarsal support is particularly
beneficial to late adolescent and adult players, whose feet are
more fully developed than those of youths. Raised portion 36b,
visible in the cross-sectional views of all the illustrated
embodiments, can slope upward from the flat portion(s) 34 to the
dashed profiles. Raised portion 36b can include a heel ridge 50
which wraps around the posterior portion of the outermost perimeter
32 to support and stabilize the rearfoot of the wearer. The heel
ridge 50 can extend on the medial side of the insole body 30 into
an instep support 52 and on the lateral side into a peripheral
ridge 54.
[0037] Intensity of movement (e.g., speed, impact, changes in
direction) is required for most sports and is often the cause of
injury, which in many cases is more severe when caused by playing
sports. The heel ridge 50, instep support 52, and peripheral ridge
54 can provide positional stabilization to the foot of the wearer.
The positional stabilization provided by these elements can prevent
over-pronation, over-supination, and/or sliding of the foot within
the shoe or cleat, which can greatly reduce the propensity for
repetitive stress injuries. Further, these elements can reduce the
possibility of acute injuries from ankle rolls or twisting.
[0038] The insoles of the present invention can be manufactured
from various types of material which can be chosen for specific
physical, chemical, and morphological properties. For example,
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a polymer that approaches elastomeric
materials in softness and flexibility can be processed like other
thermoplastics. EVA has several properties which make it a good
choice for the body of an insole 30 (or portions thereof).
Engage.RTM. (Dow Chemicals) EVA is a particular blend of foam that
maintains springiness and provides superior shock absorption and
cushioning. In various embodiments, different portions of the
insole body 30 can be formed from different densities of
Engage.RTM. EVA, or other material to improve comfort or support
aspects of the insole. A nylon top cover (not shown) can be applied
to the top surface 38 of the insole body 30 for aesthetic purposes
and/or to protect the foam from wear. Alternatively, various other
suitable materials can be used to make insoles according to
different embodiments of the invention.
[0039] Not all sports involve the same types of motion. As a
result, various embodiments of the insole 30 provide support
elements of varying material properties and/or design at the
impacted areas of the insole 30. For example, baseball, football,
and basketball all require fast lateral movements and changes in
lateral motion. Consequently, a heel cradle 60 is included in the
insoles 30 designed for these sports (FIGS. 1-6, 11-14, 19, and 20)
to provide additional support. The heel cradle 60 is formed, by
example, as a separate piece of the insole 30 from a material
having different properties, higher density and/or rigidity, and
glued to or attached to the body of the insole 30 by other means.
For example, the heel cradle 60 can be formed of a thermoplastic
polyurethane (TPU) by injection molding or other processes (e.g.,
basketball embodiments). Alternatively, the heel cradle 60 is
integrally formed of the same material as the insole body 30 (e.g.,
die cut EVA). In at least one embodiment, the heel cradle 60
preferably has a higher density or hardness as compared to the
other portions of the insole 30. The heel cradle 60 can have
various shapes and thicknesses depending on the desired
results.
[0040] In an alternative embodiment, a cushion 62 is provided in
the flat portion 34 of the rear foot portion 44 primarily for shock
absorption. This feature is anticipated for insoles 30 designed for
use playing baseball (FIGS. 1, 2, 11, and 12) and other sports
played on hard surfaces. Footwear does not always provide adequate
cushioning to the heel, which can be problematic for high impact
sports played on hard surfaces. The cushion 62 can comprise a gel
or a softer, more compressible material than the body of the insole
30. In some embodiments, the cushion 62 is 3 mm thick.
Alternatively, a cushion is provided in other locations of the
insole 30. The cushion can have various shapes and thicknesses
depending on the desired results.
[0041] As illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2, and 5-10, a
forefoot plate 64 can be provided for insoles designed for use with
cleated footwear. The shape of the plate 64 can be determined based
on the configuration of the cleated footwear in order to distribute
pressure from the cleats across the forefoot, thereby providing
additional comfort to the wearer. In order to allow for necessary
flexibility, in some embodiments the forefoot plate 64 can define
one or more grooves 66 (FIGS. 5-10). Forefoot plates 64 are not
provided in the youth insole embodiments for these sports because
the feet of younger players do not experience the same magnitude of
forces and shoe configurations for youth and adults often differ.
However, in other embodiments, plates 64 can be provided in insoles
30 designed for youth footwear.
[0042] The forefoot plate 64 can be formed as a separate piece of
the insole from a material having different properties, higher
density and/or rigidity, and glued to or attached to the body of
the insole 30 by other means. For example, the forefoot plate 64
can be formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) by injection
molding or other suitable processes. Alternatively, the plate 64 is
formed of the same material as the insole body 30 but having a
higher density or hardness. The forefoot plate 64 can have various
shapes and thicknesses depending on the desired results.
[0043] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment designed for use
with footwear for playing football. An additional structure plate
68 is included at the medial portion of the forefoot 40 providing
additional rigidity to prevent an injury commonly referred to as
"Turf Toe." Plate 68 is separately formed of a composite material
and positioned between the insole body 30 and the forefoot plate
64. Alternatively, the plate 68 can be formed of another material
or may be provided as an increased thickness in the forefoot plate
64 on the medial aspect of the forefoot 40.
[0044] Alternatively, a midfoot plate 70 can be provided extending
substantially between the medial and lateral sides of the midfoot
portion to improve midfoot stability. This feature is anticipated
for insoles designed for use playing lacrosse, soccer, and
basketball (FIGS. 3-4, 7-10, and 15-20) and other sports having
footwear that is typically flat and flexible.
[0045] It is specifically intended that the present invention not
be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein,
but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions
of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different
embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *