U.S. patent application number 13/134953 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-20 for shoe sole system providing a negative ion environment.
Invention is credited to Thomas Bove.
Application Number | 20120317843 13/134953 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47352551 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120317843 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bove; Thomas |
December 20, 2012 |
Shoe sole system providing a negative ion environment
Abstract
This invention includes embodiments which disclose a shoe sole
base system wherein there are a plurality of magnets embedded
within a shoe base and a plurality of spheres containing
tourmaline, also embedded within the shoe base. In further
embodiments, the angle of the magnetic axis of each of the
plurality of magnets to other magnets in the plurality of magnets
is random in both two and in three dimensions and/or the spheres
containing tourmaline may emit negative ions and/or far infrared
rays.
Inventors: |
Bove; Thomas; (Spokane
Valley, WA) |
Family ID: |
47352551 |
Appl. No.: |
13/134953 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/25R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 1/0054 20130101;
A43B 7/1455 20130101; A43B 13/38 20130101; A43B 7/148 20130101;
A43B 7/146 20130101; A43B 7/1415 20130101; A43B 1/0009 20130101;
A43B 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/25.R |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/14 20060101
A43B013/14 |
Claims
1. A shoe sole system comprising: a shoe sole base configured to
provide a magnetic flux and negative ions to a human foot; a
plurality of magnets embedded and fixed within the shoe sole base
such that each the plurality of magnets is embedded within the shoe
sole base with its magnetic axis at an angle different to some of
the other magnets in the plurality of magnets; a plurality of
spheres containing tourmaline; and wherein the plurality of magnets
as embedded within the shoe sole base are configured to each create
a magnetic fields external to the applicator base and the plurality
of tourmaline spheres as embedded within the show sole base are
configured to generate negative ions external to the shoe sole
base.
2. A magnetic sole system as recited in claim 1, and further
wherein the plurality of tourmaline spheres as embedded within the
show sole base are configured to emit far infrared rays external to
the shoe sole base.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application does not claim priority from any other
application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to a shoe sole system which may be a
shoe sole insert or a system integrated or embedded within the sole
of footwear. In some embodiments of this invention the system more
particularly provides a plurality of spheres which include
tourmaline mineral or stone, and in other embodiments may include a
plurality of spheres which include tourmaline stone combined with a
plurality of spherical magnets embedded at random angles to one
another and to the substrate which they are embedded in.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Modern medicine tends to attempt to solve health and related
issues through chemical or surgical intervention. In some of these
administrations of chemical intervention or drugs, the intervention
may be designed to target an enzyme system within the body or to
create a localized immune system response so that the body's immune
system actually solves the problem. Drugs contain side effects
however and in some cases the benefit of drugs does not always
outweigh the side effects.
[0004] The therapeutic, healing, preventative, health effect and
biological effects of the application of numerous types and
magnitudes of magnetic and/or electromagnetic fields have been
studied and are the subject of numerous articles, studies,
testimonials, anecdotal evidence, and prior patents, such as U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,084,003, 3,921,620, 5,002,068 and 7,931,577 (each of
which are hereby incorporated herein by this reference). Exposing
part or all of the human body to certain magnetic fields may
accomplish any one of a number of different therapeutic effects,
such as: muscular and nerve pain alleviation; diabetic neuropathy;
arthritis relief; improve healing; an increase in the circulation
of the blood in the area in which the magnetic field and or
magnetic flux for instance are imposed (to facilitate the action of
the body's immune syste); and others. While there are many
different and overlapping theories on why it works, it is believed
that the differential or forces created by a magnetic flux
introduces voltage differentials and stimulates the body.
[0005] The tourmaline mineral group is one of the more complicated
groups of silicate minerals from a chemical perspective and its
composition may vary because of the different properties that
tourmaline exhibits, such as isomorphous replacement. Due to its
chemical nature and structure, tourmaline may be electronically
charged and/or generate or provide a negative ion environment. It
is believed that tourmaline may be externally pressured or
stimulated to provide or generate negative ions or to enhance its
generation, but that depends somewhat on the specific chemical
composition. Tourmaline is believed to provide health benefits and
to alleviate symptoms of certain conditions of the human body.
Tourmaline has also been known or believed for its ability to hold
an electric charge and that certain crystals produce measurable
electric charges. Tourmaline gemstones creating an electrical
charge may be capable of emitting infrared waves and generating
negative ions, depending on the tourmaline stone and in some cases,
the external factors or the environment in which the tourmaline
stone is placed.
[0006] Negative ions have been found and are believed to be
important in relieving various symptoms of human conditions,
including such states as depression. The holistic and naturopathic
community recognizes tourmaline to have properties that provide
many different benefits to our health, including improving
circulation, the promotion of sound sleep, enhancement of the
immune system, stress relief, and the stimulation of cell
metabolism. Positive ions may create free radicals which are
detrimental to our health, and higher concentrations of positive
ions are generally found in various pollutants, industrial waste,
exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, insecticides and other negative
substances to our health.
[0007] Negative ions on the other hand are generally found in
nature and such locations as ocean shores, the base of waterfalls,
the area around the electrical storm and forests in the morning.
Negative ions produced in concentrations by tourmaline result in
healthful benefits and effects on the body similar or the same as
those negative ions produced by nature.
[0008] Tourmaline is a mineral which is not only a natural source
of negative ions, but also of far infrared (FIR) rays. The
tourmaline is utilized in some water filters to not only to filter
the water, but also to provide a slight or mild alkaline water.
[0009] In 1989, NASA released a report with experimental data
indicating that 6-14 micron wavelength of far infrared is the
essence of the suns energy that is an indispensable energy resource
for life on Earth. Infrared Rays (FIR) have been called the "Light
of Life", because they comprise the particular portion of the
entire energy spectrum that's most responsible for sustaining life
on Earth. To help understand this infrared rays are divided into
three wavelength frequencies: near, middle and far. Far infrared
waves are the longest of all infrared waves, measuring from 5.6 to
1,000 microns. A narrow spectrum of far infrared waves in the 4 to
14 micron range is known to have particularly beneficial and
healthful effects on the body. Tourmaline has a similar wavelength
and this wavelength may produce a warming that can penetrate bodily
tissues deeply and uniformly.
[0010] On the magnetic side, it is believed that at least part of
the therapeutic effect of magnetism on humans is the angle and
strength at which the magnetic field and or magnetic flux interacts
with or encounters the nerve endings and/or blood vessels in a
given area where applied. Since blood vessels and nerve endings are
oriented at a wide variety of angles on both a two-dimensional and
on a three-dimensional basis, it follows that a magnetic field or
magnetic flux at varying or even random angles will maximize the
therapeutic effect.
[0011] It is therefore an object of some embodiments of this
invention to provide a shoe sole system which includes a negative
ion generator and a magnetic flux applicator. The magnetic flux
applicator may be arranged or embedded such that the magnetic axis'
of the magnets are provided at varying and or random angles
relative to each other and/or relative to the application surface.
It will however be appreciated that this invention is not so
limited to random angles, but may also encompass aligned magnetic
axis.
[0012] It is a further object of some of the embodiments of this
invention to provide a combination of a negative ion generator and
a magnetic flux applicator for embedding in a shoe sole insert or
in a shoe sole. It is a still further object some embodiments of
this invention to provide a combination of a negative ion
generator, a magnetic flux applicator and far infrared (FIR) rays
embedded in a shoe sole insert or in a shoe sole.
[0013] While the invention was motivated in addressing some
objectives, it is in no way so limited. The invention is only
limited by the accompanying claims as literally worded, without
interpretative or other limiting reference to the specification,
and in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. Other objects,
features, and advantages of this invention will appear from the
specification, claims, and accompanying drawings which form a part
hereof. In carrying out the objects of this invention, it is to be
understood that its essential features are susceptible to change in
design and structural arrangement, with only one practical and
preferred embodiment being illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, as required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below
with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front top isometric view of one example of an
embodiment contemplated by this invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front bottom isometric view of the example of
the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is section 3-3 from FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4A is an exemplary detail 4 from FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 4B is another exemplary detail 4 from FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a combination of
spherical elements which may be utilized alone or in various
combinations in different embodiments of this invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the human foot on an
embodiment of this invention comprising a shoe sole insert;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a top schematic representation of an insert for a
human's left foot as contemplated by an embodiment of this
invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the example of the embodiment of
this invention illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a right end view of the example of the embodiment
of this invention illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the
invention illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a detail of a possible embodiment of a
magnet;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a schematic elevation view of one depiction of an
embodiment of a magnet which may be used in this invention,
illustrating magnetic flux lines and the North Pole and South;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a depiction of an embodiment of the invention
wherein the shoe sole system is integrated with or embedded in the
shoe itself;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of patterns of
tourmaline spheres and magnetic spheres in one embodiment of the
invention; and
[0030] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of patterns of
tourmaline spheres and magnetic spheres in another embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Many of the fastening, connection, manufacturing and other
means and components utilized in this invention are widely known
and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact
nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the
invention by a person skilled in the art or science; therefore,
they will not be discussed in significant detail. Furthermore, the
various components shown or described herein for any specific
application of this invention can be varied or altered as
anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific
application or embodiment of any element may already be widely
known or used in the art or by persons skilled in the art or
science; therefore, each will not be discussed in significant
detail.
[0032] The terms "a", "an" and "the" as used in the claims herein
are used in conformance with long-standing claim drafting practice
and not in a limiting way. Unless specifically set forth herein,
the terms "a", "an" and "the" are not limited to one of such
elements, but instead mean "at least one".
[0033] The terms "magnet" and "magnetic material" may include any
type or kind of magnet or magnetic material with no one in
particular being required to practice this invention. By way of
providing some, but not an exhaustive list of examples, this may
include without limitation, permanent magnets, magnetic materials
which create a changing magnetic field, ferromagnetic components,
and others. The magnets or magnetic material may be fluxing, fixed,
moving or otherwise, within the contemplation of this invention,
and may create pulsed, changing, fluxing, modulating, and/or
fixed/constant magnetic, waved or energy fields (as a few examples)
within the contemplation of this invention. They may including
alternating poles, north poles, south poles, or combinations
thereof, and different shapes of the magnets and magnetic fields,
all within the same magnet or magnetic layer, within the
contemplation of this invention.
[0034] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
that a device and method such as this, for the application for
various treatments can be used in any one of a number of different
ways, with no one in particular being required to practice this
invention. The invention can be used to apply magnetic and/or
electromagnetic waves to something typically benefited by one of
the therapies, but which may be enhanced by the simultaneous
application of two or three of the therapies, such as negative ions
or far infrared rays.
[0035] One of the components utilized in some embodiments of this
invention is a layer of silicone or a silicone module. Silicone is
generally any one of various polymeric organic silicon compounds
such as oils, greases, or plastics and used for water resistant and
heat resistant lubrications, varnishes, binders, and as electric
insulators. Silicone may come in many different forms, such as a
rubber form made from silicon elastomers, which may be noted for
its retention of flexibility, resilience and tensile strength over
a wide temperature range. Silicon may enhance the application of
magnetic fields and/or flux through the human skin and aid in any
resulting benefits to the application.
[0036] The term "therapeutic" is also used herein to cover and
include any such wave or energy source which has a therapeutic,
health care or biological affect on a recipient, including a
magnetic field, a static field, an electric field, infrared waves
or any others with a therapeutic or health care affect. For
example, it may later be determined that wave forms or energy
anywhere in the electromagnetic spectrum or sound wave spectrum
provide a therapeutic or health care affect to the recipient, which
are intended to be included herein.
[0037] When the term shoe is used herein, it is meant its broadest
sense to include traditional shoes, boots, sandals, flip-flops, and
other footwear--all within the contemplation of this invention. It
will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that
when the term shoe insert is used that means it may be temporarily
inserted or permanently inserted and/or integrated with the shoe,
sandal or sole of the shoe. This can be by providing additional
layer which would otherwise integrate with the base of the shoe or
the solo shoe, all within the contemplation of this invention.
[0038] One of the purposes of this invention is to utilize the
therapeutic properties of the tourmaline gemstone in a ground
spherical geometry so that it can be encapsulated in a flexible
substrate. Tourmaline is readily available in spherical shapes for
example for the water filtration industry. For the purpose of
experimenting, and taking measurements to verify the increase in
negative ions that tourmaline emitted when encapsulated in a
flexible substrate, an exemplary magnetic insole was constructed
and combination of magnetic spheres and tourmaline spheres were
embedded in the silicon substrate at a ratio of 3 magnetic spheres
to 3 tourmaline spheres. The spheres were generally arranged in a
hexagonal arrangement or hexagonal groupings. Using a Model
Com-3010PRO Ion tester, the measurements of the number of negative
ions emitted in by the insole containing the 3 magnetic spheres to
3 tourmaline sphere was at a reading of 871; whereas the negative
ions that were measured from the insole without the combination was
only at a reading of 3.
[0039] FIG. 1 is a front top isometric view of one example of an
embodiment contemplated by this invention, illustrating a
magnetized shoe insert 101, shoe insert base 102, a plurality of
recessed or inset areas 104, a plurality of tourmaline spheres 103,
and a plurality of magnets 105. In this example of this embodiment
of the invention, the inset areas 104 are hexagon shaped, but those
of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that no one particular
configuration or shape is required to practice this invention, but
instead any one of a number of circular, arcuate, polygonal or
other shapes may be utilized in practicing different embodiments of
this invention.
[0040] FIG. 1 further illustrates the tourmaline spheres 103 are
also arranged in a hexagon type pattern as will be illustrated and
discussed later. It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art that no one particular configuration or shape for
the pattern of tourmaline spheres or magnets are required to
practice this invention, but instead any one of a number of
circular, arcuate, polygonal or other configurations or shapes may
be utilized in practicing different embodiments of this
invention.
[0041] In FIG. 1, while item 105 is pointing toward what are
referred to as magnets and item 103 pointing toward what are
referred to as tourmaline spheres, the outer surface is actually
part of the base and one way to retain, position and/or encapsulate
the spheres (magnets or tourmaline) in their specific location at
the desired angle or angles. The surface covering on the top side
of the magnets 105 (and tourmaline spheres 103) within the sole
insert is generally flatter than on the bottom side, and has
sufficient base material to either retain the magnets in their
places and at the desired angles, or to provide a covering of the
magnets (or tourmaline spheres) with the desired base material. It
may also be desired in embodiments of this invention to provide
different materials to comprise the base material, depending upon
the application: for example one might provide silicone to cover or
embed the specific magnets and/or tourmaline spheres but utilize a
polymer or other elastomer or rubberlike material for the other
portions of the sole insert base 102, all contemplated by different
embodiments of this invention. An example of a material which may
be utilized is sold under the trademark Katon as a silicone rubber
material.
[0042] FIG. 1 further illustrates the rear portion 107 of the shoe
insert 101, which is generally for placement under the heel and
part or all of the instep of the user. The front portion 106 of the
shoe insert 101 is generally for placement under the toes and ball
of the foot of the user. While a full-length shoe insert is shown
illustrated in the drawings, this invention is not limited to a
full shoe insert but instead applies to partial inserts which may
for example only cover the front portion 106, the rear portion 107
or other combinations and partial shoe inserts--depending upon the
desired application and embodiment.
[0043] Although it will also be appreciated the potential benefits
of silicone in providing the interaction of the shoe insert with
the human foot and in facilitating the application of the magnetic
fields and magnetic fluxes, negative ions and far infrared rays, to
the foot, this invention is not so limited.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a front bottom isometric view of the example of
the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating
magnetized shoe insert 101, shoe insert base 102, a plurality of
recessed or inset areas 104, a plurality of tourmaline spheres 103,
and a plurality of magnets 105 (the 105b indicating the top of the
magnet which is, depending on the embodiment, protruding above the
base or encapsulated therein). FIG. 2 further illustrates inset
areas 104, front portion 106 and rear portion 107 of the shoe
insert 101. In this example of the embodiment, the magnets and
tourmaline spheres 103 protrude slightly more than on the top side
and have a more pronounced arcuate and protruding shape and
configuration. While this may for some be preferably on the bottom
side of the sole for comfort reasons, it may be desired in some
applications of embodiments to place the larger protrusion side of
the tourmaline spheres 110 on the upper side directly adjacent to
the users foot to provide deeper magnetic fields and fluxes, as
well as a massaging effect, all within the contemplation of this
invention. The spheres may be sized any one of a number of sizes
for use in shoes, with 2 millimeter diameter spheres being one size
for shoe insert soles.
[0045] FIG. 3 is section 3-3 from FIG. 1, and illustrates shoe
insert 101, shoe insert base 102, magnet 105 with encapsulating
base material 105a on the top side of the shoe insert 101 and
encapsulating base material 110 on the bottom side of the magnets
105. FIG. 3 also shows a plurality of tourmaline spheres 109 with
encapsulating base material 103a on the top side of the shoe insert
101 and encapsulating base material 110 on the bottom side of the
tourmaline spheres 109. Again, the encapsulation illustrated in
FIG. 3 is merely for exemplary purposes and may be accomplished in
any one of a number of ways, as discussed more fully herein and as
will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, all
within the contemplation of this invention.
[0046] FIG. 4A is an exemplary detail 4 from FIG. 3, and
illustrates shoe insert 101, magnet 109 with magnetized particles
109a therein, base 102, base insets 104, encapsulating base
material 110 and encapsulating base material 103a. FIGS. 4A &
4B taken together, illustrate how magnets 105 can have the magnetic
axis 113 and 116 poles aligned in their North and South directions
generally perpendicular to the primary plane of the base 102.
However while this arrangement is contemplated by some embodiments
of this invention, as will be seen in later figures, the alignment
of the magnetic axis may preferably be randomly oriented or random
axis magnets. FIG. 4A illustrates how the magnetic particles 105c
are aligned to achieve a magnetic axis 114 and 116.
[0047] FIG. 4B is an exemplary detail 4 from FIG. 3, and shows an
alternative example or embodiment wherein the magnet 105 with
magnetized particles 105c therein are not oriented relatively
perpendicularly to base 102, but instead are aligned at random
angles as illustrated by the axis 116. Angle 118 is the angle
between axis 116 and vertical and this may be in two-dimensional or
three-dimensional court's, depending on the application. FIG. 4B
otherwise has liked numbered items or components as shown and
described relative to FIG. 4A, and will not be further discussed
herein. FIG. 4B also illustrates negative ions and far infrared
rays or waves rising above the tourmaline sphere 119 to create a
negative ion environment and a far infrared environment above the
base.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a combination of
spherical elements which may be utilized alone or in various
combinations in different embodiments of this invention. FIG. 5
depicts magnetic sphere 105, a magnet with a North-South axis at a
random angle to the other spheres; tourmaline spheres 109 depicting
a sphere with tourmaline therein producing far infrared rays
represented by the arrows, and negative ions represented by an
encircled negative sign. It will be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art that the combination of tourmaline
spheres 109 and magnetic spheres 105 may be in any combination,
pattern or ratio, if used in this combination in embodiments of the
invention. The magnetic flux produced by the magnets may impact the
generation and/or flux of negative ions from the tourmaline spheres
109.
[0049] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a human foot 120 standing on
the shoe insert 101 shown in FIG. 1, illustrating shoe insert base
102, top magnet encapsulations 105a and bottom magnet
encapsulations 105b. FIG. 6 further illustrates tourmaline spheres
103 embedded in the shoe sole base 102 (a shoe sole insert in the
embodiment shown) and covered by encapsulating material 110.
[0050] FIG. 7 is a top schematic representation of a shoe insert
140 for a human left foot as contemplated by an embodiment of this
invention, illustrating shoe insert base 141 and a hexagonal
configuration 142 of the plurality of tourmaline spheres 143, 144,
145, 146, 147 and 148. A second hexagonal configuration 149 is
shown of the plurality of tourmaline spheres 150, 151, 152, 153,
154 and 155. FIG. 7 also shows a pattern of magnets 105.
[0051] It can be seen from FIG. 7 and will be appreciated by those
of ordinary skill in the art that there are numerous other hexagon
configurations of the plurality of magnets on shoe insert 140 and
it will be further observed the way in which one hexagonal
configuration can interact with, be a part of and share magnets
with an adjacent hexagonal configuration, within the contemplation
of this invention.
[0052] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a shoe insert 160 similar to the
example of the embodiment of this invention illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 instead illustrates that more than one pattern or
configuration of magnets and/or of tourmaline spheres may be
utilized on the same shoe insert within the contemplation of this
invention, with FIG. 8 illustrating a plurality of triangular
configurations 180 and 184. Triangular configuration 180 includes
tourmaline spheres 181 and 183 combined with magnet 182, and
magnets 105 with a second triangular configuration 184, which
further includes tourmaline spheres 185 and 186. It will be
appreciated that the entire shoe insert may be one pattern, such as
hexagonal or may be triangular, or a plurality of patterns such as
triangular combined with hexagonal, all within the contemplation of
this invention. FIG. 8 further illustrates .a plurality of insets
162 in base 161 with tourmaline spheres 163 scattered throughout in
different patterns.
[0053] FIG. 9 is a right end view of the example of the embodiment
of the shoe insert 160 invention illustrated in FIG. 8,
illustrating shoe insert 160, shoe insert base 161, bottom
tourmaline sphere encapsulations 163 and top tourmaline sphere
encapsulations 164.
[0054] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the
shoe insert 160 invention illustrated in FIG. 8, illustrating shoe
insert 160, shoe insert base 161, bottom tourmaline sphere
encapsulations 163 and top magnet encapsulations 164. Additionally,
FIG. 10 illustrates how magnets within shoe insert 160 may be
randomly placed such that the polarity or the magnetic axis are at
random angles relative to one another and/or relative to the shoe
insert base 161. FIG. 10 illustrates first magnet 170 with its top
end 170a, second magnet 171 with its top end 171a, third magnet 172
with its top end 172a and fourth magnet 173 with its top end 173a
at a fourth angle. Again the random angles may be in two dimensions
or in three dimensions, all within the contemplation of this
invention. FIG. 10 further serves to illustrate that this invention
contemplates magnets with magnetic axis at random angles and as
described above in a prior figure, magnets all aligned relatively
perpendicularly to the shoe insert base 161, combined with
tourmaline spheres 163.
[0055] FIG. 11 is a detail which illustrates one embodiment of a
magnet 170 with its magnetic axis 170b or pole at angle 176 from a
generally normal or perpendicular line 177. FIG. 11 illustrates
relatively stronger magnetic magnitude by the darker areas 190
around the approximate north pole of magnet 170 and by the darker
areas 191 around the approximate south pole of magnet 170.
[0056] FIG. 12 is a schematic elevation view of one depiction of an
embodiment of a magnet which may be used in this invention,
illustrating magnetic flux lines as well as the north pole and
south pole of the magnet. FIG. 13 illustrates magnet 201 with
magnetic axis 222 at angle 207 relative to reference 204 normal or
perpendicular to shoe sole insert base or application surface 211.
FIG. 13 shows the respective magnetic fields 213 and 214 around
magnet 201, further illustrates that in some embodiments it may be
preferred that the magnet 201 not protrude from the applicator or
shoe sole insert, but instead be wholly embedded or encapsulated
therein.
[0057] FIG. 13 further illustrates that the shoe insert base may be
made of different materials such as outer layer 210 with outer
surface 211, and outer layer 212, and inner base material 219.
Outer layer 210 may be made of the same or a different material to
outer layer 212, and silicone may be preferred for components or
surfaces adjacent the skin of the user.
[0058] FIG. 13 is a depiction of an embodiment of the invention
wherein the shoe sole system is integrated with or embedded in the
shoe 201 itself, instead of embedded in a shoe sole insert as shown
elsewhere herein in other embodiments of the invention. FIG. 13
illustrates shoe 201, magnets 205 with top portion 205a and bottom
portion 205b, tourmaline spheres 210, sole insert base 202 or
substrate, foot 230, with encapsulating base material 203 over
tourmaline spheres 210.
[0059] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of patterns of
tourmaline spheres and magnetic spheres in one embodiment of the
invention, showing the shoe sole system 214 with substrate 215,
tourmaline spheres 216 and magnetic spheres 217 embedded in sole
substrate 215. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in
the art that anyone would number of different types of substrate
material may be utilized, such as the silicone-based material
(which may also include medical grade material to avoid
deterioration and smells that may be generated within a person's
shoe). One example of such a material that may be utilized in some
embodiments of the invention, is sold under the trademark Katon. A
benefit of utilizing a medical grade or other high-quality type of
silicone is that it will not take on the bacteria, sweat and other
smells from a person's foot.
[0060] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of patterns of
tourmaline spheres and magnetic spheres in another embodiment of
the invention, illustrating how the interconnected hexagon patterns
218 and 220 of the tourmaline spheres 216 may form a pattern
throughout the sole of the shoe. Similarly numbered items are shown
and described in FIG. 15 and will not be repeated herein.
[0061] As will be appreciated by those of reasonable skill in the
art, there are numerous embodiments to this invention, and
variations of elements, components and combinations, which may be
used, all within the scope of this invention.
[0062] One embodiment of this invention, for example, is a shoe
sole system comprising: a shoe sole base configured to provide a
magnetic flux and negative ions to a human foot; a plurality of
magnets embedded and fixed within the shoe sole base such that each
the plurality of magnets is embedded within the shoe sole base with
its magnetic axis at an angle different to some of the other
magnets in the plurality of magnets; and a plurality of spheres
containing tourmaline; wherein the plurality of magnets as embedded
within the shoe sole base are configured to each create a magnetic
fields external to the applicator base and the plurality of
tourmaline spheres as embedded within the show sole base are
configured to generate negative ions external to the shoe sole
base.
[0063] Further and/or additional embodiments to that described in
the preceding paragraph may include further wherein the plurality
of tourmaline spheres as embedded within the show sole base are
configured to emit far infrared rays external to the shoe sole
base.
[0064] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been
described in language more or less specific as to structural and
methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the specific features shown and
described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred
forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is,
therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the
proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in
accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
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