U.S. patent application number 13/937972 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for footwear insole for high heel shoes.
The applicant listed for this patent is MSD Consumer Care, Inc.. Invention is credited to JANE M. CAPPAERT, Harold A. Howlett, Charles E. Lundy, JR., Philip c. Yang.
Application Number | 20130291398 13/937972 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42102927 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130291398 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CAPPAERT; JANE M. ; et
al. |
November 7, 2013 |
FOOTWEAR INSOLE FOR HIGH HEEL SHOES
Abstract
Disclosed is a footwear insole for increasing comfort in high
heel shoes by providing a base layer extending from a heel to a
forefoot of a foot, and a raised portion prominent from the top of
the base layer and situated substantially under an arch of the
foot, in which the raised portion is configured to increase support
of the plantar fascia of the foot.
Inventors: |
CAPPAERT; JANE M.;
(Bartlett, TN) ; Howlett; Harold A.; (Horn Lake,
MS) ; Yang; Philip c.; (Memphis, TN) ; Lundy,
JR.; Charles E.; (Germantown, TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MSD Consumer Care, Inc. |
Memphis |
TN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
42102927 |
Appl. No.: |
13/937972 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12334090 |
Dec 12, 2008 |
|
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13937972 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/142 20130101;
A43B 7/141 20130101; A43B 13/38 20130101; A43B 17/026 20130101;
A43B 7/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/43 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/38 20060101
A43B013/38 |
Claims
1-66. (canceled)
67. A removable 3/4 length insole for high heel shoes, comprising:
a base layer comprising a heel region, an arch region and a
forefoot region; and a raised portion prominent from a top surface
of the base layer substantially in the arch region configured to
support the plantar fascia of a foot when the foot is inserted in a
high heel shoe in contact with the top surface of the base layer,
wherein the raised portion comprises a material having a softer
clinometer than the base layer, the base layer having exposed
portions about the raised portion for supporting portions of the
foot.
68. The insole of claim 67, wherein the raised portion is configued
to support, the plantar fascia distal to the calcaneus of the
foot.
69. The insole of claim 67, wherein the raised portion is
configured substantially centrally between the medial and lateral
arch of a foot when the foot is in contact with the insole.
70. The insole of claim 67, wherein the insole is a non-planar
structure.
71. The insole of claim 67, wherein the base layer comprises
polyurethane gel.
72. The insole of claim 67, wherein the base layer comprises an
SEBS gel.
73. The insole of claim 67, wherein the raised portion comprises
polyurethane gel.
74. The insole of claim 67, wherein the raised portion comprises
SEBS gel.
75. The insole of claim 67, wherein the base layer has a Shore 000
clinometer between about 58 and about 74.
76. The insole of claim 75, wherein the base layer has a Shore 000
durometer of about
77. The insole of claim 67, wherein the raised portion has a Shore
000 durometer between about 22 to about 38.
78. The insole of claim 77, wherein the raised portion has a Shore
000 durometer of about 30.
79. The insole of claim 67, wherein the raised portion is
configured to lengthen the heel platform of the shoe.
80. The insole of claim 67, wherein the base layer includes an
indent in the heel region.
81. A removable 3/4 length insole for high heel shoes, comprising:
a base layer including, and extending between, a heel region and a
forefoot region; and, a raised portion prominent from a top surface
of the base layer substantially in an arch region, located between
the heel region and the forefoot region, configured to support the
plantar fascia of a foot when the foot is inserted in a high heel
shoe in contact with the top surface of the base layer, wherein the
raised portion comprises a first polyurethane gel, the base layer
comprises a second polyurethane gel, the first polyurethane gel
having a softer durometer than the second polyurethane gel, the
base layer extending about and past the raised portion for
supporting portions of the foot.
82. The insole of claim 81, wherein the raised portion is
configured to support the plantar fascia distal to the calcaneus of
the foot.
83. The insole of claim 81, wherein the raised portion is configued
substantially centrally between the medial and lateral arch of a
foot when the foot is in contact with the insole.
84. The insole of claim 81, wherein the insole is a non-planar
structure.
85. The insole of claim 81, wherein the base layer comprises an
SEBS gel.
86. The insole of claim 81, wherein the raised portion comprises
SEBS gel.
87. The insole of claim 81, wherein the base layer has a Shore 000
durometer between about 58 and about 74.
88. The insole of claim 87, wherein the, base layer has a Shore 000
durometer of about
89. The insole of claim 81, wherein the raised portion has a Shore
000 durometer between about 22 to about 38.
90. The insole of claim 89, wherein the raised portion has a Shore
000 durometer of about 30.
91. The insole of claim 81, wherein the raised portion is
configured to lengthen the heel platform of the shoe.
92. The insole of claim 81, wherein the base layer includes an
indent in the heel region.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to footwear insoles for
increasing comfort in high heel shoes, and methods for using the
insoles for increasing comfort in high heel shoes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] High heel shoes with a heel height of approximately 1.5
inches or more may create changes in body posture, gait, foot
pressures, ankle position, etc. during walking. Some of these
changes have been well documented.
[0003] For example, increased heel height shifts a body's center of
mass forward, mainly due to an increase in forward trunk lean. This
shift of the body's center of mass forward has been shown to
increase forefoot pressure and loading and has been associated with
many foot problems for wearers of high heel shoes.
[0004] In addition, increased heel height causes vertical ground
reaction forces to increase during heel strike and forefoot
push-off, and stance time to decrease, thereby resulting in
increased overall shock applied to the body during walking.
Further, stability during the initial heel strike is reduced due to
the higher landing height and the narrower landing platform of the
heel.
[0005] Moreover, increased heel height places the ankle in a more
plantar flexed position. This forces the arch of the foot to be
more rigid, preventing movement through the arch's normal range of
pronation. Thus, the plantar flexed position of the ankle
diminishes the body's natural ability to cushion through pronation
the shock applied to the body during walking.
[0006] Footwear insoles are generally inserted into shoes, in order
to provide added cushioning or support for the wearer of the shoes.
The insoles may be removable and reusable, and they may be
one-size-fits-all, specified shoe sizes, or custom-sized to the
wearer.
[0007] Insoles offering additional cushioning by providing one or
more cushioning layers to the soles of the wearer's shoes are known
in the art. These insoles are generally used to decrease the impact
felt by the wearer during walking, jogging, running, or other
activities.
[0008] In addition at least one example of an insole device said to
be adapted for use in high heel shoes is described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,322,132, which, unlike the subject invention, has a crescent
shaped apex position to lie under a calcaneus of the foot in a rear
region, an apex lying under the second and third metatarsals of the
foot in a forward region, and a middle region thinner than the
apices of the rear and forward regions.
[0009] Thus there is a need for an insole that is uniquely designed
to be worn in high heel shoes and that provides cushioning for
comfort but in addition provides additional comfort and stability
by its ability to transfer body weight towards the heel of the
foot.
SUMMARY
[0010] The invention described herein addresses these objectives by
providing a footwear insole for increasing comfort that is
specifically adapted to be worn in high heel shoes.
[0011] Thus the invention provides a removable insole for high heel
shoes, comprising a base layer comprising a heel region, an arch
region and a forefoot region; and a raised portion substantially in
the arch region configured to support the plantar fascia of a foot
when the foot is inserted in a high heel shoe in contact with the
insole.
[0012] In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the base
layer comprises polyurethane gel.
[0013] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention,
the base layer comprises styrenic gel materials, in particular
styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS) gel.
[0014] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention,
the raised portion comprises a polyurethane gel having a softer
durometer than the base layer.
[0015] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention,
the raised portion comprises SEBS gel having a softer durometer
than the base layer.
[0016] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention,
the base layer includes an indent under the heel of the foot.
[0017] The invention also provides a high heel shoe comprising an
insole comprising a base layer comprising a heel region, an arch
region and a forefoot region; and a raised portion substantially in
the arch region configured to support the plantar fascia of a foot
when the foot is inserted in a high heel shoe.
[0018] In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the insole is
removable from the high heel shoe.
[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the
insole is integrated into the high heel shoe.
[0020] The invention further provides a method for increasing
comfort in high heel shoes, the method comprising incorporating in
the high heel shoe an insole comprising a base layer comprising a
heel region, an arch region and a forefoot region and a raised
portion substantially in the arch region configured to support the
plantar fascia of a foot when the foot is inserted in a high heel
shoe.
[0021] The invention also provides a method for increasing
stability during heel strike when walking in high heel shoes, the
method comprising incorporating in the high heel shoe an insole
comprising a base layer comprising a heel region, an arch region
and a forefoot region and a raised portion substantially in the
arch region configured to support the plantar fascia of a foot when
the foot is inserted in a high heel shoe.
[0022] The invention also provides a method for increasing
stability of landing of a foot when walking in a high heel shoe,
the method comprising incorporating in the high heel shoe an insole
comprising a base layer comprising a heel region, an arch region
and a forefoot region and a raised portion substantially in the
arch region configured to support the plantar fascia of a foot when
the foot is inserted in a high heel shoe, whereby the raised
portion lengthens a heel platform thereby increasing the stability
of the landing of the foot.
[0023] The invention further provides a method for reducing
pressure exerted on a forefoot when in high heel shoes, the method
comprising incorporating in the high heel shoe an insole comprising
a base layer comprising a heel region, an arch region and a
forefoot region and a raised portion substantially in the arch
region configured to support the plantar fascia of a foot when the
foot is inserted in a high heel shoe shifting body weight back to
the heel by the raised portion, thereby reducing pressure in the
forefoot.
[0024] Other features and aspects of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following brief description of
the drawings, the detailed description of the non-limiting
embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1A is a top view of an embodiment of an exemplary
footwear insole for high heel shoes, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 1B is a side view of the embodiment of the exemplary
footwear insole for high heel shoes, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the exemplary
footwear insole for high heel shoes, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view, along line A-A' shown in
FIG. 1A, of the embodiment of the exemplary footwear insole for
high heel shoes, in accordance with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view, along line B-B' shown in
FIG. 1A, of the embodiment of the exemplary footwear insole for
high heel shoes, in accordance with the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view, along line C-C' shown in
FIG. 1A, of the embodiment of the exemplary footwear insole for
high heel shoes, in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2D is a front view of the embodiment of the exemplary
footwear insole for high heel shoes, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 3A shows group means data for maximum force for 1.5
inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 1.5 inch high heel shoes
with insoles according to the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 3B shows group means data for peak pressure for 1.5
inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 1.5 inch high heel shoes
with insoles according to the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 3C shows group means data for contact time for 1.5 inch
high heel shoes with no insoles, and 1.5 inch high heel shoes with
insoles according to the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 3D shows group means data for contact area for 1.5 inch
high heel shoes with no insoles, and 1.5 inch high heel shoes with
insoles according to the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 3E shows group means data for maximum force for 3.0
inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 3.0 inch high heel shoes
with insoles according to the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 3F shows group means data for peak pressure for 3.0
inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 3.0 inch high heel shoes
with insoles according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 3G shows group means data for contact time for 3.0 inch
high heel shoes with no insoles, and 3.0 inch high heel shoes with
insoles according to the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 3H shows group means data for contact area for 3.0 inch
high heel shoes with no insoles, and 3.0 inch high heel shoes with
insoles according to the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 4A shows a bar graph of group means data for maximum
force for 1.5 inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 1.5 inch
high heel shoes with insoles according to the present
invention.
[0041] FIG. 4B shows a bar graph of group means data for peak
pressure for 1.5 inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 1.5 inch
high heel shoes with insoles according to the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 4C shows a bar graph of group means data for contact
time for 1.5 inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 1.5 inch
high heel shoes with insoles according to the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 4D shows a bar graph of group means data for contact
area for 1.5 inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 1.5 inch
high heel shoes with insoles according to the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 5A shows a bar graph of group means data for maximum
force for 3.0 inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 3.0 inch
high heel shoes with insoles according to the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 5B shows a bar graph of group means data for peak
pressure for 3.0 inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 3.0 inch
high heel shoes with insoles according to the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 5C shows a bar graph of group means data for contact
time for 3.0 inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 3.0 inch
high heel shoes with insoles according to the present
invention.
[0047] FIG. 5D shows a bar graph of group means data for contact
area for 3.0 inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 3.0 inch
high heel shoes with insoles according to the present
invention.
[0048] FIG. 6A is a pressure map of feet wearing high heel shoes
with no insole.
[0049] FIG. 6B is a pressure map of feet wearing high heel shoes
with the embodiment of the exemplary footwear insole for high heel
shoes, in accordance with the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 7A is another pressure map of feet wearing high heel
shoes with no insole.
[0051] FIG. 7B is another pressure map of feet wearing high heel
shoes with the embodiment of the exemplary footwear insole for high
heel shoes, in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0052] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an embodiment of an exemplary footwear
insole 1 for high heel shoes, in accordance with the present
invention. Although the Figures show a right-footed embodiment of
the exemplary footwear insole 1, it is to be understood that a
left-footed embodiment of the exemplary footwear insole 1 would be
a mirror image of the Figures shown.
[0053] FIGS. 1A to 1C, and 2D show different views of an embodiment
of an exemplary footwear insole 1 for high heel shoes. FIG. 1A is a
top view, FIG. 1B is a side view, FIG. 1C is a bottom view, and
FIG. 2D is a front view of the embodiment of the exemplary footwear
insole 1. FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2D show a base layer 2 extending
between a heel region 3 and a forefoot region 5 of the insole 1.
The base layer 2 may extend from the region 3 underneath the heel
to a region 5 underneath the forefoot but preferably not underneath
the toes of the foot. However, it is understood that in use with
smaller feet, e.g., Women's (US) size 5 and smaller, there may be
some contact between the base layer and the toes. Preferably, the
base layer 2 may have a length of 190.0.+-.4.0 mm, and a width in
the forefoot region 5 of 64.0.+-.3.0 mm. The base layer 2 may be
made of polyurethane gel, SEBS gel or any other similar material.
In certain embodiments the base layer will have a Shore 000
durometer of between about 58 to about 74, and preferably about 66.
Optionally, the base layer 2 may include an indent or heel cup (not
shown) in the heel region 3, into which the heel of the foot may
fit.
[0054] FIGS. 1A, 1 B, and 2D also show a raised portion 4 in the
arch region prominent from the top surface of the base layer 2,
i.e., the surface in contact with the bottom of a foot when in use.
The raised portion 4 is configured so as to be approximately
underneath the arch of the foot, more particularly in contact with
the central area of the arch region of the foot so as to support
the plantar fascia when the foot is in the high heel shoe.
Preferably raised portion 4 is configured so as to support the
plantar fascia distal to the calcaneus. The raised portion 4 may be
made of polyurethane gel, SEBS gel or any other similar material.
Preferably, raised portion 4 has a softer durometer range than the
base layer 2. In certain embodiments raised portion 4 will have a
Shore 000 durometer of between about 22 to about 38, and preferably
about 30. In certain embodiments raised portion 4 has a compliant,
tactile feel and may conform to the shape of the arch of the foot,
preferably substantially under the plantar fascia of the foot, when
the foot is inserted in the shoe. Further, raised portion 4 is
configured to allow the foot to sink into the insole 1 and increase
stability during heel strike.
[0055] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show different cross-sectional views of
the embodiment of the exemplary footwear insole 1 for high heel
shoes. FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view in the heel region 3
along line A-A' shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional
view through the arch region and raised portion 4 along line B-B'
shown in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view in the
forefoot region 5 along line C-C' shown in FIG. 1A.
[0056] In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A, the base layer 2 has
an approximately uniform thickness in the heel region 3.
Preferably, the base layer 2 may have a thickness of 1.7.+-.1.0 mm
in the heel region 3. If the heel region 3 includes an optional
indent or heel cup (not shown), the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A
may include a corresponding varying thickness of the base layer 2
in the heel region 3. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2C, the
base layer 2 also has an approximately uniform thickness underneath
the forefoot region 5. Preferably, the base layer 2 may have a
thickness of 1.7.+-.0.5 mm in the forefoot region 5.
[0057] In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2B, the base layer 2 has
an approximately uniform thickness underneath the arch of the foot.
The raised portion 4 is prominent from the top surface of the base
layer 2 and provides an increased thickness of the insole 1. The
raised portion is preferably situated substantially centrally
between the medial and lateral arch of a foot when the foot is in
contact with the insole. Preferably, the raised portion 4 may have
a maximum thickness of 6.7.+-.1.5 mm in the area of the crest
6.
[0058] By providing increased thickness of the insole 1 centrally
underneath the arch region of the foot by raised portion 4
according to the present invention, the insole 1 creates more
contact between the foot and shoe in the area of the plantar fascia
of the foot when wearing high heel shoes. In addition, the insole 1
according to the present invention may reduce pressures under the
ball of the foot in the forefoot region 5 when wearing high heel
shoes.
[0059] Further, the insole 1 according to the present invention may
have the effect of lengthening the heel platform and/or cupping the
heel to increase the stability of landing. In addition, the insole
1 may allow the body's weight to be shifted back towards the heel
region 3 to relieve excess pressure in the forefoot region 5, by
increasing the heel landing platform and/or arch contact. Moreover,
the insole 1 may increase arch contact by the prominent raised
portion 4 during walking to facilitate a more natural walking
stride. Furthermore, the insole 1 may improve posture by increasing
comfort in high heel shoes, according to one or a combination of
the above features.
[0060] In a preferred non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention, the insole 1 may be a 3/4 length insole which extends
longitudinally forward from the heel region 3 to a position in the
forefoot region 5 rearward of the toes of the foot. The insole 1
may include a base layer 2 and a raised portion 4 prominent from
the top surface of the base layer 2 substantially underneath the
arch of the foot. In addition, the raised portion 4 may include a
crest 6 that fits into the arch of the foot, particularly in
contact with the arch region of the foot to support the plantar
fascia, when the foot is in the high heel shoe. Preferably raised
portion 4 is configured so as to support the plantar fascia distal
to the calcaneus. The base layer 2 may be made of polyurethane gel,
and the arch bump 4 may be made of a polyurethane gel or SEBS gel
or similar material softer than the material of the base layer 2.
Further, the heel region 3 may include an indent or heel cup into
which the heel of the foot may fit. The insole 1 may increase
maximum force, peak pressure, and contact area in the arch of the
foot while reducing maximum force and peak pressures in the heel
region 3 and the forefoot region 5.
[0061] A method of using an insole 1 for increasing comfort in high
heel shoes may comprise the step of increasing contact with an arch
of a foot by a raised portion 4, in which the insole 1 includes a
base layer 2 extending from a heel region 3 to a forefoot region 5
of the foot, and a raised portion 4 attached to the base layer 2
and situated in the arch region of the insole.
[0062] The method of using an insole 1 thus also provides a method
for increasing stability during heel strike when walking in high
heel shoes.
[0063] The method of using an insole 1 thus also provides a method
for increasing stability during heel strike when walking in high
heel shoes.
[0064] The method of using an insole 1 thus also provides a method
for increasing stability of landing of a foot when walking in a
high heel shoe whereby the raised portion 4 lengthens the heel
platform of the shoe thereby increasing the stability of the
landing of the foot.
[0065] The method of using the insole thus also provides a method
for reducing pressure exerted on a forefoot when in high heel shoes
a raised portion 4 substantially in the arch region configured to
support the plantar fascia of a foot when the foot is inserted in a
high heel shoe shifts body weight back to the heel region 3 by the
raised portion 4, thereby reducing pressure in the forefoot.
[0066] Methods of manufacturing insoles from polyurethane or
styrenic gels or similar materials are known in the art.
Representative methods are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 20060026865 and references cited therein. The
disclosure of that publication is hereby incorporated in its
entirety into the present specification.
Experimental Procedures and Data
[0067] Embodiments of the exemplary footwear insole 1 for high heel
shoes of the present invention were tested for increasing contact
in the arch of the foot and reducing pressures in the forefoot
region 3 of the foot. Ten female subjects were recruited for
evaluation of the exemplary footwear insole 1 for high heel shoes.
The subjects were screened based on a number of criteria including,
for example, age, height, weight, foot size, general health, and
others. In particular, subjects were required to have worn high
heel shoes at least 1.5 inches high for a minimum of three days per
week prior to the study.
[0068] For each subject, a Novel Electronics Pedar.RTM. measurement
system was used to measure underfoot pressure. The system consisted
of thin measurement insoles that were placed inside high heel
shoes. Data were collected at 100 Hz, and the measured pressure and
contact area output were used to calculate force. In addition, data
were analyzed over the entire foot and within various sections of
the foot.
[0069] Embodiments of the exemplary footwear insole 1 for high heel
shoes were tested in two heel heights: 1.5 inches and 3.0 inches.
All trials were conducted with subjects wearing the same brand and
style of high heel shoes, except for a single subject due to shoe
size accommodations.
[0070] The subjects randomly tested four experimental conditions:
1.5 inch heels with no insoles; 1.5 inch heels with insoles; 3.0
inch heels with no insoles; and 3.0 inch heels with insoles.
Further, five trials were collected for each experimental condition
for each subject. A trial consisted of a 20 meter walk at a
self-selected pace.
[0071] For each condition, the mean and standard deviation of peak
pressure were calculated from the five trials. The two trials
furthest from the mean were discarded, and the remaining three
trials were further analyzed. For each of the three remaining
trials, values for right and left feet were averaged together and
then the three trials for each condition were averaged. The data
were analyzed over the entire foot and within various sections of
the foot. A paired T-test was used to compare group means within
each heel height condition over the total foot and within the
various sections of the foot (heel, arch, ball of foot, lateral
forefoot, first toe, and toes). Statistical significance level was
chosen to be p.ltoreq.0.05.
[0072] The data are provided in FIGS. 3A to 3H. FIG. 3A shows group
means data for maximum force for 1.5 inch high heel shoes with no
insoles, and 1.5 inch high heel shoes with insoles according to the
present invention. As can be seen from the data, the maximum force
at the heel, lateral forefoot, 1.sup.st toe, and toes decreases
while the maximum force at the arch increases when using exemplary
insoles according to the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 3B shows group means data for peak pressure for 1.5
inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 1.5 inch high heel shoes
with insoles according to the present invention. As can be seen
from the data, the peak pressure at the heel, 1.sup.st toe, and
toes decreases while the peak pressure at the arch increases when
using exemplary insoles according to the present invention.
[0074] FIG. 3C shows group means data for contact time for 1.5 inch
high heel shoes with no insoles, and 1.5 inch high heel shoes with
insoles according to the present invention. As can be seen from the
data, the contact time increases at both the heel and the arch when
using exemplary insoles according to the present invention.
[0075] FIG. 3D shows group means data for contact area for 1.5 inch
high heel shoes with no insoles, and 1.5 inch high heel shoes with
insoles according to the present invention. As can be seen from the
data, the contact area at the heel decreases while the contact area
at the arch increases when using exemplary insoles according to the
present invention.
[0076] FIG. 3E shows group means data for maximum force for 3.0
inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 3.0 inch high heel shoes
with insoles according to the present invention. As can be seen
from the data, the maximum force at the heel, ball, lateral
forefoot, 1.sup.st toe, and toes decreases while the maximum force
at the arch increases when using exemplary insoles according to the
present invention.
[0077] FIG. 3F shows group means data for peak pressure for 3.0
inch high heel shoes with no insoles, and 3.0 inch high heel shoes
with insoles according to the present invention. As can be seen
from the data, the peak pressure at the heel, ball, and toes
decreases while the peak pressure at the arch increases when using
exemplary insoles according to the present invention.
[0078] FIG. 3G shows group means data for contact time for 3.0 inch
high heel shoes with no insoles, and 3.0 inch high heel shoes with
insoles according to the present invention. As can be seen from the
data, the contact time decreases at both the heel and the arch when
using exemplary insoles according to the present invention.
[0079] FIG. 3H shows group means data for contact area for 3.0 inch
high heel shoes with no insoles, and 3.0 inch high heel shoes with
insoles according to the present invention. As can be seen from the
data, the contact area at the heel decreases while the contact area
at the arch increases when using exemplary insoles according to the
present invention.
[0080] FIGS. 4A to 4D, and 5A to 5D graphically represent the data
in FIGS. 3A to 3H. The asterisks highlighting various data points
in FIGS. 4A to 4D, and 5A to 5D indicate data points having
statistical significance, as set forth above. The remaining data
points show trends in the data but may not include enough samples
to achieve statistical significance.
[0081] FIG. 4A shows the maximum force group means for 1.5 inch
heels, corresponding to the data of FIG. 3A. These results show a
statistically significant reduction in maximum force in the toe
area of the foot when using insoles 1 according to the present
invention, as well as a decrease in maximum force in the heel and
an increase in maximum force in the arch of the foot.
[0082] FIG. 4B shows the peak pressure group means for 1.5 inch
heels, corresponding to the data of FIG. 3B. These results show a
statistically significant reduction in peak pressure in the heel
and the toe area of the foot when using insoles 1 according to the
present invention, as well as an increase in peak pressure in the
arch of the foot.
[0083] FIG. 4C shows the contact time group means for 1.5 inch
heels, corresponding to the data of FIG. 3C. These results show an
increase in contact time in both the heel and the arch when using
insoles 1 according to the present invention.
[0084] FIG. 4D shows the contact area group means for 1.5 inch
heels, corresponding to the data of FIG. 3D. These results show a
statistically significant increase in contact area in the arch when
using insoles 1 according to the present invention, as well as a
decrease in contact area in the heel.
[0085] FIG. 5A shows the maximum force group means for 3.0 inch
heels, corresponding to the data of FIG. 3E. These results show a
statistically significant reduction in maximum force in the ball of
foot area and a statistically significant increase in maximum force
in the arch of the foot when using insoles 1 according to the
present invention, as well as decreases in maximum force in the
heel, lateral forefoot, first toe, and toes.
[0086] FIG. 5B shows the peak pressure group means for 3.0 inch
heels, corresponding to the data of FIG. 3F. These results show a
decrease in peak pressure in the heel, ball of foot, and toe areas,
and an increase in peak pressure in the arch when using insoles 1
according to the present invention.
[0087] FIG. 5C shows the contact time group means for 3.0 inch
heels, corresponding to the data of FIG. 3G. These results show a
statistically significant decrease in contact time in the arch when
using insoles 1 according to the present invention, as well as a
decrease in contact time in the heel.
[0088] FIG. 5D shows the contact area group means for 3.0 inch
heels, corresponding to the data of FIG. 3H. These results show a
statistically significant increase in contact area in the arch and
a statistically significant decrease in contact area in the heel
when using insoles 1 according to the present invention.
[0089] Based on the above data and graphs in FIGS. 3A to 3H, 4A to
4D, and 5A to 5D, exemplary insoles 1 according to the present
invention create a change in the force and pressure dynamic, as
well as a change in the contact dynamic. Generally, maximum force
and peak pressure are reduced in the heel and forefoot regions,
whereas maximum force and peak pressure are increased in the arch
area. In addition, contact area is reduced in the heel region,
whereas contact area is increased in the arch area.
[0090] Moreover, FIGS. 6A and 6B show one example set of pressure
maps of feet wearing high heel shoes with no insoles (FIG. 6A) and
with exemplary insoles (FIG. 6B), in accordance with the present
invention. Further, FIGS. 7A and 7B show another example set of
pressure maps of feet wearing high heel shoes with no insoles (FIG.
7A) and with exemplary insoles (FIG. 7B), in accordance with the
present invention. In the pressure maps of these Figures, pressure
is indicated on a scale ranging from relative low pressure P1 to
relative high pressure P6. As can be seen in the Figures, when
using insoles 1 according to the present invention, pressure is
decreased in the forefoot and heel regions of the feet, while
pressure is increased in the arches of the feet. These changes are
shown in FIGS. 6B and 7B by smaller and fewer areas of high
pressure in the forefoot and heel regions of the feet, and by
markedly larger areas of increased pressure in the arches of the
feet. In particular, in FIGS. 6B and 7B the increase in pressure
under the metatarsals along the lateral side of the foot, in the
region of the cuboid and distal thereof, demonstrates the effect of
the centrally located raised portion of the insole as opposed to a
normal arch support which would show pressure in the medial
arch.
[0091] Based on the above experimental data and results,
significant positive effects were seen at both heel heights when
using insoles 1 according to the present invention. The positive
effects were more pronounced in the 3.0 inch heels than in the 1.5
inch heels. In the 3.0 inch heels, the results show that maximum
force due to body weight was shifted significantly from the ball of
foot to the arch when using insoles 1 according to the present
invention. In addition, contact area in the arch increased
significantly when using insoles 1 according to the present
invention. Thus, the exemplary insoles 1 achieve a reduction in the
force and pressure under the ball of the foot due to body weight by
increasing contact area under the arch, thereby shifting the body's
weight from the ball of the foot to the arch.
[0092] The foregoing description discloses only non-limiting
embodiments of the present invention. Modification of the
above-disclosed footwear insole for high heel shoes, as well as
methods for using the same, which fall within the scope of the
invention, will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0093] Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed
in connection with the above non-limiting embodiments, it should be
understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and
scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *