Impact Resistant Running Shoe Insert

Abstract

An impact resistant running shoe insert provides impact resistance for minimalist and non-minimalist running or hiking shoes. Three flat layers are superimposed on each other. A hard layer provides impact resistance, a soft layer atop of the hard layer provides comfort and friction between the insert and a user's foot, and a third layer below the hard layer minimizes slippage between the insert and the user's shoe. A full length insert may be used in a single toe box shoe, and a partial length insert is provided for use with multiple toe box shoes. The partial length insert has a tapered edge between the forefoot area and the toe area in order to minimize discomfort.

Description

[0001] The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/732,099 filed on Nov. 30, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a shoe insert, more specifically to a shoe insert designed specifically for use in running or hiking shoes in order to protect a user's foot from injury as a user traverses over sharp rocks, pointed surface irregularities, and a plurality of other surface hazards.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The popularity of barefoot and minimalist shoe running, walking, and hiking has created a number of new footwear products on the market. Most of these shoes are designed to provide zero heel drop and minimal or no cushioning to provide a near "barefoot" experience. The advantages of barefoot style footwear are numerous. The disadvantage of barefoot style footwear is they provide only minimal impact resistance from sharp rocks and debris. Most minimalist shoes do not provide a traditional "rock plate" that many hiking boots and traditional trail running shoes do provide.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a protection method that can be retrofitted into existing minimalistic or non-minimalistic running and hiking shoes. The present invention provides impact resistance while running or walking while maintaining the dynamics provided by minimalistic or non-minimalistic running shoes. To accomplish this the present invention comprises a removable and stackable shoe insert that does not provide significant cushioning from normal foot-to-ground impact but instead provides protection to specific impact points like the ball and heel of the user's foot. Different styles of the insert support shoes with multiple toe boxes or a standard single toe box. Since the insert for shoes with multiple toe boxes does not extend to the end of the toes, but rather ends at the ball of the foot, the insert provides a "tapered" end to minimize the drop off at the end of the insert. The taper reduces the chance of the insert generating "hot spots" or blisters on the foot at the point where the insert ends.

[0005] The insert is able to protect the user's foot from sharp debris such as rocks, glass, nails, and other debris. Finally, the present invention is designed allow the user to scale the level of protection from road and trail debris by "stacking" additional inserts. Each double insert provides additional impact resistance by creating a "sandwich" of ballistic plastic with 2 layers of rubberized material in the center.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the insert.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a top view of the insert.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a top view of the full length insert for single toe box footwear.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a top view of the partial length insert for multi toe box footwear.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the insert with a detail view showing the tapered edge of the partial length insert.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention is to be described in detail and is provided in a manner that establishes a thorough understanding of the present invention. There may be aspects of the present invention that may be practiced without the implementation of some features as they are described. It should be understood that some details have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure focus of the invention.

[0012] The present invention is a stackable impact resistant shoe insert designed for minimalistic and non-minimalistic running and hiking shoes. The present invention is particularly useful for minimalistic shoes, such as multi-toed shoes which tend to be thinner and have less cushioning or other protection in comparison to other types of shoes. In addition, separate versions of the present invention, alternatively referred to hereinafter as the insert, are designed to accommodate shoes with a single toe box as well as shoes that have separate toe box compartments. The present invention is superimposed on top of the innersole of a user's minimalistic running shoe. The insert is able to protect a user's foot from injury as the user traverses over sharp rocks, roots, pointed surface irregularities, and other ground surface hazards which would otherwise cause pain or discomfort to the user's feet.

[0013] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the present invention generally comprises a plurality of flat layers 1 with an insole shaped perimeter 11. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of flat layers 1 comprises a soft layer 12, a hard layer 13, and a third layer 14 which are superimposed onto each other. In an alternate embodiment, the third layer 14 is not included. The insole shaped perimeter 11, and thereby the present invention, resembles the plantar or bottom surface of a foot without any toes.

[0014] The soft layer 12 is made of a soft, foam-like material. The soft layer 12 is provided as a soft, flexible foam-like coating with high elasticity providing a comfortable surface for the bottom contact points of a user's foot. The soft layer 12 should also have a high friction coefficient in order to reduce movement between the insert and the user's foot. The soft layer 12 is preferably provided with a thickness of no more than 1 millimeter.

[0015] The hard layer 13 is made of an impact resistant material such as, but not limited, hard ballistic plastic in order to protect the user's foot from injury. In the preferred embodiment, the hard layer 13 is made from a plastic composite derived from polyethylene, or alternatively polypropylene. The material of the hard layer 13 should be flexible but not very elastic. The hard layer 13 serves as the protective element in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The hard layer 13 is preferably provided with a thickness of no more than 1 millimeter. Embodiments should be anticipated in which the hard layer 13 is embedded or coated with a rubberized layer.

[0016] The third layer 14 is made preferably made of a hard, high friction material that is skid resistant so that the insert does not slip against the sole of a shoe while in use. The third layer 14 is preferably made of a material derived from or similar to neoprene, and is similar in composition to the rubber used in wetsuits and provides a high friction coefficient to help prevent the inset from sliding within the user's show.

[0017] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of flat layers 1 is coated with an anti-microbial rubberized coating 2. The soft layer 12 may be coated with the anti-microbial rubberized coating 2, or the third layer 14 may be coated with the anti-microbial rubberized coating 2, or both the soft layer 12 and the third layer 14 may be coated with the anti-microbial rubberized coating 2.

[0018] The soft layer 12 and the hard layer 13 are connected parallel and superjacent to each other, wherein the soft layer 12 contacts the user's foot while in use. Similarly, the third layer 14 is connected superjacent to the hard layer 13 opposite the soft layer 12, wherein the third layer 14 contacts the insole of the user's footwear while in use.

[0019] Each of the plurality of flat layers 1 comprises a forefoot portion 15 and a heel portion 16, which are positioned adjacent to each other. In a first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of flat layers 1 is formed into a full length foot shape 3, wherein the full length foot shape 3 extends from the heel of the user's foot into the end of a toe area 6 of a single toe box footwear.

[0020] In a second embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of flat layers 1 is formed into a partial length foot shape 4 as shown in FIG. 4, wherein the forefoot portion 15 of the partial length foot shape 4 terminates between the forefoot area 5 and a toe area 6 of a multiple toe box footwear. In the second embodiment, the forefoot portion 15 comprises a tapered edge 7 which is positioned adjacent to the toe area 6 and opposite the heel portion 16 of the foot shape, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. The purpose of the tapered edge 7 is to prevent or reduce discomfort for the user's foot, as having a sharp drop off can cause blisters and discomfort.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one insert is positioned into minimalist or non-minimalist running shoes. Each insert is provided in a manner that permits a user to superimpose an insert onto another insert within a user's running shoe. The user is able to stack the inserts to provide additional protection in various running circumstances. Each insert is positioned in a manner which aligns the forefoot portion 15 and heel portion 16 of one insert with the forefoot portion 15 and heel portion 16 of another insert, respectively. When superimposed on themselves, the inserts provide a user with as much as three times the effective level of protection compared to a single insert, while only doubling the thickness of the inserts.

[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each individual insert provides a single layer of ballistic impact resistant plastic coated on the bottom with a slip-resistant rubber layer and coated on the top with a soft, foam like rubber layer. Additional embodiments of the insert could provide multiple layers of ballistic impact resistant plastic interleaved with thin flexible rubber to provide additional impact protection.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the stackable inserts are provided in a manner that superimposes an insert on top of another insert. Each double insert provides additional impact resistance by creating a "sandwich" of ballistic plastic with two layers of rubberized material in the center. Since each insert is less than 3 mm, as many inserts can be stacked as are comfortable for the user.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the inserts are provided in a manner that allows for facilitated transport and storage when not installed in a minimalist running shoe. In an additional embodiment of the present invention the stackable insert can include a hinging section positioned between the forefoot plate and the heel plate. The hinged section provides the stackable insert to fold upon itself, improving current storage and transport options.

[0025] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has a bridge 8 between the forefoot portion 15 and the heel portion 16 with a width that is smaller than the width of both the forefoot portion 15 and the heel portion 16. While this is the preferred embodiment, additional embodiments could include varied positioning of the bridge 8 while still permitting the present invention to be easily transported, stored, and stacked, well as provide support and protection for the forefoot portion 15 and the heel portion 16. It should be noted that additional variations of the positioning of the bridge 8 would be considered an obvious difference as long as the positioning is provided to serve the same functionality.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the ballistic impact resistant layer is constructed of a polyethylene material. While the preferred embodiment uses a polyethylene material, additional material compounds could be included. Additionally, variations of material compounds not containing polyethylene could potentially be used as long as the materials provide the same functionality currently exhibited by the hard layer 13.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the soft layer 12 is constructed from an open cell neoprene material with a high elasticity coefficient. While the preferred embodiment of the soft layer 12 is constructed of an open cell neoprene material, additional embodiments can be constructed of various materials that provide the same functionality and flexibility available to the soft layer 12.

[0028] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third layer 14 is constructed from an elastic neoprene material with a high friction coefficient. While the preferred embodiment of the soft layer 12 is constructed of an elastic neoprene material, additional embodiments can be constructed of various materials that provide the same functionality and flexibility available to the soft layer 12.

[0029] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. An impact resistant running shoe insert comprises: a plurality of flat layers with an insole shaped perimeter; the plurality of flat layers comprises a soft layer and a hard layer; and the soft layer and the hard layer being connected parallel to each other.

2. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insole shaped perimeter resembles the plantar surface of a foot without any toes.

3. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of flat layers comprises a forefoot portion and a heel portion; and the forefoot portion and the heel portion being positioned adjacent to each other.

4. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of flat layers being formed into a full length foot shape, wherein the full length foot shape extends into a toe area of a single toe box footwear.

5. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of flat layers being formed into a partial length foot shape, wherein a forefoot portion of the partial length foot shape terminates between a forefoot area and a toe area of a multiple toe box footwear.

6. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 5 comprises: the forefoot portion comprises a tapered edge; and the tapered edge being positioned adjacent to the toe area and opposite a heel portion of the foot shape.

7. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein the soft layer is made of a soft foam-like material.

8. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hard layer is made of an impact resistant material.

9. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the soft layer being connected superjacent to the hard layer, wherein the soft layer contacts a user's foot while in use.

10. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of flat layers comprises a third layer.

11. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 10, wherein the third layer is made of a high friction material.

12. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 10, wherein the third layer is connected superjacent to the hard layer opposite the soft layer.

13. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of flat layers is coated with an anti-microbial rubberized coating.

14. An impact resistant running shoe insert comprises: a plurality of flat layers with an insole shaped perimeter; the plurality of flat layers comprises a soft layer and a hard layer; the soft layer and the hard layer being connected parallel to each other; and the soft layer being connected superjacent to the hard layer, wherein the soft layer contacts a user's foot while in use.

15. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 14, wherein the insole shaped perimeter resembles the plantar surface of a foot without any toes.

16. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 14 comprises: each of the plurality of flat layers comprises a forefoot portion and a heel portion; and the forefoot portion and the heel portion being positioned adjacent to each other.

17. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 14 comprises: each of the plurality of flat layers being formed into a full length foot shape, wherein the full length foot shape extends into a toe area of a single toe box footwear.

18. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 14 comprises: each of the plurality of flat layers being formed into a partial length foot shape, wherein a forefoot portion of the partial length foot shape terminates between a forefoot area and a toe area of a multiple toe box footwear; the forefoot portion comprises a tapered edge; and the tapered edge being positioned adjacent to the toe area and opposite a heel portion of the foot shape.

19. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the soft layer being made of a soft foam-like material; and the hard layer being made of an impact resistant material.

20. The impact resistant running shoe insert as claimed in claim 14 comprises: a third layer from the plurality of flat layers; the third layer being made of a high friction material; and the third layer being connected superjacent to the hard layer opposite the soft layer.