U.S. patent application number 13/846221 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for arthritis & diabetes insole.
This patent application is currently assigned to Spenco Medical Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Spenco Medical Corporation. Invention is credited to David B. Granger, Jacob Martinez, Duane M. Sulak.
Application Number | 20140259759 13/846221 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51520713 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140259759 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sulak; Duane M. ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
Arthritis & Diabetes Insole
Abstract
An insole advantageous for arthritic or diabetic patients
comprises three layers and provides an arch support and an integral
heel receiving area. The insole has a generally foot-shaped bottom
layer having a length extending from a heel area to a toe area, a
top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom layer's bottom surface
preferably comprises one to three indentations formed integrally
therein and is preferably made of an EVA foam. Insert layers are
secured to each of said indentations. A middle layer having a first
and second side is secured to the bottom layer's top surface
adjacent the middle layer's second side and is preferably made of a
synthetic rubber layer. The middle layer takes the shape of the
bottom layer. A top layer is coextensive with and secured to the
middle layer's first side. The top layer composition is selected
according to the intended use.
Inventors: |
Sulak; Duane M.; (Waco,
TX) ; Granger; David B.; (Lorena, TX) ;
Martinez; Jacob; (Temple, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Spenco Medical Corporation |
Waco |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Spenco Medical Corporation
Waco
TX
|
Family ID: |
51520713 |
Appl. No.: |
13/846221 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 17/006 20130101;
A43B 7/1435 20130101; A43B 17/14 20130101; A43B 7/1445 20130101;
A43B 7/147 20130101; A43B 7/142 20130101; A43B 7/148 20130101; A43B
7/144 20130101; A43B 7/1425 20130101; A43B 7/145 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/44 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/40 20060101
A43B013/40; A43B 13/38 20060101 A43B013/38 |
Claims
1. An insole for arthritic or diabetic patients, comprising: a
generally foot-shaped bottom layer having a length extending from a
heel area to a toe area, a top surface and a bottom surface wherein
said bottom layer is integrally formed in a shape comprising a
raised arch support area and a heel-receiving cup area; a first
indentation integrally formed in the bottom surface of the bottom
layer without extending through the entire bottom layer substrate,
said first indentation positioned centrally in a metatarsal region
extending substantially the entire lateral width of the bottom
surface in that metatarsal region and extending from the lower toe
region to a portion of an arch area of the insole; said first
indentation formed to receive an insert layer that is coupled to
the bottom surface of bottom layer in the first indentation; a
synthetic rubber layer having first and second sides, said second
side coextensive with and secured to said top surface of said
bottom layer; and a top layer coextensive with and secured to said
first side of said synthetic rubber layer.
2. The insole of claim 1, further comprising a second indentation
integrally formed in the bottom surface of the bottom layer without
extending through the entire bottom layer substrate, said second
indentation positioned centrally in a toe region extending
substantially the entire lateral width of the bottom surface of the
toe region;
3. The insole of claim 1, further comprising a third indentation
integrally formed in the bottom surface of the bottom layer without
extending through the entire bottom layer substrate, said third
indentation positioned centrally in a heel region, said third
indention having a rounded back end and a pointed front end;
4. The insole of claim 1, further comprising one or more insert
layers secured to said first indentation.
5. The insole of claim 1, further comprising one or more insert
layers secured to said first and second indentations.
6. The insole of claim 1, further comprising one or more insert
layers secured to said first and third indentations.
7. The insole of claim 1, wherein said synthetic rubber layer is a
polymer of polychloroprene.
8. The insole of claim 1, wherein said synthetic rubber layer is a
polymer of polychloroprene.
9. The insole of claim 4, wherein said insert comprises a textured
material which is softer than the material of the bottom layer.
10. The insole of claim 5, wherein said insert comprises a textured
material which is softer than the material of the bottom layer.
11. The insole of claim 6, wherein said insert comprises a textured
material which is softer than the material of the bottom layer.
12. The insole of claim 1, wherein said bottom layer comprises
EVA.
13. The insole of claim 1, wherein said top layer is a sheet of
fabric.
14. The insole of claim 1, wherein said top layer is polyethylene
foam.
15. The insole of claim 14, wherein said top layer is about 2 mm
thick.
16. The insole of claim 1, wherein said top layer is closed cell
cross-linked foam material.
17. The insole of claim 16, wherein said foam material is from
about 2.5 mm to from about 3.8 mm, preferably about 3.2 mm
thick.
18. The insole of claim 17, wherein said foam material is about 3.2
mm thick.
19. An insole for arthritic or diabetic patients, comprising: a
generally foot-shaped bottom layer having a length extending from a
heel area to a toe area, a top surface and a bottom surface wherein
said bottom layer is integrally formed in a shape comprising a
raised arch support area and a heel-receiving cup area; a first
indentation integrally formed in the bottom surface of the bottom
layer without extending through the entire bottom layer substrate,
said first indentation positioned centrally in a heel region, said
first indention having a rounded back end and a pointed front end;
said first indentation formed to receive an insert layer that is
coupled to the bottom surface of bottom layer in the first
indentation; a synthetic rubber layer having first and second
sides, said second side coextensive with and secured to said top
surface of said bottom layer; and a top layer coextensive with and
secured to said first side of said synthetic rubber layer.
20. The insole of claim 19, further comprising a second indentation
integrally formed in the bottom surface of the bottom layer without
extending through the entire bottom layer substrate, said second
indentation positioned centrally in a toe region extending
substantially the entire lateral width of the bottom surface of the
toe region;
21. The insole of claim 19, further comprising a third indentation
integrally formed in the bottom surface of the bottom layer without
extending through the entire bottom layer substrate, said third
indentation positioned centrally in a metatarsal region extending
substantially the entire lateral width of the bottom surface in
that metatarsal region and extending from the lower toe region to a
portion of an arch area of the insole;
22. The insole of claim 19, further comprising one or more insert
layers secured to said first indentation.
23. The insole of claim 19, further comprising one or more insert
layers secured to said first and second indentations.
24. The insole of claim 19, further comprising one or more insert
layers secured to said first and third indentations.
25. The insole of claim 19, wherein said synthetic rubber layer is
a polymer of polychloroprene.
26. The insole of claim 19, wherein said synthetic rubber layer is
a polymer of polychloroprene.
27. The insole of claim 22, wherein said insert comprises a
textured material which is softer than the material of the bottom
layer.
28. The insole of claim 23, wherein said insert comprises a
textured material which is softer than the material of the bottom
layer.
29. The insole of claim 24, wherein said insert comprises a
textured material which is softer than the material of the bottom
layer.
30. The insole of claim 19, wherein said bottom layer comprises
EVA.
31. The insole of claim 19, wherein said top layer is a sheet of
fabric.
32. The insole of claim 19, wherein said top layer is polyethylene
foam.
33. The insole of claim 32, wherein said top layer is about 2 mm
thick.
34. The insole of claim 19, wherein said top layer is closed cell
cross-linked foam material.
35. The insole of claim 34, wherein said foam material is from
about 2.5 mm to from about 3.8 mm, preferably about 3.2 mm
thick.
36. The insole of claim 35, wherein said foam material is about 3.2
mm thick.
37. An insole for arthritic patients, comprising: (a) a generally
foot-shaped bottom layer having a length extending from a heel area
to a toe area, a top surface and a bottom surface wherein said
bottom layer is integrally formed in a shape comprising a raised
arch support area and a heel-receiving cup area wherein said bottom
surface further comprises three indentations formed integrally
therein without extending through the bottom layer substrate, said
indentations adapted to receive an insert layer and an insert layer
secured to each of said indentations; (b) a synthetic rubber layer
having first and second sides, said second side coextensive with
and secured to said top surface of said bottom layer; and (c) a top
layer coextensive with and secured to said first side of said
synthetic rubber layer.
38. The insole of claim 37, wherein said bottom layer has at least
two indentations.
39. The insole of claim 38, wherein said indentations are located
at the heel area of the insole and the toe area.
40. The insole of claim 38, wherein said indentations are located
at the heel area and the metatarsal area.
41. The insole of claim 37, wherein said indentations are located
at the toe, the heel and the metatarsal areas.
42. The insole of claim 37, wherein said bottom layer comprises
EVA.
43. The insole of claim 37, wherein said synthetic rubber comprises
polychloroprene.
44. The insole of claim 37, wherein said top layer is selected from
cloth, polyethylene foam, and closed cell cross-linked foam
material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/672,260, which was the National Stage of International
Application No. PCT/US08/84280, filed Nov. 21, 2008, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/989,767, filed 21
Nov. 2007.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] This invention relates to the field of replacement insoles
for shoes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an insole for the left shoe of
the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a perspective inner side view of the insole
depicted in FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a perspective outer side view of one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view near the heel area along
line 4-4 of FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view near the arch area along
line 5-5 of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view near the metatarsal area
line 6-6 of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line 7-7 of FIG.
1
[0011] FIGS. 2A-7A represent the same views as FIGS. 2-7, except
that they illustrate embodiments described herein which have a
thicker top layer.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a top view of the insole of FIG. 1
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] An insole advantageous for users afflicted with arthritic,
diabetic, and other conditions is disclosed that advantageously
absorbs shock and provides support to areas of the feet most
subject to increased force or pressure during standing, walking or
other activities. For convenience, the insole of the invention
disclosed herein will be referred to as "the insole".
[0014] The insole is formed in a shape which receives and supports
the foot of the wearer. It has an inner side and an outer side. The
outer side will lie adjacent the outer outline of a user's foot in
use and the inner side will lie adjacent the inner side of a user's
foot in use, including the arch of the foot. Accordingly, the
formed shape includes an integrally formed arch support which
extends generally upwardly on the inner side of the insole. This
upward extension allows the arch support to lie adjacent to a
user's foot arch during wearing.
[0015] The insole comprises at least three coextensive layers
adjacent one another and extending the length of the insole, a
middle layer, a bottom layer, and a top layer to be discussed
later. Each of said layers is included in the formed shape.
[0016] In the preferred embodiment, the top layer mentioned in
paragraph 14 is constructed of polyethylene foam having a thickness
of about 2 mm. In this embodiment, the insole is most advantageous
for use by persons with arthritis.
[0017] In a second alternate embodiment, the top layer mentioned in
paragraph 14 is constructed of closed-cell cross-linked
polyethylene foam material having a thickness of from about 2.5 mm
to from about 3.8 mm, preferably about 3.2 mm. In this embodiment,
the insole is most advantageous for use by persons with diabetes.
An insole appropriate for use by diabetic patients utilizes the
same basic design as the arthritic insole, except that the top
layer comprises a closed cell cross-linked polyethylene foam
material. Preferably, this material has an ASKER value of about 30
ASKER C.+-.3 and meets governmental regulation for diabetic insoles
A5510 (direct formed, compression molded to patient's foot without
external heat source, multiple density insert prefabricated, per
shoe)
[0018] One suitable material for the diabetic insole top layer is
Plastazote.RTM. closed cell cross-linked foam material available
from Zotefoams PLC. (United Kingdom). This type of foam provides
for total contact with the foot. The top layer is preferably about
2.5 to 3.8 mm thick. Most preferred, the top layer is about 3.2 mm
thick. Upon contact with the foot of a user, the top layer will
permanently conform thereto. Other materials can be used as long as
they provide for total contact with the patient's foot.
[0019] In a third alternate embodiment, the top layer mentioned in
paragraph 14 is constructed of a thin fabric layer. In this
embodiment, the insole is most advantageous for use by persons with
arthritis.
[0020] The bottom layer has a shoe side surface which further
comprises one or more indentations adapted to receive an insert
layer, and an insert layer attached to each of said
indentations.
[0021] The bottom layer preferably comprises a durable material
which will provide a semi-rigid structure to the insole. A
preferred material used for the bottom layer is an Ethylene Vinyl
Acetate (EVA) foam material. Other materials can be used as long as
they have the durability needed and which can be compression
molded. The preferred EVA material of the bottom layer and inserts
has a relative ASKER C hardness of 51.+-.3.
[0022] EVA or other appropriate materials can be shaped into a
dimensional article by compression and heat. In this way, the
preferred embodiment having an arch support integral with the
insole, but rising upwardly from a relatively planar surface on
which most of the weight of a user's foot is intended to rest, and
an integral heel-receiving area can be formed in the insole.
[0023] The bottom layer has a shoe-side surface which is intended
to rest adjacent in the foot-receiving compartment of a shoe. The
shoe side surface preferably further comprises one or more
indentations each adapted to receive an insert layer. The
indentations may be formed by providing a positive area in a mold
which will create the indentation. Preferably, a heel indentation
is in the heel area. A toe indentation may be provided in the toe
area. A third indentation may be provided in the metatarsal area
and this may extend to the arch area. Any combination of these
indentations may be provided in an insole, for example toe and
heel, heel and metatarsal, toe, heel and metatarsal. Preferably,
the insole comprises a toe indentation, a heel indentation, and a
metatarsal indentation.
[0024] Inserts are secured to each of the indentations. Each insert
preferably comprises an EVA foam material. Preferably, the inserts
have a texture which provides a gripping feature to aid in
positioning and gripping to the inside of a shoe in which it is
intended to be inserted by the wearer so that little or no slipping
of the insole will occur during use. The texture is provided by
features on the mold.
[0025] The inserts are placed in areas of high stress. The heel
insert is positioned in the heel area to provide cushioning to the
heel area of the foot of a user at heel strike. Another may be
placed within the metatarsal area extended to the arch area to
receive metatarsal impact and to provide support. The toe insert is
placed in the toe area to assist in cushioning during toe
impact.
[0026] Preferably, there is an insert-free area between the toe
area and the metatarsal area. This permits the insole to flex in
that area during a natural walking motion if the shoe also flexes
and provides rigidity to the arch of the insole.
[0027] The bottom surface further is preferably provided with a
number of linear indentations which form ridges. These indentations
provide flexibility.
[0028] The middle layer is comprised of a material that provides
extra cushioning and support of the arthritic foot. In a preferred
embodiment, the middle layer comprises a synthetic rubber. Most
preferred are synthetic rubbers based on styrene butadiene or
polychloroprene, which may be used to make sheets that can be
die-cut in the shape of the insole. Neoprene brand polychloroprene
synthetic rubber (DuPont Performance Elastomers, Wilmington, Del.)
is an exemplary raw material for these types of sheets. SBR
(styrene butadiene (synthetic) rubber) and CPR (chloroprene
(synthetic) rubber) are synthetic rubbers used in the industry to
make sheets known as synthetic rubber or neoprene sheets. Other
materials can be used, but it is preferred that the material used
has a value of approximately 21 ASKER C.+-.5 to 30 ASKER
C.+-.5.
[0029] The top layer should be preferably secured by adhesive to
the middle layer prior to die cutting the insole shapes.
[0030] Insole production can be accomplished by laminating together
all materials into a die before shaping with heat and pressure.
After the insole has been shaped in this fashion it is cut to its
final shape. Alternatively, only middle and bottom layers may be
produced in this way with later securement of the top layer.
[0031] As an example, approximate dimensions are given for a men's
size 9 insole. Length and width of the insole are 11.063 inches and
3.813 inches. The total thickness of the insole can range from
0.256 inches near the toe area to 0.545 in the arch area. Arch
height is about 1.476 inches. The thickness of each layer may vary,
with the preferred thicknesses of about 2 millimeters for the
middle layer and the thickness of the bottom layer varying,
depending on its position of the insole. The inserts have a
thickness of about 2 millimeters.
[0032] A view of the bottom (shoe side) of the insole is best seen
in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates a left insole and it can be easily
envisioned that a right insole would be a mirror image of the left
insole illustrated. Insoles are generally sold and used in pairs,
each pair comprising a right and a left insole. Outline (10) of the
insole has been divided into outer region (10C), heel region (10B),
inner region (10A) and toe region (10D).
[0033] Three inserts are shown secured to indentations in the
bottom side of the bottom layer. The toe area insert (31) is
secured near the front (toe) side of the insole. The metatarsal
area insert (32) extends from just behind the toe area insert (31)
towards the back (heel) end of the insole up to the arch region of
the insole. The heel area insert (33) is secured near the back end
of the insole. Each insert is shown exhibiting a different texture
than the bulk of the insole bottom which will aid with traction in
the shoe.
[0034] Cross sections along lines 4-4, 5-5, 6-6 and 7-7 will be
discussed with respect to FIGS. 4-7. Ridges (36) are illustrated on
the bottom of the arch support area (34). Numerous other ridges and
lines are also visible.
[0035] Referring to side view FIG. 2, from the inner outline region
(10A) side of the insole of FIG. 1, arch support area (34) extends
upwardly and one is able to see ridges (36) on the bottom side of
the insole as well as fabric layer (1) and middle layer (2) from
this view. Layer (1) is secured to a middle layer (2). Secured to
the bottom (shoe) side of the middle layer (2) is a bottom layer
(3). Referring to side view FIG. 2A, layer (1) is a foam layer.
[0036] The bottom layer (3) dictates the shape of the insole. The
middle layer (2) and top cloth layer or foam layer (1) are sheets
of material of uniform thickness that take on the shape determined
by said bottom layer (3) when secured to one another and to said
bottom layer (3).
[0037] Some key features found in the shape and design of the
bottom layer (3) are the arch support (34) and heel area (35). The
arch support area (34) extends upwardly from the rest of the insole
and serves to provide added comfort and support for the arch of the
foot. Heel area (35) appears as a cup or indented area and is
adapted generally to receive the heel area of a user's foot. In
this view the contour of heel area 35 is visible. The cup shape
allows for extra comfort and security to the heel of the foot.
Ridges (36) are also preferably employed to allow for better
flexibility during use. The top layer thickness can vary from a
thin cloth sheet to a foam layer of up to about 3.8 mm in
thickness. Preferably, the top layer comprises foam and is of a
thickness of from about 2.5 mm to from about 3.8 mm, preferably
about 3.2 mm. The layer (1) as illustrated will appear thicker in
relation to middle layer depending on the top layer selected. Most
preferably, top layer (1) is a foam layer. In a less preferred
embodiment top layer (1) is a thin cloth layer or a combination of
a thin cloth layer and foam layer.
[0038] FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A shows a side view from outer outline
region (10C). Because inner outline region (10A) extends upwardly,
one can see it also from this view point, as well as top layer (1)
covering the top of arch support area (34). Side views of middle
layer (2) and bottom layer (3) are also visible. In FIG. 3 a thin
layer which can be cloth or foam is illustrated. In FIG. 3A, a
thicker foam layer is illustrated.
[0039] FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 and FIGS. 4A, 5A and 6A show
cross-sections of the insole at lines 4-4, 5-5 and 6-6 of FIG. 1
respectively. When compared one to another, the change in shape
(both curve and thickness) at different sections of the insole can
be seen. The thickness is typically much greater in the arch area
of the foot as shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A. The height of the arch
support area (34) mentioned above is best shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A.
The cup or dented shape of the heel area (35) is best shown in
FIGS. 4 and 4A. The figures designated with "A" show a thicker foam
layer as the top layer as compared with the figures without the "A"
which illustrate a thin cloth or foam layer as top layer (1).
[0040] FIG. 7 and FIG. 7A show a cross section of the insole of
FIG. 1 along line 7-7. FIG. 7 illustrates a thinner top layer (1)
and FIG. 7A a thicker top layer (1) as discussed above. The
positioning of inserts 31, 32 and 33 and the indentations in which
they lie is best seen in this figure as is the contour of the
various components of the insole.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the insole of FIG. 1. Top
layer (1) is visible as well as well as outline (10) inner outline
region (10A), outer outline region (10C), heel outline region (10B)
and toe outline region (10D)
* * * * *