USING SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/627,828, filed February 8, 2018 and titled“INSOLES, AND INSOLES FOR HIGH HEEL SHOES,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/722,212, filed August 24, 2018 and titled“INSOLES, INSOLES FOR HIGH HEEL SHOES, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The presently disclosed technology relates generally to insoles. More particularly, in one embodiment, the presently disclosed technology relates to insoles for high heel shoes.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Fig. 1 shows a conventional high heel shoe, generally designated 10, which includes a heel 12, a heel breast 14, a heel tip 16, a shank (not visible from the exterior of the shoe, but generally in the vicinity of reference numeral 18) and a forefoot section 20. The shank is an internal component (e.g., often made of metal, composite, or another stiff material) that structurally supports the suspended arch region of the shoe. High heel shoes are generally uncomfortable for a user, at least because a significant amount of the weight of the user is focused or directed toward or to the user’s forefoot, resulting in high pressures on at least the metatarsal heads of the foot

[0004] Similarly, other footwear, such as shoes that are not high heels, can be uncomfortable for a user. Certain conventional insoles include relatively small perforations in the forefoot section thereof. These perforations are designed to impart breathability to the insole and help reduce moisture and odor that can linger in the insole. Such perforations are too small to increase the flexibility of the insole.

SUMMARY

[0005] It would be desirable to provide an insole for a shoe that overcomes the above and other drawbacks of the prior art.

[0006] In one embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed generally to improving the feel, comfort and/or performance of insoles and/or shoes, such as but not limited to high heel shoes. The presently disclosed technology includes insoles having a plurality of spaced- apart holes that extend therethrough. The size, shape and arrangement of the holes can contribute to increasing comfort and/or flexibility in a high heel shoe.

[0007] More particularly, in one embodiment, the plurality of spaced-apart holes allow for variation or selective variability of the properties of a structure made form a single and/or stiff material. The plurality of spaced-apart holes allow the insole to be flexible in regions where needed or desired, and stiff and/or supportive in other regions of the insole.

[0008] In another embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed to an insole for a shoe. The insole can include a body section having a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end and an opposing front end. At least a portion of the top surface proximate the rear end can be concave. At least a portion of the bottom surface proximate the rear end can be convex. The insole can also include forefoot section having a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end and an opposing front end. The rear end of the forefoot section can be attached to the front end of the body section. A line of demarcation can separate the body section from the forefoot section. The line of demarcation can extend across an entire width of the insole. The insole can include a plurality of spaced-apart holes that extend through the body section from the top surface to and/or through the bottom surface.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed to an insole for a shoe. The insole can include a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end and an opposing front end. At least a section of the top surface proximate the rear end can be concave. At least a section of the bottom surface proximate the rear end can be convex. A plurality of spaced- apart holes can extend through the insole from the top surface to the bottom surface. The plurality of spaced-apart holes can be arranged in two rows. A first row of the two rows can be spaced radially inwardly with respect to a second row of the two rows. Each of the plurality of holes of the first row can have the same size. Each of the plurality of holes of the second row can have the same size. Each of the plurality of holes of the first row can be smaller than each of the plurality of holes of the second row.

[0010] In still another embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed to an insole for a high heel shoe that includes a plurality of spaced-apart holes that extend through the insole.

The plurality of spaced-apart holes increase the flexibility of the insole thereby allowing the insert to more readily flex, accommodate the shape of the foot, distribute load more evenly, reduce peak loads and/or enhance comfort. [0011] In a further embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed to an insole for a high heel shoe that includes a plurality of spaced-apart holes that extend through the insole. The plurality of spaced-apart holes increase the flexibility of the insole, thereby providing cushioning and/or impact attenuation during running and/or walking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the presently disclosed technology, there are shown in the drawings various illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a high heel shoe of the prior art;

[0014] Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of an insole according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed technology;

[0015] Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

[0016] Fig. 4 is a top plan view thereof;

[0017] Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof;

[0018] Fig. 6 is an elevation view of a first side thereof;

[0019] Fig. 7 is an elevation view of an opposing second side thereof;

[0020] Fig. 8 is a front elevation view thereof;

[0021] Fig. 9 is a rear elevation view thereof;

[0022] Fig. 10 is cross-sectional side elevation view of an insole placed in a high heel shoe according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology; and

[0023] Fig. 11 is a magnified view of a portion of the combination shown in Fig. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] While systems, devices and methods are described herein by way of examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize that the systems, devices and methods of the presently disclosed technology are not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. Rather, the presently disclosed technology covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. [0025] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words“bottom,”“top,”“left,”“right,”“lower� �� and“upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms“a,”“an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning“at least one.” As used herein, the word“may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to) rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0026] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, Figs. 2-9 show an insole, generally designated 100, according to the presently disclosed technology. Figs. 2-9 show an insole designed for a right foot, and a corresponding or mirror-image insole can be designed for the left foot. In one embodiment, the insole is designed for high heel shoes having a heel height of two or more inches. However, in one embodiment, the presently disclosed technology can be incorporated into insoles for non-high heel or flatter shoes, such as running shoes or women’s flats. Although only a ¾ length insole is shown, the presently disclosed technology can be incorporated into insoles of any length or width.

[0027] Whether the insole is designed for a high heel shoe (e.g., two or more inches of heel height) or a flatter shoe can depend upon the hardness or durometer of the material used to construct the insole. For example, a plate (an example of which is described below) of the insole can be made to have a higher durometer or a lower durometer. Optionally, a single plate or another portion of the insole can be formed with two or more sections, each of which can have a different durometer. In one embodiment, the plate of an insole designed for higher shoes (e.g., a four inch high heel) has a higher durometer than the plate of an insole designed for a lower shoe (e.g., a running shoe).

Similarly, the higher the heel of the shoe, the higher the durometer of the plate of the insole. The numerical value or range for the durometer of different portions of the insole can depend on several factors, such as the nature of the footwear and height.

[0028] Referring to Figs. 2-9, the insole 100 can include a body or rear section 102 having a top surface 104, an opposing bottom surface 106, a rear end 108 and an opposing front end 110. At least a portion of the top surface 104 proximate the rear end 108 can be concave. At least a portion of the bottom surface 106 proximate the rear end 108 can be convex. The body section 102 can include or be formed by a heel section and a mid-foot section, which can be designed to support the arch, among other portions of the foot. [0029] The insole 100 can also include forefoot or front section 112 having a top surface 114, an opposing bottom surface 116, a rear end 118 and an opposing front end 119. At least a portion of the top surface 114 proximate the rear end 118 can be flat, or generally or substantially flat. At least a portion of the bottom surface 116 proximate the rear end 118 can be flat, or generally or substantially flat. The forefoot section 112 can be designed, sized and/or shaped to support (at least in part or even entirely) the ball of the foot and/or one or all of the metatarsals of the foot.

[0030] The rear end 118 of the forefoot section 112 can be attached to the front end 110 of the body section 102. In one embodiment, a line of demarcation 120 separates the body section 102 from the forefoot section 112. The line of demarcation 120 can extend across an entire width W (see Fig. 5) of the insole 100. The insole 100 can be configured to fold more easily at the line of demarcation 120 than at any other part of the insole 100. In one embodiment, the line of demarcation 120 is only visible on the bottom of the insole 100, and not on the top of the insole (e.g., compare Fig. 4 to Fig. 5).

[0031] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the line of demarcation 120 can define the point (or line) where the forefoot section 112 extends at an angle with respect to the body section 102. For example, the top surface 114 of the forefoot section 112 can extend at an angle, such as

approximately 30 degrees, with respect to the top surface 104 of the body section 102.

[0032] The insole 100 can include means for increasing flexibility. In one embodiment, the means for increasing flexibility is a plurality of spaced-apart holes 122 that extend through the body section 102 from the top surface 104 to the bottom surface 106. The holes 122 can increase the force attenuation and/or force distribution capacity of the insole 100, thereby creating or adding flexibility to the insole 100 and/or creating a more comfortable insole for the user.

[0033] Flexibility is important for two reasons. First, flexibility allows the contour of the insert to flex and accommodate the shape of the foot, while distributing load more evenly, thereby reducing peak loads and enhancing comfort. Second, dynamic flexion of the insert provides cushioning and/or impact attenuation during walking and running.

[0034] Optionally, the holes 122 can lower the stiffness of the insole 100 and thereby make the insole 100 more flexible than if the holes 122 were not included in the insole 100. Alternatively or additionally, the holes 122 provide for the spatial redistribution of load.

[0035] Optionally, a fabric or cloth layer (not shown) can be attached to the top surface 104.

The fabric layer can include or omit the holes 122 [0036] The size of the holes 122 can be based on the durometer of the plate of the insole 100 and/or the curvature of contour of at least a portion of the top surface of the insole 100. For example, for an insole having a plate with a lower durometer, the size of each hole 122 is smaller than an insole having a plate with a higher durometer. Conversely, in one embodiment, an insole having a plate with a higher durometer has holes 122 that are larger than an insole having a plate with a lower durometer. This is because less flexibility or stiffness on account of the holes 122 is needed or desired wherein a higher durometer material is employed. The degree of curvature and/or contour of a top surface of the insole 100 can impact the size of the holes 122.

[0037] Optionally, in one embodiment, larger and more closed spaced holes 122 can be placed or created in portions of the insole where more flexibility is required or desired. Alternatively, smaller or further spaced holes 122 can be placed or created in portions of the insole where less flexibility is required or desired.

[0038] In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2-9, the plurality of spaced-apart holes 122 can be arranged in two or more spaced-apart rows. A first row 124 of the two or more spaced-apart rows can be spaced-apart radially inwardly with respect to a second row 126 of the two or more spaced- apart rows. In one embodiment, each of the first and second rows 124, 126 is arranged to follow or mimic the shape or curvature of the outer peripheral edge of the insole 100. In one embodiment, the forefoot section 112 does not include any holes that extend therethrough.

[0039] In one embodiment, each hole 122 of the first row 124 has the same size. In the same or a different embodiment, each hole 122 of the second row 126 has the same size. Optionally, each hole 122 of the first row 124 can be smaller than each hole 122 of the second row 126. More particularly, in one embodiment, each of the holes 122 of both the first and second rows 124, 126 can have a circular shape, and each hole 122 of the first row 124 can have a smaller diameter than each hole of the second row 126. However, the holes 122 are not limited to a circular shape, but can be of any geometry that provides the functionality described herein. For example, the holes 122 of the first row 124 can have the same size (e.g., diameter) as the holes 122 of the second row 126.

[0040] In one embodiment, the holes 122 of at least the first row 124 can be sufficiently small so that a user or wearer cannot feel the holes of the first row 124 when wearing shoes that include the insole 100. Optionally, the holes 122 of the first row 124 can have a diameter in the range of 1-7 millimeters, and the holes 122 of the second row 126 can have a diameter in the range of 1-7 millimeters. For example, in one embodiment, the holes 122 of the first row 124 can have a diameter of approximately 2 millimeters, and the holes 122 of the second row 126 can have a diameter of approximately 3 millimeters.

[0041] Optionally, each hole 122 can be formed during a molding process of the insole 100. Alternatively, each hole 122 can be formed after the molding process is completed, such as during a punching process.

[0042] As shown in Figs. 2, 3, 5-7 and 9, a projection 128 can extend outwardly from the bottom surface 106 of the body section 102. The projection 128 can extend in a continuous, serpentine path between each or several of the adjacent holes 122 in the first row 124. The size, shape and/or configuration of the projection 128 can depend upon the size and/or grading of the insole 100. The term“grading” is defined herein to refer to insoles for different shoe sizes (e.g., a size 11 and a size 9 of the same type or style insole). For example, for insoles of the same type or style, the ratios of the various components or portions of the insoles would be the same, but the size of the various components would be different. The features of the size 11 insole would need to be graded differently than the same features of the size 9 insole.

[0043] In one embodiment, the projection 128 is configured to add rigidity or stiffness to the insole 100. Alternatively or additionally, the projection 128 functions as a gripper or adds friction between the insole and the interior of the bed of a shoe. For example, the projection 128 can help to secure the insole 100 within the shoe and prevent it from undesirably moving forward with respect to the shoe. In addition, the insole 100 can have one or more additional features to prevent slipping of the insole 100 with respect to the shoe, such as a plurality of spaced-apart spikes 130 that extend outwardly from the bottom surface 106 of the body section 102.

[0044] Optionally, the insole 100 is formed at least partially of a foam, polymeric material(s) (e.g., nylon and/or thermoplastic urethane) and/or composite materials. The insoles can be made of a separate material (or materials) from the shoe, and can be selectively removable from and insertable into the shoe. The plate (e.g., a contoured plate) can form the bottom surface 106 of the body section 102 of the insole 100. In one embodiment, the plate forms the entire bottom surface of the body section 102, but forms no part of the bottom surface of the forefoot section 112. The plate can be formed of a polymeric material, and can be more rigid than a material used to form the top surface 104 of the body section 102.

[0045] In one embodiment, the insole 100 can be formed of three discreet or different materials or layers. For example, as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 6, the bottom surface 106 of the body section 102 can be formed of a polymeric material 132, a midsection of the body section 102 and the bottom surface 116 of the forefoot section 112 can be formed of a first foam or fabric material 134, and the top surface 104 of the body section 102 and the top surface 114 of the forefoot section can be formed of a second foam or fabric material 136.

[0046] Alternatively, the insole 100 or the plate thereof can be formed from multi-material injection molding (MMM) fabrication, such as multi-component, multi-shot, or over-molding. In one example, when viewing the insole 100 from the perspective of Fig. 5, the portion of the insole 100 inside the projection 128 (and possibility including the projection 128) can be formed of a first material having a relatively high durometer. The portion of the insole 100 outside the projection 128 (e.g., between the projection 128 and the outer edge of the insole 100) can be formed of a second material having a lower durometer than the first material. The higher durometer section can improve support, grip and/or spring. The lower durometer section can improve flexibility and/or adaptability to different footwear (e.g., shoes) and/or individuals. Optionally, the forefoot section 112 can be formed of an entirely different or third material.

[0047] Optionally, the insole 100 can be designed and/or manufactured separately from a shoe to which the insole 100 is to be used with. The insole 100 can be inserted or slipped into the shoe for use. In one embodiment, there is no requirement to mechanically or chemically attach the insole 100 to the interior of the shoe, such as by stitching.

[0048] The insole 100 of the presently disclosed technology includes higher sidewalls than prior art insoles. The higher sidewalls provide more supporting surface area to the foot, which dissipates and/or distributes peak pressures. The insole 100 can also provide additional cushioning compared to prior art insoles.

[0049] Figs. 10-11 show another embodiment of the presently disclosed technology. Similar or identical structure between the embodiment of Figs. 1-9 and the embodiment of Figs. 10-11 is distinguished in Figs. 1-9 by a reference number with a magnitude one hundred (100) greater than that of Figs. 1-9. Description of certain similarities between the embodiment of Figs. 1-9 and the embodiment of Figs. 10-11 may be omitted herein for convenience and brevity only.

[0050] The insole of the present embodiment can include a cushioning element 250 and a plate 252. The cushioning element 250 can be attached to the plate 252, such as by adhesive.

Alternatively, the cushioning element 250 can be formed with the plate 252. Optionally, a forefoot cushioning pad 254 can be attached to the cushioning element 250 or formed as part of the cushioning element 250. The forefoot cushioning pad 254 can help to hold the insole in place within the shoe.

[0051] Referring specifically to Fig. 10, as identified by area A, the insole of the present embodiment can be designed to include an arch when the insole is in a resting or non-active position. When in use, the insole can depress at the arch (e.g., area A) and then naturally rebound or return during walking gait.

[0052] Referring specifically to Fig. 11, as identified by area B, the plate 252 can include a large radius to anatomically support the heel of the user and/or to disperse downward pressure caused by the foot within the shoe. The insole can include one or more first set of gripping structures and one or more second set of gripping structures. The first set of gripping structures can be located and/or spaced-apart on a vertical sidewall of the plate 252. The second set of gripping structures can be located and/or spaced-apart on a bottom surface of the plate 252.

[0053] The presently disclosed technology also includes a method of forming (such as, but not limited to, molding) an insole for a shoe. Optionally, the shoe can be a high heel shoe having a heel height of at least two inches. The insole can include a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end and an opposing front end. The method can include forming (e.g., molding) a plurality of spaced-apart holes that extend through the insole from the top surface to the bottom surface to increase the flexibility of the insole.

[0054] The presently disclosed technology also includes a method for increasing the flexibility of an insole. The method includes forming a plurality of spaced-apart holes through the portion of insole that is positioned beneath the heel and arch of the foot.

[0055] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology as defined by the appended claims.