Abstract: A removable insole is provided which includes a layer of thermoplastic material, the thermoplastic material preferably including ethylene vinyl acetate and ethylene vinyl acetate modified by the addition of carbonyl groups. A custom-fitting insole is preferably produced by heating a substantially flat insole in a microwave oven until the thermoplastic material softens, placing the heated insole in a shoe, and having a person insert their foot into the shoe and walk around to form an impression.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 6, 1997
Date of Patent:
March 31, 1998
Assignee:
Polymer Innovations, Inc.
Inventors:
Dan T. Moore, III, Maurice E. Wheeler, James W. Hoover, William H. Weber
Abstract: A method of producing a custom-fitting article such as a custom-fitting footbed (for example, a removable insole), a custom-fitting hand grip, a custom-fitting body pad, and a custom-fitting orthopedic cast. A member for producing same and a composition for use in connection therewith are also provided. A member, such as a gel pad or gel-filled envelope, is provided which comprises a body of formable material having a minimum setting temperature greater than 130.degree. F. and being setable by heating for a period not exceeding 30 minutes and subsequent cooling. The member is conformed by biasing it against a body part of a person or mammal with sufficient pressure to conform the member to the shape of the body part. The member is then heated for a period not exceeding 30 minutes and thereafter cooled so that the formable material is set and the member remains flexible while resiliently retaining an impression of the body part.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 16, 1993
Date of Patent:
September 17, 1996
Assignee:
Polymer Innovations, Inc.
Inventors:
Dan T. Moore, III, Deborah L. James, Maurice E. Wheeler, William H. Weber, James W. Hoover