Foot-stabilizing shoe inserts

Abstract

An article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject within the shoe. In one embodiment the article comprises a substantially-planar base portion having a length dimension, a width dimension, a thickness dimension, a toe end, a heel end, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a circumferential edge. A first elevated portion is provided comprising at least one edge and having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, with the first elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of the base portion sufficiently to have a closest edge that is closest to the toe end of the base portion. A second elevated portion is present having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, with the second elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of the first elevated portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to footwear. More particularly, it relates to inserts useful for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject who is wearing a shoe.

BACKGROUND

High-heeled shoes have been in popular use for decades. However, while shoes are typically manufactured to fit a large number of potential consumers, in some cases, owing to variance in the human body, not all shoes fit all persons equally. Indeed, some women have opined that a problem exists in high-heeled shoes that their feet have a tendency to move downwardly into such shoes as they walk, under the influence of gravitational forces. Such tendency leads in many cases to discomfort and in extreme cases, physical pain.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject within the shoe. In one embodiment the article comprises a substantially-planar base portion having a length dimension, a width dimension, a thickness dimension, a toe end, a heel end, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a circumferential edge. There is a first elevated portion comprising at least one edge and having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, with the first elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of the base portion sufficiently to have a closest edge that is closest to the toe end of the base portion. There is a second elevated portion having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, with the second elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of the first elevated portion. The second elevated portion may or may not be disposed substantially centrally upon the top surface of the first elevated portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the annexed drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a shoe insert according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows an overhead perspective view of a shoe insert according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a left side elevation view of a shoe insert according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an end view of a shoe insert according to one embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 5 shows a shoe having a shoe insert according to the disclosure disposed therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1 there is shown a perspective view of a shoe insert 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In this FIG. 1 there is provided a base portion 3, which is substantially planar in configuration and is preferably comprised from a synthetic polymeric material, although natural polymers and other substances, including composite materials, may suffice as a material of construction from which such base portion 3 may be comprised. When a polymeric material is selected, such polymeric material may be a thermoset polymer or a thermoplastic polymer, including without limitation thermoplastic vulcanizates, rubbers, EP rubber, butadiene polymers, polyolefins including homopolymers and copolymers of propylene and ethylene with any C1 to C6 olefin monomer, elastomers, PVC, neoprene, isoprene, and blends of any of the foregoing with one another to the extent that such mixtures are compatible, including blends of any of the foregoing with any other materials generally known in the polymer arts as being useful materials from which shoe inserts may be comprised, including without limitation fillers, colorants, odor-absorbing substances, and compatibility-enhancement agents. The foregoing includes polymeric foams and other foamed materials capable of providing cushion and/or elasticity to lessen shock forces delivered to the foot when a shoe is worn which includes a shoe insert 10 according to the disclosure. These include polyurethane and polyurea, polyolefin, and rubber-based foams having relatively small cell structure, as such are known in the art.

In one embodiment there is a first elevated portion 5 disposed on the base portion 3, which first elevated portion 5 extends substantially across the shoe insert 10 very near its toe end TE, having its closest edge thereto being disposed typically at a distance from the toe end that is equal to about the width W2 (FIG. 2) of the first elevated portion 5 as viewed from overhead. Also shown is the heel end HE of the base portion 3. The first elevated portion 5 includes a top surface TS1 (FIG. 4) which is elevated, as seen from a side elevation view, with respect to the surface of the base portion 3.

In one embodiment, there is a second elevated portion 7 disposed atop the first elevated portion, and centrally located thereabouts, with the second elevated portion having a top surface TS2 (FIG. 4) that is more distal with respect to the top surface T (FIG. 3) of the base portion 3 than is the top surface of the first elevated portion, as seen from a side elevation view. In one embodiment, the first and second elevated portions 5, 7 respectively, each have a flat top surface, as later shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. These surfaces may be thought of as being plateau areas, and this disclosure includes embodiments in which these top surfaces are flat, include concavity, or include convexity. In one embodiment the second elevated portion is contoured so as to fit on the top of the first elevated portion 5 and the outer boundaries of the second elevated portion 7 do not extend beyond the boundaries of the footprint of the first elevated portion 5, as viewed from an overhead perspective view.

In one embodiment, the base portion 3, first elevated portion 5, and second elevated portion 7 are all of singular construction, comprising a single article of manufacture, which is made by an injection moulding process, stamping, thermoforming or other process known in the art for providing polymeric articles. In another embodiment, the base portion 3, first elevated portion 5, and second elevated portion 7 are separate elements, and are affixed to one another to provide the shoe insert 10 using conventional fastening means which may include adhesives, fasteners, and thermowelding. In another embodiment, any two elements selected from the group consisting of: the base portion 3, first elevated portion 5, and second elevated portion 7 are of singular construction, while the remaining one is discrete and is affixed to the structure comprising the other two by any methods aforesaid. In a preferred embodiment, the shoe insert 10 is of singular construction. In one embodiment, the circumferential edge of the shoe insert comprises a bevel 8 around the perimeter of the top surface of the base portion 3.

FIG. 2 shows an overhead view of a shoe insert 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In this FIG. 2 is shown the overall length dimension L1 of a shoe insert 10. Additionally, the overall width W1 of a shoe insert 10 according to one embodiment is shown. The width W2 of the first elevated portion 5 is also shown, as well as the lengths L3, L4, and L5 of portions of the first elevated portion 5, and second elevated portion 7. The distance D is the distance between the toe end TE of the shoe insert 10 and the edge of the first elevated portion 5 at about the midpoint of the first elevated portion 5.

In one embodiment, the overall length dimension L1 is about 8 centimeters. However, a shoe insert according to this disclosure may have any overall length L1 between about 6 centimeters and about 12 centimeters, including all lengths and ranges of lengths therebetween.

In one embodiment, the overall width dimension W1 is about 7 centimeters. However, a shoe insert according to this disclosure may have any overall width W1 between about 4 centimeters and about 10 centimeters, including all widths and ranges of widths therebetween.

In one embodiment, the width dimension W2 is about 1 centimeter. However, a shoe insert according to this disclosure may have any width W2 between about 0.5 centimeters and about 5 centimeters, including all widths and ranges of widths therebetween.

In one embodiment, the length dimensions L3, L4, and L5 are substantially equal to one another, and are about 2 centimeters. However, in a shoe insert according to this the length dimensions L3, L4, and L5 may be any length between about 1 centimeter and about 4 centimeters, including all lengths and ranges of lengths therebetween.

In another embodiment, the length dimensions L3, L4, and L5 are not substantially equal to one another, and may be any length between about 1 centimeter and about 4 centimeters independent of one another, including all widths and ranges of widths therebetween. In one embodiment, the dimension D is about 1 centimeter; however a shoe insert according to this disclosure may have any dimension D between about 1 millimeter and about 3 centimeters, including all dimensions and ranges of dimensions therebetween. In one embodiment the first elevated portion is disposed on the top surface of the base portion such that the closest edge of the first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of the base portion that is about equal to the width of the first elevated portion. In another embodiment, the first elevated portion is disposed on the top surface of the base portion such that the closest edge of the first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of the base portion that is at least the width of the first elevated portion. In another embodiment, the first elevated portion is disposed on the top surface of the base portion such that the closest edge of the first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of the base portion that is at least one millimeter greater than the width of the first elevated portion.

The dimension L2 is the total length span of the first elevated portion 5 across the width of the shoe insert 10. In general, L2 is less than W1 by any amount between about 0.5 cm and about 2 cm, including all span lengths and ranges of span lengths therebetween; however L2 may be longer than W1. In one embodiment L2 is about 6 centimeters; however, a shoe insert 10 according to this disclosure may have any span length L2 in the range of between about 3 centimeters and about 10 centimeters, including all span lengths and ranges of span lengths therebetween. In particular embodiments, the first elevated portion 5 is of sufficient length dimension L2 that the first elevated portion 5 extends across the base portion 3 in an amount that is at least about 70% of the width dimension W1 of the base portion.

While the foregoing dimensions have been expressed in terms of ranges of dimensions, it is to be appreciated that the present disclosure does not embrace mathematically impossible structures, and one of ordinary skill may easily select these various dimensions to arrive at a shoe insert 10 according to this disclosure. In one preferred embodiment: L1 is about 7.5 cm; L2 is about 6 cm; L3 is about 2.3 cm; L4 is about 2.5 cm; L5 is about 2.3 cm; W1 is about 6.5 cm; W2 is about 2 cm; and D is about 1.3 cm. In another embodiment, these figures are exact.

Although the base portion 3 is shown in FIG. 2 as comprising four sides with convex contours, a base portion 3 according to the disclosure may exist in other shapes, including shapes which include at least one straight edge, shapes which include at least one concave edge, base portions which exist in the shape of polygons, either regular or irregular, including without limitation circular base portions, rectangular base portions, and trapezoidal base portions.

Although the first elevated portion 5 and second elevated portion 7 are depicted in FIG. 2 as being trapezoidal in their overall shape, comprising convex and concave edges, the first elevated portion 5 and second elevated portion 7 may exist in other shapes, including shapes which include at least one straight edge, shapes which include at least one concave edge, first and second elevated portions which independently exist in the shape of polygons, either regular or irregular, including without limitation circular first and second elevated portions, rectangular first and second elevated portions, and trapezoidal first and second elevated portions.

FIG. 3 shows a left side elevation view of a shoe insert 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In this FIG. 3 are shown the respective locations of the base portion 3, first elevated portion 5, second elevated portion 7, and bevel 8 around the circumferential edge of the shoe insert 10 as a whole. The base portion, while being of singular construct in one embodiment, may itself comprise a first base element 9 having perpendicular edges and a second base element 11 having an angled edge, as shown. In such embodiments, the first base element 9 and second base element 11 are each substantially planar and are attached to one another using any suitable means as described earlier, each being comprised of materials already described herein. Also labeled in FIG. 3 is the top surface T of the base portion 3.

FIG. 4 shows an end view of a shoe insert 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In FIG. 4 are shown the respective locations of the base portion 3, first elevated portion 5, second elevated portion 7 as viewed from the toe end TE.

Also shown in FIG. 4 is the thickness T1 of the base portion 3, which in one embodiment is about 2 millimeters. However, this disclosure includes shoe inserts 10 having a base portion 3 whose thickness is any value in the range of between about one millimeter and about four millimeters, including all thicknesses and ranges of thicknesses therebetween. Additionally shown is the thickness T2 of the first elevated portion 5, which in one embodiment is about 3 millimeters. However, this disclosure includes shoe inserts 10 having a first elevated portion 5 whose thickness is any value in the range of between about one millimeter and about six millimeters, including all thicknesses and ranges of thicknesses therebetween. Further shown is the thickness T3 of the second elevated portion 7, which in one embodiment is about 2 millimeters. However, this disclosure includes shoe inserts 10 having a second elevated portion 7 whose thickness is any value in the range of between about one millimeter and about five millimeters, including all thicknesses and ranges of thicknesses therebetween. Also labeled in FIG. 4 is the bottom surface B of the base portion 3.

When the base portion 3 is comprised of a first base element 9 and a second base element 11, in one embodiment each of these elements are about one millimeter thick; however each may independently have any thickness in the range of between about 0.3 mm and about 4 mm, including all thicknesses and ranges of thicknesses therebetween, subject to their combined thickness are desirably within the described range of thicknesses specified for the base portion 3.

In one preferred embodiment: L1 is about 7.5 cm; L2 is about 6 cm; L3 is about 2.3 cm; L4 is about 2.5 cm; L5 is about 2.3 cm; W1 is about 6.5 cm; W2 is about 2 cm; D is about 1.3 cm; T1 is about 2 millimeters; T2 is about 3 millimeters; and T3 is about 2 millimeters. In another embodiment, these figures are exact.

In certain embodiments, the top surface T and bottom surface B of the base portion 3 comprise surface treatments, which may include surface roughenings or texturing (R in FIG. 1), for the purpose of increasing the grip between the shoe insert 10 and either one or both of the foot or stocking of a wearer, or the grip between the shoe insert 10 and the shoe. Such roughenings or texturing can include cross-hatches, treads such as are on tires or tennis shoes, depressions, protrusions, or any surface feature which enhances the interaction between the wearer's foot/stocking or the insert 10 and the inside of the shoe itself. A shoe insert 10 according to one embodiment comprises an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface B of the base portion 3 to affix the shoe insert 10 in a stationary position within a shoe in which it is disposed.

FIG. 5 shows a shoe having a shoe insert according to the disclosure disposed therein. Women wearing high-heeled shoes often face a disadvantage, in that shoes are made to fit the general population, while there is no small degree of variance among people regarding the contours of the bottom of their feet. Some women express opinions that their feet have a tendency to sink into the shoe, that is, their toes become compressed towards the front of a high-heeled shoe by virtue of walking, under the ubiquitous effect of gravity. By this disclosure, owing to the structures provided herein, the dimensions and dispositions of the first elevated portion 5 and second elevated portion 7, when considered with the shoe insert 10 as a whole, prevents this squishing of the toes downward. This is accomplished by positioning the shoe insert 10 in such location that the first elevated portion 5 and second elevated portion 7 is caused to reside in a location in the interior of the shoe and atop the sole, as pictured, so that the first elevated portion 5 and second elevated portion 7 are disposed in the space between the proximal phalanxes and metatarsals of the foot, which some may refer to as the collective space between the toes and the ball of the foot. Such an arrangement provides support on the bottom of the foot at the metatarsals, which forces would otherwise have been channeled through other portions of the foot, including the toe bones, and would be directed towards the inner confines of the shoe, straps, etc., eventually stretching the shoe, once the person has worn them enough, after which time their feet would have become quite compressed in the shoes, causing in many cases pain of varying degrees, and overall general discomfort. A shoe insert provided and used according to this disclosure can generally prevent or lessen such stretching of shoes and the accompanying discomfort.

Thus it is seen that the disclosure provides an article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject within the shoe, that the article may be thought of as comprising a substantially-planar base portion having a top surface and having a ridge disposed thereon, with the ridge collectively comprising a first elevated portion and a second elevated portion, in which the second elevated portion is disposed over the first elevated portion sufficiently to provide at least two plateau areas of different height with respect to the top surface of the base portion, as viewed from a side perspective. The plateau areas may comprise a flat top surface, or may include concavity or convexity on their surfaces.

In alternate embodiments, a shoe insert 10 according to this disclosure comprises an optional covering or layer disposed on the top surface of base portion 3. In one embodiment, such optional covering or layer may comprise a coating comprising any polymeric material including without limitation those mentioned above. In another embodiment, such optional covering or layer may comprise any fabric material, woven or non-woven, including natural fibers and synthetic fibers. Such optional coverings or layers may be applied to the top surface of the base portion 3 using conventional means, such as adhesives, or may be directly applied to the top surface of the base portion 3. However, any means of attachment of such optional covering or layer generally known in the art is suitable. The optional covering or layer in one embodiment covers the entire top surface of the base portion 3. In other embodiments only any portion thereof desired is covered, which may or may not include the first elevated portion and second elevated portion, depending on the preferences of the user.

This disclosure has described certain preferred embodiments and modifications thereto. Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1) An article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject within the shoe, which article comprises: wherein the first elevated portion is of sufficient length dimension that it extends across the base portion in an amount that is at least about 70% of the width dimension of said base portion

a) a substantially planar base portion having a length dimension, a width dimension, a thickness dimension, a toe end, a heel end, a top surface, a bottom surface and a circumferential edge;

b) a first elevated portion comprising at least one edge and having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, said first elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of said base portion sufficiently to have a closest edge that is closest to said toe end of said base portion;

c) a second elevated portion having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, said second elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of said first elevated portion;

d) an optional covering disposed on the top surface of said base portion, said optional covering being selected from the group consisting of: fabrics and polymeric materials,

2) An article according to claim 1 wherein said second elevated portion is disposed substantially centrally upon the top surface of said first elevated portion.

3) An article according to claim 1 wherein said first elevated portion is disposed on said top surface of said base portion such that the closest edge of said first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of said base portion that is about equal to the width of said first elevated portion.

4) An article according to claim 1 wherein said first elevated portion is disposed on said top surface of said base portion such that the closest edge of said first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of said base portion that is at least one millimeter greater than the width of said first elevated portion.

5) An article according to claim 1 wherein said first elevated portion and said second elevated portion are shaped substantially as trapezoids having two relatively short sides and two relatively long sides, wherein one of the relatively long sides is concave and the other of the long sides is convex on both the first elevated portion and said second elevated portion.

6) An article according to claim 1 wherein said circumferential edge is beveled.

7) An article according to claim 1 wherein the combined thickness of said base portion, said first elevated portion, and said second elevated portion is any thickness in the range of between about three millimeters and about fifteen millimeters, including all thicknesses and ranges of thicknesses therebetween.

8) An article according to claim 1 wherein said top surface of said first elevated portion is substantially flat.

9) An article according to claim 1 wherein said top surface of said second elevated portion is substantially flat.

10) An article according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said top surface and said bottom surface of said base portion includes a feature selected from the group consisting of: an adhesive and a surface roughening.

11) An article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject within the shoe, which article comprises: wherein said second elevated portion is not disposed substantially centrally upon the top surface of said first elevated portion.

a) a substantially planar base portion having a length dimension, a width dimension, a thickness dimension, a toe end, a heel end, a top surface, a bottom surface and a circumferential edge;

b) a first elevated portion comprising at least one edge and having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, said first elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of said base portion sufficiently to have an edge that is closest to said toe end of said base portion;

c) a second elevated portion having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, said second elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of said first elevated portion,

12) An article according to claim 11 wherein said first elevated portion is disposed on said top surface of said base portion such that the closest edge of said first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of said base portion that is about equal to the width of said first elevated portion.

13) An article according to claim 11 wherein said first elevated portion is disposed on said top surface of said base portion such that the closest edge of said first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of said base portion that is at least one millimeter greater than the width of said first elevated portion.

14) An article according to claim 11 wherein said first elevated portion and said second elevated portion are shaped substantially as trapezoids having two relatively short sides and two relatively long sides, wherein one of the relatively long sides is concave and the other of the long sides is convex on both the first elevated portion and said second elevated portion.

15) An article according to claim 11 wherein said circumferential edge is beveled.

16) An article according to claim 11 wherein the combined thickness of said base portion, said first elevated portion, and said second elevated portion is any thickness in the range of between about three millimeters and about fifteen millimeters, including all thicknesses and ranges of thicknesses therebetween.

17) An article according to claim 11 wherein said top surface of said first elevated portion is substantially flat.

18) An article according to claim 11 wherein said top surface of said second elevated portion is substantially flat.

19) An article according to claim 11 wherein at least one of said top surface and said bottom surface of said base portion includes a feature selected from the group consisting of: an adhesive and a surface roughening.

20) An article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject when disposed within the shoe, which article comprises a substantially-planar base portion having a top surface having a ridge disposed thereon, said ridge comprising a first elevated portion and a second elevated portion, with the second elevated portion being disposed upon the first elevated portion, sufficient to provide at least two plateau areas of different height with respect to the top surface of the base portion, as viewed from a side perspective.