With Means To Massage Foot Patents (Class 36/141)
  • Patent number: 11771174
    Abstract: A removable insole for footwear, the removable insole includes a base, a plurality of walls extending from and curving along at least a portion of the base, the walls being configured to deform to provide cushioning, and an outer surface at least partially formed from distal ends of the walls, wherein at least a portion of a first wall is taller than an adjacent portion of a second wall so that the portion of the first wall deforms prior to the adjacent portion of the second wall in response to a pressure applied by a planar surface in contact with the outer surface of the cushioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Scholl's Wellness Company LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Fromholtz, Daniel L Miranda, Harold A. Howlett
  • Patent number: 11751627
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration generator for shoes, including: a flat vibration plate having a length longer than the width thereof; support pieces horizontally protruding in the widthwise direction of the vibration plate; upper and lower casings coupled while restricting each end portion of each support piece, so as to accommodate the vibration plate therein; core magnets fixedly provided in one or more places among the respective end portions in the lengthwise direction of the vibration plate; upper magnets fixed to the upper casing so as to face the core magnets, thereby generating a repulsive force; and bottom magnets fixed to the lower casing so as to face the core magnets, thereby generating a repulsive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Cho, Ying Zhu Li, Yong Chen
  • Patent number: 11116687
    Abstract: An interchangeable foot therapy massager including a base defining a cavity having a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, an insert including a pair of opposing sides and configured to be received within the first and second sections of the cavity, the insert including a head for contacting the foot of the user, a lip for engaging the second section of the cavity, and defining a space configured to allow for inward flexure, wherein applying force to the sides of the insert causes the insert to flex inwardly, removing force from the sides of the insert causes the insert to flex outwardly, and when the insert flexes outwardly the at least one lip engages the second section of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventor: Shawn Hale
  • Patent number: 10694805
    Abstract: An inflatable charging device is applied to a shoe. The shoe includes a shoe body and a bottom part connected therewith. The inflatable charging device includes an inflatable cushion, an air pump, an air passage, a weight sensor, an air pressure sensor, a control module, and a charging power source. When the weight sensor detects a load, the weight sensor sends an enabling signal to the control module, and the control module drives the air pump to operate according to the enabling signal, so that the inflatable cushion is inflated and expanded. When the air pressure sensor detects the pressure inside the inflatable cushion is higher than a specific threshold interval, the air pressure sensor sends a disabling signal to the control module and the control module accordingly stops the operation of the air pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Li-Pang Mo, Shih-Chang Chen, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han
  • Patent number: 10492985
    Abstract: A massaging shoe including a shoe body portion formed of a vibration transmitting material and having an interior surface which includes a multiplicity of integrally formed raised surface elements and a vibrator operative to generate vibrations, the vibrations being transmitted via the vibration transmitting material and the integrally formed raised surface elements to a foot of a wearer of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Yaffa Golan
  • Patent number: 10426224
    Abstract: A shoe construction including an outsole having a first section which includes portions of the forefoot and midfoot areas, a second section which includes portions of the forefoot, midfoot and hind foot areas, and a third section which includes portions of the midfoot and hind foot areas, the first and third sections including a plurality of curved and straight grooves and the second section including a plurality of diagonal grooves, the outsole further including a cavity, raised projections and a pair of protrusions for mating with a projected area and corresponding grooves and recesses on the midsole when the outsole and midsole are mated together, the midsole having a first density in the forefoot area and a second density in the hind foot area, the proximal face of the midsole including a second cavity for receiving the insole, the insole having a top face including a plurality of raised projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Footwear Unlimited Inc.
    Inventor: Fabio Lucca
  • Patent number: 10426223
    Abstract: A three-layered shoe construction having an outsole with a first section located in the arch portion and extending into and towards the medial side of both the forefoot and hind foot areas, and a second section located in the remainder of the outsole, the first section including a plurality of horizontal grooves, the second section including a plurality of small and elongated apertures, the outsole having a first cavity on its interior face; a dual-density midsole having a first density in the forefoot area and a second density in the hind foot area, the second density being greater than the first density, the midsole having a second cavity on its proximal face; and an insole having a top face including a plurality of raised projections, the outer perimeter and medial half of the arch portion being smooth. The specific construction associated with the three-layered shoe enhances flexibility, cushioning, and breathability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Footwear Unlimited Inc.
    Inventor: Fabio Lucca
  • Patent number: 10368609
    Abstract: A massaging shoe and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The massaging shoe comprises a shoe body formed by a shoe sole (10) and a shoe vamp (20) connected together, and further comprises a sock sleeve (50) detachably arranged in the shoe body, the sock sleeve (50) is provided with at least one massaging air bag (30), the shoe sole includes a shoe sole body (11) having a containing cavity and a shoe board (12) covering on the containing cavity, and the containing cavity is provided therein with an air pump (41) communicating with the massaging air bag (30) and electronic components (40) controlling the air pump (41). In the present invention, the massaging air bag (30) is arranged in the sock sleeve (50), the sock sleeve (50) is arranged in the shoe body, and the massaging air bag (30) is communicated with the air pump (41) to form a massaging shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: SHENZHEN BREO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xuejun Ma, Daming Yu, Huchen Zhao
  • Patent number: 10307037
    Abstract: A shoe deodorizing degerming dehumidifier includes a housing, a main control circuit installed in the housing, a fan and an ozonizer. The housing is detachable from the shoes and is in a shape suitable for putting into and out from the shoe cavity. The housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The ozonizer is used for producing ozone for sterilizing in the shoe cavity. The fan is used for pushing air into the air inlet and draining the air from the air outlet, so as to promote ventilation in the shoe cavity. The shoe deodorizing degerming dehumidifier can be detached from a shoe and used repeatedly. Compared with prior shoe and deodorant degerming product, this product is more convenient in use, easier for maintenance, more environment friendly, more energy saving, and may reduce the purchase cost of the buyer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: SHENZHEN LIFEN TECH CO., LTD
    Inventor: Liwen Zhang
  • Patent number: 10238179
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe, and in order to provide a shoe excellent in convenience, easy to put on and take off, inexpensive, light-weight, comfortable to wear, promoting health and exhibiting excellent extensibility, the easily wearable shoe according to the present invention is characterized by the shapes of an outer layer and inner sacs corresponding to various body organs, additionally including a shoe outer layer, sacs of a stretchable material joined mainly inside the outer layer, and an intake inlet/outlet that is formed of a valve that takes in and discharges an air-like gas into/from the sacs, facilitating the insertion of a foot by injecting the gas from the intake inlet/outlet into the sacs and causing the sacs and the shoe outer layer to be flexible, discharging the gas from the intake outlet so as to cause the shoe outer cover and the sacs to contract and come into close contact with the foot, being capable of freely setting an effect from the shoe on a body organ due to the shapes
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Sota Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10231513
    Abstract: A three-layered shoe construction having an outsole with a first section located in the arch portion and extending into the proximal side of the forefoot and hind foot areas, and a second section located in the remainder of the outsole, the first section including a plurality of horizontal grooves, the second section including a plurality of small and elongated apertures, the outsole including first and second angled grooves extending across the outsole, the outsole having a first cavity on its interior face; a dual density midsole having a first density in the forefoot area and a second density in the hind foot area, the second density being greater than the first density, the midsole having a second cavity on its proximal face; and an insole having a top face including a plurality of raised projections. The specific construction associated with the three-layered shoe enhances flexibility, cushioning, and breathability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Footwear Unlimited Inc.
    Inventor: Fabio Lucca
  • Patent number: 9756881
    Abstract: A garment having at least one sleeve, intended to cover a part of the body of a wearer, the sleeve having at least one region, the inner surface of which is equipped with a network of picots, the sleeve being designed to be able to exert compressive stress from said picots onto the skin of the body part that is intended to be positioned facing said network, the picots each having a trigonal base and being distributed in the network so as to form alveoli between adjacent picots, the sleeve being designed such that the picots can exert pressure on the skin great enough to form a skin protrusion in at least one alveolus in order to micro-massage the protrusion during relative movements taking place between the network and the body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: DECATHLON
    Inventors: Laurie Grandin De L'eprevier, Sophie Piechaud, Florence Agape
  • Patent number: 9445643
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a first member that is coupled to the upper and a second member that is moveably coupled to the first member. The first member moves relative to the second member in response to a first input load directed along a first vector, and the first member engages the second member in response to a second input load directed along a second vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Petre Gheorghian, Martine I. V. Mientjes, Erez Morag
  • Patent number: 8973287
    Abstract: A shoe midsole has a sole plate, a plurality of blades integrally standing on the sole plate, a cover bonded to the circumference of the sole plate, and a fluid sealed between the sole plate and the cover. A first concave part in a shape equivalent to a sole of a foot is formed on the surface of the sole plate, on which the plurality of blades stand, wherein the plurality of blades are accommodated within the first concave part. The plurality of blades are aligned at a predetermined interval in a direction nearly orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the sole plate, and some of the plurality of blades are tilted toward the toe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Himiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Shibata, Masao Shibata
  • Publication number: 20140331526
    Abstract: A massaging shoe pad comprising a base layer, first plates and second plates, is disclosed. The base layer has accommodation spaces having first and second openings. First plates are disposed in each accommodation space. One end of each first plate is connected to the side wall of each accommodation space respectively. The other end of each first plate protrudes from the first opening forming the first protrusion. Between the two ends, each first plate protrudes from the accommodation chamber, which has through holes, toward the second opening. Second plates are disposed in each accommodation space and one end of each second plate is moveably inserted through the through hole. The other end of each second plate protrudes out of the first opening forming the second protrusion. When the second plate moves from a first to a second location, the second protrusion props against the other end of the first plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: FAR EAST UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Yu-Gang CHEN
  • Patent number: 8844166
    Abstract: Insole (1) intended to be placed removably in a shoe (8), said insole comprising a long and thin body (2) and a vibrating device (4) embedded in said body (2), said vibrating device (4) comprising an electric accumulator (12), a control system (14) and a vibration generator (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Quo Vadis
    Inventor: Jean-François Jazdanian
  • Patent number: 8795210
    Abstract: A wearable medical treatment system and method are provided for the treatment of tissue ailments and/or conditions including vascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, orthostatic intolerance, reduced blood flow, weak bone structure, orthostatic hypotension, or other conditions, using a vibrating plate. The wearable system and method use magnetic layers to generate magnetic fields to provide vertical and/or horizontal vibrational motion to a platform, thus allowing the system to have a low profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: American Medical Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Roger J. Talish, Titi Trandafir
  • Patent number: 8769846
    Abstract: The boot having skin-exfoliating means therein is a normal boot that when worn targets different regions of a foot and exfoliates dead skin from said regions of the foot, but in different exfoliating manners. The exfoliating means are designed to massage and exfoliate dead skin from the foot of an end user. The exfoliating means comprise massaging nodes aligned along a front, interior of the boot, which target skin between toes. Another exfoliating means is included along a middle region of the sole and includes an array of nodes that exfoliate skin along a bottom surface of the foot. Exfoliating ridges are located on two regions of the sole and are adapted to exfoliate skin at the rear of the foot and between the array of nodes and massaging nodes. Edge ridges adorn a periphery of the sole and provide additional exfoliating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Vernon Williams
  • Patent number: 8671591
    Abstract: A footwear article that has an insert pad filled with loose particulate material which is configured within the pad to provide the feeling of walking on a sandy beach and with the same massage affect to the foot as walking on a sandy beach. The pad is particularly configured to prevent the loose particulate material inside of it from flowing to the sides of the pad and destroying the massaging affect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Brownmed, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan E. Brown
  • Patent number: 8615905
    Abstract: Footwear includes an insole with integral massaging pads to aid in relaxation, relief of sore feet, and stimulation for various body parts through reflexology. A sole portion is provided with a plurality of bumps and ridges designed to impact and massage various reflex areas of the feet while walking. These bumps and ridges correspond to various areas of the foot that are linked to various points and organs in the human body such as kidneys, liver, skeletal joints, and the like. Thus, as the user walks, they experience a massaging effect resulting in increased comfort, relaxation, and overall body wellness. The beneficial features of the footwear may be incorporated various styles of footwear including sandals, shoes, boots, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Edvin B. Szabo, Sandra A. Szabo
  • Patent number: 8322055
    Abstract: An integral massaging means within heel and sole portions within footwear is herein disclosed. The footwear resembles a conventional pair of shoes or sandals with a soft upper area and cushioned soles; however, the sole area is slightly thicker than normal to accommodate a battery pack and a series of vibrating motors across the sole, thereby producing a massaging effect. The duration and intensity of the vibrating motors may be controlled using external control switches and may be activated by pressing an ON/OFF button or by using a remote controller. The massaging apparatus may be activated whether a wearer is sitting down, lying down, or standing upright. User replaceable batteries are provided and accessed through a door located on the bottom of the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick Saint-Cyr, Kerry A. Saint-Cyr
  • Patent number: 8251938
    Abstract: A device may include a first plate and a second plate, and a linkage system that attaches the first plate and the second plate to one another such that the plates are capable of translating relative to each other, and the plates are incapable of rotating relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jose Morcuende, Nicole M. Grosland, Kelly Jensen, Nicole Jensen, Robert Kruse
  • Patent number: 8241232
    Abstract: A foot pain relief device can advantageously provide multiple angles of inclination, directed pressure against the plantar fascia, as well as ease of manufacturing and assembly. A toe strap, which is fastened around the ankle and the toe(s), ensures that the toes are flexed up. This toe flexing tenses the plantar fascia of the foot. A ball strap can be threaded through a hole in a ball and then operatively coupled with the toe strap. When operatively coupled to the toe strap, the ball strap keeps the ball positioned on the bottom of the foot while allowing ball mobility. The mobility of the ball can provide directed pressure on at least one component of the plantar fascia. Notably, the simultaneous combination of tension to the plantar fascia and directed pressure to the component(s) of the plantar fascia can be particularly effective at relieving foot pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Jeannie B. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8220182
    Abstract: The invention relates to a footwear sole with massaging effect comprising an external sole configured for resting on the ground and at least an insole interposed between said external sole and the user's foot. In one embodiment, the footwear has one or more vertically movable pliable areas peripherally connected to the remaining portion of the sole by bridges of elastically pliable material, which project from the outer sole and are moved towards the foot during walking. Such pliable areas are provided with an extension passing through a slot of said insole and having at least a foot contacting end portion composed of a soft or elastically pliable material. In another embodiment, the inner vamp lining the outer vamp and the outer vamp are free to slide one with respect to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: TN & Co. di Lucio Righetto
    Inventor: Lucio Righetto
  • Patent number: 8205357
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a shoe assembly having at least an outsole portion and a midsole portion, the midsole portion is removably engaged with the outsole to allow replacement of the midsole with another midsole having different structural features, and at least one projection extends from the midsole through an aperture of the outsole, the projection configured to engage with a corresponding aperture of the outsole to align and secure the midsole to the outsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: K-Swiss, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Keating, David Bond
  • Patent number: 8192378
    Abstract: A toe massage device is constructed from a rotating body while being supported on a base by a supporting shaft; a rotation drive device for rotating the rotating body in the normal and reverse directions; and toe fixation means provided on the rotating body and fixing toes of a subject. The toes are fixed on the rotating body by the toe fixation means and the rotating body is rotated in the normal and reverse directions. When the rotating body is rotated in the normal direction, the toes are pulled forward and downward. That is, the toes are pulled in the direction in which they are bent toward the sole. When the rotating body is rotated in the reverse direction, the toes are bent upward while being caused to move backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Eiko Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takesaburou Ootani, Hisayuki Mori
  • Patent number: 8191283
    Abstract: An insole or footbed for footwear includes a flat support element from which mushroom-shaped formations extend. Air circulation channels are formed between said formations. The insole ensures good foot ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Angelo Basso
  • Patent number: 8162860
    Abstract: A massaging shoe device for providing comfort to a user's feet comprising a base, a hollow foot covering component, a ring-shaped first massaging component disposed inside the foot covering component that can wrap around a users foot, and a second massaging component disposed in the base near the back of the shoe device. The massaging components are for massaging a user's feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Naser Ali
  • Publication number: 20120030969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe, and more particularly, to an insole for a shoe having a movable massaging member comprising: an insole positioned underneath the sole of the foot; a metallic or magnetic securing body joined to the insole, across a partial space in the lengthwise direction; a massaging member disposed on the upper or lower surface of the insole; and a metallic or magnetic moving body which is joined to the massaging member and is magnetically drawn to the securing body, such that the massaging member is mobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Sung Jo Lim
  • Publication number: 20120023785
    Abstract: A new wireless remote controlled massaging footwear system, adaptable to typical footwear for individuals to wear and massage their feet during their normal daily activity. Massaging functions including multiple modes of operation and sequencing of massaging components is controlled using a wireless remote control device by the user or by a caregiver. The new system comprises massaging devices including six or more vibration motors and one or more various types of heating elements per foot that are structurally supported in enclosures. Enclosed massaging devices can be repositioned in the sole of the footwear to massage particular areas of the foot. The new system includes accessories such as a lanyard to wear the remote control around the user's neck and a carry case for protecting and transporting the system. The carry case is particularly suitable for a hospice care provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Nathaniel Barnes, Robert N. Ross, John W. C. Moehring
  • Publication number: 20110232134
    Abstract: A device and methods of use for applying vibration, e.g., asynchronous vibration, to the foot of a person is disclosed. The device includes an insole for disposition within an item of footwear and an associated asynchronous vibration inducing mechanism. The insole is a thin, conformable, base member having a pair of wings, each of which includes at least one motor (e.g., brushless electrical motor) forming a portion of the vibration inducing mechanism. The base member is formed of a material, e.g., a resin bonded non-woven layer, which exhibits good vibration transmission characteristics. A power source (e.g., at least one battery) is coupled to the motors to cause them to vibrate when operated, whereupon asynchronous vibrations are produced by the motors, which are transmitted and propagated via the wings to the base member to apply asynchronous vibrations across the sole of the wearer's foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER LABORATORIES LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Radl, Robert Kropp
  • Publication number: 20110131839
    Abstract: A system for alternately applying and relieving pressure of predetermined portions of a foot of a user. The system includes a plurality of inflatable chambers, located at predetermined locations, corresponding to the predetermined portions of the foot and a pump. The system also includes a center pneumatic valve, coupled with the pump and with the inflatable chambers, for receiving air from the pump and inflating at least one of the inflatable chambers. The system further includes a pneumatic valve assembly, coupled with the center pneumatic valve. The pneumatic valve assembly is coupled with at least a respective one of the inflatable chambers. The pneumatic valve assembly is moveable between two positions, and changes position when a predetermined pressure value is achieved in the corresponding inflatable chamber. When the pneumatic valve assembly changes position, the center pneumatic valve changes position, thereby inflating another inflatable chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Benny Ballin, Noam Calderon, Alexander Salman
  • Publication number: 20110094124
    Abstract: Support liners and cushions which include including a plurality of compressible protrusions. An arrangement is provided for interconnecting the compressible protrusions, the interconnecting arrangement being adapted to ensure strict compression of the compressible protrusions upon acceptance of a compressive force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: James B. Zona
  • Patent number: 7805858
    Abstract: An insole is described that can be placed with an insole receiving area of a slipper. The insole can be prepared by compression molding a structure comprising a foam layer having a first foam side and a second foam side. The insole includes a heel region, an arch region, and a toe region. The heel region includes a heel cushioning portion and a heel perimeter portion. The heel perimeter portion includes a retaining wall that extends above the top surface of the heel cushioning portion. The arch region includes an arch cushioning portion and an arch perimeter portion. The arch perimeter portion includes an arch support that extends above the top surface of the arch cushioning portion. The toe region includes a toe cushioning portion and a toe perimeter portion. A slipper and a method for manufacturing a slipper are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: R.G. Barry Corporation
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Bray, Jr., Theresa Stewart
  • Publication number: 20100192408
    Abstract: Footwear sole with anti-stress and slight massaging effect comprising an external sole (1) resting on the ground and at least an inner sole, interposed between said external sole and the user foot, which inner sole is composed of at least two layers a first layer directly contacting the foot, so called cleaning insole (4) and a second layer placed between said cleaning insole and said external sole (1) called intermediate layer (2), and in which said intermediate layer (2) is at least partially composed of at least a soft layer (3) made of soft material, said cleaning insole (4) having at least partially slots (104) through which said soft layer (3) penetrates and contacts the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: BALLY SHOE FACTORIES
    Inventor: Lucio Righetto
  • Publication number: 20100175275
    Abstract: Disclosed is a massaging and reflexology system for an article of footwear comprising a core body generally configured in the shape of a shoe insole, a plurality of cups disposed on a top surface of the shoe insole, and a respective bump or pressure nub disposed within each of the cups. The cups may be disposed on a bottom surface of the core body. The shoe insole may define toe, intermediate, heel and arch portions, or any combination thereof. Each cup may define a substantially concave surface projecting outwardly from the top surface with the cup perimeters being generally circular. The pressure nubs may be centrally disposed on the concave surface of each one of the cups on the top surface. The core body, the cups, the cup spacers and the pressure nubs may be formed as a unitary structure of resilient, elastomeric material such as silicone gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Ahmad M. Beiruti
  • Publication number: 20100146824
    Abstract: The present invention concerns the footwear sector and more specifically it concerns a membrane to be fitted as an accessory in the front part or covering the entire surface of the footbed of shoe soles consisting of a support in hydrophilic or breathable and waterproof material onto which a series of suction cups having the shape of an open hourglass or of bellows or of a cylinder are directly moulded in flexible thermoplastic material fitted facing the part where the foot rests in order to provide efficacious ventilation and waterproofing of the shoe and greater comfort during walking
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Europsuole S.P.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Sensini
  • Publication number: 20100050472
    Abstract: A stabilizing insole has a base, a heel pad and a forefoot pad. The heel pad is formed on the base and has a heel supporting segment. The forefoot pad is formed on the base and has a forefoot supporting section. The heel and forefoot pads concentrates force applied by a person's foot at natural balance points so the user does not twist his or her ankle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Tzann-Yuh TZENG, Min-Te LIN
  • Patent number: 7640681
    Abstract: An electric massage shoe assembly includes a shoe with a conductive unit received therein which has a receptacle, a first wire and at least one conductive rod which extends through an insole unit and is in contact with wearer's foot. A frequency current generating unit is electrically connected to the receptacle of the conductive unit so as to transfer frequency current to the wearer's foot and stimulate the wearer's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Li-Hua Yang, Chia-Na Ho
  • Patent number: 7614168
    Abstract: A foot massaging device includes a flexible innersole for removably inserting in an article of footwear. A thin layer of material is disposed over an upper surface of the innersole. A rechargeable battery disposed in the innersole is coupled to a switch and a charging port. A massaging effect on the bottom of a user's foot is produced by means of reciprocating rollers, inflatable bladders and/or pivoting rocker members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventors: David Zummer, Glenn Zummer, Brian Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7614167
    Abstract: A sandal (100) is disclosed having a relatively rugged bottom sole (102), the may be formed form a thermoplastic rubber, a relatively thick middle sole (120), that may be formed from an ethylene vinyl acetate foam, and a massaging upper sole (130) that may be formed form a polyurethane/latex blend. The upper sole includes a large plurality of upright fingers 134) generally having rounded top surface, providing a massaging action during use. A strap assembly (400) is provided, that may be attached between the upper sole and the middle sole. In an embodiment of the sandal, a crushable foam layer (125) is disposed between the middle layer and the upper layer, providing additional resiliency especially during the initial usage of the sandal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Australia Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: James Kenneth Klavano
  • Patent number: 7584556
    Abstract: An insole has a heel support including a projection that presses and stimulates the tibial nerve and the medial sural cutaneous nerve, which are located in the proximity of the tuber calcanei of the foot. The insole corrects the shape of the arch of the sole and thus improves blood circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Foot Techno, Inc.
    Inventors: Minoru Fujita, Ryoko Murotani
  • Publication number: 20090193680
    Abstract: A remote control pulse current massage shoe having a shoe sole, a shoe insole, and vamp connected with the shoe sole. The shoe insole is equipped with insulated positive pole and negative pole. The shoe sole is equipped with a pulse generator to generate pulse current. A remote control signal receiver is used to receive control signal from the outside remote controller for controlling the switch of the pulse generator, voltage stiffness and frequency. The remote control signal receiver is connected with the pulse signal generator. The device permits easy adjustment and simple operation on the pulse current massage shoe by users or other people.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: CHUNG CHI PANG
  • Patent number: 7556846
    Abstract: A fluid-filled bladder with a reinforcing structure and a method of manufacturing the bladder and reinforcing structure are disclosed. In general, the reinforcing structure extends around the bladder, and the reinforcing structure is bonded to an exterior of the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure is recessed into the bladder and extends along side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Thomas Foxen, John F. Swigart, Eric Steven Schindler
  • Patent number: 7487606
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a functional shoe, capable of applying micro current to the sole. The shoe includes a micro-current generating part, an acupressure part, and a conduction part. The micro-current generating part is inserted in a side of the shoe, thus generating predetermined micro current and voltage. The acupressure part is made of a conductive material, and is provided on a portion where nerve points of a sole connected to organs in a body are located, thus simultaneously performing physical acupressure action and conduction of micro current. The conduction part is connected between the micro-current generating part and the acupressure part, thus transmitting the generated micro current and voltage to the acupressure part. Thereby, the functional shoe simultaneously performs physical acupressure action on specific nerve points of the sole, and transmits micro current to the nerve points using external force applied when walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: G-Man Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Jin Koo, Sung Lae Cho, Jin Bok Moon
  • Patent number: 7475498
    Abstract: A cushioning member for an article of footwear. The cushioning member is a flexible bladder having a fluidly interconnected heel chamber and forefoot chamber. The bladder is disposed above the sole and beneath the wearer's foot to provided added cushioning to the wearer. The bladder contains air at slightly above ambient pressure and can be formed by thermoforming or by welding two sheets of resilient, flexible material together. A connecting passage fluidly connects the heel chamber and the forefoot chamber. The connecting passage is narrow to control the flow of air between the two chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Reebok International Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul E. Litchfield, Matthew J. Montross, Steven F. Smith, J. Spencer White, Alexander W. Jessiman
  • Publication number: 20080313924
    Abstract: The invention relates to a footwear sole with massaging effect comprising an external sole configured for resting on the ground and at least an insole interposed between said external sole and the user's foot. In one embodiment, the footwear has one or more vertically movable pliable areas peripherally connected to the remaining portion of the sole by bridges of elastically pliable material, which project from the outer sole and are moved towards the foot during walking. Such pliable areas are provided with an extension passing through a slot of said insole and having at least a foot contacting end portion composed of a soft or elastically pliable material. In another embodiment, the inner vamp lining the outer vamp and the outer vamp are free to slide one with respect to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: TN & CO DI LUCIO RIGHETTO
    Inventor: Lucio Righetto
  • Patent number: 7434338
    Abstract: An insole construction for footwear comprising a base member, an intermediate member formed of a foam and having a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced raised cushioning elements on the upper surface thereof, and a flexible cover member surrounding the intermediate member and extending beneath the base member. The intermediate member preferably is formed of a foam such as polyurethane foam. The raised cushioning elements are of a height of approximately 6 millimeters above the upper surface of the intermediate member and are spaced approximately 10-30 millimeters from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilhelm Pfander
  • Publication number: 20080184594
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe sole (1) that features a pressure massage function and comprises a bottom outsole (20), a top covering sole (40), and at least one adjustable pressure massage element (10) that is located between the outsole (20) and the covering sole (40). Said pressure massage element (10) is accessible from below through the outsole (20) via a breakthrough (21) in the outsole (20) in order to adjust the pressure massage element (10). The pressure massage element (10) is provided with a bolt (11) which extends perpendicular to the shoe sole (1) and is used for applying the pressure massage to the foot. In order to be able to activate and deactivate the massage function in a simple manner, the bolt (11) is vertically adjustable at least between a lower inactive position and an upper active position in which the bolt (11) causes the covering sole (40) to rise and thus the pressure massage to be applied to the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Stephan Ebeling
  • Publication number: 20080161734
    Abstract: A shoe incorporates reflexology and acupressure as applied to a foot when wearing the shoe. The shoe has a sole with a battery powered vibration unit that mechanically vibrates a spiked gel insole located near the underside of a foot. The rounded spikes of the insole stimulate the acupressure points of the foot for its relaxation and pleasant feelings in a person. The sole of the shoe has a port for battery charging, a switch to control the vibration, and a charge indicator light at the sole's edge. The sole has a latch to remove the battery from a compartment in the heel area. The vibrating shoe operates while bearing the weight of a person or not. A transmitter remotely activates the vibration unit as a person is standing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Deborah Blockton