Laminated Patents (Class 36/44)
  • Publication number: 20130019499
    Abstract: A shoe insert includes an upper member formed of a cushioning material and comprising a plurality of cylindrical first posts on a bottom, a plurality of first spaces among the first posts, and a plurality of apertures formed on a portion of either side of the upper member; and a lower member formed of a cushioning material and comprising a plurality of bossed holes on a top, a plurality of cylindrical second posts on the top, and a plurality of second spaces among the bossed holes and the second posts; wherein the first posts are inserted into the second spaces with the second posts and the bossed holes engaging with the bottom of the upper member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Tsung-Yung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20130008050
    Abstract: An insole comprising a cushioning member and a bladder housing a flowable material. The bladder has a proximal forefoot portion, a hindfoot portion, and a lateral midfoot portion. The bladder does not substantially extend over the medial midfoot portion of said cushioning member. The bladder may house hollow microspheres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Michel Marc
  • Patent number: 8333023
    Abstract: A composite footwear insole has a front portion (2) designed to interact with the foot at the metatarsal region and at least partly at the plantar arch, and a rear portion (3) designed to interact with the heel. The rear portion (3) has at least one layer (4) of gel material whose size is at least substantially equal to that of the rear portion (3) to uniformly support the heel and absorb stresses acting thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Technogel Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimo Losio
  • Publication number: 20120304490
    Abstract: The present invention provides orthotic inserts which are designed to accommodate a wide range of individuals in ready-made shoes. The orthotic inserts are compatible with a variety of shoe sizes and styles and provide a cost efficient alternative to custom made orthotics. The invention further provides methods for manufacturing the orthotic inserts in an efficient continuously automated manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Pichler
  • Publication number: 20120272546
    Abstract: A healthy insole is disclosed, which includes a first soft elastic member including a front metatarsal section, a mid foot section, and a rear heel section, and formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of an inner bottom surface of a shoe; a hard elastic member disposed at a bottom of the mid foot section and the rear heel section of the first soft elastic member, wherein a first through hole and a second through hole are respectively disposed in an arch portion of the mid foot section and the rear heel section, and a plurality of first recesses are disposed on the surface of the hard elastic member, and an arch elastic part is disposed in the first through hole; and a second soft elastic member disposed in the second through hole of the hard elastic member, wherein a plurality of second recesses are disposed on the surface of the second soft elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: FUSCO INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Millon C. T. Tsai
  • Patent number: 8291616
    Abstract: Insoles with sock liners are provided for shoes. An insole in accordance with the invention is most useful in a shoe that has a transparent portion in its sole, although it is not required to be used in that type of shoe. The insole is formed of at least two portions a window and a sock liner. In some embodiments the sock liner also acts as an insole board. In other embodiments the sock liner is in addition to the insole board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: LJO, Inc.
    Inventor: Antonio DiGangi
  • Patent number: 8291615
    Abstract: An inner sole structure for a sports shoe includes an upper sheet, a lower sheet below the upper sheet, and a wavy corrugated sheet interposed between the upper and lower sheets. The wavy corrugated sheet has at least two downwardly convex protrusions that form voids between the wavy corrugated sheet and the lower sheet, and that are in sliding contact with an upper surface of the lower sheet. The downwardly convex protrusions of the wavy corrugated sheet slide longitudinally along the lower sheet member when they are subjected to compressive deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Mizuno Corporation
    Inventors: Kenjiro Kita, Kazuhiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8291612
    Abstract: Disclosed is a breathable insole heater element (12, 40) for footwear. The heater element is formed by photochemically etching a porous metallized fabric, e.g. nickel-metallized polyester woven fabric. The heater element is embedded in or laminated in an insole for an article of footwear such as a shoe or boot. The insole may be cut to size as desired. The insole may include microencapsulated agents such as fragrances, perfumes, microbials or insect repellents. The microcapsules may be activated to release the agents due to the heat generated by the heater element in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: NEL Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Patrick Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8276296
    Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a dynamically responsive shock attenuation system for footwear and/or apparel that comprises two or more materials with different, narrowly prescribed physical properties, which, when used together, produce a dynamic, continuous, and proportional response over a wide range of impact forces. In various embodiments of the invention, the two materials comprise a first material that exhibits generally Newtonian behavior to impact forces and a second material that exhibits generally non-Newtonian behavior to impact forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: Edward Frederick, Lenny M. Holden, Jeremy Determan
  • Patent number: 8272147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure of a multi-elastic insole for shoes wherein a plurality of polyurethane foams having different elasticity from one another are sequentially laminated on the concaved portion of the bottom surface of an insole abutting against a wearer's heel portion, thereby excellently absorbing the impacts generated from a foot sole to make the wearer feel comfortable while in use, which reduces the work load of the leg and foot and the muscle fatigue in the workers standing up for long hours on a hard floor and prevents the muscular skeletal diseases to make the workers healthy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: I-Masti Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yong Chae Jeong
  • Publication number: 20120233881
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a shoe assembly having at least an outsole and an upper, and a foot-bed removeably provided with the shoe assembly, the foot-bed includes a plurality of layers or regions with the densities of the material forming the plurality of layers or regions differing from each other, and a layer of the foot-bed being formed by spaced-apart regions extending upwardly from one or more of the other layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: William P. Orien
  • Patent number: 8256142
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible contoured footbed insole for footwear for providing an anatomically correct foot support to a wearer of the footwear. The flexible contoured footbed insole comprises a heel section and a support system extending anteriorly from the heel section. The heel section comprises a cup shaped structure for accommodating a heel of a foot of the wearer. The support system comprises an inner longitudinal arch support, an outer longitudinal arch support, a transverse arch support, a metatarsal arch support, and a toe support for supporting an inner longitudinal arch, an outer longitudinal arch, a transverse arch, a metatarsal arch, and toes of the foot of the wearer respectively. The flexible contoured footbed insole may further comprise a flexible structure disposed within the support system. The flexible structure provides flexibility and freedom of movement to the foot of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Sashanaz Hashempour Igdari
  • Patent number: 8250783
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a customer with a footbed. A kiosk provides measurements of a consumer's feet with a self-guided display by using both pressure measurements and scanning of the feet. The measurement information is converted to identify which of the preselected and stocked components proximate the kiosk can be combined to provide an appropriate footbed for the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Esoles LLC
    Inventors: Simon M. Luthi, Glen D. Hinshaw, Joseph F. McMillan, Peter C. Rueegger, Michael Steszyn
  • Patent number: 8250784
    Abstract: An insole providing cushioning and control of foot motion. The insole includes a stability cradle and pods secured to the underside of the insole core or base. A lateral heel pod and a medial heel pod have differing material properties selected to help control foot pronation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Spenco Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Melvyn P. Cheskin, Ray M. Fredericksen
  • Publication number: 20120204444
    Abstract: An antistatic insole is disclosed, which consists of one cover layer, one first layer body, one second layer body, one arch pad, and one heel pad. The insole is assembled with a cover layer on the surface of the first layer body and the second layer body below the first layer body and the heel pad and the arch pad are below the second layer body. The elasticity of the heel pad is more elastic and the arch pad less elastic than the first layer body. The contour of the surface of the first layer body follows that of the foot arch of a human body and acts coherently with that of the second layer body. The cover layer, the first layer body, and the second layer body are antistatic. The arch pad is equipped with antistatic and anti-fatigue functions according to various arch shapes of a human foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: GLOBAL ACTION INC.
    Inventor: Keh-Tao Liu
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120192451
    Abstract: A fitness insole is applicable to various sandals, beach shoes, slippers and general-purpose shoes. The fitness insole has a soft substrate deposited on an upper pad or between the upper pad and a lower pad, so that the fitness insole forces a wearer to make an effort to balance his/her body, thereby increasing the wearer's calorie consumption and facilitating the wearer's weight loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Kazumi FUJIKURA
  • Publication number: 20120192452
    Abstract: An insole which generates an air flow during use, which assists in cooling or warming the foot of a user is disclosed. In a first embodiment, air flow facilitated by said insole provides for convective heat transfer away from the plantar surface of the foot. The insole is intended for insertion into a shoe which is ventilated, preferably an athletic shoe with a ventilated upper. The bottom layer defines a plurality of ridges and a channel lining portion which together define a plurality of air channels. The bottom layer also defines a heel recess in which a heel pad is situated. In a second embodiment, an insole which collects, retains, and provides heat from and to a user's foot is disclosed. Said insole further comprises a middle layer of thermal reflective material secured to and coextensive with a top layer and a bottom layer secured to said middle layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Spenco Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Lewis, David Bradley Granger, Jacob Martinez, William Sterling Wynn
  • Publication number: 20120186101
    Abstract: A vibrating insoles with Bluetooth wireless components, vibrate motors, and built in rechargeable battery all integrated in the insole. Slip on insoles that vibrate the feet and are remotely activated via Bluetooth wireless cell phone application. The vibrate motors oscillate and uses vibration to massage the feet. A remote control application from a cell phone uses Bluetooth wireless technology to power on the vibrating motors of the insoles. Vibrate motors get electricity from rechargeable battery that is inside the insoles. Bluetooth wireless activates the vibrate motors and insoles continues vibrating to massage and relax the feet while wearing shoes. Vibrating insole can be used with any shoe allowing user with Bluetooth wireless cell phone to remote control the massaging motion of the vibrating insoles to massage the feet anywhere on the go.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Roy C. Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20120180337
    Abstract: An absorbent footwear liner comprising an upper absorbent layer and a lower layer comprising an adhesive equal in size to the upper layer for adhering the liner to substantially the entire surface of a footbed for absorbing and dissipating moisture thereon and preventing foot slippage on a shoe footbed due to perspiration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Shannon Michelle McLinden
  • Publication number: 20120151805
    Abstract: An insert for vapor-permeable and waterproof soles, which has a stratified and cohesive monolithic sheet-like structure, which includes a plurality of functional layers made of a polymeric material that is impermeable to water in the liquid state and permeable to water vapor. At least one functional portion of the insert for soles has such a thickness as to give it a penetration resistance of more than approximately 10 N, assessed according to the method presented in chapter 5.8.2 of the ISO 20344-2004 standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: GEOX S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Polegato Moretti
  • Patent number: 8201346
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for treating a foot using a medical shoe and interchangeable insoles. A plurality of interchangeable insoles is provided, including a surgical insole and a wound care insole. The surgical insole provides rigidity for a patient's foot. The surgical insole comprises a first upper layer and a rigid second lower layer. The wound care insole offloads weight from a wound region on the foot. The wound care insole comprises a first upper layer of stretchy, thin film, a second, middle, layer that is moldable, and a third, lower layer that is spongy and provides support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Darco International, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Darrel Darby, II, Wu Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120144697
    Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency of insoles or shoe inserts, it is proposed to start from a semi-finished product (100) having a foam material layer which has a plurality of integrally formed raised sections on the upper side. According to the invention, the raised sections (120) or at least one of the raised sections should comprise one central raised section and a raised section completely or partially surrounding said central raised section, thus forming a plurality of massage edges. The probability of stimulating the desired reflex zone is hereby increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Mafag-Reflexa AG
    Inventor: Samantha Everz Vaz
  • Publication number: 20120131817
    Abstract: An insole suitable for use with footwear. A body has at least one material layer and includes at least one heat-sensitive support element including thermoplastic material. The heat-sensitive support element is embedded in or joined with body to enable shaping at least part of the insole when heated and hardening by cooling. The heat-sensitive support element includes a plurality of hollows facing a direction substantially opposite a predetermined top side of the insole intended to receive a foot of a user. A corresponding method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Eero KAAKKOLA
  • Publication number: 20120117818
    Abstract: The present teachings provide orthotic inserts, methods of employing the same, and footwear comprising the same, for decreased forefoot loading. The insert can be configured to-fit in a footware such as a surgical boot or other footwear. The inserts are useful in any application in which decreased forefoot loading is desirable. The insert can be used as an adjunct in the healing of and pain relief from various medical conditions relating to the forefoot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Paul T. Slowik
  • Publication number: 20120117702
    Abstract: Articles of clothing with beads are described. According to one aspect, an article of clothing to be worn by an individual includes a clothing layer configured to cover at least a portion of the body of the individual when the article of clothing is worn by the individual and a plurality of beads attached to the clothing layer, wherein the beads are provided between an outermost surface of the clothing layer and skin of the individual when the article of clothing is worn by the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry King
  • Publication number: 20120090197
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are innersoles for cycling shoes and to cycling shoes including such innersoles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: G-FORM, LLC
    Inventors: DANIEL M. WYNER, Richard B. Fox, Thomas Cafaro, Ami Newsham, David Foster
  • Publication number: 20120090198
    Abstract: A weighted insole assembly, comprising a top thermoformable material layer, a bottom thermoformable material layer, and a weighted unit encapsulated between the top and bottom thermoformable material layers, the weighted unit including a heavy filler material and having a specific gravity between about 2.0 and about 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald James Stratten, Peter Daley, Chang Woo Nam, Hemant Thakkar
  • Patent number: 8151487
    Abstract: An absorbent footwear liner comprising an upper absorbent layer and a lower layer comprising an adhesive equal in size to the upper layer for adhering the liner to substantially the entire surface of a footbed for absorbing and dissipating moisture thereon and preventing foot slippage on a shoe footbed due to perspiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Summer Soles, LLC
    Inventor: Shannon Michelle McLinden
  • Patent number: 8146267
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent shoe insole intended to internally line the outsole or sole thereof in order to improve its comfort. The insole is formed from a first profusely perforated water-repellent layer (1) of natural leather or another similar material, a second layer (3) of an absorbent, microporous and hydrophilic material, only allowing the passage of perspiration in a downward direction, a third layer (4) of a purely absorbent material, based on micro-fibers collecting the moisture from the previous layer, a fourth layer (5) based on an open pore heat-formed material acting as a moisture conductor towards the fifth and final layer (6), also of an absorbent material based on micro-fibers and acting as a final moisture collector. An insole with a multi-layer structure is thus achieved, fulfilling the double function of being absorbent and transpirable in addition to forming a flexible, adaptable and shock-absorbing base for the foot of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventors: Abraham Garcia Ruiz, Jorge Garcia Ruiz
  • Patent number: 8136266
    Abstract: The present invention provides a footbed made of cotton fabric, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, polyester and thermoplastic gel rubber. The invention also provides footwear which includes a footbed as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ariat International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. McCarron
  • Publication number: 20120060392
    Abstract: A footwear includes an insole having a first layer for the contact of the sole of a user's foot and a second layer bonded to the first layer at a bottom side. The first layer comprises a base and a plurality of ribs raised from a top side of said base and has a hardness greater than the second layer. An outsole bonds to the bottom side of the insole for contacting the ground. When a user wearing the footwear is paddling, the insole is elastically deformed and the ribs are elastically curved to buffer the pressure applied by the user, enhancing wearing comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Kung-Sheng Pan
  • Publication number: 20120047767
    Abstract: A shoe construction including a shoe upper, an intermediate insert assembly and at least an outsole, the insert assembly including a sockliner having a raised area positioned to underlie an arch of a wearer's foot and a recessed area positioned to underlie a heel of a wearer's foot, and a relatively rigid board member having recessed areas underlying the sockliner in the heel and arch areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: David L. Vattes
  • Patent number: 8112907
    Abstract: The present invention is a disposable cushion inserts for shoes designed to temper forces imparted on a foot during activities such as walking and running. The cushion insert in one embodiment has first and second layers conjoined by a bonding method taken from the group of adhesive and ultrasonics. The first layer is constructed of fibrous material taken from the group of fiber crops and polymers that will be treated to have a low moisture content and absorbency with a plurality of air passages apertures passing between the second layer and the cushioned insert exterior. The second layer is manufactured from a cross-linked open cell silicone material having a plurality of conjoined truncated-apex square pyramids where the walls enclose a central cavity with open bottoms providing a structure that is mostly ambient air-filled space that when released from a compressed state returns to its original form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Byeung Kim
  • Patent number: 8109014
    Abstract: A foot orthotic device is disclosed. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. The device is designed using a method and system that applies sequential pressure to regions on a plantar foot surface, and obtaining positional information about each region. Based on the positional information, an orthotic profile is determined, for design of one or more custom, individualized foot orthotic devices for a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Tensegrity Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Kevin Miller, Michael S. Latterman, Sue Ann Latterman
  • Publication number: 20120023776
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a shoe insert that can provide overall improved foot comfort to a user and can specifically provide beneficial localized pressure relief improving foot health and mitigating painful and/or damaging conditions. The shoe insert can comprise a pressure moderator sheet and one or more pressure pads removably and replaceably attached to the moderator sheet. The insert may further comprise a cushioning material or layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: AETREX WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Skaja, Laurence I. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8091254
    Abstract: A biomechanics medical corrective shoe pad with far infrared ray energy fibers includes a bacteriostasis surface cloth layer, an inner foamed layer, a far infrared ray energy emitting fiber layer, a polyethene layer, and a bacteriostasis cloth layer, which are positioned one on another in sequence, and heat-pressed and joined together with a mold; the far infrared ray energy emitting fiber layer includes a fiber, and far infrared ray energy containing mineral granules joined on the fiber; the shoe pad includes a peripheral area, a supporting area, and a cambering area, which undergo different-temperature heat-pressing processes; the supporting area and the cambering area are shaped according to ergonomics and human dynamics and in such a manner as to match pressure-responsive points of a man's sole; therefore, the shoe pad can absorb shock, reduce pressure, provide sufficient protection and support, and massage the wearer's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Jet Crown International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Edmund Wang
  • Publication number: 20110314697
    Abstract: An anti-slip fabric includes a fabric substratum on which a plurality of anti-slip posts are arranged. Each anti-slip post has a body fixedly connected with the fabric substratum, and a head coaxially connected with the body and having a diameter equal to or greater than that of the body. The anti-slip fabric can be mounted on an insole substratum to form an anti-slip insole. As a result, the anti-slip fabric or insole can provide a sufficient anti-slip effect, which will not easily fail even though the surface of the anti-slip fabric is water wetted to cause friction deterioration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: KUN HUANG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ching-Bing CHANG
  • Publication number: 20110314696
    Abstract: A shoe insert for heeled shoe has a rigid plate member. A cut is formed across at least a portion of a width of the rigid plate member to allow the rigid plate member to bend to conform to a shoe having a heel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph DeRose
  • Patent number: 8082685
    Abstract: A insole (1) having puncture-resistant properties for safety footwear, comprising an anterior portion (2) extending from a toe region (3) to a metatarsal region (4) of the insole and a posterior portion (5) extending from the metatarsal region to a heel region (6) longitudinally opposite the toe region. The posterior portion (5) comprises at least one substantially rigid layer (8) made of composite material formed from a fibre-reinforced polymer matrix and the anterior portion (2) is formed of a substantially flexible material comprising at least one layer (7) formed of polymer fibres having enhanced puncture-resistant properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Novation S.p.A.
    Inventors: Leo Sartor, Mario Callegari, Angelo Montemurro
  • Patent number: 8082682
    Abstract: A point shoe insole for a ballet slipper with a two layered co-molded plastic sheet having a top layer made of semi-rigid plastic and a bottom layer made of four of rigid plastic members. The top sheet has a plurality of horizontally and downwardly facing ribs. The first and second downwardly facing ribs fit tightly between the first, second and third rigid plastic members of the bottom sheet. A third set downwardly facing ribs are located between the third rigid portion and the forth rigid portion. The area above the first and second downwardly facing ribs form hinges that allow the first, second and third rigid members to flex in an upward direction during the progression of movement of a user's foot between a flat plane and on pointe, but does not allow the first, second and third rigid members to flex in the opposite direction when the user's foot is on pointe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Margaret Karl, Garen P. Scribner
  • Publication number: 20110302806
    Abstract: A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot. The footwear component can also include a cushioning member that provides support and cushioning for the heel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry W. Auger, Neil Crumbleholme, Deliang Gu
  • Publication number: 20110302805
    Abstract: An insole and arch support system which may be secured to the interior of a shoe and includes a set of arch support members. Each arch support member of the system is provided with a different density to provide varying levels of hardness and stability to the arch of the foot of the individual user, and may be secured to the insole at adjustable locations. An appropriate arch support member and insole member are secured together and inserted into the shoe, with the arch support member positioned at the desired location relative to the arch of the foot. The shoe is then worn in the normal manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Patent number: 8074378
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing method and device of an insole of a resilient shoe is provided. At least one transverse partition is set in a gas or liquid chamber of the insole. The gas or liquid chamber of the insole is partitioned into a fore cavity and a rear cavity by the partition. The fore cavity and the rear cavity are communicated reciprocally through the region external of the ends of the partition. Preferably, a fish-bone shaped partition is set longitudinally in the gas or liquid chamber. A column is set at the end of each of fish-bone branches of said fish-bone shaped partition and is positioned corresponding to a relevant acupoint of a human foot bottom. The gas or liquid chamber is filled with soft or resilient materials. The insole according to the invention could be shock absorbing and resilient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Yun-Foo Wu
  • Patent number: 8069587
    Abstract: A shoe footbed 10 made by first molding a shape-retaining layer 12 into a contoured condition. After the shape-retaining layer 12 has been molded, a layer of thermal insulation 14 is placed on top of the molded layer 12. A conforming layer 16 and a fabric top layer 18 may be placed over the thermal insulation 14 and the shape-retaining layer 12. The inventive method of manufacture is particularly suited for making insulated footbeds that contain nonwoven webs of polymeric microfiber because damage to the fibrous web from heat and compression may be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Scott M. Purrington, Frank Roppolo
  • Patent number: 8069586
    Abstract: An orthopedic foot appliance providing optimal and adaptable comfort and shock absorption while at the same time varying degrees of heel support, arch support and motion control depending on the foot type and footwear. The foot appliance consists of a cushioning insole and a re-attachable support piece for attaching and re-attaching to the insole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Kevan Orvitz
  • Publication number: 20110283562
    Abstract: The present disclosures concerns embodiments of a footwear insole that can be used with various types of footwear, including, without limitation, shoes (including open and closed toe shoes), boots, sandals, etc. The insole includes an upper fabric layer that comes in contact with the foot and a cushioning base layer that contacts the footbed of the footwear. The base layer desirably is formed from a self-adhering material that can be applied to in liquid form to the fabric and bonds directly to the fibers of the fabric when cured, so as to eliminate the need for a separate intermediate adhesive layer for securing the fabric to the base layer. The base layer is also configured to substantially prevent shrinkage of the insole when subjected to multiple wash and dry cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: George Shrum, Judson Leiser
  • Publication number: 20110260857
    Abstract: A multilayer insole for removable placement in an article of footwear, the multilayer insole including a bottom insole layer having a top side, a top insole layer having an underside, an intermediate layer that is (a) an insole material layer, (b) a flexible circuit layer or (c) a bonding region for joining the bottom insole layer with the top insole layer, a location data receiving means for receiving an input signal relating to a location of the insole, and a location data transmitting means for transmitting an output signal relating to the location of the insole, wherein the location data receiving means and the location data transmitting means are both integrally associated with the multilayer insole. Also provided are a unitary insole, data transfer systems and methods of using them involving the different insoles and methods of manufacturing the different insoles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Kristan Lisa Hamill
  • Publication number: 20110252665
    Abstract: A shoe pad includes a soft and elastic layer and an air permeable layer connected onto the soft and elastic layer. The soft and elastic layer includes a front metatarsal section, a mid foot section and a rear heel section. Central portions of the front metatarsal section and the rear heel section have a plurality of cavities. The cavities are discrete from each other for enhancing the structural strength of the shoe pad. The mid foot section has a thickened arch portion, and the arch portion has a plurality of reinforcement structures for enhancing the supporting strength. The periphery portion of the rear heel section is thicker than the central portion of the rear heel section, so when a foot heel steps on the rear heel section, a feeling of stable descending is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: FUSCO INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ching-Tao TSAI
  • Patent number: 8037622
    Abstract: A cushion improved structure of shoe ventilating insole comprises a top insole having air inlet and outlet ports, a bottom insole and a middle smaller area foam pad, wherein said top insole adhered with a cloth or leather and made of plastic material is integrally formed with a raised face on top of the heel area at the top surface thereof, and a plurality of air inlet ports are made at lower peripheral edge of said raised face, further, several grooves in any arbitrary shapes having a plurality of air outlet ports at the inside bottoms thereof is integrally made on the front sole area, and a larger density foam pad is distributingly punched with several small holes while unpressed arch area of foot is densely punched with several big holes, whereby the enhanced smooth air flow and best air change effect due to increased air volume are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Chung-Jen Lin