This document discloses algae-derived flexible foams, whether open-cell or closed-cell, with inherent antimicrobial and flame resistant properties, wherein a process of manufacturing includes the steps of: harvesting algae-biomass; sufficiently drying the algae biomass; blending the dried algae biomass with a carrier resin and various foaming ingredients; adding an algal-derived antimicrobial compound selected from various natural sulfated polysaccharides present in brown algae, red algae, and/or certain seaweeds (marine microalgae); and adding a sufficient quantity of dried algae biomass to the formulation to adequately create a fire resistant flexible foam material.

This document presents algae-derived antimicrobial fiber substrates, and a method of making the same. The fiber may be a synthetic fiber, but can also be formed as a cellulosic (e.g., cotton). In various implementations, an algae-derived antimicrobial fiber substrate can be made to have identical properties and characteristics of nylon-6 of nylon 6-6 polymer or the like, and yet contain antimicrobial, anti-viral, and/or flame retardant algal derived substances. Any of various species of red algae, brown algae, blue-green algae, and brown seaweed (marine microalgae and/or macroalgae) are known to contain a high level of sulfated polysaccharides with inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and flame-retardant properties, and can be used as described herein. Additionally disclosed are algae-derived flexible foams, whether open-cell or closed-cell, with inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and flame resistant properties. Further, a process of manufacturing is presented wherein the process may include one or more of the steps of: harvesting algae-biomass; sufficiently drying the algae biomass; blending the dried algae biomass with a carrier resin and various foaming ingredients; adding an algal-derived antimicrobial compound selected from various natural sulfated polysaccharides present in brown algae, red algae, and/or certain seaweeds (marine microalgae); and adding a sufficient quantity of dried algae biomass to the formulation to adequately create a fire resistant flexible foam material.

This document presents algae-derived antimicrobial fiber substrates, and a method of making the same. The fiber may be a synthetic fiber, but can also be formed as a cellulosic (e.g., cotton). In various implementations, an algae-derived antimicrobial fiber substrate can be made to have identical properties and characteristics of nylon-6 of nylon 6-6 polymer or the like, and yet contain antimicrobial, anti-viral, and/or flame retardant algal derived substances. Any of various species of red algae, brown algae, blue-green algae, and brown seaweed (marine microalgae and/or macroalgae) are known to contain a high level of sulfated polysaccharides with inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and flame-retardant properties, and can be used as described herein. Additionally disclosed are algae-derived flexible foams, whether open-cell or closed-cell, with inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and flame resistant properties. Further, a process of manufacturing is presented wherein the process may include one or more of the steps of: harvesting algae-biomass; sufficiently drying the algae biomass; blending the dried algae biomass with a carrier resin and various foaming ingredients; adding an algal-derived antimicrobial compound selected from various natural sulfated polysaccharides present in brown algae, red algae, and/or certain seaweeds (marine microalgae); and adding a sufficient quantity of dried algae biomass to the formulation to adequately create a fire resistant flexible foam material.

The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture (and a method for forming such an article) having at least a portion prepared using high coefficient friction material as an interface for human contact using, but not limited to, polymeric materials. The articles may be incorporated into any product or any portion of a product where non-slip properties are required during human contact and usage. Preferably, a thermoplastic material such as thermoplastic urethane with very durable but soft properties is accurately texturized to achieve optimum frictional properties for a given application. The textures are carefully calculated for the desired friction characteristics. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles made with the interface that are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, environmental benefits and functional advantages.

A silicone insole is provided and includes a lower insole layer, a polymer adhesive layer, a surface treatment agent layer and an upper silicone flat layer sequentially arranged from bottom to top in that order, the upper silicone flat layer is made of a food-grade silicone, and an upper end surface of the upper silicone flat layer is a flat structure without grooves and protrusions. An overall connection of the silicone insole is more solid and durable. The silicone insole can disperse pressure on foot to be more suitable for long standing or sporting under a protection of the food-grade silicone, it is suitable for shoes needing insoles to improve performance, and makes full use of advantages of silicone materials such as high friction, waterproof, slightly air permeability, better absorb moisture and perspiration, soft, environmentally protection, non-toxic, odorless, guaranteed rebound touch, quality, ageing resistance, and anti-static.

A silicone insole is provided and includes a lower insole layer, a polymer adhesive layer, a surface treatment agent layer and an upper silicone flat layer sequentially arranged from bottom to top in that order, the upper silicone flat layer is made of a food-grade silicone, and an upper end surface of the upper silicone flat layer is a flat structure without grooves and protrusions. An overall connection of the silicone insole is more solid and durable. The silicone insole can disperse pressure on foot to be more suitable for long standing or sporting under a protection of the food-grade silicone, it is suitable for shoes needing insoles to improve performance, and makes full use of advantages of silicone materials such as high friction, waterproof, slightly air permeability, better absorb moisture and perspiration, soft, environmentally protection, non-toxic, odorless, guaranteed rebound touch, quality, ageing resistance, and anti-static.

Provided is a composite insole structure including: an insole body being oblong, having a front segment, a middle segment and a rear segment, being made of foam by foaming, and having hardness of 50˜80 OO; and a heel element made of plastic and disposed at the rear segment of the insole body. The middle area of the heel element is of greater thickness than the peripheral area of the heel element; hence, the middle area of the heel element is arched to be centrally raised and thus thinned toward the edge of the middle area radially. The heel element is of hardness of 35˜75 OO.

Provided is a composite insole structure including: an insole body being oblong, having a front segment, a middle segment and a rear segment, being made of foam by foaming, and having hardness of 50˜80 OO; and a heel element made of plastic and disposed at the rear segment of the insole body. The middle area of the heel element is of greater thickness than the peripheral area of the heel element; hence, the middle area of the heel element is arched to be centrally raised and thus thinned toward the edge of the middle area radially. The heel element is of hardness of 35˜75 OO.

To provide an insole capable of effectively inhibiting hallux valgus. An insole in which a heel configured so as to make a human heel arranged higher than a toe when worn is fixed on a back surface side, an upper is fixed on a upper surface side, and an outsole is fixed on the back surface side, the insole having: a stamping-part support part to support a stamping part of a foot of a user; a plantar-arch corresponding part contiguously connected to the stamping-part support part, having a tilt rising toward a rear end part direction, and corresponding to a plantar arch of the foot of the user; and a heel support part contiguously connected to the plantar-arch corresponding part, wherein the heel support part has a concave part to be able to enwrap the heel of the user.

Orthotic devices for providing arch support for the foot are disclosed. The orthotic device includes a base member, an arch support portion, and a covering for coupling the arch support portion to the base member. A method of providing continuous contact with the plantar surface of the foot during all phases of the gait cycle is also disclosed. In addition, methods of assembling and using the orthotic device are also disclosed.