RANDOM VARIABLE STIMULUS INSOLES AND FOOTWEAR TO OPTIMIZE HUMAN NEUROMUSCULAR GAIT MECHANICS

Abstract

A midsole or insole device for a shoe includes a first variable stimulation mechanism positioned to interface one of the metatarsal heads and the heel and a second variable stimulation mechanism positioned to interface a lateral aspect of the foot between the fifth metatarsal head and the heel. During gait-related activities, the first variable stimulation mechanism produces stimulus of an intensity greater than the second variable stimulation mechanism. At least one of the first variable stimulation mechanism and the second variable stimulation mechanism comprises two bonded layers including a resilient stimulating upper layer and a less resilient stimulus-enhancing lower layer. The upper layer includes a plurality of holes that pass through the entirety of the upper layer, and the lower layer includes a plurality of equally spaced upwardly facing projections aligned substantially perpendicular to an upper surface of the upper layer.

Claims

1. An arch support for a shoe that receives a foot, the arch support comprising: a body having a dome shape and configured to interface with an arch of the foot, wherein the body includes a plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls; wherein each vertical wall includes a bottom edge and a top edge, wherein the bottom edges of the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls are aligned to form a dorsal surface, and wherein the top edges of the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls form a plantar surface.

2. The arch support of claim 1, comprising a membrane spanning the top edges of the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls.

3. The arch support of claim 1, wherein the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls define a plurality of holes.

4. The arch support of claim 1, wherein the body includes an outer wall surrounding the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls.

5. The arch support of claim 4, wherein the outer wall includes a base surface defining a plane.

6. The arch support of claim 5, wherein the body is configured to move between a relaxed position and a compressed position during use.

7. The arch support of claim 6, wherein, when the body is in the relaxed position, the bottom edges of the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls are spaced from the plane defined by the base surface of the outer wall of the body.

8. The arch support of claim 6, wherein, when the body is in the compressed position, the bottom edges of the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls are positioned on or below the plane defined by the base surface of the outer wall of the body.

9. The arch support of claim 6, wherein, when the body is in the compressed position, the top edges of the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls are configured to produce a plurality of stimuli on the arch of the foot.

10. The arch support of claim 5, wherein the outer wall includes a stepped surface.

11. The arch support of claim 10, wherein the stepped surface of the outer wall is configured to engage with an insole.

12. The arch support of claim 1, wherein the resiliently deformable vertical walls of the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls are interconnected.

13. The arch support of claim 12, wherein the resiliently deformable vertical walls of the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls form a honeycomb pattern.

14. The arch support of claim 1, wherein the body includes an outer wall surrounding the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls, and wherein the resiliently deformable vertical walls of the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls are connected to the outer wall.

15. The arch support of claim 14, wherein the resiliently deformable vertical walls of the plurality of resiliently deformable vertical walls form one of a honeycomb pattern, a plurality of polygons, a plurality of circles, and a plurality of oblong rounded shapes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0130] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated below with reference to the accompanying illustrations.

[0131] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the present invention showing the positioning of the variable stimulus mechanisms;

[0132] FIG. 2 a is a top plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention, with variable stimulus mechanisms in positions 2, 3, and 4;

[0133] FIG. 2 b is a view of a variable stimulus mechanism embodiment showing the separate layers at the section line of b-b of FIG. 1a;

[0134] FIG. 2 c is the assembled view of a two layer variable stimulus mechanism embodiment as shown in FIG. 2c;

[0135] FIG. 2 d is an assembled view of a three layer variable stimulus mechanism embodiment as shown in FIG. 2c;

[0136] FIG. 2 e is an enlarged section view of the assembled three layer variable stimulus mechanism embodiment shown in FIG. 2d, without load-bearing forces applied;

[0137] FIG. 2 f is an enlarged section view of the assembled three layer variable stimulus mechanism embodiment shown in FIG. 2d, showing the compression characteristic with load-bearing forces applied;

[0138] FIG. 2 g is a view of an alternate variable stimulus mechanism embodiment showing the separate layers at the section line of g-g of FIG. 1a;

[0139] FIG. 2 h is the assembled view of a two layer variable stimulus mechanism embodiment as shown in FIG. 2g;

[0140] FIG. 2 i is an assembled view of a three layer variable stimulus mechanism embodiment as shown in FIG. 2g;

[0141] FIG. 2 j is an enlarged section view of the assembled three layer variable stimulus mechanism embodiment shown in FIG. 2i, without load-bearing forces applied;

[0142] FIG. 2 k is an enlarged view of the assembled three layer variable stimulus mechanism embodiment shown in FIG. 2i, showing the compression characteristics when load-bearing forces are applied;

[0143] FIG. 2 l is a view of an alternate variable stimulus mechanism embodiment showing the separate layers at the section line of l-l of FIG. 1a;

[0144] FIG. 2 m is an assembled view of a three layer variable stimulus mechanism embodiment as shown in FIG. 2l;

[0145] FIG. 2 n is an enlarged section view of the assembled three layer variable stimulus mechanism embodiment shown in FIG. 2m, without load-bearing forces applied;

[0146] FIG. 2 o is an enlarged view of the assembled three layer variable stimulus mechanism embodiment shown in FIG. 2m, showing the compression characteristics when load-bearing forces are applied;

[0147] FIG. 2 p is an enlarged view of the top plan view of the variable stimulus mechanism embodiment shown in FIG. 2a;

[0148] FIG. 3 a is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention, with variable stimulus mechanisms in positions 2, 3, 4, and 5;

[0149] FIG. 3 b is the section line of b-b of FIG. 3a;

[0150] FIG. 3 c is the section line of c-c of FIG. 3a;

[0151] FIG. 4 a is a top plan view of a third embodiment of the present invention, with variable stimulus mechanisms in positions 2, 3, 4, and 5, with the domed-shaped catalyst in position 5 with a top membrane;

[0152] FIG. 4 b is the section line of b-b of FIG. 4a;

[0153] FIG. 4 c is the section line of c-c of FIG. 4a,

[0154] FIG. 5 a is a top plan view of a third embodiment of the present invention, with variable stimulus mechanisms in positions 2, 3, 4, and 5, with a second embodiment of the domed-shaped catalyst in position 5;

[0155] FIG. 5 b is the section line of b-b of FIG. 5a;

[0156] FIG. 5 c is the section line of c-c of FIG. 5a;

[0157] FIG. 6 a is a top plan view of a forth embodiment of the present invention, with a variable stimulus mechanism in position 5, with a third embodiment of the domed-shaped catalyst;

[0158] FIG. 6 b is the section line of b-b of FIG. 6a;

[0159] FIG. 6 c is the section line of c-c of FIG. 6a;

[0160] FIG. 7 a is a top plan view of a forth embodiment of the present invention, with a variable stimulus mechanism in position 5, with a forth embodiment of the domed-shaped catalyst;

[0161] FIG. 7 b is the section line of b-b of FIG. 7a;

[0162] FIG. 7 c is the section line of c-c of FIG. 7a;

[0163] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the domed-shaped catalyst without a top membrane;

[0164] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of the domed-shaped catalyst with a top membrane;

[0165] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a seventh embodiment of the domed-shaped catalyst without a top membrane;

[0166] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of an eighth embodiment of the domed-shaped catalyst with a top membrane;

[0167] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a ninth embodiment of the domed-shaped catalyst without a top membrane;

[0168] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a ten embodiment of the domed-shaped catalyst with a top membrane;

[0169] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of an eleventh embodiment of the domed-shaped catalyst with a top membrane;

[0170] FIG. 15 a is a top plan view of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;

[0171] FIG. 15 b is the section line of b-b of FIG. 15a; and

[0172] FIG. 15 c is the section line of c-c of FIG. 15a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0173] A random variable stimulus insole or footwear device is generally illustrated by reference 1 in the Figures. The insole or footwear device 1 having an upper portion consisting of one or more variable stimulus mechanisms 7, and 8 located at one or more load-bearing areas 2, 3, 4 and 5 for interfacing with the plantar aspect of a human foot's load-bearing areas.

[0174] The insole or footwear device 1 having an upper portion consisting of a variable stimulus mechanisms 7 located at load-bearing area 5 consists of a flexible insole body or flexible shoe midsole having an upwardly extending dome 41 located central to the foot's anatomical keystone. The anatomical keystone being defined as intermediate cuneiform bone of the foot. The dome 41 having an apex 42 on the dorsal surface for aligning with the plantar aspect of a human foot at the anatomical keystone.

[0175] The variable stimulus mechanisms 7 may be comprised of two bonded layers or three bonded layers.

[0176] The two layer configuration 13 having a flexible resiliently deformable upper initial stimulus layer 10 and underneath the initial stimulus layer 10 a flexible less resiliently deformable stimulus enhancing layer 11. The three layer configuration 14 having a flexible resiliently deformable upper initial stimulus upper layer 10, a flexible less resiliently deformable stimulus enhancing middle layer 11, and a lower stimulus variability layer 12 with a flexible deformable resiliently greater than that of the stimulus enhancing layer 11. The bottom surface 31 of the initial stimulus layer 10 may be bonded to the upper surface 32 of the stimulus enhancing lower layer 11 in the two layer configuration 13 and three layer configuration 14. The bottom surface 33 of the stimulus enhancing layer 11 may be bonded to the upper surface 34 of the stimulus variability layer 12 in the three layer configuration 14. The two layer configuration 13 and three layer configuration may also have a top sheet 35 made of a fabric, textile or leather that is bonded to the upper surface 30 of the initial stimulus layer 10.

[0177] The upper initial stimulus layer 10 may be comprised of a medium density foam (such as an EVA or polyurethane foam) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material with a Shore hardness between 30A and 55A, and have a plurality of equally or randomly spaced holes 36 that pass through the entirety of the initial stimulus layer 10. The diameters of the holes 36 being approximately 1 mm to 5 mm and spaced between 2 mm and 10 mm apart.

[0178] The stimulus enhancing layer 11 may be comprised of a medium to firm density thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material with a resiliency less than that of the initial stimulus layer, with a plurality of equally spaced upwardly facing projections 37 aligned perpendicular to the upper surface 30 of the stimulus enhancing layer 10 and positioned such that the projections 37 align and interface with the holes 36 in the initial stimulus layer. The projections 37 may be comprised of a variety of different shapes such as pins, domes, or spheres. The diameter of the projections 37 being such that they match the diameter of the holes 36 in the initial stimulus layer 10, and the height of the projections 37 being such that, when the initial stimulus layer 10 and the stimulus enhancing layer 11 are bonded together the upper surface 39 of the projections 37 is recessed between 1 mm to 5 mm below the upper surface 30 of the initial stimulus layer 10.

[0179] The stimulus variability layer 12 may be comprised of a medium density foam material, (such as an EVA or polyurethane foam), or (TPE) material with a resiliency that is greater than that of the stimulus enhancing layer 11. The top surface 34 of the stimulus variability layer 12 may have a plurality of cavities 40 to receive the bottom surface 33 stimulus enhancing layer 11 projections 37.

[0180] The initial stimulus layer 10, stimulus enhancing layer 11, and the stimulus variability layer 13 act in concert to provide randomly localized variable stimulus to the sole of the foot in response to the randomly localized vertical load-bearing forces created at the sole of the foot during gait-related activities.

[0181] For example, when the varying intensities of sole of the foot's localized load-bearing forces are randomly focused on the initial stimulus layer 10, the initial stimulus layer's 10 greater resiliency results in deeper compressions of the initial stimulus layer's 10 upper surface 30, at locations where the sole of the foot's load-bearing forces are the greatest relative to a multidirectional activity. As these randomly located load-bearing forces diminish, the resiliency properties, of the initial stimulus layer 10 material, causes the initial stimulus layer's 10 upper surface 30 compressed locations to rebound back to their original shape. Higher randomly localized load-bearing forces will cause relatively deeper compressions at corresponding initial stimulus layer's 10 upper surface 30 locations. When the initial stimulus layer's 10 upper surface 30 randomly localized load-bearing compressions are sufficiently deep enough, the sole of the foot contacts the upper surface 39 of the stimulus enhancing layer 11 projections 37. As a result, at least two levels of stimulus intensity are created at the randomly localized area. The first level being the milder stimulus created by the initial localized compression of the initial stimulus layer 10 upper surface 30. The second level being a more localized and progressively more intense stimulus that is created when the sole of the foot contacts the stimulus enhancing layer 11 projections 37; as the less resilient stimulus enhancing layer 11 projections 37 resist compression at a greater rate compared to the more resilient initial stimulus layer 10, which continues to compress. When the device has three layer configuration 14, a third level of stimulus is created by the stimulus variability layer's 12 greater resiliency compared to the stimulus enhancing layer 11. The third level of stimulus is created when the sole of the foot's load-bearing forces, have locally compressed the upper surface 30 of the initial stimulus layer 10, to the point where the load-bearing forces are directly pressing on the upper surface 39 of the less resilient stimulus enhancing layer 11 projections 37. When these localized pressures on the upper surface 39 of the less resilient stimulus enhancing layer 11 projections 37 is sufficient, the pressures are transferred through the projections 37 and cause a corresponding localized deflection or compression in the upper surface 34 of the more resilient stimulus enhancing layer 12, thereby, slowing the progression of the localized stimulus intensity to the sole of the foot. As the sole of the foot's localized load-bearing forces diminish the initial stimulus layer 10, stimulus enhancing layer 11, and stimulus variability layer 12 rebound back to their original shapes.

[0182] The top sheet 35 may be comprised of a variety of materials such as leathers, artificial leathers, natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics or other textiles with different flexibilities and in different thicknesses.

[0183] The various stimulus layers 10, 11, and 12 may be comprised of a variety of materials, densities, resiliencies, and flexibilities such as foams, rubbers, plastics, or other flexible materials. The various stimulus layers 10, 11, and 12, may be comprised of varied thicknesses. The stimulus enhancing layer projections 37 and corresponding holes 36 in the initial stimulus layer 10 may be comprised of different heights, sizes, shapes, and spacing. By varying the materials and geometric characteristics of the various stimulus layers 10, 11, and 12, that comprise a variable stimulus mechanism 7, a wide range of variable stimulation characteristics may be created to meet the specific requirements of a wide range of gait-related activities, different foot types, and body weights.

[0184] The insole or footwear device 1 having an upper portion consisting of a variable stimulus mechanism 8 located at load-bearing area 5 consists of a flexible insole body or flexible shoe midsole having an upwardly extending dome-shaped reflex catalyst 43 located central to the foot's anatomical keystone. The reflex catalyst 43 having an apex 42 on the dorsal surface 48 for aligning with the plantar aspect of a human foot at the anatomical keystone.

[0185] The reflex catalyst 43 may have a plurality of equally or randomly spaced holes 44, that pass through the entirety of the reflex catalyst 43, that are formed by resiliently deformable vertical walls 46; or the reflex catalyst 43 may have a plurality a of equally or randomly spaced holes cavities 45, that extend upwards from the reflex catalyst 43 plantar surface 47, that are formed by resiliently deformable vertical walls 46.

[0186] The resiliently deformable vertical walls 46 may consist of different thicknesses or tapered such that the wall thickness is thinner at the plantar surface 47 than at the dorsal surface 48. The holes 44 or cavities 45 may consist of different shapes. A wide range of variable stimulus mechanism 8 characteristics may be achieved by varying the wall 46 thicknesses and the hole 44 or cavity 45 geometries, as may be required for different gait-related activities and foot types.

[0187] The plantar surface 47 of the reflex catalyst 43 may contact the insole or footwear device's 1 supporting surface 60, or the plantar surface 47 may not contact the insole or footwear device's 1 supporting surface 60. The supporting surface 60 being defined as the surface that the device rests on; for an insole device the supporting surface is the shoe midsole, for a shoe midsole device the supporting surface is the ground.

[0188] If the plantar surface 47 of the reflex catalyst 43 contacts the supporting surface 60, it is preferred that the reflex catalyst 43 be injection molded out of a molded rubber, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials with a Shore hardness between 5A and 25A. If the reflex catalyst 43 does not contact the supporting surface 60, the reflex catalyst 43 may be comprised of a variety of materials, densities, and resiliencies such as foams, rubbers, plastics or other flexible materials with a Shore hardness between 20A and 55A.

[0189] The reflex catalyst 43 is resiliently deformable to apply subtle randomly located and varied upwardly directed pressures to the skin of the sole of the foot in response to localized downward pressure on the reflex catalyst 43 by the foot. For example, the reflex catalyst 43 may provide progressively increased or decreased compressive resistance, at one or more locations, at changing locations, and at expanding or contracting location surface areas across the reflex catalyst's 43 dorsal surface 48; relative to the localized reflex catalyst's 43 dorsal surface 48 area expansion and contraction deformation and the degree of vertical deformation.

[0190] The reflex catalysts 43 may be bonded to the insole or footwear device 1 or the insole or footwear device 1 may incorporate a cooperating engagement means for securing the reflex catalysts 43 insole or footwear device 1.

[0191] FIG. 2 a illustrates an embodiment of an insole or footwear device 1 having an upper portion consisting of variable stimulus mechanisms 7, located at load-bearing areas 2, 3, and 4.

[0192] FIG. 2 b illustrates an exploded cross section view of an embodiment of the variable stimulus mechanism's 7, showing the initial stimulus layer 10, the stimulus enhancing layer 11, the stimulus variability layer 12, and top sheet 35. FIG. 2 p illustrate an exploded top view of the an embodiment of the variable stimulus mechanism's 7, showing the initial stimulus layer 10 holes 36 and the stimulus enhancing layer 11 projections 39. FIG. 2 c illustrates the variable stimulus mechanism's 7 two layer configuration 13. FIG. 2 d illustrates the variable stimulus mechanism's 7 three layer configuration 14. FIG. 2 e illustrates an exploded view of the variable stimulus mechanism's 7 three layer configuration 14. FIG. 2 f illustrates an exploded view of the variable stimulus mechanism's 7 three layer configuration 14, showing the deflection caused by the sole of the foot's localized loading forces. The embodiment illustrated may incorporate any of the variable stimulus mechanism's 7 configurations shown in FIG. 2 c, d, h, i, and m at any of the load-bearing area locations 2, 3, and 4 shown in FIG. 1.

[0193] FIGS. 2 g, h, i, j, and k illustrate an alternative embodiment of a variable stimulus mechanism's 7 two layer configuration 13 and three layer configuration 14, with FIG. 2 k showing the deflection caused by the sole of the foot's localized loading forces.

[0194] FIGS. 21, m, n, and o illustrate an alternative embodiment of a variable stimulus mechanism's 7 three layer configuration 14, with FIG. 2 o showing the deflection caused by the sole of the foot's localized loading forces.

[0195] FIGS. 3 a, b, and c illustrate an alternative embodiment of an insole or footwear device 1 having an upper portion consisting of variable stimulus mechanisms 7, located at the load-bearing areas 2, 3, 4, and 5 shown in FIG. 1.

[0196] FIGS. 3 b and c illustrate the variable stimulus mechanism's 7 upwardly extending dome 41 located central to the foot's anatomical Keystone. The anatomical keystone being defined as intermediate cuneiform bone of the foot. The dome 41 having an apex 42 on the dorsal surface for aligning with the plantar aspect of a human foot at the anatomical Keystone. The embodiment illustrated incorporates the variable stimulus mechanism configuration shown in FIG. 2 h at all of the load-bearing area locations 2, 3, 4, and 5 shown in FIG. 1, and a one piece upper surface that creates the initial stimulus layers 10 at each of the respective variable stimulus mechanism's 7 locations. By varying the materials and or the geometries of the respective stimulus enhancing layers 11 at each of the load-bearing area locations 2, 3, 4, and 5 shown in FIG. 1, appropriate stimulus intensities may be created at each of the sole of the foot's load-bearing areas. The embodiment illustrated may incorporate any of the variable stimulus mechanism's 7 configurations shown in FIG. 2 c, d, h, i, and m at any of the load-bearing area locations 2, 3, 4, and 5 shown in FIG. 1.

[0197] FIGS. 4 a, b, and c illustrate an alternative embodiment of an insole or shoe midsole device 1 having an upper portion consisting of variable stimulus mechanisms 7, located at the load-bearing areas 2, 3, and 4 shown in FIG. 1, and variable stimulus mechanism 8 located at the load-bearing area 5 shown in FIG. 1. The embodiment illustrated may incorporate any of the variable stimulus mechanism's 7 configurations shown in FIG. 2 c, d, h, i, and m at any of the load-bearing area locations 2, 3, and 4 shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 4 b and c illustrate the variable stimulus mechanism's 8 upwardly reflex catalyst 43 located central to the foot's anatomical Keystone. The anatomical keystone being defined as intermediate cuneiform bone of the foot. The dome 43 having an apex 42 on the dorsal surface for aligning with the plantar aspect of a human foot at the anatomical Keystone. The embodiment of the reflex catalyst 43 consists of a membrane at its upper surface 48 and cavities 45 formed by the upper surface 48 and the vertical walls 46. FIGS. 5 a, b, and c illustrate an alternative embodiment of an insole or shoe midsole device 1 similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 a, b, and c except for the configuration of the reflex catalyst 43, which in this instance consists of holes 44 formed by the vertical walls 46. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4, b and c and FIGS. 5 b and c, the variable stimulus mechanisms' 8 reflex catalysts 43 plantar surfaces 49 do not contact the devices' 1 supporting surfaces 60 when reflex catalysts 43 deflect as a result of the sole of the foot's load-bearing forces. These embodiments create randomly located and varied intensity stimulus to the sole of the foot in response to the intensities of the sole of the foot's randomly localized load-bearing forces. The stimulus is produced by the deformation resistance forces created by the reflex catalysts' 43 elastic properties. The reflex catalysts' 43 elastic properties are created by the reflex catalysts' 43 resilient materials and the relative geometries of the reflex catalysts' 43 dome-like dorsal surfaces 48, holes 44, cavities 45, and vertical walls 46. When the reflex catalysts' 43 dome-like dorsal surfaces 48 are subject to randomly located load-bearing forces, the reflex catalysts' 43 dome-like dorsal surfaces 48 deflect away from the loading forces in the direction of the loading forces. As the sole of the foot's randomly localized load-bearing forces increase and are borne by the reflex catalysts' 43 dorsal surfaces 48, the dorsal surfaces 48 progressively deflect in relation to the increased forces. As the reflex catalysts' 43 dorsal surfaces 48 deflect a corresponding horizontal elastic recoil tension is created in the reflex catalysts' 43 plantar surfaces 49. The greater the reflex catalysts' 43 dorsal surface 48 deflection, the greater the elastic recoil tension in the reflex catalysts' 43 plantar surfaces 49. The intersections 49 of the reflex catalysts' 43 resiliently deformable vertical walls 46 exhibit greater deflection resistance and elastic recoil characteristics compared to the vertical walls 46, holes 44, and cavities 45. As a result, as the sole of the foot's localized load-bearing forces randomly shift in intensity and location during gait-related activities, varying deflections, in size and location, occur at corresponding locations on the reflex catalysts' 43 dorsal surface 48. The varied resistances created by the reflex catalyst's 43 varied localized deflections and elastic recoil characteristics create varied levels of randomly localized stimulus to the sole of the foot at the corresponding load-bearing areas.

[0198] FIGS. 6 a, b, and c illustrate an alternative embodiment of an insole or footwear device 1 having an upper portion consisting of variable stimulus mechanism 8, located at load-bearing area 5 shown in FIG. 1. The embodiment illustrated may incorporate any of the variable stimulus mechanism's 7 configurations shown in FIG. 2 c, d, h, i, and m at any of the load-bearing area locations 2, 3, and 4 shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 6 b and c illustrate the variable stimulus mechanisms' 8 upwardly reflex catalysts 43 located central to the foot's anatomical Keystone. The anatomical keystone being defined as intermediate cuneiform bone of the foot. The domes 43 having an apex 42 on the dorsal surface for aligning with the plantar aspect of a human foot at the anatomical Keystone. The embodiment in FIGS. 6 a, b, and c have a reflex catalyst 43 consisting of a membrane at its dorsal surface 48 and cavities 45 formed by the dorsal surface 48 and the vertical walls 46. The dome 43 having an apex 42 on the dorsal surface for aligning with the plantar aspect of a human foot at the anatomical Keystone. FIGS. 7 a, b, and c illustrate an alternative embodiment of an insole or shoe midsole device 1 similar to that shown in FIGS. 6 a, b, and c except for the configuration of the reflex catalyst 43, which in this instance consists of holes 44 formed by the vertical walls 46. FIGS. 15 a, b, and c illustrate an alternative embodiment of an insole or shoe midsole device 1 similar to that shown in FIGS. 6 a, b, and c and FIGS. 6 a, b, and c except for the configuration of the variable stimulus mechanism 8 reflex catalyst 43. The variable stimulus mechanism's 8 reflex catalyst 43 shown in FIGS. 15 a, b, and c consists of an insole body 50 molded from a resilient material such a foam, rubber, or plastic featuring a convex dorsal surface 48 and concave plantar surface 51 at the area 5 shown in FIG. 1, which form the variable stimulus mechanism's 8 dorsal surface 48 for. The insole body's 50 plantar surface 51 concavity receives a reflex catalyst 43 embodiment with holes 44 vertical walls 46 as shown in FIGS. 7 a, b, and c which combined with the insole body's 50 plantar surface 51 form cavities 45. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6, b and c, FIGS. 7 b and c, and FIGS. 15 a, b, and c the variable stimulus mechanisms' 8 reflex catalysts 43 plantar surfaces 49 contacts the devices' 1 supporting surfaces 60 when reflex catalysts 43 deflect as a result of the sole of the foot's load-bearing forces. When light load-bearing forces are applied to these embodiments, a very mild initial stimulus is created at the sole of the foot by the deflection of the reflex catalysts 43 prior to the reflex catalysts' 43 plantar surfaces 49 coming into contact with the supporting surface 60. The initial stimulus is the result of the resistance forces created by the elastic rebound nature of reflex catalysts' 43 resilient materials and the geometry of the reflex catalysts' 43 holes 44, cavities 45, and vertical walls 46. As the load-bearing forces increase on the reflex catalyst 43 and the reflex catalyst's 43 plantar surface 49 comes into contact with the supporting surface 60, the reflex catalysts' 43 vertical walls 46 progressively deform relative to the increased load-bearing forces. The intersections 47 of the reflex catalysts' 43 resiliently deformable vertical walls 46 exhibit greater deflection resistance compared to the vertical walls 46, holes 44, and cavities 45. As a result, as the sole of the foot's localized load-bearing forces randomly shift in intensity and location during gait-related activities, varying deformations occur at corresponding locations on the reflex catalysts' 43 dorsal surface 48. The varied resistance created, by the reflex catalysts' 43 varied localized deformations, results in secondary levels of varied randomly localized stimulus to the sole of the foot at the corresponding load-bearing areas.

[0199] FIGS. 8 through 14 illustrate alternative embodiments of the variable stimulus mechanism's 8 reflex catalyst 43 showing different hole 44, cavity 45, vertical wall 46 and intersection 47 characteristics. Any of these alternative stimulus mechanism 8 reflex catalyst 43 embodiments may be used in the insole or footwear device 1 embodiments shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.