SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH ELECTROSTATIC AND ENDOGENOUS CURRENT CONDUCTING INSERT

Abstract

A static electricity discharging shoe with conductive link to ground having a conductive insole contacting with a sole of a foot of a user, and a conductive outer sole contacting with a ground; and an electro-conductive insert, having an upper major and a lower minor base, the insert in electrical communication between the insole and the outer sole, the insert having a lateral geometry proportioned for complemental engagement within a mid-sole situated between the insole and the outer sole, a narrow middle portion of the insert secured within the mid-sole, the upper surface of the insert positioned opposite to the plantar metatarsal region of the sole of the foot proximally to the K-1 acupressure point when the foot abuts the insole, the upper surface of the insert defining a slightly raised pad, having orthopedic benefit in off-loading of metatarsal stresses on the foot in the area of the K-1 point.

Claims

1. A static electricity discharging article of footwear with a conductive link to ground, comprising: a conductive insole configured to contact with a sole of a foot of a user, and a conductive outer sole configured to contact with a ground; an electro-conductive, dissipative, raised insert, having an upper major and a lower minor base, an insert in electrical communication between said insole and said outer sole, said electro-conductive insert having a lateral geometry proportioned for complemental engagement within a mid-sole situated between said insole and said outer sole, a narrow middle portion of said electro-conductive insert secured within said mid-sole, said upper major base of said electro-conductive insert configured to be positioned opposite to the plantar metatarsal region of the sole of the foot proximally to the K-1 acupressure point when the foot abuts the insole, said upper major base of the electro-conductive insert defining the raised insert; said upper base of the insert defining a slightly raised pad having orthopedic-benefit in off-loading of metatarsal stresses on the foot in the area of said K-1 point; and said insert made of an elastomeric material having a Shore A hardness in a range of at or above 20 degrees to below 40 degrees.

2. The article of footwear as recited in claim 1, said electro-conductive insert configured to be positioned proximal of the metatarsal in the direction of the heel.

3. (canceled)

4. The article of footwear as recited in claim 2, in which a greatest dimension of said upper major base of said electro-conductive insert exhibits a dimension of 3:1 to 1:1 times that of the lower minor surface of said electro-conductive insert abutting said outer sole.

5. The article of footwear as recited in claim 2, exhibiting a central cylindrical neck portion smaller in diameter than that of the upper major base or lower minor base of the electro-conductive insert, said cylindrical neck portion secured proximally within a mid-sole of said article of footwear.

6. The article of footwear as recited in claim 3, said electro-conductive insert having resistance in a range of 1000 Ohms to 100,000 Ohms.

7. The article of footwear as recited in claim 4, said insert having a resistance in a range of 1000 Ohms to 100,000 Ohms.

8. The article of footwear as recited in claim 8 exhibiting a central cylindrical neck portion smaller in diameter than the diameter of an upper major base or lower major base of the insert, said cylindrical portion secured proximally within a sole of said article of footwear.

9. (canceled)

10. The article of footwear as recited in claim 1, said insert configured to be positioned slightly proximal to the metatarsal configured in a direction of the heel of the foot.

11. (canceled)

12. A method for conducting a two-way electrical conduit between body and ground through use of a static electricity discharging article of footwear with a conductive link to ground, comprising: configuring a conductive insole of an article of footwear for contact with a sole of a foot of a user, and configuring a conductive outer sole of an article of footwear for contact with a ground; providing a dissipative, raised, electro-conductive insert having an upper major and a lower minor base; situating said electro-conductive insert between said insole and said outer sole, wherein said insole and said outsole are in electrical communication; situating a mid-sole between said insole and said outer sole; configuring said electro-conductive insert to have a lateral geometry proportioned for complemental engagement within said mid-sole, placing a narrow middle portion of said electro-conductive insert secured within said mid-sole, configuring said upper major base of said electro-conductive insert by positioning said upper major base of said electro-conductive insert opposite to the plantar metatarsal region of the sole of the foot proximally to the K-1 acupressure point when the foot abuts the insole, said upper major base of the electro-conductive insert defining the raised insert; and using an elastomeric material for said insert.

13. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising positioning said electro-conductive insert proximal of the metatarsal in the direction of the heel.

14. The method as recited in claim 13 further comprising, forming said electro-conductive insert of an elastomeric or polymeric resilient material having a Shore A in a range of at or above 20 degrees to below 40 degrees.

15. The method as recited in claim 13 further comprising, configuring a greatest dimension of said upper major base of said electro-conductive insert to a dimension of 3:1 to 1:1 times that of the lower minor surface of said electro-conductive insert abutting said outer sole.

16. The method as recited in claim 13, further comprising: including a central cylindrical neck portion smaller in diameter than that of the upper major base or lower minor base of the electro-conductive insert; and securing said cylindrical neck portion proximally within a mid-sole of said article of footwear.

17. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising: configuring said electro-conductive insert for a resistance in a range of 1000 Ohms to 100,000 Ohms.

18. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising: configuring said electro-conductive insert for a resistance in a range of 1000 Ohms to 100,000 Ohms.

19. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprising: including a central cylindrical neck portion smaller in diameter than that of the upper major base or lower minor base of the electro-conductive insert; and securing said cylindrical neck portion proximally within a mid-sole of said article of footwear.

20. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprising: forming said electro-conductive insert of an elastomeric or polymeric resilient material having a Shore C in a range of at or above 35 degrees to below 65 degrees.

21. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising: positioning said electro-conductive insert slightly proximal to the metatarsal configured in a direction of the heel of the foot.

22. A static electricity discharging article of footwear with a conductive link to ground, comprising: a conductive insole configured to contact with a sole of a foot of a user, and a conductive outer sole configured to contact with a ground; an electro-conductive, dissipative, raised insert, having an upper major and a lower minor base, an insert in electrical communication between said insole and said outer sole, said electro-conductive insert having a lateral geometry proportioned for complemental engagement within a mid-sole situated between said insole and said outer sole, a narrow middle portion of said electro-conductive insert secured within said mid-sole, said upper major base of said electro-conductive insert configured to be positioned opposite to the plantar metatarsal region of the sole of the foot proximally to the K-1 acupressure point when the foot abuts the insole, said upper major base of the electro-conductive insert defining the raised insert; said upper base of the insert defining a slightly raised pad having orthopedic-benefit in off-loading of metatarsal stresses on the foot in the area of said K-1 point; and said insert made of an elastomeric material having a Shore C hardness in a range of at or above 35 degrees to below 65 degrees.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic invention of a grounding part of the earth.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a non-grounding part of FIG. 1, showing the earth.

[0024] FIG. 3 is an electroconductive shoe.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a major insert of the bottom of the shoe.

[0026] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the shoe.

[0027] FIG. 6 is an upper major base.

[0028] FIG. 7 is one embodiment of a metatarsal of the shoe.

[0029] FIG. 8 shows the lower minor base of the embodiment of FIG. 7 and the lower minor base thereof.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional diagonal central portion of FIG. 8.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a platform sole of the human foot shown at its reflexology areas.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a complete shoe of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 12 is an embodiment of FIG. 3 but taken in the form of a sandal.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a further embodiment but showing in which, no midsole is used with the electroconductive insert thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The ancient practice of medicine stresses the importance of man's harmonious relationship with earth and sky. In furtherance of this belief, modern science has established that the earth possesses an electromagnetic dynamic field, that is, a continually changing field and in which exists between the sky or atmosphere and the earth, the earth providing the negative charge of this field which the ionosphere is provided with the positive charges of the electromagnetic dynamics field. This has been established by Burr and Norhrup of Yale University and by Miculin of the University of Moscow.

[0036] A recognized natural phenomenon, known as the Schumann Resonance between the atmosphere and the core of the earth has been calculated to have a frequency of 7.9 Hz cycles per second, which correlates with the human alpha brain wave pattern of 8.0 Hz cycles per second in a relaxed state.

[0037] The above, as it relates to the instant invention, posits that man, as he walks upon the earth, absorbs, through his feet, negative charges while his head and rest of his body draw positive charges from the ionosphere. This is schematically shown in FIG. 1. These two opposing electrical charges balance each other (at area E) within the human body, contributing to one's physical wellbeing and optimal physical performance. However, if the negative charges become absent due to lack of contact with the earth, the body is forced to convert useful energy used by its chemical oxidation processes into a weak negative charge in an effort to compensate for the lack of negative charge which would normally enter the body through the earth. This resultant energy loss may manifest in neuro-muscular physical performance, mental fatigue, stress, and various cardiovascular issues. This condition of lack of physical conductivity with the earth is schematically shown in FIG. 2, showing the lack of equilibrium E when needed and potentially harmful positive and negative ions accumulate both in and upon the human body.

[0038] Stated otherwise, an evolutionary function of the earth is to maintain a satisfactory level of negative charge in humans, namely, homeostasis. Well-known in contemporary medicine is that the sole of one's foot constitutes a network of nerve endings connected to the body's vital organs such that, when proper grounding to the earth is present, direct neurologic benefit occurs throughout the entire body at a cellular level at least through this neural network. Given however the development of modern life in the last several hundred years, various factors have contributed to minimize or, in many instance, completely, negate, man's direct contact with the surface of the earth, i.e., his natural source of negative electrical charge to the body. However, in recent years, as is reflected in the prior art discussed above, researchers and others have begun to experiment with shoes intended to restore one's electrical contact with the earth to enable one to more normally absorb and replenish lost negative charge electrons and dissipate the accumulation of excess static electricity built-up in the body caused by numerous factors as are more fully set forth above in the Background of the Invention. Furthermore, grounding the body through this invention also helps to protect the body from positive build up of EMF's as a result of man made electrical current.

[0039] The grounding insert of the present invention may be integrated into an article of footwear in various ways including, as is more fully set forth below, integration into the midsole and the outersole.

[0040] In FIGS. 3-5 is shown an embodiment of the invention in which an electro-conductive insert 20 is provided within an insole 22 for a static electricity discharging shoe 64. As may be appreciated, the geometry of the electro-conductive insert varies slightly from shoe-to-shoe but, in general, includes an upper major base 26 and a lower minor base 28 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) which are joined by a central cylindrical portion 30. The minor base may be similar in diameter to the central portion. See FIG. 9. From FIGS. 4 and 6 it may be appreciated that the central cylindrical portion 30 and lower minor base 28 serve to stabilize the insert within insole 22 while the upper major base 20 also acts as a pad opposite to the plantar metatarsal region of the sole of the foot. The lower minor base also rests upon the top of outersole 32, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-8. The lower minor base also can touch the ground directly. See FIGS. 12-13

[0041] The upper major base of said electro-conductive insert is configured to be positioned opposite to the plantar metatarsal region of the sole of the foot proximally to the K-1 acupressure point when the foot abuts the insole. The upper major base of the electro-conductive insert defines the raised insert. The important function of this placement being that the K-1 acupressure point is a spot in the foot that is desirable for electrical conductivity in terms of less resistance. A theory behind the present invention seeks to exploit the region of the K-1 acupressure point as desirable, as the K-1 point does not callus as much as the heel or balls of the feet, and therefore provides less resistance to conductivity, making it the most advantageous spot.

[0042] As may be seen in FIGS. 3-9, the metatarsal pad defining upper major base 26 may, in one embodiment, be somewhat oval-shaped in its appearance. Inner sole 34 typically will then cover upper base 26 of the insert. The lower minor base also can touch the ground directly.

[0043] The possible dimensional relationships between upper surface and pad 26, lower surface 28, and connecting integral cylindrical portion 30 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. Thereafter, one may appreciate that the greatest dimension of said major base 26 of insert 20 to the greatest dimension of said minor base 30 is in the range of about 3:1 to about 1:1. It is noted that the reverse relationship of minor to major base dimensions may have utility. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, at least a portion of the outer sole 32 must be in contact with insert 20 formed of suitable conductive material of one of the types set forth below in regard to the insert itself.

[0044] Shown in FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a further embodiment 120 of insert 20 described above. Therein, the curvature upon the upper major base 126 of the insert is less than that described and shown above, particularly with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6. Also, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, central cylindrical portion 130 extends downwardly such that lower minor base 128 thereof possesses the same diameter as does central portion 130.

[0045] With reference to FIG. 10, there is shown the plantar sole of a human foot including the reflexology areas which are relevant to the present invention. More particularly, shown in FIG. 10 upon the plantar side proximal to the metatarsal area 34 of the foot is kidney region 36, pancreas region 38, adrenal region 40, colon region 42, spleen region 44, stomach region 46, diaphragm 48, and the solar plexus 50. Dotted line 52 corresponds to the nerve endings associated with the waist line.

[0046] FIG. 4 corresponds to the area shown in the circle 54 in FIG. 10 upon which major base 26 asserts pressure during the normal use of the inventive insert within a shoe provided therewith. This location is also known as the K1 or kidney 1 acupressure point and represents a major recognized entryway for the absorption of free electrons from the surface of the earth. See FIG. 1. As may be noted in FIG. 6. kidney region 36 is closely situated to pancreas region 38, adrenal region 40, stomach region 46, and colon region 42. As such, the pressure applied by upper major base or metatarsal pad 26 of the instant invention provides unique acupuncture and reflexology benefits to the human body through its use.

[0047] Yet further, the strategic metatarsal location of upper base 26 of the inventive insert provides for metatarsal off-loading in a region of the plantar surface of the foot which is prone to chronic and repetitive stresses. The instant invention therefore provides benefits at three distinct medical levels, namely, ground body conductivity, reflexology pressure at a strategic area, and the physiologic benefit of off-loading in the metatarsal heads of the sole of the foot.

[0048] A complete shoe 56 is shown in FIG. 11.

[0049] With respect to the materials of which the insert is preferably formed, it has been found that an elastomeric or polymeric resilient material having a characteristic known as a Shore A, in a range of about 25 to about 80 degrees is preferable. Alternatively, an elastomeric or polymeric resilient material having a Shore C in a range of about 35 to about 65 degrees is also desirable.

[0050] Metal in the sole of a shoe, or even used as the conductive insert, is not desirable for comfort, while it may be conductive it does not yield to the levels of comfort that an elastomeric material might and the elastomeric material in the present invention is inherently conductive.

[0051] In the present application, the conductive insert makes direct contact with the foot of the user of the shoe, as it has been configured to do so, and therefore eliminates the need for any metallic foil sheet or integrated metallic insole component. In addition, this results in the manufacturing of the shoe being simplified and allows for a singular component to facilitate conductivity.

[0052] With respect to the significant factor of conductivity of the insert, as well as the outsole 32 where the outsole is in direct contact with the ground, the level of resistance (the inverse of conductivity) has been found to be critical in providing a suitable property of static electricity dissipation. Through experimentation, the inventors have found that an optimal point to point resistance falls in a range of about 1000 Ohms to about 100,000 Ohms. In other words, at a higher level resistance than that of a true conductive material such as a metal, but a lesser resistance than that of an insulator such as rubber or a typical polymer. As such, so-called static dissipative materials possess an electrical resistance which is between that of insulative and conductive materials. This provides an electron flow across or through such dissipative materials, but the same is controlled in large part by the surface resistance and volume resistance of the material. This resistance also provides for two-way flow, unlike the prior art. As with the other categories of materials of greater and lesser resistance, charge can be generated on a statistic dissipative material, however, like a true conductive material, the static dissipative material will allow the transfer of charge to ground to occur as well as to other conductive surfaces upon which a user may walk with shoes provided with the inventive insert. The transfer of charge from the static dissipative material will generally take longer than that of a conductive material of equivalent size or dimension. It has been found to be beneficial, respective of safety and efficiency in light of the objects of the present invention, in minimizing or reducing electro-static discharge between bodies as well as the dissipation of undesirable externally originating endogenous currents within the human body. In other words, the speed of transfer of static and undesirable non-static charge (endogenous current) has been found to be an important factor in optimizing the function of the insert for use in its grounding function. Physiological studies have shown that the level of electron transfer from the earth into the human body is optimized and most beneficial at between 1000 Ohms and 100,000 Ohms.

[0053] While there has been shown and described above the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specific all shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.