SELECTIVELY REMOVABLE INSOLE FOR HIGH HEEL SHOES

Abstract

A selectively removable insole for high heel shoes comprising an insole platform member of a flexible, deformable, and polymeric material, a toe strap of a transparent polymeric material, and a rear strap member formed with a side strap member portion and an ankle strap member portion. Embodiments of the invention provide a transparent silicone sock compromising a self-supporting material that flexes, stretches and covers parts of the foot that usually get affected by common foot problems such as, by way of example and without limitation, skin irritation, blisters, skin stiffening, calluses, plantar forefoot pain at the forefoot, and metatarsalgia during fashionable, open or close toed, high heel shoe wear. Beneficially, a user can make any high heeled shoe, sandal, or boot that they already own or wish to purchase comfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time without foot pain or discomfort.

Claims

1. An insole for high heel shoes comprising: an insole platform member of a flexible, deformable, and polymeric material, having a front end, a rear end, defining an insole platform member length separating the front and rear ends of the insole platform member, having two opposing sides defining an insole platform member width separating the two opposing sides, having an insole upper surface, an insole bottom surface opposing the insole upper surface, defining an insole thickness separating the insole upper surface and insole bottom surface and of a slender configuration relative to the insole platform member length and the insole platform member width; a toe strap disposed proximal to the front end, defining an enclosed opening, and of a transparent polymeric material; and a rear strap member directly uncoupled to the toe strap and formed with: a side strap member portion disposed proximal to the rear end, disposed on the opposite sides of the insole platform member, and of a transparent polymeric material; and an ankle strap member portion coupled to an upper end of the side strap member portion, defining an enclosed opening, and of a transparent polymeric material.

2. The insole for high heel shoes according to claim 1, wherein: the insole platform member is of a monolithic latex rubber material.

3. The insole for high heel shoes according to claim 1, wherein: the insole thickness is less than approximately 5 mm uniformly spanning the platform member length.

4. The insole for high heel shoes according to claim 1, wherein: the insole platform member is formedly biased into a first planar portion and a second continually curved portion angled relative to the first planar portion, the first planar portion including the front end and the second curved portion including the rear end.

5. The insole for high heel shoes according to claim 1, wherein the insole platform member further comprises: a plurality of raised surfaces each radially projecting from the insole upper surface, each of a spherical shape, disposed in a tightly spaced configuration with respect to one another, and continuously and substantially spanning the insole platform member length.

6. The insole for high heel shoes according to claim 1, wherein: the side strap member portion and the ankle strap member portion are each of a thickness less than approximately 5 mm and a width separating opposing sides less than approximately 30 mm.

7. The insole for high heel shoes according to claim 1, wherein the insole bottom surface of the insole platform member further defines: a toe strap recess shaped and sized to receive the toe strap in a completely recessed configuration therein; and a side strap recess shaped and sized to receive the side strap member portion in a completely recessed configuration therein.

8. The insole for high heel shoes according to claim 1, wherein: the rear strap member has a heel strap member portion and with a thin side transparent plastic connecting both the side strap member portion, the heel strap member portion, and the ankle strap member portion.

9. The insole for high heel shoes according to claim 1, further comprising: a side support member disposed on the insole platform member at the midpoint of the insole platform member length.

10. In combination with a high heel shoe having an outsole, a cantilevered heel member extending from the outsole, an insole opposing the outsole of the high heel shoe, and an upper member disposed laterally around the insole of the high heel shoe, the improvement comprising an insole platform member of a flexible, deformable, and polymeric material, having a front end, a rear end, defining an insole platform member length separating the front and rear ends of the insole platform member, having two opposing sides defining an insole platform member width separating the two opposing sides, having an insole upper surface, an insole bottom surface opposing the insole upper surface and selectively removably directly coupled to the insole of the high heel shoe, defining an insole thickness separating the insole upper surface and insole bottom surface and of a slender configuration relative to the insole platform member length and the insole platform member width; a toe strap disposed proximal to the front end, defining an enclosed opening, and of a transparent polymeric material; and a rear strap member directly uncoupled to the toe strap and formed with: a side strap member portion disposed proximal to the rear end, disposed on the opposite sides of the insole platform member, and of a transparent polymeric material; and an ankle strap member portion coupled to an upper end of the side strap member portion, defining an enclosed opening, and of a transparent polymeric material.

11. The improvement according to claim 10, wherein: the insole platform member is of a monolithic latex rubber material.

12. The improvement according to claim 10, wherein: the insole thickness is less than approximately 5 mm uniformly spanning the platform member length.

13. The improvement according to claim 10, wherein: the insole platform member is formedly biased into a first planar portion and a second continually curved portion angled relative to the first planar portion, the first planar portion including the front end and the second curved portion including the rear end.

14. The improvement according to claim 10, wherein the insole platform member further comprises: a plurality of raised surfaces each radially projecting from the insole upper surface, each of a spherical shape, disposed in a tightly spaced configuration with respect to one another, and continuously and substantially spanning the insole platform member length.

15. The improvement according to claim 10, wherein: the side strap member portion and the ankle strap member portion are each of a thickness less than approximately 5 mm and a width separating opposing sides less than approximately 30 mm.

16. The improvement according to claim 10, wherein the insole bottom surface of the insole platform member further defines: a toe strap recess shaped and sized to receive the toe strap in a completely recessed configuration therein; and a side strap recess shaped and sized to receive the side strap member portion in a completely recessed configuration therein.

17. The improvement according to claim 10, wherein: the rear strap member has a heel strap member portion and with a thin side transparent plastic connecting both the side strap member portion, the heel strap member portion, and the ankle strap member portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0029] FIGS. 1-3 depict perspective top views of an insole for high heel shoes, in accordance with the present invention, wherein FIG. 1 also depicts an exemplary high heel shoe for use with the insole;

[0030] FIGS. 4-5 depict elevational side views of the insole for high heel shoes according to FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

[0031] FIGS. 6-7 depict elevational front and rear views of the insole for high heel shoes, in accordance with the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of the insole for high heel shoes, in accordance with the present invention; and

[0033] FIG. 9 is a perspective bottom view of the insole for high heel shoes, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0035] The present invention provides a novel and efficient insole for high heel shoes that is designed to be worn like a silicone sock such that it is not immediately or readily visually perceptible to others at first glance. Embodiments of the invention provide an insole that helps supply comfort and support to the foot during fashionable high-heel shoe wear. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide a transparent silicone sock compromising a self-supporting material that flexes, stretches and covers parts of the foot that usually get affected by common foot problems such as, by way of example and without limitation, skin irritation, blisters, skin stiffening, calluses, plantar forefoot pain at the forefoot, and metatarsalgia during fashionable, open or close toed, high heel shoe wear. Beneficially, the present invention enables users to comfortably wear high heeled footwear of all styles and heel heights that can be purchased from widely available shoe and retail stores. A user can make any high heeled shoe, sandal, or boot that they already own or wish to purchase comfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time without foot pain or discomfort.

[0036] Existing prior art focuses on and protects only one part of the foot at a time, creating comfort on that specific part of the foot only. Conversely, the present invention focuses on and protects different areas of the foot that are regularly affected by high heel shoe wear, like toes, ball, sole, bridge, heel, and ankle. Moreover, the present invention focuses not only on creating comfort for the foot, but it also focuses on the cosmetic look of the shoe by comprising a design and material that is not readily noticeable at first glance while other related prior art is too noticeable, thereby detracting from the cosmetic, fashionable look of certain shoes.

[0037] The present invention also prevents the user from being required to use different pieces on each part of the foot that might be affected by high heel shoe wear, thereby helping prevent alterations on the shoe size and malfunctions that can happen when wearing different pieces in different parts of the foot, e.g., such as the discomfort, frustration, and annoyance that a user experiences when pieces peel off or move out of position due to detachment. Beneficially, the present invention provides the user the convenience of a one-piece sock that has the same mechanism of a conventional sock, but with the advantage that is not noticeable to others at first glance. Moreover, the material is more resistant to the friction and rubbing of a shoe material that causes the hereinabove referenced foot problems.

[0038] Another benefit of the present invention is that because of its measurements and the elasticity of the material, it conforms to the foot, preventing the original shoe size from being altered and that, in turn, prevents the user from experiencing discomfort from a tight shoe. Unlike existing prior art, the insole is a one-piece device that covers all the parts of the foot that usually get affected by high heel shoe wear, giving the user the convenience of simplicity and practicality. An example of another similar prior art is that embodied in Patent No. CA2812560A1 that supplies comfort for high heel shoe wearers with two separate inserts which are a forefoot insert under three middle toes and an arch insert that is highest and widest just in front of the heel. The prior art, however, forces the user to wear multiple separate and discrete pieces at one time, rather than a single monolithic body which is easier and faster to use and more comfortable on the foot.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective top view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of an insole for high heel shoes 100 (referred to hereinafter as insole 100 for brevity), as shown in FIG. 1, includes an insole platform member 102 of a flexible, deformable, and polymeric material, having a front end 104, a rear end 106, defining an insole platform member length 300 separating the front and rear ends 104, 106 of the insole platform member 102, having two opposing sides 108, 110 defining an insole platform member width 700 separating the two opposing sides 108, 110, having an insole upper surface 112, an insole bottom surface 302 opposing the insole upper surface 112, defining an insole thickness separating the insole upper surface 112 and insole bottom surface 302 and of a slender configuration relative to the insole platform member length 300 and the insole platform member width 700. As used herein, flexible is defined as capable of bending easily without breaking, and deformable is defined as capable of being reshaped. The foregoing material properties of the insole platform member 102 are crucial because they preserve the versatility of the insole 100 by ensuring that the insole 100 can easily and successfully be applied to different high heel shoes, boots, sandals, etc. Moreover, these properties provide for a surface that is comfortable to the user's feet, particularly when the user places the weight of their body on the insole platform member 102. It is also important that the insole platform member 102 is of a polymeric material that typically embodies the foregoing properties and characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, the insole platform member 102 is of a monolithic latex rubber material. Latex is known for its tensile and elongation abilities, as well as tear resistance and overall resilience, creating a comfortable and durable surface for the insole 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the insole platform member 102 is formed from liquid latex which is naturally sticky or tacky even when it dries. One advantage to the tackiness of liquid latex is that it can act as an adhesive for attaching items such as the insole 100 to a shoe. Moreover, liquid latex is naturally clear and dries into a translucent amber color which is beneficial insofar as the insole 100 is not as readily perceptible to the naked eye as it would be if composed of a different material composition. In alternate embodiments, the insole platform member 102 may be composed of a different, yet comparable, material composition that likewise embodies the foregoing properties, qualities, and/or characteristics. Importantly, the insole platform member 102 is monolithic in a preferred embodiment to avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of use associated with wearing or using multiple pieces to achieve the same function as well as the danger arising from pieces peeling off, falling off, or dislodging.

[0040] The insole platform member length 300 (depicted in FIG. 3) is of a length corresponding to the average length of a user's foot to beneficially enable use by users of varying shoe and foot sizes. An exemplary insole platform member length 300 is approximately 184.658 mm though the insole platform member length 300 may vary in alternate embodiments. For example, the insole 100 may be one-size-fits-all (or one-size-fits-most) or may come in different sizes such that the insole platform member length 300 corresponds to different shoe sizes. Regardless, the insole platform member length 300 should not be excessively long as it would not facilitate a sufficiently snug fit of the insole 100 around the user's foot. Likewise, the insole platform member width 700 (depicted in FIG. 7) should correspond in size and dimension to the width of the user's foot. In an exemplary embodiment, the insole platform member width 700 ranges between approximately 78.232 mm at the front end 104 of the insole platform member 102 and 56.388 mm at the rear end 106 of the insole platform member 102.

[0041] The insole 100 further comprises a toe strap 116 disposed proximal to the front end 104, defining an enclosed opening, and of a transparent polymeric material. As used herein, proximal to is defined as being at or near, within 25-50 millimeters or less than 10% of the overall insole platform member length 300. The enclosed opening is ideally enclosed using the insole upper surface 112 because a portion of the toe strap 116 is disposed underneath the insole platform member 102 (as best depicted in FIG. 9). As used herein, transparent is defined as clear or see-through and also includes, unless otherwise specified, translucent (i.e., semi-transparent) materials, but does not include any opaque material(s) because the insole 100 would then be easily noticed, defeating one of the principal purposes of the present invention.

[0042] In accordance with another feature, the insole 100 further comprises a rear strap member 118, 120, 122 directly uncoupled to the toe strap 116 and formed with a side strap member portion 118 disposed proximal to the rear end 106, disposed on the opposite sides 108, 110 of the insole platform member 102, and of a transparent polymeric material; and an ankle strap member portion 122 coupled to an upper end of the side strap member portion 118, defining an enclosed opening, and of a transparent polymeric material. The side strap member portion 118 may be formed with two separate strap portions or a single strap portion. The enclosed opening defined by the ankle strap member portion 122 is operably configured and designed to receive the user's ankle therein which beneficially secures the insole 100 to, and around, the user's foot to avoid or prevent inadvertent dislodging. The side strap member portion 118 is approximately 18.288 mm in length though this length may vary in alternate embodiments.

[0043] The insole thickness is less than approximately 5 mm (+/?1 mm) uniformly spanning the platform member length 300. This beneficially provides sufficient support and cushion to the user upon each foot strike while simultaneously keeping a low footprint that allows the insole 100 to fit within various types of high heel shoes, boots, sandals, and other footwear.

[0044] In one embodiment, the insole platform member 102 is formedly biased into a first planar portion 400 and a second continually curved portion 402 angled relative to the first planar portion 400, the first planar portion 400 including the front end 104 and the second curved portion 402 including the rear end 106. Said differently, the manufacturing process for the insole 100 forms it into the form and shape depicted in the attached figures such that it is biased in said shape (e.g., by heat pressing the second curved portion 402 relative to the first planar portion 400).

[0045] The insole platform member 102 may further comprise a plurality of raised surfaces 114a-n (wherein n refers to any number greater than one) each radially projecting from the insole upper surface 112, each of a spherical shape, disposed in a tightly spaced configuration with respect to one another, and continuously and substantially spanning the insole platform member length 300. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of raised surfaces 114a-n are approximately 3 mm or less in height, 3 mm or less in diameter, and spaced less than 5 mm apart from one another. The plurality of raised surfaces 114a-n span at least 70% of the insole platform member length 300 and the insole platform member width 700 of the insole platform member 102. Beneficially, the plurality of raised surfaces 114a-n provide comfort and support to the user's foot and facilitate the circulation of air between the user's foot and the insole platform member 102.

[0046] For greater comfort and ease of use (along with visual aesthetics), the side strap member portion 118 and the ankle strap member portion 122 are each of a thickness less than approximately 5 mm and a width separating opposing sides less than approximately 30 mm. These dimensions are also significant because they ensure the inconspicuous nature of the insole 100. In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the insole bottom surface 302 of the insole platform member 102 further defines a toe strap recess 304 shaped and sized to receive the toe strap 116 in a completely recessed configuration therein; and a side strap recess 306 shaped and sized to receive the side strap member portion 118 in a completely recessed configuration therein. The rear strap member 118, 120, 122 may have a heel strap member portion 122 and with a thin side clear plastic connecting both the side strap member portion 118, the heel strap member portion 122, and the ankle strap member portion 122. The clear and thin nature of the plastic connecting the side strap member portion 118, the heel strap member portion 122, and the ankle strap member portion 122 further contributes to the visually imperceptible or inconspicuous nature of the insole 100.

[0047] A side support member 124 is disposed on the insole platform member 102 at the midpoint of the insole platform member length 300, i.e., at or within 50% of the insole platform member length 300. The placement of the side support member 124 at the midpoint of the insole platform member length 300 allows the side support member 124 to provide greater support and cushion to the midfoot of the user for improved balance. With reference back to FIG. 1, the insole for high heel shoes 100 can be seen configured to be utilized with a high heel shoe 126 having an outsole 128, a cantilevered heel member 130 extending from the outsole 128, an insole 132 opposing the outsole 128 of the high heel shoe 126, and an upper member 134. The insole 132 and outsole 128 may be also preformed into the acute orientation or angle shown in FIG. 1. The insole bottom surface 302 is selectively removably directly coupled to the insole 132 of the high heel shoe 126. The high heel shoe 126, namely the upper member 134, may include a toe box terminating at a vamp and may also include a quarter or counter configured to support a heel of a user.

[0048] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.