Abstract
A shoe insole with an upper surface covered with numerous, small elastomer nodules with outstanding non-slip, gripping properties that grip and cushion the foot, to eliminate movement or slippage of the foot inside a shoe and thereby help wearers avoid foot or toe injury when playing sports.
Claims
1. A shoe insole inserted in a shoe, comprising: an upper surface to be in contact with a foot substantially covered with numerous protruding nodules made of an elastomer material with non-slip, gripping properties that prevents movement or slippage of the foot against the insole when the foot is inside the shoe.
2. A shoe insole of claim 1, wherein the nodules are made of soft thermoplastic rubber that can bend and flex under weight of a wearer's foot, thereby cradling, gripping, and cushioning the foot.
3. A shoe insole of claim 1, wherein the shape of the nodules are of a cylindrical body and a flat top, with the non-slip, gripping properties existing on all surface areas of the nodules.
4. A shoe insole of claim 1, wherein the shape of the nodules are of a cylindrical body and a rounded top, with the non-slip, gripping properties existing on all surface areas of the nodules.
5. A shoe insole of claim 1, wherein the shape of the nodules are of a conical body and a flat top, with the non-slip, gripping properties existing on all surface areas of the nodules.
6. A shoe insole of claim 1, wherein the shape of the nodules are of a conical body and a rounded top, with the non-slip, gripping properties existing on all surface areas of the nodules.
7. A shoe insole of claim 1, wherein the shape of the nodules are of a semi-spherical body and a rounded top, with the non-slip, gripping properties existing on all surface areas of the nodules.
8. A shoe insole of claim 1, wherein the shape of the nodules are a cylindrical with both ends connected to the surface thereby making a loop, with the non-slip, gripping properties existing on all surface areas of the nodules.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present invention will be more readily understood with reference to the following drawings.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a magnified view of embodiments of the nodules' possible shapes; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention along with a socked foot placed on the invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 4 show the preferred embodiments of the invention through different views, all of which represent the right insole to be used with the right foot of the wearer. The left insole for the left foot would consist of mirror images of FIGS. 1 to 4. The magnified views in each of the drawings are not drawn to scale.
[0015] FIG. 1 represents a top view of the invention (looking down on the upper surface of the insole), with the surface entirely covered (in this preferred embodiment) by numerous, small gripping nodules. The invention may alternatively have a surface that is substantially or partially covered by the nodules, to optimize or individualize the fit, the non-slip properties, and/or the cushioning. Because the view is squarely from above the insole and nodules, FIG. 1 does not show the nodules' protrusion from the surface and overall structure. While there are numerous gripping nodules on the surface (numbering in the thousands in this preferred FIG. 1 embodiment), the nodules are independent of each other and there exists a small amount of space around and in between each nodule, as shown in magnified view A. The concentration of nodules on the surface may vary to optimize the fit, gripping properties, and cushioning.
[0016] FIG. 2 represents a view of the invention from a slightly elevated angle, showing the top and side of the overall insole and, in magnified view B, showing a close-up view of the individual nodules protruding from the surface. The nodules are made of a durable but soft elastomer material with strong gripping properties that prevent the slippage or movement of the foot against the insole when inside a shoe. As shown in this FIG. 2 embodiment, the preferred structure of the insole has certain contours to match the natural shape and curvature of the foot, including an upwards curvature for arch support (area C) and a cupped heel area (area D). To optimize or individualize the insole, the overall shape may have reduced contours and curvature, including being flat or nearly flat.
[0017] While the images in FIG. 1 (magnified view A) and FIG. 2 (magnified view B) show a preferred shape of the nodules as having a cylindrical shaft and a relatively flat head, the nodules may have varying shapes and sizes to optimize the non-slip properties and the cushioning. FIG. 3 provides magnified views of different nodule shapes, consisting of seven (7) varying types: a short conical or convex shaft with a rounded head (view E); a cylindrical shaft and flat head (view F) as also shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4; a cylindrical shaft and rounded head (view G); a conical shaft with a flat head (view H); a conical shaft with a rounded head (view I); a cylindrical shaft and flat head attached at an angle to the surface (view J); and a cylindrical shaft looped and connected to the surface on both ends (view K). As these represent only certain examples, the shape of the nodules may vary from the drawings in views E, F, G, H, I, J and K, to optimize or individualize fit, gripping properties, and cushioning. For example, the nodules may incorporate some of the same shapes described above, but incorporate asymmetrical and/or angular shafts and heads. Further, rather than having one particular nodule shape for an entire insole, the insole may have nodules of different shapes to optimize fit and grip (such as different nodule shapes for the heel area, arch area, and toe area respectively).
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a drawing of a foot (with sock) utilizing the invention, as it will appear when used inside a shoe. As shown in magnified view L, the nodules are individually movable and bendable under the weight of the wearer's foot. The nodules may move in many different ways (as shown as an example in magnified view I) or be moved or bent more collectively, depending on the shape and position of the individual foot and how it was placed on the insole. With the high-friction, non-slip nodules splayed in different directions and positions, the insole acts as a bed of thousands of rubber gripping fingers cradling and securing the foot in place, as well as providing cushioning. The preferred material of the nodules is soft thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic rubber that possesses strong gripping properties. Other elastomer materials may be suitable as well.
[0019] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application.
