Cushioning shoe insole

• US 7,107,704 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2001
• Issued: 09/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: MJD Innovations, LLC
• Original Assignee: MJD Innovations, LLC
• Inventors: Dennis, Mike, Monk, Russell A.
• Primary Examiner(s): KAVANAUGH, JOHN T
• Application Number:
  US10/003,122
• Publication Number:
  US 20020144432A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,770 Days
• Field of Search: 36/43, 36/44, 36/28
• US Class Current: 36/44
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 7/02 with heating arrangements with electric heating arrangements A43B3/35
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 7/081 the air being forced from outside

Abstract

A shoe insole structure which includes a non-springy, acceleration-rate-sensitive viscoelastic cushioning layer carrying, on its upper surface, a low-friction, abrasion-resistant, load-distributing, moisture-wicking overlayer.

Claims

1. A non-spring-back shoe insole comprising

cushioning layer structure fully responsible for all cushioning behavior in the insole, structurally limited, with regard to cushioning-action response by it to a load-induced deformation, solely to a non-spring-back response, with said cushioning layer structure having upper and lower surfaces, and being formed throughout of an acceleration-rate-sensitive, viscoelastic, non-springy cushioning material, which, when a force is applied perpendicular to the cushioning layer structure, effectively densifies, thereby preventing total compression of the cushioning layer structure, and

a moisture-wicking fabric overlayer joined to said upper surface, which provides (1) a wear surface to protect the longevity of the underlying cushioning layer structure, (2) a low coefficient of sliding friction to minimize friction-induced heat from the foot of the wearer, (3) wicking of moisture to the perimeter of the insole, and (4) load-distributing elements to spread localized load events over an overlayer surface, and wherein said moisture-wicking fabric overlayer cooperates with said cushioning layer structure to enhance shock absorbing characteristics thereof.

2. The non-spring-back shoe insole of claim 1 wherein said moisture-wicking fabric overlayer includes elongate, stretch resistant fibers which function as tension-active, load distributing components in the fabric, and which are oriented at about 45°

to a long axis of the insole and at about 90°

to one another.

3. A non-spring-back shoe insole comprising

cushioning layer structure fully responsible for all cushioning behavior in the insole, structurally limited, with regard to cushioning-action response by it to a load-induced deformation, solely to a non-spring-back response, with said cushioning layer structure having upper and lower surfaces, and being formed throughout of an acceleration-rate-sensitive, viscoelastic, non-springy cushioning material, wherein said cushioning layer structure tends to flow with heat and compression, thus deforming gradually to create an upwardly facing, topographically-conforming, foot-support surface which compliments and follows the configuration of the underside of a supported foot, which, when a force is applied perpendicular to the cushioning layer structure, effectively densifies, thereby preventing total compression of the cushioning layer structure, and

a moisture-wicking fabric overlayer joined to said upper surface, which provides (1) a wear surface to protect the longevity of the underlying cushioning layer structure, (2) a low coefficient of sliding friction to minimize friction-induced heat from the foot of the wearer, (3) wicking of moisture to the perimeter of the insole, and (4) load-distributing elements to spread localized load events over an overlayer surface, and wherein said moisture-wicking fabric overlayer cooperates with said cushioning layer structure to enhance shock absorbing characteristics thereof.

4. The non-spring-back shoe insole of claim 3 wherein said moisture-wicking fabric overlayer includes elongate, stretch resistant fibers which function as tension-active, load distributing components in the fabric, and which are oriented at about 45°

to a long axis of the insole and at about 90°

to one another.