Insole for footwear, universal insole, and footwear using universal insole

Abstract

The invention provides an insole for footwear, which can walk in an optimal posture for each user and in a state that unreasonable force is not applied to the body. An insole for footwear comprises: an insole bottom (2); a support member (4) arranged above the insole bottom (2); a gel body (5) disposed on the support member (4) and forming the shape of the foot of the user; and an upper covering part (3) which covers the insole bottom part (2) and sandwiches the support member (4) and the gel body (5) between the upper covering part (3) and the insole bottom part (2). The support member (4) has a first guide member (11) that supports the heel portion, a rod-shaped second guide member (13) that extends forward from the sole center portion, and a forward extension portion (14) that is provided between the first guide member (11) and the second guide member (13). The front extension portion (14) supports the foot upward at a position in front of the fulcrum of the heel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a footwear insole and footwear using the insole, and more particularly to a footwear insole and footwear using the insole that enables a user (hereinafter also referred to as "user") to perform walking movements correctly and maintain an upright posture while walking. Background Technology

[0002] With a growing desire to improve physical health and fitness, the demand for rehabilitation services for lower back pain and cervical spondylosis is increasing. In the medical field, the focus of treatment for lower back pain and cervical spondylosis is considered to be correcting poor posture. This is a research area in biomechanics, and research findings on improving the physical properties of footwear are of epoch-making significance.

[0003] As people age, the proportion of calcium loss in different parts of the body increases. However, because some calcium loss is asymmetrical, it becomes difficult to walk with the correct posture in old age, often leading to foot pain, leg pain, skeletal deformities, unsteady gait, foot displacement, shrinking of the foot contact area, poor blood circulation throughout the body, blocked meridians, and varying degrees of internal organ or endocrine disorders. These factors accelerate aging in different parts of the body and directly affect lifespan.

[0004] According to UN life expectancy statistics, Japan maintains the world's highest average life expectancy (84 years) by more than 20 years. In the 1970s, a direct link between foot health and lifespan was discovered. Correcting foot balance on the ground, a primary cause, is a major method for extending human lifespan. As a result, leg deformities that occur with age in Japan have received increasing attention, leading to a growing need for insoles that can correct foot and leg deformities, as well as footwear such as shoes and sandals that use such insoles.

[0005] Users typically insert insoles into the soles of their shoes for comfort and to prevent foot stuffiness. Traditionally, insoles for these purposes have mostly been constructed from sheet-like components made of fibrous materials or highly absorbent synthetic resins, or from mesh structures made of various materials. These traditional insoles are generally flat, with an overall thickness of about 3-5 mm, and are slightly thicker near the center than at the edges. They are inserted into the shoe to conform to the insole, providing comfort and preventing foot stuffiness. Because insoles are made of fibrous or synthetic resin materials, and are slightly thicker near the center, they possess a degree of elasticity and cushioning.

[0006] As a conventional technology for footwear insoles, there exists a technology described, for example, in Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Application Publication No. 2013-009984). Patent Document 1 discloses an insole structure comprising a layer made of a thermoplastic resin material such as ABS resin, which is used as a shoe or insole. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 also discloses a method for manufacturing an insole with a shape conforming to an individual's foot using thermoplastic resin.

[0007] In addition, the applicant of this patent application proposed an insole design as described in Patent Document 2 (JP JP 2020-137984) regarding improvements to insoles.

[0008] Existing technical documents

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: JP Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-009984;

[0011] Patent document 2: JP 2020-137984. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0013] However, while the footwear insole described in Patent Document 1 is readily available and inexpensive using thermoplastic resin, based on the conventional method of creating an insole by taking a plaster model of the foot shape suitable for an individual and referring to that model, it is fundamentally difficult to obtain a custom-made insole with the functions of a handcrafted insole designed with human walking in mind. Merely conforming to the shape of the foot, although it may generate uniform pressure on the mounting surface, makes it difficult to maintain the balance required to support the weight during walking. Furthermore, it fails to provide the function of generating effective push-off force or mitigating the impact from the reaction force from the ground.

[0014] In addition, although the insole for footwear in Patent Document 2 achieves the following effects: it can generate uniform pressure on the setting surface according to the individual's foot shape and can maintain the balance required to support the weight during walking, it has the problem that the support for the part of the sole of the foot near the arch is not sufficient.

[0015] When designing insoles that take into account the function and shape of human walking, it is necessary to understand the structure of the human foot and the mechanism of walking. The human foot arch contains three arched shapes: the lateral longitudinal arch, the medial longitudinal arch, and the transverse arch. Each foot has three arched sections (shown later). Figure 14The diagram is illustrated by lines a, b, and c, which facilitate posture control in the forward / backward, left / right, and horizontal rotational directions, respectively. Additionally, the arched shape acts like a spring, mitigating impact on the feet during walking or running.

[0016] Here, we will explain the arch shape. Figures 14 to 16 This is a diagram showing an example of the skeletal structure of a human foot (left foot). Figure 14 It is a top view. Figure 15 It is roughly along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of line a (showing the line of the inner longitudinal arch later in the text). Figure 16 It is along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of line b (horizontal line). In Figure 14 In the human foot, the skeletal structure corresponding to the sole has three fulcrums: fulcrum A at the heel, fulcrum B at the base of the big toe, and fulcrum C at the base of the little toe. Weight is supported by these three fulcrums A, B, and C. Because of this three-point support, the support surface is singular, preventing the foot from being twisted or deformed on the ground. Furthermore, if we denote the line connecting fulcrum A and fulcrum B as line a, the line connecting fulcrum B and fulcrum C as line b, and the line connecting fulcrum C and fulcrum A as line c, then... Figure 15 As shown, in the height direction of the foot, from the side view, a medial longitudinal arch Ar1 is formed roughly along line a, corresponding to the arch of the foot; from the side view, a lateral longitudinal arch Ar2 is formed roughly along line c; and from the posterior view in the front-back direction, a transverse arch Ar3 is formed roughly along line b. There are three such arched parts. Figures 14-16 These three arches (Ar1, Ar2, and Ar3) facilitate posture control in the forward / backward, left / right, and horizontal rotation directions. The medial longitudinal arch Ar1, formed along line a, extends in an arc corresponding to the foot arch, with a height of 1 cm in most people. However, some individuals have flat feet, in which case the height of Ar1 is 0 cm. Furthermore, the arched shape acts like a spring, mitigating impact on the foot. It is the presence of these three arches that enables everyday walking movements such as walking, running, and standing. The structure of these arches Ar1, Ar2, and Ar3 gradually develops through bipedal walking, and is therefore not present in newborns. While bipedal walking is observed in animals other than humans, only humans possess arched feet. Although apes and gorillas, lacking arches, often walk on two legs, they do so by bending over or kneeling to maintain balance, unlike humans who can stand almost upright.

[0017] This section explains the relationship between various foot problems and the shape of the arch of the foot. Since humans began wearing shoes, they have been troubled by a variety of foot problems, which have even had adverse effects on their health. Because shoes protect the feet, they reduce stimulation of the arch, gradually leading to a walking style that doesn't utilize the toes. As a result, the arch muscles weaken, causing the arch shape to collapse. This results in various foot problems such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, floating toes and feet, and foot pain. Currently, due to wearing slippery or unstimulating shoes, ill-fitting shoes, walking on hard surfaces, prolonged standing at work, lack of exercise, various foot conditions, obesity, and advanced age, the shape of the arch of the foot is gradually deteriorating. If the structure or shape of the foot, including the arch shape, becomes abnormal, not only the foot itself, but also the balance of the ankle, knee, hip, waist, neck, and other parts of the body will be disrupted, potentially causing discomfort. In addition, while walking, people use shoes or insoles with shock-absorbing materials to reduce impact. However, symptoms such as fatigue, stiff shoulders, lower back pain, knee pain, and swollen calves are closely related to the arch shape of the foot.

[0018] According to the inventors' insights, in order to walk in a manner that is optimal for each footwear user and in a bipedal walking style, the key lies in the "arch structure" of the foot formed at the arch of the foot. It has been found that the shape or structure of the insole needs to be designed to suit the individual, taking into account the arch structure of the foot.

[0019] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide a footwear insole that can support the body's balance (balance posture) when walking on both feet and walking without applying unreasonable forces to the body.

[0020] The second objective of this invention is to provide a footwear insole that, while achieving the aforementioned body balance, can maintain and support the bones of the foot in a three-dimensional shape, further improving foot support and achieving a more rational walking posture and reduced physical fatigue.

[0021] A third objective of this invention is to provide an insole for footwear that provides appropriate support to the arch of the foot and protects the foot bones when the arch of the foot tends to deform into a flat shape due to intense exercise or impact.

[0022] means for solving problems

[0023] The insole for footwear of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an insole bottom whose planar shape is cut into the shape of a shoe sole and whose lower surface contacts the insole of the shoe; an upper cover portion disposed to cover the upper part of the insole bottom; a support member disposed between the insole bottom and the upper cover portion; and a gel disposed on the support member; the gel being made of a material having thermoplasticity that deforms upon heating and shape retention that maintains the deformed state upon cooling after heating, and being configured to mold into the shape of a user's foot upon heating; the support member having a first guide member, a second guide member, and a front extension portion, the first guide member including a foot forming a support foot on the gel. The insole has a generally annular protrusion in the recessed part. The second guide member is disposed approximately at the center of the bottom of the insole in the width direction and in front of the first guide member. It includes a rod-shaped or plate-shaped protrusion extending in the front-back direction. The front extension is disposed between the first guide member and the second guide member. The first guide member, the second guide member, and the front extension are configured to distribute the gel to the left and right sides and the heel, and support the sole of the foot. Weight is supported by three points of support: the heel fulcrum, the base of the big toe fulcrum, and the base of the little toe fulcrum. The front extension is located in front of the heel fulcrum and supports the cubic bone portion of the foot upward.

[0024] In this invention, the height of the second guide member may be higher than the height of the first guide member, and the front extension may have an upwardly inclined portion that gradually extends forward.

[0025] In the footwear insole of the present invention, there is an insole bottom with a planar shape cut into the shape of a shoe sole, a support member, a gel body, and an upper cover. The gel body, disposed on the support member between the insole bottom and the upper cover, is shaped to conform to the shape of the user's foot. Thus, it can be deformed into a shape that conforms to the state of the sole of a person's foot (the inherent shape of the user's foot). By using the footwear insole, optimal posture can be maintained during walking. Furthermore, it is easy to form the "arch structure of the foot formed in the arch of the foot" required for bipedal walking. Therefore, it is possible to support the body's balance (balance state) during bipedal walking and to walk without applying unreasonable forces to the body. In addition, since a first guide member and a second guide member are provided in the main area of ​​the insole bottom, it is easier to form an arch structure suitable for supporting the heel and arch of the foot. In addition, by providing a first guiding member that includes a generally annular protrusion with a recess in the gel for supporting the heel, the bottom and sides of the heel of the foot are partially or completely covered by the recess, thereby reliably supporting the ankle.

[0026] Furthermore, a forward extension is provided in front of the first guide member and positioned between the first and second guide members. This forward extension, located in front of the heel fulcrum, supports the cubic bone portion of the foot upwards, thus keeping the part bearing the weight of the foot elevated from the sole. In other words, it maintains the three-dimensional shape of the foot bones and provides support, achieving body balance while further enhancing vertical support of the foot, thereby optimizing walking posture and reducing physical fatigue.

[0027] Additionally, in the footwear insole of the present invention, the gel body may have a foot-side support portion on the left and right sides of the second guide member of the support member, which is configured to extend to the front of the forward extension portion, and the foot-side support portion supports the arch of the foot on the left and right sides of the second guide member.

[0028] Therefore, in the insole for footwear of the present invention, when the arched structure formed in the arch of the foot is subjected to intense exercise or impact and is about to deform into a flat shape, the arch of the foot is supported by the foot side support portion, which can protect the foot bones.

[0029] In addition, in the footwear insole of the present invention, the foot side support portion may be disposed on the right side of the second guide member in the left foot insole, and on the left side of the second guide member in the right foot insole.

[0030] Therefore, in the insole for footwear of the present invention, foot side support parts are provided for the left and right feet respectively at the parts that match the arch of the foot. The foot side support parts provide correct support for the arch of the foot. When the arch structure is subjected to intense exercise or impact and is about to deform into a flat shape, it effectively supports the arch of the foot and can protect the foot bones.

[0031] Furthermore, the universal insole according to the third embodiment of the present invention is characterized by having an insole bottom, an upper covering portion that covers the upper part of the insole bottom, a support member disposed between the insole bottom and the upper covering portion, and a gel disposed on the support member, extending forward from the heel portion of the foot and terminating near the base of the toes. In addition to the above-described configuration, the universal insole is characterized by having a planar shape that is substantially symmetrical about left and right with respect to a central axis (O) passing through the center of the universal insole in the left-right direction.

[0032] Therefore, the universal insole of the third embodiment can be used for multiple types of different footwear, not just footwear with different shoe structures, but also insoles applicable to a wide range of footwear. Furthermore, by adding a configuration that is approximately symmetrical about the central axis (O) to the planar shape of the universal insole, it can be used on either the left or right side of footwear such as slippers or sandals where left and right distinctions are not strictly defined, further increasing its versatility.

[0033] Furthermore, a key aspect of the second invention is that in footwear using a universal insole, a slit hole is formed at the rear end of the sole plate of simple footwear such as slippers, and a receiving space is formed by extending from the opening of the slit hole toward the interior of the sole plate. The universal insole of the third embodiment is inserted into and received in the receiving space. That is, as a footwear having a sole plate that forms the sole, a slit hole extending in the left-right direction is formed at the rear end of the sole plate, and a receiving space extends forward from the slit hole. The universal insole is inserted into and received in the receiving space.

[0034] Therefore, the second invention of this article uses a universal insole for footwear that can be used on multiple types of different footwear, not just footwear with a specific shoe structure, but also for a wide range of footwear types.

[0035] The effects of the invention

[0036] The footwear insole of this first invention comprises an insole bottom cut into the shape of a shoe sole, a support member, a gel body, and an upper cover. The gel body, disposed on the support member between the insole bottom and the upper cover, is shaped to conform to the user's foot, thus allowing it to deform into a shape that matches the natural shape of the user's foot. By using the footwear insole, optimal posture can be maintained during walking. Furthermore, it is easy to form the "arch structure of the foot formed in the arch of the foot" necessary for bipedal walking. Therefore, it can support the body's balance (equilibrium state) during bipedal walking and provide support for walking without applying unreasonable forces to the body.

[0037] Furthermore, a forward extension is provided in front of the first guide member, between the first and second guide members. This forward extension supports the foot upwards from the position in front of the heel fulcrum, thus maintaining and supporting the foot bones in a three-dimensional shape, achieving proper body balance. Furthermore, foot support is further improved, leading to a more rational walking posture and reduced fatigue. In a modified version of the gel, a foot-side support is provided on the left and right sides of the second guide member of the support member, extending forward to the front of the forward extension. This foot-side support supports the arch of the foot on the left and right sides of the second guide member. Therefore, when the arched structure of the foot is subjected to intense movement or impact and tends to flatten, the foot-side support appropriately supports the arch, protecting the foot bones. In the insole of this invention, as described above, points that maintain the body's balance (balance state) during walking, and points that protect the bones of the feet, complement each other. When stepping out while walking, the rear foot (supporting foot) stably supports the body weight, thus allowing the front foot (stepping foot) to step out smoothly and increasing stride length. Consequently, when the front foot lands, the toes point upwards, preventing tripping and reducing the likelihood of falls. Typically, elderly people walk with small, forward-leaning steps, often tripping and falling. This is because the rear foot does not stably support the body weight. The insole of this invention improves upon this condition.

[0038] Other embodiments of this invention provide a universal insole that, while having the same basic structure as the insole of the first invention, has a structure that extends forward from the heel of the foot to near the base of the toes. This makes it a main-part-defined insole, allowing it to be used with various types of footwear, not just footwear with a specific shoe structure, but also in a wide range of footwear types. Furthermore, in addition to the above-described structure, this universal insole has a planar shape that is approximately symmetrical about the central axis (O). In this case, it can be used with either left or right segmentation for footwear such as slippers or sandals where left and right distinctions are not strictly defined, further increasing its versatility.

[0039] The second invention of this article mainly involves inserting a universal insole into the sole of simple footwear such as slippers to form a footwear using a universal insole, thereby enabling it to be used for multiple types of different footwear, not just footwear with a shoe structure, but also for a wide range of footwear. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the structure of a footwear insole according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the composition of the gel used in the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 3 It is the insole for footwear according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 A sectional view along line III-III.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a partial unfolding of the main part of the insole for footwear according to the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the configuration of an insole (for the left foot) according to a second embodiment of the first invention of this document.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a partial top view showing the composition of the gel used in the second embodiment and the support member disposed on the underside of the gel.

[0046] Figure 7 This illustrates the laminated structure of the gel and support member used in the second embodiment. Figure 6 A partial sectional view of line VII-VII in the diagram.

[0047] Figure 8 This illustrates the layered structure of the gel at the front end of the support member in the second embodiment and the support member. Figure 6 A partial sectional view of line VIII-VIII in the diagram.

[0048] Figure 9 This is a top view showing the structure of a general-purpose insole according to a third embodiment of the first invention of this document.

[0049] Figure 10 It is a general-purpose insole of the embodiment described, along the central axis O. Figure 9 A sectional view of line X-X in the diagram.

[0050] Figure 11 It is a general-purpose insole of the embodiment described above. Figure 9 A sectional view of line XI-XI in the diagram.

[0051] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing an example of footwear (slippers) using the universal insole of the third embodiment as a second invention of this document.

[0052] Figure 13 This illustrates the use of the universal insole of the third embodiment in footwear of the second invention, comprising... Figure 12 A three-dimensional view of the cross section of line XIII-XIII in the diagram.

[0053] Figure 14It is a schematic top view representing the bones of a human foot.

[0054] Figure 15 It represents the arch of the foot. Figure 14 The side sectional view of line a in the diagram.

[0055] Figure 16 It represents the arch of the foot. Figure 14 The front and rear sectional view of line b in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Embodiments of the footwear insole (hereinafter referred to as "insole") of the present invention will be described. Figures 1 to 4 These figures illustrate the first embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, Figure 1 This is a top view showing the configuration of an insole (for the left foot) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a top view showing the composition of the gel used in the first embodiment. Figure 3 It is the insole of the first embodiment. Figure 1 A sectional view along line III-III. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a partial unfolding of the main part of the insole of the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 1 In the attached drawing, reference numeral 1 indicates the insole. In this specification, in... Figure 1 In this design, the portion of insole 1 corresponding to the toes of the user's foot is called the front end, and the portion of insole 1 corresponding to the heel of the user's foot is called the rear end. At the center of insole 1, a line connecting the front end (as the toes) and the rear end (as the heel) is used as the central axis O. The direction in which the central axis O extends is called the front-back direction. Furthermore, a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction of insole 1 is called the left-right direction. The direction from the heel to the toes is defined as the front, and the opposite direction as the rear. The right or left side is determined when the insole is facing forward.

[0058] The insole 1 has a layered structure composed of multiple overlapping components. The planar shape of the insole 1 is cut to resemble the bottom shape of a footwear type (represented by "shoe"), thus having a sole shape. The insole 1 includes: an insole bottom 2 that contacts the insole of the shoe on its lower surface; an upper cover 3 that covers the upper part of the insole bottom 2; a support member 4 sandwiched between the insole bottom 2 and the upper cover 3, providing various forms of support for the user's foot; and a gel 5 disposed on top of the support member 4. The support member 4 and the gel 5 fill the space between the insole bottom 2 and the upper cover 3. The support member 4 is located in the area of ​​the insole bottom 2 that supports the foot from the heel to the base of the toes, such as the first joint of the big toe and the little toe. The gel 5 is placed on top of the support member 4.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the gel body 5 is composed of a generally flat plate having a planar shape identical (including substantially identical) to the portion of the support member 4 from the first guide member 11 to the second guide member 13. A cylindrical downward protrusion 5a is formed in the portion of the gel body 5 corresponding to the heel. The gel body 5 is made of a material that exhibits the property of deforming upon heating and has shape retention properties that maintain the deformed state upon cooling after heating. The gel body 5 is also made of a material that is not completely rigid at room temperature and has flexibility that follows the deformation of the shoe during walking. For example, the gel body 5 is made of a thermoplastic resin that softens upon application of heat and cures upon cooling. Polycaprolactone, as a synthetic resin, can be used as an example. Alternatively, a mixture of polycaprolactone mixed with a flexible silicone resin or polyurethane resin can also be used. In addition, the gel body 5 can also be made of an ultraviolet-cured resin that cures upon irradiation with a certain amount of ultraviolet light. In addition, when the gel 5 is used to shape the insole 1 to fit the shape of the user's foot, it is usually set to a thickness of about 1 to 2 mm in order to maintain the heel of the foot.

[0060] A support member 4 is provided on the bottom 2 of the insole, which has the function of lifting and supporting the foot from the flat bottom 2 of the insole. The support member 4 is sandwiched between the bottom 2 of the insole and the upper cover 3. The support member 4 is made of a single molded part, which is provided with: a first guide member 11 as a first protrusion corresponding to the heel part of the insole 1; a second guide member 13 as a second protrusion extending forward along the central axis O of the insole 1 relative to the first guide member 11; and a forward extension 14 as a third protrusion provided in front of the first guide member 11 and between the first guide member 11 and the second guide member 13. Moreover, the support member 4 is provided on the bottom 2 of the insole. In this case, the support member 4 and the bottom 2 of the insole are separate, but it is also possible to mold the support member 4 and the bottom 2 of the insole as a single piece when molding the bottom 2 of the insole.

[0061] The first guide member 11, the second guide member 13, and the front extension 14 divide the insole 1 (insole bottom 2) relative to the central axis O into two sides (left and right sides) and a heel portion, enabling the gel body 5 layered on top of them to be distributed to the sides and the heel portion. These first guide members 11, second guide members 13, and front extension 14 are integrally molded using a flexible material such as silicone resin, polyurethane resin, rubber resin, or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin) to form the support member 4. The first guide member 11 includes a generally circular protrusion with a concave or hollow interior and an annular shape, serving as a heel support member by accommodating the heel portion of the foot. In this embodiment, the second guide member 13 is formed near the central axis O of the insole 1, spaced apart from the front extension 14, and extends forward continuously from the first guide member 11, including a rod-shaped planar protrusion extending forward towards the insole 1. Furthermore, the cross-section of the second guide member 13 has a generally semi-circular shape. In addition, the annular shape of the first guide member 11 is not limited to a shape that is continuously closed around the entire circumference of the protrusion, or it can be a shape in which a part of the annular shape has an opening or a notch without a protrusion in a part.

[0062] The insole 1, by providing a first guide member 11 that functions as a heel support member and a second guide member 13 including a rod-shaped protrusion extending along the central axis O of the insole 1, is able to provide a form that becomes Figure 14 The portion showing the starting point (fulcrum A, fulcrum B, fulcrum C) of the arch of the foot. The front end of the second guide member 13 is positioned near or behind line b connecting fulcrum B and fulcrum C. This allows a mountain-shaped form to be created in the area of ​​the support member 4 corresponding to the area between the heel and the arch, easily supporting the arch of the foot. In other words, it enables the construction of... Figure 14 The diagram shows a supporting arch consisting of a longitudinal ring arch, an outer arch, and an inner arch. This forms the fundamental three-point arch that enables a person to walk stably on two legs.

[0063] While the height of the protrusion of the first guide member 11 of the support member 4 varies depending on the user's foot size, it is preferably about 2 to 5 mm for a typical adult, and the width (diameter) of the bottom surface of the protrusion is about 3 to 6 cm. The protrusions of the first guide member 11 have almost the same shape overall. On the other hand, the second guide member 13 is provided spaced forward from the first guide member 11, and the forward extension 14 (described later) is provided between the first guide member 11 and the second guide member 13. The second guide member 13 has a larger height than the first guide member 11, and while its height also varies depending on the user's foot size, it is preferably about 4 to 7 mm. The rod-shaped second guide member 13 extends with a height that is approximately the same throughout its length, and its length, from the center of the first guide member 11 (heel portion) to the front end of the second guide member 13, is preferably 7 to 12 cm. Furthermore, the width of the bottom surface of the protrusion of the second guide member 13 is smaller than the width (diameter) of the first guide member, preferably about 1 to 2 cm. Moreover, since the second guide member 13 supports the central part of the foot, that is, the part that supports almost the central axis O of the insole 1, the hardness also needs to be considered, and its hardness is preferably about 45 to 65 HRB.

[0064] The insole 1 is based on a gel body 5 placed on a support member 4 from the first guide member 11 to the second guide member 13, with an upper cover 3 provided on top. This upper cover 3 is shaped into a support arch suitable for generating and supporting the heel and the proximal portion of the foot's central axis, through the first guide member 11, the second guide member 13, the front extension 14, and the gel body 5 of the support member 4. When the gel body 5 is placed on the support member 4, the downward protrusion 5a of the gel body 5 is embedded in the concave portion of the first guide member 11. Therefore, the diameter and height of the downward protrusion 5a of the gel body 5 are approximately equal to the diameter and height of the first guide member 11. The insole 1 has a first guide member 11 at its heel portion, and by heating and deforming the gel body 5 placed on it, a concave portion supporting the heel of the foot can be formed. The upper cover 3 covers part or all of the bottom and sides of the heel of the foot at the rear end of the insole 1, providing reliable ankle support.

[0065] The upper cover 3 is bonded to the insole bottom 2 during the manufacturing of the insole 1 in a manner that clamps or wraps the support member 4 and the gel 5 between the upper cover 3 and the insole bottom 2. Figure 1In the diagram, the dashed line 7, depicting a front-rear circular shape surrounding the support member 4 in the rear half of the insole 1, delineates the attachment portion 6, which serves as the bonding point for attaching the upper cover 3 to the insole bottom 2. The attachment portion 6 is defined as the entire area inside the outer contour line 8 of the insole 1 outside the dashed line 7, and in the rear half, its width is set to approximately 3-7 mm. In the area in front of the rear half of the insole 1 (referred to as the "front half"), the upper cover 3 and the insole bottom 2 are bonded together in approximately the entire area. While there is no explicitly defined boundary line between the front and rear halves of the insole 1, in this embodiment, as a goal, the front line 7a (including the extension reaching the outer contour line 8) of the front-rear circular dashed line 7 can be used as the boundary line, defining the area in front of it as the front half and the area behind it as the rear half. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 In the middle, further in front of the dashed line figure 7, there is another rectangular dashed line figure 9 that extends continuously from the outline line 8. The dashed line figure 9 is used in the description of another embodiment (third embodiment) below, and therefore can be ignored in this embodiment.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front extension 14 is provided between the first guide member 11 and the second guide member 13 as described above. This front extension 14 is as follows... Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the rear end is connected to the first guide member 11, and the front end is connected to the second guide member 13. Its width is larger than that of the second guide member 13, and the same as (or approximately the same as) the diameter of the first guide member 11. When viewed from above, the rear end of the front extension 14 is arc-shaped along the first guide member 11, and the front end is square. This front extension 14 serves as a support for a third protrusion, in addition to the protrusions of the first guide member 11 and the second guide member 13. The front extension 14 is located in the area in front of the heel of the foot, roughly corresponding to the position of the cubital bone in relation to the user's foot. Its height is set slightly higher than the first guide member 11 (approximately 2-7 mm).

[0067] Regarding the height dimension of the front extension 14, it is also used Figure 3To explain in more detail. The front extension 14 has the same (or substantially the same) height dimension as the first guide member 11 at the connection portion P1 with the first guide member 11. The front extension 14 is formed to rise at an angle from the connection portion P1, gradually increasing in height as it moves forward, reaching its peak height at the top P2, which is the connection portion with the second guide member 13, and continuing forward at the same height with the second guide member 13. The front extension 14 has an upward sloping portion as it moves forward. In addition, the width dimension of the front extension 14 is set to be the same (or substantially the same) as the diameter dimension of the substantially circular first guide member 11, and the front-rear dimension of the front extension 14 is set to 1 / 7 to 1 / 5 of the length dimension (7 to 12 cm) of the second guide member 13, which is approximately 10 to 24 mm in numerical terms. The top P2 is located in the area in front of the heel portion of the foot, corresponding to the position of the cubital bone in relation to the user's foot.

[0068] The front extension 14 is located between the first guide member 11 and the second guide member 13 and undulates along the front-back direction of the insole 1. The front extension 14 has a top P2 between the first guide member 11 and the second guide member 13, and this top P2 has a height dimension larger than that of the first guide member 11. Thus, the portion of the insole 1 slightly in front of the heel of the foot corresponding to the front extension 14 supports the bones of the foot, more specifically, the cubic bones, in an upward-pushing manner. This supports the body while keeping the internal joints of the ankle at a position a certain dimension higher than the sole of the shoe. In other words, it can maintain the three-dimensional shape of the foot bones and stably support the body weight at its center (center of gravity), maintaining an upright posture and preventing swaying of the body.

[0069] As described above, the support member 4 is constructed by having a first guide member 11, a second guide member 13, and a front extension 14. In this embodiment, the first guide member 11, the second guide member 13, and the front extension 14 are integrally molded using the aforementioned materials (such as silicone resin, polyurethane resin, rubber resin, or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin), etc., which are flexible materials) to form the support member 4. Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the integrally molded support member 4 and its placement on the insole bottom 2, showing the main part of the insole 1. Here, the "main part" of the insole 1 refers to the portion of the insole 1 that includes the insole bottom 2, an upper cover 3 covering the upper part of the insole bottom 2, the support member 4 sandwiched between the insole bottom 2 and the upper cover 3, and a gel body 5 disposed on the support member 4 extending from the heel of the foot to near the base of the toes. Furthermore, in this… Figure 4Although the gel body 5 is not shown, as already described, when viewed from above, the gel body 5 is placed on the support member 4 in such a way that it covers the first guide member 11, the second guide member 13 and the front extension 14.

[0070] Next, the manufacturing method of the insole 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. First, the periphery of the insole bottom 2 is made such that the area around which the first guide member 11, the second guide member 13, and the front extension 14 are disposed is unfolded. Then, a support member 4 is provided on the insole bottom 2. Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view showing a support member 4 provided on the upper surface of the insole bottom 2. In this view, the upper cover 3 is shown as an unfolded view with the insole bottom 2 lifted up. Next, a gel body 5 is provided on top of the support member 4. The upper cover 3 is arranged to cover the support member 4 and the gel body 5 between the insole bottom 2 and the upper cover 3 from above. The rear half of the insole 1 is joined together by the attachment part 6 located at the periphery of the upper cover 3 and the periphery of the insole bottom 2 using a sewing machine or adhesive material. The front half of the insole 1 is directly bonded to the upper cover 3 and the insole bottom 2 in approximately the entire area using adhesive material, thus forming an integral unit. As a result, when the user walks in the shoe, the toe portion of the insole 1 becomes a thin plate, allowing the toes or toes to bend freely.

[0071] Through the above bonding process, a three-layered insole 1 is manufactured as a whole, comprising an upper cover 3, a support member 4 with a gel 5, and an insole bottom 2. The insole 1 is thus completed through these processes.

[0072] Next, the usage of the insole 1 with the above-described structure will be explained. First, before inserting the insole 1 into the shoe, the insole 1 is heated on the user side. A dedicated heating device can be used, but a microwave oven or hot water from a typical household appliance can also be used. A heating temperature of, for example, 70°C to 80°C is appropriate. Regarding the heating time, when using a microwave oven, heating at 500W for approximately 40 to 60 seconds is appropriate. This is because heating the gel 5, made of thermoplastic resin and placed on the support member 4, makes it malleable, i.e., deformable, while preventing overheating for the user.

[0073] When the insole 1 is heated to a specified temperature (e.g., 70°C~80°C), the gel 5 deforms due to thermoplasticity. Therefore, while maintaining this warm state, the insole 1 is placed on a flat surface, and the user steps on it, applying their weight. The method of applying weight is flexible, but as an example, one method is to bend and straighten the knee while keeping the foot on the insole 1, i.e., performing a flexion-extension movement. The time for applying weight through such flexion-extension movements can be approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, and is not specifically specified. When this is performed, the user's weight is applied to the insole 1, and pressure is applied from the sole of the foot through the upper cover 3 to the support member 4, which has the first guide member 11, the second guide member 13, and the front extension 14. This pressure is uneven from the perspective of the entire sole of the foot; for example, no pressure or less pressure is applied to the arch area, while greater pressure is applied to the heel or the base of the toes than to the arch area.

[0074] The insole 1 is initially flat, but under the heat-induced plastic deformation of the gel 5, it deforms due to the uneven pressure, becoming concave and convex while being supported by the support member 4, thus conforming to the shape of the user's foot. By applying pressure to the support member 4, the first guide member 11, having an internally concave annular shape, presses against the user's heel, forming a recess that secures the ankle. At this time, a portion of the gel 5 deforms into the concave recess of the first guide member 11, while another portion of the gel 5 within the concave recess is pushed out and overflows to the heel area, providing a heel-wrapping and retaining function. The depth of the recess can be, for example, 1mm to 5mm. The second guide member 13, the front extension 14, and other parts also deform according to the pressure applied to each part. The degree and shape of the deformation of the support member 4, i.e., the deformation of the insole 1, vary from user to user. Furthermore, after a specified period of time, when the insole 1 cools to room temperature, the gel 5 made of thermoplastic resin also cools and solidifies without deforming. Due to its shape-maintaining properties, the insole 1 is fixed in the aforementioned shaped form. Insoles 1, shaped in this way, are made separately for the left and right feet. Thus, the user obtains an insole specifically for themselves. When such an insole 1 is inserted into a shoe or other footwear, because the insole 1 is perfectly adapted to the user's foot, the reaction force from the side of the shoe acts optimally on the user's body during walking or exercise, without applying unreasonable forces or causing body distortion. Therefore, accidents such as stumbling and falling while walking, especially for the elderly, can be significantly reduced. Additionally, because the body is straight along the vertical direction during walking, posture is good, preventing hunchback and other issues.

[0075] As described above, the insole 1 is made of, for example, thermoplastic resin, molded to conform to the shape of the user's foot and able to maintain that shape. Furthermore, it provides support for creating the arch of the foot, which is crucial for walking due to the unique arch of the foot possessed only by humans, while simultaneously providing support to prevent misalignment of the joints between the heel and ankle bones.

[0076] Furthermore, in the insole 1 of this embodiment, by providing the aforementioned forward extension 14, the upper cover 3 supports the foot in a raised position at the cubic bone portion, which is slightly forward of the heel portion of the foot. This allows the ankle joint to be held in a high position, that is, the foot bones can be held in a three-dimensional shape to support the body, maintaining an upright posture and preventing swaying.

[0077] When the user wears the shoes with insole 1 inserted, the soles of the user's feet fit completely in the insole 1, allowing for easy walking. Furthermore, not only the soles of the feet, but also the legs, waist, and the entire body can move without exerting unreasonable forces. Therefore, walking is possible in the optimal posture for each user without applying unreasonable forces to the body.

[0078] By inserting insole 1 into the shoe, optimal posture can be maintained while walking. Furthermore, it easily forms the arch structure of the foot required for bipedal walking. Therefore, it supports body balance (balance state) during bipedal walking and allows walking without applying unreasonable forces to the body.

[0079] In addition, insole 1 also has the effect of fixing the ankle and providing appropriate support to the arch of the foot to protect the bones of the foot, thus increasing stability, providing excellent ground feel, and improving balance and support. Furthermore, it also has the effect of stimulating acupoints on the soles of the feet, which can promote health.

[0080] In the insole 1 of this embodiment, points that maintain the body's balance (balance state) during bipedal walking, as described above, and points that protect the bones of the feet complement each other. When stepping out while walking, the rear foot (supporting foot) stably supports the body weight, thus ensuring a smooth step and increased stride length. Consequently, the toes of the front foot point upwards when it lands, preventing tripping and reducing the likelihood of falls. Typically, elderly people walk with small, forward-leaning steps, often tripping and falling. This is because the rear foot does not stably support the body weight. The insole 1 of this embodiment improves upon this condition.

[0081] Figures 5 to 8These figures illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, Figure 5 This is a top view showing the configuration of the insole (for the left foot) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a partial top view showing the composition of the gel used in the second embodiment and the support member disposed on the underside of the gel. Figure 7 This illustrates the laminated structure of the gel and support member according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 Partial sectional view of line VII-VII. Figure 8 This illustrates the laminated structure of the gel and the support member at the front end portion of the support member according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 Sectional view of line VIII-VIII.

[0082] exist Figure 5 In this insole, reference numeral 31 denotes the insole of the second embodiment of the present invention, and reference numeral 33 denotes the gel body disposed on the support member 4. In this insole 31, a portion of the composition of the gel body 33 differs from that of the gel body 5 in the first embodiment. Other components, such as the insole bottom 2, the upper cover portion 3, and the support member 4, are the same as in the first embodiment. The differences in the composition of the gel body 33 will be described later. Since the other parts of the insole 31 are substantially the same as those in the insole 1 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0083] The support member 4 is provided in the area of ​​the bottom 2 of the insole that supports the foot from the heel to the base of the toes, such as the first joint of the big toe and the little toe. A gel body 33 is placed on top of the support member 4. The gel body 33 is composed of… Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The gel body 33 is a flat plate with a planar shape, and a cylindrical downward protrusion 33b is formed on the portion of the gel body 33 corresponding to the heel. As can be seen from these figures, the structure of the gel body 33 in the second embodiment differs from that of the gel body 5 in the first embodiment in some aspects. Specifically, the gel body 33, in terms of its planar shape, completely covers the planar shape of the support member 4. Furthermore, it has a foot-side support portion 33a, which extends to the front of the forward extension portion 14 and is positioned on the left and right sides of the second guide member 13, serving as a fourth protrusion. This differs from the first embodiment. In addition, the physical properties of the gel body 33 are the same as those of the gel body 5 in the first embodiment; it is made of a material that exhibits the property of deforming upon heating and retains the deformed state upon cooling after heating.

[0084] The foot-side support portion 33a of the gel 33 is provided in the portion corresponding to the arch of the foot, supporting the arch of the foot. In the second embodiment, since the insole 31 is exemplified as an insole for the left foot, the foot-side support portion 33a is provided on the right side of the second guide member 13, corresponding to the left foot, and is not provided on the left side. When the insole 31 is an insole for the right foot, the foot-side support portion 33a is provided on the left side of the second guide member 13, corresponding to the right foot, and is not provided on the right side. That is, the foot-side support portion 33a is provided on the left and right sides of the second guide member 13, and is not provided on the other left and right sides. Moreover, in the insole 31 for the left foot, the foot-side support portion 33a is connected to the right front end of the front extension portion 14 with the same width dimension on the right side and extends forward, and while maintaining the aforementioned width dimension, it contacts the right side of the second guide member 13 and extends to the front end of the second guide member 13, thus having a generally rectangular planar shape. Figure 8 As shown, the upper portion of the foot-side support 33a has a thickness of 1-2 mm and extends to the opposite side of the apex, covering the top of the second guide member 13, forming the end edge 33c of the foot-side support 33a. When viewed from above, the left end of the end edge 33c is located at the same position as the left end of the second guide member 13. In the relevant configuration, the combined height of the top of the second guide member 13 and the foot-side support 33a is approximately 5-10 mm. Figure 8 In this design, the cross-section of the second guide member 13 and the foot-side support portion 33a, when combined, reaches a apex with a height of approximately 7-12 mm at a position slightly offset to the right (e.g., 1-2 cm) from the central portion of the second guide member 13. Furthermore, the foot-side support portion 33a of the gel body 33 is shaped to gradually decrease in height from this apex towards the right, reaching the bottom 2 of the insole, and as a whole, has a crescent-shaped cross-sectional structure that fills the space of the right side portion of the second guide member 13. Moreover, the portion of the foot-side support portion 33a corresponding to the arch of the foot is approximately aligned with the aforementioned apex, and its height is approximately 7-12 mm as described above.

[0085] Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view showing the main part of the insole 1 centered on the support member 4 of the first embodiment. The gel body 5 is not shown in this view, a point that could also be applied in the second embodiment. However, when the support member 4 is provided with the gel body 33, the gel body 33, when viewed from above, covers the first guide member 11, the second guide member 13, and the front extension 14. Furthermore, on the back side, the downward protrusion 33b of the gel body 33 is embedded in the concave portion of the first guide member 11 (see reference). Figure 7In addition, it is placed on the support member 4 with the foot-side support portion 33a extending into the right side region of the second guide member 13 (see reference). Figure 6 This differs from the first embodiment. The relevant structural differences, as already explained, are a key feature of the second embodiment.

[0086] The manufacturing method of the insole 31 in the second embodiment is the same as that of the insole 1 in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0087] Next, the usage of the insole 31 with the above-described configuration will be described. First, before inserting the insole 31 into the shoe, the insole 31 is heated. The heating method is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0088] The point regarding the shaping of the insole 31 by the user stepping on it after it has been heated to a specified temperature is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0089] The deformation of the arch portion of the insole 31 during the shaping process performed when a user steps on it and applies their weight is applied. In the insole 31 of the second embodiment, since a foot-side support portion 33a is provided in the support member 4, pressure is applied from the arch portion of the user's foot to the foot-side support portion 33a of the insole 31, causing the gel 33 to deform. Regarding the degree of deformation, when the arch of the user's foot is a typical arch shape (in this case, equivalent to the medial longitudinal arch Ar1), when the user steps on the insole 31 and applies their weight as described above, the foot-side support portion 33a does not deform, or deforms slightly along the sole of the foot, depending on the relationship between the height of the top of the foot-side support portion 33a in the arch portion (approximately 7 to 12 mm) and the height of the medial longitudinal arch Ar1 corresponding to the user's arch (approximately 1 cm in the case of a typical person). On the other hand, when a user's foot arch is somewhat flat, the pressure exerted on the foot-side support portion 33a of the support member 4 is greater than that of a normal person when the user steps on the insole 31 and applies their weight. As a result, the foot-side support portion 33a of the gel 33 deforms more than normal under the aforementioned pressure, and the height of the top of the foot-side support portion 33a, which is about 7 to 12 mm, becomes extremely small (for example, about 3 to 7 mm).

[0090] The degree and shape of deformation of the aforementioned support member 4, i.e., the insole 31, vary from user to user. Furthermore, after a specified period, when the insole 31 cools to room temperature, the gel 33, made of thermoplastic resin, solidifies and becomes non-deformable. Due to its shape-maintaining properties, the insole 1 is fixed in the aforementioned shaped form. Such shaped insoles 1 are made separately for the left and right feet. Thus, each user obtains an insole specifically for themselves. When such an insole 31 is inserted into a shoe or other footwear, because the insole perfectly conforms to the user's foot, the reaction force from the side of the shoe acts optimally on the user's body during walking or exercise, without applying unreasonable force or causing body distortion. Therefore, accidents such as stumbling and falling while walking, especially for the elderly, can be significantly reduced. Additionally, because the body is straight along the vertical direction during walking, posture is good, preventing hunchback and other posture issues.

[0091] As described above, the insole 31 is made of, for example, thermoplastic resin, and can be molded into a shape that conforms to and maintains the shape of the user's foot. Furthermore, it provides support for creating the arch of the foot, which is essential for forming the unique arch of the foot and for walking, while simultaneously providing support to prevent misalignment of the joints between the heel and ankle bones.

[0092] Furthermore, in the insole 31 of this embodiment, by providing the aforementioned forward extension 14, the upper cover 3 supports the foot in an upward-pushing manner at a position slightly forward of the heel. This allows the ankle joint to be held in a high position, that is, the foot bones to be held in a three-dimensional shape and supported to support the body, maintaining an upright posture and preventing swaying.

[0093] When the user wears shoes with insoles, the soles of their feet fit snugly against the insoles, allowing for easy walking. Furthermore, not only the feet, but also the legs, waist, and entire body move without exerting undue force. Therefore, walking is possible in the optimal posture for each user, without applying undue force to the body.

[0094] By insulating the shoe with insole 31, optimal posture can be maintained while walking. Furthermore, it easily forms the arch structure of the foot required for bipedal walking. Therefore, it supports body balance (balance state) during bipedal walking and allows walking without applying unreasonable forces to the body.

[0095] In addition, the insole also helps to stabilize the ankle, thus increasing stability, providing a better feel for the ground, and improving balance and support. Furthermore, it can stimulate acupoints on the soles of the feet, promoting health.

[0096] In this second embodiment, when walking while wearing shoes with insoles 31, a foot-side support portion 33a is provided on the support member 4, and the foot-side support portion 33a is located at the portion corresponding to the arch of the foot. From the perspective of foot support at the arch, in the insole 31 of this embodiment, the foot-side support portion 33a, which matches the user's foot, applies appropriate support pressure to the arch of the user's foot, thus supporting the arch. Furthermore, whether the user is still or performing slow walking movements, or whether the user is exercising vigorously or trying to lift heavy luggage and exerting force with both feet, Figure 14 The inner longitudinal arch Ar1 shown works in conjunction with the other arches Ar2 and Ar3 to function as a spring. On the other hand, the arch of the user's foot moves downward and contacts the foot side support 33a, which provides appropriate support.

[0097] Figures 9 to 11 These figures illustrate a universal insole according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, Figure 9 This is a top view showing the configuration of a general-purpose insole according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 It is a general-purpose insole of the third embodiment, along the central axis O. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along line X-X. Figure 11 It is a general-purpose insole of the third embodiment. Figure 9 A sectional view of line XI-XI.

[0098] exist Figure 9 In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 35 denotes a universal insole according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This universal insole 35 is the same as that described in the insole 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 1The general-purpose insole 35 has the same structure as the main part of the insole 1 cut along the rectangular dotted line figure 9. That is, the general-purpose insole 35 has an insole bottom 2 extending forward from the heel of the foot to near the base of the toes, an upper cover 3 covering the upper part of the insole bottom 2, a support member 4 sandwiched between the insole bottom 2 and the upper cover 3, and a gel body 5 disposed on the support member 4. The general-purpose insole 35 is an insole body that extends from the heel of the foot to near the base of the toes and terminates at the base of the toes. It is a type of insole with the main part of the previously described insole as an independent component, that is, it is equivalent to a main part-defined insole. When viewed from above, the general-purpose insole 35 has a strip shape with a square front end and a semi-circular rear end. In other words, it has a shape in which a semi-circular part with the same diameter as the width of the rectangular part is integrally connected to the rear end of the rectangular part. The planar shape of the gel body 5 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the description of the first embodiment above, the dashed rectangular figure 9 is described as "used in the description of the other embodiment (third embodiment) below," meaning that in this embodiment, it represents the cutting line of this embodiment. Therefore, the general insole 35 is constructed in the same way as the insole 1 of the first embodiment above, and therefore its construction is given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed description is omitted.

[0099] Furthermore, the insole 31 of the second embodiment will be described in detail below. Figure 5 The rectangular dotted line graphic 9 is also present, and the same configuration as the main part of the insole 31 cut along this dotted line graphic 9 also qualifies as a variation of the third embodiment. Incidentally, in Figure 1 as well as Figure 5 In the diagram, the dotted line 7, which is circular in shape at the front and back, marks the attachment portion 6, which is the bonding point for attaching the upper cover portion 3 to the bottom 2 of the insole. This attachment portion 6 is secured between the dotted line 9 drawn on its outer side and the insole 7. The bottom 2 of the insole and the upper cover portion 3 are bonded together at this attachment portion 6, thus making the universal insole 35 itself a complete insole. Furthermore, in... Figure 10 The bottom 2 and the upper covering 3 of the insole are not shown in the illustration. Figure 11 The insole bottom 2, upper cover 3, and gel 5 are not shown in the illustration, but the insole bottom 2 is disposed below the support member 4, and the upper cover 3 is disposed above the gel 5. The insole bottom 2 and the upper cover 3 are joined to each other at the edge, which is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0100] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing an example of footwear (slippers) using the universal insole of the third embodiment as a second invention of this document. Figure 13 The footwear of the third embodiment includes Figure 12A three-dimensional view of the cross section along line XIII-XIII shows the usage status of the general-purpose insole.

[0101] exist Figure 12 The perspective view shows a slipper 37, which is a type of footwear using a universal insole 35. A slit hole 39 extending in the left-right direction is formed at the rear end of the sole plate portion 38 of the slipper 37. The slit hole 39 is formed to extend forward from the rear end of the sole plate portion 38 toward the interior of the sole plate portion 38, forming a receiving space that expands substantially horizontally from the opening at the rear end of the sole plate portion 38 toward the interior of the sole plate portion 38. The receiving space extends, for example, from the rear end of the sole plate portion 38 in the front-back direction to a position corresponding to the area near the base of the toes. The universal insole 35 is inserted into and received in the receiving space formed by the slit hole 39. Figure 13 The image shows the universal insole 35 inserted and housed within the receiving space formed by the aforementioned slit hole 39. The universal insole 35 has a left-right symmetrical structure relative to the central axis O, thus eliminating the need to distinguish between left and right foot use, allowing for simple and inexpensive manufacturing. The central axis O, when viewed from above, is a line extending from the center in the left-right direction along the front-back direction. The opening of the slit hole 39 can be always open, or a zipper can be provided at the opening to accommodate the universal insole 35. This prevents the universal insole 35 from being exposed or falling off. The slipper 37 is a type of footwear using the universal insole.

[0102] As for the installation method of inserting the universal insole 35 into the slipper 37, other examples different from the method using the slit hole 39 can also be considered. For example, there is a method where the slit hole 39 is not formed at the rear end of the sole plate portion 38 of the slipper 37, but instead the universal insole 35 is placed on the sole plate portion 38 of the slipper 37, and a cover cloth (corresponding to the "upper cover portion 3" in the first embodiment) is placed over the universal insole 35. The cover cloth is then glued to the sole plate portion 38 either by sandwiching the universal insole 35 between it and the sole plate portion 38, or by wrapping the universal insole 35. In this way, additional processing of the slipper 37 can be minimized.

[0103] As for footwear using the aforementioned universal insole 35, in addition to slippers 37, it can also be used for simple footwear such as sandals, clogs, and indoor footwear. In the third embodiment, the aforementioned slippers, sandals, clogs, and indoor footwear are collectively referred to as "simple footwear". Therefore, the universal insole 35 can greatly expand the range of footwear for which the insole can be used or is applicable, and its effects of correcting the user's posture and relieving back pain or knee pain can be widely publicized.

[0104] The insole for footwear of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an insole bottom whose planar shape is cut into the shape of a shoe sole and whose lower surface contacts the insole of the shoe; an upper cover portion disposed to cover the upper part of the insole bottom; a support member disposed between the insole bottom and the upper cover portion and providing support for the user's foot; and a gel disposed on the support member; the gel being made of a thermoplastic material and formed by heating to the shape of the user's foot; a first guide member and a second guide member respectively disposed between the insole bottom and the upper cover portion and distributing the support member to the sides and the heel; the first guide member including a generally annular protrusion having a recessed portion relative to the support member for supporting the heel of the foot. The second guide member is located approximately at the center of the bottom of the insole in the width direction and is formed to connect with the first guide member. It includes a rod-shaped or plate-shaped protrusion extending from the heel of the first region to the vicinity of the first joint of the toes. In addition, in the support member, a front extension is provided in front of the first guide member and sandwiched between the first guide member and the second guide member. The first guide member and the second guide member support the area from the heel of the foot to the vicinity of the first joint of the toes. The weight is supported by three points of support: the fulcrum of the heel, the fulcrum of the base of the big toe, and the fulcrum of the base of the little toe. Moreover, the front extension supports the cubic bone portion of the foot upward at the position in front of the fulcrum of the heel.

[0105] In the footwear insole of the present invention, there is an insole bottom whose planar shape is cut into the shape of a shoe sole, a support member, and an upper cover. The support member disposed between the insole bottom and the upper cover is configured to be shaped like the user's foot. Therefore, it can be deformed into a shape that conforms to the state of the sole of a person's foot (the inherent shape of the user's foot). By using the footwear insole, optimal posture can be maintained while walking. Furthermore, it is easy to form the "arch structure of the foot formed in the arch of the foot" required for bipedal walking. Therefore, it can support the body's balance (balance state) during bipedal walking and allow walking without applying unreasonable forces to the body. In addition, since a first guide member and a second guide member are provided in the main area of ​​the insole bottom, it is easier to form an arch structure suitable for supporting the heel and arch of the foot. Furthermore, by providing a first guide member including a generally annular protrusion forming a recess, and by covering part or all of the bottom and sides of the heel for supporting the heel, reliable ankle support can be achieved. The universal insole of the present invention has the same structure as the footwear insole of the present invention and achieves the same functional effect.

[0106] Industrial availability

[0107] The insole of this invention can support the heel of the foot in an optimal posture that is unique to each user and prevent lateral swaying, and allows walking without applying unreasonable forces to the body. By evenly transferring the load of the sole of the foot to the ground, it can better form the arch of the foot, enhance balance, leg and waist strength, and reduce the burden on the knees and waist.

[0108] In addition, since the support member 4 is provided with a foot side support 33a, which is provided in the part corresponding to the arch of the foot, the arch of the user's foot is reliably supported.

[0109] In addition, the price is much cheaper than the previous custom insoles made by using plaster to make foot molds and using their shape. They can be made at about one-tenth of the cost, and the production time, which used to take a week, can now be provided in ten minutes.

[0110] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0111] 1. 31 Insoles

[0112] 2. Bottom of the insole

[0113] 3. Upper Cover Section

[0114] 4 Supporting components

[0115] 5.33 Gel

[0116] 11 First guide member (first protrusion)

[0117] 13 Second guide member (second protrusion)

[0118] 14. Forward extension (third protrusion)

[0119] 33a Foot side support (fourth protrusion)

[0120] 35 Universal Insoles

[0121] 37. Slippers (footwear)

Claims

1. A shoe insole, characterized in that, have: The bottom of the insole is a flat shape that is cut into the shape of a shoe sole, with its lower surface in contact with the insole of the shoe; An upper cover portion is provided in such a way that it covers the upper part of the bottom of the insole; A support member is provided between the bottom of the insole and the upper cover; A gel disposed on the support member; The gel is made of a thermoplastic material and is formed by heating it into the shape of the user's foot. The support member has a first guide member, a second guide member, and a front extension. The first guiding member includes a generally annular protrusion having a recess in the gel body for supporting the heel of the foot. The second guide member is disposed approximately at the center of the bottom of the insole in the width direction and located in front of the first guide member, and includes a rod-shaped or plate-shaped protrusion extending in the front-back direction. The forward extension is disposed between the first guide member and the second guide member. The first guiding member, the second guiding member, and the front extension are configured to distribute the gel to the left and right sides and the heel, and to support the sole of the foot. Weight is supported by three points of support: the heel, the base of the big toe, and the base of the little toe. The forward extension is located in front of the heel fulcrum, supporting the cubic bone portion of the foot upwards.

2. The insole for footwear according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the second guide member is greater than the height of the first guide member. The forward extension has an upward sloping portion that gradually extends forward.

3. The insole for footwear according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The gel has a foot-side support portion that extends to the front of the front extension portion on the left and right sides of the second guide member. The arch of the foot is supported by the foot side support portion on the left and right sides of the second guide member.

4. The insole for footwear according to claim 3, characterized in that, The foot side support portion is disposed on the right side of the second guide member in the shoe insole for the left foot, and on the left side of the second guide member in the shoe insole for the right foot.

5. A universal insole, characterized in that, have: The insole extends forward from the heel of the foot to the base of the toes; The upper covering portion that covers the upper part of the bottom of the insole; A support member is provided between the bottom of the insole and the upper cover; A gel disposed on the support member; The gel is made of a thermoplastic material and is formed by heating it into the shape of the user's foot. The support member has a first guide member, a second guide member, and a front extension. The first guiding member includes a generally annular protrusion having a recess in the gel body for supporting the heel of the foot. The second guide member is disposed approximately at the center of the bottom of the insole in the width direction and located in front of the first guide member, and includes a rod-shaped or plate-shaped protrusion extending in the front-back direction. The forward extension is disposed between the first guide member and the second guide member. The first guiding member, the second guiding member, and the front extension are configured to distribute the gel to the left and right sides and the heel, and to support the sole of the foot. Weight is supported by three points of support: the heel, the base of the big toe, and the base of the little toe. The forward extension is located in front of the heel fulcrum, supporting the cubic bone portion of the foot upwards.

6. The universal insole according to claim 5, characterized in that, The universal insole has a structure that is symmetrical about left and right with respect to the central axis (O).

7. A type of footwear using a universal insole, the footwear having a sole portion, characterized in that, The following are formed in the base plate portion: A slit hole extending in the left-right direction is provided at the rear end of the base plate. A receiving space extending forward from the slit opening; The universal insole of claim 5 is inserted into and received into the receiving space.

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