Dynamic arch stabilization and rehabilitative shoe insole device

Abstract

An insole device configured to fit the profile of a human foot to promote dynamic proprioceptive stimulation of the mechanoreceptors and nocioreceptors in the skin of the sole of the foot at the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system. The midfoot section of the insole device has a receptacle located central to the foot's anatomical arch apex that receives interchangeable resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts of many shapes and forms. The resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts present to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found to be the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. provisional application no. U.S. 61 / 457,235 filed Feb. 9, 2011, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an insole for a shoe. In particular, the present invention relates to an insole device that can rehabilitate a foot by stimulating a proprioceptive reflex response in the wearer's foot.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Professionals dealing with gait related pathologies generally accept that a large majority of persons will, at some time in their lives, suffer some form of gait related pain or dysfunction. It is also well accepted that, in the majority of cases, the mechanism underlying the pathology, injury, or dysfunction is biomechanically related to the foot's musculoskeletal capabilities during the interface between the foot and the ground, during the initial contact, support, and propulsion phases of the gait cycle.[0004]It has b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0086]The flexible insole body and catalysts 40 may have a variety of co-operating engagement means for securing interchangable ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts to the insole body. The co-operating engagement means may include detent means for resisting separation of the ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts from the insole body and may allow or restrict shifting therebetween.

[0087]The detent means may include a groove or channel or indent 70 around the long axis circumference of the shaped catalysts. See for example FIGS. 1-20, 26 and 30-38. The inner circumference of said channel or indent would correspond to the circumference of the hole 34 in

Problems solved by technology

The catalyst is an asymmetrically domed hump, which creates a mild to strong discomfort to initially stimulate the Golgi tendon organ.

However, it has been found that the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659 does not function as described, and that the majority of users find the device too uncomfortable to use.

A device built according to these dimensions and deflection capabilities results in an overly high arch height, and can cause severe discomfort, and possible injury, to a wearer.

This is clearly wrong, since different wearers will have different comfort thresholds and arch heights.

Users would find the device too hard to use successfully, and rather than stimulating a proprioceptive response, the device would cause pain and discomfort at each step.

However, it has been found that the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,

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