Triathlon Insole

Abstract

An insole which provides cushioning and support to a user's foot subjected to ground forces and / or differing weather conditions encountered during active sports, for example triathlons, is herein disclosed. The insole comprises a base having a bottom side which defines recesses adapted to receive pads and pods having particular properties. The location and materials of the various pads and pods work together to provide ankle and foot stabilization, enhanced cushioning features, and resistance to insole movement during shoe operation.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]Not applicable.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to a shoe insole with improved cushioning and support to the foot of a wearer engaging in cross training and triathlon sporting activities.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The human foot is a very complex biological mechanism. The load on the foot at heel strike is typically about one and a half times a person's body weight when a person walks. When running or carrying extra weight, such as a backpack, loads on the foot can exceed three times the body weight. The many bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the foot function to absorb and dissipate the forces of impact, carry the weight of the body and other loads, and provide forces for propulsion. Properly designed shoe insoles can assist the foot in performing these functions and protect the foot from injury.[0004]Insoles may be custom made to address the specific needs of an individual. They may be made based on casts of the end use...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an insole that combines a stability cradle, pods, and a forefoot pad to provide stability, cushioning, and control for the foot during exercise and activity. The pods have different firmness levels and can be adjusted to address common foot motion issues. The insole also has grooved patterns on the bottom surface for better cushioning and traction grip in the shoe. The invention improves ankle and foot stability, cushions the heel and forefoot during push-offs and landings, helps prevent insole movement or sliding during shoe operation and change-overs, and provides enhanced cushioning features to the heel, midfoot, arch, and forefoot for running and cross-training exercises.

Problems solved by technology

The human foot is a very complex biological mechanism.

Like most custom made items, custom insoles tend to be expensive because of the low volume and extensive time needed to make and fit them properly.

As such, it is not practical to make such custom made insoles for the general public.

However, for more strenuous or technically challenging activities, such as carrying a heavy backpack or traversing difficult terrain, a typical cushioning insole will not be adequate.

Under such conditions, a cushioning insole by itself would not provide enough support and control, and tends to bottom out during use by fully compressing the cushioning insole.

The rigid structure is good at controlling motion, but is not very forgiving.

As a result, when motion of the foot reaches a limit imposed by the rigid structure, the load on the foot tends to change abruptly and increases the load on the structures of the foot.

Because biological tissues such as tendons and ligaments are sensitive to the rate at which they are loaded, the abrupt change in load causes injury or damage to the foot, ankle or leg.

These patents, however, do not address the possible movement of the insole during shoe operation or provide more enhanced cushioning characteristics to address constant run training, for example for a triathlon.

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