shoe insole

Abstract

shoe insole (1), especially for sports shoes, with a sole-shaped support (2) made of a support material and a planar stiffening (3) connected to the support, made of a stiffening material, wherein the stiffening element (3) has a smaller area than the support (2), wherein the stiffening element has at least a midfoot area (3a) and a rearfoot area (3b), wherein the rearfoot area (3b) of the stiffening (3) is formed in a brace shape with a medial brace leg (7) and a lateral brace leg (8), between which a heel recess (9) is arranged, characterized in that the medial bracket leg (7) and the lateral bracket leg (8) have different lengths (L1, L2) along the longitudinal direction of the sole, wherein the medial bracket leg (7) has a greater length (L1) than the lateral bracket leg (8), that the stiffening (3) additionally has a forefoot area (3c) which is tongue-shaped with a reduced width compared to the midfoot area (3a), whereby this forefoot area (3c) extends only to the lateral area, while the stiffening is omitted in the medial area.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shoe insole with a sole-shaped support made of a carrier material and a planar stiffening made of a stiffening material connected to the support, wherein the stiffening has a smaller area than the support and wherein the stiffening has at least a midfoot area and a rearfoot area, wherein the rearfoot area of ​​the stiffening is formed in a bracket shape with a medial bracket leg and a lateral bracket leg, between which a heel recess is arranged.

[0002] The shoe insole is primarily designed for use in sports shoes. However, it can also be used as an insole for other types of shoes. Typically, such an insole is manufactured from a blank consisting of a sole-shaped support made of a carrier material and a flat stiffening or stabilizing layer attached to its underside. This stiffening layer, which can be made of carbon fiber, a carbon composite, or fiber-reinforced plastic, is attached to the underside of the sole-shaped support, for example, via a thermoplastic layer. A textile covering is usually applied to the top surface. The preform is then individually molded to the shape of the foot, for example, using pressure and / or heat, resulting in a three-dimensionally shaped shoe insole.

[0003] The purpose of such a shoe insole, particularly in sports, is to ensure effective power transfer, for example, in the case of a cycling shoe insole. By stabilizing the knee, for instance, it can increase performance while simultaneously relieving stress on the knee joint and foot, thus also helping to prevent injuries.

[0004] A well-known shoe insole, particularly for cycling shoes, is marketed under the product name "Winsole." This popular insole features a carbon fiber reinforcement, including a carbon fiber brace in the forefoot for stabilization and a stabilizing carbon fiber brace in the rearfoot with a medial and lateral brace, between which a heel cutout is located. This insole has proven exceptionally effective, especially in cycling. It is custom-fitted.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2010 028 939 A1 discloses a shoe insole that has a continuous stiffening area extending essentially from the longitudinal arch to the forefoot when the foot is in contact with the insole. When the foot is in contact with the insole, this stiffening area is curved against the sole of the foot in the region of the longitudinal arch. In the unloaded state, the areas of the shoe insole located in the rearfoot and forefoot regions are essentially in the neutral plane. The stiffening area is further designed such that, when the foot is in contact with the insole, at least the area of ​​the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe is positioned outside the stiffening area. Additionally, the stiffening area in the rearfoot region can terminate at its medial and lateral edges in two stabilizers, between which a recess is arranged.The stiffening area can be designed as a matrix of polyester or epoxy resin and reinforced by carbon fibers and / or glass fibers.

[0006] Furthermore, EP 2 442 683 B1 describes a shoe insole that has a substantially rigid stiffening area which, when the foot is in contact with the ground, runs substantially diagonally from the talus and navicular bone to the fourth and / or fifth metatarsal heads, wherein, when the foot is in contact with the ground, the stiffening area is arched against the sole of the foot in the region of the talus and navicular bone, and the shoe insole has a raised area. When the foot is in contact with the ground, at least the area from the third metatarsal head to the fifth metatarsal head is raised relative to the bearing surface of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

[0007] A shoe insole of the type described above is known from WO 2004 / 012 548 A1.

[0008] US 6 502 330 B1 describes a special embodiment of a shoe insole with a central heel recess, which may additionally be provided with a lateral midfoot recess.

[0009] Another embodiment of a shoe insole is described in US 2012 / 0 260 525 A1, wherein the rearfoot area of ​​the stiffening can be designed in a brace-like shape.

[0010] Furthermore, WO 2012 / 129 182 A1 discloses a shoe insole in a special design in which the medial areas are lengthened and the lateral areas are shortened in both the forefoot and rearfoot areas.

[0011] Finally, US 6 009 641 A reveals a bicycle shoe with an optimized base plate.

[0012] The shoe insoles known from practical experience, especially for cycling and usually individually fitted, have proven themselves extremely effective in practice, but they still have room for further development. This is where the invention comes in.

[0013] The invention is based on the objective of creating a shoe insole, in particular for sports shoes of the type described above, which, when manufactured economically, is characterized by improved functionality and / or improved comfort.

[0014] To solve this problem, the invention teaches a shoe insole with the features of claim 1.

[0015] Optionally, the stiffening element at the lateral edge (i.e., the outer edge relative to the body's center) of the midfoot area may have a lateral midfoot recess to relieve pressure on the outer midfoot. This refers to a top view of the insole or a bottom view of the shoe insole. The outer contour of this midfoot recess (viewed from the outside in a top view) is preferably concave. It is therefore an inwardly directed, arc-shaped or curved recess or molding in the stiffening element.

[0016] The invention is based on the understanding that the wearing comfort of a performance-enhancing shoe insole can be increased in a surprisingly simple yet effective way by such a cutout. This cutout in the area of ​​the base of the fifth metatarsal bone relieves pressure on this bone, thus preventing discomfort in this particularly critical area, without impairing the function of the joint fusion. Despite this relieving and comfort-enhancing cutout, excellent stabilization of the knee and ankle joints and optimal power transmission are achieved. This applies to various sports, such as cycling. Particularly interesting is the fact that such a cutout in the base of the fifth metatarsal bone, provided as standard, prevents discomfort, thus eliminating or reducing the need for individual adjustments.This means that the shoe insole according to the invention can be used universally not only as a custom-made product, but also as a mass-produced product.

[0017] The (outer) midfoot recess preferably has a length (along the longitudinal direction of the sole) of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, e.g., 1 cm to 6 cm, particularly preferably 2 cm to 4 cm. Furthermore, the recess preferably has a depth (transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sole) of at least 0.5 cm, e.g., 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm. Analyses and tests have shown that this dimensioning of the midfoot recess leads to particularly good results, i.e., an excellent compromise is achieved between functionality (stabilization and improved power transmission) on the one hand and comfort on the other.

[0018] The stiffening element of the shoe insole, which has at least a midfoot area and a rearfoot area, is designed in a generally known manner in the rearfoot area as a brace with a medial brace leg and a lateral brace leg, between which a heel recess is arranged. Such a brace with medial and lateral brace legs serves to stabilize the heel by enclosing it and creating a stabilizing cup shape in the heel area.

[0019] According to the invention, the medial and lateral branches of the stiffening brace have different lengths along the longitudinal direction of the sole. This aspect of the invention optimizes the design of the stiffening brace in the rearfoot area by creating an asymmetrical rearfoot brace in which the medial branch is longer than the lateral branch. Compared to a generally known shoe insole with medial and lateral branches, the lateral branch is therefore shorter than the medial branch. This results in greater flexibility in the heel area, particularly during the impact phase of movement. This design is especially advantageous for shoe insoles used in sports with a high proportion of walking, such as running, soccer, indoor sports, tennis, and the like.Because during such running movements, the foot strike phase and gait pattern are located in the area of ​​the lateral brace leg, shortening this lateral brace leg in this area increases the flexibility of the insole and thus improves comfort. However, the brace in the rearfoot area is not completely eliminated; the medial brace leg remains in its familiar or modified form to enhance stability in the heel area. These measures thus achieve a good compromise between functionality (power transfer / performance enhancement, etc.) and comfort.

[0020] Analyses and tests have shown that an embodiment is particularly advantageous in which the inner bracket leg has at least twice the length, preferably at least three times the length, of the outer or lateral bracket leg. Thus, the medial / inner bracket leg can have a length of more than 1 cm, e.g., 1 cm to 6 cm, preferably at least 1 cm to 4 cm. The lateral / outer bracket leg can have a length of up to 1 cm or less than 1 cm, e.g., 0 cm to 1 cm, preferably 0.1 cm to 0.5 cm. In principle, it is advantageous not to omit the lateral bracket leg entirely, but rather to provide it in a very short form. However, the invention also includes embodiments in which the lateral bracket leg has a length of 0 cm and is therefore completely removed from the medial bracket leg.

[0021] The design with the asymmetrical rearfoot brace is preferably implemented in combination with the described lateral midfoot recess. Alternatively, the design of the asymmetrical rearfoot brace can also be implemented in embodiments that are equipped in a known manner without a lateral midfoot recess; that is, the essential aspect of the invention, namely the asymmetrical rearfoot brace, is also protected independently of the recess in the midfoot area, but particularly preferably in combination.

[0022] According to the invention, the stiffening element of the shoe insole, in addition to the midfoot and rearfoot areas already described, has a tongue-shaped forefoot area, and consequently a forefoot brace or forefoot tongue, which has a reduced width compared to the midfoot area and extends, in a generally known manner, primarily into the lateral and thus outer area of ​​the forefoot. This means that the medial or inner forefoot area of ​​the shoe insole is designed without reinforcement or is omitted from the reinforcement. Such a forefoot tongue of the stiffening element provides stabilization of the knee and ankle joints and stabilization of the foot. It also enhances performance in various sports that place stress on the forefoot. Furthermore, it can neutralize the height difference between the metatarsophalangeal joints of the big and little toes.This forefoot tongue is particularly preferred in a length of 1 cm to 7 cm and a width of 1 cm to 3 cm. Furthermore, the forefoot tongue or forefoot brace, due to its shape, construction, and flexing effect, enhances performance in the aforementioned sports. During push-off movements forward or upward, the flex of the material and shape is converted into propulsive force. The design of the forefoot stiffening can draw upon the generally known principles of the "Winsole shoe insole." This design is particularly preferred when combined with the essential modifications of the invention, namely the midfoot recess on the one hand and / or the asymmetrical rearfoot brace on the other.

[0023] The material composition of the shoe insole can utilize materials known from the prior art. The basis of the shoe insole is the sole-shaped support, whose outer contour is adapted to the inner shape of a shoe. This sole-shaped support consists of a backing material that gives the shoe insole good flexibility and elasticity. For example, a plastic or a plastic composite is used as the backing material.

[0024] Of particular importance for the function of the shoe insole is the stiffening element, which has a smaller surface area than the base material and whose outer contour is generally spaced away from the base material's outer circumference along its entire perimeter. The stiffening / stabilizing element consists of a high-strength material, such as carbon fiber or a carbon composite. Alternatively, a plastic composite material, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic, can be used. In all cases, stiffening is achieved relative to the softer base material. Preferably, the stiffening element is attached to the base material as a flat, sheet-like component using an adhesive, such as a thermoplastic adhesive layer. Particularly preferably, a blank containing the (complete) layered structure of base material, adhesive layer, and stiffening element (e.g., carbon fiber) can be used as a pre-product in the manufacture of the shoe insole.From this blank, the shoe insole is manufactured by appropriate shaping, e.g., by pressure and / or heat. A fixed, predetermined shape can be used for a universally applicable shoe insole. Alternatively, it can be individually adapted to the specific shape of each foot. Before or after shaping, the shoe insole can be covered, e.g., with a textile material. Preferably, the stiffening element is located on the underside of the insole, and thus on the side facing away from the foot, while the cover is located on the top side, and thus on the side facing the foot. The cover can be treated with an antibacterial finish and have a cushioning function. The finished insole is cup-shaped (three-dimensional), providing support and, in particular, stability in the heel area.

[0025] The shoe insole can be manufactured from a blank in which the support has a uniform thickness across its entire surface. Preferably, the thickness of the support (before and / or after shaping) is less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the stiffening element (before and / or after shaping) also has a uniform thickness across its entire surface. Preferably, the stiffening element (before and / or after shaping) has a thickness of less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm.

[0026] The entire blank of the shoe insole is particularly advantageous if it is thermoplastically deformable, allowing the insole to be adapted to the individual foot shape. Further adjustments after shaping are then generally unnecessary.

[0027] The shoe insole is primarily used as an insole for sports shoes. It is particularly well-suited for cycling. However, it is also advantageous for other sports, such as running, soccer, indoor sports, and tennis. Optionally, it can also be used in shoes for horseback riding, skiing, or cross-country skiing.

[0028] The invention will now be explained with reference to drawings which merely illustrate exemplary embodiments. They show Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a shoe insole according to the invention in a view from below, Fig. 2 a second embodiment of a shoe insole not covered by the scope of protection in a view from below and Fig. 3 a simplified, perspective view of a shoe insole according to the invention from above.

[0029] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a shoe insole 1, particularly for sports shoes, in different embodiments. The insole has a sole-shaped support 2 and a flat stiffener 3 attached to it. The sole-shaped support 2 is made of a relatively soft material, e.g., plastic or a plastic composite, while the flat stiffener is made of a stiffer material for stabilization, e.g., carbon, a carbon composite, or a fiber-reinforced plastic. The stiffener 3 has a smaller surface area than the support 2, and it is evident that the outer contour of the stiffener 3 is spaced away from the outer circumference of the support 2 over its entire circumference. The figures show... Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 each a view from below of the shoe insole and consequently a view of the stiffening element 3, because the stiffening element 3 is attached to the underside of the support 2, that is, on the side of the support 2 facing away from the foot. The stiffening element 3 is attached to the support 2 by means of an adhesive layer 4, this adhesive layer being in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is indicated, because it is not only arranged between the support and the stiffening 3, but usually extends slightly beyond the stiffening over its entire circumference.

[0030] The shoe insole 1 is manufactured, for example, from a multi-layered blank using pressure and / or heat, so that the blank is transformed into a three-dimensionally deformed shoe insole, which is then Fig. 3 is recognizable in the three-dimensional representation. A textile cover 5 is also arranged on the upper side of the support 2 facing the foot, which is in Fig. 3 is only hinted at.

[0031] Of particular importance according to the invention is the stiffening or stabilization of the shoe insole, which can be designed, for example, as a flat carbon layer or plastic layer. The stiffening element 3 has at least a midfoot region 3a and a rearfoot region 3b, and optionally a forefoot region 3c (compare Fig. 1) on.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the stiffening element 3 has a lateral metatarsal recess 6 at the lateral edge of the metatarsal region 3a. This metatarsal recess relieves pressure on the outer metatarsal, in particular on the area of ​​the base V of the metatarsal bone. This recess 6 is present in both the embodiment according to Fig. 1 as well as in the embodiment according to Fig. 2. The outer contour of the metatarsal recess 6 is concavely curved when viewed from the outside, thus creating an indentation from the outside. The metatarsal recess 6 has a length L along the longitudinal direction of the sole of, for example, 2 cm to 4 cm. The depth T of the recess 6 transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sole is, for example, 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the rearfoot region 3b of the stiffening element 3 is designed in a brace-like shape with a medial brace leg 7 and a lateral brace leg 8, between which a heel recess 9 is formed. According to the invention, this stiffening brace in the rearfoot region is designed asymmetrically, preferably such that the medial brace leg 7 has a greater length than the lateral brace leg 8, preferably at least twice as long, and particularly preferably at least three times as long. The brace with the two brace legs 7, 8 stabilizes the heel. According to the invention, the still long medial brace leg 7 stabilizes the heel in the area of ​​the longitudinal arch. Laterally, however, the brace is shorter. This creates more flexibility in the heel area during the impact phase. This is particularly beneficial in sports such as running, soccer, indoor sports, tennis, etc.Advantageous, since the landing phase and gait pattern occur there. The gait pattern A is in the . Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 indicated and it is evident that the stiffening is kept short by the asymmetrical brace 7, 8 in the rearfoot area, particularly in the area of ​​the gait line, meaning that stiffening in the heel area is largely dispensed with in the area of ​​the gait line.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the medial bracket leg 7 can have a length L1 of at least 1 cm to 4 cm. The lateral bracket leg 8 can have a length L2 of less than 1 cm.

[0035] Even if the Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an insole according to the invention in which both the metatarsal recess 6 and the asymmetrical brace 7, 8 are realized. The essential aspect of the invention, the asymmetrical brace 7, 8, can also be realized independently of a metatarsal recess. Such an embodiment, in which only the asymmetrical brace 7, 8 is realized without a metatarsal recess, is not shown in the drawings.

[0036] Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention to extend the stiffening as far as the forefoot area 3c. This is shown in Figure 3. Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the stiffening in the forefoot region 3c has a forefoot tongue 9 or forefoot brace. This has a narrower width than the midfoot region 3a of the stiffening 3. This means that the stiffening in the forefoot region 3c extends only to the outer or lateral area, while the stiffening is omitted or omitted in the medial forefoot region. This is also advantageous because the stiffening is thus reduced in the forefoot region along the gait line A.

[0037] Overall, it can be seen in the figures that the stiffening in the area of ​​gait line A is concentrated on the midfoot area, meaning that the stiffening is omitted both in the rearfoot area for the landing phase and in the forefoot area during a push-off phase.

[0038] While Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment according to the invention with the described forefoot tongue 9, is in Fig. 2 An embodiment not encompassed by the invention is shown in which such a forefoot tongue 9 or a stiffening 3 in the forefoot area is dispensed with, i.e. the forefoot reinforcement 3c is omitted in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 not realized.

Claims

[1] Shoe insole (1), especially for sports shoes, with a sole-shaped support (2) made of a support material and a planar stiffening (3) connected to the support, made of a stiffening material, wherein the stiffening element (3) has a smaller area than the support (2), wherein the stiffening element has at least a midfoot area (3a) and a rearfoot area (3b), wherein the rearfoot area (3b) of the stiffening (3) is formed in a brace shape with a medial brace leg (7) and a lateral brace leg (8), between which a heel recess (9) is arranged, characterized by , that the medial bracket leg (7) and the lateral bracket leg (8) have different lengths (L1, L2) along the longitudinal direction of the sole, with the medial bracket leg (7) having a greater length (L1) than the lateral bracket leg (8), that the stiffening (3) additionally has a forefoot area (3c) which is tongue-shaped with a reduced width compared to the midfoot area (3a), whereby this forefoot area (3c) extends only to the lateral area, while the stiffening is omitted in the medial area. [2] Shoe insole according to claim 1, characterized by , that the stiffening at the lateral edge of the midfoot area has a lateral midfoot recess (6) to relieve the outer midfoot. [3] Shoe insole according to claim 2, characterized by , that the outer contour of the metatarsal recess (6) is concave when viewed from the outside. [4] Shoe insole according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the midfoot recess (6) has a length (L) (along the longitudinal direction of the sole) of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, e.g. 1 cm to 6 cm, preferably 2 cm to 4 cm. [5] Shoe insole according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the recess (6) has a depth (T) (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sole) of at least 0.5 cm, e.g. 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm. [6] Shoe insole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the medial limb of the brace (7) has at least twice the length, and preferably at least three times the length, of the lateral limb of the brace (8). [7] Shoe insole according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , characterized by , that the medial bracket leg (7) has a length (L1) of more than 1 cm, e.g. 1 cm to 6 cm, preferably 1 cm to 4 cm. [8] Shoe insole according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the lateral bracket leg (8) has a length (L2) of up to 1 cm, e.g. 0 cm to 1 cm, preferably 0.1 cm to 0.5 cm. [9] Shoe insole according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat the stiffening (3) is attached to the underside of the support (2) and / or that the support (2) is provided with a cover (5) on the upper side, which is made of, for example, a textile material. [10] Shoe insole according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the stiffening (3) is attached to the support with an adhesive, e.g. with a thermoplastic adhesive layer (4). [11] Shoe insole according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the stiffening material is carbon or a carbon composite material, or that the stiffening material is a plastic composite material, e.g. a fiber-reinforced plastic. [12] Shoe insole according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the carrier material is plastic or a plastic composite. [13] Shoe insole according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by, that the support (2) has a thickness of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm and / or that the stiffening (3) has a thickness of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm.

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