Shoe insole and shoe

Abstract

Shoe insert (1), in particular insole, characterized in that the shoe insert (1) has at least one 3D-printed layer (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shoe insole and a shoe.

[0002] Shoe inserts, especially insoles, are separate, i.e. loose, inner soles that are placed in shoes for comfort or for orthopedic reasons. Shoe inserts are usually offered as industrially manufactured mass-produced goods for various shoe sizes, practically pre-assembled. This type of loose insole is delivered with certain types of shoes, particularly sports shoes, or it can be found as an accessory for replacing worn-out standard insoles or for additional use. Orthopedic shoe inserts serve medical purposes, for example, for the treatment of deformities and / or diseases of the musculoskeletal system. A customized shoe insert is manufactured individually for a user, in particular for the user's individual foot shape and individual functional requirements.The shape of the shoe insole, in combination with the selected materials, is customized, meaning it is specifically designed for an individual, especially the future user of the shoe insole. This customization is particularly evident in the form of customized areas of the shoe insole.

[0003] However, conventional shoe insoles are often only adaptable to a limited extent or require special machines for any individual adjustments, for example for milling or forming, which also results in long processing times.

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of providing a structurally and / or functionally improved shoe insole. The invention is further based on the object of providing a structurally and / or functionally improved shoe.

[0005] The problem is solved by a shoe insole having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a shoe with a shoe insole according to the invention according to claim 20.

[0006] Advantageous developments, additional features and / or advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0007] The shoe insole according to the invention has at least one 3D-printed layer and can thus advantageously be provided particularly easily and quickly and also individually adaptable.

[0008] The shoe insole according to the invention is manufactured using a generative manufacturing process. A generative manufacturing process is an automated process for producing three-dimensional physical objects from a production data set, for example, a 3D CAD data set. It is based on the layered construction principle and can operate without component-dependent tools. The technical implementation is based on layers and is therefore also referred to as layer-based technology or layered technology or layer-oriented technology. Generative manufacturing processes include, for example, additive manufacturing processes and / or processes that use layered construction technology. 3D printing such as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is used in particular as a generative manufacturing process.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the shoe insole has a skeleton structure. The at least one printed layer can thus form a skeleton structure. A skeleton structure can also be understood and referred to as a lattice structure. The at least one printed layer can thus form a lattice structure. A skeleton structure or a skeleton can be understood, within the meaning of the invention, as a support structure or framework that can provide a load-bearing structure for the shoe insole, particularly with regard to the stiffness, rigidity, or torsional stiffness of the shoe insole.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the shoe insole can have a skeletal structure. Such a structure can be produced easily with reduced material usage while maintaining sufficient stability. A skeletal structure can have a supporting structure with gaps. The supporting structure can be formed at least by the contour of the shoe insole, i.e. by its outline. The supporting structure is provided by the at least one 3D-printed layer. The gaps can at least partially have a filling. Of course, the number of gaps is unlimited as long as sufficient stability of the at least one printed layer is ensured. For example, it is also possible for only exactly one gap to be formed.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the at least one 3D-printed layer has a skeletal structure. The shoe insole can have a plurality of 3D-printed layers, which can in particular be arranged in a horizontal extension of the shoe insole. The shoe insole can have exactly one 3D-printed layer. The skeletal structure of the 3D-printed layer can have a supporting structure with at least one intermediate space, preferably with a plurality of intermediate spaces. The at least one intermediate space, or at least one of the plurality of intermediate spaces, can optionally have at least one filler material to reinforce the 3D-printed layer.

[0012] To enable simple and rapid production of the shoe insole, it is preferably provided that the at least one 3D-printed layer comprises filaments. For the purposes of the invention, a filament can be understood as a wire-like material that serves as a starting material for fused deposition modeling (FDM) in 3D printers. The filament preferably consists of a plastic that is manufactured in a continuous strand on a spool. Filaments with diameters between 0.75 mm and 3.5 mm, in particular between 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm, can be provided. The filaments can be transparent or completely opaque in any color.

[0013] To improve the stability of the shoe insole and to improve wearing comfort, the shoe insole has, in an advantageous further development, load-absorbing compaction areas.

[0014] Preferably, the load-bearing compression zones are arranged at positions on the shoe insole where increased loads or pressure zones are present during wear. This can enable improved relief. In preferred embodiments, therefore, load-bearing compression zones are arranged at least in a heel area of ​​the shoe insole to improve wearing comfort or for efficient relief. Alternatively or additionally, load-bearing compression zones can be arranged at least in a longitudinal arch of the shoe insole. Alternatively or additionally, load-bearing compression zones can be arranged at least in a ball area of ​​the shoe insole.

[0015] A technically simple way of providing the compaction regions and also enabling the compaction regions to have sufficient load-bearing properties and stability can be achieved by having the compaction regions comprise filaments. It can be particularly advantageous in this case for at least two adjacent filaments to be arranged in contact with each other, at least in sections. It can particularly preferably be provided for each contacting filament to have a curved course, at least in sections. A course that is curved at least in sections can, for example, be arched or wave-shaped. Individual and / or contacting filaments can form a loop structure. This enables locally higher rigidity and / or higher strength with comparatively low weight.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one 3D-printed layer comprises or consists of at least one thermoplastic. A thermoplastic can be provided as a polymer, copolymer, or so-called blends, which can optionally be modified with additives or fillers.

[0017] The at least one 3D-printed layer can comprise at least one polylactide (PLA) or consist of a polylactide. In addition to being easy to process, polylactides are particularly sustainable due to their improved biodegradability. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one 3D-printed layer can comprise acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or consist of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. ABS is a robust, heat-resistant, and cost-effective material. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one 3D-printed layer can comprise glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) or consist of PETG. Like PLA and ABS, PETG is cost-effective and its properties lie between these two materials. PETG is particularly more impact-resistant and flexible than PLA, but less heat-resistant than ABS. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one 3D-printed layer can comprise acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) or consist of acrylonitrile styrene acrylate.ASA is characterized by its high weather resistance and inherent UV stability, which are either not present in other polymers used for 3D printing or can be achieved to a certain extent by adding additives or pigments. Compared to ABS, ASA offers similar mechanical properties such as high strength and toughness, but is less susceptible to discoloration and cracking due to sunlight. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one 3D-printed layer can comprise polyamide (PA) or be made of polyamide. Polyamides are well suited, for example, due to their high resistance to abrasion and stress. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one 3D-printed layer can comprise polycarbonate (PC) or be made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonates are very robust thermoplastics that enable high strength.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one thermoplastic comprises or consists of at least one polyurethane. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) can be ideally suited for shoe insoles due to its flexibility, stability, and abrasion resistance.

[0019] A particularly preferred embodiment provides for one or more predetermined breaking points on the shoe insole, which are designed to facilitate the separation of one or more partial areas of the shoe insole. This allows for particularly simple customization of the shoe insole.

[0020] In order to improve the stability of the shoe insole and in particular to enable individual adaptation to a wearer of the shoe insole, the shoe insole can have at least one filling area in which the skeletal structure is at least partially filled with filling material.

[0021] The filling material is preferably designed as an elastic filling material. Particularly advantageously, the at least one elastic filling material can comprise or consist of silicone. Such filling materials exhibit particularly good stability and are easy to process. The filling material is particularly arranged in cut-out areas of the shoe insole or the at least one 3D-printed layer.

[0022] It's also possible that different filling areas contain different filling materials. Filling materials can differ, particularly in terms of their hardness and elasticity properties.

[0023] The filling areas are arranged in particular at locations on the shoe insole or the at least one printed layer that are exposed to increased pressure loads from a wearer.

[0024] The filling area or filling areas are arranged in particular at locations on the insole where material of the insole or of the at least one 3D-printed layer has been removed, in particular cut out.

[0025] To improve the rigidity of the shoe insole, a lattice structure can be provided on its underside. In particular, the lattice structure may include a rigidus spring.

[0026] The lattice structure is preferably a 3D-printed skeleton structure. Such a lattice structure can be manufactured particularly easily with reduced material usage. Regarding possible materials for the lattice structure, reference is made to the above statements regarding the skeleton structure of the at least one 3D-printed layer, which—unless technically impossible—can be used accordingly for the lattice structure. Due to the rigidity to be achieved, materials for the lattice structure are particularly those that exhibit or enable increased stability.

[0027] In order to enable easy attachment of the grid structure, it can be provided that the grid structure is attached to the underside of the at least one 3D-printed layer or the insole, preferably by means of a snap-in connection.

[0028] Alternatively, the lattice structure and the at least one 3D-printed layer or the insole can be formed as a single piece. This can improve the stability of both the lattice structure and the at least one printed layer or the insole.

[0029] To improve the wearing comfort of the shoe insole, the shoe insole can have a cover layer arranged on its upper side on the at least one 3D-printed layer. The cover layer can have special properties, such as improved hygiene properties, etc.

[0030] The shoe insole according to the invention is preferably prefabricated from TPU using FDM 3D printing and is individually adapted to the wearer's foot load in a special, multi-step adaptation process.

[0031] In a first step, areas of the shoe insole that are subject to greater stress are identified. This means that specific pressure points are first determined or identified. For this purpose, a wearer, for example a patient, steps, particularly barefoot, onto a blue impression film or other suitable device, whereby stressed areas can be made visible. In each of these stressed areas of the shoe insole, at least one section of the shoe insole is removed, for example cut out, with the at least one section of the shoe insole preferably being removed from the underside of the shoe insole. This can be done using a scalpel, a knife, or the like. The resulting cut-out areas are then filled with elastic filling material.

[0032] In particular, the cut-out areas can be filled with filler materials with different properties, such as different elastic properties or different hardnesses. The thus adapted areas can have different geometries and / or dimensions.

[0033] The cutout areas can have different shapes, geometries, and / or depths, depending on the wearer's needs. Furthermore, different filler materials can be inserted into the cutout areas depending on the pressure distribution and the desired or required support of the wearer. If silicone is used as the filler, it can easily adhere to the surrounding TPU structure.

[0034] This is particularly advantageous because it allows for quick and flexible adjustment of the insole to the individual needs of the wearer or user. This customization process does not require the use of complex machinery and can even be performed by laypeople.

[0035] It may also be possible to further customize the insole, for example, by reducing the length and / or width of the insole along pre-drawn contours (lines) to optimally adapt the insole to the wearer's shoe. It may also be possible to individually adjust the height of the longitudinal arch using a knife or scalpel.

[0036] The invention also relates to a shoe with a shoe insole according to the invention. The shoe is not limited to specific types. Therefore, the shoe can refer to various types of shoes, which may differ in design, function, and occasion. For example, the shoe can be sneakers, boots, pumps, sandals, slippers, ballerina flats, boots, and lace-up shoes. The intended use of the shoe is also not particularly limited in any way. For example, it can be a sports shoe, such as a trainer, or a hiking boot. The shoe can be available either individually or in pairs.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures. Where appropriate, elements with the same function are provided with the same reference numerals. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures - not even with regard to functional features. The previous description as well as the following description of the figures contain numerous features, some of which are summarized in the dependent claims. However, a person skilled in the art will also consider these features, as well as all other features disclosed above and in the following description of the figures, individually and combine them to form further useful combinations. In particular, all of the features mentioned can be combined individually and in any suitable combination with the method, use and device according to the invention.

[0038] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic, highly simplified representation of an embodiment of the shoe insole according to the invention in a top view; Fig. 2 shows a further schematically very simplified representation of the Fig. 1 shown embodiment of the shoe insole according to the invention in a plan view from above; Fig. 3 another schematically very simplified representation of the Fig. 1 shown embodiment of the shoe insole according to the invention in a plan view from above; Fig. 4 a perspective view of an embodiment of the shoe insole according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic, highly simplified representation of an embodiment of the shoe insole according to the invention in a plan view from below; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the shoe insole according to the invention in a plan view from above; Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a plan view from below of the embodiment of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 a schematically very simplified representation of a shoe according to the invention.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a shoe insole 1 according to the invention in a view from above.

[0040] The shape of the shoe insole 1 largely corresponds to the shape of an insole of a shoe and its upper side offers a support surface 17 for a foot inserted into the shoe.

[0041] The support surface 17 is bordered by a circumferential line 18.

[0042] The shoe insert 1 according to the invention is designed as an insole for a shoe 16 (see Fig. 8). The shoe insert 1 or insole is particularly designed to be used together with a shoe 16 or in a shoe 16.

[0043] The shoe insole 1 is arranged in the shoe 16 and can be removed.

[0044] The shoe insoles shown in the figures are not limited to a right foot / shoe or a left foot / shoe, but can be designed and configured accordingly for both a right foot / shoe and a left foot / shoe. The dimensions shown are not to be considered limiting, but should be adjusted accordingly to the wearer's respective foot length and width or shoe size.

[0045] The shoe insole 1 has a support surface 17 on its upper side 14. The shoe insole 1 is bordered by a circumferential line 18. The support surface 17 is bordered by the circumferential line 18. The support surface 17 can optionally have areas of different heights.

[0046] The shoe insert 1 has a heel region 5, a longitudinal arch 6 and a ball region 7. The heel region 5 is arranged in an area at a rear end of the shoe insert 1 (see Fig. 1).

[0047] The ball area 7 is arranged in an area at a front end of the shoe insole 1. The longitudinal arch 6 is arranged between the heel area 5 and the ball area 7.

[0048] The shoe insole 1 has a 3D-printed layer 2 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 6). The shoe insole 1 is manufactured by 3D printing. The 3D-printed layer 2 has filaments 3 (see Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 6). The filaments 3 are made of a thermoplastic material.

[0049] The shoe insole 1, or the 3D-printed layer 2, has a skeleton structure 10 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 6). The skeletal structure 10 forms a supporting base structure, which is formed at least by the circumferential line 18 and filaments 3. The skeletal structure 10 further has at least one intermediate space 19. The intermediate space 19 is arranged between filaments 3, ie, separating filaments 3.

[0050] The shoe insert 1 has load-bearing compression areas 4, which in the embodiment shown (see Fig. 3) are arranged in both the heel area 5 and the longitudinal arch 6. The load-bearing compression areas 4 can be located as shown in Fig. 3, optionally extend from the heel area 5 over the longitudinal arch 6 and can also optionally be additionally or alternatively arranged in the ball area 7.

[0051] Consequently, load-bearing compression zones can be arranged in the heel area and / or the longitudinal arch and / or the ball area. In a manner not shown in detail, load-bearing compression zones can be arranged exclusively in the heel area, the longitudinal arch, or the ball area.

[0052] The compression regions 4 each have filaments 3, with at least two adjacent filaments 3 being arranged in sections in contact with each other. The filaments 3 that are in contact with each other have a curved profile 8 in sections.

[0053] Optionally, the shoe insert 1 can have a grid structure 12. The grid structure 12 is arranged on a bottom side 11 of the shoe insert 1 (see Fig. 4). The lattice structure has a skeleton structure 13 (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 7).

[0054] The shoe insole 1 has filling areas 20, which in the illustrated embodiment are shown only as examples with regard to shape and / or size and positioning. The filling areas 20 are filled with filling material, ie, filling material is arranged in the filling areas 20.

[0055] Furthermore, in the Fig. 3, an optional predetermined breaking point 9 is provided. In the embodiment shown, the predetermined breaking point 9 is designed to reduce the length of the shoe insole 1.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, at least one further predetermined breaking point can be configured to reduce the width of the shoe insole. Using one predetermined breaking point, at least one length or one width of the shoe insole can be reduced. Using multiple predetermined breaking points, one length and one width of the shoe insole can be reduced (not shown).

[0057] The predetermined breaking points can have any geometry or shape.

[0058] The filling areas 20 represent recesses in the shoe insole 1 or in the 3D-printed layer 2. The recesses or filling areas 20 can be formed by cutting out filaments 3 of the 3D-printed layer 2. By introducing filling material into the filling areas 20, the shoe insole 1 can be individually adapted to the individual needs of a wearer, particularly with regard to pressure relief. For this purpose, it is particularly provided that an elastic filling material is or will be at least partially introduced into the filling areas 20.

[0059] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in connection with the figures, it is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols 1 shoe insole 2 3D printed layer 3 filaments 4 Compaction area 5 Heel area 6 longitudinal vaults 7 Ball area 8 History 9 Predetermined breaking point 10 Skeletal structure (of the 3D-printed layer) 11 Subpage 12 Lattice structure 13 Skeletal structure (the lattice structure) 14 Top 15 Top layer 16 shoe 17 Support surface 18 circumference line 19 space 20 filling area

Claims

[1] Shoe insert (1), in particular insole, characterized by that the shoe insole (1) has at least one 3D-printed layer (2). [2] Shoe insole (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the shoe insole (1) has a skeletal structure (10). [3] Shoe insole (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the at least one 3D-printed layer (2) has a skeletal structure (10). [4] Shoe insole (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one 3D-printed layer (2) comprises filaments (3). [5] Shoe insole (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the shoe insole (1) has load-absorbing compaction areas (4). [6] Shoe insole (1) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the load-bearing compression areas (4) are arranged in a heel area (5) of the shoe insole (1) and / or in a longitudinal arch (6) of the shoe insole (1) and / or in a ball area (7) of the shoe insole (1). [7] Shoe insole (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the compression regions (4) have filaments (3), wherein at least two adjacent filaments (3) are arranged in contact with each other at least in sections. [8] Shoe insole (1) according to at least one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by that each contacting filament (3) has a curved course (8) at least in sections. [9] Shoe insole (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one 3D-printed layer (2) comprises at least one thermoplastic material or consists of at least one thermoplastic material. [10] Shoe insole (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the at least one thermoplastic comprises at least one polyurethane or consists of at least one polyurethane. [11] Shoe insole (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that one or more predetermined breaking points (9) are provided on the shoe insole (1), which are designed to enable a simplified separation of one or more partial areas of the shoe insole (1). [12] Shoe insole (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims 2 to 11, characterized by that the shoe insole (1) has at least one filling area (20) in which the skeletal structure (10) is at least partially filled with filling material. [13] Shoe insole (1) according to claim 12, characterized by that the filling material is designed as an elastic filling material. [14] Shoe insole (1) according to claim 13, characterized bythat the at least one elastic filling material comprises or consists of silicone. [15] Shoe insole (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the shoe insole (1) has a grid structure (12) arranged on its underside (11). [16] Shoe insole (1) according to claim 15, characterized by that the lattice structure (12) is a 3D-printed skeleton structure (13). [17] Shoe insole (1) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by that the grid structure (12) is attached to the underside (11) of the at least one 3D-printed layer (2), preferably by means of a snap-in connection. [18] Shoe insole (1) according to at least one of claims 15 to 17, characterized by that the lattice structure (12) and the at least one 3D-printed layer (2) are formed in one piece. [19] Shoe insole (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the shoe insole (1) has a cover layer (15) arranged on its upper side (14) on the at least one 3D-printed layer (2). [20] Shoe (16) with a shoe insert (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 19.

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