Insole for shoes

Abstract

The insole (1) for shoes comprises: one supporting surface (2) adapted to support the sole of a user' s foot; one base surface (3) opposite the supporting surface (2); one hollow stimulation layer (5) placed between the supporting surface (2) and the base surface (3) and containing at least one liquid material, the stimulation layer (5) deforming during walking so as to stimulate blood circulation in the user' s foot.

Description

[0001] INSOLE FOR SHOES

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an insole for shoes.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] It is well known that proper blood circulation to the peripheral areas of the body is of paramount importance to ensure adequate oxygen and nutrient supply to the tissues, thereby improving the health and well-being of the entire body.

[0006] It is equally well known that a considerable amount of people nowadays is afflicted with blood circulation problems.

[0007] There are, in fact, numerous circumstances and diseases which can reduce blood flow and lead to the aforementioned problem, including sedentary lifestyle, excessive heat, the habit of wearing too tight shoes, excessive salt consumption, smoking and alcohol.

[0008] With particular reference to blood circulation to the feet, an excessive reduction thereof can manifest itself with feelings of fatigue, localized pain and muscle cramps of greater intensity the lower the blood supply, but it can also lead, in some cases, to more severe consequences such as the development of ulcers or even gangrene of the foot.

[0009] For this very reason, some categories of people with reduced mobility (e.g., people confined to wheelchairs) periodically undergo adequate physiotherapy sessions specifically aimed at reactivating blood circulation in the feet and thereby preventing the onset of the aforementioned problems.

[0010] In light of what has been said so far, it is easy to appreciate how the need to improve blood circulation in the peripheral areas of the human body, especially in the feet, and thus to avert the occurrence of the related health problems mentioned above, is, as of today, particularly felt.

[0011] Description of the Invention

[0012] The main aim of the present invention is to devise an insole for shoes to stimulate and promote blood circulation in the feet.

[0013] One object of the present invention is to devise an insole for shoes which allows achieving the aforementioned main aim either through active stimulation of the foot, that is, while walking, or through passive stimulation of the same, that is, while sitting.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to devise an insole for shoes distinguished by remarkable adaptability and versatility of use.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to devise an insole for shoes with a solid and durable structure.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to devise an insole for shoes which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as cost-effective solution.

[0017] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this insole for shoes having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0018] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an insole for shoes, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the attached tables of drawings in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is an axonometric, overall view of the insole according to the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the insole according to the invention and of a shoe in which the latter is inserted;

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of some components of the insole according to the invention.

[0022] Embodiments of the Invention

[0023] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes an insole for shoes.

[0024] In this regard, it is specified that the term “shoe” means any type of footwear intended to cover and provide protection to a user’s foot.

[0025] In this context, the term “shoe” can be used to designate a proper shoe, or a boot, sandal, sneaker, heeled shoe, spiked shoe and so on.

[0026] Preferably, the insole 1 is made at least partly of waterproof material.

[0027] This can reduce the wear and tear of the insole 1 in case of any exposure of the latter to water.

[0028] In accordance with a first embodiment, the insole 1 is insertable within a shoe A and positionable in support on a respective bearing surface B 1 of a sole B of the shoe A.

[0029] Thus, in this case, the insole 1 can be taken out of the shoe A if necessary, e.g., to replace it.

[0030] Alternatively, in accordance with a second embodiment, the insole 1 is made in a single body piece with the sole B of the shoe A.

[0031] In other words, the insole 1 is, in this case, permanently associated with the shoe A and is not removable therefrom.

[0032] That said, the insole 1 for shoes comprises: at least one supporting surface 2 adapted to support the sole of a user’s foot; and at least one base surface 3 opposite the supporting surface 2.

[0033] Conveniently, the insole 1 comprises at least one top layer 4 provided with the supporting surface 2.

[0034] Preferably, the top layer 4 is made at least partly of fabric.

[0035] More specifically, the top layer 4 is made at least partly of microfiber.

[0036] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the top layer 4 can be made of different materials as long as they have similar softness and flexibility.

[0037] According to the invention, the insole 1 comprises at least one hollow stimulation layer 5 placed between the supporting surface 2 and the base surface 3 and containing at least one liquid material.

[0038] In this case, the presence of the liquid material causes the stimulation layer 5 to deform when walking as a result of the compression exerted thereon by the foot and to stimulate, by virtue of this, blood circulation in the foot itself.

[0039] In other words, the compression exerted on the stimulation layer 5 causes the liquid to arrange, with each step, around the user’s foot, massaging it and thus stimulating blood flow.

[0040] This expedient, therefore, allows for increased blood circulation in the user’s foot, preventing the onset of the previously discussed health problems. In this regard, it is specified that the use of the term “liquid” means any liquid substance with the exception of gels and similar colloidal / semi-solid substances. In fact, the use of colloidal / semi-solid substances would not allow the stimulation layer 5 to deform effectively when walking and, therefore, to stimulate blood circulation in the user’s foot adequately.

[0041] Preferably, the liquid material comprises liquid silicone.

[0042] Advantageously, the insole 1 comprises at least one auxiliary stimulation layer 6 associated with the stimulation layer 5.

[0043] As visible in Figures 1 and 2, the auxiliary stimulation layer 6 is provided with the base surface 3.

[0044] In actual facts, the stimulation layer 5 is positioned between the top layer 4 and the auxiliary stimulation layer 6.

[0045] Conveniently, the auxiliary stimulation layer 6 comprises heating means 7 adapted to heat the insole 1 to at least one reference temperature.

[0046] Preferably, the reference temperature is of between 35° and 37°.

[0047] In other words, the reference temperature is substantially equal to the body temperature of a healthy person.

[0048] This allows warming the user’s foot while bringing it to a physiological temperature, thus stimulating blood circulation in that body area.

[0049] Note how the aforementioned stimulation occurs as much while walking as while sitting, thus allowing even individuals with reduced mobility (e.g., the elderly or those confined to a wheelchair) to benefit from the positive effects given by improved blood circulation.

[0050] Conveniently, the heating means 7 comprise one or more heating coils 7, e.g. of the type of electric heating elements or the like (see Figure 2).

[0051] The coil 7 preferably runs along the entire length of the auxiliary stimulation layer 6.

[0052] The opposite case cannot however be ruled out, that is, wherein the coil 7 develops within a circumscribed portion of the auxiliary stimulation layer 6.

[0053] Conveniently, the insole 1 comprises vibratory means 8 operable at at least one frequency of vibration. Preferably, the vibratory means 8 are associated with the auxiliary stimulation layer 6.

[0054] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the insole 1 may comprise a special additional layer, other than the auxiliary stimulation layer 6, with which the vibratory means 8 are associated.

[0055] It should be noted how the vibration induced on the insole 1 by the vibratory means 8 operates synergistically in conjunction with the warming action exerted by the heating means 7 in stimulating even more effectively the blood circulation in the user’s foot and consequently leading to even greater health benefits.

[0056] Conveniently, the insole 1 comprises power supply means 9 associated with the heating means 7 and / or with the vibratory means 8 and schematically shown in Figure 3.

[0057] Preferably, the power supply means 9 are associated with both the heating means 7 and the vibratory means 8.

[0058] Specifically, the power supply means 9 comprise at least one electrical energy storage device of the battery type.

[0059] In this case, the power supply means 9 consists of one or more replaceable batteries, e.g., of the button type commonly used in watches.

[0060] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the power supply means 9 may comprise, in combination with or as an alternative to the replaceable battery, one or more batteries which can be recharged by means of an appropriate electric charging device.

[0061] In the latter case, in order to recharge, the batteries must be taken out of the insole 1 and connected to the electrical device, which is specially linked to the power grid by means of connection to an available power outlet.

[0062] Once sufficient time has been waited for the charging process to complete, the batteries can be reinserted into the insole 1 and the latter can then resume operation.

[0063] Alternatively, the batteries can be recharged without even taking them out of the insole 1; in this case, the insole 1 can comprise a connection port to which an electrical power cord is connectable, if necessary, similar to what happens with the standard cell phones.

[0064] Conveniently, the insole 1 comprises at least one reinforcing layer 10 associated with at least one of either the stimulation layer 5 or the auxiliary stimulation layer 6 (Figure 2).

[0065] Specifically, the reinforcing layer 10 is made at least partly of composite material. In particular, the reinforcing layer 10 is preferably positioned between the stimulation layer 5 and the auxiliary stimulation layer 6.

[0066] That said, different placements of the reinforcing layer 10, e.g. positioned between the top layer 4 and the stimulation layer 5, cannot be ruled out.

[0067] In this case, the reinforcing layer 10 is made at least partly of carbon fiber.

[0068] The reinforcing layer 10 allows the insole 1 to be given considerable strength and structural rigidity, thus slowing down its deterioration with use.

[0069] Advantageously, as visible in Figure 3, the insole 1 comprises at least one of: monitoring means 11 configured to provide a temperature value of the heating means 7 and / or a vibration frequency value of the vibratory means 8; and control means 12 configured to vary the temperature of the heating means 7 and / or the vibration frequency of the vibratory means 8.

[0070] Preferably, the insole 1 comprises both the monitoring means 11 and the control means 12.

[0071] Thus, the monitoring means 11 make it possible to monitor the temperature of the heating means 7 and the vibration frequency of the vibratory means 8 in order to make sure that the value of these parameters correspond to the desired ones.

[0072] In this regard, the presence of the control means 12 makes it possible to adjust the operation of the heating means 7 and of the vibratory means 8, thus adapting it to the particular needs of the user who can, therefore, increase / decrease the temperature and vibration intensity of the insole 1.

[0073] It is easy to appreciate how this fact results in a remarkable adaptability and versatility of use of the insole 1, which can therefore be calibrated in its operation in a precise and specific maimer.

[0074] The control means 12 can be of the manual type.

[0075] In this case, the control means 12 may comprise a rotating adjustment ring nut or similar mechanical devices.

[0076] Alternatively, the control means 12 may be of the electronic / digital type.

[0077] In this regard, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the insole 1 comprises at least one electronic unit 13 associated with the heating means 7 and / or with the vibratory means 8 and comprising the monitoring means 11 and the control means 12.

[0078] Preferably, the electronic unit 13 is associated with both the heating means 7 and the vibratory means 8.

[0079] In other words, the monitoring means 11 and the control means 12 consist of electronic / digital modules of the electronic unit 13.

[0080] Advantageously, the electronic unit 13 is configured to communicate with an external electronic device D, shown for illustrative purposes only in Figure 3, e.g. of the type of a smartphone, a tablet, a computer and so on.

[0081] Therefore, the user is able to both monitor and vary the temperature and vibration frequency of the insole 1 via the electronic device D, benefiting from the simplicity and intuitiveness of use.

[0082] Thus, the presence of the monitoring means 11 and of the control means 12 makes it possible to greatly increase the user-friendliness and versatility of the insole 1, contributing in providing effective stimulation of blood circulation in the user’s feet and in obtaining, therefore, the mentioned health benefits.

[0083] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

[0084] In particular, the fact is emphasized that providing a stimulation layer filled with a liquid allows the foot to be massaged when walking and, in this way, to stimulate blood flow to that body area of the user.

[0085] Still, the fact is emphasized that providing an auxiliary stimulation layer provided with heating means and vibratory means allows the foot to be massaged even when the user is sitting.

[0086] Such an expedient, which is particularly convenient for any category of people, is even more advantageous for those with mobility impairment such as the elderly and people confined to wheelchairs, who can thus benefit, too, from the positive effects given by improved blood circulation to the feet.

[0087] In addition, providing such an electronic unit makes it possible to adjust the heating means and the vibratory means, thus increasing the adaptability and versatility of use of the insole. Finally, the fact of providing a reinforcing layer makes it possible to achieve an insole for shoes with a solid and strong structure.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Insole (1) for shoes, comprising: at least one supporting surface (2) adapted to support the sole of a user’s foot; at least one base surface (3) opposite said supporting surface (2); characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one hollow stimulation layer (5) placed between said supporting surface (2) and said base surface (3) and containing at least one liquid material, said stimulation layer (5) deforming during walking so as to stimulate blood circulation in the user’s foot.2) Insole (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said liquid material comprises liquid silicone.3) Insole (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one auxiliary stimulation layer (6) associated with said stimulation layer (5) and comprising heating means (7) adapted to heat said insole (1) to at least one reference temperature.4) Insole (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that said reference temperature is of between 35° and 37°.5) Insole (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises vibratory means (8) operable at at least one frequency of vibration.6) Insole (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that said vibratory means (8) are associated with said auxiliary stimulation layer (6).7) Insole (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises power supply means (9) associated with said heating means (7) and / or with said vibratory means (8).8) Insole (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one reinforcing layer (10) associated with at least one of said stimulation layer (5) and said auxiliary stimulation layer (6) and made at least partly of composite material.9) Insole (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one of: monitoring means (11) configured to provide a temperature value of saidheating means (7) and / or a vibration frequency value of said vibratory means (8); and control means (12) configured to vary the temperature of said heating means (7) and / or the vibration frequency of said vibratory means (8). 10) Insole (1) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one electronic unit (13) associated with said heating means (7) and / or with said vibratory means (8) and provided with said monitoring means (11) and with said control means (12).11) Insole (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it is made at least partly of waterproof material.12) Insole (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it is insertable within a shoe (A) and positionable in support on a respective bearing surface (Bl) of a sole (B) of said shoe (A).13) Insole (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that it is made in a single body piece with the sole (B) of a shoe (A).

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