Insole or shoe insert for shoes and method for the production thereof

Abstract

A shoe insole or shoe insert is disclosed. The shoe insert comprises at least one first layer made of a reversibly elastic plastic and at least one second layer made of a reversibly elastically deformable plastic. The second layer is partially bonded to the first layer. It is provided that the first layer, which is partially arranged beneath the second layer, is made of a stiffer plastic material than the more flexible second layer. The first layer extends from the heel to the ball of the foot of a wearer wearing the shoe, while the second layer extends from the heel to the tips of the toes and essentially follows the outer contours of an insole of the shoe.In addition, the first layer exhibits lateral constrictions and / or bilateral waisting in a direction transverse to a longitudinal central axis of the shoe insole, at least in a midfoot area.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an insole or shoe insert for shoes and to a method for manufacturing an insole or shoe insert.

[0002] Insoles or shoe inserts are often used to correct foot deformities. Depending on the diagnosed foot deformity, different types of insoles are available.

[0003] Currently, shoe insoles are typically made with components such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic, stainless steel, thermoplastic materials, cork, or foams. Various insole designs are available, including soft foam insoles, cork-leather insoles, shell insoles, plastic insoles, carbon fiber insoles, and insoles specifically designed for treating sensorimotor problems or conditions.

[0004] Traditional orthotic insoles, such as shell insoles made of rigid materials, allow for a statically optimized foot position when walking and standing. However, the comprehensive shell shape simultaneously prevents the natural rolling, torsion, and friction movements of the foot during movement, which can lead to negative effects on the overall gait pattern and even overloading of overlying joints.

[0005] A less-than-ideal fit can also lead to pressure points or chafing on the foot, often resulting in reduced patient compliance and thus decreasing the patient's willingness to cooperate in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In the past, this was a major reason for negative reviews of orthotic insoles from both patients and therapists.

[0006] This development has led to considerations of using soft, cushioning materials for shoe insoles. However, it has been found that sufficient movement control cannot be guaranteed, especially under higher loads, with negative effects on the so-called musculoskeletal system, such as muscles and tendons.

[0007] One goal of this development is therefore to provide a shoe insole that, with minimal material, enables maximum correction of a misaligned foot while simultaneously allowing for the most natural gait possible. Furthermore, it would be desirable if the shoe insole could also be worn in shoes not specifically designed for orthotic insoles.

[0008] The above problem is solved with the items that comprise the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention relates to an insole or shoe insert for a shoe. The shoe insert comprises at least one first layer made of a reversibly elastic plastic, and at least one second layer made of a reversibly elastically deformable plastic. The second layer is partially bonded to the first layer.

[0010] It is further provided that the first layer, arranged section by section below the second layer, is made of a stiffer plastic material than the more flexible second layer. The first layer extends from the heel to the ball of the foot of a wearer wearing the shoe, while the second layer extends from the heel to the toes and essentially follows the outer contours of the shoe's insole. In addition, the first layer has lateral constrictions and / or a bilateral waist in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shoe insert, at least in a midfoot area. Preferably, the first layer is arranged below the second layer.

[0011] It has proven advantageous if the first layer tapers and / or is constricted in the area below the ball of the foot. Furthermore, it can be provided that the first layer has a reduced width on both sides along a longitudinal center axis of the shoe insole compared to a cuboid leg area.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the first layer of the shoe insole has a greater width in the area below the cuboid bone of the wearer's foot compared to the midfoot and ball of the foot areas, with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the shoe insole. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the heel area and the area below the cuboid bone of the foot have approximately the same width with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the shoe insole.

[0013] The first layer, in the area below the wearer's heel, can be thicker and therefore have greater flexural strength than the areas where its thickness decreases towards the midfoot and ball of the foot. Similarly, the second layer, also in the area below the wearer's heel, can be thicker and therefore have greater flexural strength than the areas where its thickness decreases towards the ball of the foot and toes.

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the insole or shoe insert according to the invention will be described in more detail below. It is preferred that the first layer forms a solid base part of the insole or shoe insert. In order to give the foot the correct position and thus the correct direction of movement at the beginning of the rolling motion, i.e., shortly after the so-called landing phase, the first layer can encompass the calcaneus both laterally and medially in the calcaneal region. For this purpose, wings can be formed on the first layer in the calcaneal region.

[0015] In the following midfoot area, the first layer can be tapered. This tapering allows the midfoot maximum freedom for natural torsional movement, which is important for foot adaptation, especially when walking on uneven surfaces. This approach reduces negative leverage effects on the joints above. Furthermore, it can relieve pressure on a critical area medially where the insertion of the tibialis posterior muscle (the muscle behind the shinbone) is often thickened, which frequently leads to pressure points with conventional shell insoles.

[0016] A winged socket for the cuboid bone can be attached medially to the midfoot area of ​​the first layer. The formation of this cuboid wing allows for the correction of the position of the first metatarsal head (MT1). This prevents the foot from drifting into pronation, thereby reducing lateral deviation of the big toe and thus the likelihood of developing hallux valgus.

[0017] Laterally, the base of the fifth metatarsal head (VMT) can be winged. This design of the first layer in this area prevents lateral deviation, also known as oversupination. In conjunction with the lateral heel support provided by the calcaneal wing, the two outer wings—the V-wing of the metatarsal head and the cuboid wing—offer effective protection against outward rolling of the foot.

[0018] To continue supporting the often painfully overloaded area under the second and third metatarsal heads (MT2+III), a wing or metatarsal wing can extend forward into the forefoot, behind the second and third metatarsal heads. The area of ​​the toes is largely spared from the first layer. Also, to avoid material buildup, the first layer does not extend over the first, fourth, and fifth metatarsal heads (MT1, IV+V).

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the second layer, arranged above the first layer, acts as a flexible top cover for the first layer. The first layer can form a kind of supporting substructure. Preferably, the second layer is made of a soft and / or foamed thermoplastic material. Preferably, all materials are thermoplastically deformable so that the fit can be further customized by heating and subsequent deep drawing, for example, using a so-called foot positive.

[0020] The outer edge of the second layer can be very thin or taper very thin towards the edge. In the toe area, the material of the second layer can be made even thinner at the edges to allow for subsequent trimming of the insole without making the toe of the insole too thick. If the material of the second layer is too thick after trimming, this could result in reduced comfort.

[0021] The second layer can increase in thickness in the area where the anterior metatarsal head wing of the first layer is positioned. This allows for additional support of the second and third metatarsal heads without impairing the natural function of the tendon structure running under the foot.

[0022] Furthermore, the thickness of the supporting substructure in the form of the first layer can be omitted in the construction of the more flexible second layer. This reduced thickness in the area of ​​the first layer allows for an optimal surface finish even under the insert.

[0023] In summary, it is therefore possible with a shoe insole according to the invention to reconcile the previously difficult-to-reconcile objectives of optimal movement control, i.e., preventing foot deformities, and sufficient freedom of movement, i.e., maintaining the natural rotational, torsion, and frictional movements of the foot.

[0024] Based on this development, further designs are conceivable, e.g. for the relief of a plantar heel spur, the plantar relief of the calcaneus in the case of periostitis, or the integration of an anterior wing to relieve a so-called hallux rigidus.

[0025] Furthermore, it may also be considered to use parametric modeling based on 3D foot scans to produce individual subshells, i.e., first layers, using 3D printing, in order to expand the range of foot shapes and deformities to be treated.

[0026] Compared to insoles or shoe inserts known from the prior art, the shoe insert according to the invention offers several advantages. For example, the shoe insert according to the invention provides targeted support for the calcaneus laterally and medially. The shoe insert according to the invention begins specifically there, followed by an inner and outer contour that leaves the Chopart joint line unobstructed. The Chopart joint is crucial for the transitions in movement from the hindfoot to the midfoot during the initial phase of walking; blockages can significantly disrupt biomechanics.

[0027] Furthermore, targeted support of the navicular bone can be provided medially and laterally at the base of the fifth metatarsal head. A tapered section is then planned in the area up to the second and third metatarsal heads, while the first, fourth, and fifth metatarsal heads remain largely unaffected. Another technical feature is the preservation of the Chopart line and the first, fourth, and fifth metatarsal heads. This can prevent restricted movement in the midfoot and hindfoot.

[0028] Furthermore, the shoe insole according to the invention ensures a largely natural torsion in the midfoot (Chopart / Lisfranc area), instead of blocking it, as is often the case with known insoles. The shoe insole according to the invention provides a combination of partial support and targeted release of movement, which in particular includes the release of the Chopart joint line in the hindfoot as well as the first, fourth, and fifth metatarsals, i.e., the anterior midfoot.

[0029] In summary, the open design of the shoe insole according to the invention corresponds to the natural functional pattern and improves walking performance compared to rigid devices without targeted cutouts from the prior art. The design according to the invention enables a natural gait pattern and prevents incorrect loading that can otherwise lead to discomfort in the leg, pelvis, and the entire spine. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing an insole or shoe insert for a shoe. One step of the method according to the invention involves providing at least one second layer made of reversibly elastically deformable plastic. The second layer is designed such that it extends from the heel to the toes of a foot wearing the shoe and essentially follows the outer contours of an insole of the shoe.

[0030] In a further process step, the provision of at least one first layer made of reversibly elastically deformable plastic is provided. The first layer is made of a stiffer plastic material than the more flexible second layer and extends from the heel to the ball of the foot. The first layer is provided, at least in one midfoot area, with lateral constrictions and / or a bilateral waist-cut in one direction transverse to a longitudinal center axis of the shoe insole. A further process step provides for the first layer to be bonded to the second layer section by section.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first layer in the area below the ball of the foot is provided with a taper and / or a constriction. Furthermore, it can be provided that this has a reduced width on both sides relative to the longitudinal center axis of the shoe insole compared to a cube-shaped leg area.

[0032] Furthermore, it may be provided that the first layer is designed in such a way that it has a greater width in the area below the cuboid bone of the foot of the wearer of the shoe compared to the midfoot area and the ball of the foot area with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the shoe insole.

[0033] It is also conceivable that the heel area and the area below the cuboid bone of the foot could be designed in such a way that their respective widths approximately correspond to the longitudinal axis of the shoe insole. Furthermore, the thickness of the first layer in the area below the wearer's heel can be greater, thus exhibiting higher flexural rigidity than the areas whose thickness decreases towards the midfoot and the ball of the foot.

[0034] Furthermore, the thickness of the second layer in the area below the wearer's heel can be greater, and thus exhibit greater flexural rigidity than the areas which decrease in material thickness towards the ball and toe area.

[0035] It should be expressly mentioned here that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the insole or shoe insert according to the invention equally relate to, or can relate to, aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, whenever certain aspects, relationships, and / or effects are mentioned in the description or in the definitions of the claims relating to the insole or shoe insert according to the invention, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. Conversely, the same applies, meaning that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to, or can relate to, aspects of the insole or shoe insert according to the invention.Therefore, if at any point in the description or in the claim definitions for the inventive method certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the insole or shoe insert according to the invention.

[0036] The following exemplary embodiments of the invention and its advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual relative sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration. Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b Each shows a schematic side view of a shoe insole according to the invention. Fig. 1c shows a schematic view of the underside of a shoe insole according to the invention. Fig. 2a and Fig. 2bshow a top view and a bottom view of a first layer according to the invention in conjunction with a foot bone structure. Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b Each shows a side view of a first layer according to the invention. Fig. 4a shows a cross-sectional view of a second layer according to the invention. Fig. 4b shows another side view of a second layer according to the invention.

[0037] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The embodiments shown are merely examples of how the invention can be designed and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0038] The embodiments, examples, and variants described in the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and the figures, including their various views or individual features, may be used independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided the features are not incompatible.

[0039] The Figures 1a, 1b and 1cThe figures show different views of an insole or shoe insert 30 according to the invention for a shoe not shown. The shoe insert 30 comprises at least one first layer 32, which is made of a reversibly elastically deformable plastic. At least one second layer 34 is also provided, which is likewise made of a reversibly elastically deformable plastic. The first layer 32 is made of a stiffer plastic material than the more flexible second layer 34. Furthermore, the second layer is partially bonded to the first layer 32. The side views show... Fig. 1a and 1b It can be seen that the first layer 32 is arranged below the second layer 34.

[0040] As especially in conjunction with the Figures 2a and 2bAs becomes clear, the first layer 32 of the shoe insole 30 extends from the heel 16 or heel area 16 to the ball of the foot 18 or ball area 18 of a foot 14 wearing the shoe, from which in the Figs. 2a and 2b A bone structure is depicted. The second layer 34 extends from the heel 16 or heel area 16 to the toes 20 or toe area 20 of the foot 14 and essentially follows the outer contours of an insole of the shoe. The first layer 32 has lateral constrictions or a bilateral waist 6 in a midfoot area 24 in a direction transverse to a longitudinal central axis 36 of the shoe insert 30.

[0041] The first layer 32 can be tapered and / or constricted in the area below the ball of the foot 18, and on both sides towards the longitudinal central axis 36 of the shoe insole 30 (cf. Fig. 1c) have a reduced width compared to a cuboid bone area 22. Furthermore, the first layer 32 in the area below the cuboid bone 22 of the foot 14 of the wearer of the shoe can have a wider width compared to the midfoot area 24 and the ball of the foot area 18 with respect to the longitudinal central axis 36 of the shoe insole 30.

[0042] The calcaneal region 16 and the region below the cuboid bone 22 of the foot 14 can be approximately the same width with respect to the longitudinal axis 36 of the shoe insert 30. The thickness of the first layer below the heel 16, or in the calcaneal region 16 of the wearer, preferably has a greater material thickness and thus greater flexural strength than the areas whose material thickness decreases towards the midfoot 24 and the ball of the foot 18. The thickness of the second layer 34 in the region below the heel 16, or in the calcaneal region 16 of the wearer, preferably has a greater material thickness and thus greater flexural strength than the areas whose material thickness decreases towards the ball and toe areas 18, 20.

[0043] A preferred design of the first layer 32 is particularly evident from the aforementioned Figures 2a and 2b Side views of the first layer 32 are shown in the Figures 3a and 3b The first layer 32 is intended to form a solid lower part of the shoe insole 30. In order to give the foot the correct position and thus the direction of development at the beginning of a rolling process, i.e., shortly after the so-called landing phase, the first layer 32 encompasses the calcaneus 16 in the calcaneal region 16 both laterally and medially, as can be seen from the shaping of calcaneal wings 8 and 12 of the first layer 32.

[0044] In the following midfoot area 24, a waist 6 of the first layer 32 connects. The waist 6 allows the midfoot area 24 maximum freedom for natural torsional movement, which is important for the adaptation of the foot 14, especially when moving on uneven surfaces. This approach reduces negative leverage effects on the joints above. Furthermore, it relieves pressure on a critical area medially where the insertion of the tibialis posterior muscle (the posterior shin muscle) is often thickened, which frequently leads to pressure points with conventional shell insoles.

[0045] A winged socket 10 for the cuboid bone 22 can be attached medially to the midfoot region 24 of the first layer 32 in a cuboid bone region 22. The formation of the cuboid bone wing 10 makes it possible to simultaneously correct the position of the so-called first metatarsal head (MT1). This prevents the foot 14 from drifting into pronation, thereby reducing lateral deviation of the big toe and thus the likelihood of developing hallux valgus.

[0046] Laterally, the base of the fifth metatarsal head (VMB V) is winged, as indicated by reference numeral 4. This design of the first layer 32 in this area prevents lateral deviation in the form of oversupination. In conjunction with the lateral heel support provided by the calcaneal wing 8, the two outer wings—the VMB wing 4 and the cuboid wing 10—offer effective protection against outward rolling of the foot 14.

[0047] To continue supporting the frequently painfully overloaded area under the second and third metatarsal heads (MT II+III) 26, a wing 2 or metatarsal wing 2 extends forward in the forefoot area to behind the second and third metatarsal heads 26. The area of ​​the toes 26 is largely excluded from the first layer 32. Also to avoid material build-up, the first layer 32 does not extend over the first, fourth, and fifth metatarsal heads (MT I, IV+V).

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the second layer arranged above the first layer 32 constitutes, in a sense, a flexible upper cover for the first layer 32. The first layer 32 can form a kind of supporting substructure. Preferably, the second layer 34 is made of a soft and / or foamed thermoplastic material. Preferably, all materials are thermoplastically deformable so that the fit can be further customized by heating and subsequent deep drawing, for example, using a so-called foot positive.

[0049] As in the Figs. 4a and 4bAs can be clearly seen, the outer edge area 40 of the second layer 34 can be very thin towards the edge or taper very thinly. In the area of ​​the toe of the shoe, the material of the second layer 34 can be made even thinner in the edge area 40 to allow for subsequent shortening of the insole 30 without making the toe 42 of the insole 30 too thick. If the material of the second layer 34 is too thick after shortening, this could result in reduced comfort during wear. Thinning 44 of the second layer 34 is also possible, for example, in Fig. 1c clearly visible.

[0050] The second layer 34 can increase in strength in the area where the anterior metatarsal head wing 4 of the first layer 32 is positioned. This allows the metatarsal heads II and III 26 to be additionally supported without impairing the natural function of a tendon structure running under the foot 14.

[0051] Furthermore, the thickness of the supporting substructure in the form of the first layer 32 can be omitted in the structure of the more flexible second layer 34. The contact surface 38 of the second layer 34 to the first layer 32 is in the Fig. 4b Clearly visible. The reduced thickness in the area of ​​the first layer 32 allows for optimal surface quality even under the insert.

[0052] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable to a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes to the invention can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims. Reference sign

[0053] 2 Metatarsal wings (MTB II+III) 4 Metatarsal head V (MTB V) wing 6 Metatarsal waist 8 Lateral calcaneal wing 10 Cuboid wing 12 Medial calcaneal wing 14 Foot; Foot bone structure 16 Heel, calcaneus, calcaneal region 18 Ball of foot; Ball of foot region 20 Toes; Toe region 22 Cuboid; Cuboid region 24 Metatarsal; Metatarsal region 26 Metatarsal heads II and III (MTB II+III) 30 Insole, shoe insert 32 First layer 34 Second layer 36 Longitudinal center axis 38 Contact surface 40 Edge area 42 Toe of sole 44 Thinning

Claims

1. Insole or shoe insert (30) for a shoe, comprising at least one first layer (32) made of reversibly elastically deformable plastic and at least one second layer (34) made of reversibly elastically deformable plastic, which is sectionally connected to the first layer (32), wherein the first layer (32) arranged sectionally below the second layer (34) is made of a stiffer plastic material than the more flexible second layer (34), wherein the first layer (32) extends from the heel (16) to the ball of the foot (18) of a foot (14) wearing the shoe, while the second layer (34) extends from the heel (16) to the tips of the toes (20) of the foot (14) and substantially follows the outer contours of an insole of the shoe.- and wherein the first layer (32) has lateral constrictions and / or bilateral waisting (6) in at least one midfoot area (24) in a direction transverse to a longitudinal central axis (36) of the shoe insert (30).

2. Shoe insole (30) according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (32) is tapered and / or constricted in the area below the ball of the foot (18) and has a reduced width on both sides to the longitudinal central axis (36) of the shoe insole (30) compared to a cube-shaped leg area (22).

3. Shoe insole (30) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer (32) in the area below the cuboid bone (22) of the foot (14) of the wearer of the shoe has a width increased in relation to the longitudinal central axis (36) of the shoe insole (30) compared to the midfoot area (24) and the ball of the foot area (18).

4. Shoe insole (30) according to claim 3, wherein the heel area (16) and the area below the cuboid bone (22) of the foot (14) are approximately equal in their respective widths with respect to the longitudinal central axis (36) of the shoe insole (30).

5. Shoe insole (30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thickness of the first layer (32) in the area below the heel (16) of the wearer has a greater material thickness and thus a greater flexural stiffness than the areas which decrease in material thickness towards the midfoot (24) and the ball of the foot (18).

6. Shoe insole (30) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thickness of the second layer (34) in the area below the heel (16) of the wearer has a greater material thickness and thus a greater flexural stiffness than the areas which decrease in material thickness towards the ball and toe area (18, 20).

7. Method for manufacturing an insole or shoe insert (30) for a shoe, comprising the following steps: - providing at least one second layer (34) made of reversibly elastically deformable plastic, which second layer (34) is formed such that it extends from the heel (16) to the tips of the toes (20) of a foot (14) wearing the shoe and substantially follows the outer contours of an insole of the shoe, - providing at least one first layer (32) made of reversibly elastically deformable plastic, which first layer (32) is formed of a stiffer plastic material than the more compliant second layer (34) and extends from the heel (16) to the ball of the foot (18) (14),and which first layer (32) is provided at least in a midfoot area (24) with lateral constrictions and / or a bilateral waist shaping (6) in a direction transverse to a longitudinal central axis (36) of the shoe insert (30), - section by section joining the first layer (32) with the second layer (34).

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the first layer (32) in the area below the ball of the foot (18) is provided with a tapering and / or constriction and has a reduced width on both sides to the longitudinal central axis (36) of the shoe insert (30) compared to a cube-shaped leg area (22).

9. Method according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the first layer (32) is designed such that it has a width in the area below the cuboid bone (22) of the foot (14) of the wearer of the shoe that is increased in relation to the longitudinal central axis (36) of the shoe insole (30) compared to the midfoot area (24) and the ball of the foot area (18).

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the heel area (16) and the area below the cuboid bone (22) of the foot (14) are designed such that their respective widths are approximately the same with respect to the longitudinal central axis (36) of the shoe insert (30).

11. Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the thickness of the first layer (32) in the area below the heel (16) of the carrier is formed with a greater material thickness, and thus has a greater flexural stiffness than the areas which decrease in material thickness towards the midfoot (24) and the ball of the foot (18).

12. Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the thickness of the second layer (34) in the area below the heel (16) of the carrier is formed with a greater material thickness, and thus has a greater bending stiffness than the areas which decrease in material thickness towards the ball and toe area (18, 20).

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