Insole
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure JP2026004085_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Insole
[0001] The present invention relates to an insole that supports the sole of the foot when wearing footwear.
[0002] Human physiques vary from person to person in terms of muscle balance, skeleton, center of gravity position, balance, etc. Among these, when broadly classifying physical characteristics based on the strength balance and muscle constitution of muscles such as the abdominal and back muscles of a person, it is said that they can be divided into four types. For each of these four types, further division into two types can be made based on the balance between the extensor and flexor muscle groups of the muscles, and as a result, it is also said that physical characteristics can be divided into eight types.
[0003] Conventionally, for example, in sports, martial arts, or training for health purposes, etc., it is often carried out uniformly without considering these types of physical characteristics. On the other hand, the implementation of training menus etc. according to the type of physical characteristics has also begun to be utilized.
[0004] On the other hand, in modern society, people often wear shoes for living, moving, exercising, etc. Since the feet have an important function of supporting the entire body, it is considered that the relationship between the feet and the body, exercise ability, health, etc. is also deep. Furthermore, regarding the technology of insoles (innersoles), various proposals have been made, such as those for health and medical purposes, and those for improving exercise ability. For example, in Patent Document 1, an insole for shoes with recesses formed on the inner side of the heel and the thumb side of the insole so that force gathers at the center of the body when walking is proposed, expecting O-shaped leg prevention and diet effects.
[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-325897
[0006] However, although some conventional insoles have been developed with a focus on improving physical and exercise functions, etc., the actual effects are often not as great as expected, and more effective ones are required. Furthermore, as described above, the human body is divided into multiple types of physical characteristics according to muscles and physique, but conventional insoles have not been considered according to these types. Therefore, even if they are effective for some types of physical characteristics, they often do not suit other types of people, and there is a risk that the effects cannot be expected and the practicality is low.
[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and one of its objectives is to provide an insole that can improve muscle coordination in accordance with physical characteristics, and is expected to improve or enhance physical ability and athletic ability.
[0008] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an insole to be attached to footwear, comprising: an insole body; a toe portion of the insole body corresponding to the toe side of the position that crosses the anterior-posterior central position of the metatarsal bone of the third toe of the foot, and provided such that the greatest weight is applied to the toe portion in one of four regions: the medial distal region of the toe, the lateral distal region of the toe, the medial proximal region of the toe, and the lateral proximal region of the toe, which are divided by the central line position passing through the left-right central position of the third toe of the foot and the position of the MTP joint of the foot; and a toe-side inclined portion of the insole body corresponding to the calcaneus. The insole comprises a heel portion, which is provided in one of four regions—the medial distal region of the heel, the lateral distal region of the heel, the medial proximal region of the heel, and the lateral proximal region of the heel—divided by the centerline position and a position crossing the anterior-posterior central position of the calcaneus, such that the greatest weight is applied to the heel portion. The toe-side inclined portion and the heel-side inclined portion are each formed to slope downward in the width direction from the centerline position side toward the contour edge side of the insole body, and the inclined portions are set in different regions on the medial and lateral sides of the centerline position.
[0009] Furthermore, the toe-side inclined portion and the heel-side inclined portion may be set so that their upper ends are at or beyond the centerline position.
[0010] Furthermore, the toe-side inclined portion and the heel-side inclined portion may be provided in the distal region so as to be separated from each other.
[0011] Furthermore, the toe-side inclined portion and the heel-side inclined portion may be positioned in the proximal region so that they are close to each other.
[0012] Furthermore, the toe-side slope and heel-side slope may be set such that a greater load is applied to one slope than to the other.
[0013] Furthermore, the insole itself may be made thicker so that a greater load is applied to one of the inclined sections, either the toe-side or the heel-side, than to the other.
[0014] Furthermore, the present invention is an insole for footwear, comprising an insole body and a toe portion of the insole body located towards the toes from a position crossing the anterior-posterior central position of the third toe, which is divided into four regions: the medial distal region, the lateral distal region, the medial proximal region, and the lateral proximal region of the toe, divided by a central line position passing through the center of the third toe and the MTP joint position, or the heel portion of the insole body corresponding to the calcaneus, which is divided into four regions: the medial distal region, the lateral distal region, the medial proximal region, and the lateral proximal region of the heel, divided by the aforementioned central line position and a position crossing the anterior-posterior central position of the calcaneus, which is provided such that the greatest load is placed on one of these regions, and the insole comprises an insole body having an inclined portion that slopes downward in the width direction from the central line position side toward the contour edge side of the insole body.
[0015] According to the present invention, the insole is fitted into footwear and comprises an insole body and a toe portion of the insole body that corresponds to the toe side of a position crossing the anterior-posterior central position of the third toe metatarsal bone of the foot, and is provided such that the greatest weight is applied to the toe portion in one of four regions: the medial distal region of the toe, the lateral distal region of the toe, the medial proximal region of the toe, and the lateral proximal region of the toe, which are divided by a central line position passing through the left-right central position of the third toe and the position of the MTP joint of the foot, and a heel portion of the insole body that corresponds to the calcaneus, and is divided by the aforementioned central line position and a position crossing the anterior-posterior central position of the calcaneus, and is provided such that the greatest weight is applied to the toe portion in one of these regions, and The insole includes a heel-side inclined portion provided in one of four regions, namely the medial proximal region of the heel and the lateral proximal region of the heel, so as to be the region where the most weight is applied to the heel. The toe-side inclined portion and the heel-side inclined portion are each formed to slope downward in the width direction from the centerline position toward the contour edge of the insole body, and the inclined portions are set in different regions on the medial and lateral sides of the centerline position. Therefore, by changing the setting positions of the toe-side inclined portion and the heel-side inclined portion to correspond to the physical characteristics of the user, such as muscles and constitution, it is possible to provide an insole that can improve muscle coordination and body balance, and thereby achieve a high level of improvement in physical ability and athletic ability.
[0016] Furthermore, by setting the upper end of the inclination to be at or beyond the centerline position, it is possible to expect a greater improvement in muscle coordination, body balance, physical ability, and athletic ability.
[0017] Furthermore, by positioning the toe-side and heel-side inclined sections distally so as to be separated from each other, it is possible to improve and enhance muscle coordination, body balance, physical ability, and athletic ability in accordance with the user's physical characteristics such as muscles and constitution.
[0018] Furthermore, by positioning the toe-side and heel-side inclined sections in the proximal region so that they are close to each other, it is possible to improve and enhance muscle coordination, body balance, physical ability, and athletic ability in accordance with the user's physical characteristics such as muscles and constitution.
[0019] Furthermore, by configuring the toe-side and heel-side inclined sections so that one inclined section bears a greater load than the other, it is possible to improve and enhance muscle coordination, body balance, physical ability, and athletic ability in accordance with the user's physical characteristics such as muscles and constitution.
[0020] (a) A plan view of an insole according to one embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment. (a) is a cross-sectional view of the insole of Figure 1 along line A-A, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the same insole along line B-B. An explanatory diagram of the divided region in the insole body of Figure 1 where the inclined portion can be formed. A schematic explanatory diagram of the skeleton of the human foot. An explanatory diagram of a second embodiment of the insole of Figure 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a third embodiment of the insole of Figure 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a fourth embodiment of the insole of Figure 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a fifth embodiment of the insole of Figure 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a sixth embodiment of the insole of Figure 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a seventh embodiment of the insole of Figure 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment. An explanatory diagram of an eighth embodiment of the insole of Figure 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment.
[0021] Embodiments of the insole of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The insole according to the present invention is, for example, an insole or insert that supports the sole of the foot as the insole of footwear such as shoes or sandals. Figures 1 to 11 show one embodiment of the insole of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the insole 10 (10A) according to this embodiment comprises an insole body 12, a toe-side inclined portion 14 formed on the toe portion 20 of the insole body 12, and a heel-side inclined portion 16 formed on the heel portion 30 of the insole body 12.
[0022] The insole body 12 forms the main body of the insole and is, for example, attached as an insole (insole) of footwear such as shoes. In this embodiment, the insole body 12 is formed to be removable and usable, for example, by being inserted into a shoe worn by the user. The insole body 12 may be attachable to and detachable from footwear, or it may be integrally fixed to footwear. As shown in Figure 1, the insole body 12 has an outer contour shape that corresponds to the approximate outer contour shape of the foot (or the internal shape of footwear such as shoes). The insole body 12 may be made of the same material as conventionally known insoles, and it is preferable that it be made of a material that has some cushioning properties. The insole body 12 may be made of any material such as polyurethane, polyethylene, rubber, leather, cotton, cork, etc., in a single layer structure or a structure in which multiple materials are laminated, or any other arbitrary material. In addition, an adhesive part may be formed on the back side to prevent slippage when attached to footwear such as shoes. In this embodiment, the insole body 12 is formed so that the heel portion 30 is relatively thicker than the toe portion 20, and so that when the foot is placed on it, weight is naturally shifted to the toe side. The thickness of the insole body 12 may also be made such that the toe portion 20 is relatively thicker than the heel portion 30, and may be adjusted in accordance with the position of the toe-side inclined portion 14 and the heel-side inclined portion 16, etc., according to the individual's physical characteristics. Furthermore, the thickness, size, and shape of the insole body 12 may be set arbitrarily, as long as it is thick enough to be fitted inside footwear such as shoes. In this embodiment, the insole body 12 is divided into areas with the first toe (big toe) side as the inside and the fifth toe (little toe) side as the outside, with the center line position (see straight line L0 in Figure 3) passing through the left-right center of the third toe (third toe) and the left-right center of the calcaneus of the foot when the foot is placed on the insole body 12, which is approximately the center line position in the left-right center of the third toe (third toe) of the foot. In this embodiment, the insole 10 has a structure in which the arch portion 18 of the insole body 12, which corresponds to the arch of the foot, does not have any bumps or slopes.
[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2(a), the toe-side inclined portion 14 is a first inclined portion formed on the front side, i.e., the toe portion 20, of the insole body 12. The toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed on the toe portion 20 of the insole body 12 with a downward slope from the center line position L0 toward the inside or outside in the width direction, and the inclination is such that the weight on the toe side of a person's foot is applied along the slope. In this embodiment, the toe portion 20 of the insole body 12 on which the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed is the anterior portion on the toe side (toe side) of position L1 that crosses the anterior-posterior central position of the metatarsal bone of the third toe (see reference numeral B3 in Figure 4) when the foot is placed on the insole body 12. Furthermore, the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed by adjusting the inclination at the position of the toe portion 20 of the insole body 12, and further corresponding to one of the four regions 22 to 28. Furthermore, the toe portion 20 may be demarcated at a curved position that crosses the anterior-posterior midpoint of the first to fifth metatarsal bones B1 to B5 of the foot, for example.
[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the region where the toe-side inclined portion 14 or heel-side inclined portion 16 of the insole body 12 is formed. As shown in Figure 3, the toe portion 20 is divided into four regions by dividing the region anteriorly and posteriorly by the MTP joint position L2 corresponding to the MTP joint of the third toe of the foot (see reference numeral M3 in Figure 4), and simultaneously dividing these anterior and posterior regions left and right (medial and lateral) by the centerline position L0. If the region formed in the part away from the central position (arch portion 18) of the insole body 12 is called the distal region, and the region in the part close to the central position (arch portion 18) of the insole body 12 is called the proximal region, then the toe portion 20 is divided into four regions: the medial distal toe region 22, the lateral distal toe region 24, the medial proximal toe region 26, and the lateral proximal toe region 28. In other words, the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed by setting the lower side of the inclination so that the greatest weight is placed on the toe portion in one of the following regions: the medial distal region 22, the lateral distal region 24, the medial proximal region 26, or the lateral proximal region 28, corresponding to the type of physical characteristics of the user. In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 1(a), the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed in the medial distal region 22.
[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1(b), the toe-side inclined portion 14 is mainly formed in the medial distal region 22 of the toe area, and a portion of it may extend to the medial proximal region 26 of the toe area. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1(b), if the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed across multiple regions, the inclination is adjusted in the toe area so that the greatest load from the foot is applied to the medial distal region 22 of the toe area, and the point of greatest load on the toe area is formed in the distal region 22 of the toe area. That is, the toe-side inclined portion 14 may be formed to a size that fits within one of the four regions, or it may be formed across multiple regions, with the area of greatest load applied being set in one of the regions. The MTP joint positions may be demarcated by positions that curve across the first to fifth MTP joints M1 to M5 of the foot.
[0026] The toe-side inclined portion 14 has its upper end portion 14T set at the centerline position L0, and while it slopes downward in the width direction, the lower end portion 14B of the inclination is formed continuously to the outer contour edge of the insole body 12, and is provided so as to widen in a tapered manner toward the edge when viewed from above. The inclined portion of the toe-side inclined portion 14 and the other parts are smoothly connected without any sharp edges so as not to cause discomfort or pain to the sole of the foot. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed with a relatively large slope (angle of inclination) so as to be subjected to a relatively larger load than the heel-side inclined portion 16 described later, and works in cooperation with the thickness structure of the insole body 12 described above to form a heavy load portion 40.
[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2(b), the heel-side inclined portion 16 is a second inclined portion formed on the rear side of the insole body 12, i.e., the heel portion 30. The heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed on the heel portion 30 of the insole body 12, sloping downward from the centerline position L0 toward the inside or outside in the width direction, and is an inclination along which the weight on the heel side of a person's foot is applied. In this embodiment, the heel portion 30 of the insole body 12 on which the heel-side inclined portion 16 can be formed corresponds to the calcaneus (see reference numeral HB in Figure 4) of the foot when the foot is placed on the insole body 12. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the front end position L3 of the heel portion 30 is set to a position that substantially corresponds to the front end position HBa of the calcaneus HB. Furthermore, the heel-side inclined portion 16 is located at the heel portion 30 of the insole body 12 and is formed by adjusting the inclination to correspond to one of the four regions 32 to 38.
[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the heel portion 30 is divided into anterior and posterior regions at position L4, which crosses the anterior-posterior central position of the calcaneus of the foot, and these anterior and posterior regions are further divided into left and right (medial and lateral) regions at the center line position L0, thereby dividing it into four regions. If the region formed in the part away from the central position (arch portion 18) of the insole body 12 is called the distal region, and the region in the part close to the central position (arch portion 18) of the insole body 12 is called the proximal region, then the heel portion 30 is divided into four regions: the medial distal region of the heel 32, the lateral distal region of the heel 34, the medial proximal region of the heel 36, and the lateral proximal region of the heel 38. In other words, the heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed by setting the lower side of the inclination so that the greatest weight is applied to the heel in one of four regions: the medial distal region 32 of the heel, the lateral distal region 34 of the heel, the medial proximal region 36 of the heel, and the lateral proximal region 38 of the heel, in accordance with the type of physical characteristics of the user. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed in the lateral distal region 34 of the heel.
[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1(b), the heel-side inclined portion 16 is mainly formed in the lateral distal region 34 of the heel, and a portion of it may extend to the lateral proximal region 38 of the heel. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1(b), when the heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed across multiple regions, the inclination is adjusted and formed in the heel portion so that the greatest load from the foot is applied to the lateral distal region 34 of the heel, and so that the point of greatest load on the heel portion is formed in the distal region 34 of the heel. That is, the heel-side inclined portion 16 may be formed to a size that fits within one of the four regions, or it may be formed across multiple regions, with the area of greatest load applied being set in one of the regions.
[0030] As described above, the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed so that the greatest load is placed on the medial distal region 22 of the toe, and the heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed so that the greatest load is placed on the lateral distal region 34 of the heel. The toe-side inclined portion 14 and the heel-side inclined portion 16 are formed to be different on the medial and lateral sides of the centerline position L0. Furthermore, the toe-side inclined portion 14 and the heel-side inclined portion 16 are formed in distal regions that are separated from each other.
[0031] In this embodiment, the heel-side inclined portion 16 has its upper end portion 16T set at the centerline position L0, and while it slopes downward in the width direction, the lower end portion 16B of the inclination is formed continuously to the outer contour edge of the insole body 12, and is provided so as to widen in a tapered manner toward the outer edge when viewed from above. The inclined portion of the heel-side inclined portion 16 and the other parts are smoothly connected without any sharp edges so as not to cause discomfort or pain to the sole of the foot. In the first embodiment, the heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed with a relatively small slope (angle of inclination) so that a relatively small load is applied to it compared to the toe-side inclined portion, and works in cooperation with the thickness structure of the insole body 12 described above to form a small load area 42. That is, in this embodiment, when the user places their foot on the insole body 12, a large load is applied to the toe-side inclined portion 14, and a relatively small load is applied to the heel-side inclined portion 16.
[0032] As shown in Figures 1, 5 to 11, the areas forming the toe-side inclined portion 14 and the heel-side inclined portion 16 are set to differ depending on the user's physical characteristics, such as muscle type and constitution. Furthermore, each of the inclined portions of the toe-side inclined portion 14 and the heel-side inclined portion 16 is set to have a relatively steeper gradient on one side, corresponding to the user's physical characteristics, in order to change the weight balance between the toe and heel sides.
[0033] Figure 5 shows the insole 10 (10B) of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 5(a), in this second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the toe-side inclined portion 14 of the insole 10 (10B) is formed in the medial distal region 22 of the toe portion, and the heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed in the lateral distal region 34 of the heel portion. However, unlike the first embodiment, the insole body 12 is formed so that the toe portion 20 is thicker than the heel portion 30, and a larger load is placed on the heel side when the foot is placed on it. The toe-side inclined portion 14 is composed of a small load portion 42, and the heel-side inclined portion 16 is composed of a large load portion 40, and is set so that a relatively large load is placed on the heel-side inclined portion 16.
[0034] Figure 5(b) shows another embodiment of Figure 5(a). In the example of Figure 5(b), the range in which each inclined portion 14, 16 is formed is different, but the basic configuration is substantially the same as that of Figure 5(a). As shown in Figure 5(b), the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed in the medial distal region 22 of the toe portion and extends across the medial proximal region 26 of the toe portion, and is formed with an adjusted incline so that the part of the toe portion where the greatest load is applied is formed in the medial distal region 22 of the toe portion. The heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed in the lateral distal region 34 of the heel portion and extends across the lateral proximal region 38 of the heel portion, and is formed with an adjusted incline so that the part of the heel portion where the greatest load is applied is formed in the lateral distal region 34 of the heel portion.
[0035] Figure 6 shows the insole 10 (10C) of the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 6(a), in this third embodiment, the insole 10 (10C) has a toe-side inclined portion 14 formed in the outer distal region 24 of the toe area, and a heel-side inclined portion 16 formed in the inner distal region 32 of the heel area. That is, the toe-side inclined portion 14 and the heel-side inclined portion 16 are formed in the distal region, separated from each other. Furthermore, the insole body 12 is formed so that the heel portion 30 is thicker than the toe portion 20, and a large load is placed on the toe side when the foot is placed on it. The toe-side inclined portion 14 is composed of a large load portion 40, and the heel-side inclined portion 16 is composed of a small load portion 42. Therefore, it is set so that a relatively large load is placed on the toe-side inclined portion 14.
[0036] Figure 6(b) shows another embodiment of Figure 6(a). In the example of Figure 6(b), the range in which each inclined portion 14, 16 is formed is different, but the basic configuration is substantially the same as that of Figure 6(a). As shown in Figure 6(b), the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed in the outer distal region 24 of the toe and extends across the outer proximal region 28 of the toe, and is formed with an adjusted incline so that the part of the toe portion where the greatest load is applied is formed in the outer distal region 24 of the toe. The heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed in the inner distal region 32 of the heel and extends across the inner proximal region 36 of the heel, and is formed with an adjusted incline so that the part of the heel portion where the greatest load is applied is formed in the outer distal region 32 of the heel.
[0037] Figure 7 shows the insole 10 (10D) of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 7(a), in this fourth embodiment, the insole 10 (10D) has a toe-side inclined portion 14 formed in the outer distal region 24 of the toe portion, and a heel-side inclined portion 16 formed in the inner distal region 32 of the heel portion. The insole body 12 is formed so that the toe portion 20 is thicker than the heel portion 30, and a larger load is placed on the heel side when the foot is placed on it. The toe-side inclined portion 14 is composed of a small load portion 42, and the heel-side inclined portion 16 is composed of a large load portion 40. Therefore, the heel-side inclined portion 16 is set to have a relatively larger load placed on it than the toe-side inclined portion 14.
[0038] Figure 7(b) shows another embodiment of Figure 7(a). In the example of Figure 7(b), the range in which each inclined portion 14, 16 is formed is different, but the basic configuration is substantially the same as that of Figure 7(a). As shown in Figure 7(b), the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed in the outer distal region 24 of the toe portion and extends across the outer proximal region 28 of the toe portion, and is formed with an adjusted incline so that the part of the toe portion where the greatest load is applied is formed in the outer distal region 24 of the toe portion. The heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed in the inner distal region 32 of the heel portion and extends across the inner proximal region 36 of the heel portion, and is formed with an adjusted incline so that the part of the heel portion where the greatest load is applied is formed in the outer distal region 32 of the heel portion.
[0039] Figure 8 shows the insole 10 (10E) of the fifth embodiment. As shown in Figure 8(a), in this fifth embodiment, the toe-side inclined portion 14 of the insole 10 (10E) is formed in the medial proximal region 26 of the toe portion, and the heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed in the lateral proximal region 38 of the heel portion. That is, the toe-side inclined portion 14 and the heel-side inclined portion 16 are formed in proximal regions that are close to each other and closer to the central position. Furthermore, the insole body 12 is formed so that the heel portion 30 is thicker than the toe portion 20, and a larger load is placed on the toe side when the foot is placed on it. The toe-side inclined portion 14 is composed of a large load portion 40, and the heel-side inclined portion 16 is composed of a small load portion 42. Therefore, the toe-side inclined portion 14 is set to bear a relatively larger load than the heel-side inclined portion 16.
[0040] Figure 8(b) shows another embodiment of Figure 8(a). In the example of Figure 8(b), the range in which each inclined portion 14, 16 is formed is different, but the basic configuration is substantially the same as that of Figure 8(a). As shown in Figure 8(b), the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed in the medial proximal region 26 of the toe portion and also spans the medial distal region 22 of the toe portion and the region slightly behind the boundary line L1 of the toe portion. At the same time, the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed with an adjusted incline so that the part of the toe portion where the greatest load is applied is formed in the medial proximal region 26 of the toe portion. The heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed in the lateral proximal region 38 of the heel portion and also spans the lateral distal region 34 of the heel portion and the region in front of the heel boundary line L2. At the same time, the heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed with an adjusted inclination so that the area where the most weight is applied to the outer proximal region 38 of the heel is formed.
[0041] Figure 9 shows the insole 10 (10F) of the sixth embodiment. As shown in Figure 9(a), in this sixth embodiment, the insole 10 (10F) has a toe-side inclined portion 14 formed in the medial proximal region 26 of the toe portion, and a heel-side inclined portion 16 formed in the lateral proximal region 38 of the heel portion. Furthermore, the insole body 12 is formed so that the toe portion 20 is thicker than the heel portion 30, and a larger load is placed on the heel side when the foot is placed on it. The toe-side inclined portion 14 is composed of a small load portion 42, and the heel-side inclined portion 16 is composed of a large load portion 40. Therefore, the heel-side inclined portion 16 is set to bear a relatively larger load than the toe-side inclined portion 14.
[0042] Figure 9(b) shows another embodiment of Figure 9(a). In the example of Figure 9(b), the range in which each inclined portion 14, 16 is formed is different, but the basic configuration is substantially the same as that of Figure 9(a). As shown in Figure 9(b), the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed in the medial proximal region 26 of the toe portion and also spans the medial distal region 22 of the toe portion and the region slightly behind the boundary line L1 of the toe portion. At the same time, the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed with an adjusted incline so that the part of the toe portion where the greatest load is applied is formed in the medial proximal region 26 of the toe portion. The heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed in the lateral proximal region 38 of the heel portion and also spans the lateral distal region 34 of the heel portion and the region in front of the heel boundary line L2. At the same time, the heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed with an adjusted inclination so that the area where the most weight is applied to the outer proximal region 38 of the heel is formed.
[0043] Figure 10 shows the insole 10 (10G) of the seventh embodiment. As shown in Figure 10(a), in this seventh embodiment, the toe-side inclined portion 14 of the insole 10 (10G) is formed in the proximal outer region 28 of the toe portion, and the heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed in the proximal inner region 36 of the heel portion. That is, the toe-side inclined portion 14 and the heel-side inclined portion 16 are formed in proximal regions that are close to each other and closer to the center. Furthermore, the insole body 12 is formed so that the heel portion 30 is thicker than the toe portion 20, and a larger load is placed on the toe side when the foot is placed on it. The toe-side inclined portion 14 is composed of a large load portion 40, and the heel-side inclined portion 16 is composed of a small load portion 42. Therefore, the toe-side inclined portion 14 is set to bear a relatively larger load than the heel-side inclined portion 16.
[0044] Figure 10(b) shows another embodiment of Figure 10(a). In the example of Figure 10(b), although the ranges in which the respective inclined portions 14 and 16 are formed are different, the basic configuration is substantially the same as that of Figure 10(a). As shown in Figure 10(b), the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed in the proximal region 28 outside the toe portion, and extends across a region slightly rearward of the boundary line L1 between the distal region 24 outside the toe portion and the toe portion. At the same time, the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed by adjusting the inclination so that a portion where the most load is applied to the proximal region 28 outside the toe portion is formed at the toe portion. The heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed in the proximal region 36 inside the heel portion, and extends across a region in front of the boundary line L2 between the distal region 32 inside the heel portion and the heel portion. At the same time, the heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed by adjusting the inclination so that a portion where the most load is applied to the proximal region 36 inside the heel portion is formed at the heel portion.
[0045] Figure 11 shows the insole 10(10H) of the eighth embodiment. As shown in Figure 11(a), in this eighth embodiment, the insole 10(10H) has a toe-side inclined portion 14 formed in the proximal region 28 outside the toe portion, and a heel-side inclined portion 16 formed in the proximal region 36 inside the heel portion. Further, the insole body 12 is formed such that the toe portion 20 is thicker than the heel portion 30, and is formed so that a large load is applied to the heel side when the foot is placed thereon. The toe-side inclined portion 14 is composed of a small load portion 42, and the heel-side inclined portion 16 is composed of a large load portion 40. Therefore, the heel-side inclined portion 16 is set to be relatively more heavily loaded than the toe-side inclined portion 14.
[0046] Figure 11(b) shows another embodiment of Figure 11(a). In the example of Figure 11(b), the range in which each inclined portion 14, 16 is formed is different, but the basic configuration is substantially the same as that of Figure 11(a). As shown in Figure 11(b), the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed in the proximal outer region 28 of the toe portion, and also spans the distal outer region 24 of the toe portion and the region slightly behind the boundary line L1 of the toe portion. At the same time, the toe-side inclined portion 14 is formed with an adjusted incline so that the part of the toe portion where the most weight is applied is formed in the proximal outer region 28 of the toe portion. The heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed in the proximal inner region 36 of the heel portion, and also spans the distal inner region 32 of the heel portion and the region anterior to the boundary line L2 of the heel portion. At the same time, the heel-side inclined portion 16 is formed with an adjusted inclination so that the area where the most weight is applied to the proximal region 36 on the inner side of the heel is formed.
[0047] Furthermore, as in the above embodiment, when the toe-side inclined portion 14 and the heel-side inclined portion 16 are provided in the proximal regions of each other, it is preferable to form them so that as little as possible the inclined portion and other irregularities are formed in the part corresponding to the arch of the foot. In addition, the upper ends of the inclination of the toe-side inclined portion 14 and the heel-side inclined portion 16 may be set so that the inclination extends beyond the centerline position L0 and spans into the other adjacent region to the left and right.
[0048] Note that the insole 10 of the present invention may basically be formed with either the toe-side inclined portion 14 or the heel-side inclined portion 16. That is, among the eight regions of the inner distal region 22 of the toe portion, the outer distal region 24 of the toe portion, the inner proximal region 26 of the toe portion, the outer proximal region 28 of the toe portion, the inner distal region 32 of the heel portion, the outer distal region 34 of the heel portion, the inner proximal region 36 of the heel portion, and the outer proximal region 38 of the heel portion, a configuration in which an inclined portion is provided corresponding to any one of them may be adopted. Even if the inclined portion is a single configuration in any region, by using an insole formed with the inclined portion at a position according to the physical characteristics of the user, effects such as improvement of muscle linkage force and balance, and improvement of physical function and motor function can be expected. As in the first to eighth embodiments of the present embodiment, providing two inclined portions, the toe-side inclined portion 14 and the heel-side inclined portion 16, can be expected to have a higher effect on the effects such as improvement of muscle linkage force and balance, and improvement of physical function and motor function as described above.
[0049] The insole 10 according to the present embodiment prepares the insoles 10 (10A to 10H) of the first to eighth embodiments, and selects and uses any one of the insoles (10A to 10H) according to the type of the physical characteristics of the user. Thereby, it can be expected that the muscle linkage and body balance of the user are improved, and the physical ability and motor ability are significantly improved. Although the clear reason for the effect of improving the physical ability and motor ability by using the insole 10 of the present invention is not clear, when the foot is placed on the insole body 12, it is considered that the action such as the way of applying weight to the toe-side inclined portion 14 and the heel-side inclined portion 16, muscle linkage, and movement of the center of gravity is well adapted to the physical characteristics, leading to the improvement of physical function and motor ability.
[0050] Also, when selecting and using the insoles (10A to 10H) of the first to eighth embodiments, for example, it may be selected according to the type of physical characteristics divided based on the theory of the four major muscle constitutions.
[0051] For example, when the insole 10 of this embodiment was used by a person who had difficulty standing and walking on their own due to weakened leg and hip muscles, it was confirmed that the user was able to stand and walk on their own, thus confirming an improvement in physical ability. Furthermore, in tests conducted by the applicant with multiple students and working adults using the insole 10 of this embodiment, improvements in running ability, jumping ability, muscle strength, core strength, balance, and other athletic abilities were confirmed. Specifically, by using the insole 10 of this embodiment, it was confirmed that, for example, times in short-distance running would decrease, records in vertical jumps would improve, a seated position would remain stable even when pushed from the side by another person, and a jump would remain stable even when pushed from the side by another person. In addition, improvements in shot power when hitting a ball in tennis, tackling power in rugby, ball speed in baseball pitching, and kicking power when kicking a punching bag were confirmed. Furthermore, for example, it has been confirmed that individuals with pain or disabilities in the lower back or elbows can experience relief from pain in these areas by using the insole 10 of this embodiment. Positive effects such as injury prevention and improvement of physical abilities can also be expected.
[0052] The insole of the present invention described above is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and any modifications may be made without departing from the essence of the present invention as described in the claims.
[0053] The insoles of the present invention are used, for example, in a manner tailored to the user's physical characteristics, such as muscle type and balance.
[0054] 10 Insole 12 Insole body 14 Toe-side slope 16 Heel-side slope 20 Toe area 22 Medial distal area of toe area 24 Lateral distal area of toe area 26 Medial proximal area of toe area 28 Lateral proximal area of toe area 30 Heel area 32 Medial distal area of heel area 34 Lateral distal area of heel area 36 Medial proximal area of heel area 38 Lateral proximal area of heel area
Claims
1. An insole to be fitted into footwear, comprising: an insole body; a toe portion of the insole body corresponding to the toe side of a position crossing the anterior-posterior central position of the third toe's metatarsal bone, and provided such that the greatest weight is placed on the toe portion in one of four regions: the medial distal region, the lateral distal region, the medial proximal region, and the lateral proximal region of the toe, which are divided by a central line position passing through the left-right central position of the third toe and the position of the foot's MTP joint; and a heel portion of the insole body corresponding to the calcaneus, and provided such that the greatest weight is placed on the heel portion in one of four regions: the medial distal region, the lateral distal region, the medial proximal region, and the lateral proximal region of the heel, which are divided by the aforementioned central line position and a position crossing the anterior-posterior central position of the calcaneus. An insole characterized in that the toe-side inclined portion and the heel-side inclined portion are formed to slope downward in the width direction from the center line position towards the contour edge of the insole body, and that the inclined portions are set in different regions on the inside and outside of the center line position.
2. The insole according to claim 1, characterized in that the toe-side inclined portion and the heel-side inclined portion have their upper ends set to be at or beyond the center line position.
3. The insole according to claim 1, characterized in that the toe-side inclined portion and the heel-side inclined portion are provided in the distal region so as to be separated from each other.
4. The insole according to claim 1, characterized in that the toe-side inclined portion and the heel-side inclined portion are provided in the proximal region so as to be in close proximity to each other.
5. The insole according to claim 1, characterized in that the toe-side slope and the heel-side slope are set such that a greater load is applied to one of the slopes than to the other.
6. The insole according to claim 5, characterized in that the thickness of the insole body is adjusted so that a greater load is applied to one of the inclined parts, either the toe-side inclined part or the heel-side inclined part, than to the other inclined part.
7. An insole for footwear, comprising an insole body and a toe portion of the insole body located towards the toes from a position crossing the anterior-posterior central position of the third toe, which is divided into four regions: the medial distal region, the lateral distal region, the medial proximal region, and the lateral proximal region of the toe, as defined by a central line position passing through the center of the third toe and the MTP joint position, or a heel portion of the insole body corresponding to the calcaneus, which is divided into four regions: the medial distal region, the lateral distal region, the medial proximal region, and the lateral proximal region of the heel, as defined by the aforementioned central line position and a position crossing the anterior-posterior central position of the calcaneus, and is provided such that the greatest weight is applied to one of these regions, and having an inclined portion formed by sloping downward in the width direction from the central line position side toward the contour edge side of the insole body.