Insole and footwear for plantar electrostimulation

Abstract

An insole (1) for a footwear (100), comprising a multi-layer insole body (2) comprising a bottom layer (4) made by molding or additive manufacturing, and a top layer (3) having a foot contact surface (30). The insole comprises an electro stimulator device comprising at least one electrode (5) in the forefoot support region (32) and at least one electrode (5) in the rearfoot support region (31). The insole comprises a vibrator device (8) below the top layer (3) to transmit vibrations to the forefoot and / or plantar arch of the user's foot.

Description

“INSOLE AND FOOTWEAR FOR PLANTAR ELECTROSTIMULATION”DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of footwear, in particular luxury footwear .

[0002] The obj ect of the present invention are an insole and a footwear comprising said insole .

[0003] In the field of footwear, multifunction insoles are known which, in addition to providing adequate support for the user' s foot, have a data collection function, for example for the purpose of monitoring the posture and gait of the user wearing the footwear . Such solutions have undergone enormous technological development and dissemination of use, especially in the field of sports and in the field of medicine . Examples of such footwear are described in documents US2004 / 173220A1, US2012 / 186101A1, US2018 / 055140A1 , US2012 / 291563 , CN118680365A and WO2024 / 188442A1 .

[0004] Footwear users nowadays are very attentive to the manufacturing process, constantly in search of aesthetically pleasing and appealing solutions, without neglecting attention to the materials used to make the footwear . Such aspects are particularly felt by luxury footwear users, who must frequently comply with dress codes required by the environments they frequent and areoften influenced by fashion and current style trends .

[0005] One of the primary needs of footwear users relates to comfort when used, in order to be able to wear the footwear for an extended period and in a continuous manner, for example for several hours per day and for several consecutive days . In high- or low-temperature environments, for example, extended use of certain footwear may be uncomfortable . Such comfort issues are particularly felt by users of luxury footwear, which is notoriously less comfortable with respect to other types of footwear, first among which is footwear with high heels that reduce the stability thereof .

[0006] It is the obj ect of the present invention to provide an insole and a footwear comprising said insole that satisfy the needs of the field and satisfy users' comfort requirements .

[0007] This and numerous other obj ects are achieved by means of an insole and a footwear according to the independent claims . The dependent claims introduce further technical features that result in advantageous technical effects .

[0008] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, in accordance with the accompanying Figures, in which:Figure 1 shows a footwear in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment of footwear with a heel;- Figure 2 shows an insole in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment;Figures 2a and 2b show a bottom view and an enlargement, respectively, of some electronic components of the insole in Figure 2 ;Figure 3 shows the bottom layer of an insole in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment;- Figure 4 shows an insole in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment which is different from Figure 2, in which the top layer and the bottom layer are distinguishable;- Figure 5 shows an electrode in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, with vertically separate contact elements;- Figure 5a shows an electrode in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, with magnetically coupled contact elements housed in the insole body;- Figure 6 shows a bottom view of an insole in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment ;Figure 7 shows a diagrammatic view of an insole in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, with respect to the outline of the user ' s foot, highlighting the positioning of the cooling device and the dissipation element;- Figure 8 shows a diagrammatic view of a footwear in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, highlighting the positioning of the linear resonant actuator;- Figure 9 shows a diagrammatic view of an insole in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, with respect to the outline of the user ' s foot, highlighting the positioning of the pressure sensors and showing a map of the pressure forces applied to the insole by the user;- Figure 10 shows a diagrammatic view of an insole in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, with respect to the outline of the footwear footbed, highlighting the positioning of the auxiliary sensor for measuring vital signs and of the bioimpedance sensor for detecting plantar fluids .

[0009] With reference to the attached Figures, an insole as a whole is indicated by reference numeral 1, while a footwear comprising said insole 1 is indicated as a whole by reference numeral 100.[OOO1O] In an embodiment, footwear 100 is a footwear with a heel 110, i . e . , comprising a rear heel extending vertically and raising the rear part of the sole with respect to the front part, at least partly arching the plantar arch, thus shifting greater body weight onto the front part of the metatarsus of the user' s foot .

[0011] In an embodiment (not shown) , footwear 100 is a footwear without a heel .

[0012] In an embodiment, insole 1 is an orthotic insole optimized for ergonomically supporting the user' s foot, in particular comprising a central support section 10, preferably arched, for supporting the plantar arch of the foot . Said central support section 10 is arranged between the front support region of the forefoot and the rear support region of the rearfoot, which will be described below.

[0013] Insole 1 in accordance with the present invention comprises a multi-layer insole body 2, i . e . comprising at least two layers coupled to each other .

[0014] In an embodiment, the insole body 2 consists of two layers joined directly to each other, for example by means of an adhesive or by means of stitching. Preferably, said two layers joined directly to each other are the bottom layer 4 and the top layer 3, which will be described below.

[0015] Insole 1 comprises a top layer 3 that has a foot contact surface 30 intended to come directly into contact with the sole of the user ' s foot, i . e . , with the bare foot, or with a stocking or a sock or pantyhose or a fishnet stocking or leggings or a similar garment that at least partially covers the sole of the user ' s foot .

[0016] The foot contact surface 30 extends between a rearfoot support region 31, also referred to as the rear region, and a forefoot support region 32, also referred to as the front region.

[0017] "Re arfoot support region", or rear region, means the portion of insole underlying the rearfoot of the user' s foot, i . e . the rear part of the foot that includes the heel or calcaneus .

[0018] "Fo refoot support region", or front region, means the portion of the insole underlying the forefoot of the user ' s foot, i . e . the front part of the foot comprising the toes and the front part of the metatarsus .

[0019] In an embodiment, the top layer 3 is made of leather or imitation leather .

[0020] In an embodiment, the top layer 3 has a thickness between 0.3 and 5 millimeters, preferably between 0.5 and 3 millimeters, for example equal to about 1 millimeter or 1.5 millimeters .

[0021] Insole 1 comprises a bottom layer 4 forsupporting one or more electronic components of the insole, which will be described below.

[0022] Such bottom layer 4 is made by molding, by means of additive manufacturing techniques or by 3D printing .

[0023] The top layer 3 at least partially covers the bottom layer 4. Preferably, the top layer 3 extends over the bottom layer 4 such that, with insole 1 positioned in footwear 100, the top layer 3 conceals the bottom layer 4 from the user ' s view. Preferably, the top layer 3 covers at least the upper surface 41 and the lateral surface 42 of the bottom layer 4, for example leaving the lower surface 43 of the bottom layer 4 uncovered and accessible .

[0024] In an embodiment, the bottom layer 4 has a thickness between 1.5 and 15 millimeters, preferably between 2 and 10 millimeters, for example 3 millimeters or 5 millimeters .

[0025] In an embodiment, the bottom layer 4 comprises a central support section 10, preferably arched shaped, for supporting the plantar arch of the user ' s foot . Said central support section 10 extends over the upper surface 41 of the bottom layer 4, preferably defining with it a housing 40, which will be described below.

[0026] Preferably, the central support section 10 hasa maximum thickness, measured from the lower surface 43 of the bottom layer 4, between 5 and 25 millimeters, preferably between 7 and 15 millimeters, for example 8 millimeters or 10 millimeters .

[0027] In an embodiment, the bottom layer 4 is made by performing the following steps :- obtaining data relative to a user' s foot by means of an electronic scanning device;- processing the data relative to the foot, by means of a first processing unit, to obtain a model, preferably three-dimensional, of the user' s foot;- processing the model of the user' s foot, by means of a second processing unit, to obtain insole production instructions ;- producing the bottom layer 4, on the basis of the insole production instructions, by means of a molding device, or a 3D printer or a device that implements additive manufacturing techniques .

[0028] Specifically, a user equipped with the electronic scanning device scans the foot for the purposes of making the bottom layer 4 of insole 1. The data collected relative to the foot are input into the first processing unit, which performs the processing to obtain the mathematical model of the user ' s foot .

[0029] In an embodiment, the electronic scanningdevice comprises the first processing unit that receives and processes the data relative to the foot .

[0030] In an embodiment, a personal computer comprises the first processing unit that receives and processes the data relative to the foot, for example, the computer of an operator appointed to make the insole .

[0031] The model, preferably three-dimensional, of the user ' s foot, for example obtained from processing photographic and / or video and / or LiDAR data, is input into the second processing unit to obtain the insole production instructions, for example the coordinates for moving a material dispensing nozzle .

[0032] In an embodiment, a personal computer comprises the second processing unit that obtains the model of the user' s foot, for example the computer of an operator appointed with making the insole .

[0033] Preferably, the electronic scanning device comprises an optical device, in which the collected data are one or more photos and / or videos of the foot, for example from different angles . Alternatively or in addition, the electronic scanning device comprises a LiDAR sensor that collects additional data relative to the foot . The at least one or more photos and / or videos collected by the optical device and / or the data collected by the LiDAR sensor are input into the first processingunit .

[0034] In an embodiment, the electronic scanning device is a smartphone equipped with an integrated camera and a LiDAR sensor .

[0035] In an embodiment, the first processing unit coincides with the second processing unit, for example comprised in a personal computer .

[0036] Insole 1 in accordance with the present invention comprises a vibrator device 8 below the top layer 3. In other words, the top layer 3 conceals the vibrator device 8 from a user' s view, with insole 1 in footwear 100.

[0037] The vibrator device 8 is configured to transmit vibrations to the user' s forefoot and / or to the user' s plantar arch.

[0038] In an embodiment, the vibration device 8 is positioned in the forefoot support region 32, or is positioned close to the forefoot support region 32, for example proximal to the central support section 10.

[0039] In particular, the vibrator device 8 is supported by the bottom layer 4. In an embodiment, the vibrator device 8 is at least partially embedded in the bottom layer 4 .

[0040] In an embodiment, the vibrator device 8 is arranged in the central support section 10. Preferably,the vibrator device 8 is positioned in housing 40 defined below the central support section 10. For example, the vibrator device 8 is configured to transmit vibrations to the central support section 10, which in turn transmits the vibrations to the plantar arch of the user' s foot .

[0041] The vibrator device 8 comprises, for example, an electric motor and / or an electric actuator, the operation of which generates the vibrations to be transmitted to the user .

[0042] Insole 1 according to the present invention comprises an electrostimulator device for electrically stimulating the sole of the user ' s foot . The electrostimulator device comprises at least one electrode 5 in the forefoot support region 32, also referred to as the front electrode, and at least one electrode 5 in the rearfoot support region 31, also referred to as the rear electrode .

[0043] In an embodiment, the electrostimulator device is configured to generate electrical pulses at 50 Hz, preferably for a predefined fixed duration, for example 7200 seconds or 14400 seconds .

[0044] Preferably, the electrostimulator device comprises two front adj acent and laterally spaced apart electrodes, i . e . , in the width direction of the insole .Preferably, the front electrodes are positioned at the front part of the metatarsus, for example at the articulation region of the toes of the user ' s foot .

[0045] In an embodiment, the vibrator device 8 is arranged substantially between two front electrodes, i . e . in an intermediate position between them, as shown by way of example in Figure 2. In an embodiment, the vibrator device 8 is arranged behind the two front electrodes, as shown by way of example in Figure 4.

[0046] Preferably, the electrostimulator device comprises a single rear electrode .

[0047] Preferably, the electrostimulator device comprises a single front electrode .

[0048] In an embodiment, each electrode 5 comprises a bottom contact element 6 electrically powered, for example by a battery 9 housed in the bottom layer 4 of insole 1, and a top contact element 7 at least partially in contact with the bottom contact element 6. Contact with the bottom contact element 6 electrically powers the top contact element 7 .

[0049] In an embodiment, each of said contact elements 6, 7 is substantially cylindrical in shape with flat ends and, in particular, the mutually facing faces of the bottom contact element 6 and the bottom contact element 6 are in planar contact .

[0050] The bottom contact element 6 is supported by the bottom layer 4, is preferably recessed with respect to the upper surface 41 of the bottom layer 4, for example is positioned in special contact seats 49 of the bottom layer 4 .

[0051] The bottom contact element 6 is recessed with respect to the foot contact surface 30.

[0052] The top contact element 7 comprises a foot stimulation surface 70 positioned above or substantially flush with respect to the foot contact surface 30.

[0053] The foot stimulation surface 70 faces upward and is accessible for coming into contact with the sole of the user ' s foot, for the purpose of transmitting electrical pulses by contact .

[0054] The foot stimulation surface 70 of the top contact element 7 is visible by a user, with insole 1 in footwear 100. Specifically, with insole 1 in footwear 100, the user sees the foot contact surface 30 of the top layer 3 and the foot stimulation surfaces 70 of each electrode 5.

[0055] In an embodiment, the top contact element 7 comprises a foot stimulation portion that extends through the top layer 3, in which said foot stimulation portion ends at the top, comprising the foot stimulation surface 70.

[0056] In an embodiment, the top contact element 7 comprises an upper centering magnet 75 and the bottom contact element 6 comprises a lower centering magnet 65. Said centering magnets 65, 75 are arranged in contact and, having opposite polarity, are mutually retained by means of forces of magnetic attraction.

[0057] In other words, the forces of magnetic attraction constrain the upper centering magnet 75 to the lower centering magnet 65. In still other words, in the absence of said forces of magnetic attraction, the upper centering magnet 75 would be unconstrained from the lower centering magnet 65.

[0058] Preferably, the upper centering magnet 75 is manually separable from the lower centering magnet 65, for example by applying leverage to the lateral edge thereof with a tool or a fingernail .

[0059] The coupling between the upper centering magnet 75 and the lower centering magnet 65 creates the electrical connection necessary for the transmission of electrical pulses from the bottom contact element 6 to the top contact element 7 .

[0060] In an embodiment, the top layer 3 comprises a vertically extending electrode housing hole 45. The upper centering magnet 75 is in contact with the lower centering magnet 65 at, i . e . , inside, the electrodehousing hole 45.

[0061] With insole 1 in footwear 100, the top contact element 7, in particular the upper centering magnet 75, conceals the electrode housing hole 45 from a user' s view .

[0062] In an embodiment, the top contact element 7, in particular the upper centering magnet 75, and the bottom contact element 6, in particular the lower centering magnet 65, clamp between them the edges of top layer 3 peripherally delimiting the electrode housing hole 45.

[0063] In an embodiment, the top contact element 7, in particular the upper centering magnet 75, is painted or plated, for example gold-plated.

[0064] In an embodiment, insole 1 comprises a heating device in the bottom layer 4, preferably comprising electrical resistors, for example thin film electrical resistors .

[0065] In an embodiment, insole 1 comprises a heating device in the bottom layer 4, comprising a plurality of conductive wires 20 extending in the forefoot support region 32 and in the rearfoot support region 31 and therebetween .

[0066] In an embodiment, insole 1 comprises a cooling device for heat dissipation, preferably comprising aminiature Peltier module 18 or a phase change material PCM.

[0067] In an embodiment, the miniature Peltier module 18 is in the forefoot support region 32.

[0068] In an embodiment, the cooling device comprises a dissipation element 19 made of graphite, extending in a planar manner in the forefoot support region 32, in which the miniature Peltier module 18 is at said dissipation element 19.

[0069] In an embodiment, the microcontroller applies a PID algorithm, or proportional-integral-derivative algorithm, for controlling the heating device and / or the cooling device, also as a function of the measurement of the dynamic measurement unit 22, or IMU unit . Advantageously, it is possible to maintain the user' s foot within a comfortable temperature range in a predictive manner .

[0070] In an embodiment, the electrostimulator device comprises a conductive ink layer extending over the foot contact surface 30, connected to at least one electrode 5, preferably to at least two electrodes, to transmit the electrical pulses uniformly. In an embodiment, the conductive ink layer extends mainly over the entire foot contact surface 30 or only in some regions or in the form of rows . In an embodiment, the conductive ink layeris co-molded with the bottom layer 4 of insole 1.

[0071] In an embodiment, insole 1 comprises an electronic receiving / transmission module 16 programmed to receive control signals of the vibrator device 8 and / or the electrostimulator device . In particular, said control signals are sent by a remote control device, for example a smartphone or a remote control .

[0072] As stated, the obj ect of the present invention also is a footwear 100 comprising insole 1. Preferably, footwear 100 comprises, at the rear, a heel 110 that raises the rearfoot support region 31 with respect to the forefoot support region 32.

[0073] In an embodiment, footwear 100 comprises at least one linear resonant actuator LRA 21 engaged with or integrated in heel 110, for example at least two linear resonant actuators LRAs, for providing corrective haptic feedback of the user ' s gait .

[0074] It is possible to physically counterbalance a potentially harmful oscillation of the user ' s foot or ankle by means of the linear resonant actuator 21, in particular the moving masses it contains .

[0075] According to an aspect of the invention, a system comprises a footwear 100 which in turn comprises insole 1 provided with the electronic receiving / transmission module 16 for receiving controlsignals . The system further comprises a remote control device, for example a smartphone or a remote control, programmed for sending said control signals enabling the operation of the electrostimulator device and the vibrator device 8, for example simultaneously, and preferably also the operation of the heating device and / or of the cooling device, to the electronic receiving / transmission module ( 16) .

[0076] In particular, said control signals enable and modulate the electrostimulator device and the vibrator device 8 .

[0077] The Applicant has observed that an extremely effective stimulation of the local microcirculation of the sole of the foot is obtained by enabling the operation of the electrostimulator device at 50 Hz for 7200 seconds per week, simultaneously with the vibrator device 8. At the same time, the Applicant has observed that an extremely effective stimulation of the deep circulation of the user ' s foot is obtained by enabling the operation of the electrostimulator device at 50 Hz for 14400 seconds per week, simultaneously with the vibrator device 8 .

[0078] In an embodiment, the remote control device, for example a smartphone or a remote control, is configured for sending control signals to the electronicreceiving / transmission module 16 to control the operation of the at least one linear resonant actuator LRA 21 .

[0079] In an embodiment, the remote control device is configured for sending control signals of the at least one linear resonant actuator LRA 21 and at least one of the cooling device and the heating device, as a function of the measurements of the at least one temperature sensor 11, the at least one auxiliary sensor 12, the at least one bioimpedance sensor 13 and the at least one pressure sensor 14.

[0080] In an embodiment, insole 1 comprises a RGB board, which supports the electronic components of the insole, i . e . , the electrostimulator device, the vibrator device, and preferably also the heating device, the cooling device and the electronic receiving / transmission module 16. Preferably, the PCB board supports the electronic receiving / transmission module 16, an amplifier and an IOT module . In an embodiment, the PCB board is a rigid or semi-rigid support specific for the plantar arch, for example custom-made . In an embodiment, the PCB board is glued to or integrated in insole 1.

[0081] Insole 1 comprises a battery 9 for powering one or more electronic components of insole 1, i . e . at least the electrostimulator device and the vibratordevice, and preferably also the heating device, the cooling device, and the electronic receiving / transmission module 16.

[0082] In particular, battery 9 electrically powers the electrodes 5 for generating electrical pulses to be transmitted to the user' s foot .

[0083] Preferably, the bottom layer 4 comprises recessed grooves 48 in the lower surface 43 thereof, in which electrical cables are arranged for the connection to the electrodes 5, in particular to the bottom contact element 6.

[0084] In an embodiment, battery 9, the PCB board and the vibrator device are housed in a cavity or recess of the bottom layer, preferably open and accessible from the lower surface 43, for example at the central support section 10 and / or communicating with housing 40.

[0085] Preferably, battery 9 generates voltage of at least 9 volts .

[0086] The Applicant has found that the generation of electrical pulses with a battery of at least 9 volts is sufficient to stimulate the contraction of the muscles of the sole of the user' s foot, thus promoting microcirculation .

[0087] In an embodiment, insole 1 comprises a wireless charging device 15, for example embedded in the bottomlayer 4, configured to electrically charge battery 9 and / or power the vibrator device 8 and / or power the electrostimulator device . Advantageously, it is sufficient to position the footwear 100 or insole 1 on a corresponding external wireless charging device to activate the charging device on board the insole .

[0088] In an embodiment, the wireless charging device 15 comprises a wireless charging coil 151 embedded in the bottom layer 4 .

[0089] According to an alternative embodiment, insole 1 comprises a charging device provided with a USB port .

[0090] In an embodiment, insole 1 comprises at least one temperature sensor 11, preferably a plurality of temperature sensors distributed between the forefoot support region 32 and the rearfoot support region 31. Preferably, the at least one temperature sensor 11 is an NTC thermistor .

[0091] Specifically, it is possible to control the operation of the Peltier module 18 in feedback or in closed loop by means of the operatively connected microcontroller and the at least one temperature sensor 11 .

[0092] In an embodiment, insole 1 comprises at least one auxiliary sensor 12 configured to measure at least one vital sign of the user . Specifically, such a vitalsign is selected from: blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate HR, and heart rate variability HRV. Specifically, the at least one auxiliary sensor 12 is configured to come into contact with the user ' s epidermis, for example by protruding or being positioned substantially flush with respect to the foot contact surface 30. Even more specifically, the at least one auxiliary sensor 12 is configured to measure a vital sign through the subcutaneous fat of the user' s foot, for example to detect the characteristics of a blood vessel of the user' s foot .

[0093] Preferably, said at least one sensor is a photoplethysmography sensor PPG or a bioimpedance sensor 13 .

[0094] In an embodiment, insole 1 comprises at least one bioimpedance sensor 13 for detecting fluids in the plantar tissue of the user ' s foot .

[0095] In an embodiment, insole 1 comprises at least one pressure sensor 14, preferably a plurality of pressure sensors distributed between the forefoot support region 32 and the rearfoot support region 31. Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor 14 is an FSR sensor .

[0096] Specifically, it is possible to proactively control the linear resonant actuator 22 to correct theuser ' s gait and / or to detect potential falls in advance by means of the operatively connected at least one pressure sensor 14 and the microcontroller . Even more specifically, it is possible to generate a map of the pressure forces that the user applies to insole 1 by means of the pressure sensors 14 distributed in the insole to correct the user ' s gait and / or detect potential falls in advance .

[0097] In an embodiment, insole 1 comprises a PCB board that integrates the electronic receiving / transmission module 16 and a microcontroller MCU 17 communicating with the electronic receiving / transmission module 16. Specifically, microcontroller MCU 17 is operatively connected to be powered by the wireless charging device 15 and / or by battery 9.

[0098] Microcontroller MCU 17 is configured to communicate with the vibrator device 8 and the electrostimulator device, specifically to control the operation thereof , preferably based on measurement of at least one of : temperature sensor 11, auxiliary sensor 12 for measuring vital sign, plantar fluid detection sensor 13 and pressure sensor 14.

[0099] In an embodiment, microcontroller MCU 17 is configured to operate by means of machine-learningalgorithms and / or Al algorithms and / or control with PID algorithms and / or neural networks, for example to adapt to the user ' s specific cool-down times and gait patterns over time .[000100] In an embodiment, the PCB board is arranged in housing 40.[000101] In an embodiment, insole 1 comprises a dynamic measurement unit 22 for the multi-axis measurement of the dynamics of the user ' s foot in motion, for example an inertial measurement unit IMU, preferably below the top layer 3, for example supported by the bottom layer 4 .[000102] Specifically, it is possible for the dynamic measurement unit 22 to measure the roll angle and the angular speed of the user' s ankle in such a manner that, when the oscillation exceeds a threshold, the linear actuator 21 provides contralateral feedback opposite to the unbalance, useful for self-correcting the user' s gait, i . e . , in a proprioceptive manner .[000103] The obj ect of the present disclosure is a method for thermoregulating a user' s foot, comprising the step of providing a footwear 100 comprising an insole 1 that comprises :- a multi-layer insole body 2 comprising:a top layer 3 having a foot contact surface 30extending between a rearfoot support region 31 and a forefoot support region 32, and- a bottom layer 4 engaged with and underlying the top layer 3, made by molding or by additive manufacturing; - an electrostimulator device comprising at least one electrode 5 in the forefoot support region 32 and at least one electrode 5 in the rearfoot support region 31 ;a vibrator device 8 below the top layer 3 and configured to transmit vibrations to the user' s forefoot and / or plantar arch;- a plurality of temperature sensors distributed between the forefoot support region 32 and the rearfoot support region 31 ;- at least one auxiliary sensor 12 configured to measure at least one of : blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate HR, and heart rate variability HRV;- at least one bioimpedance sensor 13 for measuring fluids in the plantar tissue of the user' s foot;- a plurality of pressure sensors distributed between the forefoot support region 32 and the rearfoot support region 31 ;- a cooling device comprising a dissipation element 19, made of graphite, which extends in a planar manner in the forefoot support region 32, and a miniature Peltier module 18 at said dissipation element 19;a heating device in the bottom layer 4, comprising a plurality of conductive wires 20 extending in the forefoot support region 32 and in the rearfoot support region 31 and therebetween; and- a microcontroller MCU 17 configured to communicate with the vibrator device 8, the electrostimulator device, the cooling device, and the heating device; in which the method comprises the step of controlling in real time and in an adaptive manner the operation of the vibrator device 8, the electrostimulator device, the cooling device, and the heating device, as a function of the measurements of the temperature sensors 11, the at least one auxiliary sensor 12, the at least one bioimpedance sensor 13, and the pressure sensors 14.[000104] The obj ect of the present disclosure is a method for correcting the gait of a user ' s foot, comprising the step of providing a footwear 100 according to claim 26, and the step of controlling in real time and in an adaptive manner the operation of the at least one linear resonant actuator LRA 21, as a function of the measurement of the inertial measurement unit IMU.[000105] In an embodiment, it is possible, by means of the microcontroller, to control, in real time and in an adaptive manner in feedback, or closed-loop, the operation of the vibrator device 8, theelectrostimulator device, the cooling device and the heating device, as a function of the measurements of the temperature sensors 11, the at least one auxiliary sensor 12, the at least one bioimpedance sensor 13, and the pressure sensors 14. In an embodiment, it is possible, by means of the microcontroller, to control, in real time and in an adaptive manner in feedback, or closed-loop, the operation of the of at least one linear resonant actuator LRA 21 as a function of the measurement of the inertial measurement unit IMU and / or as a function of the measurements of the temperature sensors 11, the at least one auxiliary sensor 12, the at least one bioimpedance sensor 13, and the pressure sensors 14.[000106] In an embodiment, it is possible, by means of the microcontroller, to control, in real time and in an adaptive manner in feedback, or closed loop, the operation of the at least one linear resonant actuator LRA 21, the vibrator device 8, the electrostimulator device, the cooling device and the heating device, based on the respective operations .[000107] Advantageously, the microcontroller implements a fusion of the sensor-based control logics, also referred to as sensor fusion control logic, in particular based on the measurements of the IMU device, the pressure sensors, and the vital signs, for the coordinatedmodulation of all the thermoregulating devices and the LRA actuator .[000108] Innovatively, the insole and the footwear comprising said insole meet the needs of the sector and the comfort requirements required by users .[000109] Advantageously, the insole provides a high comfort of use, in particular by virtue of the combined action of the electrostimulator device and the vibrator device .[000110] Advantageously, the insole promotes microcirculation and deep circulation of the foot .[000111] Advantageously, the insole has an attractive, eye-pleasing aesthetic appearance .[000112] Advantageously, the electronic components of the insole are integrated in the insole and concealed from view.[000113] Advantageously, the electrodes contribute to enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the insole .[000114 ] Advantageously, the electrodes are perfectly integrated and minimally visible .[000115] Advantageously, the electrodes are interchangeable, for example to replace worn electrodes, or to choose alternative colors and ornaments .[000116] Advantageously, the insole is operable based on preferences by means of a remote control device, forexample the footwear wearer' s smartphone .[000117] Advantageously, the insole is made to measure the user ' s foot and is customized according to the specific requirements .[000118] Advantageously, the insole increases the thermal comfort of the user' s foot .[000119] Advantageously, it is possible to take into account different shapes of the user' s two feet .[000120] LIST OF REFERENCES1 Insole2 Multi-layer insole body3 Top layer4 Bottom layer5 Electrode ( front or rear)6 Bottom contact element7 Top contact element8 Vibrator device9 Battery10 Arched central support section11 Temperature sensor12 Auxiliary sensor for vital sign measurement13 Plantar fluid detection sensor14 Pressure sensor15 Wireless charging device151 Wireless charging coil16 Receiving / transmission module17 Microcontroller18 Peltier module19 Dissipation element20 Conductive wires21 Linear resonant actuator22 Dynamic measurement unit or IMU unit 30 Foot contact surface31 Rearfoot support region (rear)32 Forefoot support region ( front)40 Housing41 Upper surface of the bottom layer42 Lateral surface of the bottom layer 43 Lower surface of the bottom layer45 Electrode housing hole48 Recessed grooves for electrical cables 49 Contact seats of the bottom layer65 Lower centering magnet70 Foot stimulation surface75 Upper centering magnet100 Footwear110 Footwear heelFSR Force sensing resistorHR Heart rateHRV Heart rate variabilityIMU Inertial measurement unitIOT Communication moduleLiDAR Laser foot scanning sensorLRA Linear resonant actuator for haptic feedback MCU Microcontroller unitNTC ThermistorRGB Printed circuit boardPCM Cooling phase change materialPPG Photoplethysmography sensor

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An insole ( 1 ) for a footwear ( 100 ) , comprising : i ) a multi-layer insole body ( 2 ) comprising :- a top layer ( 3 ) having a foot contact surface ( 30 ) extending between a rearfoot support region ( 31 ) and a forefoot support region ( 32 ) , and- a bottom layer ( 4 ) engaged with and underlying the top layer ( 3 ) , made by molding or additive manufacturing; ii ) an electrostimulator device comprising at least one electrode ( 5 ) in the forefoot support region ( 32 ) and at least one electrode ( 5 ) in the rearfoot support region ( 31 ) ;iii ) a vibrator device ( 8 ) below the top layer ( 3 ) and configured to transmit vibrations to the user' s forefoot and / or plantar arch .2 . An insole ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein each electrode ( 5 ) comprises :- a bottom contact element ( 6 ) supported by the bottom layer ( 4 ) and lowered with respect to the foot contact surface ( 30 ) , and- a top contact element ( 7 ) positioned in contact with the bottom contact element ( 6 ) to be electrically powered, and comprising a foot stimulation surface ( 70 ) positioned above or substantially flush with respect to the foot contact surface ( 30 ) .

3. An insole ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein the vibrator device ( 8 ) is in the forefoot support region ( 32 ) or proximal to the forefoot support region ( 32 ) . 4 . An insole ( 1 ) according to claim 2 or claim 3 , wherein the top contact element ( 7 ) and the bottom contact element ( 6 ) comprise , respectively, an upper centering magnet ( 75 ) and a lower centering magnet ( 65 ) arranged in contact , forming the electrical connection, and magnetically coupled, wherein the upper centering magnet ( 75 ) is detachable from the lower centering magnet ( 65 ) , for example manually .

5. An insole ( 1 ) according to claim 4 , wherein the upper centering magnet ( 75 ) is in contact with the lower centering magnet ( 65 ) in an electrode housing hole ( 45 ) passing through the top layer ( 3 ) , and engages the foot contact surface ( 30 ) in such a manner that , with the insole ( 1 ) in the footwear ( 100 ) , the top contact element ( 7 ) conceals the electrode housing hole ( 45 ) from a user' s view .

6. An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , comprising at least one temperature sensor ( 11 ) , preferably a plurality of temperature sensors distributed between the forefoot support region ( 32 ) and the rearfoot support region ( 31 ) , for example an NTC thermistor .7 . An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , comprising at least one auxiliary sensor ( 12 ) configured to measure at least one of : blood pressure , oxygen saturation, heart rate HR, and heart rate variability HRV, preferably wherein said at least one auxiliary sensor is a photoplethysmography PPG sensor or a bioimpedance sensor ( 13 ) .8 . An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , comprising at least one bioimpedance sensor ( 13 ) for measuring fluids in the plantar tissue of the user' s foot .

9. An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , comprising at least one pressure sensor ( 14 ) , preferably a plurality of pressure sensors distributed between the forefoot support region ( 32 ) and the rearfoot support region ( 31 ) , for example an FSR sensor .10 . An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , comprising an arched central support section ( 10 ) for supporting the plantar arch of the foot , defining a hous ing ( 40 ) below, wherein the vibrator device ( 8 ) is positioned at least partially in the housing ( 40 ) .11 . An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the electrostimulator device comprises two adj acent and laterally spaced apart electrodes ( 5 )in the forefoot support region ( 32 ) , wherein the vibrator device ( 8 ) is arranged between said two electrodes ( 5 ) or is arranged behind close to said two electrodes ( 5 ) .12 . An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the electrostimulator device is configured to generate electrical pul ses at 50 Hz .

13. An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , comprising a battery ( 9 ) electrically connected to power the vibrator device ( 8 ) and the electrostimulator device .14 . An insole ( 1 ) according to claim 13 , comprising a wireless charging device ( 15 ) comprising in turn a wireless charging coil ( 151 ) , operatively connected to charge the battery ( 9 ) and / or to power the vibrator device ( 8 ) and / or the electrostimulator device .15 . An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , comprising an electronic receiving / transmission module ( 16 ) programmed to receive control signals o f the vibrator device ( 8 ) and / or the electrostimulator device sent from a remote control device for the user, for example , a smartphone or a remote control .

16. An insole ( 1 ) according to claims 13 and 14 , comprising a PCB board integrating the electronic receiving / transmission module ( 16 ) and a microcontroller MCU ( 17 ) communicating with the electronicreceiving / transmission module ( 16 ) , wherein the microcontroller MCU ( 17 ) is configured to communicate with the vibrator device ( 8 ) and the electrostimulator device .17 . An insole ( 1 ) according to claim 16 when dependent on claim 8 , wherein the PCB board is positioned in the housing ( 40 ) .18 . An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , comprising a cooling device comprising a miniature Peltier module ( 18 ) or a phase change material .

19. An insole ( 1 ) according to claim 18 , wherein the miniature Peltier module ( 18 ) is in the forefoot support region ( 32 ) .20 . An insole ( 1 ) according to claim 18 , wherein the cooling device comprises a dissipation element ( 19 ) made of graphite , extending in a planar manner in the forefoot support region ( 32 ) , wherein the miniature Peltier module ( 18 ) is at said dissipation element ( 19 ) .21 . An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , comprising a heating device in the bottom layer ( 4 ) , comprising a plurality of conductive wires ( 20 ) extending in the forefoot support region ( 32 ) and in the rearfoot support region ( 31 ) and therebetween .22 . An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the electrostimulator device comprisesa conductive ink layer extending in the foot contact surface (30) , connected to at least one electrode (5) , preferably to at least two electrodes (5) .

23. An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom layer (4 ) is produced by performing the following steps :- obtaining data relative to a user' s foot by means of an electronic optical scanning device;- processing the data relative to the foot, by means of a processing unit, to obtain a model of the user' s foot; - processing the model of the user' s foot, by means of the processing unit, to obtain insole production instructions ;- producing the bottom layer (4 ) , based on the insole production instructions, by molding or additive manufacturing .

24. An insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an inertial measurement unit IMU (22) for the multi-axis measurement of the dynamics of the user ' s foot in motion, preferably arranged below the top layer ( 3 ) .

25. A footwear ( 100) comprising an insole ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims .

26. Footwear ( 100) according to claim 25, comprising : - an insole ( 1 ) according to claim 24 ,a heel ( 110) that raises the rearfoot support region (31 ) with respect to the forefoot support region (32 ) , and- at least one linear resonant actuator LRA (21 ) engaged with or integrated in the heel ( 110) , preferably at least two linear resonant actuators LRAs, for providing corrective haptic feedback of the user ' s gait .

27. A system comprising at least one footwear ( 100) according to claim 25, wherein the insole is according to claim 15, and a remote control device, for example a smartphone or a remote control, programmed for sending control signals for controlling the operation of the electrostimulator device and the operation of the vibrator device ( 8 ) , for example simultaneously, and preferably also the operation of the heating device and / or of the cooling device, to the electronic receiving / transmission module ( 16) .

28. A system comprising at least one footwear ( 100) according to claim 25, an insole ( 1 ) according to claim 15, and a remote control device, for example a smartphone or a remote control, configured for sending control signals for controlling the operation of the at least one linear resonant actuator LRA (21) to the electronic receiving / transmission module ( 16) .

29. A system comprising at least one footwear ( 100)according to claim 26, an insole ( 1 ) according to claims 4 to 7, at least one of claims 16 and 17, and claims 20 and 21, wherein the remote control device, for example a smartphone or a remote control, is configured for sending control signals for controlling the operation of the at least one linear resonant actuator LRA (21 ) and at least one of the cooling device and the heating device, to the electronic receiving / transmission module ( 16) as a function of the measurements of the at least one temperature sensor ( 11 ) , the at least one auxiliary sensor ( 12 ) , the at least one bioimpedance sensor ( 13) and the at least one pressure sensor ( 14) .

30. A method for thermoregulating a user' s foot, comprising the step of providing a footwear ( 100) comprising an insole ( 1 ) comprising:- a multi-layer insole body (2 ) comprising :- a top layer (3) having a foot contact surface (30) extending between a rearfoot support region (31 ) and a forefoot support region (32 ) , and- a bottom layer (4 ) engaged with and underlying the top layer (3) , made by molding or additive manufacturing; - an electrostimulator device comprising at least one electrode (5) in the forefoot support region (32 ) and at least one electrode (5) in the rearfoot support region (31 ) ;a vibrator device ( 8 ) below the top layer (3) and configured to transmit vibrations to the user' s forefoot and / or plantar arch;- a plurality of temperature sensors distributed between the forefoot support region (32 ) and the rearfoot support region ( 31 ) ;at least one auxiliary sensor ( 12 ) configured to measure at least one of : blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate HR, and heart rate variability HRV;- at least one bioimpedance sensor ( 13) for measuring fluids in the plantar tissue of the user' s foot;- a plurality of pressure sensors distributed between the forefoot support region (32 ) and the rearfoot support region ( 31 ) ;- a cooling device comprising a dissipation element ( 19) made of graphite, extending in a planar manner in the forefoot support region (32 ) and a miniature Peltier module ( 18 ) at said dissipation element ( 19) ;- a heating device in the bottom layer (4 ) , comprising a plurality of conductive wires (20) extending in the forefoot support region (32 ) and in the rearfoot support region (31 ) and therebetween; and- a microcontroller MCU ( 17 ) configured to communicate with the vibrator device ( 8 ) , the electrostimulatordevice , the cooling device and the heating device ; wherein the method comprises the step of controlling, in real time and in an adaptive manner, the operation of the vibrator device ( 8 ) , the electrostimulator device , the cooling device and the heating device , as a function of the measurements of the temperature sensors ( 11 ) , the at least one auxiliary sensor ( 12 ) , the at least one bioimpedance sensor ( 13 ) and the pres sure sensors ( 14 ) .31 . A method for correcting the gait of a user ' s foot , comprising the step of providing a footwear ( 100 ) according to claim 26 , and the step of controlling, in real time and in an adaptive manner, the operation of at least one linear resonant actuator LRA ( 21 ) , as a function of the measurement by the inertial measurement unit IMU .

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