US20090255147A1 - Foot-stabilizing shoe inserts - Google Patents
Foot-stabilizing shoe inserts Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090255147A1 US20090255147A1 US12/082,476 US8247608A US2009255147A1 US 20090255147 A1 US20090255147 A1 US 20090255147A1 US 8247608 A US8247608 A US 8247608A US 2009255147 A1 US2009255147 A1 US 2009255147A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- elevated portion
- top surface
- elevated
- base portion
- disposed
- Prior art date
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- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007788 roughening Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 14
- 210000003371 toe Anatomy 0.000 description 12
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 3
- RRHGJUQNOFWUDK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Isoprene Chemical compound CC(=C)C=C RRHGJUQNOFWUDK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000001872 metatarsal bone Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 206010013082 Discomfort Diseases 0.000 description 1
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002396 Polyurea Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000001336 alkenes Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001519 homopolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000178 monomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005615 natural polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- JRZJOMJEPLMPRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N olefin Natural products CCCCCCCC=C JRZJOMJEPLMPRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920002587 poly(1,3-butadiene) polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005606 polypropylene copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003226 polyurethane urea Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004381 surface treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012209 synthetic fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006342 thermoplastic vulcanizate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000003853 toe phalanges Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/28—Adapting the inner sole or the side of the upper of the shoe to the sole of the foot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/22—Soles made slip-preventing or wear-resisting, e.g. by impregnation or spreading a wear-resisting layer
- A43B13/223—Profiled soles
- A43B13/226—Profiled soles the profile being made in the foot facing surface
Abstract
An article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject within the shoe. In one embodiment the article comprises a substantially-planar base portion having a length dimension, a width dimension, a thickness dimension, a toe end, a heel end, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a circumferential edge. A first elevated portion is provided comprising at least one edge and having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, with the first elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of the base portion sufficiently to have a closest edge that is closest to the toe end of the base portion. A second elevated portion is present having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, with the second elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of the first elevated portion.
Description
- This disclosure relates generally to footwear. More particularly, it relates to inserts useful for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject who is wearing a shoe.
- High-heeled shoes have been in popular use for decades. However, while shoes are typically manufactured to fit a large number of potential consumers, in some cases, owing to variance in the human body, not all shoes fit all persons equally. Indeed, some women have opined that a problem exists in high-heeled shoes that their feet have a tendency to move downwardly into such shoes as they walk, under the influence of gravitational forces. Such tendency leads in many cases to discomfort and in extreme cases, physical pain.
- An article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject within the shoe. In one embodiment the article comprises a substantially-planar base portion having a length dimension, a width dimension, a thickness dimension, a toe end, a heel end, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a circumferential edge. There is a first elevated portion comprising at least one edge and having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, with the first elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of the base portion sufficiently to have a closest edge that is closest to the toe end of the base portion. There is a second elevated portion having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, with the second elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of the first elevated portion. The second elevated portion may or may not be disposed substantially centrally upon the top surface of the first elevated portion.
- In the annexed drawings:
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a shoe insert according to one embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 2 shows an overhead perspective view of a shoe insert according to one embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 3 shows a left side elevation view of a shoe insert according to one embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 4 shows an end view of a shoe insert according to one embodiment of the disclosure; and -
FIG. 5 shows a shoe having a shoe insert according to the disclosure disposed therein. - Referring to the drawings and initially to
FIG. 1 there is shown a perspective view of ashoe insert 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In thisFIG. 1 there is provided abase portion 3, which is substantially planar in configuration and is preferably comprised from a synthetic polymeric material, although natural polymers and other substances, including composite materials, may suffice as a material of construction from whichsuch base portion 3 may be comprised. When a polymeric material is selected, such polymeric material may be a thermoset polymer or a thermoplastic polymer, including without limitation thermoplastic vulcanizates, rubbers, EP rubber, butadiene polymers, polyolefins including homopolymers and copolymers of propylene and ethylene with any C1 to C6 olefin monomer, elastomers, PVC, neoprene, isoprene, and blends of any of the foregoing with one another to the extent that such mixtures are compatible, including blends of any of the foregoing with any other materials generally known in the polymer arts as being useful materials from which shoe inserts may be comprised, including without limitation fillers, colorants, odor-absorbing substances, and compatibility-enhancement agents. The foregoing includes polymeric foams and other foamed materials capable of providing cushion and/or elasticity to lessen shock forces delivered to the foot when a shoe is worn which includes ashoe insert 10 according to the disclosure. These include polyurethane and polyurea, polyolefin, and rubber-based foams having relatively small cell structure, as such are known in the art. - In one embodiment there is a first elevated
portion 5 disposed on thebase portion 3, which first elevatedportion 5 extends substantially across theshoe insert 10 very near its toe end TE, having its closest edge thereto being disposed typically at a distance from the toe end that is equal to about the width W2 (FIG. 2 ) of the first elevatedportion 5 as viewed from overhead. Also shown is the heel end HE of thebase portion 3. The first elevatedportion 5 includes a top surface TS1 (FIG. 4 ) which is elevated, as seen from a side elevation view, with respect to the surface of thebase portion 3. - In one embodiment, there is a second elevated
portion 7 disposed atop the first elevated portion, and centrally located thereabouts, with the second elevated portion having a top surface TS2 (FIG. 4 ) that is more distal with respect to the top surface T (FIG. 3 ) of thebase portion 3 than is the top surface of the first elevated portion, as seen from a side elevation view. In one embodiment, the first and second elevatedportions FIG. 3 andFIG. 4 . These surfaces may be thought of as being plateau areas, and this disclosure includes embodiments in which these top surfaces are flat, include concavity, or include convexity. In one embodiment the second elevated portion is contoured so as to fit on the top of the first elevatedportion 5 and the outer boundaries of the second elevatedportion 7 do not extend beyond the boundaries of the footprint of the first elevatedportion 5, as viewed from an overhead perspective view. - In one embodiment, the
base portion 3, first elevatedportion 5, and second elevatedportion 7 are all of singular construction, comprising a single article of manufacture, which is made by an injection moulding process, stamping, thermoforming or other process known in the art for providing polymeric articles. In another embodiment, thebase portion 3, first elevatedportion 5, and second elevatedportion 7 are separate elements, and are affixed to one another to provide theshoe insert 10 using conventional fastening means which may include adhesives, fasteners, and thermowelding. In another embodiment, any two elements selected from the group consisting of: thebase portion 3, first elevatedportion 5, and second elevatedportion 7 are of singular construction, while the remaining one is discrete and is affixed to the structure comprising the other two by any methods aforesaid. In a preferred embodiment, the shoe insert 10 is of singular construction. In one embodiment, the circumferential edge of the shoe insert comprises abevel 8 around the perimeter of the top surface of thebase portion 3. -
FIG. 2 shows an overhead view of ashoe insert 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In thisFIG. 2 is shown the overall length dimension L1 of ashoe insert 10. Additionally, the overall width W1 of ashoe insert 10 according to one embodiment is shown. The width W2 of the first elevatedportion 5 is also shown, as well as the lengths L3, L4, and L5 of portions of the first elevatedportion 5, and second elevatedportion 7. The distance D is the distance between the toe end TE of theshoe insert 10 and the edge of the first elevatedportion 5 at about the midpoint of the first elevatedportion 5. - In one embodiment, the overall length dimension L1 is about 8 centimeters. However, a shoe insert according to this disclosure may have any overall length L1 between about 6 centimeters and about 12 centimeters, including all lengths and ranges of lengths therebetween.
- In one embodiment, the overall width dimension W1 is about 7 centimeters. However, a shoe insert according to this disclosure may have any overall width W1 between about 4 centimeters and about 10 centimeters, including all widths and ranges of widths therebetween.
- In one embodiment, the width dimension W2 is about 1 centimeter. However, a shoe insert according to this disclosure may have any width W2 between about 0.5 centimeters and about 5 centimeters, including all widths and ranges of widths therebetween.
- In one embodiment, the length dimensions L3, L4, and L5 are substantially equal to one another, and are about 2 centimeters. However, in a shoe insert according to this the length dimensions L3, L4, and L5 may be any length between about 1 centimeter and about 4 centimeters, including all lengths and ranges of lengths therebetween.
- In another embodiment, the length dimensions L3, L4, and L5 are not substantially equal to one another, and may be any length between about 1 centimeter and about 4 centimeters independent of one another, including all widths and ranges of widths therebetween. In one embodiment, the dimension D is about 1 centimeter; however a shoe insert according to this disclosure may have any dimension D between about 1 millimeter and about 3 centimeters, including all dimensions and ranges of dimensions therebetween. In one embodiment the first elevated portion is disposed on the top surface of the base portion such that the closest edge of the first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of the base portion that is about equal to the width of the first elevated portion. In another embodiment, the first elevated portion is disposed on the top surface of the base portion such that the closest edge of the first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of the base portion that is at least the width of the first elevated portion. In another embodiment, the first elevated portion is disposed on the top surface of the base portion such that the closest edge of the first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of the base portion that is at least one millimeter greater than the width of the first elevated portion.
- The dimension L2 is the total length span of the first elevated
portion 5 across the width of theshoe insert 10. In general, L2 is less than W1 by any amount between about 0.5 cm and about 2 cm, including all span lengths and ranges of span lengths therebetween; however L2 may be longer than W1. In one embodiment L2 is about 6 centimeters; however, a shoe insert 10 according to this disclosure may have any span length L2 in the range of between about 3 centimeters and about 10 centimeters, including all span lengths and ranges of span lengths therebetween. In particular embodiments, the first elevatedportion 5 is of sufficient length dimension L2 that the first elevatedportion 5 extends across thebase portion 3 in an amount that is at least about 70% of the width dimension W1 of the base portion. - While the foregoing dimensions have been expressed in terms of ranges of dimensions, it is to be appreciated that the present disclosure does not embrace mathematically impossible structures, and one of ordinary skill may easily select these various dimensions to arrive at a
shoe insert 10 according to this disclosure. In one preferred embodiment: L1 is about 7.5 cm; L2 is about 6 cm; L3 is about 2.3 cm; L4 is about 2.5 cm; L5 is about 2.3 cm; W1 is about 6.5 cm; W2 is about 2 cm; and D is about 1.3 cm. In another embodiment, these figures are exact. - Although the
base portion 3 is shown inFIG. 2 as comprising four sides with convex contours, abase portion 3 according to the disclosure may exist in other shapes, including shapes which include at least one straight edge, shapes which include at least one concave edge, base portions which exist in the shape of polygons, either regular or irregular, including without limitation circular base portions, rectangular base portions, and trapezoidal base portions. - Although the first
elevated portion 5 and secondelevated portion 7 are depicted inFIG. 2 as being trapezoidal in their overall shape, comprising convex and concave edges, the firstelevated portion 5 and secondelevated portion 7 may exist in other shapes, including shapes which include at least one straight edge, shapes which include at least one concave edge, first and second elevated portions which independently exist in the shape of polygons, either regular or irregular, including without limitation circular first and second elevated portions, rectangular first and second elevated portions, and trapezoidal first and second elevated portions. -
FIG. 3 shows a left side elevation view of ashoe insert 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In thisFIG. 3 are shown the respective locations of thebase portion 3, firstelevated portion 5, secondelevated portion 7, andbevel 8 around the circumferential edge of theshoe insert 10 as a whole. The base portion, while being of singular construct in one embodiment, may itself comprise afirst base element 9 having perpendicular edges and asecond base element 11 having an angled edge, as shown. In such embodiments, thefirst base element 9 andsecond base element 11 are each substantially planar and are attached to one another using any suitable means as described earlier, each being comprised of materials already described herein. Also labeled inFIG. 3 is the top surface T of thebase portion 3. -
FIG. 4 shows an end view of ashoe insert 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. InFIG. 4 are shown the respective locations of thebase portion 3, firstelevated portion 5, secondelevated portion 7 as viewed from the toe end TE. - Also shown in
FIG. 4 is the thickness T1 of thebase portion 3, which in one embodiment is about 2 millimeters. However, this disclosure includes shoe inserts 10 having abase portion 3 whose thickness is any value in the range of between about one millimeter and about four millimeters, including all thicknesses and ranges of thicknesses therebetween. Additionally shown is the thickness T2 of the firstelevated portion 5, which in one embodiment is about 3 millimeters. However, this disclosure includes shoe inserts 10 having a firstelevated portion 5 whose thickness is any value in the range of between about one millimeter and about six millimeters, including all thicknesses and ranges of thicknesses therebetween. Further shown is the thickness T3 of the secondelevated portion 7, which in one embodiment is about 2 millimeters. However, this disclosure includes shoe inserts 10 having a secondelevated portion 7 whose thickness is any value in the range of between about one millimeter and about five millimeters, including all thicknesses and ranges of thicknesses therebetween. Also labeled inFIG. 4 is the bottom surface B of thebase portion 3. - When the
base portion 3 is comprised of afirst base element 9 and asecond base element 11, in one embodiment each of these elements are about one millimeter thick; however each may independently have any thickness in the range of between about 0.3 mm and about 4 mm, including all thicknesses and ranges of thicknesses therebetween, subject to their combined thickness are desirably within the described range of thicknesses specified for thebase portion 3. - In one preferred embodiment: L1 is about 7.5 cm; L2 is about 6 cm; L3 is about 2.3 cm; L4 is about 2.5 cm; L5 is about 2.3 cm; W1 is about 6.5 cm; W2 is about 2 cm; D is about 1.3 cm; T1 is about 2 millimeters; T2 is about 3 millimeters; and T3 is about 2 millimeters. In another embodiment, these figures are exact.
- In certain embodiments, the top surface T and bottom surface B of the
base portion 3 comprise surface treatments, which may include surface roughenings or texturing (R inFIG. 1 ), for the purpose of increasing the grip between theshoe insert 10 and either one or both of the foot or stocking of a wearer, or the grip between theshoe insert 10 and the shoe. Such roughenings or texturing can include cross-hatches, treads such as are on tires or tennis shoes, depressions, protrusions, or any surface feature which enhances the interaction between the wearer's foot/stocking or theinsert 10 and the inside of the shoe itself. Ashoe insert 10 according to one embodiment comprises an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface B of thebase portion 3 to affix theshoe insert 10 in a stationary position within a shoe in which it is disposed. -
FIG. 5 shows a shoe having a shoe insert according to the disclosure disposed therein. Women wearing high-heeled shoes often face a disadvantage, in that shoes are made to fit the general population, while there is no small degree of variance among people regarding the contours of the bottom of their feet. Some women express opinions that their feet have a tendency to sink into the shoe, that is, their toes become compressed towards the front of a high-heeled shoe by virtue of walking, under the ubiquitous effect of gravity. By this disclosure, owing to the structures provided herein, the dimensions and dispositions of the firstelevated portion 5 and secondelevated portion 7, when considered with theshoe insert 10 as a whole, prevents this squishing of the toes downward. This is accomplished by positioning theshoe insert 10 in such location that the firstelevated portion 5 and secondelevated portion 7 is caused to reside in a location in the interior of the shoe and atop the sole, as pictured, so that the firstelevated portion 5 and secondelevated portion 7 are disposed in the space between the proximal phalanxes and metatarsals of the foot, which some may refer to as the collective space between the toes and the ball of the foot. Such an arrangement provides support on the bottom of the foot at the metatarsals, which forces would otherwise have been channeled through other portions of the foot, including the toe bones, and would be directed towards the inner confines of the shoe, straps, etc., eventually stretching the shoe, once the person has worn them enough, after which time their feet would have become quite compressed in the shoes, causing in many cases pain of varying degrees, and overall general discomfort. A shoe insert provided and used according to this disclosure can generally prevent or lessen such stretching of shoes and the accompanying discomfort. - Thus it is seen that the disclosure provides an article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject within the shoe, that the article may be thought of as comprising a substantially-planar base portion having a top surface and having a ridge disposed thereon, with the ridge collectively comprising a first elevated portion and a second elevated portion, in which the second elevated portion is disposed over the first elevated portion sufficiently to provide at least two plateau areas of different height with respect to the top surface of the base portion, as viewed from a side perspective. The plateau areas may comprise a flat top surface, or may include concavity or convexity on their surfaces.
- In alternate embodiments, a
shoe insert 10 according to this disclosure comprises an optional covering or layer disposed on the top surface ofbase portion 3. In one embodiment, such optional covering or layer may comprise a coating comprising any polymeric material including without limitation those mentioned above. In another embodiment, such optional covering or layer may comprise any fabric material, woven or non-woven, including natural fibers and synthetic fibers. Such optional coverings or layers may be applied to the top surface of thebase portion 3 using conventional means, such as adhesives, or may be directly applied to the top surface of thebase portion 3. However, any means of attachment of such optional covering or layer generally known in the art is suitable. The optional covering or layer in one embodiment covers the entire top surface of thebase portion 3. In other embodiments only any portion thereof desired is covered, which may or may not include the first elevated portion and second elevated portion, depending on the preferences of the user. - This disclosure has described certain preferred embodiments and modifications thereto. Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1) An article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject within the shoe, which article comprises:
a) a substantially planar base portion having a length dimension, a width dimension, a thickness dimension, a toe end, a heel end, a top surface, a bottom surface and a circumferential edge;
b) a first elevated portion comprising at least one edge and having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, said first elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of said base portion sufficiently to have a closest edge that is closest to said toe end of said base portion;
c) a second elevated portion having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, said second elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of said first elevated portion;
d) an optional covering disposed on the top surface of said base portion, said optional covering being selected from the group consisting of: fabrics and polymeric materials,
wherein the first elevated portion is of sufficient length dimension that it extends across the base portion in an amount that is at least about 70% of the width dimension of said base portion
2) An article according to claim 1 wherein said second elevated portion is disposed substantially centrally upon the top surface of said first elevated portion.
3) An article according to claim 1 wherein said first elevated portion is disposed on said top surface of said base portion such that the closest edge of said first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of said base portion that is about equal to the width of said first elevated portion.
4) An article according to claim 1 wherein said first elevated portion is disposed on said top surface of said base portion such that the closest edge of said first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of said base portion that is at least one millimeter greater than the width of said first elevated portion.
5) An article according to claim 1 wherein said first elevated portion and said second elevated portion are shaped substantially as trapezoids having two relatively short sides and two relatively long sides, wherein one of the relatively long sides is concave and the other of the long sides is convex on both the first elevated portion and said second elevated portion.
6) An article according to claim 1 wherein said circumferential edge is beveled.
7) An article according to claim 1 wherein the combined thickness of said base portion, said first elevated portion, and said second elevated portion is any thickness in the range of between about three millimeters and about fifteen millimeters, including all thicknesses and ranges of thicknesses therebetween.
8) An article according to claim 1 wherein said top surface of said first elevated portion is substantially flat.
9) An article according to claim 1 wherein said top surface of said second elevated portion is substantially flat.
10) An article according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said top surface and said bottom surface of said base portion includes a feature selected from the group consisting of: an adhesive and a surface roughening.
11) An article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject within the shoe, which article comprises:
a) a substantially planar base portion having a length dimension, a width dimension, a thickness dimension, a toe end, a heel end, a top surface, a bottom surface and a circumferential edge;
b) a first elevated portion comprising at least one edge and having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, said first elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of said base portion sufficiently to have an edge that is closest to said toe end of said base portion;
c) a second elevated portion having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, said second elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of said first elevated portion,
wherein said second elevated portion is not disposed substantially centrally upon the top surface of said first elevated portion.
12) An article according to claim 11 wherein said first elevated portion is disposed on said top surface of said base portion such that the closest edge of said first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of said base portion that is about equal to the width of said first elevated portion.
13) An article according to claim 11 wherein said first elevated portion is disposed on said top surface of said base portion such that the closest edge of said first elevated portion is disposed at a distance from the toe end of said base portion that is at least one millimeter greater than the width of said first elevated portion.
14) An article according to claim 11 wherein said first elevated portion and said second elevated portion are shaped substantially as trapezoids having two relatively short sides and two relatively long sides, wherein one of the relatively long sides is concave and the other of the long sides is convex on both the first elevated portion and said second elevated portion.
15) An article according to claim 11 wherein said circumferential edge is beveled.
16) An article according to claim 11 wherein the combined thickness of said base portion, said first elevated portion, and said second elevated portion is any thickness in the range of between about three millimeters and about fifteen millimeters, including all thicknesses and ranges of thicknesses therebetween.
17) An article according to claim 11 wherein said top surface of said first elevated portion is substantially flat.
18) An article according to claim 11 wherein said top surface of said second elevated portion is substantially flat.
19) An article according to claim 11 wherein at least one of said top surface and said bottom surface of said base portion includes a feature selected from the group consisting of: an adhesive and a surface roughening.
20) An article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject when disposed within the shoe, which article comprises a substantially-planar base portion having a top surface having a ridge disposed thereon, said ridge comprising a first elevated portion and a second elevated portion, with the second elevated portion being disposed upon the first elevated portion, sufficient to provide at least two plateau areas of different height with respect to the top surface of the base portion, as viewed from a side perspective.
Priority Applications (1)
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US12/082,476 US20090255147A1 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2008-04-11 | Foot-stabilizing shoe inserts |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US12/082,476 US20090255147A1 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2008-04-11 | Foot-stabilizing shoe inserts |
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US20090255147A1 true US20090255147A1 (en) | 2009-10-15 |
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US12/082,476 Abandoned US20090255147A1 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2008-04-11 | Foot-stabilizing shoe inserts |
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Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140068967A1 (en) * | 2012-09-10 | 2014-03-13 | Todd Jones | Footwear insert with foot stop |
USD851874S1 (en) | 2016-01-14 | 2019-06-25 | J.M. Promotions, Inc. | Shoe bumper |
US10638814B2 (en) | 2015-04-13 | 2020-05-05 | Worldoluxe Llc | Shoe engagement and bumper insert system and method for using the same |
USD897084S1 (en) | 2015-11-11 | 2020-09-29 | Worldoluxe Llc | Shoe bumper |
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Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140068967A1 (en) * | 2012-09-10 | 2014-03-13 | Todd Jones | Footwear insert with foot stop |
US10638814B2 (en) | 2015-04-13 | 2020-05-05 | Worldoluxe Llc | Shoe engagement and bumper insert system and method for using the same |
USD897084S1 (en) | 2015-11-11 | 2020-09-29 | Worldoluxe Llc | Shoe bumper |
USD851874S1 (en) | 2016-01-14 | 2019-06-25 | J.M. Promotions, Inc. | Shoe bumper |
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