EP1245167B1 - Insole for shoes - Google Patents

Abstract

An inner sole (1) for a shoe, consists of a flat base sole (2) made of elastic foam material, whose shape corresponds to the shoe outline, and a number of integral raised sections (3) on the upper side made of the same material. The sole foamed material has a Shore A hardness of less than 25, especially 10-20, and has a smooth cover layer (20), so the hardness of the inner sole is in excess of 25, especially 30-40 Shore A.

Description

The present invention relates to an insole with a the outline of a shoe corresponding, flat bottom sole made of elastic foam material, which on its upper Side several also made of elastic foam material existing, integrally formed surveys in the area of Has reflex zones of the sole of the foot.

The term insole is here on the one hand with a a shoe sole firmly connected insole understood how also a loosely applied insole, which also as Insole is called. Insole is a general one Term under the insole and insoles understood become.

Insoles that are suitable for reflexology Surveys are provided in various ways Embodiments known. The majority of such insoles have a pinned over the entire surface arranged Support surface, wherein the surface structure of the Insole is formed by the totality of the knobs. Insoles of this type are shown for example in EP-0'225'285 and US-4,760,655 A. While in the latter case the same as in the case of CH-686'062 A, the nub height over the entire surface the insole is designed consistently, are others Insoles, such as according to WO 85/04786 with Nubs designed whose height varies and the corresponding practically form a footbed. Insoles of this type effect almost always an overstressing of the sole of the foot, with which the desired foot reflexology massage no longer the shows desired effect. Rather, the over-stimulation leads to Blockages of nerve lines and harmful consequences. Correctly, appropriate providers point out that Such footwear will only be worn for 1-2 hours should.

Regarding the production of insoles with protrusions elastic foam material are two design principles known. In one case, the harder one The bottom of the sole and then pillow-shaped elevations glued. This is a very elaborate and expensive Production method. This production method is for example off the already mentioned US-4,760,655 A known. So that Surveys still achieve a relevant massage effect, they must protrude relatively strong against the base. Because of the studded top layer that is attached over it and extending over the entire insole becomes practical undesirably the massage in the harder, not elevated areas perceived stronger than in the elevated Areas.

From DE-90'02'962.3 U is a the preamble of Patent claim 1 forming insole known. Here are the sole and elevations are integrally uniform a foam material with a hardness of 30 ° to 45 ° Shore A made. Preferably, this insole is made Made of plastic. It can be used both as an insole be arranged as an insole. In this known Insole are both the bottom sole and the elevations made of a preferably synthetic material. Latex as a natural product has a hardness classically from Shore A from 10-20. It can be set to greater hardness but on the one hand this increases the price of the product and On the other hand, the admixtures are partially physiological undesirable.

The best would be a gentle and effective Achieve reflexology if it succeeds in the Perception soft insole with a certain sinking depth and to create a sufficient spring depth, so hard Bumps reduced via reflexology massage points on the Sole be transferred.

The present invention therefore has as its object, a Insole of the type mentioned above to create Avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages and at the same time Achievement of the above-described effect.

This task triggers an insole with the characteristics of the 1. Thanks to the combinatorial choice of Materials with the appropriate hardness results Product with excellent physiological properties, that Moreover, it is easy to manufacture.

Figur 1

eine Aufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemässe Innensohle mit Erhebungen im Bereich von Reflexzonen der Fusssohle in einer Anordnung, die zur Einflussnahme auf den Kopfbereich und Sinnesorgane geeignet ist und

Figur 2

eine ebensolche Ansicht einer Innensohle mit Erhebungen im Bereich von Reflexzonen der Fusssohle, die zur Einflussnahme auf den Kreislauf geeignet ist.

Figur 3

zeigt einen vergrösserten Querschnitt durch die Innensohle entlang der Linie A-A in Figur 1. In

Figur 4

ist ein Querschnitt durch eine Variante einer Innensohle ausserhalb des Bereiches von Erhebungen gezeigt, entsprechend einem Schnitt entlang der Linie B-B in der Figur 2 und in

Figur 5

dieselbe Schnittdarstellung einer anderen Materialkombination.

Figuren 6-11

zeigen Innensohlen mit unterschiedlichen Erhebungsformationen zur gezielten Beeinflussung verschiedener Reflexzonen zur Einwirkung auf entsprechende Organe oder Körperbereiche.

If one uses leather for the production of the cover layer, then on the one hand the desired total hardness can be adjusted well and achieves in addition a combination of material which combines with outstanding results. Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims and their mode of action and meaning is explained in the following description. In the drawing, a preferred embodiment of the subject invention is illustrated and explained in detail in the following description. It shows:

FIG. 1

a plan view of an inventive insole with elevations in the region of reflex zones of the sole of the foot in an arrangement which is suitable for influencing the head and sensory organs and

FIG. 2

a similar view of an insole with elevations in the area of reflex zones of the sole of the foot, which is suitable for influencing the circulation.

FIG. 3

shows an enlarged cross-section through the insole along the line AA in Figure 1. In

FIG. 4

is a cross section through a variant of an insole outside the range of elevations shown, corresponding to a section along the line BB in Figure 2 and in

FIG. 5

the same sectional view of another combination of materials.

Figures 6-11

show insoles with different elevation formations for the purposeful influencing of different reflex zones for acting on corresponding organs or body areas.

The reference numeral 1 is the insole as a whole designated. It consists of a flat bottom sole 2 elastic foam material in the present case Latex or polyurethane. On the upper side of the flat Basic sole 2 are several integral with the sole 2 manufactured, made of the same material and thus integrally molded elevations 3 recognizable. These surveys 3 are in the known areas of reflex zones the sole of the foot. The surveys 3 are designed to be are inclined laterally upwards and a central have flat surface 5. Between the central level 5 and The non-elevated surface of the bottom sole 2 are located the circumferential lateral inclinations 4. These Design style has the sense that the insole is not only while walking serves to massage the reflex zones, but achieved an acupressure effect even when at rest, the looks very gentle.

The surveys do not need only a circular To have shape but also, like this the figure 2 shows, have any other embodiments. In particular, the elevations may also be linear. Such a linear elevation 6 is shown in FIG. 2 shown. The linear survey has one Crest line, which runs at a constant height. in the Normally, all surveys are equally strong over the Surface of the bottom sole 2 projecting above.

The basic sole 2 consists of a foamed elastic Material layer, here a latex layer 10 and one above arranged, firmly bonded cover layer 20. The foamed Material layer has a hardness of 10 ° - 20 ° Shore A. Because of the relatively small thickness of the latex layer 10, which in the Range without elevations between 1.5 mm and 4.0 mm, The effects of latex are quite relative strong differences in hardness. This has, among other things Also to do with the fact that the pore size vary locally can. These differences persist even if one Latex with higher Shore hardness is used. According to the Invention is now proposed a material pairing, the these differences largely remedies and overall one clearly definable hardness leads to the desired Properties corresponds. Unlike known soles, in which only elevations in the areas of reflex zones made of soft padding material, creates a overall better damped sole compared to the well-known, the extreme hardness differences in the field of Surveys and in the areas adjacent to the surveys having.

The basic thickness of the latex layer, or the foamed Material layer can here thanks to the combination with a Cover layer have virtually any thickness. in this connection One is in choosing the thickness of insoles, the firm with connected to the footwear, rather a thicker, at Insoles tend to choose a thinner outfit. In principle, however, with a greater thickness of the Insole also the absolute height of the surveys larger so as to compensate for the dipping.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous for the cover layer made of leather. On the one hand, this is a high one Flexibility desirable to the mobility of the surface to ensure the entire insole 1 and on the other should the adhesive effect between the foamed Material layer, e.g. Latex layer 10 and the cover layer 20 if possible with physiologically harmless adhesive connector be achievable. This can be done with the use of leather achieve as a cover layer. It is particularly advantageous to manufacture the top layer of split leather. Split leather is not only priced interesting, but has the advantage a constant thickness over the entire surface and a particularly uniform softness in the handle. Split leather forms accordingly in the production as well Exceptionally well to the contour of the manufacturing forms. This also allows the height of the elevations in the foamed Material layer one to two times the thickness outside the To design areas of the surveys accordingly. With Split leather can also be the optimal thickness ratio between the foamed material layer and the cover layer practically arbitrary. Accordingly, therefore, too the desired total hardness of the insole to a few degrees Shore A hardness can be adjusted. According to the invention takes place the attitude to a hardness of over 25 ° Shore A, in particular, between 30 ° and 40 ° Shore A is lying.

For more exclusive versions, but you will rather that use more expensive upper leather and accordingly a choice of Leather of various hardnesses in stock.

While so far insoles either from a single Material, which had the desired final hardness manufactured were or were provided material pairings, the Over the entire surface seen areas of different Hardening showed, the invention shows a first Solution on which the hardness setting of two materials is effected over the entire surface of the sole 2 ever are consistent, but in their mating one desired final hardness, not the hardness of one of corresponds to both materials. Here is the choice of material both from an ecological and economic point of view advantageous. It can be a relatively thin layer of latex used and in this case a latex with relatively deeper Density and corresponding low Shore A hardness, the appropriately priced on the market, selected and on the other hand a split leather are taken, which allows a good adjustment of the material pairing.

The foamed material layer can also be made as mentioned Polyurethane foam be made. Here you become preferably also a hardness similar to one choose natural latex foam. But it is also possible that foamed material layer of two material layers too finished, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

A thin latex layer 10 and a cover layer 20 made of leather, for example, have a water vapor permeability measured according to DIN 53333 of 6.9 mg / cm ² . This means that the sole according to the invention allows a relatively good absorption of perspiration. The sole also has an air permeability of 8.5 l / min. at 0.01 bar. Consequently, the insole according to the invention permits a sweat delivery overnight. However, these desired effects also mean a relatively low thermal insulation. According to the invention, this can be drastically reduced by applying a layer of foamed polyurethane below the latex layer or by manufacturing the entire foamed material layer from this material. Experiments have shown that in particular an antibacterial and antifungal treated polyurethane called Sanitized® PUR 99-45 is suitable. This material is offered in Switzerland by Clariant Huningue SA in France. It is a material with a hardness of 20 to 24 Shore C measured analogous to the method according to DIN 53505. This polyurethane layer with a thickness of 4-7 mm produces excellent thermal insulation. The overall effect of the sole with respect to its massage effect or acupressure effect is maintained despite the relatively soft polyurethane layer 30.

Under the foamed layer, which may be one or two layers can, is preferably when using as integrable insole a Texon, Korkschrot- or Apply pulp layer 40. This layer 40 is relative hard. It can also be used as an insole to mount Serve shanks.

The relative hardness of the layer 40 protects the insole mechanically against unevenness of the shoe sole inside. It also serves as part of the insole.

When choosing two-ply insoles from the combination of latex and polyurethane is preferably the Coat the latex layer over the polyurethane layer. Also if the polyurethane foam is a Sanitized® PUR 99-45 becomes, so can the antibacterial and antifungal effect to be perceived by the latex foam layer.

In addition to the embodiments according to Figures 1 and 2 are various other survey formations for targeted Influencing different reflex zones to influence appropriate organs or body areas conceivable. While so far practically only insoles with a general the usual arrangement of the surveys were common Insoles with the inventive design essential be made better and more precise and therefore can for the first time a whole range of insoles with targeted Influencing certain organs or areas of the body Selection to be offered. Thus, Figure 6 shows an arrangement of Elevation affecting the cross area, Figure 7 a Arrangement that acts on the sexual organs and Figure 8 a Arrangement in which the foot reflex zones are influenced, which act on the spine area. FIG. 9 is a Insole, which can be used to influence shoulder belts and Pelvic area is used while Figure 10 is an arrangement discloses to influence the digestive organs. Finally, in Figure 11 is an insole for action shown on the autonomic nervous system.

Because of the usual soles used today Over-stimulation, such insoles were not available, without thereby to accept possible damages.

List of reference numbers

1

insole

2

flat bottom sole

3

surveys

4

lateral inclination

5

central level

6

linear elevation

10, 30

material layer

10

latex layer

20

topcoat

30

polyurethane layer

40

Pulp sheet

Claims (12)

1. An inner sole (1) with a flat base sole (2) of elastic foam material which corresponds to the outline of a shoe and which on its upper side in the region of reflex zones of the foot sole comprises several integrally formed projections (3), likewise consisting of the same elastic foam material, characterised in that the sole is integrally manufactured out of a foamed material layer (10, 30) which has a hardness of below 25° Shore A, in particular between 10° and 20° and is rigidly provided with a smooth cover layer (20) so that the hardness of the laminated inner sole has a hardness of over 25° Shore A, in particular between 30° and 40° Shore A.
2. An inner sole according to claim 1, characterised in that the foamed material layer (10, 30) is manufactured of latex, polyurethane foam or texon®.
3. An inner sole according to claim 1, characterised in that the foamed material layer (10, 30) is manufactured two-ply of two different materials.
4. An inner sole according to claim 3, characterised in that the upper of the two plies (10) is manufactured of latex and the lower ply of polyurethane foam (30).
5. An inner sole according to claim 1, characterised in that the cover layer (20) is manufactured of leather, split leather, breathing-active plastic material or textile material.
6. An inner sole according to claims 1, characterised in that the thickness of the foamed material layer (10, 30) in the region without projections (3) corresponds at least twice or maximally four times the thickness of the cover layer (20).
7. An inner sole according to claim 1, characterised in that height of the projections (3) corresponds to once or twice the material layer (10, 30) outside the regions of the projections.
8. An inner sole according to claim 1, characterised in that the thickness of the material layer (10, 30) in the region outside the projections (3) is between 1.5 mm and 4.0 mm.
9. An inner sole according to claim 1, characterised in that there are present flat projections which have a lateral inclination (4) and a central level surface (5).
10. An inner sole according to claim 1, characterised in that there is present at least one linearly (6) extending projection with an apex line at a constant height.
11. An inner sole according to claim 1, characterised in that the layer foamed of polyurethane (30) contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal active ingredients.
12. An inner sole according to claim 1, characterised in that the projections (3) are arranged in such formations that a targeted influencing of various reflex zones for an effect only on selected organs or body regions may be achieved.

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