Patent ID: 6237256
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: A43B,A61B

Abstract:
A foot-contacting insert for insertion into an article of footwear having a sole, the insert comprising:upper foot-contacting surface and an opposing, lower sole-contacting surface, the insert having a perimeter substantially conforming in size and shape to a perimeter of a plantar foot surface of a foot of a wearer; andat least one ridge-forming member located in close proximity to the perimeter of the insert such that, when the wearer is standing or walking in the article of footwear in which the insert is received, the at least one ridge-forming member forms a narrow, elongate, raised ridge which protrudes upwardly against the plantar foot surface in a narrow, localized area in close proximity to the perimeter of the plantar foot surface;wherein the at least one ridge-forming member has an uncompressed height and width of about 3 to 8 mm and is located in its entirety within about 15 mm, or less, of the perimeter of the plantar foot surface; andwhen the wearer is wearing the article of footwear, the raised ridge extends along the perimeter of the plantar foot surface in at least a portion of a lateral edge of the foot from a fifth metatarsal bone of the foot to a calcaneus bone of the foot; an entire posterior edge of the calcaneus bone; and at least a portion of a medial edge of the foot from the calcaneus bone to a first metatarsal bone of the foot, and all areas of the upper foot-contacting surface of the insert located inwardly of the raised ridge present a smoothly contoured surface to the plantar foot surface.