INSOLE

Abstract: The invention relates to an insole suited to relieve the foot, knee, hip and back in a standing position of rest and in motion during walking or running, at the same time as a massage effect and pressure equalisation are obtained in a standing position of rest. The sole comprises a first chamber (5) filled wtih fluid and at least one second chamber (7, 8) filled with fluid. The first fluid chamber (5) is preferably provided between a backfoil (3) and an intermediate foil (2), while the at least one second fluid chamber (7, 8) is provided between the intermediate foil (2) and the topfoil (1). In a preferred embodiment the sole according to the invention comprises additional chambers (25, 26) arranged in a central part (20), respectively along an inner side (21) of the sole, and having a convex surface (29, 30). The sole according to the invention makes it possible with just one sole to provide the foot with relief of both shocks and pressure equalisation during walking or running, at the same time as a massage effect and pressure equalisation are provided in a standing position of rest.

Description: INSOLE General Description The present invention relates to an insole for footwear, said sole comprisirg a topfoil and a backfoil, which are joined along their respective edge areas to form a first closed chamber between the topfoil and the backfoil, and said first chamber being filled with a fluid, and said sole also comprising at least one intermediate foil arranged between the topfoil and the backfoil and joined with the topfoil and the backfoil along edge areas. US 4,115,934 describes an insole produced from a plastic material and comprising a first chamber filled with fluid. The sole further comprises second chambers filled with fluid and having a sealed periphery and positioned completely within the periphery of the first chamber but separated from the first chamber. The second chambers may be provided in a front, central or rear part of the sole. That insole has the disadvantage that the individual chambers are completely sepa¬ rated. This is a disadvantage if the foot is to be relieved in the form of shock absorp¬ tion or massage of the foot. A fluid contained in a limited chamber is only able to re- lieve impacts in the form of static pressure. US 4,567,677 also describes an insole. The sole also comprises a first chamber filled with fluid. The sole further comprises flow barriers provided in the central part of the sole. The flow barriers extend in two C-shapes to form further four flow channels and a large inner flow channel in the central part of the sole. That insole has the disadvantage that no independent chambers exist having fluid in complete separation from the rest ofthe fluid. This is a disadvantage if the foot is to be relieved of pressure when the person is moving. A fluid that is able, freely or subject to a few restrictions in the form of barriers, to flow freely in the entire extension ofthe sole, will be pressed away from the load area by the person's movement, meaning that such a sole is only able to relieve impacts requiring a shock absorption when walking or rurtning or requiring a massage effect. US 4,864,737 describes a sole for a shoe, said sole having two chambers separated by a foil between the two chambers. The first chamber contains a liquid and the second fluid contains a gas. During walking, the incompressible liquid will level out pressure differences in the foot, and the liquid flow in the first chamber may vary by pressure equalisation with the gas in the second chamber. That sole has the disadvantage that the pressure relief taking place is not controlled, i.e. the pressure equalisation cannot be directed towards specific parts of the foot which may need specific pressure equalisation or relief. The gas has to be contained in the chamber in order to establish a pressure equalisation at all in that known sole, but it leads to a pressure equalisation that is out of control. Thus, there is a direct incompatibility of soles being able to equalise pressure differ¬ ences in limited portions ofthe sole ofthe foot and soles being able to shock absorb or massage the foot. In order to obtain the desired pressure equalisation, the former com¬ prise delimited chambers filled with fluid whereas in order to obtain the desired shock absorption and massage effect, the latter do precisely not comprise delimited fluid chambers but rather one large chamber in which the fluid may flow over flow barriers from one end ofthe sole to the other. Consequently, it is not possible with the soles known hitherto to provide a sole that is able to provide the foot with pressure equalisation in a standing position of rest and in motion while at the same time the sole is able to provide the foot with shock absoφ¬ tion and a massage effect. US 4,567,677 attempts to solve this problem by providing barriers around the middle of the sole so that the front and rear parts of the sole show similarity with delimited fluid chambers. However, this means that the various types of relief of the foot fail to be optimal since US 4,567,677 discloses a compromise so¬ lution. It is the object of the present invention to provide a sole that does not possess the above-mentioned disadvantages and, thus, provides the foot with optimal relief of all types of impacts on the foot and not just certain types of impacts on fhe foot. This object is obtained by the present invention, which is characterised in that the in¬ termediate foil is joined with the topfoil along delimiting lines to form at least one second closed chamber between the intermediate foil and the topfoil, and that the sec¬ ond chamber is also filled with a fluid. A sole that possesses these characteristics is able in an optimal way to provide the foot with relief of both pressure loads in a standing position of rest and in motion in the form of walking or running as well as shocks during walking or running along with the establishment of a massage effect. The object is further obtained by an insole characterised in that the intermediate foil is joined with the backfoil along delimiting lines to form at least one second closed chamber between the intermediate foil and the backfoil, and that the second chamber is also filled with a fluid. The topfoil, the intermediate foil and the backfoil are preferably produced from plas¬ tic. The first chamber is preferably arranged between the intermediate foil and the backfoil, and the at least one second chamber between the intermediate foil and the topfoil. It will also be possible, however, to arrange the first chamber between the in¬ termediate foil and the topfoil and the at least one second chamber between the inter- mediate foil and the backfoil. Throughout the present disclosure the terms topfoil, intermediate foil and backfoil will be used to designate an insole having two outer foils and an intermediate foil. Thus, the term topfoil and the term backfoil are not to be considered as a limitation of the insole according to the invention. Thus, foil being designated as topfoil may be used as backfoil, and foil being designated as backfoil may be used as topfoil. In a preferred embodiment at least the first chamber is provided with joints of the backfoil and the intermediate foil, alternatively the topfoil and the intermediate foil. The joints are provided over part of the extension of the sole to create restrictions on the flow of liquid in the first chamber so that the flow speed in the first chamber is reduced. In a second preferred embodiment a delimiting line is formed between an area of the sole intended to contact the forefoot and an area of the sole intended to contact the toes. A second delimiting line is formed between an area intended to contact the metatarsus and an area intended to contact the heel. Description of the drawing The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a sole according to the inven¬ tion, and Fig. 2 is a plan view ofthe first embodiment ofthe sole according to the invention, Fig. 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a sole according to the invention, Fig. 4 is a plan view of the second embodiment according to the invention illus¬ trating flow lines for fluid flow, Fig. 5 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a sole according to the invention, Fig. 6 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a sole according to the invention, Fig. 7 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a sole according to the invention, and Fig. 8 - Fig. 11 are sectional views ofthe fifth embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a sole according to the invention. The sole consists ofthree layers of foil, a topfoil 1, an intermediate foil 2 and a backfoil 3, respectively. The topfoil 1 is intended to contact the foot of a person wearing footwear with the insole arranged inside, whereas the backfoil is intended to contact the inner sole of the shoe. The topfoil 1, the intermediate foil 2 and the backfoil 3 of the embodiment shown extend in the entire extension ofthe sole in a length L and a width B. The topfoil 1, the intermediate foil 2 respectively the backfoil 3 are joined along an edge area 4. The foils 1, 2, 3 ofthe embodiment shown are produced from plastic and the joints have been established by welding the foils. Between the backfoil 3 and the intermediate 2 a first fluid chamber 5 is formed in the bottom part of the sole. The first fluid chamber 5 extends in substantially the entire length L ofthe sole except for an area 6 intended to contact the toes on the foot ofthe person wearing footwear with the insole arranged inside. Between the topfoil 1 and the intermediate foil 2 at least one second fluid chamber 7 is formed in the upper part of the sole, in the embodiment shown two second fluid chambers 7, 8. The second fluid chambers 7, 8 are formed by joining the intermediate foil 2 and the topfoil 1 along delimiting lines 9, 9a and along the edge area 4 (see fig. 2) so that these are designed to contact a foot ball, respectively a heel, of the person wearing footwear with the insole arranged inside. Other positions or further positions ofthe second fluid chambers 7, 8 may be provided, however, e.g. one or several fluid chambers may be formed under the metatarsus ofthe person in question. The second fluid chambers are filled with fluid at a given pressure, which in the em¬ bodiment shown means that an upper side 10 of the topfoil 1 is plane at the second fluid chambers 7, 8 in an unloaded condition. However, it will also be possible to fill in liquid at a higher pressure so that the upper side of the topfoil is convex at the sec¬ ond fluid chambers 7, 8 in an unloaded condition. In the first chamber 5, joints 11 of at least the intermediate foil 2 and the backfoil 3, alternatively also the topfoil 1, are provided in an area 12 at the metatarsus (see Fig. 2). The joints 11 are formed as embossings, but other embodiments of the joints may be established. The joints 11 are established to prevent the liquid in the first chamber 5 from collecting under the metatarsus. In the first chamber, joints 15 of at least the intermediate foil 2 and the backfoil 3 are provided such as illustrated, alternatively also the topfoil 1, immediately after the po¬ sition of the heel on the sole and immediately before a pressure area of the bones of the forefoot (see Fig. 2) as seen in the direction from the heel toward the toes. The joints 15 are formed as embossings, but other embodiments of the joints 15 may be established. The joints 15 are provided to give the sole two shock absorbing functions by reducing the flow speed of the fluid as the fluid flows back and forth between the front part 13 and the rear part 14 of the sole, respectively forward in the sole during load on the heel and backward in the sole during load on the forefoot. In the second chambers 7, 8 corresponding joints 15 may also be provided between the topfoil 1 and the intermediate foil 2, possibly through to the backfoil 3. Fig. 2 illustrates the embodiment of the sole according to the invention shown in Fig. 1. The topfoil 1, the intermediate foil 2 and the backfoil 3 (see Fig. 1) are joined, as mentioned, along the respective edge areas 4 of the foils. The intermediate foil 2 (see Fig. 1) is joined along the delimiting lines 9, 9a preferably with the topfoil 1 as illus¬ trated in Fig. 1, alternatively the backfoil 2 if the second chambers 7, 8 are established in the lower part ofthe sole in stead ofthe upper part ofthe sole. In the embodiment shown, as mentioned, joints 11 in the form of embossings are pro¬ vided in the first chamber 5 between the intermediate foil 2 and the backfoil 3, but the embossings 11 may also be carried through all three layers of foil 1, 2, 3. Similarly, in the embodiment shown joints 5 in the form of embossings are provided in the first chamber between the intermediate foil 2 and the backfoil 3, but the embossings 15 may also be carried through all three layers of foil and thus also through the second chambers 7, 8. The area 6, which is intended to contact the toes, is not provided with fluid chambers as the toes are not subject to very heavy loads in a standing position of rest or in motion. Figs. 3-5 illustrate other embodiments of a sole according to the invention. The topfoil 1, the intermediate foil 2 and the backfoil 3 (see Fig. 1) are, like the sole illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, joined along respective edge areas 4. The intermediate foil 2 is also, like the sole illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, joined along delimiting lines 9, 9a with preferably the topfoil 1 as illustrated in Fig. 1, alternatively the backfoil 3 if the sec¬ ond chambers 7, 8 are established in the lower part of the sole in stead of the upper part ofthe sole. Fig. 3 illustrates joints 11, 15 in the form of embossings which in the embodiment shown are provided in the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 7 between the top¬ foil 1 and the backfoil 3 through the intermediate foil 2. The embossings 11, 15 may also just be provided in the second chamber 7 between the topfoil 1 and the interme¬ diate foil 2. Correspondingly, joints in the form of joining lines 16, 17, 18 are pro¬ vided in the embodiment shown in the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 7 be¬ tween the topfoil 1 and the backfoil 3 through the intermediate foil 2. The joining lines 16, 17, 18 may also just be provided in the second chamber 7 carried through all three layers of foil and furthermore also through the second chambers 7, 8. The area 6, which is intended to contact the toes, is not provided with fluid chambers. The embossings 11, 15 are circular and provided between the heel and the metatarsus as well as in the outer side 19 of the sole between the heel and the forefoot. The join- ing lines 16, 17, 18 have equal thickness and also extend between the heel and the forefoot both in a central part 20 ofthe sole and along an inner side 21 ofthe sole. The joining lines 16, 17 18 are divided into a first line 16, a second line 17 and a third line 18. The first line 16 extends in an arch forward toward the forefoot and inward toward a central line A of the sole. The second line 18 extends downward toward the heel from the central line A, along the central line A and further inward toward the inner side 21 ofthe sole. A third line extends in the central part 20 of the sole substantially parallel to the second line 17 between the forefoot and the heel. Between the forefoot and the area 6 intended to contact the toes, a delimiting line 9a is provided with de¬ limiting tongues 9b extending from the delimiting line 9a backward toward the fore- foot. The delimiting tongues 9b are intended to prevent fluid from being pressed up between the transition ofthe foot and the toes. Fig. 4 illustrates that in walking the extensions of the embossings 11, 15 and the join¬ ing lines 16, 17, 18 lead to a flow of fluid between the heel and the forefoot and back toward the heel as illustrated with the arrows. The flow of fluid extends from the de¬ limiting line 9 between the heel and the metatarsus, past the embossings 11, 15 along the outer side 19 ofthe sole and around the first joining line 16 such as illustrated with bold arrows. The fluid then extends back toward the heel between the joining lines 16, 17, 18 and between the outer side 19 and the inner side 21 ofthe sole. Fig. 5 also illustrates embossings 11, 15, joining lines 16, 17 and delimiting tongues 9b. The embossings 11, 15 are oval and provided both along the outer side 19 of the sole and along the inner side 21 of the sole between the heel and the forefoot. The joint 15 is drop-shaped with the tip of the drop extending away from the heel. The joining lines 16, 17 also extend between the heel and forefoot in the central part ofthe sole. The joining lines 16, 17 are divided into a first line 16 and a second line 17. The first line 16 is of uniform thickness and extends in an arch forward toward the fore¬ foot, inward and crossing the central line A ofthe sole. The second line 17 is provided with drop-shapes 22 and extends downward toward the heel from the inner side 21 of the sole toward the central line A of the sole, further along the central line A and fur¬ ther inward toward the inner side 21 of the sole to converge with the embossing 15. Between the forefoot and the area 6, which is intended to contact the toes, the delimit¬ ing line 9a is provided with delimiting tongues 9b extending from the delimiting line 9a backward toward the forefoot. The embossings 11, 15 of the embodiment shown are drop-shaped, and the joining line 17 of the embodiment shown is provided with drop-shapes 22 in ends of the line 17 and in a first bend 23 ofthe line. Designing the embossings 11, 15 and the joining line 17 in this manner, a more noiseless flow of fluid is obtained as a spread of the fluid flowing past the embossings 11, 15 and the joining lines 16, 17 is reduced whereby the formation of turbulence in the fluid is minimised. Fig. 6 illustrates a sole substantially like the sole illustrated in Fig. 3. In the embodi¬ ment shown, joints 11, 15 in the form of embossings are also provided in the first chamber 5 between the topfoil 1 and the backfoil 3 through the intermediate foil 2, but the embossings 11, 15 may also just be provided between the topfoil 1 and the inter¬ mediate foil 2 or between the intermediate foil 2 and the backfoil 3. Correspondingly, joints in the form of joining lines 16, 17, 18 are likewise provided in the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 7 between the topfoil 1 and the backfoil 3, but the joining lines 16, 17, 18 may also be provided between the topfoil 1 and the intermediate foil 2 or between the intermediate foil 2 and the backfoil 3. Unlike the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, however, the area 6 (see Fig. 3), which is intended to contact the toes, has been left out. Furthermore, the delimiting tongues 9b (see Fig. 3) have been left out at the same time as a bevelling 24 ofthe sole has been established. Omitting the area 6, it is obtained that toes that bend strongly such as hammertoes have the largest room possible in the shoe without the sole according to the invention taking up space under the toes. The bevelling 24 causes the transition between the insole and the inner sole ofthe shoe not to be felt. Fig. 7 illustrates a sole substantially like the sole illustrated in Fig. 3 but provided with more delimiting lines 9. Providing the sole with several delimiting lines 9, it is ob¬ tained that individual partitions of second chambers 7, 8 may be established. The par- titions are illustrated by second chambers 25, 26, 27. The partitions in the form of the second chambers 25, 26, 27 may have different characteristics and qualities of pres¬ sure equalisation and relief (see Figs. 8-11). In the embodiment shown, the joints 11, 15 in the form of embossings are also provided in the first chamber 5 and second chambers 27 between the topfoil 1 and the backfoil 3 through the intermediate foil 2, but the embossings 11 may also just be provided between the topfoil 1 and the inter¬ mediate foil 2 or between the intermediate foil 2 and the backfoil 3. Correspondingly, in the embodiment shown, joints in the form of joining lines 16, 17, 18 are also pro¬ vided in the first chamber 5 and the second chambers 7, 8 between the topfoil 1 and the backfoil 3 through the intermediate foil 2, but the joining lines 16, 17, 18 may also just be provided between the topfoil 1 and the intermediate foil 2 or between the in¬ termediate foil 2 and the backfoil 3. The area 6, which is intended to contact the toes, is also illustrated. Fig. 8 to Fig. 11 illustrate sectional views through the sole illustrated in Fig. 7. The sections are illustrated through different planes, which are all perpendicular to fhe central axis A of the sole. Fig. 8 is a first sectional view through a part of the sole in¬ tended to contact the forefoot. The sectional view illustrates the first chamber 5 formed between the backfoil 3 and the intermediate foil 2 and the second chamber 7 formed between the intermediate foil 2 and the topfoil 1. The second chamber 7 ex¬ tends substantially in the entire width B of fhe sole and has a substantially plane sur¬ face 28. One ofthe delimiting tongues 9b is illustrated. Fig. 9 is a second sectional view through a part of the sole intended to contact the metatarsus. The sectional view illustrates the first chamber 5 formed between the backfoil 3 and the intermediate foil 2 and the second chambers 25, 26, 27 formed be¬ tween the intermediate foil 2 and the topfoil 1. The second chamber 25 extending in the central part 20 ofthe sole has a relatively strongly convex surface 29. The second chamber 26 extending along the inner side 21 of the sole has a relatively slightly con¬ vex surface 30. The second chamber 27 extending along the outer side 19 of the sole has a plane surface 31 as the second chamber 27 of the embodiment shown does not contain fluid. The joining lines 16, 17 are illustrated. Fig. 10 is a third sectional view through a part of the sole intended to contact the arch ofthe foot. The sectional view illustrates the first chamber 5 formed between the back¬ foil 3 and the intermediate foil 2 and the second chambers 26, 27 formed between the intermediate foil 2 and the topfoil 1. The second chamber 26 extending along the inner side 21 ofthe sole has a relatively strongly convex surface 32 in the view shown. The second chamber 27 extending along the outer side 19 ofthe sole has a plane surface 31 as the second chamber 27 of the embodiment shown does not contain fluid. The join¬ ing line 17 is illustrated. Fig. 11 is a fourth sectional view of the sole intended to contact the heel of the foot. The sectional view illustrates the first chamber 5 formed between the backfoil 3 and the intermediate foil 2 and the second chamber 8 formed between the intermediate foil 2 and the topfoil 1. The second chamber 8 extends in substantially the entire width B ofthe sole and has a substantially plane surface 33. The convex surface 29, 30 of the second chambers 25, 26 is provided by applying a certain overpressure to the fluid in the second chambers 25, 26. Favourable orthopae¬ dic qualities are obtained in the sole by giving the second chamber 25 a relatively strongly convex surface 29 along the part of sole intended to contact the centre of the metatarsus and, likewise, by giving the second chamber 26 a convex surface 30 along the part ofthe sole intended to contact the arch ofthe foot. In the embodiments of a sole according to the invention shown in the figures, a sole is shown having a contour corresponding to most footwear. However, it will be possible to provide a sole having a different contour for special footwear, e.g. orthopaedic shoes. Thus, in the embodiment shown the sole is illustrated with the first chamber formed between the intermediate foil and the backfoil and the second chambers be¬ tween the intermediate foil and the topfoil. Alternatively, the second chambers may be formed against the backfoil and the first chamber against the topfoil. The intermediate foil of fhe embodiment shown extends in the entire length L of the sole, but it will be possible to let the intermediate foil just extend in the same extension as the second fluid chambers are desired to extend. The number of second fluid chambers and the extensions and shapes ofthe fluid chambers may also be varied. Finally, the shape, the number and the positions of the joints constituting flow restrictions on the fluid in the first chamber and the second chambers, respectively, may vary.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. An insole for footwear, said sole comprising a topfoil (1) and a backfoil (3), which are joined along their respective edge areas (4) to form a first closed chamber (5) be- tween the topfoil (1) and the backfoil (3), and said first chamber (5) being filled with a fluid, and said sole also comprising at least one intermediate foil (2) arranged between the topfoil (1) and the backfoil (3) and joined with the topfoil (1) and the backfoil (3) along edge areas (4), characterised in that the intermediate foil (2) is joined with fhe topfoil (1) along delimiting lines (9, 9a) to form at least one second closed chamber (1, 8) between the intermediate foil (2) and the topfoil (1), and that the sec¬ ond chamber (7, 8) is also filled with a fluid. 2. An insole for footwear, said sole comprising a topfoil (1) and a backfoil (3), which are joined along their respective edge areas (4) to form a first closed chamber (5) be- tween the topfoil (1) and the backfoil (3), and said first chamber (5) being filled with a fluid, and said sole also comprising at least one intermediate foil (2) arranged between the topfoil (1) and the backfoil (3) and joined with the topfoil (1) and the backfoil (3) along edge areas (4), characterised in that the intermediate foil (2) is joined with the backfoil (3) along delimiting lines (9, 9a) to form at least one second closed chamber (7, 8) between the intermediate foil (2) and the backfoil (3), and that the sec¬ ond chamber (7, 8) is also filled with a fluid. 3. An insole according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the sole has a width (B) and a length (L), and that the first chamber extends in substantially the whole length (L) ofthe sole and in substantially the whole width (B) ofthe sole. 4. An insole according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sole comprises one second chamber (7, 8) arranged in a central part of the sole in an area (12) preferably at the arch ofthe foot, more preferably in the rear part (14) ofthe sole at fhe heel ofthe foot, and most preferably in the front part (13) ofthe sole at the bones ofthe forefoot. 5. An insole according to any one of claims 1-3, characterised in that the sole comprises an anterior second chamber (7, 8) arranged in a front part (13) of the sole at the bones ofthe forefoot and a posterior second chamber (7, 8) arranged in a rear part (14) of the sole at the heel ofthe foot. 6. An insole according to claim 5, characterised in that the sole also com¬ prises at least one central second chamber (7, 8, 25, 26) arranged in a central part (12) of the sole, preferably at metatarsus bones of the foot, more preferably at the arch of the foot, most preferably both at bones ofthe metatarsus and at the arch ofthe foot. 7. An insole according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sole is provided with barriers formed by joints (11, 15, 16, 17, 18) ofthe in¬ termediate foil and the backfoil and optionally by joining the topfoil, the intermediate foil and the backfoil in areas between their respective edge areas. 8. An insole according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the topfoil (1), the backfoil (3) and the intermediate foil (2) are produced from plastic, and that the respective edge areas (4), delimiting lines (9, 9a, 9b) and joints (11, 15, 16, 17, 18) consist of plastic weldings. 9. An insole according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sole comprises at least one upper chamber (25) extending in a central part (20) ofthe sole, preferably at least two upper chambers (25, 26) extending in the central part (20) ofthe sole, respectively along an inner side (21) ofthe sole, and that the at least one additional chamber (25), preferably the at least two additional chambers (25, 26), has/have a convex surface (29, 30). 10. An insole according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that that the sole comprises delimiting tongues (9b) extending from the delimiting line (9a) between an area (6) intended to contact the toes and an area (13) intended to con- tact the forefoot, and that the delimiting tongues (9b) extend from the delimiting line (9a) and inward into the area (13) intended to contact the forefoot.

Inventors: VINDRIIS SOEREN, VINDRIIS, SOEREN
Applicants: VINDRIIS SOEREN, VINDRIIS, SOEREN
Application year: 1996
Main classification: A43B17
IPC codes: A43B13, A43B17