Abstract:
An insole device configured to fit the profile of a human foot to promote dynamic proprioceptive stimulation of the mechanoreceptors and nocioreceptors in the skin of the sole of the foot at the anatomical apex of the foot&#39;s arch system. The midfoot section of the insole device has a receptacle located central to the foot&#39;s anatomical arch apex that receives interchangeable resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts of many shapes and forms. The resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts present to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found to be the anatomical apex of the foot&#39;s arch system.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. provisional application no. U.S. 61/457,235 filed Feb. 9, 2011, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an insole for a shoe. In particular, the present invention relates to an insole device that can rehabilitate a foot by stimulating a proprioceptive reflex response in the wearer&#39;s foot. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Professionals dealing with gait related pathologies generally accept that a large majority of persons will, at some time in their lives, suffer some form of gait related pain or dysfunction. It is also well accepted that, in the majority of cases, the mechanism underlying the pathology, injury, or dysfunction is biomechanically related to the foot&#39;s musculoskeletal capabilities during the interface between the foot and the ground, during the initial contact, support, and propulsion phases of the gait cycle. 
         [0004]    It has been proposed that providing a device to create a proprioceptive, or internal, feedback stimulus to a user&#39;s foot can directly target the underlying pathology, injury, or dysfunction. Such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659 to Burke et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807 to Gardiner, and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457 to Gardiner. 
         [0005]    As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659, an arch rehabilitative catalyst stimulates the Golgi tendon organ, which in turn, stimulates the musculoskeletal structure of the foot to rehabilitate the foot structure. The catalyst is an asymmetrically domed hump, which creates a mild to strong discomfort to initially stimulate the Golgi tendon organ. 
         [0006]    However, it has been found that the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659 does not function as described, and that the majority of users find the device too uncomfortable to use. In particular, when subjected to conventional vertical compressive forces of a person walking in the range of 2.5 times body weight, the device is designed to deflect between 40% and 60% of its maximum height, and when subject to only one times a person&#39;s weight, there should be no deflection. In addition, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,659, the device has an ideal apex height of 5.25% to 7.6% of the total foot length. A device built according to these dimensions and deflection capabilities results in an overly high arch height, and can cause severe discomfort, and possible injury, to a wearer. It is further disclosed that the absolute, non-weight bearing height of the device should be the same regardless of body weight and arch height. This is clearly wrong, since different wearers will have different comfort thresholds and arch heights. 
         [0007]    In general, the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659 does not function as described. Users would find the device too hard to use successfully, and rather than stimulating a proprioceptive response, the device would cause pain and discomfort at each step. The pain engendered in the foot of a wearer would, in fact, cause the user to limit the pressure applied to the foot to avoid the discomfort, rather than exercising the foot by creating an imperceptible stimulation as is its stated goal. 
         [0008]    As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807 and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457, an arch rehabilitative catalyst stimulates the Golgi tendon organ, which in turn, stimulates the musculoskeletal structure of the foot to rehabilitate the foot structure. The catalyst is an asymmetrically domed structure having a said maximum height at it apex from 1% to 5% of the length of the foot. The catalyst does not provide a bracing function but instead, proprioceptive feedback. The plantar aspect of the catalyst has a receptacle for receiving an interchangeable insert. Many forms thereof, are disclosed. The catalyst is resiliently deformable to apply an upwardly directed pressure to stimulate the Golgi tendon organ, and deflects from between 40% and 100% of its maximum height in response to the vertical forces of a person standing at rest. 
         [0009]    As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807, the plantar aspect of the device is also characterized by a substantially domed shaped catalyst with a receptacle with vertical walls for removeably accommodating a resilient member with corresponding vertical walls. 
         [0010]    As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457, the plantar aspect of the devise is also characterized by a substantially domed shaped catalyst with a cavity or receptacle for removeably accommodating an insert which acts between the catalyst and an underlying surface to control the resilient deformability of the catalyst; and that the cavity and insert have an engagement means for resisting separation of the insert from the insole and lateral shifting therebetween. 
         [0011]    However, it has been found that the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457 have a number of limitations that inhibit the devices&#39; optimal positioning and the degree of stimulus provided to the plantar surface of the foot while the foot is interfacing with the ground, during the initial contact, support, and propulsion phases of the multidirectional bipedal activity gait cycles. 
         [0012]    In general the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457 incorporate dome shaped catalysts the positioning of which is fixed. This fixed positioning of the dome shaped catalysts restricts the stimulus to the center of the foot&#39;s arch apex to only those times when users of the devices are standing perfectly erect on perfectly horizontal terrain. In instances when the users are engaging in multidirectional bipedal activities during which their lower limbs are not perpendicular to the terrain whether the terrain is horizontal or not, users of the devices would experience stimulus to less than optimal locations around the periphery of the center of the arch apex as the foot moves about the dome shape. This less than optimal location of the stimulus to the sole of the foot results in a less than optimal proprioceptive reflex response and a less stable musculoskeletal arch system and ankle. 
         [0013]    In addition, the devices disclosed do not allow for any degree of adjustability in the relative positioning of the dome shaped catalyst to accommodate users who have feet of identical length but have variances in foot type. For example one person could have a longer arch and shorter toes and another have a shorter arch and longer toes, yet both could have the same foot length. In another example one person could have a wide foot and another a narrow foot, yet both could have the same foot length as the aforementioned persons. Therefore, the devices disclosed would fail to provide stimulus at the optimal location for one of the individuals. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    An insole device configured to fit the profile of the human foot to promote dynamic proprioceptive stimulation of the mechanoreceptors and nocioreceptors in the skin of the sole of the foot at the anatomical apex of the foot&#39;s arch system. The anatomical apex of the foot arch system being defined as the highest part of the mid-foot&#39;s boney structure when viewed from the mid-foot&#39;s medial to lateral aspect between the calcaneous (heel) and metatarsal heads (forefoot). 
         [0015]    The midfoot section of the insole device has a receptacle located central to the foot&#39;s anatomical arch apex that receives interchangeable resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts of many shapes and forms. The resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts present to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found to be the anatomical apex of the foot&#39;s arch system. 
         [0016]    The resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts display physical properties as to dynamically stimulate the body&#39;s natural neuromuscular reflex mechanisms that effectively optimally align and stabilize the foot&#39;s musculoskeletal arch system and ankle. The plantar aspect of the ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts encourages the catalysts to dynamically roll and pivot about their plantar apexes as they mirror the foot&#39;s movement through multidimensional activities. This dynamic movement ensures that the ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts&#39; dorsal aspect apexes always optimally align with anatomical apex of the foot&#39;s arch system regardless of the angle at which the foot contacts the ground. 
         [0017]    The net result is a more structurally sound foot capable of optimally managing the forces generated during all bipedal activities with the most efficient use of muscular energy and the lowest degree of injury inducing stress. With regular use, the stimulated neuromuscular activity results in the foot&#39;s musculoskeletal structure becoming progressively stronger and less susceptible to injury. The insole device provides rehabilitative, preventive, and performance enhancing benefits. 
         [0018]    The resilient ellipsoidal or spherical biofeedback catalysts display physical properties such that they do not provide functional bracing or support to the plantar aspect of the foot. 
         [0019]    The insole device has the ability to receive and interchange the resilient ellipsoidal or spherical biofeedback catalysts and the many forms thereof, as well as having provision to ensure proper placement of the catalysts relative to the user&#39;s anatomical arch apex. 
         [0020]    Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated below with reference to the accompanying illustrations in which: 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a shoe insole device according to the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a section on line A-A′ of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation corresponding to  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a section on line B-B′ of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a section on line C-C′of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a section on line D-D′ of  FIG. 2   
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a side elevation of a catalyst portion of the insole device; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view corresponding to  FIG. 8 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a side elevation of an embodiment of a catalyst according to the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view corresponding to  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a front elevation corresponding to  FIG. 10 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation of an embodiment of a catalyst according to the present invention having a profile somewhat different from that of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view corresponding to  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a front elevation corresponding to  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a front elevation of yet another shaped catalyst; 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a side elevation corresponding to  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  is a front elevation of a bottom shape corresponding to  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  is a side elevation corresponding to  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  is a front elevation of a bottom portion of the catalyst of  FIG. 16   
           [0041]      FIG. 21  is a side elevation corresponding to  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 22  illustrates a first alternate embodiment of a catalyst and associated tether according to the present invention in which an assembled catalyst/tether is illustrated at the top with an exploded view therebelow shown from the saggital plane, frontal plane, and horizontal plane (left, centre and right respectively); 
           [0043]      FIG. 23  illustrates a second alternate embodiment of a catalyst and associated tether according to the present invention in which an assembled catalyst/tether is illustrated at the top with an exploded view therebelow shown from the saggital plane, frontal plane, and horizontal plane (left, centre and right respectively); 
           [0044]      FIG. 24  illustrates a third alternate embodiment of a catalyst and associated tether according to the present invention in which an assembled catalyst/tether is illustrated at the top with an exploded view therebelow shown from the saggital plane, frontal plane, and horizontal plane (left, centre and right respectively); 
           [0045]      FIG. 25  illustrates a fourth alternate embodiment of a catalyst and associated tether according to the present invention in which an assembled catalyst/tether is illustrated at the top with an exploded view therebelow shown from the saggital plane, frontal plane, and horizontal plane (left, centre and right respectively); 
           [0046]      FIG. 26  illustrates a fifth alternate embodiment of a catalyst and associated tether according to the present invention in which an assembled catalyst/tether is illustrated at the top with an exploded view therebelow shown from the saggital plane, frontal plane, and horizontal plane (left, centre and right respectively); 
           [0047]      FIG. 27  illustrates a sixth alternate embodiment of a catalyst and tether according to the present invention in which an assembled catalyst/tether is illustrated at the top with an exploded view therebelow shown from the saggital plane, frontal plane, and horizontal plane (left, centre and right respectively); 
           [0048]      FIG. 28  illustrates how a catalyst according to the present invention moves dynamically with a foot; 
           [0049]      FIG. 29  illustrates a variety of multi-density catalyst shapes; 
           [0050]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view from above of the seventh alternate embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view from the bottom corresponding to  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 32  is a side elevation corresponding to  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 33  is a bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 31  but showing a catalyst present; 
           [0054]      FIG. 34  is a section on line  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33  but rotated left to right; 
           [0055]      FIG. 35  is an enlargement of the encircled area identified by A in  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 36  corresponds to  FIG. 35  but shows the catalyst removed; 
           [0057]      FIG. 37   a  is a saggital view of a catalyst according to the present invention illustrating how it may rock fore and aft; 
           [0058]      FIG. 37   b  is a frontal view corresponding to  FIG. 37  but illustrating side to side rocking at motion; 
           [0059]      FIG. 38  is a top plan view corresponding to  FIGS. 37   a  and  37   b;    
           [0060]      FIG. 39  is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a catalyst according to the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 40  is a section on line  40 - 40  of  FIG. 39 ; 
           [0062]      FIG. 41  is a section on line  41 - 41  of  FIG. 39 ; 
           [0063]      FIG. 42  is a top plan view of another alternate embodiment of a catalyst according to the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 43  is a section on line  43 - 43  of  FIG. 42 ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 44  is a section on line  44 - 44  of  FIG. 42 ; 
           [0066]      FIG. 45  is yet another alternate embodiment of a catalyst according to the present invention; 
           [0067]      FIG. 46  is a section on line  46 - 46  of  FIG. 45 ; 
           [0068]      FIG. 47  is a section on line  47 - 47  of  FIG. 45 ; 
           [0069]      FIG. 48  is a top plan view of a still further alternate embodiment of a catalyst according to the present invention; 
           [0070]      FIG. 49  is a section on line  49 - 49  of  FIG. 48 ; and 
           [0071]      FIG. 50  is a section on line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 48 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0072]    A dynamic arch stabilization and rehabilitative insole device is generally illustrated by reference  30  in the Figures. The insole device  30  consists of a flexible insole body having an outer portion  32  defining an upwardly opening hole or passage  34  located central to the foot&#39;s anatomical arch apex. The hole  34  receives interchangeable substantially ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts  40  for interfacing with the plantar aspect of a human foot. 
         [0073]    The catalysts  40  have an apex  42  on the dorsal surface for aligning with a target area within the foot, the target area being defined by the anatomical arch apex. 
         [0074]    The plantar aspect (bottom)  44  of the catalysts, in concert with the flexible insole body encourage the catalysts to dynamically roll and pivot about their plantar apexes as they mirror the foot&#39;s movement through multidimensional activities. 
         [0075]    The catalysts  40  are resiliently deformable to apply an upwardly directed pressure to stimulate the nocioreceptors and mechanoreceptors in the skin of the sole of the foot in response to downward pressure on the catalyst by the foot. The ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts provide resilient deformability to allow the catalyst to deflect from between 10% and 100% of their maximum height in response to vertical forces of a person standing at rest being applied to the catalyst. 
         [0076]    The catalysts&#39;  40  resilient deformability may be selected so as to provide constant or variable resistance in response to vertical forces of a person standing at rest being applied to the catalyst. For example the catalyst may provide a constant or progressively increased or decreased compressive resistance relative to the degree of deformation. 
         [0077]    The catalysts  40  may be of varied sizes and shapes relative to foot length and width and arch height. 
         [0078]    The dorsal aspect (top)  43  of the catalysts  40  may have varied radii or apexes at different locations relative to their horizontal midline to accommodate for a variety of foot types of the same foot length and ensure the optimal location of the stimulus provided. 
         [0079]    The dorsal aspect  43  of the catalysts  40  may have varied radii or apexes at different locations relative to their frontal plane midline ( 50  in  FIG. 10 ) to accommodate for a variety of foot types of the same foot length and ensure the optimal location of the stimulus provided. 
         [0080]    The plantar aspect  44  of the catalysts  40  may have varied radii or apexes at different locations relative to their horizontal midline ( 50  in  FIG. 10 ) to optimize the dynamic rolling and pivoting motion specific to requirements of different bipedal activities or pathologies. 
         [0081]    The plantar aspect  44  of the catalysts  40  may have varied radii or apexes at different locations relative to their frontal plane midline to optimize the dynamic rolling and pivoting motion specific to requirements of different bipedal activities or pathologies. 
         [0082]    The catalysts&#39;  40  resilient deformability may be achieved by a variety of mechanical spring-like mechanisms or the use of resiliently deformable materials or a combination thereof. 
         [0083]    The catalysts  40  may be comprised of a variety of materials, densities, and resiliencies such as foams, rubbers, plastics, or other flexible materials. The catalysts may be comprised of one piece made from one material or comprised of a number of pieces made from different materials. Catalysts  40  comprised of a number of pieces may be preassembled as one unit or may be comprised of a number of interchangeable interlocking pieces that can be assembled by the user. The catalysts may be hollow and pressurized to varying degrees with gas, for example air or nitrogen. 
         [0084]      FIG. 29  illustrates a variety of one piece designs for the catalyst  40  wherein a first density/resiliency material  150  is overmoulded onto a second density/resiliency material  152  having a higher or lower density/resiliency. 
         [0085]    The flexible insole body  30  may be comprised from a variety of materials such as foams, rubbers, and plastics as well as synthetic and natural fabrics. The insole body  30  may be comprised of one piece made from one material or may be comprised of a number of pieces made from different materials. Insole bodies made of a number of pieces may be preassembled as one unit or may be comprised of a number of interchangeable interlocking pieces that can be assembled by the user. The catalysts may also incorporate a mechanical spring (spiral or leaf) comprised of metal or a metal alloy. 
         [0086]    The flexible insole body and catalysts  40  may have a variety of co-operating engagement means for securing interchangable ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts to the insole body. The co-operating engagement means may include detent means for resisting separation of the ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts from the insole body and may allow or restrict shifting therebetween. 
         [0087]    The detent means may include a groove or channel or indent  70  around the long axis circumference of the shaped catalysts. See for example  FIGS. 1-20 ,  26  and  30 - 38 . The inner circumference of said channel or indent would correspond to the circumference of the hole  34  in the insole body  32  to receive the edge  35  of the hole  34 . An insole body with a hole  34  of a larger circumference relative to the circumference of the channel in the catalysts would provide a co-operating engagement means for securing the catalysts to the insole body  32  and allow the catalysts  40  to move or adjust slightly within the insole body  32  while still resisting separation. An insole body with a hole of an equal circumference relative to the circumference of the channel or indent  70  in catalysts  40  would provide a co-operating engagement means for securing the catalysts  40  to the insole body and allow for less movement or adjustment within the insole body. 
         [0088]    Another cooperating engagement means for securing interchangeable catalysts  40  to the insole body  32  may include flexible or elastic tethers  80  that extend from the catalysts having an enlarged end at their distal ends. The enlarged ends would fit into corresponding cavities or smaller holes in the insole body thereby securing the tether&#39;s larger ends into the insole body and securely suspending the catalysts in the center of the hole in the insole body. 
         [0089]    Another co-operating engagement means for securing interchangable catalysts  40  to the insole body may include a flexible or elastic anchor or tether  80  that is affixed to the insole body  32  so as to bisect the long axis center of the hole  34  in the insole body  32 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , the catalyst  40  would incorporate a slit  82  along the long axis from one side through to a larger channel  84  at the center of the catalyst&#39;s long axis. The larger channel  84  at the center of the catalyst&#39;s long axis would correspond in size and shape to the size and shape of the tether  80 . The shape of the tether  80  and corresponding channel  84  in the catalyst  40  would be such as to permit or restrict the long axis movement of the catalyst  40  along the tether  80  while insuring that the catalyst  40  remains secured to the tether  80 . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 , the slit  82  may open into a cylindrical passage  83  which received the tether  80 . Longitudinal movement of the catalyst  40  to the tether  80  in this case is limited by stops  85  fore and aft the catalyst  40 . 
         [0090]    As illustrated in  FIG. 24 , another co-operating engagement means for securing interchangeable ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts  40  to the insole body  32  may include a flexible or elastic tether  80  that is affixed to the insole body  32  as to bisect the long axis center of the hole  34  in the insole body. The catalysts  40  would be comprised of opposing top and bottom pieces with one of the pieces  90  and  92  respectively having a protrusion  94  extending from the center of its base; the protrusion  94  being larger at its distal end. The opposing piece  92 ,  90  would provide for a cavity with dimensions that would correspond to the protrusion, so that when fitted together the opposing pieces would interlock. The tether  80  would provide for a positioning hole  86  at its center, the shape of the hole  86  corresponding to the cross sectional shape of the protrusion. The catalyst  40  would be secured to the insole body  32  by inserting the protrusion  94  through the hole  86  in the tether  80  then inserting the protrusion  94  in the cavity  96  of the opposing piece in such a manner as to interlock the opposing pieces  90 ,  92  to each other and the tether. The protrusion  94  may be a separate component or “plug” as illustrated in  FIG. 27 . 
         [0091]    Another co-operating engagement means for securing interchangeable ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts  40  incorporating a channel or indent  70  around their long axis circumference to the insole body  32 , may include a flexible or elastic tether  80  that is affixed to the insole body  32  as to bisect the long axis center of the hole  34  in the insole body  32 . The tether  80  would incorporate an elastic ring  88  at its center; the shape of the ring  88  matching the corresponding shape of the catalyst&#39;s long axis circumference; the hole in the ring  88  being smaller in circumference than the channel or indent  70  around the long axis circumference of the ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts  40 . When the ring  88  in the tether  80  is stretched to fit into the channel or indent  70  in the catalyst  40 , the resulting tension of the ring  88  on the catalyst  40  ensures that the catalyst  40  remains secured to the tether  80 . 
         [0092]      FIGS. 30 through 36  show another embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in  FIGS. 30 through 36  which differs from the above described embodiments namely in the internal configuration of the catalyst  40 . As best seen in  FIGS. 33 ,  34  and  35 , the catalyst  40  has a plurality of cavities extending inwardly from a bottom face thereof The illustration shows a honeycomb-like configuration, however the cavities could have round, rectangular, oval, square, hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal, etc. cross-sectional shapes, or even a combination thereof The cavities could all be of similar size and wall thickness or consist of varying sizes and wall thicknesses. Furthermore the side walls defining the cavities could be substantially parallel or alternatively, have varying degrees of draft or even be bulged. The catalyst could be made from a variety of materials such as foams, rubbers, silicones, plastics, etc. as a one piece or multi-piece part in one or a combination of materials. For example, the top could be a clear plastic and the “honeycomb” could be a thermal plastic rubber, that is either overmoulded or attached with an adhesive. 
         [0093]    By varying the materials and the above geometrical features, one is able to vary the compression, rebound, and dynamic movement characteristics to accommodate progressive level of resiliencies in a variety of different applications/needs (foot types, body weight, pathologies, activities). 
         [0094]    Although the “honeycomb” arrangement is shown having a groove  70  extending thereabout for mounting within the hole  30  within the insole body, it could be adapted to a flexible or elastic tether arrangement of the sort described previously. 
         [0095]      FIGS. 39 through 50  show a variety of alternate embodiments of a catalyst according to the present invention. According to the  FIGS. 39 through 41  embodiment, the catalyst  40  has resilient plastic like top and bottom caps  110  and  112 , respectively. Housed between the top and bottom caps  110 ,  112 , respectively, is an oval-shaped ring  114  which may be of plastic or steel that offers resiliently. The ring  114  may or may not be filled with a foam  116  in its core. The ring  114  with or without the foam  116  acts as a mechanical spring. 
         [0096]    In the  FIGS. 42 through 44  embodiment, the catalyst  40  comprises resilient plastic or moulded foam top and bottom caps  120  and  122  overmoulded on a thermal plastic elastomer, thermal plastic rubber or foam core  124 . 
         [0097]    In the  FIGS. 45 through 47  embodiment, the catalyst  40  has resilient plastic-like or moulded foam top and bottom caps  130 ,  132  respectively. Interspersed therebetween is a die-cut foam ring  136  which may extend around a foam core  138  having a different foam density than the foam ring  136 . 
         [0098]    In the  FIGS. 48 through 50  embodiment, the catalyst  40  has resilient plastic-like or moulded foam top and bottom caps  140 ,  142  respectively interspersed between which is a die-cut foam ring  146  surrounding a gas or air-filled core  148 . 
         [0099]    The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments and examples of the apparatus and process of the invention have been presented to illustrate the principles of the invention and not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by all of the embodiments encompassed within the claims and/or their equivalents.