Abstract:
An insole constructed of paper provides a periodic somatosensory stimulation to the sole of the foot thought to provide therapeutic benefit with respect to medical conditions related to the functioning of the nervous system. A corrugated upper paper layer may contact the skin directly and absorb and disperse perspiration. Low cost allows a kit to be provided of insoles each providing a different stimulation pattern for rotation over the week.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 62/076,918 filed Nov. 7, 2014, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a therapeutic shoe insole and method of use. 
         [0003]    There arc preliminary indications that applying pressure to various surfaces of the body can aid in treating a variety of medical conditions that relate to function of the nervous system. While the theory is not well developed, these pressure points may provide for stimulation of the somatosensory system providing beneficial or counter stimulant action to other nerve signals. 
         [0004]    The sole of the foot provides a potentially important surface for such somatosensory stimulation because of the presence of many nerve endings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides an insole that may be used to provide a variety of different somatosensory stimulation to the sole of the foot of possible clinical benefit. In particular, the invention provides an insole constructed of paper material providing the benefits of a natural material that may contact the skin directly, that may absorb and disperse perspiration, and that can be fabricated at low cost in a variety of forms to allow for the use of multiple different stimulating patterns at different times. 
         [0006]    Specifically, in one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic insole having a first substantially flat paper layer sized to fit against a sole of a foot to substantially follow a contact surface of the foot against the ground in the manner of an insole. A second corrugated paper layer conforming to the periphery of the first substantially flat paper layer is adhered to an upper surface of the first substantially flat paper layer at troughs of the corrugations on the lower surface of the second corrugated paper layer to expose peaks of the corrugation to a foot resting on the second corrugated paper layer. The corrugations provide stimulation to the sole of a foot of greater than 10 hertz. 
         [0007]    it is thus one feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to provide a simple element for somatosensory stimulation easily incorporated into an individual&#39;s daily life and constructed of low-cost and natural materials. 
         [0008]    The corrugations may extend along a lateral axis generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis running along the length of the insole from a toe portion to a heel portion. 
         [0009]    It is thus one feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to provide a corrugation angle that tends to provide a sequential somatosensory stimulation to the sole of a foot at approximately 10 hertz during walking. 
         [0010]    The therapeutic insole corrugations that extend at an angle with respect to the lateral axis or may be aligned with the lateral axis, may be substantially linear or may follow a serpentine path along a plane of extent of the second paper layer. 
         [0011]    It is thus one feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to provide a variety of different stimulation patterns such as may be useful for preventing acclimation. 
         [0012]    The second paper layer may include a plurality of holes cut through its surface to promote the passage of air therethrough. 
         [0013]    it is thus one feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to provide a stimulating insole that may accommodate direct contact with the foot while dissipating perspiration. 
         [0014]    The second paper layer maybe treated with a material selected from the group consisting of a natural desiccant and an antioxidant. 
         [0015]    It is thus one feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to provide natural desiccants perforations to reduce moisture buildup. 
         [0016]    The therapeutic insole may include straps attached to the first paper layer for receiving a foot therethrough to hold the sole of the foot against the upper surface of the second paper layer. 
         [0017]    It is thus one feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to provide an extremely low-cost stimulation system that does not presuppose particular shoe sizes or use. 
         [0018]    Alternatively, the therapeutic insole may include a. sock of woven material for fitting over the foot retaining the upper surface of the second paper layer against the sole of the foot. 
         [0019]    It is thus one feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to provide for foot contact without the need for straps or the like. 
         [0020]    The therapeutic insole may further include a third substantially flat paper layer attached at its bottom surface to the second corrugated paper layer to cover only portions of the second corrugated paper layer and a fourth corrugated paper layer coextensive with the third substantially flat paper layer and adhered to an upper surface of the third substantially flat paper layer at troughs of the corrugations on the lower surface of the fourth corrugated paper layer to expose peaks of the corrugation to a foot resting on the fourth corrugated paper layer. 
         [0021]    it is thus one feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to provide two spatial frequencies of stimulation to accommodate different patterns of rolling contact between the foot and the insole to ensure a proper frequency of stimulation. 
         [0022]    The corrugations of the second corrugated paper layer and fourth corrugated paper layer may extend along parallel axes. 
         [0023]    It is thus one feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to provide stimulation patterns that augment each other as one walks. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, the therapeutic insole may further include a rib structure providing laterally extending ribs attached to a lower surface of the first substantially flat paper layer. 
         [0025]    It is thus one feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to provide a simple way of augmenting the stimulation pattern of the second paper layer without the need for multiple laminated constructions. 
         [0026]    Generally it is contemplated that the low cost and simple construction of the invention will make practical a kit of insoles constructed as described above where different insoles have corrugations to provide different patterns. 
         [0027]    It is thus one feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to prevent acclimation by an individual to the stimulation pattern by providing variation in that stimulation pattern over time. 
         [0028]    These particular objects and advantages may apply to only some embodiments falling within the claims and thus do not define the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an insole constructed according to the present invention providing a corrugated insole having exposed corrugation ridges; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a cross-section taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  showing the assembly of the insole from a flat and corrugated paper layer; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a sandal constructed using the present invention as both the insole and sole; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 3  showing use of the invention as an insole in a conventional shoe; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is an elevational cross-section of a sock providing a pocket for holding an insole of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of an alternative construction of the insole of  FIG. 1  having laminated corrugated elements; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a kit providing a set of insoles providing different stimulation patterns and employing serpentine corrugations shown in enlarged details; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the sole  FIG. 1  in an embodiment including a set of spine supports providing an augmenting lower spatial frequency stimulation pattern. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0037]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an insole  10  of the present invention may provide for an upper surface  12  having a set of periodic ripples  14  extending along a lateral axis  16  generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  19  running along the length of the insole from a toe portion  18  to a heel portion  25 . The periodic ripples  14  may for example, following a sinusoidal curve extending along the longitudinal axis  19  and then sweeping that curve along the lateral axis  16  across the upper surface  12  to define a rippled plane. The periodic ripples  14 , in one embodiment, may provide for a periodicity of 2.8 cycles or ridge crests  21  per centimeter with the amplitude of one millimeter. Generally a range between 1 and 5 ridge crests per centimeter are contemplated. Ideally, the periodic ripples  14  are such as to generate a 10 hertz or greater signal to the brain by flexing back and forth against the sole of the foot during walking when the foot is placed against the upper surface  12  in the manner of a conventional insole. 
         [0038]    In one embodiment, the periodic ripples  14  will comprise an exposed corrugated paper layer  20  folded in the manner of corrugations used for reinforced cardboard and may have multiple holes  22  passing through this corrugated paper layer  20  to help dissipate perspiration. The under surface of the corrugated paper layer  20  may be attached, for example, at troughs  23  of the ripples  14  by glue or the like, to an upper surface of a planar cardboard layer  24 , the latter to provide for resistance against flattening of the ripples  14  in the corrugated paper layer  20  by tensioning against expansion of the ripples  14 . Generally the corrugated paper layer  20  and planar cardboard layer  24  have the same outline in peripheries, following generally the curve shape of contact of a human foot with a horizontal surface during walking in the manner of a standard insole. As will be understood from the description below, the planar cardboard layer  24  may distort slightly and may be considered truly planar only with respect to the corrugated paper layer  20 . 
         [0039]    The paper products of corrugated paper layer  20  and planar cardboard layer  24  may include a coating material  26  such as magnesium powder, bee propolis or another powdered antioxidant to decrease stress and inflammation in the brain and body. Alternative antioxidants including myrrh as well as frankincense may also be used. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, a woven cloth material such as a sock may be placed over the ripples  14  between the ripples  14  and a person&#39;s foot to provide additional cushioning and absorption. Alternatively a standard foot sock could be attached to the bottom of the cardboard by putting Velcro on the upper surface of the corrugated paper layer  20  and on the lower surface of the sock. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a lightweight therapeutic device may make use of the insole  10  comprising materials of paper layers  20  and  24  attached to foot straps  30  that may pass over the top of the user&#39;s foot. These straps retain the insole  10  against the soles of the user&#39;s feet during walking to make the insole into a lightweight sandal  32 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , alternatively, a standard shoe  36  may receive the insole  10  into the shoe to replace or to supplement the standard insole provided with the shoe  36 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a sock  38  may be constructed to have a pocket  40  with an open backside on the bottom surface of the sock  38  normally contacting the sole of the foot. The pocket  40 , for example, is constructed by a slight overlapping of material of the bottom of the sock  38  or in the manner of a patch pocket over an opening that would otherwise expose the foot. The pocket  40  may receive the insole  10  within the pocket to be exposed to the toes  42  and front of the foot  44  of the user wearing the sock  38  to the surface of the insole  10 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the present invention may be used to provide for several frequencies of sensory stimulation by providing two different structures producing two additive stimulation frequencies. The first structure may be the exposed upper surface  12  described above and the second structure may be overlying laminated elements  50  periodically spaced at a second stimulation spatial frequency  52  along the longitudinal axis  19 . These laminated elements  50  may be constructed of corrugated material similar to that shown in  FIG. 2  having crests  21  at the first stimulation spatial frequency  54 . The first stimulation frequency may, for example, be on the order of a few sixteenths of an inch while the second stimulation spatial frequency  52  may be on the order of 1 to 2 inches. The laminated elements  50  are spaced apart to expose the ripples  14  of the upper surface  12  of the insole of  FIG. 1  and provide corresponding ripples  14  thereon. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , it is believed that variation in the stimulation pattern, for example, during the day or between different days, may be necessary to prevent acclimation by the nervous system. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a kit  60  comprised of multiple pairs of insoles  10  (only one insole for each pair shown for clarity) wherein the stimulation pattern on the upper surface of the insoles  10  is varied with respect to shape, spatial repetition frequency, amplitude or the like. Accordingly, a first insole  10   a  may provide for an upper surface having serpentine ripples  14  following a generally sinusoidal path along an axis  62   a,  for example, at a 15-degree angle  64   a  with respect to the lateral axis  16 . A second insole  10   b  may provide for ripples  14  along axis  62   b  aligned with lateral axis  16  while a third insole  10   c  may provide for an upper surface having serpentine ripples  14  following a sinusoidal path along axis  62   c  tipped with respect to lateral axis  16  in the opposite direction as that of axis  62   a . In use, different insoles would be used at different times. 
         [0045]    Referring no to  FIG. 8 , the juxtaposition of two different spatial stimulation frequencies applied on the sole of the foot may also be accomplished through the use of the spine structure  70  which may be placed beneath the planar cardboard layer  24  with respect to the foot. The spine structure  70 , for example, may be molded from a plastic material or the like but desirably may be constructed from natural cardboard or a similar material, for example, die cut laminated as appropriate. The spine structure  70  provides for multiple ribs  72  extending laterally from a central spine  74 , the spine  74  being aligned generally along the longitudinal axis  19 . Each of the ribs  72  operate to slightly distort the paper layers  24  and  20  at the second stimulation spatial frequency  52  to provide a lower frequency stimulation periodicity to the walker when used with insole  10  such as that shown in  FIG. 1 . Ribs  72  may be adhered to the bottom of the planar cardboard layer  24 . 
         [0046]    While the inventor does not wish to be bound to a particular theory, it is believed that the insole  10  enables the toes to generate a 10 Hz or greater signal to the brain by flexing back and forth against the ridges of the insert so that different crests  21  of the paper layer  20  are successively brought into contact with the foot in a rolling progression. In contrast, a massage shoe lacks the fine detail to send this many vibrations per second to the brain. The massage shoe can only transmit pressure and low frequency pressure waves (0-1 Hz) associated with walking. Corrugated paper enables the user through the Meisner cells in the foot to send signals of 10 to 50 Hz to the brain. 
         [0047]    Generally it is believed that the insole  10  may have a variety of different benefits not limited to those discussed above but also including assistance with respect to the conditions of nystagmus, Alzheimer&#39;s, Parkinson&#39;s, Tourette&#39;s, concussion, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, emotional trauma, and PTSD specifically since these involve theta beta ratio, With regard to this latter effect, U.S. application publication 2014/0012152, serial number 13720104 filed Dec. 19, 2012, by the same inventor is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
         [0048]    The present principles may also be applied to a walkway providing a corrugated walking path or to a psychology tablet which makes use of haptic stimuli from a phone or computer tablet in order to achieve a neurological end. Sliding the bare or socked foot over a corrugated walking path can help the brain generate the smooth motor reflex signals necessary for walking and balance. 
         [0049]    Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “bottom” and “side”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. 
         [0050]    The term paper is used herein refers to nonwoven materials constructed primarily of cellulosic fibers for example derived from organic material such as wood pulp or plant fiber. 
         [0051]    When introducing elements or features of the present disclosure and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein arc not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
         [0052]    It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained, herein and the claims should be understood to include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of dements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims All of the publications described herein, including patents and non-patent publications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.