Abstract:
An insole device as provided which has a sole shaped body defining an upwardly extending dome in a midfoot section thereof. A biofeedback catalyst is mountable in the dome so as to be moveable at least longitudinally relative to the sole shaped body. The catalyst is positionable to cause the dome to engage an anatomical apex of the sole face of the arch of a wearer&#39;s foot. The catalyst has an ellipsoidal or spherical shape, being dimensioned and having a resiliency sufficient to promote dynamic proprioceptive stimulation of mechanical receptors and nocioreceptors in the skin of the wearer&#39;s sole at said apex. Cooperating engagement means extend between the body and the catalyst for connecting the catalyst to the body to locate the catalyst in the dome while allowing the movement of the catalyst relative to the body.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. provisional application no. U.S. 61/457,252 filed Feb. 10, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     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]    A catalyst 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&#39;s 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 catalyst device has an anchoring system for locating the catalyst device central to the foot&#39;s anatomical arch apex. The catalyst device may be a resilient ellipsoidal or spherically shaped biofeedback device that presents 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 or 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 catalyst 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 catalyst device has the ability to receive and interchange the resilient ellipsoidal or spherical biofeedback catalyst components, as well as having the anchoring provision to ensure proper placement in a shoe or other foot shodding article of the catalysts relative to the user&#39;s anatomical arch apex. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated below with reference to the accompanying illustrations. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1   a  is a top plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 1   b  is a bottom plan view of an anchor positioning piece component of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 1   c  is the section line c-c of  FIG. 1   a;    
           [0024]      FIG. 1   d  is a section on line d-d of  FIG. 1   c;    
           [0025]      FIG. 1   e  is an end elevation showing an anchor positioning piece in association with a variety of catalysts; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2   a  is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the insole device of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2   b  is a section on line b-b of  FIG. 2   a;    
           [0028]      FIG. 2   c  is a section on line c-c of  FIG. 2   b;    
           [0029]      FIG. 3   a  is a top plan view of an anchor positioning piece with anchor attached according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3   b  is a bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 3   a  without the anchor positioning piece and catalyst installed; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3   c  is a top plan view of a top layer of an insole device according to the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3   d  is a section on line d-d of  FIG. 3   c;    
           [0033]      FIG. 3   e  is a bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 3   c;    
           [0034]      FIG. 3   f  is bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 3   a;    
           [0035]      FIG. 3   g  is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the insole device; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4   a  is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of an insole device according to the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 4   b  is a bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 4   a;    
           [0038]      FIG. 4   c  is a section on line c-c of  FIG. 4   a;    
           [0039]      FIG. 4   d  is a section on line d-d of  FIG. 4   a;    
           [0040]      FIG. 4   e  is an exploded view corresponding to  FIG. 4   c;    
           [0041]      FIG. 5   a  is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of an insole device according to the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5   b  is a bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 5   a;    
           [0043]      FIG. 5   c  is a section on line c-c of  FIG. 5   a;    
           [0044]      FIG. 5   d  is a section on line d-d of  FIG. 5   a;    
           [0045]      FIG. 5   e  is an exploded view corresponding to  FIG. 5   c;    
           [0046]      FIG. 6   a  is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of an insole device according to the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 6   b  is a bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 6   a;    
           [0048]      FIG. 6   c  is a section on line c-c of  FIG. 6   a;    
           [0049]      FIG. 6   d  is a section on line d-d of  FIG. 6   a;    
           [0050]      FIG. 6   e  is an exploded view corresponding to  FIG. 6   c;    
           [0051]      FIG. 7   a  is a top plan view of a seventh embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 7   b  is a section on line b-b of  FIG. 7   a;    
           [0053]      FIG. 8   a  is a top plan view of an eighth embodiment of an insole device according to the present invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 8   b  is a bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 8   a;    
           [0055]      FIG. 8   c  is a section on line c-c of  FIG. 8   a;    
           [0056]      FIG. 8   d  is a section on line d-d of  FIG. 8   a;    
           [0057]      FIG. 8   e  is an exploded view corresponding to  FIG. 8   c;    
           [0058]      FIG. 9   a  is a top plan view of a ninth embodiment of an insole device according to the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 9   b  is a bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 9   a;    
           [0060]      FIG. 9   c  is a section on line c-c of  FIG. 9   a;    
           [0061]      FIG. 9   d  is a section on line d-d of  FIG. 9   a;    
           [0062]      FIG. 9   e  is an exploded view corresponding to  FIG. 9   c;    
           [0063]      FIG. 10   a  is a midsole according to the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 10   b  is a top plan view of a midsole cavity with a catalyst mounted therein; 
           [0065]      FIG. 10   c  is an end elevation of the catalyst of  FIG. 10   b;    
           [0066]      FIG. 10   d  is a front elevation of the catalyst of  FIG. 10   b;    
           [0067]      FIG. 10   e  is a top plan view of a height adjustment shim portion of the midsole of  FIG. 10   a;    
           [0068]      FIG. 10   f  is a front elevation corresponding to  FIG. 10   e;    
           [0069]      FIG. 10   g  is an end elevation corresponding to  FIG. 10   e;    
           [0070]      FIG. 11  is an axial sectional view corresponding to  FIG. 10   a  but with catalysts removed; 
           [0071]      FIG. 12   a  is an alternate embodiment of a midsole according to the present invention; 
           [0072]      FIG. 12   b  is a top plan view of a midsole cavity of the midsole of  FIG. 12   a  with a catalyst mounted therein; 
           [0073]      FIG. 12   c  is an end elevation of the catalyst of  FIG. 12   b;    
           [0074]      FIG. 12   d  is a front elevation of the catalyst of  FIG. 12   b;    
           [0075]      FIG. 12   e  is an end elevation showing a height adjustable platform with a catalyst positioned thereon; 
           [0076]      FIG. 12   f  is a top plan view corresponding to  FIG. 12   e;    
           [0077]      FIG. 13   a  corresponds to  FIG. 12   a  but shows the height adjustment mechanism in its lowest position; 
           [0078]      FIG. 13   b  illustrates a height adjustable platform; 
           [0079]      FIGS. 13   c ,  13   d  and  13   e  illustrate height adjustable platform screw mechanisms according to the present invention; 
           [0080]      FIG. 14   a  is a top plan view of a further alternate embodiment of a midsole design according to the present invention; 
           [0081]      FIG. 14   b  is a top plan view of an interchangeable catalyst mechanism and anchoring means in accordance with the  FIG. 14   a  embodiment; 
           [0082]      FIG. 15  is a side elevation corresponding to  FIG. 14   b;    
           [0083]      FIGS. 16 through 23  are axial sectional views of different embodiments of midsole designs according to the present invention. 
           [0084]      FIG. 24   a  is a top plan view of an anchor positioning piece with anchor attached according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0085]      FIG. 24   b  is a bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 24   a  without the anchor positioning piece and catalyst installed; 
           [0086]      FIG. 24   c  is a top plan view of a top layer of an insole device according to the present invention; 
           [0087]      FIG. 24   d  is a section on line d-d of  FIG. 24   c;    
           [0088]      FIG. 24   e  is a bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 24   c;    
           [0089]      FIG. 24   f  is bottom plan view corresponding to  FIG. 24   a;    
           [0090]      FIG. 24   g  is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the insole device. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0091]    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 extending dome  34  located central to the foot&#39;s anatomical arch apex. The dome  34  receives interchangeable substantially ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts  40  for interfacing with the plantar aspect of a human foot. 
         [0092]    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. 
         [0093]    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. 
         [0094]    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  40  by the foot. The ellipsoidal or spherically shaped catalysts  40  provide resilient deformability to allow the catalyst  40  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  40 . 
         [0095]    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. 
         [0096]    The catalysts  40  may be of varied sizes and shapes relative to foot length, width and arch height. 
         [0097]    The dorsal aspect (top)  43  of the catalysts  40  may have varied radii or apexes  42  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. 
         [0098]    The dorsal aspect  43  of the catalysts  40  may have varied radii or apexes at different locations relative to their frontal plane midline to accommodate for a variety of foot types of the same foot length and ensure the optimal location of the stimulus provided. 
         [0099]    The plantar aspect  44  of the catalysts  40  may have varied radii or apexes at different locations relative to their horizontal midline such as for example shown in  FIGS. 10   c ,  10   d  and  10   e  to optimize the dynamic rolling and pivoting motion specific to requirements of different bipedal activities or pathologies. 
         [0100]    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. 
         [0101]    The catalysts  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. 
         [0102]    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. 
         [0103]    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. 
         [0104]    The flexible insole body and catalysts  40  may have a variety of co-operating engagement means  50  for securing interchangable ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts to the insole body. The co-operating engagement  50  means may include detent means for resisting separation of the ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts  40  from the insole body  32  and may allow or restrict shifting therebetween. 
         [0105]    In the  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   e  embodiment an anchored positioning piece  60  which is securable to the insole body  32  on an underside of the insole body  32  maintains the catalyst in place. A flexible anchoring means  50  extends from the anchor positioning piece  60  and engages the catalyst through a protrusion in the form of a flexible anchor which is received in a correspondingly shaped receptacle in the catalyst, the protrusion being narrower adjacent the anchor positioning piece  60  than at an end distal the anchor positioning piece  60 . 
         [0106]    In the  FIGS. 2   a  to  2   c  embodiment, the anchor positioning piece  60  is integral with an upper part  90  of the catalyst  40  which receives a lower part  92 . The lower part  92  has a curved lower surface  94  upon which the catalyst  40  can pivot or roll. A flexible anchor  50  is provided on the lower part  92  which is basically a protrusion received in a corresponding recess in the upper part  90 .  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  illustrate a similar arrangement but with a different interaction between the positioning piece  60  and the insole  32  in a heel region  33  of the insole  32 . 
         [0107]      FIGS. 3   a  to  3   g  comprise further views of an insole  32  similar to the  FIG. 2  embodiment. 
         [0108]      FIG. 24   a  through  24   f  illustrates an insole body  32  similar to the  FIG. 2  embodiment but having heel and forefoot cushioning members  70  and  72  respectively depending downwardly from an underside thereof. 
         [0109]      FIGS. 4   a  to  4   e  show the use of a removable dome  34  on the insole body  32 . The removable dome includes interactive engaging means such as knob ended protrusions  100  which are received in corresponding recesses in the insole body  30 . In the  FIG. 4  embodiment the catalyst is trapped in a pocket  102  beneath the removable dome. 
         [0110]      FIGS. 5   a  to  5   e  illustrate an alternate embodiment of the removable dome  34  which is generally similar to the  FIGS. 4   a  to  4   e  embodiment except that the catalyst is integral with the removable dome  34  and accordingly held in place by the interactive engaging means  100  which in this case also act as an anchoring means. 
         [0111]      FIGS. 6   a  to  6   e  is an embodiment very similar to the  FIGS. 4   a  to  4   e  embodiment except that the pocket  102  which receives the catalyst  40  also extends into the insole body  32 . 
         [0112]      FIGS. 8   a  to  8   e  is a view similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 4   a  to  4   e  but showing a different mechanism for maintaining the removable dome in place. According to the  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   e  embodiment the insole body  32  has a recess  108  extending into its upper surface and surrounded by an inwardly extending lip  112 . The lip  112  registers with an overlies a correspondingly profiled edge  110  of the removable dome  34 . 
         [0113]      FIGS. 9   a  to  9   e  illustrate an embodiment similar to the  FIGS. 4   a  to  4   e  embodiment but showing a differently shaped pocket  102 . 
         [0114]    The catalyst may be incorporated into the midsole of a shoe rather than the insole as illustrated in the remaining figures. 
         [0115]      FIGS. 10   a  to  10   g  illustrate catalyst  40  between an insole body  32  and a midsole  120 . The anchor  50  engages the midsole  120  at heel and forefoot regions  80  and  82  respectively thereof. The height of the catalyst may be adjusted using height adjustment shims  130  placed between the catalyst  40  and the midsole  120  in a receptacle or pocket  132  as illustrated. 
         [0116]      FIG. 11  illustrates the  FIGS. 10   a  to  10   g  embodiment in a lower position without the presence of adjustment shims. The shims would typically be placed in a cavity  130  in the midsole which has a shape that prevents unwanted movement of the catalyst. 
         [0117]      FIGS. 12   a  to  12   f  illustrate an alternate mechanism for adjusting the height of the cavity utilizing a screw mechanism  140  having a screw  150  mounted in the midsole with a screw head  152  visible through the outsole. The screw  150  threadedly engages a platform  154  which is moveable toward and away from the outsole in response to rotation of the screw  150 . The screw acts between the midsole  120  and the platform  154 . 
         [0118]      FIG. 13   a  corresponds to  FIG. 12  which shows the platform  154  at its lowest position whereas the platform  154  in  FIG. 12   a  is shown at its highest position. 
         [0119]      FIG. 13   b  illustrates the platform  154 . 
         [0120]      FIGS. 13   c ,  13   d  and  13   e  illustrate height adjustable platform screw mechanisms. 
         [0121]      FIGS. 14   a ,  14   b  and  FIG. 15  correspond to  FIGS. 13   a  to  13   e  and show a plan view of the midsole. The midsole has indentations  160  extending into an upper face thereof which receives the anchoring means  50  associated with the catalyst  40 . 
         [0122]      FIGS. 16 ,  17  and  18  illustrate alternate interactive engagement means for securing the catalyst  40  to the midsole  120 .  FIGS. 16 ,  17  and  18  also show the use of a removable dome  42  which instead of engaging a body of an insole engages the midsole  120  in a manner analogous to that described above with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
         [0123]      FIGS. 19 through 23  illustrate catalysts of varying shapes and density for providing a variety of compression (stimulus) characteristics for different foot-type requirements and/or activities. 
         [0124]    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.