Gel Insole

Abstract

An insole for insertion into footwear, comprising a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion and a heel portion; the midfoot portion connecting together the forefoot portion and the heel portion; said insole comprising a cushioning layer of a viscoelastic gel material which provides a cushioning function; and wherein the midfoot portion and the heel portion comprise a peripheral edge that curves upwards.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 835,7801 filed on Aug. 3, 2006.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to shoe insoles or inserts, and more particularly, to gel insoles particularly adapted to provide greater stability within a shoe and to provide greater support to the wearer.[0003]Various types of insoles are known which fit within shoes in order to correct various foot problems, alleviate pain and otherwise provide more comfort to the wearer. Examples of such insoles are those sold by the assignee of the present invention under the trademark Dr. SCHOLL'S®, in particular those comprised of gel materials as described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,321.[0004]However, it would be useful and desirable to have a full length insole formed of gel material that includes an upwardly curved edge that contacts the outside edge of the foot without constricting the forefoot...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]The invention also provides a method for constructing a gel insole comprising a viscoelastic gel material to comprise a low friction top surface, which method comprises the steps of placing a film material comprising a styrenic block copolym

Problems solved by technology

However, because the materials used to make the gel insoles typically exhibit a high coefficient of friction upon final manufacture, the resulting insoles have a sticky feel at the surface.

Although this property is beneficial on lower surfaces of insoles to keep them in place in shoes, a sticky top surface, which contacts the foot, interacts unfavorably with skin or hosiery materials.

However, the additional step of adding the fabric adds cost to the process of making the insole.

However, the dusting method is a temporary solution, as the dusting material typically separates from the gel material after a prolonged period of use, leaving the sticky surface exposed.

The dusting method also adds cost to the production of insoles.

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