Gel insoles with lower heel and toe recesses having thin spring walls

#The present invention relates generally to shoe insoles, and more particularly, to improved gel insoles for shoes that provide both cushioning and spring characteristics.

#Insoles have generally been formed by a pad of cushioning material, such as foam or sponge rubber, that has a general shape conforming to the interior of a shoe. Wearers who desire additional shoe comfort or who suffer from foot trouble, for example, plantar heel pain and/or arch pain, insert the cushioned insole into the shoe to provide added cushioning and support.

#It is also known to provide gel insoles for shoes. The gel insoles are provided as a movable fluid or as a viscoelastic gel. Because of the viscous nature of the gel, the gel insoles provide shock absorption and consequently protection to the foot. One reason that gel insoles are popular is that they can be made sufficiently thin to fit in shoes. In order to provide comfort, a soft, absorbent top cloth is adhered to the upper surface of the gel insoles.

#FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a gel insole according to one embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the gel insole;

#FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the gel insole;

#Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIGS. 1-7 thereof, an insole 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is adapted to be placed in an article of footwear, as is well known. Accordingly, insole 10 has the shape of a human left foot and has a companion (not shown) for the right foot which is formed in a mirror image.

#Insole 10 therefore includes a curved toe portion 12, a heel portion 14, and a medial arch portion 16 which connects toe portion 12 and heel portion 14 together. Heel portion 14 has a greater thickness than toe portion 12 since the greater impact during walking and running occurs at the heel. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, heel portion 14 can have a thickness of approximately 7-8 mm and toe portion 12 can have a thickness of approximately 2-3 mm. In addition, opposite sides of medial arch portion 16, and opposite sides and the rear end of heel portion 14, gently slope downwardly and inwardly toward the lower surface of insole 10.

#Insole 10 is formed of a lower gel layer 18 and a top cover 20 secured to the upper surface of lower gel layer 18 by any suitable means, such as adhesive, RF welding, etc. Both layers 18 and 20 are preferably formed of a fluid impermeable material.