Balance-enhanced insert for footwear
US6237256A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/1117
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An article of footwear and insert for an article of footwear are provided with means for stimulating cutaneous pressure sensation from the perimeter of the plantar surface (sole) of the foot. Increasing cutaneous sensation from the perimeter of the plantar foot surface provides the central nervous system of the wearer of the footwear with an increased ability to detect and react to shifts of the body's center of gravity toward the edges of the feet which, if left uncorrected, could result in a loss of balance or a fall. An insole is disclosed which is provided with an elongate member or a series of protrusions which form a narrow ridge in close proximity to the perimeter of the insole, the ridge being adapted to protrude upwardly against the plantar foot surface along at least a portion of the perimeter thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.