Method for Design and Manufacture of Insoles

Abstract

A method for the design and production of improved pressure reducing therapeutic shoe insoles for a person. The method includes the steps of measuring a three dimensional image of a foot and the distribution of plantar pressures applied by a person's foot being measured for a pressure reducing insole. Selecting a shoe insole outline or template which best fits or corresponds to the shape of a foot being measured. A foot display is generated which combines and aligns the three dimensional foot shape and the plantar pressure distribution. A three dimensional insole display is generated which combines and aligns the foot shape and plantar pressure distribution, and includes modifications based upon selected pressure contour lines identified within the foot display which are above predetermined pressure thresholds.

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
     
     
         16 . A footwear insole for reducing plantar pressure which is created based on the combination of a measured three dimensional shape of an individual's foot and an individual's measured plantar pressure distribution.  
     
     
         17 . A footwear insole for reducing plantar pressure, said insole having a base layer of material having an intervention formed relative to a threshold pressure contour line identified by a shape of a pre-measured plantar pressure distribution to be reduced.  
     
     
         18 . The footwear insole of  claim 17  wherein said threshold pressure contour line is between 100 and 500 kPa.  
     
     
         19 . The footwear insole of  claim 17  wherein said intervention is a relief and said relief includes a resilient, flexible layer of elastomeric material.  
     
     
         20 . The footwear insole of  claim 17  further including a covering layer of foam material having a thickness of approximately 5 mm or less.  
     
     
         21 . The footwear insole of  claim 17  wherein the base layer is ethylene vinyl acetate foam material and the covering layer is polyurethane foam material.  
     
     
         22 - 24 . (canceled)  
     
     
         25 . The footwear insole of  claim 17  wherein the intervention includes an elevation at a location adjacent to an identified region within the distribution of plantar pressures applied to the footwear insole.  
     
     
         26 . The footwear insole of  claim 17  wherein the intervention includes an elevation at a location distant from an identified region within the distribution of plantar pressures applied to the insole.