Dynamic arch stabilization and rehabilitative shoe insole device

Abstract

An insole device configured to fit the profile of a 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's arch system. The midfoot section of the insole device has a receptacle located central to the foot's anatomical arch apex that receives interchangeable resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts of many shapes and forms. The resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts present to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found to be the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system.

1 . An insole device comprising:
 a sole shaped outer portion defining an upwardly open receptacle in a midfoot section thereof;   a proprioceptive reflex catalyst mountable in said receptacle;   said catalyst being positionable to engage an anatomical apex of the sole face of the arch of a wearer's foot;   said catalyst having an ellipsoidal or spherical shape, being dimensioned to move dynamically in harmony with the said foot's natural movement;   said catalyst having a resiliency sufficient to stimulate the mechanoreceptors and nocioreceptors in the skin of said sole at said apex but not to artificially support the said apex;   said catalyst having a resiliency sufficient to stimulate the body's natural neuromuscular proprioceptive protective arch reflex response; and   cooperating engagement means extending between said outer portion and said catalyst for connecting said catalyst to said outer portion to locate said catalyst in said receptacle while allowing said movement of said catalyst relative to said outer portion.   
     
     
         2 . The insole device of  claim 1  wherein:
 said receptacle is a passage through said outer portion. 
 
     
     
         3 . The insole device of  claim 2  wherein:
 said cooperating engagement means is a groove extending about said passage for receiving an edge of said passage 
 
     
     
         4 . The insole device of  claim 1  wherein:
 said cooperating engagement means is at least one resilient member secured to said catalyst and said outer portion. 
 
     
     
         5 . The insole device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said catalyst is provided with a plurality of cavities extending upwardly from a lower surface thereof, said cavities being defined by walls which also separate said cavities; 
       the dimensions of said walls and said cavities being selected to provide desired resilient properties. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The insole device of  claim 2  wherein:
 said cooperating engagement means is at least one resilient member secured to said catalyst and said outer portion. 
 
     
     
         8 . The insole device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said catalyst is provided with a plurality of cavities extending upwardly from a lower surface thereof, said cavities being defined by walls which also separate said cavities; 
       the dimensions of said walls and said cavities being selected to provide desired resilient properties. 
     
     
         9 . The insole device as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said catalyst is provided with a plurality of cavities extending upwardly from a lower surface thereof, said cavities being defined by walls which also separate said cavities; 
       the dimensions of said walls and said cavities being selected to provide desired resilient properties. 
     
     
         10 . The insole device as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said catalyst is provided with a plurality of cavities extending upwardly from a lower surface thereof, said cavities being defined by walls which also separate said cavities; 
       the dimensions of said walls and said cavities being selected to provide desired resilient properties. 
     
     
         11 . The insole device as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said catalyst is provided with a plurality of cavities extending upwardly from a lower surface thereof, said cavities being defined by walls which also separate said cavities;
 the dimensions of said walls and said cavities being selected to provide desired resilient properties.