Segmented Insole for Support of Embedded Systems

Abstract

A two part insole having one part for housing smart systems embedded within an insole, and a second part for maintaining comfort of a cut-to-fit insole to increase the functionality of the overall product for the user.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A segmented insole comprising:
 a bottom, support layer; and   a top, comfort layer, said top layer defining one or more surfaces designed to mate with said bottom layer;   wherein said bottom layer is composed of a semi-rigid structural material and defines a cavity therein for holding an embedded device; and further   wherein said top layer covers said bottom layer.   
     
     
         2 . The segmented insole of  claim 1  further comprising one or more attachment points wherein said bottom layer and said top layer are attached to each other. 
     
     
         3 . The segmented insole of  claim 1  further comprising an attachment method for attaching said bottom layer to said top layer at said one or more attachment points. 
     
     
         4 . The segmented insole  claim 3  wherein said attachment method comprises an attachable and detachable material. 
     
     
         5 . The segmented insole of  claim 3  wherein said attachment method comprises an adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . The segmented insole of  claim 3  wherein said attachment method comprises friction-inducing fixtures, grooves, or pegs. 
     
     
         7 . The segmented insole of  claim 1  wherein said top layer has cut-to-fit sizing lines. 
     
     
         8 . The segmented insole of  claim 1  wherein said bottom layer and the portion of said top layer not covering said bottom layer each define a bottom surface, said bottom surface defining treads for engaging the base of a shoe into which said insole is disposed. 
     
     
         9 . The segmented insole of  claim 1  wherein said top layer is composed of a shock-absorbing material. 
     
     
         10 . The segmented insole of  claim 9  wherein said top layer is composed of a material which is softer than said bottom layer. 
     
     
         11 . The segmented insole of  claim 9  wherein said shock-absorbing material is selected from a group consisting of gels, fabrics, foams, recycled materials and soft plastic materials. 
     
     
         12 . The segmented insole of  claim 1  wherein semi-rigid structural material is selected from a group consisting of hard plastics, composites, metals, foams and recycled materials. 
     
     
         13 . The segmented insole of  claim 3  wherein said attachment method consists of a cavity defined in said top layer for accepting insertion of said bottom layer therein. 
     
     
         14 . The segmented in sole of  claim 13  wherein said cavity is composed of the same material as said top layer. 
     
     
         15 . The segmented insole of  claim 13  wherein said cavity is composed of a fabric attached to said top layer. 
     
     
         16 . The segmented insole of  claim 1  wherein said bottom layer defines one or more grooves or channels therein to allow for exposure of portions of said embedded device external to said insole. 
     
     
         17 . The segmented insole of  claim 16  wherein said bottom layer comprises two parts which, when joined, encase said embedded system inside of said bottom layer. 
     
     
         18 . The segmented insole of  claim 17  wherein said bottom layer permanently encases said embedded system.