Somatosensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface

Abstract

A somatosensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface configured to stimulate rapid-firing nerves in the receptive field of a user's glabrous skin. The somatorsensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface includes a plurality of protuberances disposed thereupon, each protuberance sized and spaced apart appropriately to impress the receptive field when pressed in contact with the glabrous skin of the user. Each protuberance widens from an apex toward a base whereby increased pressure applied to the surface increases an area of contact and stimulation by applying stimulation over a larger area of skin. The protuberances are spaced apart to maximize stimulation of rapid firing nerves while lessening overstimulation. The somatosensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface is rendered in the form of a mat or floor covering and alternatively as an insole for wear in a user's shoes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A somatosensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface comprising a plurality of upwardly projected protuberances configured in size, grouping, and spacing to specifically target cutaneous receptors when pressed in contact with a user wherein contact with the said surface stimulates fast response s for small nerves in the user's innervate glabrous skin and increases proprioception and activation of postural muscles to reduce sway, maintain balance, and regulate stride. 
     
     
         2 . The somatosensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface of  claim 1  wherein the protuberances comprise an acuate apex, a medial portion, and a base. 
     
     
         3 . The somatosensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface of  claim 2  wherein the medial portion is wider than the apex such that pressured contact with the apex increases a focus upon the skin of the user to maximally increase stimulation of the targeted cutaneous receptors proximal thereto in proportion to the amount of pressure applied in contact with the said surface. 
     
     
         4 . The somatosensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface of  claim 3  wherein the plurality of protuberances is spaced apart a distance of no more than 5 mm between each apex and no less than 1 mm between each base. 
     
     
         5 . The somatosensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface of  claim 4  wherein each of the plurality of protuberances is 1.5 mm in height and each base has an area of 2.5 mm2. 
     
     
         6 . The somatosensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface of  claim 5  having a Shore hardenss of between 30A and 70A. 
     
     
         7 . The somatosensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface of  claim 3  wherein the surface is configured to target receptive fields in the plantar surface of the foot. 
     
     
         8 . The somatosensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface of  claim 6  wherein the surface is configured to target receptive fields in the plantar surface of the foot. 
     
     
         9 . The somatosenation and proprioceptor stimulation surface of  claim 1  comprising by volume:
 66.20% of an ethylene vinylene acetate (“EVA”) compound comprising by volume:
 54.20% ethylene vinylene acetate; 
 12.30% low density polyethylene; 
 3.90% azodicarbonamide foaming agent; 
 0.49% dicumyl peroxide; 
 12.20% calcium carbonate; 
 0.25% octyl stearate; 
 16.15 masterbatch color agent; 
 0.24% stearic acid; 
 0.27% zinc oxide; 
 
 30.3% rubber; and 
 3.50% adhesive. 
 
     
     
         10 . A method for manufacturing a somatosensation and proprioceptor stimulation surface comprising the steps of:
 creating a mix by mixing by volume:
 54.20% ethylene vinylene acetate; 
 12.30% low density polyethylene; 
 3.90% azodicarbonamide foaming agent; 
 0.49% dicumyl peroxide; 
 12.20% calcium carbonate; 
 0.25% octyl stearate; 
 16.15 masterbatch color agent; 
 0.24% stearic add; 
 0.27% zinc oxide; 
   pouring the mix into a mold devised to mold the mix into a sheet having a plurality of upwardly projected protuberances configured in size, grouping, and spacing to specifically target cutaneous receptors when pressed in contact with a user and thereby stimulate fast response times for small nerves in the user's innervate glabrous skin and increase proprioception and activation of postural muscles to reduce sway, maintain balance, and regulate stride, each of said plurality of protuberances rendered with a base and an apex, 1.5 mm in height, with the base having an area of 1 mm2, and spaced 5 mm between each apex but no less than 1 mm between each base;   pressurizing the mold to 1,000 tons while heating to 180° C.;   maintaining pressure for forty minutes;   removing the formed sheet material; and   adhering the formed sheet material to a planar rubber substrate.