CUSTOMIZABLE INSERTS FOR FOOTWEAR
An insert to be used with footwear is provided. In one implementation, the insert includes a structural member that has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface is shaped to correspond with contours of a user foot. The second surface is adapted to rest on substantially planar surface. The insert includes a recessed cavity defining an opening from the first surface to the second surface of the structural member. The recessed cavity is shaped to stabilize a region of the user foot placed within the opening. An intermediate layer is attached to the structural member in a mating relationship with respect to the first surface. This foam layer is adapted to distribute a determined amount of foot pressure from the user foot with respect to the structural member.
1 . An insert for footwear, comprising:
a structural member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface is shaped to correspond with contours of a user foot and the second surface is adapted to rest on an at least partially planar surface;
a recessed cavity defining an opening from the first surface to the second surface of the structural member, the recessed cavity is shaped to stabilize a region of the user foot placed within the opening; and
an intermediate layer attached to the structural member in a mating relationship with respect to the first surface, the intermediate layer to distribute a determined amount of foot pressure from the user foot with respect to the structural member.
2 . The insert of claim 1 , wherein the shape of the first surface of the structural member is patient-matched and is fabricated based on a 3D model of the user foot.
3 . The insert of claim 1 , wherein the structural member is additively or subtractively fabricated.
4 . The insert of claim 1 , wherein the recessed cavity is surrounded by material of the structural member.
5 . The insert of claim 4 , wherein the recessed cavity is positioned at an arch region of the insert.
6 . The insert of claim 4 , wherein the recessed cavity is positioned at a heel region of the insert.
7 . The insert of claim 1 , wherein the recessed cavity is positioned along a center region of the insert.
8 . The insert of claim 7 , wherein the opening creates a center channel that separates the structural member into a first panel and a second panel at a forward region of the insert.
9 . The insert of claim 8 , wherein the first panel and the second panel are each of lengths that accommodate the user foot.
10 . The insert of claim 9 , wherein the first panel and the second panel of the structural member are joined together at a heel region of the insert.
11 . The insert of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate layer is comprised of a foam material.
12 . The insert of claim 11 , wherein the foam material is adapted to conform to a topology corresponding to contours of the first surface of the insert.
13 . The insert of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate layer comprises an outline of an insole.
14 . The insert of claim 1 , further comprising a padding support to be attached to the intermediate layer.
15 . The insert of claim 14 , wherein the padding support is attached to a toe region of the intermediate layer.
16 . The insert of claim 1 , wherein the structural member further comprises a computer-readable identifier disposed on the second surface, the computer-readable identifier being associated with an identify a user of the insert.
17 . The insert of claim 16 , wherein the structural member further comprises a plurality of markings disposed on the second surface.
18 . The insert of claim 17 , wherein the markings are arranged in a determined pattern.
19 . The insert of claim 18 , wherein the markings are positioned to adjust an amount of flexibility of material in a region of the structural member.
20 . The insert of claim 19 , wherein when markings are worn such that a wear pattern is formed thereon, and wherein the wear pattern is predictive of an anatomical parameter of the user of the insert.