Golf Shoe Insole with Dynamic Feedback for Improved Swing Kinetics

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to the field of golf equipment, specifically to insoles designed to improve a golfer's swing by providing dynamic air movement and strategic foam placement to guide proper weight shift, balance, and foot mechanics.

In the golf swing, force must be created and applied to the golf club to swing it through space. When a golfer generates this force, a counterforce is needed to guide the club into and through the golf ball efficiently. This is best achieved by the golfer using their center of gravity, anchored to the ground through their feet, to leverage the force of the club. By correctly anchoring the feet and creating stability, the golfer can generate efficient swing mechanics like body rotation, center of mass shift, and ground force pressure. All of these critical movements go up and down the kinematic chain, ultimately starting and ending from the foot's connection to the ground, demonstrating the crucial role of the foot during the golf swing.

The body's feet are in constant communication with the rest of the body through mechanoreceptors, which relay essential information about the body's position in space and the forces acting upon it, including rotation, shifts in the center of gravity, and pressure. When there is insufficient communication from these receptors, it can negatively impact the golf swing. Physical limitations such as ankle and hip immobility can also lead to swing flaws, while standard foam shoe insoles may dampen the golfer's proprioception and feel of the ground, further complicating the execution of a proper golf swing.

Various attempts have been made to address these issues through the design of golf shoe insoles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,894 discloses front and rear insoles made of resilient material and shaped to provide the proper feel and weight shift during the golf swing. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 11,051,586 describes an insole with an energy plug and support stabilizer to improve posture and enhance proprioception. However, these prior art solutions do not fully address the need for dynamic feedback and strategic support to guide proper weight shift, balance, and foot mechanics throughout the golf swing.

In contrast to U.S. Pat. No. 11,051,586, which builds up the instep of the foot, the present invention seeks to overcome the limitations of prior art by providing an insole with a dynamic air system and strategically placed foam that works together to:

pronate and supinate the foot, controlling the arch to improve hip rotation;
assist with dorsi and plantar flexion to help align and balance the body's joints; and
facilitate the big toe push and extension needed for a full finish in the swing provide instant feedback and dynamic support to the feet, enhancing proprioception and ground feel.

By directing air to specific areas of the foot in conjunction with strategic foam placement, the present invention guides the correct kinematic weight shift and foot mechanics, leading to an improved golf swing.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a golf shoe insole designed to improve a golfer's swing by facilitating proper force generation and management through the feet, enhancing proprioception and ground feel, assisting foot pronation and supination to improve hip rotation, aiding in big toe extension for a full swing finish, and improving dorsi and plantar flexion for joint alignment and balance. The insole comprises a foam layer with strategically placed foam sections of varying heights and densities, and a foam layer for dynamic air dispersion in conjunction with the foam layer.

During the golf swing, force is generated by the golfer and applied to the club. A counterforce, anchored through the feet into the ground, is needed to efficiently guide the club into and through the ball. The insole's foam sections and dynamic air flow are configured to enhance the golfer's awareness of ground forces, rotation, and pressure shifts through increased feedback to the foot's mechanoreceptors.

The foam and dynamic air flow assist in pronating and supinating the foot, controlling the arch to improve hip rotation. During the backswing, air is driven into the arch of the trail foot, allowing unrestricted internal hip rotation. During the downswing, air flow into the outstep collapses the arch, enabling external hip rotation and momentum transfer to the lead leg. The lead foot arch is similarly controlled.

The insole aids in dorsi and plantar flexion of the foot by moving air from heel to toe, improving joint alignment from the ankles up and assisting the golfer in anchoring their center of mass into the ground, even on uneven surfaces.

To facilitate a full finish, the insole's air and foam placement helps distribute pressure from the heel and arch to the ball and big toe during the swing transition. A low, flat area under the big toe increases the golfer's ability to push into the ground, reach an optimal finish position, and resist the club's centrifugal force.

By enhancing ground feel, assisting advantageous foot movements, and improving overall joint alignment and balance, the dynamic interaction between the insole's foam sections and air dispersion layer enables the golfer to sync body motion, increase power and distance, and achieve better overall golf performance while reducing pain and risk of injury.

The method of providing dynamic feedback to the golfer's foot involves receiving pressure from the foot during various stages of the swing, then directing air within the insole to apply pressure to specific areas of the foot. This, combined with the strategic foam placement, facilitates kinematically proper weight shifts and foot movements throughout the swing.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a golf shoe insole according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the air dispersion layer, which is a key component of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment of the first foam layer of the insole.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of one embodiment of the second foam layer of the insole.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the third foam layer of the insole.

FIG. 6 presents a cross-sectional perspective view of the insole along the line.

FIG. 7 illustrates the layers included in the air dispersion layer of the golf shoe insole.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram detailing the steps and corresponding features of the golf shoe insole that promote proper foot positioning and weight transfer throughout the golf swing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present systems described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features.

Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar references used in the context of describing a particular embodiment of the present invention (especially in the context of certain claims) are construed to cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein. each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

All systems described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (for example, “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the application otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the application. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word or as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might.” or “may.” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a golf shoe insole according to an embodiment of the present invention. The insole comprises a foam layer 10 having a first side and a second side. The foam layer 10 has an elevated outer edge 12 that tapers downward towards an inner edge 14. This tapering configuration allows the insole to conform to the natural contours of a golfer's foot, providing enhanced support and stability during various stages of the golf swing.

The foam layer 10 further includes a plurality of foam sections 16 of varying heights, densities and types. These foam sections 16 are strategically positioned and configured to apply targeted pressure to specific areas of the golfer's foot during different phases of the golf swing. By providing customized support to key regions of the foot, the insole optimizes weight distribution, balance, and power transfer throughout the swing motion. The foam sections 16, in conjunction with the air dispersion layer 18, assist in pronating and supinating the foot, controlling the arch to improve rotation and align the body's joints. This alignment helps the golfer's center of mass anchor significantly into the ground, providing a stable foundation for generating and managing the forces required to swing the golf club efficiently.

The insole also features a layer 18 for air dispersion positioned above the foam layer 10, but can be positioned below in other embodiments. This air dispersion layer 18 additionally promotes ventilation and helps regulate the temperature and moisture levels within the golf shoe, ensuring a comfortable and dry environment for the golfer's foot. The air and foam in the insole work together to distribute pressure from the heel and arch of the foot to the ball of the foot and big toe during the swing transition. This assists the golfer in pushing off the ground and reaching a safe and optimal finishing position.

FIG. 1 also reveals that the foam layer 10 is composed of multiple distinct layers. A first foam layer 20 forms the base of the insole and spans 80-100% of the entire length of the insole from a toe end 22 to a heel end 24. Disposed above the first foam layer 20 is a second foam layer 26. The second foam layer 26 extends from a ball area 28 of the insole to the heel end 24, having a length that is slightly less than that of the first foam layer 20. In some embodiments the first foam layer spans approximately 90-95% of the total insole length from toe to heel, with the exact percentage varying based on shoe size to maintain optimal proportions. The second foam layer, disposed above the first, extends from the ball area to the heel, covering about 70-80% of the total insole length, with the specific percentage also adapting to shoe size.

Positioned on top of the second foam layer 26 is a third foam layer 30. The third foam layer 30 is primarily located in an outer middle edge area of the insole and has a length that is shorter than both the first foam layer 20 and the second foam layer 26. Each of these foam layers 20, 26, 30 features an elevated outer edge that contributes to the overall tapering profile of the insole, providing graduated support and cushioning to the golfer's foot. The varying heights, thicknesses, and contours and strategic placement, length, width, and density of these foam layers help stabilize the golfer's foot and align the joints, facilitating the transfer of force from the golfer's center of mass into the ground.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the air dispersion layer 18, which is a key component of the present invention. The air dispersion layer 18 comprises a plurality of strategically positioned air chambers that work in synergy with the foam layer 10 to provide targeted support, enhance weight shift, improve balance, optimize pressure distribution, and increase stability feedback throughout the insole.

In one embodiment, the heel region of the air dispersion layer 18 incorporates a series of heel chambers 34. These heel chambers 34 are specifically engineered to absorb and dissipate impact energy generated during the golf swing, particularly at the moment of foot strike. By effectively managing these impact forces, the heel air chambers 34 help reduce stress on the golfer's foot and lower body, promoting comfort and minimizing fatigue. Moreover, the heel chambers 34 contribute to the insole's ability to assist in dorsi and plantar flexion, aligning the body's joints and facilitating the transfer of force from the golfer's center of mass into the ground, thereby enhancing weight shift and balance throughout the swing.

In another embodiment, the air dispersion layer 18 features arch chambers 36 positioned in the outer middle edge area of the insole. These arch air chambers 36 are designed to provide sideways support and stability to the golfer's foot during the swing motion. By offering targeted support to the arch, these chambers help maintain proper foot alignment and prevent excessive pronation or supination, enhancing overall swing consistency and power transfer. The arch chambers 36 work in conjunction with the foam sections 16 to control the arch and improve rotation, enabling the golfer to generate and manage the forces required for an efficient golf swing while maintaining optimal balance and pressure distribution.

In a further embodiment, the forefoot region of the air dispersion layer 18 includes forefoot air chambers 38. These chambers are strategically located to provide focused support to the ball area of the golfer's foot. By cushioning and stabilizing this critical region, the forefoot air chambers 38 help the golfer maintain a solid foundation and optimize weight distribution during the swing, leading to improved control and accuracy. Additionally, the forefoot chambers 38 play a crucial role in assisting the big toe push and extension needed to finish the swing, by distributing pressure from the heel and arch to the ball of the foot and big toe during the swing transition, thereby enhancing stability communication and feedback.

In yet another embodiment, the air dispersion layer 18 features toe chambers 40 towards the front of the insole. These chambers are designed to stimulate circulation between the ball area and the toes of the golfer's foot. By promoting blood flow and reducing pressure points, the toe air chambers 40 help alleviate discomfort and numbness, allowing the golfer to maintain focus and perform at their best throughout the round. Moreover, the toe chambers 40 contribute to the insole's ability to assist in the big toe push and extension required for a safe and optimal finishing position, thereby enhancing balance and stability feedback in this critical area.

In a further embodiment, the air dispersion layer 18 incorporates a series of heel nodules 42 in the heel region. These nodules are specifically engineered to absorb and dissipate impacting energy, providing an additional level of cushioning and shock absorption. By attenuating the forces generated during foot strike, the heel nodules 42 contribute to the overall comfort and protection of the golfer's foot. Furthermore, the heel nodules 42 work in conjunction with the heel chambers 34 to assist in dorsi and plantar flexion, aligning the body's joints and facilitating the transfer of force from the golfer's center of mass into the ground, thereby optimizing weight shift and balance throughout the swing.

In another embodiment, the air dispersion layer 18 features independent arch seals 44 in the outer middle edge area. These arch seals 44 are designed to providing sideways support and stability to the golfer's foot. By offering targeted support to the arch, these seals help maintain proper foot alignment and prevent excessive lateral movement during the swing. The arch seals 44 work together with the arch chambers 36 and foam sections 16 to control the arch and improve rotation, enabling the golfer to generate and manage the forces required for an efficient golf swing while maintaining optimal balance and pressure distribution.

In a final embodiment, the air dispersion layer 18 incorporates oval seals 48 and a curved wave area 50 in the toe region. These features are designed to stimulate circulation and promote blood flow into the toes. By reducing pressure points and encouraging proper circulation, the oval seals 48 and curved wave area 50 help prevent numbness and discomfort, allowing the golfer to maintain focus and perform optimally throughout the round. Moreover, the oval seals 48 and curved wave area 50 contribute to the insole's ability to assist in the big toe push and extension needed to finish the swing, by distributing pressure from the heel and arch to the ball of the foot and big toe during the swing transition, thereby enhancing stability communication and feedback in this critical area.

FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment of the first foam layer 20 of the insole. The first foam layer 20 spans substantially the entire length of the insole from the toe end 22 to the heel end 24, measuring approximately 272 mm in length. This layer encompasses the majority of the sole of the foot, providing a foundation for the subsequent foam layers.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of one embodiment of the second foam layer 26 of the insole. The second foam layer 26 is positioned on top of the first foam layer 20 and spans from the ball area 28 of the insole to the heel end 24. It measures approximately 170 mm in length and 62 mm in width, with its outer edge following the contour of the outer portion of the foot.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the third foam layer 30 of the insole. The third foam layer 30 is disposed on top of the second foam layer 26 and spans across the arch area 32 of the insole. In this embodiment, it measures approximately 119.5 mm in length and 46 mm in width. The outer edge of the third foam layer 30 follows the contour of the outer edge of the foot, providing additional elevation to the outer edge of the foot in a smaller, targeted area.

FIG. 6 presents a cross-sectional perspective view of the insole along the line shown in FIG. 2. This view clearly demonstrates the tapering of the foam layer 10 from the elevated outer edge 12 down to the inner edge 14. The elevated outer edge 12 slopes downward towards the inner edge 14, providing the necessary support and pressure to the inside arch of the golfer's foot during the golf swing. The cross-sectional perspective also reveals the structure and tapering of the multiple foam layers, including the first foam layer 20, second foam layer 26, and third foam layer 30. This tapering design allows the elevated outer edge 12 to maintain the golfer's foot in an inverted position during the initial stage of the golf swing.

FIG. 7 illustrates the layers included in the air dispersion layer 18 of the golf shoe insole. The layers are configured to provide optimal air circulation, moisture wicking, and contoured support to the golfer's foot. The uppermost layer is an upper advanced wicking fabric layer 52 that is machine washable, allowing for easy maintenance and extended use. This layer 52 effectively draws moisture away from the foot to keep it dry and comfortable.

Below the upper wicking fabric layer 52 is an upper thermoplastic elastomer layer 54 that contours to the shape of the golfer's foot or shoe, providing a customized fit. This layer 54 adapts to the unique contours of each individual's foot, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit throughout the golf swing.

At the center of the air dispersion layer 18 is an active arch support chamber layer 56. This layer 56 contains specialized chambers that stimulate the foot muscles. By actively engaging the foot muscles, this layer 56 promotes proper foot function and helps to maintain stability during the golf swing via changes in pressure underneath the sole of the user's foot.

Beneath the active arch support chamber layer 56 is a lower thermoplastic elastomer layer 58 that contours to the footbed of the golf shoe. This layer 58 ensures a seamless integration between the insole and the shoe, promoting a stable and secure base for the foot.

The bottommost layer of the air dispersion layer 18 is a lower advanced wicking fabric layer 60, which is also machine washable and reversible. This layer 60 works in conjunction with the upper wicking fabric layer 52 to effectively manage moisture and maintain a dry, comfortable environment for the foot.

Finally, a microbial adhesion prevention layer 62 is incorporated into the bottom of the air dispersion layer 18. This layer 62 helps to prevent the growth and accumulation of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, promoting a hygienic and odor-free environment within the golf shoe.

In various embodiments, the length of the first foam layer 20 may range from approximately 250 mm to 300 mm, with a preferred length of about 272 mm. The length of the second foam layer 26 may range from approximately 150 mm to 190 mm, with a preferred length of about 170 mm. The width of the second foam layer 26 may range from approximately 55 mm to 70 mm, with a preferred width of about 62 mm. The length of the third foam layer 30 may range from approximately 100 mm to 140 mm, with a preferred length of about 119.5 mm. The width of the third foam layer 30 may range from approximately 40 mm to 55 mm, with a preferred width of about 46 mm. These ranges allow for variations in foot sizes while still providing the necessary support and pressure to the inside arch of the golfer's foot during the golf swing.

The foam layers 20, 26, and 30 may be made from a variety of foam materials, including but not limited to, polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or other suitable foam materials known in the art. The density of the foam used in the layers may range from approximately 20 kg/m³ to 80 kg/m³, with a preferred density range of about 30 kg/m³ to 50 kg/m³. This density range provides an optimal balance between cushioning, support, and durability for the insole.

In some embodiments, the foam layers 20, 26, and 30 may have different densities to provide targeted support and pressure relief to specific areas of the foot. For example, the first foam layer 20 may have a lower density, ranging from approximately 20 kg/m³ to 40 kg/m³, to provide a softer foundation for the foot. The second foam layer 26 and third foam layer 30 may have higher densities, ranging from approximately 40 kg/m³ to 80 kg/m³, to provide firmer support to the arch and outer edge of the foot.

The tapering of the foam layer 10 from the elevated outer edge 12 down to the inner edge 14 may vary in angle and height depending on the specific needs of the golfer and the desired level of support. In some embodiments, the angle of the taper may range from approximately 5 degrees to 20 degrees, with a preferred angle of about 10 degrees to 15 degrees. The height difference between the elevated outer edge 12 and the inner edge 14 may range from approximately 5 mm to 20 mm, with a preferred height difference of about 10 mm to 15 mm. These ranges allow for customization of the insole to suit individual golfer preferences and foot types.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram detailing the steps and corresponding features of the golf shoe insole that promote proper foot positioning and weight transfer throughout the golf swing.

The golf shoe insole is designed to harness and optimize the forces generated by the feet during the golf swing. As shown in step 64, the elevated outer edge 12 of the insole plays a crucial role in maintaining the golfer's foot in an inverted position during the backswing. By keeping the foot inverted, the insole helps to promote stability and control, allowing the golfer to execute a more powerful and accurate backswing.

As the golfer transitions from the backswing to the downswing (step 66), the varying heights of the plurality of foam sections 16 work together with the dynamic air system to facilitate a kinematically proper weight shift. During the downswing, the foam sections 16 and air transfer pressure from the outstep of the golfer's foot to the arch area 32 and then to the big toe (step 68). This sequential transfer of pressure helps to optimize energy transfer and promote a smooth, efficient downswing.

The insole's design also assists in maintaining stability in the golfer's lower body throughout the golf swing (step 70). By providing targeted support and promoting proper foot alignment, the insole helps to minimize unnecessary movement and maintain a stable base for the lower body. This stability is essential for generating power and maintaining control during the swing.

In addition to promoting stability, the insole's design helps to optimize the transfer of energy throughout the golf swing (step 72). The varying heights of the foam sections 16, working in conjunction with the dynamic air system, create a more efficient energy transfer from the ground up through the body. This optimized energy transfer can lead to increased clubhead speed and improved overall performance.

The insole also plays a role in properly loading the golfer's hip during the golf swing (step 74). By promoting proper foot positioning and weight transfer, the insole helps to ensure that the hip is loaded correctly, reducing the risk of injury and promoting a more powerful and efficient swing.

During the backswing (step 64), the first stage of the golf swing, the insole's elevated outer edge 12 helps to shift the golfer's weight from the trailing foot instep to the trailing foot outstep (step 76). Simultaneously, the dynamic air system drives air into the arch of the trail foot, raising it during the backswing. This weight shift and arch elevation are essential for properly loading the trailing side of the body, setting the stage for a powerful downswing, and allowing unrestricted and maximum internal hip rotation.

As the golfer transitions into the forward swing (step 78), the second stage of the golf swing, the varying heights of the foam sections 16 facilitate a weight shift from the leading foot outstep to the leading foot instep and big toe (step 80). The insole's design assists with collapsing the arch by driving air into the outstep of the trail foot, pushing the arch into the foam, and making the arch collapsing much easier. This kinematically proper weight shift helps to generate maximum clubhead speed and promote a clean, accurate strike of the golf ball.

The foam sections'varying heights, particularly in the toe end 22, ball area 28, and heel end 24, work together with the dynamic air system to transfer pressure from the outstep of the golfer's foot to the arch area 32 and then to the big toe during the forward swing (step 82). This sequential transfer of pressure helps to maintain stability, optimize energy transfer, and promote a fluid, powerful swing motion. The air moving from the heel to the toe and vice versa improves dorsi and plantar flexion, helping to align and balance the body's joints.

In the golf swing, to move to the lead leg (left side for a right-handed golfer) during the finish, the big toe and ball of the foot need to push off the ground. The air and foam in the insole help to distribute pressure from the heel and arch of the foot to the ball of the foot and big toe during the swing transition (step 84). This assists the golfer in pushing off the ground and reaching a safe and optimal finishing position, allowing the body to face the target and resist the club's centrifugal force without relying on the lower back as it extends away from the player and down the target line.

The embodiments described herein are given for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The respective elements and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, or the like of the embodiment are not limited to the illustrated examples but may be appropriately changed. Further, the constituents described in the embodiment may be partially replaced or combined together.