MAGNETIC INSOLE ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a magnetic insole kit comprising an insole member, at least one magnetic member, a first positioning unit, and a second positioning unit, wherein said insole member and said first positioning unit jointly defines a first magnet positioning space, wherein said insole member and said second positioning unit jointly defines a second magnet positioning space that is different from said first magnet positioning space, wherein said first magnet positioning space and said second magnet positioning space are arranged to receive said at least one magnetic member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic insole arrangement and a magnetic insole kit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When riding, having the correct position of the boot in relation to the stirrup is important. If the boot is incorrectly positioned, the rider may have difficulties communicating with the horse, the boot may slip from the stirrup, or the rider might injure him-/herself due to a non-ergonomic transmittal of forces from the stirrup to the foot of the rider. As each individual horse and rider combination is unique, with their own specific weight distribution, gait, and relative position to each other, determining the optimal position of the rider's boot in relation to the stirrup is difficult. Furthermore, personal preferences of the rider is also a factor in determining this position.

[0003] When designing a stirrup, one key aspect is safety. If a rider gets caught in the stirrup when falling off the horse, serious injury is likely to follow. In the worst case, such a fall might even be fatal.

[0004] For this purpose, magnetic stirrups are commonly available, as these allow safe positioning of the rider's boots on the stirrups while simultaneously increasing the grip between the rider's boots and the stirrup, which lowers the risk of the rider's foot slipping through and getting caught in the stirrups. However, finding a magnetic stirrup that matches the rider's preferred positioning of their magnetic boots in relation to the stirrup may be difficult and may require a significant amount of trial-and-error.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate at least some of the mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a magnetic insole arrangement that allows a rider to configure the positioning of the magnetic member in relation to the insole, thus adapting the position of the boot in relation to a stirrup. This is cost efficient, as the rider will only ever have to buy one magnetic insole arrangement, instead of buying several magnetic stirrup/insole arrangements in order to find one that correctly matches the preferred boot positioning of the rider. This and other objects, which will become apparent in the following, are accomplished by a magnetic stirrup arrangement and a magnetic stirrup kit as defined in the accompanying independent claims.

[0006] The term exemplary should in this application be understood as serving as an example, instance or illustration.

[0007] The present invention is at least partially based on the realisation that by providing means for adapting the position and size of the magnet positioning space in a magnetic stirrup arrangement, a higher degree of user flexibility and configurability is achieved. This is beneficial since it allows the rider to quickly arrive at a stirrup arrangement that matches the preferred positioning of their boots in relation to the stirrup.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a magnetic insole kit is provided. The magnetic insole kit comprises an insole member, at least one magnetic member, a first positioning unit, and a second positioning unit. The insole member and the first positioning unit jointly defines a first magnet positioning space. The insole member and the second positioning unit jointly defines a second magnet positioning space that is different from the first magnet positioning space, and the first magnet positioning space and the second magnet positioning space are arranged to receive the at least one magnetic member.

[0009] The first and the second magnet positioning spaces are different in size, orientation, and/or shape. Thus, by reassembling the magnetic insole arrangement and changing from a first positioning unit to a second positioning unit, a user may adapt the positioning of the at least one magnetic member. This enables a user to adapt the positioning of his or her feet in relation to a magnetic stirrup with which the magnetic insole arrangement is to be used.

[0010] According to one exemplary embodiment, the magnetic member is a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

[0011] According to one exemplary embodiment, said insole member comprises a cavity, and said cavity is arranged to receive either of said first positioning unit and said second positioning unit.

[0012] The cavity is dimensioned such that the first and second positioning units may be fitted therein. For example, they may be press fitted into the cavity, or they may be fitted with Velcro, adhesives or other connection means. Thus, a secure and reliable connection between the positioning units and the insole member is achieved.

[0013] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the cavity is arranged to receive said first positioning unit and said second positioning unit. This means that the first positioning unit and the second positioning unit may both be received by the cavity and fitted therein, however not simultaneously. Either one of the two substantially fills out the entire cavity when fitted therein.

[0014] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the first and the second magnet positioning spaces both have a smaller volume than said cavity. This enables a magnetic member to be fitted to either one of the positioning units such that a secure connection therebetween is achieved, while the positioning units are fitted to the insole member.

[0015] According to one exemplary embodiment, said insole member comprises an insole base and at least one cover member. The cover member may either be made from the same material as the insole base, in order to provide a homogenous feel to the insole member, or from a different material having desired properties such as moisture transportation ability, breathability, or comfort enhancing features. According to one exemplary embodiment, the cover member is located on the upper side of the insole member, such that a user's foot may rest thereupon.

[0016] According to one exemplary embodiment, said cavity is formed in said insole base, and said at least one cover member covers at least one side of said cavity. Thus, the cover member of the insole member functions to keep the positioning unit and the magnetic member in place inside the cavity.

[0017] According to one exemplary embodiment, said insole member comprises an insole base, an upper cover member, and a lower cover member, and said cavity is formed in said insole base, and said upper and lower cover members cover a respective side of said cavity. By having a sandwich structure as described above, the magnetic member and the positioning unit in which it is fitted may be kept securely in place between the two cover members. Furthermore, composite material properties may be achieved by alternating layers of different properties, such as softness, breathability, viscoelasticity, and so on. According to one exemplary embodiment, the lower cover member partially covers the cavity of the insole member.

[0018] According to one exemplary embodiment, said cavity of said insole member is open from one side. Thus, the positioning unit and the magnetic member may be inserted from this side allowing quick and easy assembly of the magnetic insole arrangement. When the magnetic insole arrangement is arranged inside a shoe, the sides of said shoe will help keep the positioning unit and the magnetic member in place.

[0019] According to one exemplary embodiment, said positioning unit is inserted from said open side of said cavity.

[0020] According to one exemplary embodiment, said first positioning unit and said second positioning unit are releasably connectable to said insole member. This enables a user to change between the two positioning units, thus allowing adaptability in which magnetic positioning space to utilize.

[0021] According to one exemplary embodiment, said at least one of said first positioning unit and said second positioning unit comprises at least one protrusion and wherein said insole member comprises at least one recess arranged to receive said at least one protrusion to hold said first or second positioning unit in place in relation to said insole member. By having a snap-lock, friction fit, jigsaw connection piece, or other connection arrangement between the positioning unit and the insole member, a secure connection therebetween is provided.

[0022] According to one exemplary embodiment, said at least one protrusion is elastically deformable to allow said first or second positioning unit to be inserted into said insole member. According to one exemplary embodiment, said at least one protrusion is elastically deformable to allow said first or second positioning unit to be inserted into said cavity of said insole member.

[0023] This enables quick and easy connection of the positioning units to the insole member. Preferably, the elasticity of the protrusion is chosen such that only a force above a predetermined threshold causes the positioning unit to move relative to the insole member. This allows for having a protrusion that prevents the positioning units from accidentally disengaging the insole member, while allowing a user to deliberately disengage the positioning units once so desired.

[0024] According to one exemplary embodiment, at least one of said first positioning unit and said second positioning unit comprises at least two positioning members jointly defining a magnet positioning space. When having positioning units with complex geometries, having it made up from two positioning members may simplify the manufacturing of the units. Furthermore, having the positioning unit be made up of a plurality of positioning members allows for greater modularity in determining the size, orientation, and shape of the magnet positioning space.

[0025] According to one exemplary embodiment, said cavity of said insole member is open from two opposite sides. For example, the cavity may be open from an upper side and a lower side of the insole member, such that a through-hole is formed. Alternatively, the cavity may be open from the two lateral sides of the insole member. This allows the sides of a shoe in which the magnetic insole member is to be arranged to prevent the positioning units and the magnetic member from disengaging from the insole member.

[0026] According to one exemplary embodiment, said at least two positioning members are inserted into said cavity from a respective side.

[0027] According to one exemplary embodiment, said cavity of said insole member is open from one side, and closed from the opposite side. For example, the cavity may be open from one lateral side and extend towards the opposite lateral side. Alternatively, the cavity may be open from an upper or lower side and extend downwards or upwards towards the opposite side of the insole member. As such, the cavity may be defined in five directions by the insole member, and in one direction be open towards a surrounding space.

[0028] According to one exemplary embodiment, said insole member and said first and second positioning units are made from the same material. This enables the user of the insole arrangement to experience a homogenous tactile feel from the entire insole arrangement, thus improving user comfort. The insole member may for example be made from cork, non-woven fabric, EVA, PU foam, TPU foam, Sorbothane, or Poron. Alternatively, the positioning units may be made from hard plastic or a metal. The metal may be ferromagnetic, and thus stick to the magnetic member arranged inside the cavity of the positioning unit. This increases the stability of the assembly of the magnetic insole arrangement.

[0029] According to one exemplary embodiment, said insole member has an upper side, a lower side and lateral sides. The upper side is to be understood as being the side that is intended to face the foot of a user, while the lower side is to be understood as being the side that is intended to face the inner sole of a shoe. The lateral sides of the insole member are the sides that extend from a toe portion of the insole member to a heel portion of the insole member, i.e. its longitudinally extending sides.

[0030] According to one exemplary embodiment, said cavity extends from one side of said insole member. According to one exemplary embodiment, said cavity extends towards an opposite side of said insole member. According to one exemplary embodiment, said cavity extends from an upper side towards a lower side, or wherein said cavity extends from a lower side towards an upper side, or wherein said cavity extends from one lateral side towards an opposite lateral side. According to one exemplary embodiment, said cavity is closed from one side of said insole member.

[0031] Generally, all terms used in the description are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will now be further clarified and described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing different embodiments of a magnetic insole arrangement and a magnetic insole kit according to the present invention.

Figure 1a is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic insole kit according to one aspect of the present invention,

Figure 1b is a perspective view of a magnetic insole arrangement assembled using the magnetic insole kit of Figure 1a,

Figure 2a is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic insole kit according to one aspect of the present invention,

Figure 2b is a perspective view of a magnetic insole arrangement assembled using the magnetic insole kit of Figure 2a,

Figure 3a is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic insole kit according to one aspect of the present invention,

Figure 3b is a perspective view of a magnetic insole arrangement assembled using the magnetic insole kit of Figure 3a, and

Figure 4 is a schematic view of an insole member and two positioning members according to one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0033] In the following detailed description, some embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. Even though in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0034] Figure 1a is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic insole kit 1 according to one aspect of the present invention. In the following, the term magnetic insole kit 1 will be used to denote the entire kit, with at least two positioning units 103 configured to allow adaptability in the placement of the magnetic member 105. The term magnetic insole arrangement 100 will be used when referring to the arrangement achieved when assembling the parts of the kit, choosing one of the two or more positioning units 103 and fitting this/these to the insole member 101.

[0035] The magnetic insole kit 1 comprises an insole member 101, shaped to be fitted inside a rider's boot or shoe, either permanently or removably. The magnetic insole kit 1 further comprises a magnetic member 105 that is configured to magnetically engage a magnetic stirrup arrangement. This allows for safe and precise positioning of a rider's boot in relation to the stirrup. The positioning and orientation of the magnetic member 105 in relation to the magnetic stirrup with which the magnetic insole arrangement 100 is to be used determines the position in which the boot of a rider magnetically engages the stirrup. As such, reconfiguring the position or orientation of the magnetic member 105 in the magnetic insole arrangement 100 is beneficial as it allows for adaptability in feet placement.

[0036] The insole member 101 comprises a cavity 107, in which the magnetic member 105 is to be placed. The cavity 107 is located in the front portion 109 of the insole member 101, around the area corresponding to the ball of a rider's foot. The cavity 107 extends from one lateral side 111 of the insole member to the opposite side 113, and is open from a top side 115 of the insole member 101. The cavity 107 is significantly larger than the magnetic member 105, so a plurality of positioning units 103, 103' are provided for allowing the magnetic member 105 to be fitted inside the cavity 107. In the illustrated embodiment, two different positioning units 103, 103' are provided. Each one of these positioning units 103, 103' comprises two respective positioning members 117, 117', 119, 119' that are dimensioned such that they may be press fitted into the cavity 107. The positioning members 117, 117', 119, 119' of either positioning unit 103, 103' define a magnet positioning space 121, 121' of substantially the same size as the magnetic member 105, such that the magnetic member 105 may be fitted to either one of the positioning units 103, 103'. The magnet positioning space 121 of the first positioning unit 103 differs from the magnet positioning space 121' of the second positioning unit 103' in that the first magnet positioning space 121 is located further towards the front portion 109 of the insole member 101 than the second magnet positioning space 121'. Thus, the two positioning units 103, 103' define two different magnet positioning spaces 121, 121', thereby allowing adaptability in feet placement of a rider using the magnetic insole arrangement 100 together with a magnetic stirrup.

[0037] The magnetic insole kit 1 further comprises an upper cover member 123, having substantially the same outline as the insole member 101 and being arranged to cover the positioning unit 103, 103' once placed inside the cavity 107, such that a smooth and continuous surface is achieved at the top side 115 of the magnetic insole arrangement 100.

[0038] Figure 1b is a perspective view of a magnetic insole arrangement 100 assembled using the magnetic insole kit 1 of Figure 1a. Here, one positioning unit 103, with its two positioning members 117, 119, has been placed inside the cavity 107 of the insole member 101. The two positioning members 117, 119 define a magnet positioning space 121, into which the magnetic member 105 has been placed.

[0039] Figure 2a is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic insole kit 2 according to one aspect of the present invention. In contrast with the magnetic insole kit 1 of figure 1a, the kit 2 comprises three positioning units 203, 203', 203", each of which comprising a single positioning member 217, 217', 217" for arrangement in the cavity 207 of the insole member 201. Furthermore, the cavity 207 of the insole member 201 is a through-hole extending from an upper side 215 to a lower side 227 of the insole member 201. Also, in addition to the upper cover member 223 that is arranged to cover an upper side 215 of the insole member 201, there is provided a lower cover member 229 arranged to cover a lower side 227 of the insole member 201. Thus, the positioning unit 203, 203', 203" held in the through-hole cavity 207 of the insole member 201 and the magnetic member 205 held therein may be secured between the upper and the lower cover members 223, 229.

[0040] The kit of figure 2a comprises three positioning units 203, 203' 203", each defining a different magnet positioning space 221, 221', 221". The magnet positioning space 221 defined by one of the three positioning units 203 is angled to allow for an angled positioning of the rider's boots to the stirrups. The magnet positioning space 221' defined by another one of the three positioning units 203' is straight, thus allowing a straight positioning of the rider's boots. The third magnet positioning space 221" is also straight, i.e. extending in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the insole member 201, but arranged slightly closer to the front portion 209 of the insole member 201 than the first magnet positioning space 221.

[0041] Figure 2b is a perspective view of a magnetic insole arrangement 200 assembled using the magnetic insole kit 2 of Figure 2a. Here, one of the three positioning units 203 has been placed inside the cavity 207 of the insole member 201. The upper and the lower sides 215, 227 of the insole member 201 has been covered by a respective cover member 223, 229, such that the positioning unit 203 and the magnetic member 205 is held in place therebetween.

[0042] Figure 3a is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic insole kit 3 according to one aspect of the present invention. In contrast with the magnetic insole kit 1, 2 of figures 1a and 2a, the cavity 307 of the insole member 301 extends from one lateral side 311 of the insole member 301 and partway towards the opposite lateral side 313 of the insole member 301. Thus, the cavity 307 is neither a through-hole cavity 207 as in the kit 2 of figure 2a, nor a double-sided open cavity 107 as in the kit 1 of figure 1a. Instead, the cavity 307 of the insole member 301 of this kit 3 is open from an upper side 315 of the insole member 301, and from one lateral side 311 of the insole member 301. Thus, the positioning units 303, 303', 303" of this kit 3 are inserted from a lateral side 311 of the insole member 301, and the top of the cavity 307 is covered by an upper cover member 323 as in the kits 1, 2 illustrated above. The kit 3 of figure 3a comprises three positioning units 303, 303', 303", each of which comprises a single positioning member 317, 317', 317" for arrangement in the cavity 307 of the insole member 301.

[0043] Figure 3b is a perspective view of a magnetic insole arrangement 300 assembled using the magnetic insole kit 3 of Figure 3a. Here, one of the three positioning units 303 has been placed inside the cavity 307 of the insole member 301. The upper side 315 of the insole member 301 has been covered by an upper cover member 323, such that the positioning unit 303 and the magnetic member 305 are held in place inside the cavity 307.

[0044] Figure 4 is a schematic view of an insole member 401 and two positioning members 417, 419. The positioning members 417, 419 are arranged in a cavity 407 of the insole member 401, similar to the positioning members 117, 119 shown in Figs. 1a and 1b. Each one of the two positioning members 417, 419 comprises a protrusion 425 for locking the positioning members 417, 419 in place in relation to the insole member 401. The protrusion 425 is wedge-shaped, and the insole member 401 has a corresponding recess into which the protrusion 425 is received as the positioning member 417, 419 is inserted into the cavity 407. Furthermore, the protrusions 425 of the first and second positioning members 417, 419 are elastically deformable to allow the positioning members 417, 419 to be inserted into the cavity 407 of the insole member 401.

[0045] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the embodiments described above. The features of the described embodiments may be combined in different ways, and many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting to the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in the claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

Claims

1. A magnetic insole kit comprising an insole member, at least one magnetic member, a first positioning unit, and a second positioning unit,
wherein said insole member and said first positioning unit jointly defines a first magnet positioning space,
wherein said insole member and said second positioning unit jointly defines a second magnet positioning space that is different from said first magnet positioning space,
wherein said first magnet positioning space and said second magnet positioning space are arranged to receive said at least one magnetic member.

2. Magnetic insole kit according to claim 1, wherein said insole member comprises a cavity, and wherein said cavity is arranged to receive either of said first positioning unit and said second positioning unit.

3. Magnetic insole kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said insole member comprises an insole base and at least one cover member.

4. Magnetic insole kit according to claim 3, wherein said cavity is formed in said insole base, and wherein said at least one cover member covers at least one side of said cavity.

5. Magnetic insole kit according to claim 2, wherein said cavity of said insole member is open from one side.

6. Magnetic insole kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first positioning unit and said second positioning unit are releasably connectable to said insole member.

7. Magnetic insole kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one of said first positioning unit and said second positioning unit comprises at least one protrusion and wherein said insole member comprises at least one recess arranged to receive said at least one protrusion to hold said first or second positioning unit in place in relation to said insole member.

8. Magnetic insole kit according to claim 7, wherein said at least one protrusion is elastically deformable to allow said first or second positioning unit to be inserted into said insole member.

9. Magnetic insole kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said first positioning unit and said second positioning unit comprises at least two positioning members jointly defining a magnet positioning space.

10. Magnetic insole kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said insole member and said first and second positioning units are made from the same material.

Drawing