US20100242309A1

US20100242309A1 - Shoe sole with embedded gemstones

Info

Publication number: US20100242309A1
Application number: US12/659,901
Authority: US
Inventors: Carol U. McCann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-03-26
Filing date: 2010-03-24
Publication date: 2010-09-30

Abstract

The shoe sole with embedded gemstones is a shoe sole having opposed upper and lower surfaces with a plurality of gemstones being embedded therein, adjacent to the upper surface. The shoe sole includes a base layer, with the plurality of gemstones each partially projecting above the upper surface of the base layer such that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn. Alternatively, a removable insole for shoes may be provided, with the shoe insole similarly forming a base layer having opposed upper and lower surfaces, with a plurality of gemstones being embedded within the base layer. Similarly, the plurality of gemstones each partially project above the upper surface of the base layer such that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/202,681, filed Mar. 26, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to shoe soles. Particularly, the present invention relates to shoe soles having gemstones embedded therein.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many people believe that crystals and gemstones hold certain beneficial properties. Crystal healing is an alternative medicine technique that employs gemstones and crystals as healing tools. In use, the practitioner typically places crystals on different parts of the body, often corresponding to the “chakras”, or places crystals around the body in an attempt to construct an energy grid, which is believed to surround the client with healing energy. The healing is supposed to remove blockages in the aura or the body's electromagnetic field.
When the stones are placed in the area of the chakras, the color of the stones may correspond to the color which is associated with the corresponding chakra. Going from the tail bone to the top of the head, the colors are typically defined as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. Different stones are believed to have different healing vibrations, so a treatment based on the type of stone may be used instead. Stones may also be used at the feet in an attempt at grounding the individual, or may held in the hands.
Believers in crystal healing may carry crystals around with them, believing that they impart healing powers to them wherever they go, or that they have positive vibrations that attract positive events and interactions with others. Although there is no peer-reviewed scientific evidence that crystal healing has any actual physiological effect, believers in crystal healing may still receive a placebo effect, which is a measurable psychological effect.
Reflexology, or “zone therapy” is another alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health. There is no general consensus among reflexologists on how reflexology is supposed to work, though a unifying theme is the idea that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve health through one's “qi”. As with crystal healing, there is no scientific evidence for the existence of life energy (qi), “crystalline structures” within the body, or “pathways” for “energy flow” in the body, but believers may experience a placebo effect, which is a measurable psychological effect, with practical and measurable results, such as pain relief and mood alteration.
Reflexology and crystal, or gemstone, healing are separate fields in alternative medicine and one typically needs to visit multiple practitioners in order to gain benefits from both. Further, both reflexology treatment and crystal healing are time consuming and require specialized treatments by trained practitioners. It would be desirable to combine the effects of both crystal healing with the effects of reflexology in a manner that is easy to apply for the typical user. Thus, a shoe sole with embedded gemstones solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The shoe sole with embedded gemstones is a shoe sole having opposed upper and lower surfaces with a plurality of gemstones being embedded therein, adjacent to the upper surface. The shoe sole includes a base layer, with the plurality of gemstones each partially projecting above the upper surface of the base layer such that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn. Alternatively, a removable insole for shoes may be provided, with the shoe insole similarly forming a base layer having opposed upper and lower surfaces, with a plurality of gemstones being embedded within the base layer. Similarly, the plurality of gemstones each partially project above the upper surface of the base layer such that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn. It should be understood that any desired types of gemstones or other ornamentation may be used, including variations in size, shape, color and chemical composition. Further, the term “gemstones” is used herein to indicate either natural or artificial stones.
These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe sole with embedded gemstones according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view in section of the shoe sole with embedded gemstones of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an of a shoe insole with embedded gemstones according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view in section of an alternative embodiment of a shoe sole with embedded gemstones according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a shoe sole with embedded gemstones according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a shoe sole with embedded gemstones according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a shoe sole with embedded gemstones is designated generally as 10. It should be understood that the shoe is shown for exemplary purposes only, and that the sole 10 may be incorporated into any desired style of shoe. Similarly, shoe sole 10 is shown for exemplary purposes only, and the dimensions, configuration, and composition of sole 10 depend upon the style of shoe. In FIG. 1, sandal-type footwear is shown only as an example. In FIG. 6, a similar type of sole is used with a high-heel type shoe. It should be understood that the shoe sole with embedded gemstones 10 may be used with any desired type of shoe or footwear.
The shoe sole with embedded gemstones 10 is a shoe sole, formed as a base layer 12 having opposed upper and lower surfaces, with a plurality of gemstones being embedded within the base layer 12. In FIGS. 1 and 2, multiple types of gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 are utilized. It should be understood that a single type of gemstones may be utilized, or a plurality of types of gemstones may be used, as shown by exemplary gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20. In FIGS. 1 and 2, gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 are shown as being embedded within base layer 12 in separate bands. Each type of gemstone may have a distinct color, with gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 being banded to produce a distinctive visual effect. Alternatively, the gemstones 14, 16, 18, may be evenly distributed over the upper surface of base layer 12, or may be arrayed in any desired pattern, dependent upon the particular desires of the user, both for visual effect and for desired crystal healing benefits.
Any desired types of gemstones may be used, including variations in size, contour, color and chemical composition. For example, practitioners of crystal healing believe that green aventurine gemstones induce feelings of vitality and confidence in the user. Amethyst, a purple quartz, is believed to induce a feeling of calm, and to raise hope and lift the general spirits of the user. Citrine is believed provide mental clarity and foster creativity, whereas amethyst is believed to provide protection and purification. Chalcedony is believed to provide the wearer with calm and balance, and copper is believed to improve circulation and overall energy. Tiger's eye, as another example, is believed to provide balance between extremes.
As noted above, a single type of gemstone may be used to impart one quality (or to produce one visual effect), or a plurality of types (such as differing gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20) may be used to impart multiple qualities (or produce varied visual effects). As will be described below, a removable insole with gemstones is also provided, allowing the user to vary the type of gemstones used without changing the shoe.
Although gemstones are utilized in the preferred embodiment, it should be understood that any suitable type of decorative articles may be embedded within the shoe sole 10. Such decorative articles may include natural gemstones, crystals, or artificial gemstones, for example. Any desired type of gemstone(s) may be used, including variations in size, shape, color, and chemical composition. Further, the term “gemstone(s)” is used herein to indicate either natural or artificial stones.
As shown, the shoe sole 10 includes a base layer 12, with the plurality of gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 each partially projecting above the upper surface of the base layer 12 so that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn. As an alternative, as shown in FIG. 4, the gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 may be fully embedded within base layer 12, such that just the uppermost edges of the gemstones are exposed. In this configuration, the visual appeal of the gemstones, along with the benefits of contacting the gemstones, is preserved, but without possible discomfort to the wearer's heels. In FIG. 5, another exemplary array of gemstones is illustrated. Gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 of FIG. 1 remain embedded within sole 12. However, a border region is formed about the perimeter of sole 12. The border region may remain empty (as shown with reference to the insole embodiment of FIG. 3), or, as shown in FIG. 5, may include another type of gemstone 13, applied for visual or beneficial effects.
Gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 may be embedded within any type of shoe sole. A shoe sole, such as exemplary sole 12, may be formed as a single, unitary body, as shown. Other shoe soles may include an insole, an outsole and a midsole. Typically, the insole is the interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes have removable and replaceable insoles, and extra insoles are often added for comfort or health reasons (to control the shape, moisture, or smell of the shoe). As will be described below, the gemstones may also be embedded within a removable insole 100. For a shoe with a sole formed as a single body (i.e., without a removable insole) but with separate layers, the gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 are embedded within the insole; i.e., the uppermost layer of the sole.
The outsole is the layer of the sole in direct contact with the ground. Dress shoes typically have leather outsoles, and casual or work-oriented shoes have outsoles made of natural rubber or a synthetic imitation. The outsole may form a single piece, or may be formed from separate pieces of different materials. Often, the heel of the sole is rubber for durability and traction, while the front is leather for style. The layer in between the outsole and the insole is referred to as the midsole, and is typically adapted for shock absorption. Some types of shoes, like running shoes, have another material for shock absorption, usually beneath the heel where one puts the most pressure down. Different manufacturers use different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Some shoes may not have a midsole at all.
As noted above, alternatively, a removable insole for shoes 100 may be provided, as shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, it should be understood that shoe S is shown for exemplary purposes only, as is shoe insole 100. The dimensions, contouring and materials used to form insole 100 are dependent upon the desires of the user, and the style of shoe S. Insole 100 includes a base layer 102, which is formed as a conventional, removable shoe insole. The base layer 102 has opposed upper and lower surfaces, with a plurality of gemstones 104 being embedded within the base layer 102. Similar to that described above with regard to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of gemstones 104 each partially project above the upper surface of the base layer 102 such that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn. Alternatively, as in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the gemstones may be fully embedded within the base layer of the insole, such that just the uppermost edges of the gemstones are exposed.
As noted above with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2, any desired type of gemstones may be utilized. In FIG. 3, an evenly distributed layer of a single type of gemstone 104 is shown, though it should be understood that multiple types of gemstones may be embedded in base layer 102 (as in FIGS. 1 and 2), and that gemstones 104 may be arrayed in any desired pattern. Further, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, a border region 106, with no gemstone coverage is provided. As noted above, the gemstones 104 may be arranged in any desired pattern, such as in bands, separated by color or type of stone, or forming decorative patterns, which may be either abstract patterns or simulative of desired articles, with the patterns being formed by stones of differing color and/or type.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A shoe sole with embedded decorative articles, comprising:

a base layer having opposed upper and lower surfaces; and

a plurality of decorative articles embedded within the base layer adjacent the upper surface of the base layer.

2. The shoe sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in claim 1, wherein each said decorative article is selected from the group consisting of natural gemstones, artificial gemstones, and crystals.

3. The shoe sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in claim 2, wherein each of said decorative articles partially projects above the upper surface of said base layer.

4. The shoe sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said decorative articles partially projects above the upper surface of said base layer.

5. A shoe insole with embedded decorative articles, comprising:

a base layer having opposed upper and lower surfaces, the base layer being adapted for removable insertion within a shoe; and

a plurality of decorative articles embedded within the base layer adjacent the upper surface thereof.

6. The shoe sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in claim 5, wherein each said decorative article is selected from the group consisting of natural gemstones, artificial gemstones, and crystals.

7. The shoe sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in claim 6, wherein each of said decorative articles partially projects above the upper surface of said base layer.

8. The shoe sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in claim 5, wherein each of said decorative articles partially projects above the upper surface of said base layer.

9. A shoe having a sole with embedded decorative articles, comprising:

a main shoe body; and

a shoe sole secured to the main shoe body, the shoe sole including a base layer having opposed upper and lower surfaces, and a plurality of decorative articles embedded within the base layer adjacent the upper surface of the base layer.

10. The shoe having a sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in claim 9, wherein each said decorative article is selected from the group consisting of natural gemstones, artificial gemstones, and crystals.

11. The shoe having a sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in claim 10, wherein each of said decorative articles partially projects above the upper surface of said base layer.

12. The shoe having a sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in claim 9, wherein each of said decorative articles partially projects above the upper surface of said base layer.