CA1249929A - Variable adjustable shoe insert - Google Patents
Variable adjustable shoe insertInfo
- Publication number
- CA1249929A CA1249929A CA000489329A CA489329A CA1249929A CA 1249929 A CA1249929 A CA 1249929A CA 000489329 A CA000489329 A CA 000489329A CA 489329 A CA489329 A CA 489329A CA 1249929 A CA1249929 A CA 1249929A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- orthotic
- foot
- recited
- heel
- pad
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/142—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the medial arch, i.e. under the navicular or cuneiform bones
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/143—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the lateral arch, i.e. the cuboid bone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/144—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the heel, i.e. the calcaneus bone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/1445—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the midfoot, i.e. the second, third or fourth metatarsal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/22—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with fixed flat-foot insertions, metatarsal supports, ankle flaps or the like
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An orthotic appliance which engages a plantar surface of a person's foot which includes an initial blank having a top surface that generally follows the contour of the plantar surface of the person's foot, and a bottom surface having a zone of disparate resiliency adapted to receive thereon shock absorption enhancing instrumentalities and an underlying cap, all of which are fused together to form a laminate which encourages the foot to be cradled upon heel strike, allowing the transition from heel strike to mid-gait to occur with the foot in a neutral position, allowing elongation and preparing the foot for toe roll propulsive phase with associated shock absorption, and a sufficient resiliency to allow the insert to return to an initial state for the successive cycle.
An orthotic appliance which engages a plantar surface of a person's foot which includes an initial blank having a top surface that generally follows the contour of the plantar surface of the person's foot, and a bottom surface having a zone of disparate resiliency adapted to receive thereon shock absorption enhancing instrumentalities and an underlying cap, all of which are fused together to form a laminate which encourages the foot to be cradled upon heel strike, allowing the transition from heel strike to mid-gait to occur with the foot in a neutral position, allowing elongation and preparing the foot for toe roll propulsive phase with associated shock absorption, and a sufficient resiliency to allow the insert to return to an initial state for the successive cycle.
Description
L 3 9 2 ~
IMPROV~IENTS RELATING T~ VMIABLP ADJUSTABLE SH~E INsERrrs Fairly recently, greater a~tempts have been made ~o provide footwear which is anatomically correot so as to not only increase ~le comfort of the wearer, but ~l~o minim~ize fatigue and injuries. This requires an analysis of the typical gait. When one is moving subst~ntially in a linear direction, the galt oon~ists of three distinct phases. First, the heel strike phase uccur6 during which the foot is essentially a ~mobile adaptor~ ready to conform to the topographic~l oontours encountered. Some of the impact forces are dissipated through the ankle and leg bones to the upper torso, while other impact forces are translated along the length of the foot. The proper dissipation and translation of these forces during heel strike phase produce a natural shock ab6orption mechani~m. Second, the transition or mid-gait phase transforms the mobile adaptor into a ~rigid lever~
whereby the mid-tarsal joint becomes locked preparing the foot for translation of the accumulated forces in a stable manner throughout the foot during the remainder of 6aid cycle and the impact forces ar~ di~slFated through the ankle and leg bones to ~he upper torso. Third! the "toe roll~ phase finishes the gait cycle and oon~titutes @ I~
the final propulsive and translatory phaEie of gait.
After the toe leaves the ground, the sw-ng ph~æe of the next step begins in which the other foot is involved in the heel strike phsse. The critical phase is the mid-gait or transition phase where the foot is transformed from a ~mobile adaptor" to a ~rigid lever".
~he optimum configuration for the ankle and tarsal joint at this point is to have the sub-tailor joint in a neutral position as the mid-tarsal joint becomes locked and the foot becomes 2 ~rigid levern. This allows the impact load to be properly di6sipQted and translated.
While podiatrists have long been aware ok the need to maintain the foot~s proper orientation relative to the leg to provide a ~rigid lever~ and acoo~dingly have prescribed orthoses for that pu~pose, the general populace rarely avails themselves o~ these services until after a certain amount of discomfort and/or damage has been done.
The following citations reflect the state-of-the-art of which applicant ls aware insofar as these citations appear to be germane to the patent proceQs:
1,741,419 Jonæs (U.S.)
IMPROV~IENTS RELATING T~ VMIABLP ADJUSTABLE SH~E INsERrrs Fairly recently, greater a~tempts have been made ~o provide footwear which is anatomically correot so as to not only increase ~le comfort of the wearer, but ~l~o minim~ize fatigue and injuries. This requires an analysis of the typical gait. When one is moving subst~ntially in a linear direction, the galt oon~ists of three distinct phases. First, the heel strike phase uccur6 during which the foot is essentially a ~mobile adaptor~ ready to conform to the topographic~l oontours encountered. Some of the impact forces are dissipated through the ankle and leg bones to the upper torso, while other impact forces are translated along the length of the foot. The proper dissipation and translation of these forces during heel strike phase produce a natural shock ab6orption mechani~m. Second, the transition or mid-gait phase transforms the mobile adaptor into a ~rigid lever~
whereby the mid-tarsal joint becomes locked preparing the foot for translation of the accumulated forces in a stable manner throughout the foot during the remainder of 6aid cycle and the impact forces ar~ di~slFated through the ankle and leg bones to ~he upper torso. Third! the "toe roll~ phase finishes the gait cycle and oon~titutes @ I~
the final propulsive and translatory phaEie of gait.
After the toe leaves the ground, the sw-ng ph~æe of the next step begins in which the other foot is involved in the heel strike phsse. The critical phase is the mid-gait or transition phase where the foot is transformed from a ~mobile adaptor" to a ~rigid lever".
~he optimum configuration for the ankle and tarsal joint at this point is to have the sub-tailor joint in a neutral position as the mid-tarsal joint becomes locked and the foot becomes 2 ~rigid levern. This allows the impact load to be properly di6sipQted and translated.
While podiatrists have long been aware ok the need to maintain the foot~s proper orientation relative to the leg to provide a ~rigid lever~ and acoo~dingly have prescribed orthoses for that pu~pose, the general populace rarely avails themselves o~ these services until after a certain amount of discomfort and/or damage has been done.
The following citations reflect the state-of-the-art of which applicant ls aware insofar as these citations appear to be germane to the patent proceQs:
1,741,419 Jonæs (U.S.)
2,669,919, Riggs (~.S.)
3,922,801, Zente (u.s.) 1,240,066,(French~Strasb~ch 465,940,(BritishtRing Advertisement from Runner'~ World-July 1982-Sauoony 0~ these, the patent to Ritchey appear~ to be of great interest ince he teaches the use of an orthopedic device suitably posi~ioned within a shoe or the like, in c~
which ~he upper surfaoe thereof has a complex contour addressed to the peculiarities of a given foot. The in~tant invention can be oontrastled over this prior art by noting the contrasting ease with which the ~ppnratus according to ~he instant application can be initially fitted to a E~er~on, or successi.vely fitted as a function of time, while provlding imme~iate relief.
Similarly, the patent to Riggs teaches the use of an insole type appliance having a comyound oDntour like the Ritchey invention con~igured in such a manner ~s to provide foot relief based ~n Rigg's perceptiDn of a universal foot disorder.
Similsrly, the Zente pa~ent teaches the use of a liquid filled orthopedic apparatus compri6ed of a plurality of discrete internal liquid filled ampules whlch are ~trategically placed between upper an l~wer laminae and sealed in place to Frovide fieparate support for var iQUS parts of the foot.
The publication from the July 1982 edition of Rlmner's ~orld provides a substantially horse6hoe-ahaped plastic insert preferably formed of Hytril*adapted to be placed in a rear foot area of the ~hoe between a mid-~ole ~nd ~n upper. This device i6 predicated on the a~umption that heel strike i~ initiated on the outside area of the foot, and accordingly attempt~ to d~stribute the load more evenly around the heel area presumably due to the intrinsic E~ock absorption properties attendant with the use of Hytril.* As exemplified in other prior ~rt devices discussed ~upra, the a~sociated insert defined in thi6 citation i6 based on a predisposed conception o~ a generic foot malady, and a ~ingle insert ~,, *Trademark ~ 9 is provided in an attemp~ to recti~y a perception of a universal foot disorder.
The instant application is distinguished over these citations in that an instrumentality h~s been provided which includes an initial blank having an upyer surface that generally follows the oontour of the planter surface of a person's foot, and includes a bottom surface having a zone of disparate resiliency relative to area adjacent the zone so that during the gait cycle~ the insert is deformed in a controlled manner so that the appliance by its controlled deformation encourages the foot associated with the applianoe to be oriented in such a manner that the gait phase from a mobile adaptor to a rigid lever occurs such that the foot is disposed in a neutral position. That is, the tars~l joint and its relationship to the sub-tailor joint is relatively neutral as the mid-tarsal joint becomes locked so that the tran mission of forces along the bone ~tructure from the foot, through the ankle and up the leg occur in a most efficient manner and unwanted torsions and stress have been avoided, which can cause strain along the ankle, knee, hip, small of the back, etc.
~ ore particularly, the insert according to the instant invention provides a zone of disparate resiliency which accommodates a personls foot during the normal gait cycle wherein the foot experiences natural elongation along the longitudinal extent thereof, the zone ~f disp~rate resiliency deforming in a predetermined fa~hion so as to accon~date the distortion of the foot while concomitantly urging the foot in the preferred neutral position during the critical phase from heel strike to mid-gait. To this end, an appropriate recess is providbd 31C~'~9 on a bottom surface of the insert which is supplemented with a pad whose durometric value and therefore re~lliency can be altered to accommodate different condi~ions.
A further instr~mentality is Frovided which is of general horseshoe configueation and formed from a cork resin composite which when heated expands subst~ntially beyond its original dimænsion and is capable when heated, to deform in a controlled manner with suitable pressure applied thereon. By accurately deforming this horse~hoe-shaped piece when the foot is in a locked or rigid lever position, the insert associated with the instant application will continuously and dynamically urge the foot into this neutral position during the transition from heel strike to mid-gait.
A further instrumentality is provided which provides a cap on the bottom of the insert adapted to retain the resilient pad, horseshoe cork resin and full length blank and bind the~ all together, the cap formæd from a relatively rigid material, the total appliance becoming an integral piece when the cork resin ls allowed to cure.
The cap, being formed from a rigid material, allows further controlled deformation by structuring into the cap preferred areas of yielding deformation, so a~ to further encourage phenomena such ~s heel cupping and insert deformation to allow accommodation of the foot during elongation and during the transition fro~ the heel strike to the mid-gait to the toe roll phases.
~2~:~''3~
SU~I~aR~ AN~ Q~EC~ 0~ T~ Y~IQN
Thus, it is a primary object of this invention to provide an orthotic insert that is to be disposed within a shoe, boot, o~ the like whose contour and angulation is adapted to ~upport the foot properly and encourage a balanced relationship of the associated foot bones particularly the sub-tailor joint and the mid-tarsal joint to encourage beneficial force dissipation and distribution to obtain biomechanical advantage in the anatomy of a person's foot and leg.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a device as characterized above which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, extremely durable in construction, safe to use, and lends itself to mass production techniques.
It is a still further object of this invention to provide a device as characterized above which is so configured as to lend itself by adaptation to a plur31ity of specific needs such as walking, running, basketball, racquetball, tennis, etc., specifically by judicious selection of the plural components for the associated use~
A further object of this invention contemplates providing a device as characterized above which encourages a proper orientation of the foot and i~s associated bones relative to the leg in such a manner that the weight distribution is substantially uniform along the longitudinal axis of the foot ba~ed upon the individual foot component's weight bearing ability.
~ further object of this invention is to provide a device which assists in orienting the sub-tailor joint so 3'~3~9 as to be more allgned ~owards a neutral position and the mid-tarsal joint in a more functional position, that is locked, These and other objects will be made manifest when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawing figures.
12'~9'329 BRI~F V~ XON OF T~ ~RAwING.~2I~E~
Figure 1 is a bottom plan view of the appliance according to the instant invention.
Figure 2 is a side view thereof.
Figure 3 is a ~ectional view taken along lines 3~3 of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line~ 4-4 Of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the components associated with the appliance deline~ted herelnabove.
Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the toF~ost orthotic biank showing its contour.
Figure 7 is a top perspective of another form of underlying cap, Figure 8 is a bottom perspective of Figure 7.
~IE~ D~_ÇRI~$I~N QE T~ P~EF~ L~E~
Referring to the drawings now, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughou~ the various drawlng figures, reference numeral 10 i~ directed to the orthotic appliance according to the present invention.
As shown in the drawing figures, the insert 10 is defined by a four component system that includes a full leng~h blank B defining a topmost portion, and a cap C
defining a lower st portion, the cap C extends from the metatarsal head area 8 rearwardly to a heel area 6, a resilient pad 29 and a horseshoe-shaped cork resin insert 12.
The full length upper blank B has a top surface 1 formed frcm an abrasion resistant padded material such as synthetic fabric, nylon, dacron, felt, cloth or the like and a resilient mderlying substrate 2 formed from rubber or its equivalent which padded material and rubber substrate are interoonnected by means of adhesion or fusion. The lowermost portion of the full length blank defines a bottom layer 3 formed from a foamed material such aR ~reelen~, Plastizote~, or Dny other opened or closed cell foam eharacterized as being relatively resilient, having sufficient memory to return to its original state when unstressed, and capable of moderate shock absorption properties and loads.
The cap C is formed feom a material which is comparatively rigid when contra~ted with the upper full length blank B, and may be formed from polyethylene, polypropylene (with or without diluents such as talc1, e~oxy and fiberglass, graphite fibers combined with a resin, pQlyurethene fibers bound in a resin, or kelvar 3Z~
fibers with resin; all of the aboYe preferred constituents of the cap being characterized as having a predetermined and programmable resistanoe to deformation and torsion in such a manner that when distorted, fibers associated therewith (or plastics as poured) re~ct to deformation in a desired manner to be defined hereinafter.
Also included in the preferred ~onfiguration according to the instant invention is an intermediate member 12 disposed between the cap and the blank. This member 12 i~ preferably formed fro~ a cork resin mixturè
characterized in its abili~y to expand two to three times its original volume when heated and as shown in the drawings is of ~ubstantially U-shaped configuration partially defining and further enhancing the elongate longitudinal recess 9 dispoæd on and provided on the bottom face of the blank B. The cork resin layer 12 has a contour complemental to a portion of the bottcm surface of the full length blank B so that there is natural registry therebetween. More specific~lly, a bottom portion of the blank is provided with a peripheral marginal wall 14 that extends from the heel area forward and tapers to a relatively smcoth transition adjacent the metat~rsal head area of the foot, and has a complex contour adapted to receive the similarly form~d cork resin intermediate layer thereat. The cork layer resin 12 has a central void, so as to define its U-shaped configuration, and also to allow the disposition therein of a resilient pad 29 having a rear portion oomplemental to the configuration of the U-shaped ~ork resin intermediate layer so that there is minimal overlap.
Thus, the resilient pad 29 has a somewhat bulbous heel area which narrows along a media:L extent thereof and flares forwardly and ou~wardly to the metatarsal head area, the resilient pad 29 termil~ting adjacent and just behind the toes of the user so that the metatarsal head of the person wearing the devi oe is provided with an underlying pad. In order to accom~odate the resilient pad 29, a complementally formed recess 9 is provided on a bottom face of the blank B so that there is ready ~nd facile registry between the resilient pad 29 and the recess 9.
In addition, the ~arginal wall 14 of the blank is sufficiently sculpted as is the horseshoe-shaped cork resin intermediate piece 12 that the cap C can have its upwardly extending edge 17 of peripheral wall 4 engage the peripheral shelf 15 disposed around the blank B. As shown in the drawings, an upper rim 16 of the blank B is provided above the shelf 15, and i8 suitably contoured such that when all elements are assembled, a smooth transition exists between the lateral wall of the cap and the blank, since the shelf 15 is dimensioned to accommodate not only the thickness defined by edge 17 of the cap wall 4, but also the cork.
Thus, the top surface of the cork resin layer 12 has a contour complemental to the registering bottom surface of the full length blank so that there is natural nesting therebetween. A characteristic of the cork resin composition is that upon heating and expansion, it will deform under pressure (as by one's foot Ln a controlled wearing situation) to fill any associated void, and therefore the cap C formed of the material set forth as above will define the finished bottom configuration of the cork resin layer 12 with the cork resin adapted to be iL ,',~ L~Li'31 ~{3 ,~
received within the associated apertures of the cap as will now be defined.
A plurality of apertures 11 are provided on the medial and lateral segments of the cap, and as shown in Figure 5 are disposed on the horizontal planar surface 5 of the cap. When the cork is suitably heated, the aper~ures 11 along with smaller apertures 32 are adapted to be filled wlth the cork resin so that the cap is inextricably bound to the cork. In turn, the cork is of such a nature that it will react and bind to the Plastizote~, or Freelen~ bott~n surface of the blank so that the device is provided with a unitary structure.
Since some of the cork will also expand sufficiently to engage a portion of the resilient pad 29, the pad 29 will also become an intrinsic part of the composite thus formed. Additionally, as can be readily understood, the apertures 32 or 11 can initially be provided with resilient plugs of sorbathane or the like prior to heating of the cork resin layer, and the associated plugs P will thus be bonded to the orthotic insert.
As shown in the figures, the full length blank B i5 provided along the medial, lateral and heel aspect with a side wall 14 adapted to be dimensioned in accordance with the width and heighth of the corresponding walls 4 of the cap so that when upon assembly, a flush peripheral wall is provided. To this end, ~he side wall 14 defines (along with the shelf 15 and an upper rim 16 offset from the wall 14) a periphery so that the thickness of the cap 17 is substantially the same as the shelf dimension 15 for nesting engagement. Sin oe some migration of the cork resin will occ~r between the inner face of wall 4 of the cap and the side wall 14 of the blank B, a honding has been effected there as well. A~
is apparent ~rom viewin~ Figure 5, the cork resin layer is provided with peripheral edges that have a feathered taper, so that cork migration into adjacent areas of the blank and the cap can readily occur.
Thus, with the provision of the resilient pad 29 in combination wi~h the cork resin layer, an orthotic appliance has been provided which has an improved characteris~ic of resiliency and resistance to uncontrolled defor~ation, and by virtue of its lamination between not only the blank but al~o the cap, strength derived from the cap will allow distortion of the insert during the normal gait cycle without delamination or deterioration of the components. Since the cork resin lends itfielf to ready deformation when heated, multiple orthopedic adjustments are possible by use of the cork resin layer.
The cap C also includes a metatarsal head area 8 provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending slots 33, each slot terminating in an aperture 34. In this case, it should be clear that the resilient pad 29 extends beyond the length of the mætatarsal head area and in fact extends closer to the toes, forward the cap.
Thius, the leading edge of the cap is appropriately cushioned and supplemented with additional resilience by means of the resilient pad 29. In this manner, relieving pressure on certain metatarsal head areas can be evidenced for the benefit of people experiencing metatarsal discomfort, commonly geriatric patients. One preferred technique would be to remove a portion of the cap tha~ extends between adjacent slots 33 so that area of the foot i5 at a different horizontal level when 12'~ Z9 receiving pressure ~rom the support the cap provides on the foot, providing a relieved area~ Additionally, it is contemplated that providing the a~ertures 34 with resilient fingers F or the like for elevating certain areas to th~ exclusion of other~ can provide an additional benefit, Thus, a topographical dispari~y can be provided along the metatarsal head area for the associated benefits and the concomitant pressure release, As shown in the drawings, the cap has a main surface 5 which includes the apertures 11, which peripherally run along a medial, lateral and calcaneal aspect of the cap surface. In addition, a plurality of smaller dimensioned apertures 32 are similarly provided adapted to receive either resilient fingers, cork resin, or the equivalent for similar associated purposes and benefits. The marginal wall 4 includes a curved top edge 17 that includes a re~x wall 6 of substantially uniform heighth, but as the wall extends forwardly, each side is provided with one downwardly extending undulation each respectiYely offset from the other in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis, and thereafter an upwardly curved segment ultimately ~apering dGwnwardly to the flat area of the cap proximate to the metatarsal head area. A complemental contour on the peripheral wall 14 of the full length blank is also defined so that an interlocking is provided by the nesting arrangement of the shelf 15 and the top edge 17 and the undulations serve not only to assure registry of the blank and its cap, but also to encourage deformation of the two relative to foot pressure in a predetermined mannerr It is to be noted that the medial marginal side wall has greater length than the lateral wall and ccrresponds to and underlies th~ blank's arch support so that the upwarclly extending portion forward of the undulation on the medial side thereof underlies and causes additional beneficial support of the arch member, a consideration not necessary on the lateral aspect of the foot on its associated oppo6ite side.
It is to be noted that the horseshoe-shaped cork resin layer 12 has an inner void complementally formed to receive therewithin the resilient pad 29, and therefore the inner void area near the bight portion of the horseshoe-shaped cork resin l~yer 12 has a bulbous rear opening immediately adjacent the calcaneal area of the foot, an inwardly directed tapered or necked down area slightly forward the calcaneal area and an outwardly flared and opening legs that increases to the area where the metatarsal head extends transversely across the foot.
The leadinq edges of the horseshoe-shaped cork resin layer comes to a point, and the area of the cork resin layer immediately forward the calcaneal area is thickened and has greater width so that the cork resin layer can be caused to expand alon~ the medial and lateral aspect of the foot to provide additional support along the arch area on the medial aspect, and on an opposed lateral aspect as well. As shown in Figure 6, the wall 14 of the blank B has a contour complemental to that of the cork resin layer. Since the edges of the cork resin layer are feathered in all extents, nesting interfit with the cap, the resilient pad 29 and the blank can occur with no discernable dimension problems, and in fact, when the cork resin layer is heated, voids associated with peculiarities of the insert as it relates to a person's foot can all be accommodated by the expansion of the 1 ~ 1 3~ 2 cork/resin into those recesses~ which can also include the apertures 11 and 32 of the cap. In one form of the invention, the resilient pad 29 can be affixed to the bottom surface of the blank B by adhesion, f~lsion or the like and is additionally retained therein by overflow of the cork resin along the peripheral border between the recess 9 of the blank and the resilient pad 29. As shown in Figure 5, the top peripheral edge of the blank 31 is feathered 50 that this edge provides no impediment to the user when donning ~he inserts, or in their utilization during flexure of the foot.
Figures 7 and 8 show respectively top and bottom perspectives of a further type of cap Cl which manifests certain differences over the cap shown in ~le other drawing figures, but the like reference numeral~ will be repeated here. More earticularly, the cap includes a bottom surface 55 having a leading edge 8 adapted to terminate ad~acent the metatarsal area of a person's foot, and similar slits 33 are provided extending longitudinally along the cap Cl terminating in enlarged apertures 34. Slightly r~arward of the rounded apertures which communicate with the slits 33, further apertures 341 are provided for the in~ertion thereof of resilient fingers as was shown in Figure 5. The top surface 551 of the cap Cl has a contour complemental to the con~iguration of the plantar surfa oe of a person's foot, and the bottom surface of the cap includes an arcuate heel area 56 and two pairs of radially extending skeg type devices which provide beneficial pronation of a person's foot by virtue of the skeg's upwardly extending nature, so that the removal of one or more skegs from one side or the other of the cap can provide angulation. In addition, the skegs being of wedge-like configuration having a ~apered point adjacent the calcaneal central heel area and a widerled area out~oard therefrom serve to enhance heel cupping, and a fairly rigid cap is required to use the skeqs in heel posting. In addition, the bottom face of the cap cl has a central recess S8 bordered by first and second strips 59 tPrminating in a V-shaped recess 60 and includes a first section 61 at a leading edge thereof having a linear forward edge, and a second edge 62 declinated rearwardly along the medial as~ect of a person's foot. A transition 63 is provided between the leading edges 61 and 62 and angled so that the transition between the two edges 61 and 62 is somewhat uniform, Trailing edses of the upwardly extending portions 64 and 65 allow the central area 58 to serve as a zone of disparate resiliency by providing a relati~ely weakcned area thereat so as to encourage additional heel cupping.
As is shown in the drawings, the top surface 1 of the blank B reflects the contour of a person's foot with a high degree of fidelity, and includes an arch support area of raised dimension, a depressed heel cup area and a heel supporting rim or lip which surrounds the heel for the beneficial heel cupping when the resilient pad 29 and its associated recess 9 have been deformed. More particularly, deformation of the insert causes associated exaggerated cupping along the heel area of the insert so that the insert deflects in a direction of the arrows A
as shown in Figure 4. This deformation is also present further up along the foot, and is in the same direction of the arrows :i~X~29 Having ~,us described the inven~ion, it should be appreciated that nun~erous structural modifications are contemplated as being a part of this invention as set forth hereinabove and as defined hereinbelow by the claims.
which ~he upper surfaoe thereof has a complex contour addressed to the peculiarities of a given foot. The in~tant invention can be oontrastled over this prior art by noting the contrasting ease with which the ~ppnratus according to ~he instant application can be initially fitted to a E~er~on, or successi.vely fitted as a function of time, while provlding imme~iate relief.
Similarly, the patent to Riggs teaches the use of an insole type appliance having a comyound oDntour like the Ritchey invention con~igured in such a manner ~s to provide foot relief based ~n Rigg's perceptiDn of a universal foot disorder.
Similsrly, the Zente pa~ent teaches the use of a liquid filled orthopedic apparatus compri6ed of a plurality of discrete internal liquid filled ampules whlch are ~trategically placed between upper an l~wer laminae and sealed in place to Frovide fieparate support for var iQUS parts of the foot.
The publication from the July 1982 edition of Rlmner's ~orld provides a substantially horse6hoe-ahaped plastic insert preferably formed of Hytril*adapted to be placed in a rear foot area of the ~hoe between a mid-~ole ~nd ~n upper. This device i6 predicated on the a~umption that heel strike i~ initiated on the outside area of the foot, and accordingly attempt~ to d~stribute the load more evenly around the heel area presumably due to the intrinsic E~ock absorption properties attendant with the use of Hytril.* As exemplified in other prior ~rt devices discussed ~upra, the a~sociated insert defined in thi6 citation i6 based on a predisposed conception o~ a generic foot malady, and a ~ingle insert ~,, *Trademark ~ 9 is provided in an attemp~ to recti~y a perception of a universal foot disorder.
The instant application is distinguished over these citations in that an instrumentality h~s been provided which includes an initial blank having an upyer surface that generally follows the oontour of the planter surface of a person's foot, and includes a bottom surface having a zone of disparate resiliency relative to area adjacent the zone so that during the gait cycle~ the insert is deformed in a controlled manner so that the appliance by its controlled deformation encourages the foot associated with the applianoe to be oriented in such a manner that the gait phase from a mobile adaptor to a rigid lever occurs such that the foot is disposed in a neutral position. That is, the tars~l joint and its relationship to the sub-tailor joint is relatively neutral as the mid-tarsal joint becomes locked so that the tran mission of forces along the bone ~tructure from the foot, through the ankle and up the leg occur in a most efficient manner and unwanted torsions and stress have been avoided, which can cause strain along the ankle, knee, hip, small of the back, etc.
~ ore particularly, the insert according to the instant invention provides a zone of disparate resiliency which accommodates a personls foot during the normal gait cycle wherein the foot experiences natural elongation along the longitudinal extent thereof, the zone ~f disp~rate resiliency deforming in a predetermined fa~hion so as to accon~date the distortion of the foot while concomitantly urging the foot in the preferred neutral position during the critical phase from heel strike to mid-gait. To this end, an appropriate recess is providbd 31C~'~9 on a bottom surface of the insert which is supplemented with a pad whose durometric value and therefore re~lliency can be altered to accommodate different condi~ions.
A further instr~mentality is Frovided which is of general horseshoe configueation and formed from a cork resin composite which when heated expands subst~ntially beyond its original dimænsion and is capable when heated, to deform in a controlled manner with suitable pressure applied thereon. By accurately deforming this horse~hoe-shaped piece when the foot is in a locked or rigid lever position, the insert associated with the instant application will continuously and dynamically urge the foot into this neutral position during the transition from heel strike to mid-gait.
A further instrumentality is provided which provides a cap on the bottom of the insert adapted to retain the resilient pad, horseshoe cork resin and full length blank and bind the~ all together, the cap formæd from a relatively rigid material, the total appliance becoming an integral piece when the cork resin ls allowed to cure.
The cap, being formed from a rigid material, allows further controlled deformation by structuring into the cap preferred areas of yielding deformation, so a~ to further encourage phenomena such ~s heel cupping and insert deformation to allow accommodation of the foot during elongation and during the transition fro~ the heel strike to the mid-gait to the toe roll phases.
~2~:~''3~
SU~I~aR~ AN~ Q~EC~ 0~ T~ Y~IQN
Thus, it is a primary object of this invention to provide an orthotic insert that is to be disposed within a shoe, boot, o~ the like whose contour and angulation is adapted to ~upport the foot properly and encourage a balanced relationship of the associated foot bones particularly the sub-tailor joint and the mid-tarsal joint to encourage beneficial force dissipation and distribution to obtain biomechanical advantage in the anatomy of a person's foot and leg.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a device as characterized above which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, extremely durable in construction, safe to use, and lends itself to mass production techniques.
It is a still further object of this invention to provide a device as characterized above which is so configured as to lend itself by adaptation to a plur31ity of specific needs such as walking, running, basketball, racquetball, tennis, etc., specifically by judicious selection of the plural components for the associated use~
A further object of this invention contemplates providing a device as characterized above which encourages a proper orientation of the foot and i~s associated bones relative to the leg in such a manner that the weight distribution is substantially uniform along the longitudinal axis of the foot ba~ed upon the individual foot component's weight bearing ability.
~ further object of this invention is to provide a device which assists in orienting the sub-tailor joint so 3'~3~9 as to be more allgned ~owards a neutral position and the mid-tarsal joint in a more functional position, that is locked, These and other objects will be made manifest when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawing figures.
12'~9'329 BRI~F V~ XON OF T~ ~RAwING.~2I~E~
Figure 1 is a bottom plan view of the appliance according to the instant invention.
Figure 2 is a side view thereof.
Figure 3 is a ~ectional view taken along lines 3~3 of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line~ 4-4 Of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the components associated with the appliance deline~ted herelnabove.
Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the toF~ost orthotic biank showing its contour.
Figure 7 is a top perspective of another form of underlying cap, Figure 8 is a bottom perspective of Figure 7.
~IE~ D~_ÇRI~$I~N QE T~ P~EF~ L~E~
Referring to the drawings now, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughou~ the various drawlng figures, reference numeral 10 i~ directed to the orthotic appliance according to the present invention.
As shown in the drawing figures, the insert 10 is defined by a four component system that includes a full leng~h blank B defining a topmost portion, and a cap C
defining a lower st portion, the cap C extends from the metatarsal head area 8 rearwardly to a heel area 6, a resilient pad 29 and a horseshoe-shaped cork resin insert 12.
The full length upper blank B has a top surface 1 formed frcm an abrasion resistant padded material such as synthetic fabric, nylon, dacron, felt, cloth or the like and a resilient mderlying substrate 2 formed from rubber or its equivalent which padded material and rubber substrate are interoonnected by means of adhesion or fusion. The lowermost portion of the full length blank defines a bottom layer 3 formed from a foamed material such aR ~reelen~, Plastizote~, or Dny other opened or closed cell foam eharacterized as being relatively resilient, having sufficient memory to return to its original state when unstressed, and capable of moderate shock absorption properties and loads.
The cap C is formed feom a material which is comparatively rigid when contra~ted with the upper full length blank B, and may be formed from polyethylene, polypropylene (with or without diluents such as talc1, e~oxy and fiberglass, graphite fibers combined with a resin, pQlyurethene fibers bound in a resin, or kelvar 3Z~
fibers with resin; all of the aboYe preferred constituents of the cap being characterized as having a predetermined and programmable resistanoe to deformation and torsion in such a manner that when distorted, fibers associated therewith (or plastics as poured) re~ct to deformation in a desired manner to be defined hereinafter.
Also included in the preferred ~onfiguration according to the instant invention is an intermediate member 12 disposed between the cap and the blank. This member 12 i~ preferably formed fro~ a cork resin mixturè
characterized in its abili~y to expand two to three times its original volume when heated and as shown in the drawings is of ~ubstantially U-shaped configuration partially defining and further enhancing the elongate longitudinal recess 9 dispoæd on and provided on the bottom face of the blank B. The cork resin layer 12 has a contour complemental to a portion of the bottcm surface of the full length blank B so that there is natural registry therebetween. More specific~lly, a bottom portion of the blank is provided with a peripheral marginal wall 14 that extends from the heel area forward and tapers to a relatively smcoth transition adjacent the metat~rsal head area of the foot, and has a complex contour adapted to receive the similarly form~d cork resin intermediate layer thereat. The cork layer resin 12 has a central void, so as to define its U-shaped configuration, and also to allow the disposition therein of a resilient pad 29 having a rear portion oomplemental to the configuration of the U-shaped ~ork resin intermediate layer so that there is minimal overlap.
Thus, the resilient pad 29 has a somewhat bulbous heel area which narrows along a media:L extent thereof and flares forwardly and ou~wardly to the metatarsal head area, the resilient pad 29 termil~ting adjacent and just behind the toes of the user so that the metatarsal head of the person wearing the devi oe is provided with an underlying pad. In order to accom~odate the resilient pad 29, a complementally formed recess 9 is provided on a bottom face of the blank B so that there is ready ~nd facile registry between the resilient pad 29 and the recess 9.
In addition, the ~arginal wall 14 of the blank is sufficiently sculpted as is the horseshoe-shaped cork resin intermediate piece 12 that the cap C can have its upwardly extending edge 17 of peripheral wall 4 engage the peripheral shelf 15 disposed around the blank B. As shown in the drawings, an upper rim 16 of the blank B is provided above the shelf 15, and i8 suitably contoured such that when all elements are assembled, a smooth transition exists between the lateral wall of the cap and the blank, since the shelf 15 is dimensioned to accommodate not only the thickness defined by edge 17 of the cap wall 4, but also the cork.
Thus, the top surface of the cork resin layer 12 has a contour complemental to the registering bottom surface of the full length blank so that there is natural nesting therebetween. A characteristic of the cork resin composition is that upon heating and expansion, it will deform under pressure (as by one's foot Ln a controlled wearing situation) to fill any associated void, and therefore the cap C formed of the material set forth as above will define the finished bottom configuration of the cork resin layer 12 with the cork resin adapted to be iL ,',~ L~Li'31 ~{3 ,~
received within the associated apertures of the cap as will now be defined.
A plurality of apertures 11 are provided on the medial and lateral segments of the cap, and as shown in Figure 5 are disposed on the horizontal planar surface 5 of the cap. When the cork is suitably heated, the aper~ures 11 along with smaller apertures 32 are adapted to be filled wlth the cork resin so that the cap is inextricably bound to the cork. In turn, the cork is of such a nature that it will react and bind to the Plastizote~, or Freelen~ bott~n surface of the blank so that the device is provided with a unitary structure.
Since some of the cork will also expand sufficiently to engage a portion of the resilient pad 29, the pad 29 will also become an intrinsic part of the composite thus formed. Additionally, as can be readily understood, the apertures 32 or 11 can initially be provided with resilient plugs of sorbathane or the like prior to heating of the cork resin layer, and the associated plugs P will thus be bonded to the orthotic insert.
As shown in the figures, the full length blank B i5 provided along the medial, lateral and heel aspect with a side wall 14 adapted to be dimensioned in accordance with the width and heighth of the corresponding walls 4 of the cap so that when upon assembly, a flush peripheral wall is provided. To this end, ~he side wall 14 defines (along with the shelf 15 and an upper rim 16 offset from the wall 14) a periphery so that the thickness of the cap 17 is substantially the same as the shelf dimension 15 for nesting engagement. Sin oe some migration of the cork resin will occ~r between the inner face of wall 4 of the cap and the side wall 14 of the blank B, a honding has been effected there as well. A~
is apparent ~rom viewin~ Figure 5, the cork resin layer is provided with peripheral edges that have a feathered taper, so that cork migration into adjacent areas of the blank and the cap can readily occur.
Thus, with the provision of the resilient pad 29 in combination wi~h the cork resin layer, an orthotic appliance has been provided which has an improved characteris~ic of resiliency and resistance to uncontrolled defor~ation, and by virtue of its lamination between not only the blank but al~o the cap, strength derived from the cap will allow distortion of the insert during the normal gait cycle without delamination or deterioration of the components. Since the cork resin lends itfielf to ready deformation when heated, multiple orthopedic adjustments are possible by use of the cork resin layer.
The cap C also includes a metatarsal head area 8 provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending slots 33, each slot terminating in an aperture 34. In this case, it should be clear that the resilient pad 29 extends beyond the length of the mætatarsal head area and in fact extends closer to the toes, forward the cap.
Thius, the leading edge of the cap is appropriately cushioned and supplemented with additional resilience by means of the resilient pad 29. In this manner, relieving pressure on certain metatarsal head areas can be evidenced for the benefit of people experiencing metatarsal discomfort, commonly geriatric patients. One preferred technique would be to remove a portion of the cap tha~ extends between adjacent slots 33 so that area of the foot i5 at a different horizontal level when 12'~ Z9 receiving pressure ~rom the support the cap provides on the foot, providing a relieved area~ Additionally, it is contemplated that providing the a~ertures 34 with resilient fingers F or the like for elevating certain areas to th~ exclusion of other~ can provide an additional benefit, Thus, a topographical dispari~y can be provided along the metatarsal head area for the associated benefits and the concomitant pressure release, As shown in the drawings, the cap has a main surface 5 which includes the apertures 11, which peripherally run along a medial, lateral and calcaneal aspect of the cap surface. In addition, a plurality of smaller dimensioned apertures 32 are similarly provided adapted to receive either resilient fingers, cork resin, or the equivalent for similar associated purposes and benefits. The marginal wall 4 includes a curved top edge 17 that includes a re~x wall 6 of substantially uniform heighth, but as the wall extends forwardly, each side is provided with one downwardly extending undulation each respectiYely offset from the other in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis, and thereafter an upwardly curved segment ultimately ~apering dGwnwardly to the flat area of the cap proximate to the metatarsal head area. A complemental contour on the peripheral wall 14 of the full length blank is also defined so that an interlocking is provided by the nesting arrangement of the shelf 15 and the top edge 17 and the undulations serve not only to assure registry of the blank and its cap, but also to encourage deformation of the two relative to foot pressure in a predetermined mannerr It is to be noted that the medial marginal side wall has greater length than the lateral wall and ccrresponds to and underlies th~ blank's arch support so that the upwarclly extending portion forward of the undulation on the medial side thereof underlies and causes additional beneficial support of the arch member, a consideration not necessary on the lateral aspect of the foot on its associated oppo6ite side.
It is to be noted that the horseshoe-shaped cork resin layer 12 has an inner void complementally formed to receive therewithin the resilient pad 29, and therefore the inner void area near the bight portion of the horseshoe-shaped cork resin l~yer 12 has a bulbous rear opening immediately adjacent the calcaneal area of the foot, an inwardly directed tapered or necked down area slightly forward the calcaneal area and an outwardly flared and opening legs that increases to the area where the metatarsal head extends transversely across the foot.
The leadinq edges of the horseshoe-shaped cork resin layer comes to a point, and the area of the cork resin layer immediately forward the calcaneal area is thickened and has greater width so that the cork resin layer can be caused to expand alon~ the medial and lateral aspect of the foot to provide additional support along the arch area on the medial aspect, and on an opposed lateral aspect as well. As shown in Figure 6, the wall 14 of the blank B has a contour complemental to that of the cork resin layer. Since the edges of the cork resin layer are feathered in all extents, nesting interfit with the cap, the resilient pad 29 and the blank can occur with no discernable dimension problems, and in fact, when the cork resin layer is heated, voids associated with peculiarities of the insert as it relates to a person's foot can all be accommodated by the expansion of the 1 ~ 1 3~ 2 cork/resin into those recesses~ which can also include the apertures 11 and 32 of the cap. In one form of the invention, the resilient pad 29 can be affixed to the bottom surface of the blank B by adhesion, f~lsion or the like and is additionally retained therein by overflow of the cork resin along the peripheral border between the recess 9 of the blank and the resilient pad 29. As shown in Figure 5, the top peripheral edge of the blank 31 is feathered 50 that this edge provides no impediment to the user when donning ~he inserts, or in their utilization during flexure of the foot.
Figures 7 and 8 show respectively top and bottom perspectives of a further type of cap Cl which manifests certain differences over the cap shown in ~le other drawing figures, but the like reference numeral~ will be repeated here. More earticularly, the cap includes a bottom surface 55 having a leading edge 8 adapted to terminate ad~acent the metatarsal area of a person's foot, and similar slits 33 are provided extending longitudinally along the cap Cl terminating in enlarged apertures 34. Slightly r~arward of the rounded apertures which communicate with the slits 33, further apertures 341 are provided for the in~ertion thereof of resilient fingers as was shown in Figure 5. The top surface 551 of the cap Cl has a contour complemental to the con~iguration of the plantar surfa oe of a person's foot, and the bottom surface of the cap includes an arcuate heel area 56 and two pairs of radially extending skeg type devices which provide beneficial pronation of a person's foot by virtue of the skeg's upwardly extending nature, so that the removal of one or more skegs from one side or the other of the cap can provide angulation. In addition, the skegs being of wedge-like configuration having a ~apered point adjacent the calcaneal central heel area and a widerled area out~oard therefrom serve to enhance heel cupping, and a fairly rigid cap is required to use the skeqs in heel posting. In addition, the bottom face of the cap cl has a central recess S8 bordered by first and second strips 59 tPrminating in a V-shaped recess 60 and includes a first section 61 at a leading edge thereof having a linear forward edge, and a second edge 62 declinated rearwardly along the medial as~ect of a person's foot. A transition 63 is provided between the leading edges 61 and 62 and angled so that the transition between the two edges 61 and 62 is somewhat uniform, Trailing edses of the upwardly extending portions 64 and 65 allow the central area 58 to serve as a zone of disparate resiliency by providing a relati~ely weakcned area thereat so as to encourage additional heel cupping.
As is shown in the drawings, the top surface 1 of the blank B reflects the contour of a person's foot with a high degree of fidelity, and includes an arch support area of raised dimension, a depressed heel cup area and a heel supporting rim or lip which surrounds the heel for the beneficial heel cupping when the resilient pad 29 and its associated recess 9 have been deformed. More particularly, deformation of the insert causes associated exaggerated cupping along the heel area of the insert so that the insert deflects in a direction of the arrows A
as shown in Figure 4. This deformation is also present further up along the foot, and is in the same direction of the arrows :i~X~29 Having ~,us described the inven~ion, it should be appreciated that nun~erous structural modifications are contemplated as being a part of this invention as set forth hereinabove and as defined hereinbelow by the claims.
Claims (20)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A substantially unitary orthotic adapted to be placed in an article of footwear, said orthotic having a longitudinal center axis parallel to a lengthwise portion of a foot for which the orthotic is used, a transverse axis, a front portion, a rear portion and two side portions, said orthotic comprising:
a. A first upper relatively flexible blank portion extending laterally across a plantar area of said foot and extending longitudinally from a heel portion of the foot to at least a metatarsal head of said foot;
b. a second lower relatively rigid cap portion positioned below said first blank portion and extending from the heel portion of the foot to a location rearwardly of a metatarsal joint of said foot, and also extending laterally across the plantar area, said cap portion having upwardly extending side walls along at least the side portions of the orthotic;
c. a moldable insert positioned intermediate said blank portion and said cup portion and comprising at least a rear heel portion positioned at a rear portion of the heel of the foot, and at least one side portion positioned at an inside side portion of the orthotic;
a relatively flexible and resilient pad portion having a rear heel portion underlying a middle heel portion of the foot, and a forward portion underlying a forward portion of the foot located rearwardly of the metatarsal joint;
said orthotic being characterized in that said insert is molded to conform to contours of the foot;
said orthotic being characterized in that the orthotic is relatively flexible along said longitudinal center axis in that the side portions of the orthotic can deflect moderately outwardly, and also deflect upwardly and inwardly to cradle the person's foot when weight is being taken off the foot;
whereby upon initial ground contact the side portions of the orthotic restrain outward expansion of side portions of the foot, while the orthotic cushions initial impact, and with the foot terminating ground contact, resiliency of the insert aids departure of the foot from ground contact.
a. A first upper relatively flexible blank portion extending laterally across a plantar area of said foot and extending longitudinally from a heel portion of the foot to at least a metatarsal head of said foot;
b. a second lower relatively rigid cap portion positioned below said first blank portion and extending from the heel portion of the foot to a location rearwardly of a metatarsal joint of said foot, and also extending laterally across the plantar area, said cap portion having upwardly extending side walls along at least the side portions of the orthotic;
c. a moldable insert positioned intermediate said blank portion and said cup portion and comprising at least a rear heel portion positioned at a rear portion of the heel of the foot, and at least one side portion positioned at an inside side portion of the orthotic;
a relatively flexible and resilient pad portion having a rear heel portion underlying a middle heel portion of the foot, and a forward portion underlying a forward portion of the foot located rearwardly of the metatarsal joint;
said orthotic being characterized in that said insert is molded to conform to contours of the foot;
said orthotic being characterized in that the orthotic is relatively flexible along said longitudinal center axis in that the side portions of the orthotic can deflect moderately outwardly, and also deflect upwardly and inwardly to cradle the person's foot when weight is being taken off the foot;
whereby upon initial ground contact the side portions of the orthotic restrain outward expansion of side portions of the foot, while the orthotic cushions initial impact, and with the foot terminating ground contact, resiliency of the insert aids departure of the foot from ground contact.
2. The orthotic as recited in claim 1, wherein said moldable insert has a generally U-shaped configuration and extends forwardly from the rear heel portion of the insert along both sides of the said orthotic.
3. The orthotic as recited in claim 1, wherein said cap portion has an upwardly extending rear wall joining to said side walls.
4. The orthotic as recited in claim 1, wherein said blank extends forwardly beyond the metatarsal joint of the foot.
5. The orthotic as recited in claim 1, wherein said blank portion is formed with a lower elongate recess to receive said pad.
6. The orthotic as recited in claim 5, wherein said pad has a laterally expanded front portion located approximately beneath the metatarsal head of the foot.
7. The orthotic as recited in claim 6, wherein said pad has an extended heel portion positioned beneath the heel of the foot.
8. The orthotic as recited in claim 5, wherein said pad has an expanded heel portion positioned beneath the heel of the foot.
9. The orthotic as recited in claim 1, wherein said pad portion is characterized in having greater resiliency than said blank portion, wherein said pad portion is able to deflect to a greater extent than said blank portion and yet return to its original configuration.
10. The orthotic as recited in claim 1, wherein a forward portion of said cap portion is formed with a plurality of longitudinally extending slots to permit convenient removal of one or more parts of the forward portion of the cap portion.
11. The orthotic as recited in claim 1, wherein a heel portion of said cap member is provided with a plurality of upstanding members adapted to engage a support surface of an item of footwear in which the orthotic is placed.
12. The orthotic as recited in claim 1, wherein said cap portion is provided with a plurality of holes adapted to interengage with other portions of the orthotic to enhance joinder of, and relative positioning of, portions of the orthotic.
13. The orthotic as recited in claim 1, wherein:
a. said moldable insert has a generally U-shaped configuration and extends forwardly from the rear heel portion of the insert along both sides of said orthotic;
b. said cap portion has an upwardly extending rear wall joining to said side walls; and c. said blank extends forwardly beyond the metatarsal joint of the foot.
a. said moldable insert has a generally U-shaped configuration and extends forwardly from the rear heel portion of the insert along both sides of said orthotic;
b. said cap portion has an upwardly extending rear wall joining to said side walls; and c. said blank extends forwardly beyond the metatarsal joint of the foot.
14. The orthotic as recited in claim 13, wherein said blank portion is formed with a lower elongate recess to receive said pad.
15. The orthotic as recited in claim 14, wherein said pad has a laterally expanded front portion located approximately beneath the metatarsal head of the foot.
16. The orthotic as recited in claim 15, wherein said pad has an expanded heel portion positioned beneath the heel of the foot.
17. The orthotic as recited in claim 14, wherein said pad has an expanded heel portion positioned beneath the heel of the foot.
18. The orthotic as recited in claim 16, wherein said pad portion is characterized in having greater resiliency than said blank portion, wherein said pad portion is able to deflect to a greater extent than said blank portion and yet return to its original configuration.
19. The orthotic as recited in claim 13, wherein said pad portion is characterized having greater resiliency than said blank portion, wherein said pad portion is able to deflect to a greater extent than said blank portion and yet return to its original configuration.
20. The orthotic as recited in claim 13, wherein said cap portion is provided with a plurality of holes adapted to interengage with other portions of the orthotic to enhance joinder of, and relative positioning of, portions of the orthotic.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US64382384A | 1984-08-24 | 1984-08-24 | |
| US643,823 | 1984-08-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1249929A true CA1249929A (en) | 1989-02-14 |
Family
ID=24582368
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000489329A Expired CA1249929A (en) | 1984-08-24 | 1985-08-23 | Variable adjustable shoe insert |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0173396A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS61168301A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU581674B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1249929A (en) |
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| US8800169B2 (en) | 2006-09-21 | 2014-08-12 | Msd Consumer Care, Inc. | Cushioned orthotic |
| US11134863B2 (en) | 2015-10-05 | 2021-10-05 | Scholl's Wellness Company Llc | Generating orthotic product recommendations |
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| US5058585A (en) * | 1990-01-29 | 1991-10-22 | Michael Kendall | Orthotic shoe insert |
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| JPH08112107A (en) * | 1994-10-13 | 1996-05-07 | Yutaka Mito | Inner liner of shoe |
| AUPO464497A0 (en) * | 1997-01-17 | 1997-02-13 | Cheong, Wilson | A fully adjustable arch support with a self-modification component and volume adjustability |
| AU5921198A (en) * | 1997-01-21 | 1998-08-07 | Bio-Kinetic Technologies, Incorporated | Orthotic shoe insert and method of making such an insert |
| JP3894643B2 (en) * | 1998-01-19 | 2007-03-22 | オリンパス株式会社 | Method for fixing spherical mold in mold and mold |
| FR2777429B1 (en) * | 1998-04-21 | 2000-05-26 | Salomon Sa | SOLE SHOE WITH DEFORMABLE STRUCTURE |
| JP4368038B2 (en) * | 1999-04-28 | 2009-11-18 | アディダス インターナショナル ベー ヴェー | shoes |
| JP2004057790A (en) * | 2002-07-31 | 2004-02-26 | Asahi Golf Yohin Kk | Insole |
| DK176311B1 (en) * | 2004-11-08 | 2007-07-23 | Ecco Sko As | Shoes and method of making shoes |
| ITVI20050171A1 (en) * | 2005-06-13 | 2006-12-14 | Mario Schiavon | STRUCTURE OF ANATOMICAL FOOTBED |
| US7484319B2 (en) * | 2005-08-12 | 2009-02-03 | Spenco Medical Corporation | Shoe insole |
| US7721467B2 (en) * | 2005-11-02 | 2010-05-25 | Spenco Medical Corporation | Shoe insole with improved support and motion control |
| TWI495860B (en) | 2006-09-21 | 2015-08-11 | Msd Consumer Care Inc | Foot care product dispensing kiosk |
| JP5366869B2 (en) * | 2009-04-28 | 2013-12-11 | 株式会社村井 | Insole for shoes |
| RU2524894C2 (en) * | 2009-06-02 | 2014-08-10 | Форм Лимитед | Health footwear and method of its manufacturing |
| JP5190574B2 (en) * | 2010-10-22 | 2013-04-24 | 泰弘 西田 | Insole for footwear |
| US8800168B1 (en) | 2011-06-15 | 2014-08-12 | Robert Propét | Customizable insole |
| JP6048831B2 (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2016-12-21 | ウィニングワン株式会社 | Insoles |
| JP2016131585A (en) * | 2015-01-15 | 2016-07-25 | 靖 辻 | Sole support body used for preventing and/or treating hand-foot syndrome |
| JP6609222B2 (en) * | 2015-07-15 | 2019-11-20 | 株式会社村井 | Insole and shoes |
| JP6838871B2 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2021-03-03 | 株式会社アルペン | insole |
| AU2018347537A1 (en) | 2017-10-13 | 2020-04-02 | Scholl's Wellness Company Llc | Footcare product dispensing kiosk |
| JP7142345B2 (en) * | 2018-07-24 | 2022-09-27 | 株式会社村井 | Insoles for light mountaineering |
| JP6501237B1 (en) * | 2018-09-13 | 2019-04-17 | 株式会社Ｂｏｕｔｌｅｔ | insole |
| JP6821137B2 (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2021-01-27 | 有限会社山形義肢研究所 | Ankle foot orthosis |
| JP6991539B2 (en) * | 2019-10-30 | 2022-01-12 | ウィニングワン株式会社 | Shoe insoles |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2021729A (en) * | 1932-09-26 | 1935-11-19 | Carl O Johnson | Exuding metatarsal pad and heel cup |
| FR1207258A (en) * | 1958-11-05 | 1960-02-16 | Improvement of shoe soles | |
| GB1063039A (en) * | 1964-05-27 | 1967-03-22 | Scholl Meg Co Ltd | Improvements in and relating to foot corrective devices |
| US3416245A (en) * | 1967-07-27 | 1968-12-17 | Frank Noone Shoe Co Inc | Contoured insole |
| US4435910A (en) * | 1982-03-12 | 1984-03-13 | Michel Marc | Shoe insole |
| US4510700A (en) * | 1982-09-30 | 1985-04-16 | Brown Dennis N | Variably adjustable shoe inserts |
-
1985
- 1985-08-02 AU AU45719/85A patent/AU581674B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1985-08-15 EP EP85201320A patent/EP0173396A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1985-08-23 CA CA000489329A patent/CA1249929A/en not_active Expired
- 1985-08-23 JP JP60185664A patent/JPS61168301A/en active Pending
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8800169B2 (en) | 2006-09-21 | 2014-08-12 | Msd Consumer Care, Inc. | Cushioned orthotic |
| US11134863B2 (en) | 2015-10-05 | 2021-10-05 | Scholl's Wellness Company Llc | Generating orthotic product recommendations |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU581674B2 (en) | 1989-03-02 |
| JPS61168301A (en) | 1986-07-30 |
| EP0173396A3 (en) | 1989-03-22 |
| EP0173396A2 (en) | 1986-03-05 |
| AU4571985A (en) | 1986-02-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |