CA2728009A1 - Flip-flop sandal - Google Patents
Flip-flop sandal Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2728009A1 CA2728009A1 CA2728009A CA2728009A CA2728009A1 CA 2728009 A1 CA2728009 A1 CA 2728009A1 CA 2728009 A CA2728009 A CA 2728009A CA 2728009 A CA2728009 A CA 2728009A CA 2728009 A1 CA2728009 A1 CA 2728009A1
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- Prior art keywords
- shoe sole
- sandal
- sole
- strap
- accordance
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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- IPOTYZGOGUSXTA-UHFFFAOYSA-N N=CCC1CC1 Chemical compound N=CCC1CC1 IPOTYZGOGUSXTA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/10—Low shoes, e.g. comprising only a front strap; Slippers
- A43B3/101—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals
- A43B3/102—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals leaving the heel of the foot bare
- A43B3/105—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals leaving the heel of the foot bare characterised by the shape or layout of the toestrap
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- 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
- A43B7/26—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with toe-spacers or toe-spreaders
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
- A61F5/019—Toe correcting or spreading devices
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Nursing (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a sandal, in particular in the form of a so-called flip-flop, having a shoe sole and a big toe compartment for separately accommodating the big toe separated from the other toes. The invention thus relates in particular to flip-flops having orthopedic means for correcting and/or preventing hallux valgus. In accordance with the invention, the flip-flop has a metatarsal strap for supporting the metatarsus and to which the shoe sole is connected by means of a centering apparatus in a pre-determined orientation, the aforesaid metatarsal strap having lateral foot sole support segments that extend laterally under the foot sole and/or over the shoe sole and can be lifted up from the shoe sole in order to support the metatarsus from the foot sole with upwardly oriented lateral pressure or to support the metatarsus in the upright position, even when the foot sole lifts up from the shoe sole during a rolling movement.
Description
Flip Flop Sandal The present invention relates to a sandal, in particular in the form of a so-called flip-flop, having a shoe sole and a big toe compartment for separately accommodating the big toe separated from the other toes. The invention thus relates in particular to flip-flops having orthopedic means for correcting and/or preventing hallux valgus.
Painful defective positioning of toes that frequently must be treated surgically can result from various causes, especially wearing shoes that are too tight or too high.
Frequently in particular the big toe moves into a bent defective position towards the outside of the foot, and this is associated with changes in the tissue in the area of the metatarsophalangeal joint or the metatarsus.
To correct such defective toe positioning, especially hallux valgus, normally a corrective splint is applied to the foot, by means of which splint the toe to be corrected is, so to say, correctively bent, i.e. forced in or into its proper position and held there. Appropriate splints are used both post-operatively and during conservative therapy that does not involve surgical intervention.
However, sometimes there is a reluctance to wear such foot splints, especially in the summer in open shoes like sandals because the splints are visible when socks and stockings are not worn and sometimes there is the perception of a stigma attached to wearing them.
In the framework of such therapies for toe correction there has been a growing understanding that it is important to strengthen the muscles in the foot region - muscles that are frequently atrophied, however - in order for the foot to be able to hold itself in the proper shape even without splints, at least in the long term. Since appropriate exercises that are performed deliberately during physical therapy frequently are often perceived as bothersome and are not continued for long, it would be desirable to have a shoe that trains the foot automatically, as it were, builds ups the foot's muscles, especially in the metatarsal area, and holds the big toe in its proper natural position, but that nevertheless permits appropriate movements to attain the desired exercise effect.
Proceeding from this point, the object of the underlying invention is to create an improved sandal of the aforesaid type that does not suffer from the disadvantages of the prior art and that further advantageously refines the prior art. In particular, a flip-flop sandal is to be created that supports therapy for hallux valgus and/or has a preventive effect in this regard in that when walking the big toe is held in its proper natural position and at the same time a.supporting effect is provided to the arch of the foot. It should also attain more vigorous exercising of the foot muscles in the metatarsal area that control movement of the big toe.
This object is attained in accordance with the invention using a sandal in accordance with claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject-matter of the dependent claims.
Thus, centering the shoe sole relative to the foot and in a certain orientation is proposed in order to prevent the lateral slipping and twisting that is normally experienced with flip-flops so that the big toe compartment acts like a corrective toe positioning aid and keeps the big toe in its proper natural position or can at least exert corrective force in that direction. The shoe sole is centered using a specially embodied attachment of the shoe sole in the metatarsal area, which attachment simultaneously supports and aligns the metatarsus. In accordance with the invention, the flip-flop has a metatarsal strap for supporting the metatarsus, to which strap the shoe sole is attached in a predetermined orientation by means of a centering apparatus, the aforesaid metatarsal strap having lateral foot sole support segments that extend laterally underneath the foot sole and/or over the shoe sole and can be raised from the shoe sole in order to support the metatarsus from the foot sole using upwardly oriented, lateral pressure forces and in order to support it in the upright position, even when the foot sole rolls and lifts up from the shoe sole.
The aforesaid centering means are embodied especially such that, as is usual with flip-flops, they permit the foot sole to lift up during the rolling movement of the foot during walking, but such that they still prevent lateral slipping and twisting of the shoe sole relative to the foot such that the shoe sole, when seen from a top view, always remains essentially in its pre-specified proper position under the foot sole so that the big toe compartment can act as a corrective toe positioning aid and hold the big toe in its proper natural position.
Painful defective positioning of toes that frequently must be treated surgically can result from various causes, especially wearing shoes that are too tight or too high.
Frequently in particular the big toe moves into a bent defective position towards the outside of the foot, and this is associated with changes in the tissue in the area of the metatarsophalangeal joint or the metatarsus.
To correct such defective toe positioning, especially hallux valgus, normally a corrective splint is applied to the foot, by means of which splint the toe to be corrected is, so to say, correctively bent, i.e. forced in or into its proper position and held there. Appropriate splints are used both post-operatively and during conservative therapy that does not involve surgical intervention.
However, sometimes there is a reluctance to wear such foot splints, especially in the summer in open shoes like sandals because the splints are visible when socks and stockings are not worn and sometimes there is the perception of a stigma attached to wearing them.
In the framework of such therapies for toe correction there has been a growing understanding that it is important to strengthen the muscles in the foot region - muscles that are frequently atrophied, however - in order for the foot to be able to hold itself in the proper shape even without splints, at least in the long term. Since appropriate exercises that are performed deliberately during physical therapy frequently are often perceived as bothersome and are not continued for long, it would be desirable to have a shoe that trains the foot automatically, as it were, builds ups the foot's muscles, especially in the metatarsal area, and holds the big toe in its proper natural position, but that nevertheless permits appropriate movements to attain the desired exercise effect.
Proceeding from this point, the object of the underlying invention is to create an improved sandal of the aforesaid type that does not suffer from the disadvantages of the prior art and that further advantageously refines the prior art. In particular, a flip-flop sandal is to be created that supports therapy for hallux valgus and/or has a preventive effect in this regard in that when walking the big toe is held in its proper natural position and at the same time a.supporting effect is provided to the arch of the foot. It should also attain more vigorous exercising of the foot muscles in the metatarsal area that control movement of the big toe.
This object is attained in accordance with the invention using a sandal in accordance with claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject-matter of the dependent claims.
Thus, centering the shoe sole relative to the foot and in a certain orientation is proposed in order to prevent the lateral slipping and twisting that is normally experienced with flip-flops so that the big toe compartment acts like a corrective toe positioning aid and keeps the big toe in its proper natural position or can at least exert corrective force in that direction. The shoe sole is centered using a specially embodied attachment of the shoe sole in the metatarsal area, which attachment simultaneously supports and aligns the metatarsus. In accordance with the invention, the flip-flop has a metatarsal strap for supporting the metatarsus, to which strap the shoe sole is attached in a predetermined orientation by means of a centering apparatus, the aforesaid metatarsal strap having lateral foot sole support segments that extend laterally underneath the foot sole and/or over the shoe sole and can be raised from the shoe sole in order to support the metatarsus from the foot sole using upwardly oriented, lateral pressure forces and in order to support it in the upright position, even when the foot sole rolls and lifts up from the shoe sole.
The aforesaid centering means are embodied especially such that, as is usual with flip-flops, they permit the foot sole to lift up during the rolling movement of the foot during walking, but such that they still prevent lateral slipping and twisting of the shoe sole relative to the foot such that the shoe sole, when seen from a top view, always remains essentially in its pre-specified proper position under the foot sole so that the big toe compartment can act as a corrective toe positioning aid and hold the big toe in its proper natural position.
In a refinement of the invention, the aforesaid centering apparatus advantageously includes at least one pair of connecting straps that are for connecting the shoe sole to the metatarsal strap and that run on an incline in opposite directions in order to center the shoe sole with respect to the metatarsal strap. The aforesaid connecting straps are in particular each inclined at an acute angle relative to a center longitudinal plane that runs upright through the shoe sole so that overall there is a somewhat V-shaped arrangement of the connecting straps that has a centering effect.
It would be possible for the connecting straps to be arranged in a completely different manner;
for instance, the connecting straps could be spaced farther apart from one another at their fastening points on the shoe sole than in the area of their connecting points to the metatarsal strap so that the result would essentially be a pitched roof-shaped arrangement of the connecting straps. However, in a refinement of the invention the connecting straps are advantageously arranged in the opposite manner, i.e. the connecting straps are spaced farther apart from one another at their connecting points to the metatarsal strap than at their connecting points to the shoe sole.
The V-shaped spreading can vary in its severity. An arrangement of the connecting straps at a spread angle of 45 to 150 , preferably about 60 to 120 , and in particular about 75 to 100 can be advantageous for effecting sufficiently strong centering and for not introducing into the strap tensile forces that are too strong. The distance between the connecting points for connecting the connecting straps to the shoe sole is advantageously less than 2/3 of the distance between the connecting points for the strap.
It can be advantageous when the connecting straps, seen in section through the metatarsal strap, are connected to the metatarsal strap approximately in the area of 7 o'clock to 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock to 5 o'clock, preferably in the area of about 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock to 4 o'clock, in order to effect adequate centering, but also to permit the foot sole to lift up sufficiently from the shoe sole, which is crucial to the feeling of wearing flip-flops.
It would be possible for the connecting straps to be arranged in a completely different manner;
for instance, the connecting straps could be spaced farther apart from one another at their fastening points on the shoe sole than in the area of their connecting points to the metatarsal strap so that the result would essentially be a pitched roof-shaped arrangement of the connecting straps. However, in a refinement of the invention the connecting straps are advantageously arranged in the opposite manner, i.e. the connecting straps are spaced farther apart from one another at their connecting points to the metatarsal strap than at their connecting points to the shoe sole.
The V-shaped spreading can vary in its severity. An arrangement of the connecting straps at a spread angle of 45 to 150 , preferably about 60 to 120 , and in particular about 75 to 100 can be advantageous for effecting sufficiently strong centering and for not introducing into the strap tensile forces that are too strong. The distance between the connecting points for connecting the connecting straps to the shoe sole is advantageously less than 2/3 of the distance between the connecting points for the strap.
It can be advantageous when the connecting straps, seen in section through the metatarsal strap, are connected to the metatarsal strap approximately in the area of 7 o'clock to 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock to 5 o'clock, preferably in the area of about 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock to 4 o'clock, in order to effect adequate centering, but also to permit the foot sole to lift up sufficiently from the shoe sole, which is crucial to the feeling of wearing flip-flops.
The connecting straps can advantageously be embodied sufficiently elastic and extensible to attain both lifting up of the foot sole from the shoe sole and also adequate centering for the shoe sole.
In order to prevent torsion on the connecting straps, the latter are embodied with sufficient width and are connected to the metatarsal strap and shoe sole across their entire width, wherein the width of the connecting straps can advantageously be in the range of 2/3 to 3/3 of the width of the metatarsal strap. The width of the connecting straps can preferably be between 3 cm and 10 cm, in particular 4 cm to 7 cm.
When viewed from the side of the sandal, the aforesaid connecting straps advantageously extend essentially vertically or at only a slight incline from the metatarsal strap downward to the shoe sole so that the center section of the connecting points for connecting the connecting straps to the shoe sole corresponds to the metatarsus.
In a refinement of the invention, the lateral foot sole support segments of the metatarsal strap are not directly connected to the lateral edges of the shoe sole at their segments that are adjacent to the outer edges of the foot sole, as is normally the case with a conventional upper, but rather are drawn inward unconnected to the edges of the sole so that the lateral foot sole support segments of the metatarsal strap run free of the shoe sole in the area of the lateral sole edges so that the metatarsal strap on the left and on the right in an area between about 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock or about 6 o'clock and 3 o'clock can be stretched away from the shoe sole and spaced apart therefrom or can exert a corresponding tightening force on the sole area of the metatarsus.
The aforesaid foot sole segments can be drawn inward, spaced apart from the shoe sole edges, towards the center of the shoe interior delimited by the upper and the shoe sole, and due to this can be positioned against the lateral edges of the foot sole in order to provide upright support there, specifically even when the foot sole lifts up from the shoe sole during a rolling motion.
In a refinement of the invention, tensioning means for tightening the metatarsal strap are provided so that in particular the aforesaid lateral foot sole support segments of the metatarsal strap can be tightened inward and upward in order to attain the desired support. The aforesaid tensioning means advantageously include length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the aforesaid strap. In order ensure simple operation, the tensioning means and/or the length adjusting means can have an actuating part on a top side of the metatarsal strap, or an exterior side thereof, that faces away from the shoe sole. For instance, the metatarsal strap can be fixed in a tightened position using a velcro fastener or similar retention means.
In a refinement of the invention the at least one connecting point for connecting the shoe sole to the metatarsal strap using the aforesaid centering apparatus is arranged spaced apart from the sole edges at least 1/4 of the width of the shoe sole, preferably 1/3 of the width or more, i.e.
inwardly offset toward the center of the shoe sole.
In order to be able to finely adjust the position of the big toe and precisely adjust the correcting forces, in a refinement of the invention an adjusting apparatus for adjusting the position and/or orientation of the big toe compartment relative to the shoe sole can be provided and/or a big toe strap can be provided in the area of the big toe compartment by means of which a correcting force can be exerted on the big toe toward the interior of the shoe. Instead of a big toe strap that completely encircles the big toe, where necessary alternatively embodied tensile/pressure means for applying a corrective force toward the interior of the shoe can also be provided, for instance in the form of a displaceably arranged bar that extends on the side of the big toe facing the adjacent toe. Alternatively or in addition, the entire big toe accommodation on the sole could be borne transversely and adjustable. However, what is preferred is the aforesaid big toe strap that is connected to the interior of the shoe sole at a fixed strut and can comfortably exert a corresponding corrective force on the big toe using longitudinal displacement.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, tensioning means for tightening the big toe strap to the interior of the foot are provided that in particular include length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the aforesaid strap. The big toe strap in the form of a tightenable velcro loop can preferably be fixed to the shoe sole or to itself.
In order to attain an enhanced exercise effect for the muscles that control movement of the big toe, in a refinement of the invention it can be provided that the big toe movement when the foot rolls upward is essentially mechanically disconnected from the movement of the other toes so that the big toe assumes the majority of the balance work, as is provided when walking barefoot, and especially the muscles that hold the big toe receive more intense exercise, and at the same time the big toe can be prevented from moving incorrectly towards the outside of the foot. The shoe sole is advantageously distinguished in that a big toe segment of the shoe sole is separated from an adjacent toe segment in the shoe sole by a notch in the sole that runs in the longitudinal direction of the shoe, and nevertheless can be bent in the rolling direction.
Because of the notch in the sole in the longitudinal direction of the sole between the big toe and adjacent toes, the segment of the shoe sole that is disposed under the big toe can simply be folded compared to the adjacent segment of the shoe sole that is beneath the adjacent toes, i.e., can simply be bent upward and downward about a transverse axis without the aforesaid adjacent segment of the shoe sole having to bend, as well.
No direct transfer of force between torsion forces and bending torques occurs between the big toe segment of the shoe sole and the adjacent toes segment of the shoe sole so that the big toe is not assisted in keeping balance by the adjacent toe segment of the shoe sole, which leads to increased exercise for the muscles that control big toe movement. Due to the notch in the sole between big toe and adjacent toes, walking in the shoe feels like walking barefoot because the big toe rolls up regardless of the other toes. At the same time, accommodating the big toe in the big toe compartment separately from the other toes in conjunction with the centering apparatus that centers the shoe sole alignment on the metatarsal strap ensures that the big toe does not project out towards the outside of the foot, but rather is held in its straight, natural, and proper position. Thus despite the aforesaid notch in the sole, and more precisely because of its orientation and course, the flip-flop and in particular also the shoe sole, have sufficient stiffness transversely, i.e. with respect to bending about a vertical axis, to fix the big toe towards the inside of the foot and to prevent its undesired movement to the outside of the foot.
The big toe compartment can advantageously be provided in the form of an essentially cylindrical sleeve that is open toward the tip of the toe. Alternatively a compartment can be provided that encircles the big toe on all sides and is closed at the tip of the toe so that, seen from the end of the shoe, the big toe compartment roughly forms a nearly cylindrical hollow unit that is open to the side from which the toe is inserted and closed to the tip of the toe, and seen in cross-section this cylindrical hollow unit is encircled by the sole and corresponding arches that run in a curve above the sole.
The notch in the sole that effects the desired mechanical decoupling of the big toe segment in the shoe sole from the adjacent toe segment in the shoe sole can be embodied fundamentally different. The aforesaid notch in the sole is advantageously formed from a cut and/or a slit in the sole that essentially cuts into and separates the shoe sole from the tip of the shoe part way towards the back of the shoe in the longitudinal direction of the shoe until about the point when it reaches the metatarsophalangeal joint. This yields completely separated sole areas under the big toe and the adjacent toes, attaining maximum decoupling during the rolling movement. Instead of such a complete removal of material, it is also possible to leave a thin layer of material in the area of the notch in the sole, which layer does not interfere with mechanical decoupling or provides only minimal interference. It can especially be provided that a connecting membrane is provided in the area of the notch in the sole between the big toe segment and the adjacent toe segment on the shoe sole, and then joins the two aforesaid segments to one another. The connecting membrane can in particular form a seal that prevents dirt or liquid from entering the slit between big toe and adjacent toes. In this case, compared to the material for the shoe sole, the aforesaid connecting membrane is significantly more extensible and where necessary also much thinner, wherein the aforesaid connecting membrane may be embodied using a different material than the rest of the shoe sole. For instance, it would be possible to use an extensible, water-tight textile membrane, the extensibility of which does not interfere with the desired decoupling.
The invention shall be described in greater detail in the following using a preferred exemplary embodiment and associated drawings.
Fig. 1: is a lateral elevation of a flip-flop sandal having a foot disposed therein, as seen from the outside side of the foot, in accordance with one advantageous embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2: is a lateral elevation of the sandal in Fig. 1, as seen from the outside of the foot;
Fig. 3: is a top view of the sandal from Figs. 1 and 2, as seen from above, including the foot;
Fig. 4: is a schematic section through the sandal in the area of the metatarsal strap from Fig. 1 in accordance with the line A-A in Fig. 1;
Fig. 5: is a top view of the sole of the flip-flop in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, according to which the sole has a notch between the big toe and adjacent toes; and, Fig. 6: is a schematic section through the sandal in the area of the metatarsal strap from Fig. 1 in accordance with the line AA- in Fig. 1 and having a strap connection that is in accordance with another advantageous embodiment of the invention and that has been modified with respect to Fig. 4.
The sandal 1 depicted in the figures is embodied in the form of a so-called flip-flop and includes a shoe sole 2 and a separate big toe compartment 7 that is at its front end in the area of the toes and that in the area of the shoe sole 2 - as seen in Fig. 5 - can be separated from the shoe section that surrounds the adjacent toes by a sole notch 8. As Fig. 5 illustrates, the sole notch 8 in the embodiment depicted is formed by a slit-like cut 10 in which the material of the shoe sole 2 is completely removed. The aforesaid cut 10 reaches from the tip of the shoe to about the metatarsophalangeal joint and extends essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shoe.
As Figure 1, 2, and 3 depict, the big toe compartment 7 is formed by a big toe strap 14 that is connected to the shoe sole segment 2a beneath the big toe and is advantageously embodied with a modifiable length so that the position of the big toe can be adjusted exactly on the shoe sole 2.
For instance, the big toe strap 14 can be tightened and fixed by means of a hook-and-loop closure 16. Where necessary it can be provided that the position of the big toe strap and thus of the big toe compartment 7 is adjusted relative to the shoe sole 2, and especially can be changed transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sole, by means of suitable adjusting means in order to be able to exert different strength corrective forces 15 on the big toe towards the inside of the foot or to be able to adapt the sandal to the defective positioning.
A metatarsal strap 17 is provided in the area of the metatarsus, as Figures 1, 2, and 3 depict. The metatarsal strap 17 completely encircles the metatarsus and is embodied independent of the shoe sole. The strap 17 includes two lateral foot sole support segments 18 and 19 that encircle and support the metatarsus to be supported from its sides at the foot sole. The aforesaid foot sole support segments 18 and 19 are detached from the shoe sole 2 and in particular are not directly attached to the lateral edges of the shoe sole 2 so that the metatarsus can be supported from below using lateral upwardly and inwardly oriented support forces 20. Because the aforesaid foot sole support segments 18 and 19 are not connected to the lateral edges of the shoe sole 2, it is specifically the metatarsal segment that is to be addressed with respect to hallux valgus disorder that is supported and shaped by the support forces 20.
As Figure 4 depicts, the metatarsal strap 17 is advantageously detached from the lateral edges of the shoe sole 2 across at least 1/4 of the shoe sole width and from the connection between upper 3 and shoe sole 2 across at least 1/4 of the height of the upper 3 in order to be able to apply the desired support forces 20.
The metatarsal strap 17 has tensioning means 21 in the form of a length adjusting apparatus 22 in order to be able to fit the metatarsal strap 17 to different foot widths and to adjust the support force 20. The tensioning means 21 or length adjusting means 22 can for instance have a hook-and-loop closure 24 by means of which the overlapping segments of the strap 17 on top can be fixed to strap segments thereunder (see Figure 4).
The aforesaid metatarsal strap 17 is joined via a centering apparatus 3 to the shoe sole 2 that is embodied such that the shoe sole 2 can lift up when the foot rolls off during walking but such that, at least when it returns to the ground, it remains positioned centered under the foot sole and cannot slip to the side or transversely. Because of this the big toe compartment 7 can act as a corrective toe positioning aid and hold the big toe in its proper natural position.
In a refinement of the invention, the aforesaid centering apparatus 3 advantageously includes at least one pair of connecting straps 4, 5 that are for connecting the shoe sole 2 to the metatarsal strap 17 and that run on an incline in opposite directions in order to center the shoe sole with respect to the metatarsal strap 17. In particular the aforesaid connecting straps 4, 5 are each inclined at an acute angle relative to a center longitudinal plane that runs upright through the shoe sole so that overall there is a somewhat V-shaped arrangement of the connecting straps 4, 5 (see Figs. 4 and 6).
In a refinement of the invention, the connecting straps 4, 5 are advantageously arranged such that the connecting straps 4 and 5 are spaced farther apart from one another at their connecting points 6 to the metatarsal strap than at their connecting point 9 to the shoe sole 2.
The arrangement of the connecting straps in the embodiment depicted in Fig. 4 is at a spread angle of about 90 in order to effect sufficiently strong centering and in order not to introduce tensile forces that are too strong into the strap. The distance between the connecting points for connecting the connecting straps to the shoe sole is advantageously less than 2/3 of the distance between the connecting points for the strap.
The embodiment depicted in Fig. 6 depicts a comparatively more widely spread arrangement of the connecting bands 4 and 5, which in accordance with Fig. 6 are arranged in a V-shape at about a 120 angle.
It can be advantageous when the connecting straps 4 and 5, seen in section through the metatarsal strap 17, are connected to the metatarsal strap 17 approximately in the area of 7 o'clock to 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock to 5 o'clock, preferably in the area of about 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock to 4 o'clock, in order to effect adequate centering, but also to permit sufficient lifting up of the foot sole from the shoe sole 2, which is crucial to the known feeling of wearing flip-flops.
The embodiment in accordance with Fig. 4 depicts a connection of the connecting straps 4 and 5 to the metatarsal strap 17 in the area of about 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock, while the more widely spread arrangement in accordance with Fig. 6 has a connection in the area of about 7:30 and 4:30.
The connecting straps 4 and 5 can advantageously be embodied sufficiently elastic and extensible to attain both lifting up of the foot sole from the shoe sole 2 and also an adequate centering for the shoe sole 2.
In order to prevent torsion of the connecting straps 4 and 5, the latter are embodied with sufficient width and are connected to the metatarsal strap and shoe sole across their entire width, wherein the width of the connecting straps advantageously equals the width of the metatarsal strap 17. The width of the connecting straps 4, 5 can preferably be between 4 cm and 7 cm.
When viewed from the side of the sandal (see Figs. 1 and 2), the aforesaid connecting straps 4, 5 advantageously extend essentially vertically or at only a slight incline from the metatarsal strap 17 downward to the shoe sole 2 so that the center section of the connecting points 9 for connecting the connecting straps 4, 5 to the shoe sole 2 corresponds to the metatarsus.
In order to prevent torsion on the connecting straps, the latter are embodied with sufficient width and are connected to the metatarsal strap and shoe sole across their entire width, wherein the width of the connecting straps can advantageously be in the range of 2/3 to 3/3 of the width of the metatarsal strap. The width of the connecting straps can preferably be between 3 cm and 10 cm, in particular 4 cm to 7 cm.
When viewed from the side of the sandal, the aforesaid connecting straps advantageously extend essentially vertically or at only a slight incline from the metatarsal strap downward to the shoe sole so that the center section of the connecting points for connecting the connecting straps to the shoe sole corresponds to the metatarsus.
In a refinement of the invention, the lateral foot sole support segments of the metatarsal strap are not directly connected to the lateral edges of the shoe sole at their segments that are adjacent to the outer edges of the foot sole, as is normally the case with a conventional upper, but rather are drawn inward unconnected to the edges of the sole so that the lateral foot sole support segments of the metatarsal strap run free of the shoe sole in the area of the lateral sole edges so that the metatarsal strap on the left and on the right in an area between about 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock or about 6 o'clock and 3 o'clock can be stretched away from the shoe sole and spaced apart therefrom or can exert a corresponding tightening force on the sole area of the metatarsus.
The aforesaid foot sole segments can be drawn inward, spaced apart from the shoe sole edges, towards the center of the shoe interior delimited by the upper and the shoe sole, and due to this can be positioned against the lateral edges of the foot sole in order to provide upright support there, specifically even when the foot sole lifts up from the shoe sole during a rolling motion.
In a refinement of the invention, tensioning means for tightening the metatarsal strap are provided so that in particular the aforesaid lateral foot sole support segments of the metatarsal strap can be tightened inward and upward in order to attain the desired support. The aforesaid tensioning means advantageously include length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the aforesaid strap. In order ensure simple operation, the tensioning means and/or the length adjusting means can have an actuating part on a top side of the metatarsal strap, or an exterior side thereof, that faces away from the shoe sole. For instance, the metatarsal strap can be fixed in a tightened position using a velcro fastener or similar retention means.
In a refinement of the invention the at least one connecting point for connecting the shoe sole to the metatarsal strap using the aforesaid centering apparatus is arranged spaced apart from the sole edges at least 1/4 of the width of the shoe sole, preferably 1/3 of the width or more, i.e.
inwardly offset toward the center of the shoe sole.
In order to be able to finely adjust the position of the big toe and precisely adjust the correcting forces, in a refinement of the invention an adjusting apparatus for adjusting the position and/or orientation of the big toe compartment relative to the shoe sole can be provided and/or a big toe strap can be provided in the area of the big toe compartment by means of which a correcting force can be exerted on the big toe toward the interior of the shoe. Instead of a big toe strap that completely encircles the big toe, where necessary alternatively embodied tensile/pressure means for applying a corrective force toward the interior of the shoe can also be provided, for instance in the form of a displaceably arranged bar that extends on the side of the big toe facing the adjacent toe. Alternatively or in addition, the entire big toe accommodation on the sole could be borne transversely and adjustable. However, what is preferred is the aforesaid big toe strap that is connected to the interior of the shoe sole at a fixed strut and can comfortably exert a corresponding corrective force on the big toe using longitudinal displacement.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, tensioning means for tightening the big toe strap to the interior of the foot are provided that in particular include length adjusting means for adjusting the length of the aforesaid strap. The big toe strap in the form of a tightenable velcro loop can preferably be fixed to the shoe sole or to itself.
In order to attain an enhanced exercise effect for the muscles that control movement of the big toe, in a refinement of the invention it can be provided that the big toe movement when the foot rolls upward is essentially mechanically disconnected from the movement of the other toes so that the big toe assumes the majority of the balance work, as is provided when walking barefoot, and especially the muscles that hold the big toe receive more intense exercise, and at the same time the big toe can be prevented from moving incorrectly towards the outside of the foot. The shoe sole is advantageously distinguished in that a big toe segment of the shoe sole is separated from an adjacent toe segment in the shoe sole by a notch in the sole that runs in the longitudinal direction of the shoe, and nevertheless can be bent in the rolling direction.
Because of the notch in the sole in the longitudinal direction of the sole between the big toe and adjacent toes, the segment of the shoe sole that is disposed under the big toe can simply be folded compared to the adjacent segment of the shoe sole that is beneath the adjacent toes, i.e., can simply be bent upward and downward about a transverse axis without the aforesaid adjacent segment of the shoe sole having to bend, as well.
No direct transfer of force between torsion forces and bending torques occurs between the big toe segment of the shoe sole and the adjacent toes segment of the shoe sole so that the big toe is not assisted in keeping balance by the adjacent toe segment of the shoe sole, which leads to increased exercise for the muscles that control big toe movement. Due to the notch in the sole between big toe and adjacent toes, walking in the shoe feels like walking barefoot because the big toe rolls up regardless of the other toes. At the same time, accommodating the big toe in the big toe compartment separately from the other toes in conjunction with the centering apparatus that centers the shoe sole alignment on the metatarsal strap ensures that the big toe does not project out towards the outside of the foot, but rather is held in its straight, natural, and proper position. Thus despite the aforesaid notch in the sole, and more precisely because of its orientation and course, the flip-flop and in particular also the shoe sole, have sufficient stiffness transversely, i.e. with respect to bending about a vertical axis, to fix the big toe towards the inside of the foot and to prevent its undesired movement to the outside of the foot.
The big toe compartment can advantageously be provided in the form of an essentially cylindrical sleeve that is open toward the tip of the toe. Alternatively a compartment can be provided that encircles the big toe on all sides and is closed at the tip of the toe so that, seen from the end of the shoe, the big toe compartment roughly forms a nearly cylindrical hollow unit that is open to the side from which the toe is inserted and closed to the tip of the toe, and seen in cross-section this cylindrical hollow unit is encircled by the sole and corresponding arches that run in a curve above the sole.
The notch in the sole that effects the desired mechanical decoupling of the big toe segment in the shoe sole from the adjacent toe segment in the shoe sole can be embodied fundamentally different. The aforesaid notch in the sole is advantageously formed from a cut and/or a slit in the sole that essentially cuts into and separates the shoe sole from the tip of the shoe part way towards the back of the shoe in the longitudinal direction of the shoe until about the point when it reaches the metatarsophalangeal joint. This yields completely separated sole areas under the big toe and the adjacent toes, attaining maximum decoupling during the rolling movement. Instead of such a complete removal of material, it is also possible to leave a thin layer of material in the area of the notch in the sole, which layer does not interfere with mechanical decoupling or provides only minimal interference. It can especially be provided that a connecting membrane is provided in the area of the notch in the sole between the big toe segment and the adjacent toe segment on the shoe sole, and then joins the two aforesaid segments to one another. The connecting membrane can in particular form a seal that prevents dirt or liquid from entering the slit between big toe and adjacent toes. In this case, compared to the material for the shoe sole, the aforesaid connecting membrane is significantly more extensible and where necessary also much thinner, wherein the aforesaid connecting membrane may be embodied using a different material than the rest of the shoe sole. For instance, it would be possible to use an extensible, water-tight textile membrane, the extensibility of which does not interfere with the desired decoupling.
The invention shall be described in greater detail in the following using a preferred exemplary embodiment and associated drawings.
Fig. 1: is a lateral elevation of a flip-flop sandal having a foot disposed therein, as seen from the outside side of the foot, in accordance with one advantageous embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2: is a lateral elevation of the sandal in Fig. 1, as seen from the outside of the foot;
Fig. 3: is a top view of the sandal from Figs. 1 and 2, as seen from above, including the foot;
Fig. 4: is a schematic section through the sandal in the area of the metatarsal strap from Fig. 1 in accordance with the line A-A in Fig. 1;
Fig. 5: is a top view of the sole of the flip-flop in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, according to which the sole has a notch between the big toe and adjacent toes; and, Fig. 6: is a schematic section through the sandal in the area of the metatarsal strap from Fig. 1 in accordance with the line AA- in Fig. 1 and having a strap connection that is in accordance with another advantageous embodiment of the invention and that has been modified with respect to Fig. 4.
The sandal 1 depicted in the figures is embodied in the form of a so-called flip-flop and includes a shoe sole 2 and a separate big toe compartment 7 that is at its front end in the area of the toes and that in the area of the shoe sole 2 - as seen in Fig. 5 - can be separated from the shoe section that surrounds the adjacent toes by a sole notch 8. As Fig. 5 illustrates, the sole notch 8 in the embodiment depicted is formed by a slit-like cut 10 in which the material of the shoe sole 2 is completely removed. The aforesaid cut 10 reaches from the tip of the shoe to about the metatarsophalangeal joint and extends essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shoe.
As Figure 1, 2, and 3 depict, the big toe compartment 7 is formed by a big toe strap 14 that is connected to the shoe sole segment 2a beneath the big toe and is advantageously embodied with a modifiable length so that the position of the big toe can be adjusted exactly on the shoe sole 2.
For instance, the big toe strap 14 can be tightened and fixed by means of a hook-and-loop closure 16. Where necessary it can be provided that the position of the big toe strap and thus of the big toe compartment 7 is adjusted relative to the shoe sole 2, and especially can be changed transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sole, by means of suitable adjusting means in order to be able to exert different strength corrective forces 15 on the big toe towards the inside of the foot or to be able to adapt the sandal to the defective positioning.
A metatarsal strap 17 is provided in the area of the metatarsus, as Figures 1, 2, and 3 depict. The metatarsal strap 17 completely encircles the metatarsus and is embodied independent of the shoe sole. The strap 17 includes two lateral foot sole support segments 18 and 19 that encircle and support the metatarsus to be supported from its sides at the foot sole. The aforesaid foot sole support segments 18 and 19 are detached from the shoe sole 2 and in particular are not directly attached to the lateral edges of the shoe sole 2 so that the metatarsus can be supported from below using lateral upwardly and inwardly oriented support forces 20. Because the aforesaid foot sole support segments 18 and 19 are not connected to the lateral edges of the shoe sole 2, it is specifically the metatarsal segment that is to be addressed with respect to hallux valgus disorder that is supported and shaped by the support forces 20.
As Figure 4 depicts, the metatarsal strap 17 is advantageously detached from the lateral edges of the shoe sole 2 across at least 1/4 of the shoe sole width and from the connection between upper 3 and shoe sole 2 across at least 1/4 of the height of the upper 3 in order to be able to apply the desired support forces 20.
The metatarsal strap 17 has tensioning means 21 in the form of a length adjusting apparatus 22 in order to be able to fit the metatarsal strap 17 to different foot widths and to adjust the support force 20. The tensioning means 21 or length adjusting means 22 can for instance have a hook-and-loop closure 24 by means of which the overlapping segments of the strap 17 on top can be fixed to strap segments thereunder (see Figure 4).
The aforesaid metatarsal strap 17 is joined via a centering apparatus 3 to the shoe sole 2 that is embodied such that the shoe sole 2 can lift up when the foot rolls off during walking but such that, at least when it returns to the ground, it remains positioned centered under the foot sole and cannot slip to the side or transversely. Because of this the big toe compartment 7 can act as a corrective toe positioning aid and hold the big toe in its proper natural position.
In a refinement of the invention, the aforesaid centering apparatus 3 advantageously includes at least one pair of connecting straps 4, 5 that are for connecting the shoe sole 2 to the metatarsal strap 17 and that run on an incline in opposite directions in order to center the shoe sole with respect to the metatarsal strap 17. In particular the aforesaid connecting straps 4, 5 are each inclined at an acute angle relative to a center longitudinal plane that runs upright through the shoe sole so that overall there is a somewhat V-shaped arrangement of the connecting straps 4, 5 (see Figs. 4 and 6).
In a refinement of the invention, the connecting straps 4, 5 are advantageously arranged such that the connecting straps 4 and 5 are spaced farther apart from one another at their connecting points 6 to the metatarsal strap than at their connecting point 9 to the shoe sole 2.
The arrangement of the connecting straps in the embodiment depicted in Fig. 4 is at a spread angle of about 90 in order to effect sufficiently strong centering and in order not to introduce tensile forces that are too strong into the strap. The distance between the connecting points for connecting the connecting straps to the shoe sole is advantageously less than 2/3 of the distance between the connecting points for the strap.
The embodiment depicted in Fig. 6 depicts a comparatively more widely spread arrangement of the connecting bands 4 and 5, which in accordance with Fig. 6 are arranged in a V-shape at about a 120 angle.
It can be advantageous when the connecting straps 4 and 5, seen in section through the metatarsal strap 17, are connected to the metatarsal strap 17 approximately in the area of 7 o'clock to 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock to 5 o'clock, preferably in the area of about 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock to 4 o'clock, in order to effect adequate centering, but also to permit sufficient lifting up of the foot sole from the shoe sole 2, which is crucial to the known feeling of wearing flip-flops.
The embodiment in accordance with Fig. 4 depicts a connection of the connecting straps 4 and 5 to the metatarsal strap 17 in the area of about 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock, while the more widely spread arrangement in accordance with Fig. 6 has a connection in the area of about 7:30 and 4:30.
The connecting straps 4 and 5 can advantageously be embodied sufficiently elastic and extensible to attain both lifting up of the foot sole from the shoe sole 2 and also an adequate centering for the shoe sole 2.
In order to prevent torsion of the connecting straps 4 and 5, the latter are embodied with sufficient width and are connected to the metatarsal strap and shoe sole across their entire width, wherein the width of the connecting straps advantageously equals the width of the metatarsal strap 17. The width of the connecting straps 4, 5 can preferably be between 4 cm and 7 cm.
When viewed from the side of the sandal (see Figs. 1 and 2), the aforesaid connecting straps 4, 5 advantageously extend essentially vertically or at only a slight incline from the metatarsal strap 17 downward to the shoe sole 2 so that the center section of the connecting points 9 for connecting the connecting straps 4, 5 to the shoe sole 2 corresponds to the metatarsus.
Claims (18)
1 Claims 1 Sandal, preferably in the form of a flip-flop sandal, having a shoe sole (2) and a big toe compartment (7) for separately accommodating the big toe separated from the other toes, characterized in that .cndot. a metatarsal strap (17), for supporting the metatarsus and having lateral foot sole support segments (18, 19) that .cndot. extend from lateral sides of the metatarsal strap (17) inward toward the sole center and .cndot. are unconnected to lateral shoe sole edges, and .cndot. a centering apparatus (3), for centering the shoe sole (2) on the metatarsal strap (17) are provided, the foot sole support segments (18, 19) being able to be lifted up from the shoe sole (2).
2. Sandal in accordance with claim 1, the centering apparatus (3) being embodied such that during the rolling movement of the foot during walking the shoe sole (2) lifts up from the metatarsal strap (17), especially from its lateral foot sole support segments (18, 19), but lateral slipping and twisting of the shoe sole (2) relative to the metatarsal strap (17) is prevented.
3. Sandal in accordance with any of the foregoing claims, the centering apparatus (3) including at least one pair of connecting straps (4, 5) that are for connecting the shoe sole to the metatarsal strap (17) and that run on an incline in opposite directions.
4. Sandal in accordance with any of the foregoing claims, said connecting straps (4, 5) being inclined, in particularly being symmetrically inclined, at an acute angle relative to a center longitudinal plane that runs upright through the shoe sole (2).
5. Sandal in accordance with any of the foregoing claims, the aforesaid connecting straps (4, 5) being inclined relative to one another in a V-shape at a spread angle of 45° to 150°, preferably about 60° to 120°, in particular about 75° to 100°.
6. Sandal in accordance with any of claims 3 through 5, a distance between the connecting points (9) for connecting the connecting straps (4, 5) to the shoe sole (2) being less than 2/3 of the distance between the connecting points (6) for connecting the connecting straps (4, 5) to the metatarsal strap (17).
7. Sandal in accordance with any of claims 3 through 6, connecting straps (4, 5), seen in section through the metatarsal strap (17), are connected to the metatarsal strap (17) in the areas of 7 o'clock to 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock to 5 o'clock, preferably 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock to 4 o'clock.
8. Sandal in accordance with any of the foregoing claims, connecting points (9) for the centering apparatus (3) and/or the metatarsal strap (17) being arranged spaced apart from the sole edges at least 1/4 of the width of the shoe sole, preferably 1/3 of the width or more, inwardly offset toward the center of the shoe sole.
9. Sandal in accordance with the foregoing claim, the metatarsal strap (17) being allocated tensioning means (21) for tightening the metatarsal strap (17).
10. Sandal in accordance with the foregoing claim, the tensioning means (21) including length adjusting means (22) for adjusting the length of the metatarsal strap (27).
11. Sandal in accordance with any of the foregoing claims, the foot sole support segments (18, 19) of the metatarsal strap (17) being embodied separated from the shoe sole (2) and in an outer shoe sole segment that is at least 1/4 of the width of the shoe sole.
12. Sandal in accordance with any of the foregoing claims, a big toe strap (14) for exerting a corrective force (15) on the big toe towards the shoe interior being arranged in the big toe compartment (7).
13. Sandal in accordance with the foregoing claim, the big toe strap (14) forming at least part of the big toe compartment (7).
14. Sandal in accordance with any of the two foregoing claims, tensioning means (27) for tightening the big toe strap (14) towards the shoe interior being provided.
15. Sandal in accordance with the foregoing claim, the tensioning means (27) including a length adjusting means (28) for adjusting the length of the big toe strap (14).
16. Sandal in accordance with any of the foregoing claims, the shoe sole (2) having a big toe segment (2a) that is separated from an adjacent toe segment (2b) in the shoe sole (2) by a notch (8) in the sole that runs in the longitudinal direction of the shoe and that can be bent independently in the rolling direction.
17. Sandal in accordance with the foregoing claim, the notch (8) being formed by a cut (10) and/or slit in the shoe sole (2).
18. Sandal in accordance with any of the two foregoing claims, the notch (8) having a length from the tip of the shoe that is approximately equal to the distance to the second joint in the big toe.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE202008008106U DE202008008106U1 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2008-06-17 | sandal |
| DE202008008106.8 | 2008-06-17 | ||
| PCT/EP2009/004373 WO2010003531A1 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2009-06-17 | Flip-flop sandal |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2728009A1 true CA2728009A1 (en) | 2010-01-14 |
Family
ID=41104722
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2728009A Abandoned CA2728009A1 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2009-06-17 | Flip-flop sandal |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20110314691A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP2315535A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2011524225A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN102065714B (en) |
| BR (1) | BRPI0915157A2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2728009A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE202008008106U1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2010003531A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102009041180B4 (en) * | 2009-09-11 | 2014-08-07 | Hallufix Ag | Corrective insole for the treatment of malpositions in the middle and forefoot area |
| US8739434B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2014-06-03 | Felicia Hwang Bishop | Footwear with toe aligner structure |
| DE102012206739A1 (en) | 2012-04-24 | 2013-10-24 | Hallufix Ag | Hallux valgus SANDALS |
| WO2014130004A1 (en) * | 2013-02-21 | 2014-08-28 | Katz Marcella Miriam | Zori style shoes with bird in flight inserts |
| US10070684B2 (en) * | 2013-04-25 | 2018-09-11 | Alexander Orcutt | Toe tethers for use with sandals and sandals with integrated toe tethers |
| US20140352175A1 (en) * | 2013-05-29 | 2014-12-04 | Marcella Miriam Katz | Zori style shoes with bird in flight inserts |
| US20150135553A1 (en) * | 2013-11-15 | 2015-05-21 | Mark Sturgis | Toe protection insert for an athletic shoe |
| CN103584403B (en) * | 2013-11-15 | 2015-11-25 | 江苏高博智融科技有限公司 | A kind of Insulating slippers |
| KR101998783B1 (en) * | 2019-04-19 | 2019-07-10 | 이응열 | Shoes containing insole with lapillus and foot proof outsoles |
| CN111358607B (en) * | 2020-03-13 | 2021-09-24 | 陕西省中医医院 | Adjustable hallux valgus physiotherapy device based on thumb outer protrusion positioning between thumbs |
Family Cites Families (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2734285A (en) * | 1956-02-14 | Levitt | ||
| DE818321C (en) * | 1948-02-25 | 1951-10-25 | Gustav Wuestemann | shoe |
| US3066678A (en) | 1960-09-08 | 1962-12-04 | Riecken George Carl | Orthopedic sandal |
| US3275002A (en) * | 1963-06-14 | 1966-09-27 | William M Scholl | Corrective sandal |
| DE1261778B (en) * | 1963-06-14 | 1968-02-22 | Dr William M Scholl | Sandal for the elimination or relief of certain foot conditions |
| US4244359A (en) * | 1978-09-30 | 1981-01-13 | Alfred Dieterich | Orthopedic sandal |
| US4300294A (en) | 1979-10-09 | 1981-11-17 | Riecken George C | Article of footwear |
| US4550511A (en) * | 1983-01-14 | 1985-11-05 | Kangaroos U.S.A., Inc. | Instep support for footwear |
| US4745927A (en) * | 1986-09-12 | 1988-05-24 | Brock N Lee | Orthopedic shoe cushion insert apparatus and a method of providing same |
| US4813162A (en) * | 1987-08-25 | 1989-03-21 | Evelyn D. Gliege | Device for receiving an orthotic insert |
| US5462660A (en) * | 1994-04-22 | 1995-10-31 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of Agriculture | High performance liquid chromatography injection system for the simultaneous concentration and analysis of trace components |
| US7028420B2 (en) * | 2002-12-04 | 2006-04-18 | U-Turn Sports Co. Llc (Mo. Corp) | Shoe or sandal having rotatable and reversible vamp, or loop strap |
| JP3689770B1 (en) * | 2004-09-17 | 2005-08-31 | 株式会社アーバンナワチ | Shoe structure footwear |
| US7856742B2 (en) * | 2007-06-12 | 2010-12-28 | Phu Nguyen | Adjustable orthopedic device |
| US7794417B1 (en) * | 2007-07-02 | 2010-09-14 | Zimmerman Erik O | Footwear for medially directing big toe |
| US20090113759A1 (en) * | 2007-11-05 | 2009-05-07 | Chele Suzanne Heid | Therapeutic footwear |
-
2008
- 2008-06-17 DE DE202008008106U patent/DE202008008106U1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2009
- 2009-06-17 EP EP09776762A patent/EP2315535A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-06-17 US US12/667,213 patent/US20110314691A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-06-17 BR BRPI0915157A patent/BRPI0915157A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2009-06-17 JP JP2011513946A patent/JP2011524225A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-06-17 CN CN2009801228309A patent/CN102065714B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-06-17 CA CA2728009A patent/CA2728009A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-06-17 WO PCT/EP2009/004373 patent/WO2010003531A1/en active Application Filing
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| BRPI0915157A2 (en) | 2018-06-05 |
| CN102065714B (en) | 2013-01-23 |
| CN102065714A (en) | 2011-05-18 |
| WO2010003531A1 (en) | 2010-01-14 |
| DE202008008106U1 (en) | 2009-10-29 |
| EP2315535A1 (en) | 2011-05-04 |
| US20110314691A1 (en) | 2011-12-29 |
| JP2011524225A (en) | 2011-09-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20140617 |