GB2420688A

GB2420688A - A wedged shaped attachment for footwear

Info

Publication number: GB2420688A
Application number: GB0426333A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Austin Clifford Mitchell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-12-01
Filing date: 2004-12-01
Publication date: 2006-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2024-12-01
Also published as: GB2420688B; GB0426333D0

Abstract

A wedged shaped attachment for footwear comprises a wedge shaped material that is fixed to the sole of existing footwear at the front toe area of the sole thereby lifting and supporting the toe of the footwear to allow the wearer to walk easily on the heel of the footwear. The wedge is specifically for use with a person with Parkinson's and is an aid to prevent the sufferer from walking over. The thickness of the wedge must exceed that of the heel to enable the wearer to walk on the heels of the footwear although the length and thickness of the wedge may be altered to suit the severity or need of the wearer. Preferably the wedge is made in three layers, one foam layer sandwiched between two rubber layers although the other materials may be used and glued to the sole of the footwear.

Description

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease about lOyrs ago. One of the

symptoms I have experienced over this period is a difficulty in lifting my feet. This I am told, is a common symptom shown by many Parkinson's sufferers. I can only describe it as having mag- nets on the bottoms of my feet. I tend to shuffle forward on tip- toes. It seems, as my mind and upper body prepares and begins to move forward, my feet do not respond; as such, the momentum and forward motion of my upper body causes me to fall over my immovable legs and feet.

During physiotherapy at the clinic I attend, I have often been advised to try to walk on my heels. This can be effective, however, it is very difficult to do and more often than not I fall over, even with walking aids. I have sustained a number of injuries as a result of falling.

Nevertheless, in upshot, I have designed a type of wedge', which can be fixed to the front of a shoe. The wedge simply lifts the toes up and affects the wearer to walk more easily on the heels.

I have not fallen over since wearing the shoes.

When I took my idea to the clinic, the doctor advised me to apply for a patent as soon as possible. The doctor is extremely enthusiastic about the shoes, and although the idea is a simple one, the doctor believes it will benefit a lot of people. The doctor also tells me there is not a shoe like it currently being used in the UK.

The doctor is, with my participation carrying out a case study and the results so far have been positive. For example, I have, over some time, been tested by being asked simply to walk in a straight line: The time and number of steps over a distance is then recorded (this is normal practice at the clinic and conducted on all patients periodically). Prior to wearing the new shoes data shows an average of about 36 steps over 28 seconds (aided). However, while wearing the shoes, the first reading recorded 28 steps over 14 seconds (unaided).

This coming Friday (3/12/04) the doctor has arranged to video a walking test, firstly without the shoes and then with.

Finally, once I have submitted a patent application, the doctor has asked to try the shoes on other patients. The doctor has also said that she will be submitting a report to N.H.S bosses and will put forward a request for funding and resources for a further 12 months case studies. During this time a number of wedges will be made to fit all sizes and in a variety of depths/heights to suit the severity or needs of the patient.

DESCRIPTION

The device is wedge shaped. It is designed to fit on any size or style of shoe including slippers. It is made in three layers; one foam layer sandwiched between two rubber layers. Other materials can be used. The wedge can be cut to shape (size and width). The wedge can also be made to requirements of length + angle = height.

The device is glued on the sole of an existing shoe. Starting from the middle of the sole, gently rising above the height of the shoes heel. When fitted, the wedge lifts and supports the toe of the shoe enabling the wearer to walk more easily on the heel of the foot. "-

Claims

1. A wedge or wedge-shaped piece of material or pieces of material (and of material being suitable for shoes), which is cut and/or shaped into, as said, a wedge or wedge_shape, then fitted (or fixed) by glueing and/or other methods to the front toe area of a shoe, as op- posed to the heel of a shoe.

2. A wedge as claimed in Claim 1 where the height or thickness of the wedge must exceed that of the heel, so allowing the shoe to be raised up at the toe.

3. A wedge as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, and of a suitable material which will allow variable height or thickness in relation to the height or thickness of the heel on any common shoe.

4. It is important to note, that while the wedge, as claimed in Claim 1; 2; and 3, is intended for Park- inson's disease sufferers (a degeneratjv disease), the height (or thickness) of the wedge will be made- to-measure, tailored as it were, to the needs of the patient at that time, and, that is also to say (unfortunately) the wedge, so far as it is designed, is not adjustable, but is a permanent, nonadjustabl structure, and fixed (by the methods as claimed in Claim 1) as an addition to the existing underside of the shoe.

5. A wedge as claimed in any Proceeding claim which is made from leather, rubber, foam or similar man-made materials, or from a combination of these materials.

6. A wedge substantially as herin described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.