GB2432294A

GB2432294A - Insert for cycling shoe

Info

Publication number: GB2432294A
Application number: GB0523500A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clifton Bradeley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-11-18
Filing date: 2005-11-18
Publication date: 2007-05-23
Also published as: GB0523500D0; WO2007057626A1

Abstract

The insert is one of a pair of devices which fits inside a cycling shoe for the foot to sit on. It allows the longitudinal axis of the forefoot to function efficiently relative to the rearfoot thereby decreasing loss of power. This is achieved by means of an extended platform underneath the forefoot to which the downward power is applied. The insert comprises a carbon fibre or plastics plate 5,7,(9) and includes a raised inner edge 7 which holds the forefoot in an inverted position. The front of the plate 5 forms the drive platform where the downward force is exerted. The front part 4 is glued to the plate and is for supporting the toes during pressure exertion on the plate 5.

Description

Intrinsic power plate This invention relates to a device/plate for

stabilising a cyclists foot.

A cycling shoe supports the foot as it sits on top of a pedal. The interface between the shoe and the bike is a cleat which allows rotation of the foot in the transverse plane (abduction & adduction).

This allows the foot and leg to move via an external attachment to the shoe; however it does not take into account movement of the foot inside the shoe. There are wide variations in foot types between individuals and therefore the range of motion available. A large portion of the population has a medically accepted foot type called a forefoot varus. This is a bony position of the front of the foot in which the metatarsals are inverted at the midtarsal joint (Forefoot) in relation to the rearfoot. This foot type has created a problem amongst most cyclists as it causes excessive eversion of the forefoot in the frontal plane under the influence of body weight during the downward pedalling action. This excessive motion can cause loss of downward power on the pedal and predispose sports injuries.

This invention aligns the forefoot to the rearfoot by using a carefully positioned plastic or carbon fibre plate. It is not an insole but an insert. An insole works during walking and running in the gait cycle from heel to toe. This plate is unique in that it sits underneath the ball of the foot allowing pressure to be exerted to the pedal evenly. The plate is manufactured from a template. It works by stabilising the longitudinal axis of the midtarsal joint preventing excessive eversion of the forefoot and increasing down ward power. The plate works by supporting the forefoot in its natural inverted position preventing unwanted eversion and providing a stable plate which does not move during the downward pedalling action. This stability provides a constant surface for the transfer of power to the pedal.

The invention will now be described using solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the side view of the template.

Figure 2 shows the top view of the template.

Figure 3 shows the full length device from underneath with the plate at the rear and a comfortable front piece for the toes.

Figure 4 shows the device looking at it from the side.

Jn figure 3 & 4, a carbon fibre or plastic plate 5, 7, 9 forms three quarters of the length of the device which comes in a full range of foot sizes. The plate is manufactured so that the raised inner edge 7 holds the forefoot in an inverted position preventing unwanted motion.

The front part of the plate 5 is the drive platform where the down ward exertion is applied. This portion of the device sits flat in the shoe.

The front part of the device 4 is a separate piece which is glued to the device and allows the toes to sit on a comfortable surface whilst the ball of the foot is exerting pressure of the drive plate 5. At the rear of the device there is an oval non-slip material 6 which holds the device in the cycling shoe preventing slippage. The device is shaped so that it conforms to the inside of a cycling shoe and takes up limited room.

In figure 4, from the side the plate 5 and supporting wedge 7 of the device can be seen. This diagram shows the front piece 4 which supports the toes, and a non slip cover 8 which runs from the rear to the front of the device. This is a non-slip material which holds the foot stable preventing unwanted movement of the foot on top of the plate.

Manufacturing procedure The intrinsic power plate is manufactured from different sized positive templates figure 1 & 2. There are several templates one for each size of cycling shoe.

1 Heat the oven until it is at a constant 200 degrees Centigrade.

Place the plastic or carbon fibre to be moulded to the template in the oven for a predetermined length of time depending of the material being heated. The plastic or carbon fibre should be slightly larger than the template to allowing grinding to the desired shape after moulding. Whilst the plastic or carbon fibre is being heated in the oven place the template 1, 2, 3 on the vacuum press plafform.

2 When the plastic or carbon fibre has been in the oven for the desired amount of time and is mouldable remove it from the oven and place on top of the template 1, 2, 3. Fasten the vacuum cover down and allow it form an air tight seal.

Allowing the vacuum former to mould the plastic or carbon fibre to the shape of the template 1, 2, 3. Once cool and the moulding process complete take them off the vacuum press.

This process produces the shell of the intrinsic power plate 5, 79.

3 Use the grinding machine to grind the shell 5, 7, 9 to the desired shape of the intrinsic power plate template 1, 2, 3.

4 When happy with the finished shell 5, 7, 9 prepare the forefoot extension cover 4 if required and glue to the plate 5, 7, 9. To complete the top cover, glue a non-slip material 8 to the plate 5, 7, 9 and forefoot extension 4. Glue an oval piece of the non slip material 6 to the underside of the heel for extra stability in use.

The intrinsic power plate is now complete and is ready for quality control and packaging.

Claims

Claims 1. A bespoke or mass produced in shoe device/plate which

supports the forefoot relative to the rearfoot there by improving the downward force placed on the plate by the foot.

2. A bespoke or mass produced in shoe device/plate according to claim 1, which holds the metatarsal bones at an inverted angle there by preventing unwanted eversion.

3. A bespoke or mass produced in shoe device/plate according to claim 1, which has a full length non slip cover which increases traction of the foot above it.

4. A bespoke or mass produced in shoe device/plate according to claim 1, that is flat at the front and rear so that is sits flat in the shoe.

5. A bespoke or mass produced in shoe device/plate according to claim 1, that can have additions adhered to it to alter its angle e.g. a heel raise or angled wedge at the rear.

6. A bespoke or mass produced in shoe device/plate according to claim 1, which can only be the length of the plastic or carbon fibre plate or extended the whole length of the shoe by means of a forefoot extension for comfort under the toes.