GB2459926A

GB2459926A - A sole with a resiliently deformable heel pad

Info

Publication number: GB2459926A
Application number: GB0808673A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Macgregor King
Original assignee: Silentnight Footwear Ltd
Current assignee: Silentnight Footwear Ltd
Priority date: 2008-05-13
Filing date: 2008-05-13
Publication date: 2009-11-18
Also published as: GB0808673D0; WO2009138748A1

Abstract

A sole for an in-house shoe comprises a resiliently deformable heel pad 2 which locates in recess in a base 1 of the shoe so as to be flush with the upper surface thereof. A support layer 4 extends partially over the upper surface of the base 1 so as to overlie the heel pad 2, and a removable insole 5 overlies the support layer 4 and the exposed upper surface of the base 1. The heel pad 2 may be formed of a bio-gel material. The support layer 4 may be profiled to support the instep of the foot, and may further be pitched at an angle of two degrees or even six degrees to offer effective support to wearers of high heels who have a shorter Achilles tendon.

Description

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In House Shoe with Foot Stabilising System The present invention relates to footwear having stabilising systems for fully supporting the wearer's feet.

Shoes are known which incorporate shock absorbing andlor support systems which operate to improve the comfort to the wear and at the same time improve the position and movement of the foot so as to reduce the possibility of medical problems with the feet or legs. For example, running shoes are known which incorporate a cushioning cell, air of fluid filled, in the heel portion which reduces the impact on the knees of the wearer at the foot first hits the floor.

Hitherto, however, such systems have been directed to outdoor activity shoes, such as running shoes. There has not previously been discloses any shoe specifically for indoor use. As a result, at the present time most people walk around their homes without any effective support for their feet due to the fact that most slippers are based on the remit of supplying soft, spongy environments for the feet at the end of the day. Such spongy foot wear has a comfortable feel to the wearer but does nothing to provide support to the wearer who will be exposed to continual instability of foot around the modern home, in which the trend is to have hard floors such as wood or tiles.

Indeed the vertical energy transferred through the ankle joint at the heel strike' of the foot -can be many as much as 8 times greater than the body weight. Hence, if the foot and ankle joint are dysfunctioning within an unstable environment ie standard slipper -the resultant damage can be lower back pain, knee pain, hip displacement, overall muscle trauma and foot and ankle conditions such as; Plantar fasciitus, fallen arches, corns, callous pain and potential bunion problems.

Therefore the need to support the foot during the 5-6 hours when a person is at home -before and after work and over weekends -is just as important.

According to the present invention there is provided a sole for an in-house shoe comprising a resiliently deformable heel pad which, in use, locates in a recess in a base of the shoe so as to be flush with the upper surface thereof, a support layer extends are least partially over the upper surface of the outer shell so as to overlie the heel pad, and a removable insole which overlies the support layer and any exposed upper surface of the outer shell.

A sole in accordance with the invention has the advantage that the control of the Arch contour of the insole' during the 3 phases of each step (ie Heel Strike, Mid Stance and Toe Off), combined with the support layer and the heel pad' to support and cushion the Plantar surface of the foot, within the guidelines of the outer shell -dramatically slows down the progression of the damaging transitional forces of shear' and load' -from Heel strike' to toe off'. This combination of the 3 or 4 sections is the key' USP -that no

prior art system replicates.

In one embodiment, the system further includes an outer shell forming the bottom of the sole and having a recess in its upper surface in the area of the heel in which the deformable heel pad locates.

Preferably, the support layer is formed from PVC or a polyurethane or similar material and the insole is made out of polyurethane material and has a lower durometer than the support layer. The support layer preferably extends only partially across the base, in particular % of the way thereacross, supporting the heel and the Plantar surface of the foot, i.e. cradles the arch and maintains the Calcaneous (heel) in the correct position for healthy walking.

The heel pad is preferably made out of a gel material, in particular a bio-gel material.

Furthermore, the outer shell is preferably formed of Delryn (nylon derivative) or similar material, which is advantageously injection mouldable.

The comfort layer is preferably profiled to support the instep of the foot and also curves upwards around the rear portion of the foot. In one embodiment, the back half of the comfort layer is pitched upwards at substantially 2 degrees in a low heel format for providing effective support for wears of low heel shoes. In an alternative embodiment, the comfort layer is pitched upwards at a greater angle, in particular substantially 6 degrees, in order to provide effective support for persons having a shorter Achilles, such as wearers of high heels. The comfort layer may extend from the rear of the sole only partially towards the from or may extend over the whole upper area of the sole.

In order that the invention may be well understood, there will now be described an embodiment thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side overview of the system of the invention; Figure 1 a is an exploded view of the system of Figure 1 Figures 2a and 2b are diagrammatic illustrations of the movement of the foot at midstance and toe off positions; Figures 3a and 3b are side and perspective views respectively of a first embodiment of foot bed which forms part of the invention; Figure 4a is a perspective view of a heel pad part of the invention; Figure 4b is a perspective view of an insole part of the invention; Figure 4c is a side view of an alternative design of the insole of Figure 4b for use by a high heel shoe wearer; Figures 5a and 5b are perspective views of an exterior support shell which forms part of the system of the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective representation of the combined system according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figures 7a and 7b are respective perspective and side representations of a second embodiment of the foot bed portion of the system of the invention; Figures 8a and 8b are perspective views of an inner cushion support for use in conjunction with the foot bed portion of the second embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a perspective representation of the combined system according to the second embodiment of the invention; and Figures 10 to 12 show various additional views of the parts of the system of the first and second embodiments of the invention.

Referring first to Figures 1 and 1 A, there is shown an illustration of a foot stabilising system according to the invention composed of an outer shell or exo-skeleton 1, optionally made of Delryn (nylon derivative) or a similar material, that can be injected molded and will secure the support of the upper' of the shoe, to control the specific bio-mechanics of the foot while being worn. An absorbency Heel Pad 2 sits flush in a heel cup 3 formed in the outer shell 1 and acts as an additional fat Pad under the wearer's heel, dissipating the downward' force into a less damaging dispersed energy on impact at heel strike.

Although preferred, the exo-skeleton is not essential to the implementation of the invention. It acts as a complete support cradle for the FST support mechanism with a built in toe spring'. The Heel Pad 2 may be made out of a Silicon or Bio-Gel type of material and is resiliently deformable, with a 100% memory status allowing the material to cushion, off load and return to its normal shape during the 3 phases of each step during walking.

A three quarter Comfort stabilizer 4 sits above the Heel Pad 2 and acts as the integral support to the Plantar surface of the foot i.e. cradles the arch and maintains the heel in the correct position for healthy walking around the house. The Comfort Stabilizer 4 is preferably made out of a PVC or a Poly Urethane based material and has a rigidity and flexibility -established through the durometer of the material ie; how dense it is chosen to have the material chosen for this section. Finally, a Removable foot bed 5 overlies the comfort stabiliser 4 and is designed to correctly balance and support the Plantar Surface of the foot during Gait. The foot bed 5, which forms an insole, is preferably be made out of a Poly Urethane material and has a lower durometer than the stabilizer 4 to ensure maximum comfort and support for the Heel, Plantar fascia (medial Arch), Lateral Arch and Transverse Arch.

The three quarter stabilizer can act in conjunction with the Exo-Skeletori' or as an independent support for any other style of footwear, and incorporates a built in toe spring'. The essential F.S.T package being the addition of the Heel Pad and the Inner sole combination. However the placing of the three quarter stabilizer without the Exo-Skeleton, would be within the inner aspects of the footwear, be it the lining or flush as an inner surface.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 3a to 6, there are shown various views of the components which form the sole assembly of the invention according to a first embodiment having a flat surface for general foot types. The outer shell 1 is profiled to extend around the sides of the wearer's foot, enclosing the other layers and supporting the lowers part of the foot during movement. In particular, outer shell 1 includes a profiled section 10 which engages and supports the instep of the foot as shown in Figure 5b. The outer shell 1 furthermore has a recess formed on its inner flat surface lb in the area of the heel forming a heel cup 3 in which is received the heel pad 2 as illustrated in Figure 4, which is formed preferably from a gel cushioning material, in particular it is a Bio Gel pad which offers complete comfort and a feeling of enhanced propulsion during every step taken. The comfort stabiliser 4 is locates over the heel pad 2 and extends across the inner foot support surface lb of the outer shell 1. Finally, the foot bed 5 locates on top of the comfort stabiliser so as to form the insole on which the bottom of the wearer's foot engages. The foot bed 5 is generally flat towards the front end which underlies the toes, but is contoured towards the rear to extend partially around the sides and also partially up the back of the heel of the foot and also support the instep of the foot. The outer shell 1, heel pad 2 and comfort stabiliser 4 are all adhered together using an suitable means, whereas the foot bed 5 is removeable and in particular may be moulded in order to properly support the particular users foot.

Referring next to Figures 7 to 9, there is shown a second embodiment of the invention for feet have shortened Achilles, e.g. women who wear high heels. The basis construction of the system is the same as for the first embodiment except that the comfort stabiliser 14 and foot bed 15 are raised at the heel as shown in Figures 7b and 8a so as to provide additional support to the wearer. This is required due to their being a need to distinguish the problems that many females have from wearing high heels for the majority of their lives and the fact that their Achilles tendon has shortened dramatically The F-S-T' system of the invention is a system of cushioning and support built into the irmer and outer sole of the slipper -offering the transfer of Kinetic energy during the gait cycle -within a controlled and supportive environment. It maximizes the absorption and dissipation of the vertical shock, while at the same time enhancing the horizontal energy during the propulsive kinetic phase of gait. F-S-T encompasses the latest material technology available -allowing the negative forces of shock' to be converted into to a positive propulsive kinetic energy. Thus minimizing the potential damage, by protecting and supporting the foot within the slipper environment -during all 3 phases of gait ie Heel strike -Mid Stance -Toe Off.

In summary, the F-S-I is a combination of 4 parts:

PART ONE: The F-S-T slipper will come with it's own removable foot beds -that complements and work in tandem with the F-S-I system. Version are provided either for normal foot type (Figure 4b) or specific for high heel shoe wearers (Figure 4c}-visualised in this document as two parts -the actual final design is one unit as an integral design.

This attribute will be a unique USP, allowing the wearer to always have the correct cushioning and support in the house, without aggravating the Achilles tendon.

PART TWO: The F-S-I slipper has an additional gel' cushioning mechanism that is placed under the innersole units and within the base of the outer heel as shown in Figure 4a. This Bio Gel -pad offers complete comfort and a feeling of enhanced propulsion during every step taken.

PART THREE: A three quarter Stabilizer' sits beneath the Heel Pad' and acts as an integral support to the Plantar surface of the foot ie; cradles the arch and maintains the Calcaneous (heel) in the correct position for healthy walking around the house. See Figure 8c.

The stabilizer offers shock dissipation and absorption -while at the same time controlling the rotational forces during gait, stabilizing both the mid and hind foot during walking.

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PART FOUR: The F-S-T Slipper has the exterior shell design that works as an exoskeleton' support for the slipper -offering an outer shell to house the component elements and protect and support the foot in its entirety during wear (Figure 5b).

1. The foot bed has an anatomical design to ensure 100% pro-prioceptive contact at all times.

2. Offers bio-mechanical control using high-energy shock absorbing industrial materials 3. All materials used are chosen for their absorption and shock attenuation qualities 4. Full contact arch support and deep heel cup to guarantee motion control and reduced pronation 5. Air holes in the forefoot -ensure improved airflow around the foot at all times, while additional cushioning underneath the lateral calcaneous (outside heel -heel strike), the lst/2ndh/3rd metatarsals (Balls of foot -toe-off), guarantees comfort at every phase of gait.

6. All irmer materials are chosen to prevent skin irritation and encourage circulation without slippage or friction 7. Offers superb bio-mechanical control using high-energy exo-skeletal' technology to cradle and reinforce the outer casing -catering for increased forces during activity S. Breathable -moisture absorbing surface materials guarantee a reduction in moisture within the shoe.

9. F.S.T -with the option of 3 or 4 parts -can be utilized in any style of inhouse footwear and outdoor footwear (in the future) a. The 3/4 stabilizer (PART 3), enables complete flexibility within style or usage of footwear and will be applicable with slippers, shoes, boots and also performance footwear -such as trainers b. The full length Exo-skeleton addition (PART 4), is more specific to a certain style of footwear, be it in-house or outdoor. Described essentially as a rigid CLOG' effect on the footwear.

1. The system will be implemented with materials such as, but not limited to: -PVC, PU, TPR, TR plus Rubber compounds.

-EVA, PHYLON, BlO-GELS, PORON 2. Correctly aligned heel with a well-balanced mid-foot. Heel absorber could be manufactured from special BlO-GEL' compounds for shock dissipation.

3. Supportive extended heel counter within its own exo-skeleton' structure -to ensure the stability of the heel and counter the shearing/rotational forces during gait.

4. Perfect pitch of the sole unit in relation to the heel and forefoot, to ensure perfect weight distribution when walking -High Heel 6 Degrees -Low Heel 2 Degrees 5. Custom last' development to create the perfect fit for maximum comfort.

6. Professional manufacturing processed to guarantee the quality and integrity of the footwear.

7. F-S-T introduction -offering integral in-shoe' technology to maximize comfort, minimize foot deterioration and ensure enhanced gait' with reduced fatigue.

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8. Guaranteed supportive construction that essentially conforms to the feet.

9. Customer feels the relief and comfort as soon as they slip the footwear on the foot.

Claims

Claims 1. A sole for an in-house shoe comprising a resiliently deformable heel pad which, in use, locates in a recess in a base of the shoe so as to be flush with the upper surface thereof, a support layer extending at least partially over the upper surface of the base so as to overlie the heel pad, and a removable insole which overlies the support layer and any exposed upper surface of the base.
2. A sole for an in-house shoe according to claim I, further including an outer shell forming the base of the sole and having a recess in its upper surface in the area of the heel in which the deformable heel pad locates.
3. A sole for an in-house shoe according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the support layer is formed from PVC or a polyurethane or similar material.
4. A sole for an in-house shoe according to claim 3, wherein the insole is made out of polyurethane material and has a lower durometer than the support layer.
* : A sole for an in-house shoe according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sUpport layer extends only partially across the base, in particular 3/4 of the way thereacross, supporting the heel and the Plantar surface of the foot. * S. * * . Se. *
6. A sole for an in-house shoe according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heel pad is made out of a gel material, in particular a bio-gel material.S**S*S.

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7. A sole for an in-house shoe according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer shell is formed of Delryn (nylon derivative), preferably injection mouldable Deiryn.
8. A sole for an in-house shoe according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support layer is profiled to support the instep of the foot and also curves upwards around the rear portion of the foot.
9. A sole for an in-house shoe according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the back half of the support layer is pitched upwards at substantially 2 degrees so as to provide effective support for wears of low heel shoes.
10. A sole for an in-house shoe according to any of claims I to 8, wherein the support layer is pitched upwards at substantially 6 degrees so as to provide effective support for persons having a shorter Achilles, such as wearers of high heels.
11. A sole for an in-house shoe according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support layer extends from the rear of the sole only partially towards the front.
12. A sole for an in-house shoe substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. *S.. * * * *. S * S * ** * * * *** * * *.. * ** S. * . . * SS..... S *